The Life Changing Light Of God's Word: A 366 Day Devotional

By Norman and Jean Rawlings

At salvation, when we give our lives to Jesus and become Christians, we begin a wonderful eternal life with him, first on this earth and then in heaven. You may be asking, "What is Christianity all about? What is salvation? How exactly do I become a Christian?"

Whether you have been a Christian for a few days or many years, you may have many questions but have probably realized from the Bible that God has so much for you.

The Bible is God's Word to you and has all the answers to your questions. It is our prayer that as you work through this book of 366 short daily devotions, you will be enlightened and excited by God's Word and desire all he has for you as a Christian. We trust that these devotions will help you to understand the Bible better.

In the devotions, we quote scripture verses, give references to many others and, with our words of explanation, try to clearly present an array of topics important to us all as Christians. You will read about God's unconditional love and forgiveness, salvation, and becoming a Christian. We have devotions on how he wishes to walk and talk with you and guide you.

God has a truly abundant life for you both now and in heaven. We discuss how the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit can change and mature you to be more like God each day. We also delve into other areas, such as faith, healing, prayer, sharing Christ with others, and so much more. We put a strong emphasis on how to grow as a Christian, how to walk in all of God's promises, and the role of all Christians in the church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685709754

Book preview

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The Life Changing Light Of God's Word

A 366 Day Devotional

Norman and Jean Rawlings

ISBN 978-1-68570-974-7 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68570-975-4 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Norman and Jean Rawlings

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

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Devotions

1

Title: Hearing from God

Category: Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

2

Fear versus Peace?

Fear, peace

3

How Do You Become a Christian?

Salvation

4

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Hearing from God, Obedience

5

Is Your Character Doing It for You?

Godly Character

6

Do People Identify You as Christian?

Godly Character; Witnessing

7

What Are We?

Salvation

8

God's Strength

Protection, Security, Strength

9

The Veil Is Broken

Relationship with God

10

God Will Not Leave Us Nor Forsake Us

Relationship with God

11

Don't Worry, God's Got You Covered

God's Blessings

12

God Is for You

Relationship with God

13

Our God of the Impossible

Victory in Christ

14

Transformed into His Image

Growing in Christ

15

Don't Compare Yourself to Others

Love, Mercy, Compassion

16

Blind Faith

Faith

17

Power in the Word

God's Word, Wisdom

18

How Is Your Joy Today?

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

19

The Chase Is On

God's Blessings

20

You Have a Supernatural Helper

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

21

God Knows Us and His Plans for Us Are Good

God's Blessings

22

Don't Grow Weary in Doing Good

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

23

Can Jesus Use Me?

Witnessing

24

Have Faith in God

Faith

25

True Riches. Do You See It?

God's Word, Wisdom; Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

26

The Word of Our Testimony

Our Words

27

Who's that Knocking?

Relationship with God

28

Want to Know a Secret?

God's Word, Wisdom

29

Our Glorious Salvation

Salvation

30

Renewing our Minds

Growing in Christ

31

We Are Well Able

Faith

32

Walk the Talk

Walk the Talk

33

Where Is Your Focus Today?

Growing in Christ

34

Praise God

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

35

Of Fish and Mercy

Love, Mercy, Compassion

36

With All Your Might

Love, Mercy, Compassion; Walk the Talk

37

Sleep

Fear, Peace; God's Blessings

38

Jesus Is Coming to Church

Walk the Talk

39

The Day the Lights Went On

God's Word, Wisdom; Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

40

You Are Never Alone

Do It His Way

41

Depend on the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience; Witnessing

42

Be Holy, for I Am Holy

Godly Character

43

Believe, Believe, Only Believe

Faith; Prayer

44

Enjoy Your Inheritance

God's Blessings; Salvation

45

Christian Behaviour

Godly Character

46

The Power of the Believer

Salvation

47

Jesus Is Knocking. Are We Lukewarm?

