365 Days Walking with God (Revised Edition): Daily Devotion

By Kelechukwu O. Okafor

The revised edition is written in simple words that identify several real-life emotions you encounter daily. Each day’s devotion addresses sensitive personal issues and topics you ignore because you think God is not interested in them. As you use this devotion daily, you will learn the simple principles from God's word on how to enjoy everyday life and grow in wisdom to live in the peace that comes from a growing intimacy with God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483516172

Book preview

Father.

JANUARY 1

RESOLUTION AND FOUNDATION

Language for the Day:

Chechen (North Caucasus Russia) 'Yyr dik joil

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 1-3

Bible Passages:

John 3: 16-18, Galatians 3:28, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:3

I once read a cartoon conversation between two animals.

Q - What exactly is a New Year’s resolution?

A - It's a To-do list for the first week of January.

Laying the right foundation is the most essential bit in building a house. Learning your alphabets (A – Z) at the nursery school is the essential foundation to later becoming a doctor, lawyer, accountant etc. On this first day of the year, the most essential foundation is in John 3:3. I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

Jesus is the truth the way and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10: 9-10). If the New Year resolutions are for the 1st week of January, make sure the essential foundation of the first week is accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. In Jesus Christ, there is joy, love, peace, patience, hope, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. Have a great year.

JANUARY 2

WHO ARE YOU?

Language for the Day:

Cheke Holo [Maringe] (Solomon Islands)Keli fara

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 4-6

Bible Passages:

Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21,

Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 4:3-4

One of the battles you will face is that of your identity. When Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan, there was a clear voice from Heaven that declared, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17).

Following from His baptism, the tempter came to Him and said, If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread (Matthew 4:31). The enemy always seeks to attack your identity and convince you that you are less than you really are.

So, who are you? What does God say about you? Do you know you are fearfully and wonderfully made? Are you aware that everything God made is a marvel? Who you think you are determines what people would think of you. As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is, the Bible states. The enemy wants you to wallow in the mindset that belittles who you are or how great your God is. Take stock, meditate, and revive your God-mindset today. The truest thing you will ever discover about yourself is what God says about you.

God says You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy (1 Peter 2:9). You are not your past. You are not what you have achieved. You are not what you own. You are not what people say you are. You are who God says you are. And surely you can trust the valuation of your own Creator. Thus, never tie who you are to worldly status and material things. The truth is you are one of a kind. You are special.

JANUARY 3

HAVE YOU ASKED FOR HIS STRENGTH?

Language for the Day:

Cheyenne (USA) Pévevóona'o

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 7-9

Bible Passages:

Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6

A twelve-year-old boy's puppy was trapped in a hole covered by a heavy brick. The boy tried to move the brick in order to rescue his pet, but the brick was simply too heavy for him. As he kept trying to move it, his father, who had been watching all along, asked, Son, are you using all of your strength?

Yes, father, I am using all of my strength, but the brick will not move.

Are you sure? The father asked sympathetically.

Yes, I am, the boy, running out of breath, insisted.

No, son, you are not.

But I am, Father, he replied, exasperated.

The father placed his hands gently on the boys shoulder, looked him straight in the eyes and said, But you have not asked me to help you. You have got me; you should recognize that I am part of your strength. And so, with his father's help, the brick, which seemed impossible to move, was easily taken away and the pet rescued.

You should recognize the outstanding strength you possess in God. God is your strength and He is always ready to help. He is your father and He has your best interest at heart. As his child, you have the right to ask of Him, in quiet assurance and faith, and receive from Him. Scripture says the confidence we have in Him is that when we ask Him, He will answer us.

JANUARY 4

SELF-ASSESSMENT

Language for the Day:

Chichewa (Malawi) Mwadzuka bwanji

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 10-12

Bible Passages:

Matthew 6:1, 2 Timothy 3:5

I want you to take a closer look at your lifestyle. What type of Christian are you? Are you a Sunday and Tuesday Christianthat is, you attend church services on Sunday and show up for one other on Tuesday or Wednesday? Are you a fairweather Christian–that is, you only remember God when the going gets tough and rough. When things are good, however, God just gets an acknowledgment and no more?

Are you a seasonal Christian–that is, you attend and participate in church only during seasonal events e.g. New Year's Eve, funerals, a loved one's ceremony, or when you are due for child delivery? Are you a split personality Christian–that is, today you are holier-than-thou but the next day you are fornicating, lying, gossiping and keeping malice?

WHAT DO YOU EXHIBIT?

