God's Word Daily Devotions

Some time ago, a group of us went hiking in the mountains to enjoy the weather and God’s amazing creation. Being unfamiliar with the area and the trails, we would have been very unwise to go without a map or a guide. Possibly, it could have been dangerous.

Likewise, we should not be so careless with our lives as to completely trust ourselves to go through decisions and places in life without trusting God to be our guide. He can be trusted because He has trod the way before us. He knows the dangers out ahead, way before we can see them.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”- Proverbs 16:3

We can never go wrong when we commit our days to God. We can trust the Lord to guide our every step.

Brother Alex Orr

King David, who was also known as the Psalmist David, faithfully kept a journal. We continue to read and gain encouragement from King David’s journal today. Journaling is the act of expressing your deepest thoughts and feelings by putting words to your inner self and then putting those words on paper. A spiritual journal focuses on your spiritual self, and it records your personal reactions to spiritual matters. It is a great way to keep track of your progress for God.

The Bible was written for our example. Through reading the Bible, we learn how to react to different situations and circumstances of life by seeing how others handled them, either good or bad. It is our tool, or instruction book, on how to live this life for God. Consider Psalm 51. David wrote this after Nathan the prophet came to him and exposed his great sin. We can learn how he felt about this horrible sin he committed and how he gained forgiveness.

Psalm 3:2-3 reads: “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head.” How encouraging are those words! This Psalm was written when David was fleeing from his own son Absalom. God is the great Encourager.

Psalm 27:4 reads, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” King David desired, above everything else in life, to remain in the presence of God every day of his life. He wanted to worship God, to seek, consider, and search after God. Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures evermore.”

The Psalmist David received strength and encouragement through journaling. What a blessing it is for us to read the journal that David, who was considered a man after God’s own heart, wrote many years ago. I highly encourage you to keep a spiritual journal. It has been a useful tool in my own experience.

Sister Annette Hupp

Luke 5:4 "[Jesus] said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught."

Simon and others had been "washing their nets." These fishermen used cast nets to catch fish. It was important that all the weeds, sticks, dead fish, and other trash be carefully picked out of the nets. Otherwise, the debris would prevent the net from opening and catching fish.

Also, a net not properly cleaned would stink up the boat and attract rats, which would gnaw on the ropes and create holes. If not kept clean, the cord (used as a drawstring) would rot. Another problem with a dirty net is that it would be easier for the fish to see and to avoid.

"Washing their nets" was not a quick process, but required carefully going over each piece by hand, removing debris, scrubbing, and repairing any holes. After all this work, Jesus told Simon to "let down your nets." Because the Sea of Galilee was very clear water, daytime was not a good time to fish. I can only imagine the thoughts that might have gone through Simon's mind: "Our nets are finally clean and repaired. If we couldn't catch any fish all night, we certainly aren't going to catch any now. And then, we'll have to clean our nets again!"

How many times does our Lord ask us to do something, and we think it is a waste of time? Perhaps we think: "Lord, I've tried and I've tried, but nothing seems to happen. It doesn't make sense for me to try anymore." We are tired and discouraged, and then Jesus says, "Launch out into the deep," when all we want to do is just QUIT! But Jesus knows something we don't, the answer is just ahead of us. When we take Him at His Word, we (like Peter) can be "astonished" at what God can do!

I have been thinking about the time Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem and cast out all who sold and bought in the temple. He overthrew the tables of the money changers and drove out the doves and the sheep they were selling. He said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” Then the Bible says in Luke 19:47-48 that He taught the people daily in the temple and they were very attentive to hear Him.

Jesus had to first remove all the distractions. It was necessary for Him to “clean house.” Then He was able to teach the people. He had to drive all those other things out. That merchandise was causing them to be more focused on worldly things instead of on God. How about you? Is there something distracting you or hindering you from being attentive to what the Lord has to say to you? Is there something stealing your time away from God? Could there be something in your life attempting to destroy you? Are you being robbed of peace and joy? Let Jesus come in and drive those things out of your life. Then your focus can be turned to Him.