Growing in Christ

48

Meditation on Ephesians 1

God's Word, Wisdom; Salvation

49

Unity in the Church

Unity, Offence, Strife; Humility

50

Ruth and Boaz

Love, Mercy, Compassion

51

Fervent Prayer

Prayer

52

God Confidence

Protection, Security, Strength

53

Go Fish

Witnessing

54

God's Wisdom

Spiritual Maturity; God's Word, Wisdom

55

Milk and Meat

God's Word, Wisdom

56

Losing and Finding

Do It His Way

57

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

58

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Walk the Talk; Love, Mercy, Compassion

59

Do Your Prayers Hit the Brass Ceiling?

Prayer

60

Get Aggressive in Your Walk

Growing in Christ

61

Integrity

Godly Character

62

Jesus Loves You

Love, Mercy, Compassion

63

God's protection

Protection, Security, Strength

64

That I Might Finish My Course

Walk the Talk

65

Like Water Off a Duck's Back

Protection, Security, Strength

66

Having a Childlike Spirit

Faith; Humility

67

How Is Your Prayer Life?

Prayer

68

Random Acts of Kindness

Love, Mercy, Compassion

69

A Firm Foundation

God's Word, Wisdom; Prayer

70

Ministering Servants

Humility; Walk the Talk

71

Busyness of Mind

God's Word, Wisdom; Fear, Peace

72

Faith Speaks

Faith; Our Words

73

Blow the Trumpet

The Church; Walk the Talk

74

Do You Have a Thankful Heart?

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

75

Hello, Are You Hiding in There?

Witnessing

76

Binding and Loosing

Prayer

77

The Sacrifice of Praise

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

78

Are You Healed Today?

Healing

79

Judgement

Sin, Forgiveness

80

Faith Fuel

Faith; Our Words

81

A heart to Give

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

82

Understand

God's Word, Wisdom; Humility

83

Wonderful!

God's Blessings

84

Fellowship with Jesus

Relationship with God

85

Avoid a Critical Spirit

Our Words

86

Jesus, Our Example of Humility

Humility

87

Joy

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

88

The Fruit of the Spirit

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

89

Fear Not, I Am Your God

Fear, Peace

90

Reigning as Kings

Salvation

91

God Loves Us All

Love, Mercy, Compassion

92

Our Mighty God

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

93

Expand Your Vision of God

God's Blessings

94

The Normal Church

The Church

95

Just Passing Through

Relationship with God

96

Life through God's Word

God's Word, Wisdom

97

Peace

Fear, Peace

98

What Comes Out of Our Mouths?

Our Words; Faith

99

Fear God

Fear, Peace; Relationship with God

100

Fathers

Marriage, Family

101

Trials

Worries, Trials, Concerns; Faith

102

Springs of Water

Growing in Christ

103

In Quietness and Confidence

Prayer

104

Honour

Godly Character

105

Imitate the Teacher

Growing in Christ

106

Anger

Godly Character; Unity, Offence, Strife

107

Overhearing but Ignoring

Faith

108

Are You Committed?

Walk the Talk; The Church

109

Watch and Pray

Prayer

110

Faith

Faith; God's Word, Wisdom

111

Christ in Us

Victory in Christ

112

Treasures in Heaven

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

113

Being a Mother

Marriage, Family

114

How to Be a True Disciple

God's Word, Wisdom

115

Times of Refreshing

Relationship with God

116

Do We Judge by Externals?

Do It His Way

117

Are We 24/7 Christians?

Walk the Talk; Witnessing

118

Desperation and Faith

Faith

119

Stand in Faith

Faith; Prayer

120

Signs and Wonders

Walk the Talk

121

God Rejoices Over You

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

122

How Is Your Yeast Today?

Sin, Forgiveness

123

Polish Up Your Crown

God's Blessings

124

Share Jesus Today

Witnessing

125

Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone

God's Word, Wisdom

126

Are You Walking in Step?

