The Lord Is My Shepherd and That’S Enuff: 365 Interpersonal Daily Reflections with God

By Leda Rafter

One of the greatest witnessing tools is the daily life we live as we interact with our peers and family. At the age of thirteen, I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior in a small church in Elyria, Ohio. Never has there been a moment since that day that I did not love the Lord and want to remain faithful to him.

Divorce and the loss of two children drew me to my knees, knowing that I needed God more during those times than ever. But my precious mother and father, Evialee and Walter Matney, taught me the ways of the Lord, living a life before me that even at the age of seventy-four, they are still with me.

The devotions within this book include stories of my own from childhood and through adolescence, to raising my children and into my senior years. There are times that I fell to my knees, asking God for wisdom and knowledge, not knowing what to do. But intimate experiences with the Lord gave me the hope I needed to continue my journey of faith.

I hope as you go through these 365 interpersonal devotions, you will encounter the love of God in a powerful new way. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you. Truly, the Lord is my Shepherd, and thats enuff.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543457322

Book preview

JANUARY 1

The Lord is My Shepherd

Ps. 23

This passage was one of the first verses that my mother had me learn. It is by far my favorite chapter. We lived in Newport News, Virginia, close to the army base while Dad was in the service. The church I attended was the First Church of God. The pastors were Marshall and Millie Moore. I was around four years old during this scene of events. Christmas was a special time of the year, and the children’s program gave me the honor of learning the Twenty-Third Psalm. The excitement of standing in front of the church put such a knot in my stomach. To this day, I can still remember the fear of being onstage. At the time, I did not realize the meaning of the Twenty-Third Psalm, but the seed was planted as I put this chapter to memory. It still lives within my heart today.

Sheep are very domesticated. They flock in large groups and follow one another regardless of the outcome. In Turkey in 2005, 400 sheep plunged to their death after following one of the sheep that tried to cross a fifteen-meter-deep ravine, leaving 399 sheep to fall to their death.

Christians often flock together too. We must have leaders who are wise; who can lead us in a direction of safety. A good shepherd would often anoint the noses of sheep to protect them against nose flies. In verse 5, King David says, Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. David was comparing the care of his flock to the tender care of God, for he truly is the Good Shepherd.

Today, let the Lord Jesus anoint your head with oil, protecting you from harm and danger. As you ring in the New Year, hold on to this truth: The Lord is my shepherd, and that’s enuff!

JANUARY 2

Stillness Brings Tranquility to the Soul

Ps. 46:10

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Ps. 46:10)

When the phone rang that late afternoon, my wonderful son called and said that he had decided to leave Mount Vernon Nazarene University and enroll at Anderson University. The piercing change left me with thoughts of despair, wondering how the funds would be available. As I glanced across the room, there was a book sitting on my dresser that said, Be Still and Know. It was as if God placed the book there for me to see. The discussion with my youngest son, telling me that he felt it was God’s will for him to move, left me feeling helpless, and yet the scripture seemed to glow in the dark. Be still and know that I am God.

As I drove to the post office and picked up my mail late summer, a letter arrived, stating that he had received $12,000 in financial aid and grants. I sat in the car with tears running down my cheeks, remembering the book on my dresser. The financial burden was so quickly lifted, and he finished his remaining two years with minimal financial responsibility.

God has a way of calming the spirit when he enters the room. His spirit turned my eyes to the book sitting on the dresser with the caption that seemed to radiate the darkness: Be still and know that I am God.

To this day, when trials come that seem to bring pandemonium to my spirit, I remember that the above scripture has taken residence within my heart and life.

Stillness brings peace and calmness within us. Let God bring that stillness and peace to you today, whatever your situation. Look up and trust in him when things are not moving as quickly as you would like. Believing that he is God and exalted among all nations will bring peace to your soul.

JANUARY 3

Where is God in All This Mess?

Gen. 39

At a strapping young age, Joseph was put in charge of the house of Potiphar. Joseph was a godly, obedient man as he served the God of Israel. Potiphar’s wife set out to destroy Joseph, accusing him of adultery, which landed him in prison. Where was God in all that mess?