Revelation 21:3 says, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” God’s desire is to dwell with His people. If I want Jesus to come into my heart and dwell with me and teach me daily, then I must allow Him to remove everything that may be distracting me. It is my desire to be a “house of prayer” at all times. Therefore, all distractions must be driven out.

Sister Annette Hupp

Acts the second chapter tells us exactly how the church came into existence. It also lets us know how important it is and how we can become a member. The Apostle Peter brought a message to the people, and in Acts 2:37, they were “pricked in their heart, and said . . . what shall we do?” Everyone of us had to be pricked in our hearts or convicted of our sins. Then Peter gave the answer, “Repent.” Turn away from the old life and ask God to forgive you of your sins and He will give you a new life. God is still calling individuals today. He wants all to be saved and become a member of the body, or the church.

The church is our support group. We need the support of others. A good support group allows ones to get together and share personal experiences, resources, and hope. We can learn how someone else went through a similar situation we are going through. It gives us encouragement we are not alone. Our trials are not unique and if someone else made it through, so can we.

The church is a place of safety and acceptance. We can give our testimony of how God has saved us from sin and helped us through difficult situations and trials. We can share our burdens and problems without negativity. God designed us to rely on each other for strength, comfort, and motivation. We show support for each other by praying for one another, and by helping those who are going through trials and sickness.

Many will say you need a good support system. You need others who are likeminded to share your burdens and help you get through what maybe they have already gone through. I love what it says in verses 42 and 44. “They continued steadfastly in the . . . doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers . . . and had all things common.” This is a common salvation. We love to be with those we have things in common with. I am thankful for the church. It is my support group.

Sister Annette Hupp

My mother frequently wrote things on her hand to be sure to not forget them. There have been times when something extremely important needed to be remembered, and I have written it on my hand. Years ago, I was asked to give my grandmother a ride church. This was not part of my routine. So, I completely forgot! When I came out with the choir to sing that morning, I looked for Grandma to be in her seat. Then I remembered, and I felt terrible! I hurried to her apartment and found her outside, patiently sitting on a bench.

When Israel was delivered from Egyptian bo***ge, God told them to remember this event every year. This was called "Passover." In Exodus 13:9 God told them this remembrance would be "a sign unto them upon thine hand." It would continually remind them that "with a strong hand hath the Lord brought" them out of Egypt. What God asked of Israel, God told Isaiah He is doing for His people.

When life gets difficult and trials are hard, the thoughts might come: "Where is God? Has He forgotten about me? Why isn't He doing something?" This verse is an encouragement—God has my name on His hands. It is ever before Him. When I write something on one of my hands, all the time my hands are working, I continually see that reminder. While God does not need a reminder (for He never forgets), He gives us reassurance through the words of this verse. Written on God's hands, which are working all things together for good for them that love Him (Romans 8:28), are my name and yours. He will "not forget thee!"

Our Father remembers the sparrows,
Their value and fall doth He see;
But dearer to Him are His children,
And He’ll never forget to keep me.
— F. A. Graves

Proverbs 22:1says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches."

When I was young, I remember my dad working with a guy named John. John was not very pleasant to look at. He had long, greasy hair and looked like he did not shower much. One of the main things that stood out to me about John was he smelled very strongly like ci******es.

I remember being with my dad in our car and John driving ahead of us in his car, and we could smell the ci******es. As a young girl I thought he was so appalling that I would never want to name my child John. There have been others in my life that because of their actions or the way they talked, I would not use their name for a future child of mine.

I want to turn this around. What do people think when they hear my name? Does it make them cringe? Do they have bad thoughts or awful memories?

We cannot change the past, but we can do our best with God's help to make our name stand out for good.

Be a help! Be a lift! Be a prayer warrior!

Sister Jennifer Spurlock

Many get tired of the snow and cold weather. But soon this season will be gone, and we will find ourselves in another season. It reminds me of our lives. The season of raising children is over for me. I am in a different season of life now. I remember those days of feeling tired and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of everyday life. At the time, it seemed like the days were long and they would never end.

Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." This season I am in now will also pass, and I will soon be in a different season of life.

Luke 9:23-24 says: "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." The word that jumps out at me in these Scriptures is "daily." I cannot afford to allow myself to get tired of giving myself to God every day. I need to get up, choose to pray and ask God to guide me through the day, and spend time in His Word. My flesh may be tired and want a break, but I cannot take off one day living for God.

My spiritual life depends on my everyday living. The Lord said I must lose my life, my way of thinking, my desires, and sometimes my plain laziness, to have life in Christ. If I am faithful in my daily living, I will be content in whatever season I am in, and I will reap a good harvest of blessings!

Have a wonderful day and remember, "this too shall pass.”

Sister Annette Hupp

There are many scriptures in the Bible about being perfect. God expects us to be perfect, as He is perfect. It’s true we are human and cannot be perfect when it comes to our humanity. However, we can be perfect in our souls. We can live without sin, having pure motives and intentions.

Many have said that practice makes perfect. The more we practice our faith in God, the more perfect we become. A piano player must practice. Those who play sports must spend time in practice. In fact, more time is spent in practice than at an actual game or concert. The best way to become better at praying is to pray. The more we pray, the more faith we obtain and the more comfortable we are praying. Then when the “game” comes, when the enemy comes at us with a temptation, we have already established a good habit of praying, and it will be easier to ask God for help.

Another form of practicing is reading and studying the Bible. The more effort we put into our daily devotions, the more help we receive. God uses His Word to teach us. There are valuable lessons in the Bible that prepare us for the “game of life.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

A great musician once said this: “If I omit practice one day, I notice it; if two days, my friends notice it; if three days, the public notices it.” This can be said of our spiritual devotion. If I skip one day of praying and reading, I know it; if I skip two days, my family knows it; and if I skip three days, others will notice it because I will fail of the grace of God. If I quit practicing my faith, I will no longer remain perfect. I will not be “practiced up” to defeat the enemy.

Sister Annette Hupp

I want to encourage you, my brother and my sister, to press on and keep fighting the fight of faith. Keep your eyes upon the goal and the prize. Don’t let the devil get you down. If you do fall, get back up. Keep getting back up and press on. The fight is worth it. God is faithful and will not let you fail, if you ask Him for the strength to keep going. The key is to ask for strength everyday and in every situation. God loves you!

Below are some Scriptures related to the song “Press On” in the Evening Light songbook.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:10

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
- James 4:7 KJV

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
- Hebrews 11:6 KJV

Brother Alex Orr

The sparrow in Jesus' day was considered to be of very little value. If you bought two at the market, the cost was one farthing, but two farthings would purchase five sparrows (an extra one was thrown in for free). Some historians say a farthing would today be equal to a fourth of a penny. How many times have we seen a penny laying on the ground and did not think it worth the effort to lean over and pick it up? That was the worth of ten sparrows.

Jesus' disciples were facing great persecution. Jesus was letting them know that difficult days were ahead. Then, He reassured them by saying that God takes notice of when every sparrow falls. The Greek says the word "fall" means "to light" or "to land." Not only does God care when a sparrow falls and dies, but He also notices every time a sparrow lands! Nothing is too small for His care.

Jesus then reassured His disciples, "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31). We do not know what we face in the days ahead. Times are looking spiritually dark, but we can rest assured that the God who cares about the landing of every sparrow can certainly take care of His people!

“Let not your heart be troubled,”
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth,
But one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
— Civilla D. Martin

Have you ever been accused of something you did not do? Has anyone ever insulted you with hurtful words? Maybe you have felt the condescending tone from mean and hateful things said to you or about you. What did you do about it? What should you do about it? Your first response may be to plead your case. You may want to talk back with hurtful words of your own. When that happens think of Jesus. Peter tells us He is our example, and we will also suffer as Jesus suffered.