Are you letting your light shine? Does the environment influence you, or do you influence the environment? What happens when you are around your loved ones? Do you compromise on your standards? Life here is only temporary. No matter how long you live, you will be dead in the natural much longer.

So start living for Christ. The first step is to give your life to Him. Start attending a Bible-teaching and scripture-believing church. Give time to your Bible and to prayer. Importantly, strive to live the Christian lifestyle. By your fruits the world would know you. James says, A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).

JANUARY 5

YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE FOR A REASON

Language for the Day:

Chinyanja (Southern Africa)Mwadzuka bwanji

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 13-15

Bible Passage:

Psalm 139:1-18

This poem by Russell Kelfer sums it up nicely:

There is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has a profound purpose. You can discover that purpose when you make God the reference point of your life.

You are who you are for a reason.

You're part of an intricate plan.

You're precious and a perfectly unique design,

Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.

Our God made no mistake.

He knit you together within the womb,

You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,

And no matter how you may feel,

They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind.

They bear the master seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.

And God wept that it hurts you so;

But it was allowed to shape your heart

So that into likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,

You've been formed by the master's rod.

You are who you are, beloved,

Because there is God."

JANUARY 6

LIFE ON EARTH AS A TEST

Language for the Day:

Chitonga (Africa) Mwabuka buti

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 16-18

Bible Passage:

James 1:1-12

Your character is developed and revealed by life's entire test. God watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather. God watches the simplest actions, such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite in traffic.

As long as you breathe, you will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, seemingly impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism and even senseless tragedies. Can you identify in your life anywhere you feel tested today? Can you recall where you have been tested in the past?

Once you recognize that life is a test, you begin to appreciate that no test is insignificant. Some may be overwhelming, while others are subtle; you don't even notice them come or go. But they all have significant implications for your character development as well as for your eternal outcome.

Beloved, hold out and pass the test. God is counting on you.

JANUARY 7

GIVING THANKS

Language for the Day:

Chuuk (Chuuk Island Micronesia) Neesor ánnim

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 19-21

Bible Passage:

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Speak these words out loud:

In everything, I will give thanks for this is God’s will for me in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Thank God for your life, the salvation of your soul, for your career/business, for your loved ones. Appreciate God for the food in your storehouse, the clothes in your closet, the roof under which you have found solace. Praise Him for your health, your sanity, your peace, and for your joy. And thanks yet for all of these will be permanent in Jesus’ name.

I am confident of this: That I will see (and yet see) the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). Smile and keep it up. A smile looks good on you.

JANUARY 8

REBUILDING THE TEMPLE

Language for the Day:

Chuvash (Russia) Yra ir pultar

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 22-24

Bible Passages:

Matthew 11:20-30, Isaiah 57:20-21

Why does he/she oppose me?

Why did he/she break my heart?

Why did I have such a childhood?

Why didn't I get that dream job?

Why is my family like this?

Why am I still unemployed?

Why have I missed out on all the contracts I bid for?

Why don't I get promoted?

Why did he betray me?

Why am I so sick?

Why did they treat me so badly?

Why does no one support my business/plans?

Why did I stay so long in that abusive relationship?

Why do I feel all alone?

Why does he/she want to ruin my reputation?

Why all these generational curses?

Do you ask yourself these questions? Many of us are struck in the Why's of life because they don't understand why it happened to them. The truth is that if God wanted you to have that job, if He wanted you to marry him/her, if He wanted to spare you all the pain, experiences and regrets, He has the power to, but He didn't. Did He? One day, you'll look back and see what God has been doing.

Nothing in life happens to you. It happens for you. You'll realize God has a sense of humor. Your life is divinely orchestrated; so you may feel the natural load of pain, regrets and disappointment but always remember that nothing can happen without God's permission.

In Jesus Christ, there is healing. In Jesus, there is rest for your soul and in Him you don't force things to happen. In Him, there is hope and a promise. Here is the truth- You are not a mistake. You never have been, you never will be. Let go and let Jesus.

JANUARY 9

UNDERSTAND THE VISION

Language for the Day:

Comoran (Comoros) Bariza soubouni

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 25-27

Bible Passage:

Daniel 9:20-23

In the Bible, an account is given of Daniel, when the angel Gabriel visited him. The angel said to Him, O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications, the command went out, and I have come to tell you what is to be, for you are greatly beloved (Daniel 9:20-23). Did you notice that the angel called Daniel 'Greatly beloved'? What would God say about you today? Daniel was highly esteemed.

