In His Presence: A 365-Day Christian Devotional Book

By Veronica Lilly

Writing a 365-day Christian devotional book became a labor of love. I found myself looking forward to what God had to say through me about the chosen scripture for each day. I applied the scripture references after all the devotions were written. My mindset was “Prove it.” I believe the Bible is God’s infallible Word. If God said it, it is true. I spent time talking with God about what to title this book. I started a list of potential titles. I would write one and ask, “Lord, is this the title?” This went on for a few months. The list grew longer. I wanted a title that prepared the reader for a special encounter with God. In His Presence was that title. I knew it the moment it entered my mind. God was faithful. He provided the title for this book. You will find a prayer at the end of each daily devotion thanking, seeking, and reaching out to our Sovereign God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639613939

Book preview

January 1

A New Life Resolution

Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefather worshipped beyond the river and in Egypt and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

—Joshua 24:14–15 (NKJV)

As this new year begins, start it with a commitment to the One and Only Living God. To serve Him. Ask Him to help you follow through. He is faithful and will make it possible for you to do it.

Our Heavenly Father, help us to live our daily lives as one who belongs to You. Let us be prepared to show the love of Jesus through our words and actions. Father, may we be sensitive to Your presence. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 2

You Are Celebrated

Do not be discouraged or grow weak from fear! The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and He will refresh your life with His love.

—Zephaniah 3:16–17 (CEV)

God reminds us of His faithful presence. He tells us that He is on our side, winning the battles. Then He shares something unique by giving us a glimpse of His excitement toward us. He is celebrating and singing because of you and me. He comes bearing the gift of His love which promises to refresh our lives.

Our Heavenly Father, may we look to You for courage and strength. When we are confused or just need answers, may we sit at Your feet, in your presence, and wait. You know we are there, and You will guide us with Your wisdom and love through this maze of life. May we sing out loud and dance before you, without reserve. For You, love us without end. In the name of Jesus, amen.

January 3

You Have a Choice

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice and holdfast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years.

—Deuteronomy 30:19–20 (NIV)

God has placed life and death, blessings and curses before each of us. He clearly instructs us to choose life. Notice that your choices not only affect your life, but also the life of your children. We do not live for ourselves. The choices we make affect the lives of others. God gives us three distinct instructions:

Love the Lord your God.

Listen to His voice.

Hold fast to Him.

Why is this important? Because the Lord is your life!

Our Heavenly Father, touch us and move upon us that we may understand and choose life as You offer it to us. In the name of Jesus, amen.

January 4

Perfect Peace

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the LORD is everlasting strength.

—Isaiah 26:3–4 (NKJV)

God tells us how we can experience perfect peace. Not just peace, but perfect peace. What does perfect peace mean? I do not know the fullness of that answer, but I can share my thought. Perfect peace is not obtained by force. You cannot buy it with coin or earn it by deed. It is not dependent on external circumstances. Perfect peace is the peace of God which transcends all understanding. It is God guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 [NIV]). It was purchased for us by Jesus and is freely given to us by faith in the Giver.

Our Heavenly Father, renew the spirit of our mind (Ephesians 4:23 [NKJV]). Through Your Holy Spirit, help us to put on the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16 [NKJV]). That we may see ourselves and others with Your heart. That we may think on that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8–9 [KJV]). In the name of Jesus, amen.

January 5

The Right Way

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truths and teach me, for You are God my savior, and my hope is in You all day long.

—Psalm 25:4–5 (NIV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

—Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

We must be intentional. Set your heart and mind on what you want and pursue it. Who and what have you invested yourself in? Where does God fit in? Do you need to adjust, do you need to reprioritize? These are very personal questions to be answered by you alone. If you choose a more intimate relationship with God, you will hear yourself asking Him to show, teach, and guide You. You will hear and see evidence of Him instructing, teaching, and counseling You.

Our Heavenly Father, lead us into a more personal relationship with You. In the name of Jesus, amen.

January 6

A Friend of God

My friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

—Isaiah 41:8–10 (NIV)

God considers us His friend (John 15:14–15 [NIV]). He is the best friend you can have. God invites us to join Him in a work He is doing all around us. It is a kingdom-value journey in His presence—by His side—step by step. God has chosen you and me. He believes in us. He knows who we are and all we can be in Him. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for God is determined to strengthen and help us (Isaiah 41:9–10 [NIV]). He is holding us by the hand (Psalm 37:23–24 [NIV]).