Unity, Offence, Strife; Do It His Way

127

Young Christians

Humility

128

Moods

Growing in Christ

129

To Know Christ

Victory in Christ

130

No Lack

Sowing, Reaping, Prosperity, Giving

131

Watch Your conversation

Our Words

132

Life Is a Decision

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience; Growing in Christ

133

Taming the Tongue

Our Words

134

Liberty

Sin, Forgiveness; Victory in Christ

135

What Are You Sowing Today?

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

136

And Isaac Loved Her

Marriage, Family

137

Miracles

God's Blessings

138

Jesus Knows Where You Are At

Victory in Christ; Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

139

Addiction

Spiritual Maturity

140

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

141

Be Obedient. It's as Simple as That

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

142

Abiding

Relationship with God

143

Grow up, Press In

Growing in Christ; Unity, Offence, Strife

144

God Is with You

Relationship with God

145

Let God Convict You Today

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience; Godly Character

146

True Prosperity

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

147

The Guaranteed Cure for Discouragement

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

148

God Exalts the Humble

Humility

149

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

Faith

150

The Throne of Grace

God's Blessings; Relationship with God

151

Ears and Eyes

God's Word, Wisdom; Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

152

Elijah and Elisha

Godly Character

153

Are You in the Right Season?

Do It His Way

154

Offence

Unity, Offence, Strife

155

The Arm of Flesh

Faith

156

Move Up or Stagnate

Growing in Christ

157

The Christian Example

Godly Character; Witnessing

158

Getting to Know God

Relationship with God

159

God-Pleasers

Walk the talk

160

Give It All to Jesus

Do It His Way; Worries, Trials, Concerns

161

Thirsty?

Growing in Christ

162

The Voice of the Lord

God's Word, Wisdom

163

Christians and Civil Authority

Godly Character

164

Christian Living

Growing in Christ

165

Thanksgiving

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

166

In His Presence

Relationship with God

167

Are You Walking in God's Power Today?

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience; God's Word, Wisdom

168

Running the Race

Walk the Talk; Growing in Christ

169

Chew on a Psalm Today

Relationship with God

170

Be Quick to Forgive

Sin, Forgiveness

171

Arise, Shine

Worries, Trials, Concerns

172

God Has You Covered

Salvation

173

Our Excellent God

Walk the talk

174

The Power of Unity

Unity, Offence, Strife; Prayer

175

God, Our All

Relationship with God

176

Eternal life

Relationship with God

177

Get Off the Fence

Walk the Talk

178

Jesus and Christian Leadership (Based on the Four Gospels)

The Church; Godly Character

179

Standing in the Gap

Prayer

180

Go and Make Disciples

Salvation; Witnessing

181

Trees

God's Blessings

182

Our Relationship with Jesus

Relationship with God

183

Are You Being squeezed?

Worries, Trials, Concerns

184

Loving God

Love, Mercy, Compassion

185

The Fullness of God

God's Blessings; Growing in Christ

186

Do You Walk in the Blessings of Abraham?

God's Blessings

187

Love Believes the Best of People

Our Words

188

More Like Jesus

God's Word, Wisdom; Growing in Christ

189

Kick Depression Out

Worries, Trials, Concerns

190

The Christian's Vital Key

Faith

191

Will God Heal Me Today?

Healing

192

Communing with God in Prayer

Prayer

193

Encouragement

God's Blessings

194

Are You on Track with God Today?

Spiritual Maturity

195

Obedience

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience; Do It His Way

196

Do All Things without Complaining?

Do It His Way

197

How Do We Approach and Handle God's Word?

God's Word, Wisdom

198

Praying the Desires of Your Heart

Prayer

199

God Wants to Change You

Growing in Christ

200

How's Your Steering?

God's Word, Wisdom; Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

201

Jesus Proclaims His Ministry

Victory in Christ; Do It His Way; Salvation

202

Diligence

Walk the Talk; Growing in Christ

203

Be Careful What You Are Hearing

God's Word, Wisdom

204

Do You Allow God to Discipline You?