Genesis 39: 20-21: But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Leadership was given to this strapping young man because the warden could see his qualifications. Paying no attention to the proclamation made by Potiphar’s wife, the warden fully trusted Joseph’s abilities to maintain the prison with excellent leadership.

When God revealed the cupbearer’s dream to Joseph, he reminded the cupbearer, Remember me and show kindness. Mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of prison. I have done nothing, yet I am in a dungeon. The cupbearer soon forgot. Where was God in all that mess? God’s plan was yet to come. Two years passed and Pharaoh had a dream. The cupbearer remembered how Joseph revealed the meaning of his dream and informed the King. Pharaoh called Joseph for counsel, and the dream of famine and destruction to Egypt was revealed. The young man was promoted to second in command in the house of Egypt. The ring was placed upon his hand and the robe of fine linen placed upon his body; the signet ring was placed upon his finger and gold chains around his neck. God was there all the time.

What about Joseph’s biological family that had betrayed him because of jealousy? Where was God in all that mess? After all, they are the ones that sold him into slavery. God’s plan was still there for Joseph. The famine came and the brothers came for food. Although Joseph recognized his bothers, they did not remember him. The greatest act of forgiveness to his family was demonstrated in chapter 45. Have everyone leave my presence, he said. Everyone left, and there was not one with Joseph. He then made himself known to his brothers. Joseph wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Come close to me. I am your brother Joseph, he said. Do not be angry with yourselves for selling me, for it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." That is where God was in all of the mess.

As we make our journey through life, we encounter difficulties and sorrows that sometimes leave the heart feeling empty and wondering; Where is God in the mix? Christians sometimes forget that life’s heartaches and sorrows bring character to our souls.

Let the Lord put the signet ring upon your finger and the beautiful robe of righteousness upon your body, graced with the gold chain of mercy and grace. As I am writing this devotion at seventy-two years old, my memory takes me back to many stories that I like. Joseph wants my story to be told to free me from the dungeon of life. Age has permitted me to know that when God has our lives in his hand, the outcome will be joyous. God is always in the mix, even when our human eyes cannot see the outcome. Joseph trusted God and became a great leader that saved the land of Egypt.

How about you? Are your trials more than you can bear? Wait in the stillness to be glorified by the God of Israel.

JANUARY 4

The Drachma of Faith

Matt. 17:27

Throughout Jesus’s teaching, he often used parables as a method to teach his disciples as well as Israel. Today in our society, we often hear words like Where do I get the money to pay my taxes? Where do I get the money to pay for my children’s college? How am I going to keep up with inflation for my household? We have all done this in some form or another throughout our lives. There was peace about Jesus and Peter demonstrated in Matthew 17:27.

As the Capernaum collectors came to Peter and asked him, Does your teacher pay temple taxes? Peter replied, Yes, he does. Jesus knew full well the intentions of the collectors. He said, What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes: from their own sons or from others? Peter answered, From others, Lord. Then the sons are exempt. Quickly, Jesus told Peter, Go fishing and from the mouth of the first fish, there will be a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.

The four-drachma coin was given to the collectors. As crazy as it might have seemed, Peter did not hesitate to obey the command.

Faith reaches into possibilities that the eyes cannot see. God provides the needs financially just at the right time. The story of the drachma-coin is so peculiar, yet so profound. Let your eyes of faith trust the Lord Jesus Christ in circumstances, knowing that anything is possible with God. When you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, keep your eyes upon him, never looking down as the inevitable becomes possible.

JANUARY 5

The Midnight Cry of Praise

Acts 16

Paul and Silas were two great men of God that desired so much to see the New Testament church go forward. They went about preaching and teaching to anyone that would listen to the great call of salvation. As Paul and Silas were going to the place of prayer, they met a slave girl who had a spirit by which she could predict the future. The slave girl shouted loudly, These men are servants of the Most High God who are telling you the way to be saved! The purpose of her owner was to make money, and Paul rebuked this spirit in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, freeing the young girl at that moment.

