The Calming Force A Daily Devotion

By Les Wilks

He calms the storm so that its waves are still.

--Psalm 107:29

I've seen Jesus work firsthand in my life and in the lives of others--in sickness, in death, in divorce, and in each tempest life throws our way. I've often wondered how people make it without a living God who loves them. Our storms come into our lives to refine and test us. They are for a season even though they feel as if they will never end.

Remember Peter? God told him to walk on water and come to him while rolling waves raged all around them. Peter did just that for a short moment, but then he took his eyes off of Jesus. Remember what happened next? Peter began to sink. Keep your eyes on Christ today, and take him by his hand. He will lead you through the storm and safely to shore.

God is preparing you today for greater things to come. He never promised us easy, but he does promise to walk with us each step of the way. This old cypress tree has weathered many hurricanes in its life, but here it's enjoying a gorgeous sunset in calm waters. It's still standing because its roots are anchored deep into the soil. I pray you are rooted deep in Christ today so you, too, can weather the storms to come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888510476

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Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

January 8

January 9

January 10

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 17

January 18

January 19

January 20

January 21

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 26

January 27

January 28

January 29

January 30

January 31

February 1

February 2

February 3

February 4

February 5

February 6

February 7

February 8

February 9

February 10

February 11

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

February 22

February 23

February 24

February 25

February 26

February 27

February 28

February 29

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5

April 6

April 7

April 8

April 9

April 10

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29

June 30

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July 5

July 6

July 7

July 8

July 9

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

July 26

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

August 1

August 2

August 3

August 4

August 5

August 6

August 7

August 8

August 9

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

August 14

August 15

August 16

August 17

August 18

August 19

August 20

August 21

August 22

August 23

August 24

August 25

August 26

August 27

August 28

August 29

August 30

August 31

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 5

September 6

September 7

September 8

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 12

September 13

September 14

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

September 24

September 25

September 26

September 27

September 28

September 29

September 30

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

October 7

October 8

October 9

October 10

October 11

October 12

October 13

October 14

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 19

October 20

October 21

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

October 27

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

December 26

December 27

December 28

December 29

December 30

December 31

About the Author

cover.jpg

The Calming Force A Daily Devotion

Les Wilks

ISBN 979-8-88851-046-9 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88851-048-3 (Hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88851-047-6 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 Les Wilks

All rights reserved

First Edition

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.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

January 1

God reveals himself in many ways all throughout the day. He announces a new day with the sunrise and proclaims that he is Lord throughout his creation. Day after day, he shows us that he is still Lord of all. God is always the first one on the scene and always the last one standing.

Israel was practicing idolatry throughout the entire nation. God was instructing Israel to put him first in everything they did. He wants our entire devotion and attention as well. God knew Israel needed a redeemer, so God said, Apart from me there is no God. He had already told them, I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior (Isaiah 43:11).

Today is not only the first day of the New Year; today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Do you have any idols that need to be buried today? Not a New Year's resolution you have promised to keep, but something that is standing between you and God. If you can name any idols in your life today, let the funeral begin, and bury them immediately.

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them.

—Jonah 2:8

January 2

Each of us, whether or not we want to admit it, is subject to someone. First and foremost, we are subject to God. We are also subject to a boss, a parent, and our governing authorities. King Solomon spoke from experience on the subject of anger here.

King Solomon had many people who were subject to his rule. He knew from personal experience just how to appease an angry king. Some of his anger may have been well warranted, and I am sure some of it wasn't. Our natural instinct is to automatically rebel or bow up to those who are angry at us. King Solomon says don't.

The believer needs to learn how to remain calm in the face of anger and to be well grounded in their faith in order to do so. Don't leave your post as you confront anger face-to-face. Remain calm in all you do, and in so doing, you will lay great errors to rest. We aren't supposed to exacerbate the situation but to put the fire out immediately. Kindness in the face of anger is the greatest fire extinguisher!

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

—Romans 12:18

January 3

Everywhere we turned, there was another display of pumpkins. This one was particularly eye catching. Isn't that why we put something on display, so we might bring attention to that which is on display? Every one of them came in different sizes, colors, and shapes. But they all had one thing in common—they were all pumpkins!