Godly Character

205

No Fear Here

Fear, Peace

206

Put Off the Grave Clothes

Growing in Christ

207

God's Word Written in Our Hearts

Relationship with God

208

Seek Those Things Above

Spiritual Maturity

209

The Walk of Faith

God's Word, Wisdom; Faith; Growing in Christ

210

Knowing Him

Growing in Christ

211

Victory in Christ

Victory in Christ

212

We Are Called to Serve

Humility

213

Greater than John the Baptist

Relationship with God

214

Our Fortress

Protection, Security, Strength

215

What Do You Want Me to Do?

Walk the Talk

216

God's Peace

Fear, Peace

217

Through Christ

Protection, Security, Strength

218

Pray without Ceasing

Prayer

219

Made Righteous

Sin, Forgiveness

220

Goodness and Kindness

Love, Mercy, Compassion

221

A Royal Priesthood

Spiritual Maturity; Relationship with God

222

What Are You Wearing Today?

Growing in Christ

223

The Whole Truth

God's Word, Wisdom

224

Healing and Health

Healing; Humility

225

The Water of Life

God's Blessings

226

Psalm 92:12–14

God's Blessings; Relationship with God

227

Breaking Free from Sin

Sin, Forgiveness

228

Conversation with God

Prayer

229

Break Up Your Fallow Ground

Growing in Christ

230

It Doesn't Matter What People Think

Do It His Way; Walk the Talk

231

Unconditional Love

Love, Mercy, Compassion

232

Created for God's Glory

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

233

Wow, Do We Need Wisdom

God's Word, Wisdom

234

Cease Your Struggles, Lean on God's Grace

God's Blessings; Salvation

235

Believing for the Impossible

God's Blessings; Faith

236

Look to God and Live

Godly Character; Witnessing

237

Angels

God's Blessings

238

A Man After God's Heart

Godly Character; Sin and Forgiveness

239

Pressing In

Growing in Christ

240

Humility, Obedience, and Victory

Victory in Christ; Humility

241

Enjoy God's Fellowship Today

Relationship with God

242

Follow in His Footsteps

Witnessing

243

Wolves

Unity, Offence, Strife

244

The Virtuous Woman

Godly Character

245

From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Growing in Christ

246

In Awe of God Almighty

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

247

The Centurion that Had It All Together

Faith

248

You Reap What You Sow

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

249

Patience and Endurance

Spiritual Maturity

250

Let God Do the Changing

God's Word, Wisdom

251

You Need Jesus

Salvation; God's Word, Wisdom

252

God Thinks of You

Relationship with God

253

The Person that God Blesses

Growing in Christ; God's Blessings

254

You Are Blessed

God's Blessings

255

God Is Black and White on Sin

Sin, Forgiveness

256

Let the Holy Spirit Transform You

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

257

A Key to Moving on with God

Growing in Christ

258

A Recipe for Change

God's Word, Wisdom; Do It His Way; Humility

259

Waiting on the Lord

Faith; Prayer

260

Love Is Not Optional

Love, Mercy, Compassion

261

Our Lifeline in Tough Times

Worries, Trials, Concerns; Healing

262

We Need to be Spiritually Minded

Spiritual Maturity

263

What Are You Looking At?

Spiritual Maturity

264

Dynamite

Spiritual Maturity

265

King Solomon

Spiritual Maturity; Humility

266

The Lord Is My Shepherd, Psalm 23 (WEB)

God's Blessings

267

In the World but Apart

Walk the Talk

268

Deliverance from Trouble

Worries, Trials, Concerns

269

The Apple Tree

Humility

270

Two Types of Faith

Faith

271

A Large Place

God's Blessings

272

Resolute Trust in God

Faith

273

Our Time on this Earth

Walk the Talk

274

To Know Him

Growing in Christ

275

Bearing One Another`s Burdens

Love, Mercy, Compassion

276

Order Brings Abundance and Peace

The Church; Marriage, Family

277

The Song of Solomon

Marriage, Family; Love, Mercy, Compassion

278

Long life

Victory in Christ; Healing

279

Are You Ready?