As Paul and Silas were brought before the magistrate, accused of discord and unlawful customs for the Romans, they were bound, stripped, and beaten. They were severely flogged and thrown into prison. Their feet were chained and placed in stocks. As the midnight hour approached, Paul and Silas began to sing praises of hope and joy that permeated the prison with tranquility and touched the very heart of each prisoner. The Holy Spirit filled the prison, shaking the very foundation of sin and destruction. The jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas, asking, What must I do to be saved? God used Paul and Silas for his kingdom. The most horrendous circumstances brought salvation to the house of the jailer. God used his plan, not the plan of Paul and Silas.

Has God placed circumstances in your life that seem unbearable? Let him shake the foundation that binds your circumstances and bring honor and glory to his precious name. Trust in the Lord when the circumstances are not to your liking. God never fails.

JANUARY 6

If You Love Me, You Will Keep My Commandments

Jn. 14

One of Jesus’s disciples, John, wrote this book. The focus is to stress the relationship that Jesus had with people. Jesus said in John 14:15: If you love me, you will obey what I command.

As I read this chapter, it was as if Jesus became the parent of humanity. I can just see him sitting around the table, talking to the disciples with tears in his eyes, knowing full well that he would be ascending to the throne of God in just a little while. In John 14:23-24, he said it again, just like a parent would do to reiterate the importance at hand: If anyone loves me, he will obey my teachings. My father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the father who sent me.

As I am writing this devotion, self-inventory takes place within my heart. Do I love the Lord enough to trust him with my entire life? Do I trust him even when life throws me a curveball? Will I stand the test as Joseph did in the midst of dire circumstances, not complaining but pressing on, loving the Lord, never indulging in self-pity? May we take this day and ask ourselves; Do I love the Lord enough to obey in all areas of my life? In our finances, leadership in the home, prayer and devotion time, guarding our words? Are we asking ourselves; What would Jesus do? There is something about this phrase that softens the heart and brings light and stillness to the soul. Do you love me? Jesus asked. Then you will obey me. That is my prayer today that we, as Christians, love the Lord and obey his word.

JANUARY 7

The Power of a Positive Attitude

Phil. 4:6

Paul wrote the book of Philippians while he was in prison. The words joy or rejoice are used fourteen times. He knew, full well, that his circumstance placed him in a life-or-death situation, yet he said in Philippians 1:21: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. His words of encouragement to the Philippians were full of joy and instruction for godly living.

Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Paul could have easily fallen into the woes of prison life. Instead he praised God daily and rejoiced in his circumstance. Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

When negative thoughts permeate your mind, looking for the positive will bring blessing to your soul. It’s not the things that you acquire, the job you have, the money you make, or the social arena that bring happiness. Training the mind to think positive thoughts when life seems unfair brings stability to your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as mankind. Being negative has a way of putting a roadblock in the path of your own success.

A wise man seeks instructions such as Paul did. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. His attitude lifted those around him and brought tranquility and encouragement.

As we walk with God, regardless of how difficult it is, his promise is always true: I will never leave you or forsake you.

January 8

What is Agape Love?

Matt. 22:37-39

As I read the scriptures regarding the life of Jesus Christ, he manifested a selfless love reaching out to humanity in the highest form. He willingly gave himself on the cross, sacrificing himself for our sins.

Jesus gathered together twelve disciples that he could teach to lead the church in the right direction after his death. He loved them, taught them, healed the sick, cast out demons, and used many parables to exemplify the message that he wanted the world to know.

What is agape love? I would say that it is a selfless love. When an expert in the law tested Jesus, asking him what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is to Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Jesus was straightforward to the lawyer; God should have preeminence in our hearts. If God’s love has taken first residence within our hearts, the second greatest commandment will follow. The book of Acts tells about Peter and Paul, with Peter being the central person and Paul being the missionary who reached out to the nearby countries to tell others about Christ. Not much was mentioned in the book of Acts about love. Instead, we see Christians living out agape love in action and deed. As they ministered to the church, their selfless love reached out to great numbers.

When we truly love, self becomes irrelevant and our love spills out onto humanity—seeking to lead others to the saving grace of our Lord and Savior. Paul and Peter had agape love. We must take our spiritual temperature, measuring our love for God and humanity, so that we can be used to his glory today.