First Peter 2:23 says, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” Jesus was humiliated and treated shamefully. He was abused both verbally and physically. Yet He did not fight back. He did not threaten anyone by saying things like, “You are going to answer for this.” Or “Someday, you will get what’s coming to you.” No, He committed it to God. That is what we must do! When we commit our hurts and our sufferings to God, we show others a better way to handle things. This is the light that can shine out through us, causing others to want what we have. It shows our total and complete confidence in God, that He will take care of us, and we never have to take things into our own hands.

We are only able to do this by the help of God. So, if you’re struggling with the pain of mistreatment or things out of your control, ask God to help you commit all things to Him.

Sister Annette Hupp

Psalm 16:7 says, “I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.” The word “reins” is a term used for the kidneys, or the secret, innermost organ that works inside of us. Other translations use the words, “my heart.” This is referring to the secret desires and intentions of the heart. They instruct me to seek God in the night seasons. We all have a deep desire within us for God. It is in the “night seasons” we see more clearly our need for Him. When all else fails, God is there to remind us we cannot make it without Him.

Those times in life when everything seems to go wrong, when the trials and the temptations are the hardest to endure, that’s when my innermost self says, “I need God to help me!” I’m thankful He is always there to give me counsel and instructions to get through whatever it is I’m facing. I can trust God in the good times and in the bad, during the day or at night.

Verse 11 says, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever.” God will be faithful to show me which way to go, and He will be faithful to you too! When we do what He asks of us, that is when we experience pleasures that outshine anything else in life. True joy is found in the presence of God. He gives the grace to help us through all our “night seasons.” When we do our best to live pleasing to Him, He will never fail us. The Psalmist said, “I will bless the Lord!”

Sister Annette Hupp

Booker T. Washington was a freed slave who desperately wanted an education. In 1872, he traveled more than 300 miles to Hampton Institute. He only had a few dollars when he arrived at the school (not near enough for tuition). The head teacher, Miss Mackie, told Booker to sweep the floor of a classroom. Booker swept and mopped the floor; he dusted the furniture and washed down the walls. He cleaned that room thoroughly from top to bottom. When Miss Mackie returned, she was so impressed that she hired Booker as a janitor at the school, which enabled him to afford the tuition. Three years later, Booker graduated and soon became a teacher at Hampton Institute.

How many times do we do the bare minimum (just "sweep the floor")? Do we rush through reading a Scripture verse or two and say a quick prayer, thinking that is all that is required? Might the word "faithful" in this verse encourage us to do a little more? What could happen if we put extra time and care into our daily devotions? Had Booker only swept the room, he quite possibly might have missed the opportunity of the janitor's job. What opportunities are we missing by failing to be faithful in the little things?

The story of Booker is inspiring. Just as he was determined to get into that school, we should be determined to be "faithful," not doing just enough to get by, not being faithful in only the big things (that which is most noticeable), but also being faithful in "that which is least" (the little things).

Any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement, if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day and as nearly as possible reaching the high-water mark of pure and useful living. —Booker T. Washington

Psalm 56:9 - “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: This I know; for God is for me.”

Today, I want to remind you of the truth that God is on your side. We often tend to forget this fact, especially when faced with overwhelming adversity and trouble. Furthermore, we may be tempted to feel that God is against us. We may not verbally express that we feel God is against us, but we display it by the way we react to situations. When your reaction to difficulty is hysteria or anxiety, that is a good indicator that you have forgotten that God is for you. When we hold to the conviction that God is for us and working everything for our good, our actions will be guided by faith and confidence in Him.

In our scripture, David expressed this confidence. While fleeing from the wrath of Saul, David fled to Gath, one of the chief cities of the Philistines. There the people recognized him and remembered the fame he received after defeating their champion, Goliath. No doubt they felt this was their opportunity to get revenge and sought for his life. It was during this time of great distress that David wrote Psalm 56. He said (paraphrasing) “When I pray, my problems will go away. I know this will happen, because God is for me.”

In Numbers 13, twelve men were chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. When the men looked over the land, they saw good things: fruit, milk, and honey, but they also saw the strong occupants. All the spies but two, Caleb and Joshua, felt the Israelites were not able to go up against the people. They said, “they are stronger than we.” They had forgotten that God was on their side and had promised them the land. Caleb said, “we are well able to overcome it.”