Spiritual Maturity

280

The Armour of God

Protection, Security, Strength

281

Wedding Clothes

Spiritual Maturity

282

The Lord Is My Keeper

Protection, Security, Strength

283

Self-discipline

Godly Character

284

God Calls Us to Change

Growing in Christ

285

Integrity of Heart

Relationship with God

286

Be Courageous

God's Word, Wisdom

287

Joseph

Godly Character

288

Godliness

Spiritual Maturity; Faith

289

Strife

Unity, Offence, Strife

290

Increasing in Love

Love, Mercy, Compassion

291

Mercy

Love, Mercy, Compassion

292

Giving to the Poor

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity; Love, Mercy, Compassion

293

Been in the Fire Lately?

Worries, Trials, Concerns

294

Wisdom for Every Issue of Life

God's Word, Wisdom

295

Are Your Words full Of Life Today?

Our Words

296

Changed Lives

Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

297

Let God's Word Change You

Walk the Talk; God's Word, Wisdom

298

Try Me, Says the Lord

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

299

You and Your Household

Marriage, Family

300

Does a Casual Relationship with God Cut It?

Walk the Talk; Prayer

301

Leave the Past at Last

Sin, Forgiveness

302

Recreated for Good Works

Walk the Talk

303

Grace

God's Blessings

304

Frogs

Faith; Our Words

305

Kingdom Living

Victory in Christ

306

His Compassions Fail Not

Love, Mercy, Compassion

307

Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4)

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

308

What Is in Your Hand?

God's Blessings

309

Build on the Rock

God's Word, Wisdom

310

The Rewards of Humility

Humility

311

Psalm 118

God's Word, Wisdom

312

Are You a Peacemaker?

Fear, Peace

313

Are You Like the Wise Virgins?

Salvation

314

How to Receive Wisdom

God's Word, Wisdom

315

God's Amazing Love

Love, Mercy, Compassion

316

Seek and Find

Relationship with God; God's Word, Wisdom

317

Partakers of Christ

God's Blessings; Relationship with God

318

The Thankful Heart

Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy

319

Our Daily Bread, One Day at a Time

Spiritual Maturity

320

To Live Is Christ

Godly Character

321

Are You Characterized by Meekness?

Godly Character

322

A Repentant Heart

Sin, Forgiveness

323

Love and Marriage

Marriage, Family

324

Purity

Spiritual Maturity

325

Victory Over the Devil

Victory in Christ

326

Remaining

Victory in Christ

327

The Power of the Word of God

God's Word, Wisdom; Prayer

328

The Secret of the Godly

Spiritual Maturity

329

Gossip

Our Words

330

Let Your Light Shine

Witnessing

331

Jesus Did It All for Us

Victory in Christ

332

Emptied of Self and Filled with Him

Spiritual Maturity; Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

333

Unity

Unity, Offence, Strife

334

Faithfulness

Godly Character

335

Patience in Tribulation; God Has a Plan.

Do It His Way

336

Peter Restored

Love, Mercy, Compassion

337

Who Is the Greatest in God's Kingdom?

Humility

338

Have You Been Tempted Today?

God's Word, Wisdom

339

I Know Whom I Have Believed

Godly Character; Faith

340

The Appointed Time

Do It His Way

341

Money

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

342

Love Your Neighbour as Yourself

Our Words; Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience; Love, Mercy, Compassion

343

Seek Those Things Which Are Above

Growing in Christ

344

How Does God See You?

Relationship with God

345

Adultery and Murder

Sin, Forgiveness

346

Listen and See with Your Heart

Spiritual Maturity

347

Warnings and Rewards

Victory in Christ

348

Stay Focused

Growing in Christ

349

God Dwells in and with Us

Relationship with God

350

Enjoying Life

God's Blessings; Praise, Worship, Thanks, Joy; Witnessing

351

Do You Ever Lose Focus?