JANUARY 9

Let Love Be Without Dissimulation

Rom. 12:9–10

The midday phone call left me wanting to check the caller ID just in case it was a sales pitch. As I checked the ID, it was a dear friend calling to invite me over to see her. I sure would enjoy the company and fellowship, I thought to myself, as her voice radiated softly through the phone. We made an appointment for Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

As I pulled into her driveway on Saturday, I quickly got out of the car, anticipating her beautiful spirit that so encompassed my soul each time I would visit. She told me bits and pieces of her life that all led up to the profound faith that she had in the Lord Jesus Christ. Eighty-eight years of age did not stop her from rising to her feet as I entered the door, reaching out her arms of faith that glowed and superseded her long-time illness.

Romans 12:9 says, Let love be without dissimulation. (That is without concealment of one’s thoughts, feelings, or character.) At one point in Ms. Eighty-Eight’s life, she described an incident in her life that would have consumed anyone less strong, yet she said, I must be Christ-like, filled with brotherly love. Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love (Rom. 12:10).

There is something about a person who loves without dissimulation that spills out on the lives of others. Not one moment did she think of herself, only of what she could do with Christ-like love.

May your day be filled with God’s profound love, even when you are in adverse situations that rock your world.

JANUARY 10

Blessing for Obedience

Deut. 28:1

If you obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on Earth. (Deut. 28:1)

There are so many ingredients to living a Christian life. I might say that forgiving others is a special ingredient, as well as loving the unlovable, controlling the temper; and using words of kindness. The Ten Commandments give Christians a guideline how to follow and serve the Lord. We often must take spiritual inventory to see how we are doing. The older I’ve grown, the more I realize that we must put our robe of righteousness on each morning, seeking wisdom for the day. As I arise in the morning, during prayer time, I seek his wisdom in all that I do for that day. There are times in my walk with the Lord that I must take a deep breath when conflict crosses my path. I have learned that quick reactions to a conflict bring turmoil to the soul.

When God gives you that special moment of opportunity to carry out his plan in whatever your ministry is, blessings will come because of your obedience. Deuteronomy 28:1 assures us of this when God says, I will set you high above all nations on Earth.

JANUARY 11

The Miracle of the Budding Staff

Num. 17:1–12

As the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness and desert for thirty-eight years, God’s constant care for Israel was depicted throughout the books of the Pentateuch. God gave Israel many examples of his love and protection.

When Pharaoh would not let Israel go so they could worship the Lord their God, God sent plagues to Egypt such as water turning to blood, frogs, gnats or lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, thunder and hail, locusts, darkness, and death to the firstborn. Pharaoh was a very stubborn man with an ego that permeated throughout Egypt. God’s love and care for Israel was displayed when the plagues were sent as tools to get Pharaoh to let his people go. God prepared a way that Israel could have freedom to worship the God of Israel. As God prepared the way for Israel to exit Egypt, he also selected the leadership for the tribes of Israel. It was as if God had a visual aid to get his point across and fulfill his promise.

The budding staff of Aaron was a defining moment for Israel. God spoke to Moses, instructing him to get twelve staffs, one for each leader. He then told him to pull the staff of Levi and write Aaron’s name on the staff. God told Moses, The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout. Aaron’s staff budded as God said. Numbers 17:1–12 shows the deep and profound love that God had for Israel, giving a visual aid that could not be mistaken by their eyes.

That miracle of the budding staff is yours today when you seek his fullness in your life. God cares for every part of your life just as he did with Israel. Many trials came to Israel because of their disobedience to God, yet he reached out his hand in many ways to show his deep love for his people.

Obedience eliminates trials and brings hope and restoration to the soul.

JANUARY 12

A Call to Persevere

Jude 1

Jude, like James, was a brother of Jesus Christ and had firsthand exposure to our Lord and Savior as he walked among men. The imagery that fills my heart depicts the LORD giving instructions for godly living, and for his death and resurrection that was to come.

Jude had a great concern just as James, his brother, regarding the future of the church: Dear friend, although I was eager to write to you about the salvation that we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord (Jude 1:3–4).

