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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781630586201 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Barbour Publishing, Incorporated |
| Publication date: | 10/01/2014 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 384 |
| File size: | 4 MB |
Read an Excerpt
God Hearts Me 2015 Devotional Collection
By Barbour Publishing
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Copyright © 2014 Barbour Publishing, Inc.All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-63058-620-1
CHAPTER 1
THURSDAY, January 1
New Year's Day
New Year, New Priorities!
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 NIV
* * *
A new year, a fresh start! It's time for some New Year's resolutions! Everyone makes resolutions like "spend more time with family" or "watch less TV," and while those are excellent goals, what if you made a resolution to prioritize your relationship with God?
God should be at the center of your life, and yet He is often pushed aside by the "busyness" of life. Whether it's school, extracurricular activities, friendships, or the Internet, many things often shove our relationship with God to the fringes. Think about how often you talk to your best friend. What if you talked to God as often? Think about how great your relationship with God would be then! Make it a priority this year to spend more time with Him. He longs to hear from you! He will always welcome you back with open arms.
* * *
Dear God, thank You for keeping me in the palm of Your hand, even when I act like You are not a priority to me. Help me to seek You in all things. Direct my path, and give me the wisdom to recognize Your guidance in my life.
FRIDAY, January 2
A Thankful Heart Is a Happy Heart
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 ESV
* * *
The culture around you has the mentality of "more is always better," and that can be a hard thing to fight against. You may feel pressure from people at school to worry about having the latest brand-name clothes or expensive electronics. The commercials on television encourage you to buy the latest and greatest new things, and models in designer fashions stare up at you from the pages of glossy magazines. You might begin to think that you "need" these things to be happy. However, these things are not the way to true happiness.
Everything in your life is a gift from God, and that is the reason to be thankful! He provides for His people in the most amazing ways! Material goods are not the key to happiness. They only lead to more discontent. Instead, work toward being content with what you already have: a family that loves you, friends that are there when you need them, and the love of a Savior who provides for your every need. Thank God today for the many blessings He has added to your life!
* * *
Dear God, I'm sorry that I forget what is really important. Remind me that a thankful heart is a happy heart and to be thankful for what You have given me! You are generous and have given me more than I deserve. Amen.
SATURDAY, January 3
It's Okay to Be Lonely
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 ESV
* * *
There is a pretty good chance that you have been lonely. One day you are walking down the halls of your school, surrounded by friends and on top of the world. Then the next, you are swimming against the tide alone, seemingly abandoned by everyone. Most times you won't even know why it happens. You will just look up one day and be alone, and that's okay.
Often when people feel lonely, they think it's something they did that drove people away, that something is wrong with them. But this usually isn't true. Most times, there is no way to prevent loneliness from creeping in. The key is to remember that loneliness is only temporary, and it's okay to feel lonely. Everyone feels lonely from time to time, and it doesn't mean there is something wrong with you. Whenever you feel lonely, reach out to God. He is there when no one else is. Cling to the promises that you find in the Bible, and realize that loneliness will eventually come to an end.
* * *
Dear God, I am really sad right now. Every day I feel so alone. You have promised to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. I know that You are always there for me!
SUNDAY, January 4
You Can Trust God's Promises
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
* * *
While people often have the best of intentions, promises frequently get broken. Because people are fallible, they often let us down. It's easy to get bogged down when people disappoint us, but you are blessed because you have a Savior that never breaks His promises.
Even when it doesn't seem that way, God is always working for the good of His people. He has promised to provide for the needs of His people. This doesn't mean being a Christian guarantees that you will be popular and rich and get everything you want. No, God provides for your "needs": spiritual nourishment from your relationships with other Christians, comfort in times of trouble, and an eternal salvation that can only be found through Christ. Trust God's promises that you read in the Bible. He will always follow through. Even if people let you down, you are loved by an eternally faithful God.
* * *
Dear God, thank You for always keeping Your promises! Even when I do not understand Your plan, I know that You are providing for my every need. Help me to keep my eyes open and looking for Your guidance in my life. Thank You for Your everlasting faithfulness.
