Daily Devotions (Page 14)

RESPONDING TO CRITICISM

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.” MATTHEW 5:11 NLT There’s no escaping criticism, nor the wounds it can cause. But moments of censure can be opportunities for you to experience God’s power if…

PEACE WITH OTHERS

Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. PSALM 34: 14 Hebrews 12: 14 instructs, “Pursue peace with all men.” However, this does not signify compromising your beliefs or acting in a sinful manner that dishonors God. Rather, it means practicing loving, godly communication and an attitude of forgiveness. How do you…

MEDITATION

King David went in and sat before the LORD and prayed. 2 SAMUEL 7: 18 NLT Today, notice the phrase “David . . . sat before the LORD.” This signifies that David was meditating—focusing on the Father’s ways and character. And it made sense for him to do so. As a man after God’s own…

TRANSCENDING PEACE

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:7 NKJV When God speaks, one of the most prevalent results will be an undeniable sense of peace in your spirit. You may not feel tranquil at first when you approach Him. In fact, you may be…

RASH DECISIONS

The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. PROVERBS 21:5 NKJV When we try to make a decision quickly or without asking God for direction, Satan will be right there saying, “Go ahead! You’ll be fine! Don’t worry!” But he conveniently leaves out any…

ABOUT SUBMISSION

Incline your ear [submit and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive. ISAIAH 55:3 AMP Today, before you even begin to listen to the Father, decide to be submissive. often the Lord may instruct you in ways that are challenging in order to set you free from…

OBEY ANYWAY

Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say. LUKE 5:5 Today, recognize that God’s ways are not your ways, which means He probably won’t lead you in the way you think He will (Isaiah 55: 8–9). If your common sense were enough to successfully follow Him, there…

LISTEN WITH CONFIDENCE

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” MATTHEW 7: 7–8 NLT When you want…

ANXIETY

“Do not worry about your life.” MATTHEW 6:25 NIV Has anxiety become a way of life for you? Are you living in a constant state of uncertainty and worry? Fear will arise whenever you respond to a problem or troubling situation on your own—without going to God first and seeking His help and power. The…

A CHRIST CENTERED LIFE

To me, living means living for Christ. PHILIPPIANS 1:21 NLT When the Lord doesn’t answer your prayers in the way you hope, do you accept His will? Or do you get angry, doubt Him, and question His character? When circumstances turn negative, do you immediately accuse Him of being unloving? Or do you voice your trust that…

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