Faith; Prayer

352

Love Your Enemies

Love, Mercy, Compassion

353

The Name of Jesus

Victory in Christ

354

Emptied of Self and Filled with Him

Humility; Growing in Christ

355

Prosperity

Sowing, Reaping, Giving, Prosperity

356

Let God Fight Your Battle Victory in Christ

Protection, Security, Strength

357

Faith and Manchester, England

Faith

358

Marriage

Marriage, Family

359

The Compassion of Christ

Love, Mercy, Compassion

360

Patience in Waiting

Faith; Prayer

361

Take Your Place, You Are Needed

The Church

362

Going Through a Storm?

Worries, Trials, Concerns

363

Our Gift from God, the Gospel!

God's Word, Wisdom

364

God's Breakthrough

Worries, Trials, Concerns

365

The New Jerusalem

Relationship with God

366

Why Are We on this Earth?

Witnessing

Study Material Used

Index of Devotion Categories

About the Authors

Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations in this book are from the World English Bible British version (marked as WEB) or the King James Version of the Bible (marked as KJV). Rights in the authorized King James Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown reproduced by permission of the Crown's patentee, Cambridge University Press.

Scripture quotations marked as NKJV are from the New Kings James Version of the Bible copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked as AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright 1965 and 1987, by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified New Testament copyright 1958, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked as NLT are from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible copyright 1996, 2004, and 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation used by permission from Tyndale House Publishers Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction

We are made in God's image; we are spirit beings housed in a physical body, and we have a soul (which is our mind, will, and emotions). The disobedience or sin of God's first created man and woman, Adam and Eve, introduced sin into the world. Sin caused spiritual death, breaking man's fellowship with God. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth as a man and died as a sacrifice for our sins. He paid the price for our sins so God could forgive us. If we ask for God to forgive us and come into our lives to take control, we will be born again or saved; we receive a new spirit in fellowship with God.

At salvation, we begin a wonderful journey with Jesus on this earth, culminating in eternity with God in heaven. We can enjoy a dynamic relationship with a living God who dwells in us, converses with us, and empowers us to be all he designed us to be. God desires us to live the abundant life that he lives, a life of fulfillment, peace, health, wholeness, and prosperity; a life spent walking with God in his love and forgiveness, sharing him and his love with the world around us.

You may not have encountered the words and facts you read above. They may be new and strange to you. Perhaps you have asked Jesus into your life as Lord and Saviour and have many questions. Alternatively, you may have been a Christian for many years but are searching for more in your walk with God. It is our prayer that as you work through this book of daily devotions, you will be enlightened and excited by God's Word to desire all he has for you as a Christian. We trust that these devotions will help to bring revelation and understanding for you from God's Word.

In this life, none of us will ever exhaust the rich wisdom that God has for us in his Word. If you want to, God will draw you higher and closer in your walk with him throughout your life on this earth; there are no limits. The apostle Paul never claimed to know all that Jesus won for him by his death and resurrection. Like Paul, we encourage you to press in to know God and his love for you.

Topics covered in this devotional range from faith and salvation to the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit. You will read about how God wishes to walk and talk with you and the abundant life he has for you now and in heaven. We also delve into other areas such as God's unconditional love and forgiveness, healing, prayer, faith, sharing Christ with others and so much more. We put a strong emphasis on the how-to of maturing and growing as a Christian and walking in all of his promises for you.

This book of daily devotions was written over several years. You will notice that there are 366 devotions, so if you were born on February 29, we were thinking of you! Each devotion is short and designed to be read quickly, perhaps first thing in your day to give you a godly focus for your day. The devotions also contain a number of suggested scripture verses for reading and study when you have a little more time, perhaps in a Bible study group. There is a category contents list to help you find devotions for a particular subject that you may be interested in or need help with.

You will notice that some themes are emphasized throughout the book with devotions that present the theme from differing approaches; this is deliberate. Repetition is good if it helps to bring light on important aspect of God's Word. But we have tried to avoid direct duplication of devotions. We trust you will find this devotional helpful and challenging.