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us to journey with You through this life. Prepare us to be ready to go when You call. In the name of Jesus, amen.

January 7

Hope for the Future Tomorrow

Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

—1 Peter 5:6–11 (NIV)

As a Christian, we must be willing to go the distance even if it means suffering for His namesake. Seek God to give you guidance in how He wants you to serve Him. Do not be afraid. He will give you the courage, strength, and support to accomplish His will.

If you have suffered an injustice, small or of great impact, trust in the Lord Your God. He is able and willing to restore You, in His perfect timing.

Our Heavenly Father, may we fall to our knees and seek You. May we be willing to listen to Your voice and follow You. Lord God, build us up for Your honor and glory. In the name of Jesus, amen.

January 8

Feelings and Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

—Hebrews 11:1, 6 (KJV)

As humans, we experience the sensations of hot and cold, of touch and pain. We know what it is to be comfortable and uncomfortable. We like the applause from something well-done and try to avoid the failure of things gone wrong. We experience disappointment and excitement, emotional highs and lows. Feelings are part of our humanity, a unique gift from God, but we cannot depend on our feelings. They are not reliable. To connect with God, we must embrace faith. To serve Him and stay in step with Him, we must walk by faith. Our relationship with God is dependent on faith.

Our Heavenly Father, we know that Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 [NIV]). We know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17 [KJV]). Thank You, God, for giving us the faith to believe in Jesus. Give us a desire to read, study, and meditate on Your Word so that our faith can grow. We know that Your Word is living and powerful (Matthew 4:4 [NIV]). In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 9

Godliness and Contentment

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

—1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)

It is easy to get distracted by the activities and things that pertain to life on this earth. We get so wrapped up in meeting our physical and emotional needs that our spiritual selves are placed aside, put on hold. Today we are reminded that the things of this world are temporary. Nothing here lasts or can be taken with us when we pass from this life to the next. Take time today to do a personal inventory of your priorities. What do you spend most of yourself on daily? Where do you invest your time, energy, and money? We can have godliness with contentment, but we must be deliberate in our pursuit to obtain it.

Our Heavenly Father, quiet the noise within us that we may focus on what is of kingdom-value importance. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 10

A Worthy Benefit Package

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all our iniquities, who heals all our diseases, who redeems our life from destruction, who crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies our mouth with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagles.

—Psalm 103:1–5 (NKJV)

Do you hear His voice calling you by name? Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:4–5 [KJV]). Take a moment to review the benefits written in today’s passage. The Lord

forgives all your iniquities (sins, wrongdoings);

heals all your diseases;

redeems (paid to deliver) your life from destruction;

crowns us with loving-kindness and tender mercies;

satisfies our mouth with good things; and

renews our youth like the eagle.

Our Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all praise. Let us not forget all Your benefits toward us. Let our heart, mind, and voice praise You continually. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 11

Be Intentional

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works, I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High (El Elyon [El-yuhn] The God Most High)… Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people.

—Psalm 9:1–2, 10–11 (NKJV)

Be intentional in your relationship with God. Be deliberate and give Him the place of honor in your mind and heart. Determine—choose to lift up your voice in praise and song to El Elyon (the God Most High). Commit to Him your all. It will be in safekeeping in His care. Know that He is faithful. He will evermore be present. You can trust Him.

Our Heavenly Father, keep that we have committed unto You, even until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8 [NIV]). In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 12

We Are Family

You are the temple of the living God, as God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God and they shall be My people. Therefore Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

—2 Corinthians 6:16–18 (NKJV)

With our invitation, God moves in. He stakes His claim and calls you His own. He makes a commitment to receive and love you. He does not waffle but stays true and faithful. He tells us to separate ourselves from this world, not to chase after the desires of our flesh. He says, Do not touch what is unclean, and it comes with a promise, He will receive you. He identifies Himself as our Father and us as His sons and daughters. We become part of His family.

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to be with us and in us. Thank You for making us Your very own. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 13

A Sense of God

Open you mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.

—Psalm 34:8 (MSG)

Have you ever thought about the gift that your five senses are? The gift to hear, touch, smell, taste, and see. I asked a friend who is a musician how he relates to music. He said, By hearing, seeing, and feeling. I asked if he could taste or smell music. He replied, That is an interesting question. What do you think? Can we use the sense of taste and smell to relate to music? Can we use all five senses to relate to God? Can we touch Him, see Him, hear Him, smell Him, and taste Him? The answer is yes, we can, You can. Ask God to reveal Himself through your senses.

