God Speaks Reflections

By Cleopatra Lytle

This writing shares portions of my devotional journaling with you the reader. I continue to be amazed about reading the Word of God and how it continues to speak and teach on God's plan for life in this world. As well the Word teaches, heals and meets needs timely and at times when I'm not aware of my own needs. My desire is that others will be encouraged to read the Word regularly and to take up the discipline of journaling. Be open to be blessed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781635250718

Book preview

300576-ebook.jpg

Cleopatra Lytle

God Speaks Reflections

ISBN 978-1-63525-070-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63525-071-8 (Digital)

Copyright © 2016 by Cleopatra Lytle

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

296 Chestnut Street

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Preface

This book is to share a journal of personal devotions with others in hope that others will become inspired to read the Word of God on a daily basis. You will see that I share the scripture and the message I received from that particular reading. The Word of God will speak to you personally and is enlightening every time it’s read. The Bible is the most powerful reading we’ll ever experience. My desire is that the reader listens for the voice of God speaking to them and make note of the experience.

Notice what I share here of God’s message to me is brief as I do not want His message to me to be the focus. I hope the focus, instead, is your time spent in the Word of God and what He communicates with you.

The power of journaling is that you can revisit the experience over and over again. It can be referred to at times, for example, when you are unable to attend worship services for whatever reason, such as travel or illness. These are times I have referred to a journal and read from previous documentation. My journaling began with my prayers, writing my requests, and, later, writing thank you as prayers were answered. Here I share 365 entries from my journals and pray for your inspiration and blessings.

Except where specified, scriptures are from the NIV version of the Bible. Other versions as noted are NASB and The Message Bible.

Read Proverbs 4:20–22.

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to man’s whole body.

God Speaks

The Word of God is valuable. Use your senses to experience it. Keep it close so you may see. Take the opportunity to listen to the Word. Feel it in your heart and experience life in a healthy way as you find the Word of God being part of your life.

Your Reflections

Read Hebrew 4:12–13 (MSG).

God means what He says. What He says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying it open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it-no matter what!

God Speaks

Let us stick with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as our daily guide. Read and study God’s Word daily. It is the best book you’ll ever read, and it will provide new insight every time you read it. Experience the absolute truth.

Your Reflections

Read Matthew 5:13–15 (MSG).

Shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt others to open up with God.

God Speaks

We were chosen long ago to fulfill God’s purpose to help and reach others.

Your Reflections

Read Galatians 1:6–9.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel; which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you in confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again. If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned.

God Speaks

There is only one Gospel. Read the Word daily and let God speak and guide you in discerning the truth of His Gospel.

Your Reflections

Read Luke 7:36–50.

A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.…Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven.

God Speaks

No matter your baggage,

you can’t make God stop loving you.

Your Reflections

Read Isaiah 43:1–7.

But now, this is what the Lord says-he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine…Do not be afraid, for I am with you;…everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.

God Speaks

When God is our Savior, there is no need to be afraid. We are redeemed by God and belong to Him. He protects no matter what we’re going through.

Your Reflections

Read John 6:1–21.

When they all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.

God Speaks

Our Lord Jesus is so generous in His providing for us. Let us not be wasteful with our gifts, talents, and finances. Let nothing be wasted.

Your Reflections

Read Psalm 37:1–11 (NIV, MSG).

Do not fret, trust in the Lord, take delight in the Lord, commit your ways to the Lord, be still before Him, and wait patiently for Him. Refrain from anger. The Lord will give you the desires of your heart, He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn your vindication like the noonday sun. The Lord will give you your inheritance and allow you to enjoy peace and prosperity.

God Speaks

Consider this Word when you get the urge to be envious or wonder why the enemy or one who does evil seems to be faring better than you.

Your Reflections

Read Psalm 33:12–15.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

God Speaks

We are not invisible to God. From heaven, He is looking down on all of us. He watches all the earth and considers everything we do.

Your Reflections

Read Exodus 33:12–21.

If you are pleased with me, teach me your way so I may know you and continue to find favor with you…The Lord replied, My Presence will go with you, and give you rest. (Exod. 33:13–14)

God Speaks

We can feel free to request God show His pleasure with us.

Your Reflections

Read Mark 2:5, 11–12.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven. I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home. He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, We have never seen anything like this!

God Speaks

Expect to be different. If you dare to have an encounter with Jesus, be brave and expect that others will be amazed.

Your Reflections

Read Genesis 22:1–17.

Some time later God tested Abraham.…Then God said, Take your son, your only son, whom you love-Isaac-and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.…

God Speaks

Can we pass the trust or obedience test?

God gives Abraham directions to sacrifice his only son. Abraham complies without question. When Abraham could see the place where God had directed him to go, he confidently tells his servants to stay while he and his son goes ahead. He further tells them, We will come back to you. Abraham responds to his son’s question as to where was the lamb for the burnt offering by assuring him, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son. Abraham obeyed every direction given to him, continuing to trust. The angel of the Lord called out, directing Abraham not to lay a hand on his son. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.

Your Reflections

Read Acts 2:38–40.

Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far-off for all whom the Lord God will call.…

God Speaks

Here’s my prayer during the government shutdown:

God, I pray for the condition of this country and especially those in politics. Allow those elected remove themselves and instead think of others who are being affected by their decisions. Lord, allow those who are affected to see you, depend on you, come to you, and come back to you. Allow your children the compassion in their hearts to reach out to help. Allow the spirit of those who have to work without pay remain encouraged and knowledgeable that their provider really is You. Thank you for your Word. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Your Reflections

Read Mark 5:25–34.

And a woman was thee who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she