Small Steps Daily Devotions for September 13 – 19

 

Monday, September 13, 2021

By Rob Gardner

Reprinted from American Family Association

 

Monday

In the Midst of the Storm

When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” (Matthew 14:26-27 NLT).

Jesus doesn’t just calm our storm and then come to us, He comes to us in the midst of our storm. He could calm the storm and make an easy path to help us but chooses not to do that. It’s important to realize during our tragedies in life when we think we are all by ourselves, He is with us. God holds us tightly during these storms and uses them so we might draw nearer to Him.

Lord, thank you for carrying us through our storms and never abandoning us. I praise you and give you thanks. Amen.

Tuesday

Sharing All Things

We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT).

As Christians, sometimes we forget how important it is not only to share the gospel with people but the need to share ourselves.

God wants a relationship with each of His children so why do we not understand God also wants us to be in a relationship with each other?

God’s perfect plan is about Him having a relationship with each of us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

So my brothers and sisters, don’t stop at just sharing God’s glorious good news with people. Go beyond that to share yourself and your life with them.

Father God, help us to be bold and stand tall on your Word. Help us to proclaim the gospel from the byways and highways, from the valleys to the mountain tops. Help us, Father, to never back down from your truth. We pray in the mighty and matchless name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wednesday

Life’s Struggles, Made Easier

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT).

Are you still struggling and fighting with life? Are you still wandering around in the darkness of this world? Many times the glory we can experience in this world is overshadowed by the darkness we have allowed into our lives. Yes, wonderful things are in this world, but those wonderful things get even better when we are walking in the Light of Christ. Even the rough times of life are so much better when you have Jesus to lean on. What are you waiting for? Open your heart and see His glorious Light!

Dear Lord, I lift up all people who are struggling with life. I pray they will accept you and find your peace and comfort while they are in their earthly valleys. I ask in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Thursday

Pray Continually

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

The apostle Paul reminds us of a few things in today’s Scripture. Don’t worry. Pray and give thanks. When you do this, you will experience His peace in your life.

God hears our prayers. Does he answer all of our requests? He does, but maybe not as expected. His plans are perfect and our plans are flawed. Our plans are full of wants and earthly desires. His plans are to meet our needs, but not necessarily our wants. Although, many times, he gives us our hearts desires. His plans are for the heavenly kingdom. All prayers are answered, but there is a big difference in what we want and how He answers.

He knows the outcome, and we don’t have a clue.  Trust in God, and your trust will always be honored.

Dear Lord, lead us into a strong prayer life and total trust in you. I ask and pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Friday

Our Hope and Trust

The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens (Psalm 113:4 ESV).

Where are you placing your hope and trust? If you answered in any way besides “In God,” you need to take a step back and evaluate your thinking.

God alone deserves our hope and trust. He is always with us and will never leave us. He is always faithful even when we are not. He is worthy of our hope and trust. Thanks be to God!

Thank you, Lord, for never leaving us and always walking with us through this old broken world. Help us to put total hope and trust in you. We praise you! You are worthy! We pray in the mighty and matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saturday

The Key to a Long Marriage

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

I feel after 45 years of marriage that living and keeping this Scripture is the key to success.

No marriage, and for that matter life, has been easy. But, I can reflect and be sure that when things were going bad, it was because we weren’t living this Scripture.

May each of you read and place these verses in your hearts. They will help you deal with marriage issues and with others too.

Dear Lord, etch these verses in our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday

Pray, Trust, and Believe

Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! (Psalm 27:7 NLT).

Pray often, trust that God hears, and believe He will answer. Just remember His answer might be different than what you want.

Dear God, your will: nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. Amen.

(Editor’s Note:  “God Has a Gift for You” is the good news that restores the broken relationship we have with God because of our sin.)