The church in Corinth had written Paul a letter and asked him many questions. Here, Paul is answering their question on spiritual gifts. He explains to the church that spiritual gifts come from the same place, the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit isn't acting on his own. The origin of our spiritual gifts come from one supreme origin, God the Father. We are to use each of these gifts in service to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul writes, Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed (1 Corinthians 1:7). God reveals all spiritual gifts in us through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. He gifts us to minister and grow the body of Christ, the church. In everything we do, we need to remember—all of these gifts are freely given to us by the grace of God. Use the gifts you have been blessed with to magnify and display the Holy Trinity.

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

—Ephesians 4:7

January 4

You could tell the home was well taken care of because the attention to detail was amazing. The grounds were surrounded by a beautiful wrought iron fence, and the yard was as well manicured as they come. The owner was even out working in the yard as we passed by. You could definitely tell he wasn't a lazy man.

But what happens to a home if the owner is lazy? King Solomon gets straight to the point. It won't be long until the roof begins to leak and the rafters begin to sag. He draws a descriptive picture of those who have leadership over others. A country or kingdom will flourish under a leader of noble birth. The opposite happens when those same people are ruled by a slothful leader.

The same truth applies to all of us. Not only will our homes come to ruin, but our spiritual temple will begin to deteriorate as well. There is a stark contrast between idleness and rest. We all need periods of rest, but to be idle is a different story. Idleness is a state of inaction or activity over an extended period of time. We all need to ask ourselves, Am I making the most of my time today?

Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

—Proverbs 12:24

January 5

We walked from boat to boat, admiring the craftsmanship and detail of each vessel. Each one was absolutely stunning in its own way. As we approached this boat, I could see the steam building. I had no idea what was about to happen. Right when we got beside the boat, the captain sounded the foghorn. I had never heard such a piercing sound. Needless to say, it scared the living daylights out of everyone close to the boat.

Our demeanor and temper are very much like the foghorn. We can be the captain who has everything under control or the captain who blows his horn at every corner. There is time for righteous anger in our life, but to go around sounding off when things don't go our way is foolish. The wise man is slow to anger, and it saves him much embarrassment in his life.

The foghorn is seldom needed on bright, sunny days, when everything is going our way. But what happens on those really foggy days, when someone has invaded our space? Don't make the hasty decision to blow your own horn. Ask God to take the wheel and to captain your soul to calmer waters! God knows exactly when we need to sound off. Trust him to make that decision today.

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

—Proverbs 16:32

January 6

You can see the mesquite tree scattered across most ranches. Once they get a foothold, they quickly spread. If given enough time, they will become so dense the land becomes useless. The only way to clear them out is to cut the tree down and burn them.

Jesus is teaching his disciples to be on guard against such men. He compares the false prophets to a bad tree. Jesus said, Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves (Matthew 7:15). There are two kinds of trees—those that bear fruit and those that don't. Which category do you fall under?

It doesn't take long to tell the difference between the two. The only way to be saved from the fire is to change our DNA, not physically, but spiritually. That change can only be realized through Jesus Christ. He will send the Holy Spirit to you and turn you into a fruit-bearing tree.

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles?

—Matthew 7:16

January 7

Darkness comes early this time of year, and we don't see as many signs of living things as winter lingers on. The colorful spring and summer days are long gone, and everything seems mundane when we step outside. Most of us long for sunny days and the blooming flowers to reappear.

It is believed that King Solomon wrote Song of Songs. He is describing the beginning of spring here and the return of the singing turtledoves and blooming flowers. Both signaled the return of love in the air. Love gives each of us hope and a true sense of belonging. Spring is an exciting time of year and a symbol of new beginnings.

There are many thoughts on just whose relationship the Song of Songs is describing. Was it the king and his lover? Some say it's describing the love of God and man. Others say it describes the love between Christ and the church. One thing is certain, though—we all need love. Love those around you and show them that love every chance you get. When others stop loving you for whatever reason, remember, God's love will never forsake you.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.

—Psalm 33:18

January 8

I saw it in nature once again this past weekend, when we were on a hunting trip to put meat in the freezer. Everything we cleaned looked different on the outside, but the insides were created with the same working parts. The same can be said about us. God knitted each one us in our mother's womb.