Acknowledgements

We very much appreciate the support, encouragement and prayers of friends far and wide and especially the leaders in our local church: apostle Terry Noel, apostle Gordon Kyler and pastor Kenton Kyler. Our book would never have been published without the input and hard work of the staff at Christian Faith Publishing. In particular, we thank Mr. Brian Greenawalt our publication coordinator, for his liaison, for fielding our questions and his general facilitation of the publication process. Most importantly we thank God for directing us to prepare this devotional, giving us the words to write and the ability to complete the task.

Devotions

1

Title: Hearing from God

Category: Holy Spirit, Guidance, Obedience

Do you agonize over decisions and wish you could see God's direction clearly? Jesus called us his sheep and said we would hear his voice (John 10:27). So how do we hear from God? Well, we need to remember that we are made in God's image. We are spirit beings (1 Thess. 5:23). Our spirit is often called our spiritual heart or conscience. God contacts us largely through the Holy Spirit communicating with our spirit. God can communicate in other ways, but by way of his Holy Spirit is the most important.

How does the Holy Spirit guide us? He reveals God's Word in the Bible (John 16:13–14), bringing us understanding (revelation). If we read the Word prayerfully, he will bring guidance through the verses we read. How often do we read and reread a section of the Bible, and suddenly a verse jumps out at us? That's the Holy Spirit.

Another main way that the Spirit speaks to us is by the still small voice that the prophet Elijah heard (1 Kings 19:11–12). How do we know this is God? Well, that still small voice on the inside of us comes with a sense of peace and assurance that it is God. God's wisdom is peaceable and lines up with his Word (Jas. 3:17). We can also experience a sense of direction, unction, or witness from the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16). Often, when we have a decision to make, the Holy Spirit will bring the answer to our spirit and we will have a really firm inner assurance that this is the way to go. This is called the inner witness.

To hear from God, we need to still our minds and learn to recognize the guidance of his Spirit (Rom. 12:2). It's a bit like the offence in a football team trying to get directions from the quarterback in the face of a noisy opposing crowd of supporters. Talk to God and spend time in his Word; allow the Word and time with him to quiet you (Isa. 26:3). He doesn't always answer right away but often when we least expect it.

My wife and I had a major decision to make, and we agreed to both pray independently and seek God for several months. When we compared notes, we had heard almost identically from God. God is good, and he wants us to walk in peace and assurance, knowing we are in his will (Prov. 3:5–6).

2

Fear versus Peace?

Fear, peace

As we look around us today, we often see people in fear and confusion as they watch TV and listen to the fear mongers in the media. Fear and confusion should have no place in the life of the Christian. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV). In scripture, we read that perfect love drives fear from our lives (1 John 4:18). Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith believes God; fear believes the reports of the devil.

If our lives are driven by selfishness and worldly motives, then confusion easily results (Jas. 3:16), but God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Cor. 14:33 KJV). True life and peace are not to be found in rushing after everything the world says is important. But seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt. 6:33 WEB). Things in this verse refer to God's provisions and blessings. If we keep our focus on God, he will meet our every need.

How do we walk in peace? In Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV), it is written You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You. You in this verse is God and him and he refer to us. Let's commit to walk in love, focus on God's Word, and believe it; not the noise in the world around us. Let's cut through the confusion in our world and be beacons of God's life, peace, and truth.

You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32 WEB).

3

How Do You Become a Christian?

Salvation

Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21 KJV).

To become a Christian, you must be born again or saved (John 3:3, 5–7). We are spirit beings. We live in a body, and we have a soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions (1 Thess. 5:23). Sin in our life causes us to die spiritually and breaks our fellowship with God (Rom. 6:23, 3:23). Christ died as a sacrifice for our sins (Rom. 5:8). His very own blood was shed to pay the price for our forgiveness. Our way into fellowship with God was restored. If we repent of our sins, ask his forgiveness, believe in the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and ask Jesus into our lives as Lord and Saviour, or in other words, submit our lives to him, God will give us a new spirit (spiritual rebirth; Rom. 10:9–10; John 3:5–7). This is salvation, the new birth or being born again.