As Jude gave his instruction to God’s people, he reminded them that God led Israel out of bondage, giving them full access to his love and mercy, and later destroyed those that did not believe. Jude did not want God’s people to forget that God gives us a choice to serve him and if we chose not to, destruction is at hand.

The book of Jude contains only one chapter, and in that chapter we find an urgency, calling the saints of God to not allow sin and destruction to filter into the Church of God. As Solomon says in Proverbs 1:20: Wisdom calls aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the public square. Solomon is simply telling us that we, the people of our great nation, must seek wisdom from Almighty God.

JANUARY 13

The Gift of Hospitality

Heb. 13:1–2

Let brotherly love continue, be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware. (Heb. 13:1)

My brother-in-law, Bill Konstantopoulos, tells a story in his book The Virtues of a Healthy Church regarding an unlearned monk who he believes had an experience with the Lord. The monk came to his town and gathered people in the main square and talked about the virgin birth of Christ and the love of God. Bill’s family opened their doors of hospitality to the monk. The event brought blessing to their family.

My mother opened her door on many occasions to the evangelist that came for a special meeting at the church I attended as a child. Compared to today’s standards, our home was very small, yet her doors were always open. The morning breakfast included eggs, gravy, bacon…and let’s not forget the homemade biscuits. Yes, you guessed it: she was a southern woman full of hospitality. Lunch entailed a full-course meal—meat and three. In the evening, she would have a full-course dinner again, just before the evening service. She never sat down until the last one was served. Her sweet little giggle and smile put everyone at ease. After the evening service, yes, she would have a dessert as we dialogued with the evangelist and learned about his family. Pretentious hospitality was never a part of my mother’s life. Her spirit and love for people flooded our home. She left a great legacy to her family.

The gift of hospitality is so needed in the life of the church, and with people we encounter daily. You get to know people by fellowshipping and speaking with them one-on-one each Sunday. May we as Christians take time to fellowship and invite people who need the Lord into our homes. Fellowship reaches into the heart of the individual in a way that nothing else can.

JANUARY 14

A Father’s Love

Eph. 6:4

And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4)

Nurturing is a gentle stream of concern and compassion for another person. At the top of the steps, in the early hours of the morning, my son had a pillow lying on the floor in the bathroom. My granddaughter had been vomiting all night with a stomach virus. The touch of my son Matthew, and the support he gave her, will forever be imprinted in her mind. Dad being there made things better.

A child must understand the kind admonition of their father. The example and legacy of the father gives the young woman or man tools to work with for life. If compassion is shown, the child will grow up knowing how to be compassionate. If the father controls his temper, the child will learn to be a problem solver without rage. If fathers and mothers are kind to their neighbors, the child will learn how to be hospitable. If the father and mother are giving, the child will learn the art of giving. Godly parents will pave the way of success for their children.

God has this same kind of love for his people. He loves us unconditionally and continually shows a gentle stream of compassion for his people. John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Fathers and mothers, may we have a tender stream of compassion and leadership for our children. May we seek wisdom from Almighty God so that they can learn how to respect their parents and understand the gentle admonition of their Heavenly Father.

JANUARY 15

When Judging Hurts

Matt. 7:1

As I made the trip to Cleveland to find out the results of a three-month treatment trial for my daughter who has metastatic breast cancer, the waiting for the physician to enter the room elevated the stress. I wondered if she would get a good report. The news was devastating—the cancer had spread and a new treatment plan was imminent.

When I arrived home, the stress of the day had set in. My heart and soul were troubled for my child. Late evening, the doorbell rang. Guests had come to visit so I opened the door and invited them in, telling them it was good to see them. Christian living became the topic for the evening. Words of instructions from our visitors quickly became judgmental and piercing to the soul. In these moments, when you refrain from anger, God shows up on the scene. I love that about my Lord: he comes at the right time and calms the soul.

Character deficit will often cause a person to judge someone incorrectly. As a Christian, we often must take a deep breath before speaking in rebuttal to the conversation at hand. Asking why the words of condemnation were spoken helps you consider the interpersonal heart of the conversationalist, giving you a better understanding.

Matthew 7:1 says: Judge not, that ye be not judged.

