Friday, April 25, 2014

Day 8: Faithfulness


Day 8: Faithfulness

Focus: Being faithful with what you are called to do

 

Hello everyone! Today's devotion is  about being faithful in what God calls you to do. By following the steps that I gave you to find out if what you think God is calling you to do is true, has God called you to anything yet? If so, let me explain how to remain faithful in your actions toward that calling.

Question: What is faithfulness?

Faithfulness is believing in something with all your heart, devoting yourself to, and following that something. That “something” is Jesus! Jesus Christ took His faith to the extreme by trusting His Father to take care of Him when he was suffering on the cross.

Question: What has God called you to do?

Make sure you follow God, not this world. Make sure what you are doing lines up with the commandments and scriptures, and go for it! Proverbs 3:5-6 says,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”

When you choose to follow God’s calling you have to trust Him. You can’t do anything without Him, so why even try to do something that big on your own? God is your Mighty, Just, and Heavenly Father and He will not let you fall. It may seem scary when He calls you to do things you don’t want to do and you feel so weary you cannot do any more, kneel. Kneel down to Jesus and pray. Pray for protection as you go, pray for the people that you will effect, and for a faithful heart.

Whatever you may be called to, do it with a faithful, devoted heart that follows God in His footprints. Choose today whether you are going to be fearful toward your task, or bold and faithful with your calling.

Pray this prayer to your Father, God

Dear LORD,

You are the Almighty protector of my soul. I know that You will be with me when I follow Your calling and that You will protect me every single step. Let me keep a faithful heart that runs to you when it’s weary. Help me to become a beautiful follower of You, Jesus. I love you LORD,

By faith is Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen

 

Verses

“The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Psalm 118:6

   “I will keep on obeying Your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to Your commandments.” Psalm 119:44-45

“It’s in Christ Jesus that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” Ephesians 1:11

New International Version:
 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,


Thank you for reading today and I pray that you would have a faithful heart towards God in all that you do <3 Have a great week!

 

~TLM

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Day 7: Gentleness

Day 7 Gentleness
Focus: Recognizing God’s gentleness towards us
Hello again! Today’s devotion is focused on gentleness. Gentleness is a superior act of love that can lighten the heavy hearts of others. You can show gentleness by what comes out of your mouth, your physical touch, of your tone of voice! I get frustrated when someone doesn’t do what I say or when someone’s being rude to me, so I usually yell. It’s a yell that makes another person feel shameful. I know some of you yell a lot too ;) But the point is, if there is someone who is about to make you go nuts with frustration and anger, just be gentle. Pure gentleness WILL stop a fight. Stop speaking, apologize for yelling or being rude, leave the room and blow off some steam before you return to that person to apologize again in a more “gentle” way.
When you think about babies and mothers you think of love, relationship, and what? Gentleness!
Did you know?
Right after birth even if the baby was blind, he would still find his way to his mother’s chest <3
That is amazing how God designed babies to desire their mother’s love and warmth. How God created babies to be such a pleasure to mothers, and mothers to babies! It’s the same thing with us and God. We are His children and He is our father. When we come to Him and read His Word, talk to Him or just say His name, He is so pleased with the fact that you love Him. He loves when you come into His arms so He can show you how gentle and loving He is. Let this be an opportunity to let God show Himself, and his gentleness.
Question: Do you come to our gentle God like a newborn comes to his mother?
As gentle as we think we are, we will never be as gentle as God and that’s a good thing. Just as God designed babies to come to their mother’s chest, God designed you to come into His arms. So follow God today, and let your spirit rest in His arms. Just be calm and let God hold you, because He will never let you go. <3
 
Verses
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1
“Depend on the LORD. Trust Him and He will take care of you.” Psalm 37:5
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 1 Peter 2:2
 
Have a great day <3
~TLM~


Monday, April 7, 2014

Day 6: Kindness


Day 6: Kindness

Focus: Showing love through kindness

 

Question: What is kindness?

Is kindness saying to someone that their hair looks good? Is it about complimenting people? No. Kindness is about showing love. Showing God’s love. When you compliment someone, do you really mean it? Most of the time we do, but sometimes we don’t. When we hold a door for someone, do you mean it? What about when your parents tell you to wash the dishes… That’s another thing. When you are “told” to do something, you aren’t so motivated to do it, right? We feel like we have better things to do. But if we wash those dishes with meaning (doing it as best as you can, no matter how badly you don’t want to do it) the outcome is great and you feel good! It’s the same with holding a door for someone. When we really mean to help that person out, we are showing love and that’s what kindness means!

I love showing God’s love through my talents and actions of kindness. It just makes me feel.. Meaningful! I am helping someone get through a tough day or am giving a gift to someone just to make them smile! Now, the point is, you need to love as you do it. Let yourself recognize that you are doing this to show love and bring pleasure to God.

Question: Do you love when you are showing kindness?

I run into this a lot. What if I don’t enjoy it and I can’t get around that fact? How can I just, “love” to do something that I don’t love doing? It’s a domino effect. The next time you’re out, do something kind to a random person! Hold a door, make gifts to give out to random people, or just smile when you pass by! :) After you do something, look at the person as they smile because you were kind to them. After you see that smile, it will make you smile, and you will love it! Some people feel like nobody appreciates or loves them. You can change that feeling by showing love through the kind actions that you do. Don’t be afraid to show the loving character that's inside of you. Don't be afraid to show the God inside of you! :)

 

Verses

Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. 1 Peter 4:10

 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 1 Corinthians 12:6

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Don’t just pretend to love others. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the LORD enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12: 9-13

 

Have a wonderful day :)