The word salvation means so much more than spiritual rebirth, restored fellowship, and forgiveness. The Greek word for salvation includes healing, preservation, protection, rescue, liberation, deliverance, soundness, restoration, prosperity, happiness, and general well-being. Our God is a good God who loves us and wants to walk and talk with us (Gen. 3:8).

Imagine someone receiving a cheque in the mail one day but not being able to read what was written on it. Imagine a relative stumbling across the cheque years later and, in absolute surprise, asking you why you did not cash the cheque that was written for $500,000. What would you do? You would probably do cartwheels down your driveway in excitement on the way to the bank to unleash this financial blessing in your life. Well, we can read, so let's avail ourselves of our full salvation!

4

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Hearing from God, Obedience

In the first chapter of Acts, it is recorded that Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–8). So what exactly does baptism in the Holy Spirit mean? When we became born again, we received the Holy Spirit in that he came to indwell our recreated spirit (John 20:22). When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, it is an infilling or empowering with the Spirit (Acts 1:8). The Greek word for power in Acts 1:8 is dunamis from which we get our English word dynamite! We are empowered to be all God wants us to be but especially to be witnesses for Jesus (Acts 1:8).

In Acts 2:1–4, we read about how the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (v. 4 KJV). We discuss the gift of tongues in other devotionals in this book (see devotion 20). In Acts 2:39 (KJV), we read that the promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is also for those who are afar off; well, that's us!

Being filled with the Holy Spirit shouldn't be a one-time experience. In Acts 4:31, we see that the early disciples were filled for a second time. We can also read in Acts 13:52 of another occasion where disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. The word filled here implies an ongoing process; in other words, we can be filled and refilled.

If you have never been filled or baptized with the Holy Spirit, receive this empowerment now! You can pray for yourself. All you have to do is ask (Luke 11:13). Or if you need further explanation or help, ask a mature believer to pray with you. You receive by faith, just like when you were born again!

5

Is Your Character Doing It for You?

Godly Character

We have often heard it said that talent, gifting, and calling may get us where we want to go, but it is character that keeps us there. Jesus had a proven character (Heb. 4:15). He exhorted us to be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48 WEB). The apostle Paul was able to say, Follow me as I follow Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Jesus said he only did what the Father gave him to do (John 8:28).

It seems to me that character is basically rooted in obedience to God. Jonah was a prophet called of God, but he refused to take God's message of warning to an evil nation. God got Jonah's attention by getting him thrown into the sea, swallowed into the belly of a whale, and spat up onto a beach. Jonah begrudgingly delivered the message but objected when God forgave the nation (Jonah 1–4). You would have to say that Jonah had a character or obedience problem.

Abraham, on the other hand, obeyed God's command and was willing to go and sacrifice his son, Isaac. Once God saw Abraham's obedience and before Abraham killed Isaac, God intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice (Gen. 22). Jesus was obedient to his Father, right to the end of his life on this earth, even to the point of death on that cross (Phil. 2:8).

The apostle Peter taught us that we can be partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4 KJV). He also showed us that God's power, the power of the Holy Spirit, can enable us to walk in godliness through our knowledge of Jesus, the Word (2 Pet. 1:3). To obey God is to obey his commands and directives seen throughout the Bible. Study the lives of Jesus and of the great men and women of the Bible; follow them as they followed God. Character will keep us where we want to be.

6

Do People Identify You as Christian?

Godly Character; Witnessing

But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine (the character and right living that identify true Christians) (Titus 2:1 AMP).

We are supposed to be easily identified as Christians by how we live. In Titus 2:10 (WEB), the apostle Paul instructed Titus to exhort servants to be not stealing, but shewing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our saviour, in all things. Our lives should adorn or be ornaments to the things of God. The word fidelity encompasses our being faithful, truthful, and loyal. In Titus 2:12, Paul teaches us that God's grace has trained us to have nothing to do with anything that