Have you ever carved a pumpkin? No matter the size or color of the pumpkin, everything looks the same on the inside. That includes the one with all the ugly warts on the outside. When sizing up someone else, always remember, they have a heart just like you. God also created them in his image just like he did you.

God not only searches our heart; he also searches our inmost being. The innermost center is made up of our emotions and moral values. We may try to hide our emotions, but God searches those as well as our heart. God also tests those same emotions just as he does our moral values. What would others hear about you if God revealed his findings today?

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

—Hebrews 4:13

January 9

There were three of us running with everything we had. We all had a rifle in one hand and a flashlight in the other. We were chasing a ringtail during a night hunt. All I could focus on was not losing him. That's when the thorny hedge arrived. The hedge itself wasn't moving, but I hit it with full force. I fell as I cleared the hedge, rolled back onto my feet, and continued the chase.

The hedge I ran through was penetrable, but the hedge God puts around his people isn't. There are only two ways for the enemy to penetrate the hedge of God. We open the door and let Satan in, or God allows him in to tempt us. God had allowed Satan inside his hedge in order to tempt Job. In so doing, God was testing the faith of Job.

The believer prospers for one reason only, and that is from the blessings and providence of God. Don't forget where your blessings come from and wander outside of God's hedge. We can't see the hedge, but it's as real as the one I ran through. It's there to protect you from Satan. If we stay away from sin, that door of protection will remain closed. Then if we encounter Satan, we will know God gave him permission to tempt us. Stay the course, my friend! That temptation will only last for a season.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

—Psalm 5:11

January 10

How many of you have driven in the dark without your headlights on? It's not so hard to do in a city of lights, but try it sometime on a dark country road. Trust me—you won't leave them off for very long. My brother and I have asked one another to try it more than once. Some of the brighter nights, we could drive for miles without a headlight to guide us.

Jesus was pleading with the Jewish leaders to follow their hearts. Many of the leaders had believed in Jesus but were afraid to follow him for fear of being kicked out of the synagogue. The Pharisees rejected the words of Christ and convinced the other leaders to follow men instead of Jesus. Then Jesus cried out, When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me (John 12:44).

Don't let others convince you to deny the light of Christ. Those who do stumble and grope about in darkness, they are steering their soul deep into despair. We all need the light of Christ to guide us away from our sin-filled life. The moment Jesus enters our heart, his light will begin to lead us to safety. Do you see the ray of lights in this picture? One stretches toward heaven, and the other stretches toward earth. Let that be a powerful reminder of the light of Christ. He is fully one with God and wants to be fully connected to man.

For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

—John 12:43

January 11

Try as I may, I could never change this pansy into a solid-white flower. It's certainly a pretty flower, but it's not perfectly white. The flower has a colored stain right in the center, and it also draws flies. It's a perfect example of my sin-stained life. We can think we live a near perfect life, but we are only fooling ourselves.

Paul explains to the church in Rome that none of us are righteous. No, not one. He also teaches that no one is good. That puts each of us in one category—we are all sinners. God wanted to demonstrate his love for us in a way that we could understand. To demonstrate something is to clearly show the existence or truth (of something) by giving proof or evidence.

I have known my wife for forty-one years, have been married to her thirty-five years, and have proved my love for her over and over. She knows how much I love her, but I have never sacrificed my life for her. That's what God did. He sacrificed his Son's life while we were still sinners. Christ didn't die for the righteous but for the lost. Believe it, trust it, and accept it for the Gospel and truth that it is! Jesus Christ loves you and wants to make you whole.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!

—Romans 5:9

January 12

I took a shortcut in order to get to my car quicker. I left a perfectly good path and headed cross-country. Things began to go downhill about halfway to my vehicle. The terrain became very rough and had several holes along the way. Isn't that exactly what we do in life? We take a path contrary to the one the Lord has laid out before us.

David is praising God for the path put before him. God had delivered David from harm's way and given him safe passage through enemy territory. David was not only delivered; he thrived in everything he did. The steps before us don't always appear to be broad, but we need to trust they are there.