MONDAY, January 5
Love Is Hard but Worth It
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another." John 13:34 MSG
* * *
It can seem like the people around us are only motivated by hate. If you turn on the news, your televisions and computer screens are filled with images of war. Bullying fills the halls of most schools today. People are more focused on being right than being compassionate. What would Jesus do when faced with this kind of hatred?
He would show His enemies love. The Bible says, "Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35 NIV). Can you be that force for good? Will you show everyone around you that God loves them, even when they hate you? This is not a simple command by any means. Loving the unlovable is hard. But keep in mind that you yourself are a sinner, yet God still loved you enough to send His only Son to die for your sins. Spread that love around! You will find that being loving toward others instead of hateful will help you improve as a person and make your life so much better!
* * *
Dear God, You love me despite my sinful nature. Help me to show others this love as well! Even though they may hate me and treat me poorly, help me to rise above the circumstances and share Your love with everyone I meet. This may be hard, but I know You will give me the strength and patience that I need!
TUESDAY, January 6
Do the Right Thing!
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:17 NIV
* * *
It is rarely easy to do the right thing. It's easier to look over at your neighbor's test instead of studying. It's easier to yell at your younger sister instead of being kind. Doing good takes effort, but it is always, always worth it. People notice your actions; your sins will always find you out, but doing the right thing can be a powerful testimony for Jesus!
Whenever you are tempted to do something wrong, ask yourself this: Is my behavior Christlike? Am I being an example that will point others toward Jesus? Thinking like this will help you mature and develop your Christian walk. The more you strive to be like Jesus, the more you will encourage others to do the right thing as well. Perhaps someone who was ignoring the right thing will be changed through your example! You never know what a powerful influence you can have through Christ Jesus!
* * *
Dear God, a well-lived life is the greatest testimony for a Christian, so I will seek to be more like You through my every action. Even though it can be hard, give me the motivation to do the right thing!
WEDNESDAY, January 7
Lasting Joy Is Found in Jesus
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV
* * *
Oh how wonderful it is to be filled with the joy that comes through belief in Jesus Christ! He has literally saved you, so you should be celebrating! People often try to find joy in fleeting things like clothes, money, and material purchases, but these all fall so short of the true joy found in the heart of a Christian.
The devil may try to steal your joy from you, but don't let him succeed! You are a child of the King, so you should rejoice! Whenever the lies start to flood in and crowd out your joy, remind yourself of these promises: you are loved, you are cherished, and you are important. The God of the universe loves YOU! There is no greater or more permanent reason for joy than this. Stop chasing after silly things. They will only disappoint you. Your God will never let you down, so be glad!
* * *
Dear God, I am a child of the King, and that has filled me with joy! Remind me that lasting joy is not found in material things or earthly happiness. The only joy that will last is the joy that comes from being loved by Jesus! Thank You for filling my heart with Your joy.
THURSDAY, January 8
Belonging to the Body of Christ
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV
* * *
Most people like to belong to a group. You like to have friends you eat lunch with every day, and you like to know where you fit in. It's often really hard finding a group to belong to, a place where you feel safe and valued. Fortunately, the body of Christ is that place and more.
Being a member of the body of Christ is more than just finding a group to hang out with: it's the source of fellowship, encouragement, and direction. Going to church is great! This is known as "corporate" worship, and it's a very important part of the Christian life. Spending time with other Christians is critical to your spiritual growth. While your faith may grow weary if you are alone, spending time with other Christians means there is always someone to encourage you and to show you that you have a place where you belong.
* * *
Dear God, thank You for providing me with a church family! I love knowing that I have a place of belonging before I reach my eternal home. Help me to be active in my church and to encourage others to do the same.
FRIDAY, January 9
Being a Reflection of God Is Beautiful
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 NKJV
* * *
Too fat. Too thin. Too tall. Too short. Four eyes. Pimple face. Every day you are faced with people and images that constantly tell you that you are not beautiful enough. Unless you have perfectly flowing hair, a slim waist, and legs that stretch for miles, you may feel like you are not good enough, not pretty enough, not worth a fuss. But these are all lies.
You have been made in the image of God, so how can you not be beautiful? God didn't want human beings to all look exactly the same, so He made each and every one to look different and unique. Despite the wondrous diversity, every single person bears the image of God. This makes you beautiful. Don't place your value or the value of others in physical appearance. Everyone has a unique way to reflect the image of God. What could possibly be more beautiful than that?
