The following are seven devotions for your week I have posted on Instagram. They may help you in a week where you just want a little more or you just need something to encourage you and ask yourself faith questions.
Topics range from How God wants your heart, you are not forgotten, looking at God with fresh eyes because the old you has changed to the new you. Finally, God says “I am” and time for prayer. Enjoy seven devotions for your week.
1- New You
Did you start the year off expecting a new you? The difference between old you and new you is the cross.
The cross changes everything –
- Unrighteousness – Righteousness
- Sin – Forgiveness
- Lies – Truth
- Fear – Love
- Self – Others
- Anger – Joy
- Anxiety – Peace
What do you need to do to be the “new you”? Accept the forgiveness of your sins from Christ alone who did this for you on the cross as a gift of grace. You have been redeemed in Christ. A new you. Believe it!
Many days and hours we keep stepping back on the cross reaching for the old. Don’t be tempted by the old. Turn your head away from the old and ask for forgiveness and soon you will be walking continuously as a new you in Christ alone! Finally, Each day you must choose the “new you.”
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
What do you need to leave at the cross?
2- God Wants Your Heart
God wants your heart. Your whole heart. Not just half or three-fourths of it. You can be like David with a whole heart or Saul who in the end had no heart and Solomon with a half heart.
This is God’s desire for you.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Saul’s Heart-
“Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.”1 Samuel 16:14
David’s Whole Heart-
“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” Acts 13:22
Solomon’s Heart
“As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” 1 Kings 11:4
Questions-
- Does God have your whole heart, and your undivided attention?
- What can you change to give God your whole heart?
- Have you given your heart to the things of this world?
- Do you need to give your heart to God?
3- Fresh
Fresh ocean breezes, fresh crisp mountain air, a cold fresh cup of water needed for a dry mouth. All of these smells and tastes give us the feeling of freshness. Fresh is the newness, crispness, the clarity to enjoy it and savor it.
May your excitement and love for the Lord remain fresh. Always learning, growing, and sharing the Lord with others. May His Word remain fresh in your heart and mind as you uncover and discover it daily.
It’s hard not to let the daily truth become stale or stagnated. Purposefully think of the word as fresh water for a thirsty soul each day. Remember to savor it and share your fresh word with others.
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalms 23:3 NIV
Try to increase your physical freshwater intake each day to hydrate your body and feel great! Every time you drink in the freshwater, think about keeping your faith fresh each day.
If you would like tips on drinking water and low Kcal drinks see these blogs. Water and a little lemon and Favorite summer drinks for fluids.
4- You are Not Forgotten
This is for you if you feel like you never get picked, you are forgotten, unnoticed or just in the background.
The truth is we have all felt like this some time or another.
You were in a group and no one talked to you. Maybe you had something to say and no one asked you. You thought you’d get the job and crickets. I can go on and on. We all have been forgotten. Or so it seems.
Remember life doesn’t revolve around you 24/7. Sometimes you have to make an effort, like asking someone else a question or talking to someone new. Sometimes, God’s plans aren’t our plans.
Most importantly, you are not forgotten because God sees you and hears you, and knows you. That’s all we need to know is He is there, and you are not forgotten.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
5- I am God
When I walk I usually take time to communicate with God by praying. One day I had a lot on my mind. I wanted to pray about many things but I didn’t know what to say. I said, “God My heart is so heavy about many things I am waiting on and I don’t know what to pray.”
“Be Still,” God Said. Immediately my mind went to the verse, Be still and know that I am God. “I am God.” At that moment I needed to know that, “He is God” and in control.
God knows what’s in my heart and he’s in charge. If I hadn’t been talking to God in the past, he wouldn’t know my troubles. He wants me to communicate with him. Sometimes in the overwhelmingness of Life…just be still and know He is God. He’s Got it and I didn’t have to tell Him.
Be still and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10
Taken from “How to connect with People and God at your Best” blog post.
6- Devote Yourself to Prayer
The most important thing to do in the next month is praying. It should be important every day. Look around you. There are many things to see that we should pray about. God knows our tomorrows and the rest of the story. Let’s be confident in the fact that he’s got this. I am so thankful for His plan in our lives.
Paul was writing this to the Colossian church encouraging them as they lived life for Christ. Here is some more wisdom he shared:
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV
Look around you and come up with 10 things you can pray for today and pray for them all day. Next, give thanks. Pray the list the next day and the next and keep praying until a month has passed. Finally, you will see God at work.
7- Hold Fast
That you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life. Deuteronomy 30:20
Three instructions from this one little verse.
1. Love the Lord
2. Listen to his voice
3. Hold fast to Him– which means stay close to the Lord, like your best friend.
If you’ve got that going, then He is your Life.
Love simple truths.
Share the “Seven Devotions for Your Week” With Others
Use these seven devotions for your week to change up your time with God or better yet share them with others on Instagram or Pinterest.
If you would like to dig into God’s word or have daily devotionals on your phone, please download the free bible app from bible.com and you will never miss a day in God’s word.
Last but most importantly, how is God changing your life and what is He teaching you? Comment and let us know.
If you enjoy these blog posts and want links so you won’t miss them, sign up at the bottom for a once-a-month email to dabillaroundthetable. Each month you can find blog links, recipes, or tips in your inbox. Please check your junk box if you don’t find your email or comment and say please sign me up and I’ll add you to the list.
