Random Thoughts About God And Life: (A Sunday Afternoon Devotional)

By Janice Bucher

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you . . . ""James 4:8a This book (in devotional format) is about God and things that I have learned from following Him, from studying His Word, from praying, and from reading good books by spiritual mentors. They really are random thoughts about friendship, marriage, giving, prayer, family, disappointment, grace, and so much more! My prayer is that these writings will draw you closer to God as you travel on this journey called life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644168752

Book preview

Friendship

A man of many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

—Proverbs 18:24

Good friends are a true gift from God. A close friend is someone you can trust and someone who loves you unconditionally. They pray for you and encourage you.

A superficial friend is one who is concerned about status. What is your profession? What kind of car do you drive? Where do you live?

A good friend values you for who you are, not for what you can give to them.

Let’s all strive to be a genuine friend! When you find a good friend, it is important to let them know how much you appreciate them.

God Sees Your Heart!

But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

—I Samuel 16:7

Many of us put on a facade and look really good to others who may be observing us. However, God is the one who sees our hearts. We really need to examine our hearts and ask God to reveal the ugliness in us, so it can be confessed and purged from our lives.

Do you harbor hatred, jealousy, and other hidden sins? You can’t expect God to answer your prayers if your heart isn’t right with Him.

Sometimes God allows difficult people and situations to reveal areas in our lives that need attention. For example, God allowed someone in my life who I felt did not treat me fairly. I had unkind and angry thoughts toward that person. Do you know that because someone mistreats you or mistreats a loved one does not give you the right to harbor anger, bitterness, or unkind thoughts towards that person? Your response is a test of your Christian character. I understand that we will all fail this test. However, God has a purpose in allowing it into our lives. It is to purify our hearts.

We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and ask God to help us clean up our hearts to honor our Savior.

Family

But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.

—Psalm 103:17

There is no greater gift than a close family. Families stand by us during the great disappointments and the great joys of life. They understand you like no one else. You are able to share your innermost thoughts without fear.

We should not take our families for granted. Love should be shown to them on a regular basis. Do you thank them when they do something kind or complete