Enjoy the days when your path is smooth because it won't always be that way. When you ascend to greater heights, hold on to the rail; and when you descend into the depths of despair, continue to hold on to the rail. The believer's unseen rails are the hands of Christ! Each of his hands are outstretched this very moment, waiting to guide you. Take Christ by the hand today and trust him to lead the way.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

—Proverbs 16:9

January 13

Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord speaking from behind him, a word God wanted him to deliver to the Israelites. They had wandered far from the faith and found themselves far from home. Perhaps you've been there, or maybe you're there at this very moment.

The red tree in the center of this photo is what drew me to this particular spot. Notice the dense vegetation all around the tree. I had no desire to take another step forward. Sin, like this tree, entices us to come closer. It's almost as if a voice is telling us, I am here for the taking. Just try me! In order to avoid traipsing through this jungle, I had one choice—that was to turn around.

As we sin against God, we build up more and more obstacles between ourselves and God. God is instructing his people through Isaiah the prophet to remove those obstacles out of our way. We can't do it on our own, but with God's help, it can be done. Maybe you're thinking you've strayed too far, but you're never out of God's reach.

Let us examine and probe our ways and let us return to the Lord.

—Lamentations 3:40

January 14

As I was walking my daughters' dog, these small flowers caught my eye. It amazed me they were able to grow among the thick grass. Until I studied the picture, I didn't even realize there were seven flowers. Once again, I was reminded of God's divine wisdom. Seven signifies the perfect completion of all that God has done and all that he plans to do.

God never needed anyone to act or communicate on his behalf until sin entered the world. After that dark day, God ordained the order of priest to become mediator between God and man. The Hebrew writer was describing such a man as he spoke of Melchizedek. He was the king of Salem and priest of God, Most High. The priest was used to bless the people of God and to sacrifice upon the altar for their sins.

No one can give a blessing to a person of higher rank. Now they can be a blessing to them, but that's where the blessing stops. There were many priests in the Bible that gave blessings and many priests that do the same today. But each of these men were, and are, sinners. That is why God established the great High Priest Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only high priest who was without sin and the true mediator between God and man.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

—Hebrews 4:14

January 15

There is just something very relaxing to me about an aquarium, and this pond was like an aquarium on steroids. The longer I lingered there, the more mesmerized I became. I didn't see anyone shoving or pushing each other. The best I could tell, no one was raising their voices at each other.

It's called living in harmony with each other, and Peter tells us just how to get there. We are to submit to rulers and masters and those who have authority over our lives. Wives are to submit to their husbands; and husbands, in the same way, are to be considerate as they live with their wives. Sounds almost like we need to put others first and ourselves second. That's exactly what we need to do.

The world is becoming a fishbowl day by day, and it's becoming more crowded by the minute. Peter teaches us the perfect equation in order to get along with others. We need to be sympathetic to each other's needs. We need to love each other as brothers do. We are to have compassion for the plight of others. All of these things are possible if we humble ourselves before God and others!

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

—1 Peter 3:13

January 16

I wasn't forced to be there, but I was certainly glad I was. You see, I was invited to come down and spend a few days at the ranch. There's quite a difference between being forced to be somewhere and choosing to be somewhere. Each time I visit the ranch, I leave with a profound sense of peace.

David knew exactly what a good shepherd looked like because he had been one. He learned firsthand what it took to lead his sheep. Shepherd was used as a metaphor for kings in the ancient Near East, and David always acknowledged God as his Shepherd-King. David writes, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want (Psalm 23:1).

All around me was dead pasture, and I couldn't help but focus on the green patch of grass next to the water's edge. Isn't that exactly where God wanted me to be? God knew at that very moment exactly where I needed to be. He didn't force me to be there; he led me there through the invitation of my sweet family. God doesn't make us to lie down; he leads us to a place of rest. The choice is ours. We can remain in want, or we can lie down in green pastures and rest.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

—Psalm 4:8

January 17

I couldn't see the mesquite tree on the bank of the pond, but I could see a perfect reflection of one. Darkness has a way of trying to hide the creation of God, but the light of God reveals what darkness tries to conceal. The battle between light and dark began the moment God said "Let there