What would be God's word about you today? Daniel was a man just like you, yet he was distinguished by the Holy One. Take a minute and contemplate your inner self. Is your heart tuned to God? Now, that question leads naturally to this very crucial query:

Do you have a relationship with God? Not an understanding of God, but a relationship.

Consequences of Not Having a Relationship with God:

1. You may be physically free but your heart is in bondage.

2. You will have to rely on men, but man will disappoint you.

3. You will 'worship' God but not feel His presence (worship will be a mere ritual).

4. You may have God's 'blessings', but you will not enjoy His company.

Recall when God instructed the Israelites to go to the Promised Land? Moses pleaded with God: If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us from here. For how then will it be known that your people and I have found grace in your sight except you go with us? (Exodus 33:15-16).

Start and cultivate a healthy relationship with God today. He is waiting for you, greatly beloved.

JANUARY 10

DESTINATION DISEASE

Language for the Day:

Cornish (Great Britain)Myttin da

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 28-30

Bible Passages:

Acts 20:24, 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Novelist Ursula K. Le Guin stated: it is good to have an end to journey toward but it is the journey that matters in the end.

Many of us suffer from destination disease. You think that arriving at a certain place in life will bring you happiness but the reality is that many times when you do arrive, you discover that it wasn't what you expected. If you become fixated on a destination, you can miss the great things that happen along the way and you miss the joy of today. if you're convinced that someday is going to be your best day, you wont put enough into today or get enough out of it.

It's not enough just to survive; you need a reason to live. This is where Christ comes in. He will give you new life, and add purpose to your life plus the power to fulfill purpose. D.L. Moody once said, Let God have your life, He can do more with it than you can.

JANUARY 11

MY ATTITUDE TO LOVED ONES

Language for the Day:

Creole (Dominica) Bon jou

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 31-33

Bible Passages:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 John 4:19-21

A sad truth I have found is that the folks we hurt the most are the ones we love best. We flatter and break our backs for those who couldn't care less about us. Yet we deal thoughtless blows to those who love us best. Is this statement true of you? I encourage you to make more effort at dealing lovingly with your loved ones; show them how much you care. Think of it: they are the ones we always fall back on in times dire.

JANUARY 12

ARE YOU HAPPY? YES/NO

Language for the Day:

Croatian (Croatia, Bosnia) Dobro jutro

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 34-36

Bible Passages:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, James 4:8

Are you sure about your answer? But yesterday, you said you'd be happier today. My dear friend, your life is NOW. Live in the moment. Today is all you have. Always bring yourself to understand that your life is NOW. Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace. Cheer up. You can’t live tomorrow today. Don't heavy today with yesterdays regrets and sadden yourself with this evening’s trouble when it's still so early in the day. You only live once (Y.O.L.O).

Unfortunately, there is no joy outside of Christ. If you are grumpy or unhappy, ask yourself if you've truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior? If you truly have, then you will understand the vanity of life on earth. Don't go on a frolic with your life because God says: you'll give an account for all your deeds. But until then, today is all you have.

The secret to a happy and productive today is remaining attached to your divine source 'Jesus Christ.' If you abide in Christ, His word will abide in you-then you will smile and realize that joy, peace, hope, favor, contentment abounds in you.

JANUARY 13

INSPIRATION NUGGETS

Language for the Day:

Czech (Czech Republic) Dobré jitro

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 37-39

Bible Passage:

Ecclesiastes 6:1-11

The mind is like a parachute; it does not work unless it is open. Martin Luther King once said in the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

I don't know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone. You are unique.

JANUARY 14

THE POINT OF VISITATION

Language for the Day:

Dagaare (Ghana, Burkina Faso) Fo angsoma

Bible Reading in a Year:

Genesis 40-42

Bible Passage:

Isaiah 40:28-29

I once heard a preacher narrate this real-life story:

"There was a man who was waiting on God for favor concerning a Government contract worth millions. After 5 years, he finally got an interview with the Director General (DG) of the awarding Parastatal. He arrived at the DG's office early and well prepared.

He then had to wait for close to 4 hours for the DG to arrive. While waiting, he fell asleep. The DG finally came and requested to see the person to be awarded the contract. The secretary pointed to the man sleeping. On sighting him sleeping and snoring, the DG refused to award him the contract.

It is at the point of visitation that many fail the test. My prayer for you is that you will not derail your favor train just before it comes in to the station, in Jesus’ name.

JANUARY 15

IT IS A DELIBERATE DECISION TO FLEE EVIL

Language for the Day:

Damal (Indonesia) Amole

Bible Reading