* * *
Dear God, I am beautiful just the way You made me. The world's standards of beauty are shallow, but my true beauty is found in how I reflect Your image. When I am discouraged, point me toward the truth: I am beautiful because I am loved by a mighty and beautiful God.
SATURDAY, January 10
God's Plan Is the Best Plan
A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
* * *
Everybody has a plan. All people have a way they want their lives to go and goals they work toward. However, these plans don't always work out. Does that mean God doesn't care? Absolutely not! It just means that people's plans and God's plans are not always the same. But guess what? God's plans are always better.
God has planned your life from the very beginning, and He knows exactly how it will all turn out. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't have goals to work toward or make choices that will benefit your future, but it does mean that you should be flexible and constantly in prayer. If something doesn't work out the way you had hoped, don't worry. God is in control, and He is constantly working for your good. What a great comfort it is to know that you have such a loving and omnipotent God!
* * *
Dear God, You have ordered my steps, and for that I am grateful. Thank You for having a plan for my life that is better than anything I could have thought up for myself! Help me to always seek Your guidance in my life and my path.
SUNDAY, January 11
Strength Is Found in God
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because GOD, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG
* * *
Because you live in a broken world, hard stuff happens all the time. Maybe you fail an important test or your dad loses his job. These things can be scary, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed or like you want to give up. But God is there to give you the strength you need to carry on. What a wonderful promise!
Even when it feels like you are all alone against the world, you never, ever are. God is always there beside you, offering you the strength you need to overcome your circumstances! You may grow weary or sad, but God's strength will never run out. Things may not happen like you hope they will, but that doesn't mean God isn't fighting on your behalf every single day. He will never let you down or forsake you. It's such a comfort to know that God is on your side!
* * *
Dear God, You are a mighty warrior coming to my aid! Even when the darkness closes in around me, You are there with a mighty sword to give me strength that I didn't even know I had. Thank You for being the strong rock on which to build my house. I know You will always shelter me from the storm.
MONDAY, January 12
Wisdom Isn't Just for Grown-Ups
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15–16 NIV
* * *
Teenagers often forget their actions always have consequences. You may think you can worry about your decisions when you're older, but for now you can just crash through life and not worry about what happens. But it's never too early to start developing wisdom! Instead of being careless, it's best to consider your actions and to examine how your behavior may have an effect. Think about how your actions may affect others—and the course of your own life.
Instead of just running around like you are free from consequences, take the time to reflect on the circumstances around you. You are never too young to strive to be wise! Spend time reading God's Word so that you know what is true wisdom instead of a false knowledge that the world promotes. Learn what it means to be wise, and put it into action!
* * *
Dear God, You alone are most wise, and Your wisdom is even beyond the understanding of men. Give me the patience that being wise requires. As I struggle through knowing what is wise and what is unwise, give me the presence of mind to know the difference between the two.
TUESDAY, January 13
God Provides for You!
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
* * *
Even when the Israelites were wandering in the desert as punishment for their unbelief, God still provided for them. He gave them food and water every day and provided protection and guidance through the pillars of cloud and fire. How wonderful it is that even in the midst of their disobedience, God was still faithful.
In the same way, God is always providing for your needs. People are often confused about the difference between a want and a need, but God is very clear to always provide for the true needs of His people in this life and the next. So don't get discouraged! Even if you can't immediately see it, God is always giving you exactly what you need to grow in Christ. Never doubt His faithfulness! While He may not always give you exactly what you want, He always gives you what you need to grow in Christ and further bear His image.
* * *
Dear God, even when I don't understand, You are always working for my good. I trust You to provide for my needs and to always work on my behalf. You are a purifying fire, continually molding me to be more like You. Thank You for your faithfulness and provision!
(Continues...)
Excerpted from God Hearts Me 2015 Devotional Collection by Barbour Publishing. Copyright © 2014 Barbour Publishing, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction,January,
February,
March,
April,
May,
June,
July,
August,
September,
October,
November,
December,
Contributor Index,
Scripture Index,