Our Heavenly Father, let us join You on a daily journey of exploring and discovering You through the gift of our senses. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 14

With God All Things Are Possible

Then said Jesus to His disciples, I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

—Matthew 19:23–26 (NIV)

Jesus spoke of the result of giving yourself to the pursuit of getting and keeping worldly riches. The disciples were greatly astonished because their mindset was that a rich person had more to offer God. And that God was pleased with the offering of more which secured a place in heaven. Jesus confronted this thinking as untrue. Having their thinking redirected, the disciples asked the better question, Who then can be saved? Jesus’s answer is direct and powerfully conclusive. Salvation is not of man; man cannot earn or merit salvation, but with God, all things are possible.

Our Heavenly Father, show us Your ways, O Lord, teach us Your paths, guide us in Your truths, teach us. For You are God our savior and we put our hope in You all day long (Psalm 25:4–5 [NIV]). In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

Thank You, Father, for sharing Your response to our prayer. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you (Psalm 32:8 [NIV]).

January 15

The Shepherd and Overseer of Our Souls

You My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.

—Ezekiel 34:31 (NIV), Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

—John 10:27–28 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11 [NIV]). He is the overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25 [NKJV]). He is Jehovah-Rohi (Ro-hee), our Lord and Shepherd. In Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV), we are told that we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all. It is in the passage of Psalm 23 where we meet Jesus as our Shepherd. We are told that we have want for nothing. He prepares green pastures so that we can lie down. We are invited to walk by still waters where He refreshes our souls. We are led in the paths of righteousness for His namesake. Death is only a shadow, and Jesus our shepherd is always with us. His rod and staff comfort us. He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. He anoints our head with oil and makes our cup run over with blessings. His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life, and we shall be in His presence forever.

Our Heavenly Father, You are the God of peace who raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead. He is the great Shepherd of the sheep. Make us complete in every good work to do Your will. Work in us what is well pleasing in Your sight. It is all through Jesus Christ that we can know peace with You. Through His blood, an everlasting covenant has been sealed between You and us. To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever (Hebrews 13:20–21 [NKJV]). In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 16

Kindness Is a Choice

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

—Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)

We have choices to make concerning our thoughts, attitudes, disposition and responses. Do we harbor bitterness and anger or let it go and trust God to heal and bring good of that which has hurt us? Do we lash out with hurting and biting words or surrender our broken hearts to God who can bind them up and make them whole again? Kindness is a choice that leads to making your heart tender, which leads to forgiveness. It is a path of right thoughts and attitudes which lead to right responses.

Our Heavenly Father, may we, by the presence of Your Holy Spirit, bring all that hurts and offends us to You, that we may be instructed and empowered to respond as Jesus would. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 17

A Light in the Dark

To you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.

—Malachi 4:2 (NKJV)

The Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

—Luke 1:78–79 (NKJV)

You have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

—2 Peter 1:19 (NKJV)

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, The Bright and Morning Star.

—Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)

Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness, the Dayspring from on high, the Morning Star, the Bright and Morning Star. He is our light. In Him there is no darkness. Jesus makes it possible for us to see so that we need not to be afraid or stumble in the darkness.

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for the light of Jesus Christ in our hearts and minds, providing a path of light for us that we may walk upright and think in alignment with Your Word. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 18

The Thief of Unbelief

When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things? So, they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house. Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

—Matthew 13:54–58 (NKJV)

The attitude of unbelief robs us of God’s best. In the presence of unbelief, Jesus chose not to do His mighty works. Ask God to help your unbelief, to give you believing and pleasing faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 [NKJV]).

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 19

To Whom Will You Compare God?

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighted the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed Him as His counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the right way? Who was it that taught Him knowledge or showed Him the path of understanding?… To whom, then will you compare God?

—Isaiah 40:12–14, 18 (KJV)

Nothing and no one can compare to God Almighty. And it is this awesome and powerful God who chooses to know us, to be close to us. We are in His care because He has chosen it to be so.

Our Heavenly Father, who is like You, majestic in holiness and awesome in glory, working Your wonders? In Your unfailing love, You lead Your redeemed people. In Your strength, You will guide them to Your holy dwelling (Exodus 15:11, 13 [NIV]). In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 20

Whosoever Is You and Me

For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

—John 3:16 (NIV)

This verse says it all. It is the first Bible verse many of us committed to memory. God’s Word is living and has the power to transform lives, yours and mine. God tells us that His Word that goes from His mouth will not return to Him empty but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11 [NIV]). John reminds us that God loved people (me and you) so much that He gave Jesus, His Only Begotten Son. If we believe in Jesus, we will receive God’s gift of eternal life. The giving was Jesus’s life so we could have life. Life that cannot be earned but is given freely because of love.