As a young woman threw her papers on my desk harshly, I quickly got up and asked her, Did you mean anything by throwing those papers on my desk irately? She quickly spoke up and said, Sorry, I did not mean anything by that. She became a great friend that I learned to love. I learned from this incident that we can often judge incorrectly if we let ourselves. May we as Christians take a moment to pause to look beneath the heart of our fellowman before making judgment.

JANUARY 16

Building Our House Upon the Sands

Matt. 5:7–24

Matthew 5:7–24 is full of instructions to God’s people. These chapters include the Sermon on the Mount. If you look in the Word of God, you will find this section written in red, signifying importance as Jesus spoke to the multitudes.

As Jesus gives instructions, his syllabus included the Beatitudes: blessed are the poor, blessed are they that mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are ye when men revile you. Jesus attached an addendum to the Beatitudes by saying, Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.

The Beatitudes are like a builder. The blueprint is selected for the home as the builder plans his strategy. The builder starts by putting in the foundation, carefully selecting the cement, the amount of water, and the weather in which he will pour the foundation. He then builds per the specs of the blueprint, keeping within the building codes. In Matthew 7:24, Jesus instructs: Whosoever hears these sayings and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon the rock. The rock signifies Jesus Christ.

As we build our house for the Lord Jesus Christ, may every attitude, word, and deed be filled with a builder’s quality and a big dose of the Beatitudes. When the Lord builds our house, the winds of turmoil that often encompass our soul, will not shake our foundation as we make our journey home. God gives us that assurance in Matthew 7:25. The rains came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fail, because it had its foundation built upon the rock.

JANUARY 17

The How-To Book

James 1:5

For James, being the brother of Jesus Christ certainly had benefits, because Jesus lived the example in his presence. James wrote the letter to teach Christians everywhere how to live their lives out in Christianity.

One of the greatest passages in this book is related to the tongue: If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:26). Our mouth often speaks before consulting the Spirit of God. There is an impression within the heart that is included in our DNA, which was made by God. It automatically kicks in when we are about to speak words of unkindness or words that might not be true of another person. Sometimes we give our opinions, not thinking about the results they might have on the person we are speaking about. God detests this type of behavior from Christians and tells us not to do it. Repeated gossip with no validity breaks fellowship and assassinates another person’s character.

James 3 tells us to seek wisdom as we make our journey. It is so easy to get caught up in the moment and get outside of the will of God, which James warns us about. His desire was for Christians (then and now) to have faith, to listen, and to tame the tongue. Prayer-seeking leadership along with patience is a formula for godly living. James gives an example of Elijah, saying he was a man just like us; he prayed earnestly that it would not rain because the Israelites had taken up worshiping the god of Baal. This ceremonial practice was to kill babies. God answered Elijah’s prayer, saving the lives of an untold number of babies and stopped the rain for three years. We have the same advocate with the Lord Jesus Christ. The book of James gives instructions on how to live a godly life. Take a moment today and take inventory as you read this great book. It is only five chapters but has been a great instruction book for me as I live my Christian life.

JANUARY 18

When the Holy Spirit Impresses the Soul

Jn. 3:6–8

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit… The wind blows and ye cannot see, so is everyone that is born of the spirit. (Jn. 3:6, 8)

All throughout this book, I have used examples from my own life that tell a story of how the Holy Spirit speaks.

When I moved to Nashville, I sought employment, trying to recover from the move and trying to land a job with benefits and a decent salary. A job opened for me that seemed so right. It had benefits, a good salary, and was with a reputable company. As I went before God, the impression was to run from the offer. I told God, I will make it work. Still the impression was so strong that I would get fired if I took the job. My will to succeed led me to taking the job. Without going into details, I got fired regardless of how hard I tried or what I did. When we become a Christian, we have benefits, and God is so gracious that he wants us to succeed and not go backward. God wanted the best for me, and I had to have it my way. It was costly and very emotional since I had never been fired. God gives us an FYI often, and we must listen.

Jesus informed Nicodemus to be born again, stating that if a man is not born of the Spirit, he stands condemned. The direct instructions that Jesus gave Nicodemus brought the tax collector to his knees, leading him into discipleship. The difference is that Nicodemus listened to the voice of Jesus Christ. Jesus