Walking With God: Walking With God, #1

By Nico Zwaneveld

Life can be beautiful, but there will also be days where you may feel overwhelmed, and circumstances may make you anxious and stressed. This book aims to energize Christian readers with devotionals based on Bible teachings and supported by contemporary song. The devotionals in this book can be read in any order.

Every reading begins with a scripture passage, is followed by a compelling gospel-centered devotional, and ends with links to recently released contemporary Christian music. The devotionals are focused on encountering the living God, and equipping you with a message to help you grow your relationship with Him, trust in His goodness, rely on His grace, and live for His glory - day in and day out. These readings are intended to trigger intimate talks with God that will grow your faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nico Zwaneveld
• Release date: Apr 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223298045

Book preview

How to Navigate the Unseen: A Deep Dive Into a Faith-filled Life

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

In our passage today, the writer of Hebrews gives a beautiful and profound description of faith. It is described as having faith and confidence in things we hope for but cannot yet see with our physical eyes. This verse is a cornerstone for us as Christians, reminding us that our faith is not based on what we see or can feel, but on unseen spiritual realities.

The world around us often demands that we only believe what we can see (‘seeing is believing’), touch, or logically understand. It promotes a materialistic view that reduces everything that cannot be measured or seen. But as people of faith, we are called to recognize that there is an eternal, divine dimension to life that goes far beyond the physical world around us. These dimensions, though unseen, are no less real.

When Scripture tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (v. 6), the implications of such a statement require that faith be both accepted and understood. We believe that God is real and active in our lives, even though we cannot see Him. We believe that Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven, even though we have never been there. We have hope to receive the promise of eternal life by grace through faith, not because we have tangible evidence, but because we have unwavering faith in God’s word and character.

Whenever doubts, fears, or other challenges arise, it can be quite a challenge to life by faith. When life’s challenges shake our confidence, it can cause us to question the things that we cannot see. But by fixing our eyes on Jesus, ‘the pioneer and perfecter of faith’ (Hebrew 12:2), we find the strength to move forward. We are encouraged to look to Him as our example and source of strength, especially in times of weakness.

We can take comfort in the fact that the ‘heroes of faith’ mentioned in Hebrews 11 endured their own trials and suffering. They never saw the fulfillment of God’s promises in their lives, but they still stood in faith. They did so because they sought a better country — a heavenly one (Hebrew 11:16). Their lives testify to the power and reality of faith, and they still serve as an inspiration to each of us.

It is very important for the world to see how true faith works in our Christian way of living. Even when the road ahead is clouded with uncertainty, we need to demonstrate our unwavering faith in God. My prayer is that our lives will reveal a glimpse of the eternal reality that we have placed our hope and faith in. May this inspire us to live each day as faithful followers of Christ, assured that one day He will make all things new.

Indeed, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It’s the core of our beliefs and evidence that heaven is at work in and through us. Let our faith be a light of hope for the world around us, and let us always remember that our faith is not based on ... what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV).

Song for today

The song for today is called ‘Grant Me Faith’ by Robby Robinson and Sara Niemietz

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRnBVMNu3hE

How To Get The Most Out Of His Guidance

John 16:13

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 (NIV)

Jesus promised that everyone who follows Him will receive the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are very lucky to have the Holy Spirit within us, ready to lead us every step of our lives. Do you know how to make the most of His guidance? Even though the answer is easy, it can be challenging to put it into practice... You have to open your heart intentionally and consciously to His divine directions.

There are many ways that the Holy Spirit leads us to the truth. He helps us to better understand God's Word and character by giving us life-changing insights from Bible teachings. The Holy Spirit clarifies God's personal will for our lives and gives us guidance that aligns with our divine purpose. Even when we know this, how often do we make decisions without first taking the time to sincerely ask the Spirit for wisdom? How often are we ignoring the gentle nudges of the Spirit and blindly sticking to our own limited logic? When we make it a routine to invite Him to help us with all of our major and minor decisions, He will protect us from making those foolish mistakes and guide us down paths that will lead to life and fulfillment.

Moreover, the Spirit speaks in harmony with His voice and scriptural truths that have stood the test of time. This ensures that the guidance we receive is reliable and trustworthy, never contradicting God's Word or leading us into deception. As we immerse ourselves in the Bible, reading it with an ear that focuses on the Spirit, old familiar verses often emerge with new, timely meaning, and relate directly to our current situation. 

The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in giving us early warning, preparing us for what lies ahead. He equips us with insight and understanding that we could not have gained ourselves. When the darkness of uncertainty sets in, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to light the way forward, whispering guidance about changes weeks, months, and even years ahead of time. This guidance keeps us away from dangerous pitfalls and leads us to opportunities for growth and blessings, if we pay attention and are willing to listen. 

We worship a Heavenly Father who wants to guide His children in every aspect of our lives. He has provided the Holy Spirit as a companion and counselor who leads us in truth, wisdom, and discernment. As we rely each day on the Spirit's wisdom, inviting His presence in our decisions, and seeking His counsel in our challenges, He promises to continue to walk with us on paths of purpose, freedom, and abundant life. This daily practice of relying on the Holy Spirit not only deepens our relationship with God but also gradually transforms us into the image of Christ, enabling us to live lives that have a deeper meaning and are filled with divine purpose.

Let us strive to seek the guidance of the Spirit and listen to His voice. Be obedient to His guidance as we make our way through life's challenges with confidence, a confidence that comes from following the guidance of the Spirit of Truth.

Song for today

The song for today is called Holy Spirit Lead by The Two Fake Blondes

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8whxr-OksMs

This Is How To Develop Courageous Trust In God’s Love

Romans 8:38–39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38–39 (NIV)

Paul shares a very encouraging message here about God’s amazing love for us! He says with all confidence that nothing at all can get between us and God’s love — not even the extremes of life and death. It also means that nothing in the unseen spirit world, like angels or demons, can take God’s love away. The unconditional love that God has for us, which we can experience through Christ Jesus, is unrestricted by time and is more powerful than any force in heaven or on earth. What a promise!

When you think about all the tough situations people face, this promise is so reassuring. No matter what scary things come, God’s love will never let you