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus who is the living Word, God in the flesh (John 1:1–14 [NIV]). Help us, Lord, to walk in step with Jesus, to believe and live. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 21

Find Rest, O My Soul in God Alone

Find rest, O my soul in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

—Psalm 62:5–7 (NIV)

If you find yourself restless and without peace, seek God to calm the storms inside you. He alone can give you rest. He alone is Your rock and salvation. God will be a mighty fortress so that you can be secured regardless of your circumstances.

Our Heavenly Father, often we feel restless because things in our lives are changing and we cannot control it. You are the only hope we can depend on. Thank You, God, for being on our side (Romans 8:31 [NIV]). You are the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8 [NIV]). In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 22

Prepared to Comfort and Help

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the suffering of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

—2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (NKJV)

One thing is for certain in this life, you will have troubles (John 16:33 [NIV]). As Christians, you have God on your side (Romans 8:31 [NIV]). He is always attentive and knows exactly what is coming. He works out all the details to help meet your needs. Because of our own experiences with trouble, we are in a better position to help others when they have similar problems. We know what they are feeling, we know the anxiety and stress they may have, and we remember what type of resources are needed to address the trouble and bring about solutions. We can be confident that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 [NIV]).

Our Heavenly Father, in times of trouble, remind us that You take a personal interest in Your own. Nothing is happening to us that You are not aware of. You have prepared us and all the resources needed for resolution. If trouble comes to others and You place us in their path, remind us that this is a divine appointment and we have been called upon to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus by using our past experiences. Thank You, God, for Your faithful and good care of us. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 23

A Pathway to the Presence of God

I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me… In righteousness I will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness.

—Psalm 17:6–9, 15 (NIV)

God chooses to open His ears to our prayers (Psalm 34:15 [NIV]). He listens and hears us because He cares (1 Peter 5:7 [NIV]). God loves us (1 John 3:1 [NIV]). He has made us the apple of His eye. He protects us from evil and hides us in the shadow of His wings from wickedness (Psalm 17:8 [NIV]). God is on our side, watching over us (Romans 8:31 [NIV]). He is protecting and guarding us diligently (Psalm 32:7 [NIV]). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see His face (Matthew 5:8 [KJV]). We must do what is right and acceptable to God (Psalm 34:15–17 [NIV]). We must be obedient (Deuteronomy 13:4 [NIV]). The path to enter the presence of God is laid out before us in the book of Romans. It is faith which leads to obedience (Romans 1:5 [NIV]). Obedience which leads to righteousness (Romans 6:16 [NIV]). Righteousness which leads to holiness (Romans 6:19 [NIV]) and holiness which leads to the presence of God. Start with your faith, and as it grows, you will become more obedient then righteous, then holy (separated) so that You are prepared to enter the presence of God (Psalm 140:13 [KJV]). If you find that you have taken a detour from this path, go back to the beginning—start with your faith again. There are no shortcuts, but God, in His unfailing love for you, will extend His grace so that you can take this path and reenter into His presence (Lamentations 3:31–32 [NIV]).

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for wanting to be close to us. You listen to our prayers. You watch over, protect, and comfort us. You guard and deliver us from those who want to hurt and harm us. You make a way for us to abide in Your presence. Thank You. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

January 24

The Ability to Succeed

All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

—1 Peter 3:8–12, Psalm 34:12–16

We have been called to love (John 15:11–12 [NIV]), not to hate (Matthew 5:43–48 [NIV]); show mercy and compassion, not to judge and condemn (Matthew 7:1–5 [NIV]); and to respond with courtesy and kindness, not rudeness and harshness (Ephesians 4:32 [NIV]). As Christians, God has made it possible to be and do these things. If we are looking to ourselves, we will find the ability to do some of these things for a short period of time, but not the ability to sustain these heart-motivated actions. God alone gives us a new heart and empowers us through His Holy Spirit who lives within us. That is how we can love and show the other attributes of Jesus Christ in the face of hate and other destructive forces that people align themselves with (Ephesians 2 [NIV]). It is not easy, but with God, it is possible and will show itself more powerful than evil. Good overcomes evil (Romans 12:21 [NIV]). Light is greater than darkness (Matthew 4:16, John 8:12