What awesome faith Caleb, Joshua, and David had! In the face of tremendous circumstance and the heat of trying times, they held to the assurance that God was with them and working on their behalf. What was true for them, is still true for us today. Remember that God is for you. He is on your side. He wants you to succeed more than you want to yourself. Let your thoughts, actions, and reactions reflect this truth today.

Brother T.J. Foster

I read this in a devotional: “Learning isn’t a downhill ride; it’s an uphill climb. It takes work!” This is true in all areas of life. I remember hating to read the textbooks in school. If I could just have someone tell me what it said, without me actually putting in the work to read it myself, that was good enough for me. However, that got me in trouble more times than not. It still gets me in trouble. If I would just read the directions, it would save me from a lot of heartache. This is true spiritually as well. We must read the Book and learn how God operates and what He expects from us. This will certainly save us from a lot of difficulty in life.

Jesus said this in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.” Another translation says, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you.” A yoke is a long piece of wood tied across the necks of two animals, such as oxen, in order to make them walk close together when they are pulling a plow.

Notice it says for me to take His yoke and put it upon me. He doesn’t force His yoke on me. I have to put on the yoke and put in the work. Jesus holds the reins of the yoke. I must trust Him to lead me and use me where He wants me. Those oxen pull where they are led by their master. And they work closely together, just as God’s people work closely together with the common goal of winning souls for Christ.

Jesus is not a hard taskmaster. He gently leads us. The rest of that verse in Matthew says, “and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Isaiah 32:17 says the work of righteousness shall be peace. There is peace in knowing the Lord is in control, and in submitting myself to His work. Yet how would I know that unless I put forth the effort to learn?

Sister Annette Hupp

Bedtime with children can be challenging. They want the door open or the light on or a drink or another hug—anything to keep them awake. As exhausted parents, we look forward to everyone settling down so we can go to bed and REST. Yet, when we do finally lay down, we do not keep one foot on the floor, just in case the bed cannot hold us. We fully rest, trusting the bed and mattress will fully support us.

Today, we live a fast-paced life. Coffee and sugar keep us going. Busyness, stress, and a lack of sleep produce anxiety, forgetfulness, and irritability. We sing "I can trust Jesus," yet like Martha, we are anxious and troubled about many things (Luke 10:41). It is kind of like trying to sleep with one foot on the floor.

The word rest is translated as "to be at peace, to be still, to be calm or quiet." This restful, peaceful living is promised to us when we live in God's presence, submitting ourselves completely to His will.

The secret to tranquility is to "take my yoke upon you, and learn of me" (Matthew 11:29). To "learn of" Him brings understanding that no matter the problem, He is in full control; that He is working ALL things together for our good; that He will supply ALL our needs.

When we take God's yoke (allowing Him to be in full control—leading and guiding us), He will give us the soul rest so vitally needed! "A calm and peaceful heart is life and health to the body" (Proverbs 14:30 AMP). Instead of spending so much time being worried and fearful (with one foot on the floor), let us "REST in the Lord."

Fear arises when we imagine everything depends on us.
—Elisabeth Elliot

At the bottom of the barrel, God will provide. You can read in 1 Kings 17:10-16 of the story of Elijah and the widow woman. The widow had to step out in faith. Sometimes, we must do as this widow. She had faith in the commandment of Elijah to bake him a cake first. She gave all she had, but then was given an infinite supply.

“For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.” - 1 Kings 17:14-16

The little meal was the widow’s last hope of survival. She had faith and gave it up for some man she just met. But it wasn’t just any man, it was the prophet of God.

Sometimes God may not move when we think that it is time to move. But He is always on time. Sometimes it seems that it is at the last minute, but God will not fail. Elijah, through the power of God, performed a miracle. The barrel of meal never went empty. It always had enough to provide for her family.

There are times when God blesses us with extra, but God always gives enough. The widow’s barrel lasted her through the famine.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

When you have done your best, let Jesus do the rest and trust Him to provide all your needs.

Brother Alex Orr