God, the Most High

DAILY VERSE

Our Lord, I will remember the things you have done, your miracles of long ago.

– Psalm 77:11

DEVOTION

Asaph refers to God as El Elyon, which literally means “God, the Most High.” It refers to God as creator and protector of the universe, acknowledging that he is above every person, power, position, or problem.

When we find ourselves in the midst of difficult circumstances, we should first remember who the God we serve is. We must reflect on what He’s accomplished. When we do that, our problems become small in comparison. 

God is bigger than anything you will ever face! 

I Will Appeal to the Most High

DAILY VERSE

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

– Psalm 77:10

DEVOTION

We’ve all had those times. Those times when everything is going well. You feel truly blessed; your work is fulfilling, your relationships are good, and you feel at peace. We all wish those times would last forever.

But the reality is, there will be times when you don’t feel so blessed. But this does not reflect God’s will for your life. Things happen. God has not removed His favor! He still walks beside you, He will never leave you. 

You will get through whatever circumstance you are facing. God wasn’t blindsided, He knew this season was coming. He was busy preparing a way out before you faced this. 

Make your prayers known, and have faith! God will help you overcome!

The Good Shepherd

DAILY VERSE

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

– Psalm 33:4

DEVOTION

Sheep aren’t the smartest tools in the animal shed. Shepherds had to dam up creeks to stop the flow of rushing water because they were so timid. Predators laying in wait in the dark corners and in the brush could easily snatch them up for a meal — if it weren’t for the vigilant shepherd. 

As our Good Shepherd, God will take us through whatever crisis we face, no matter how fearful or dangerous it is. We don’t have to be afraid because our shepherd is walking with us every step of the way. 

Living fearlessly is a legitimate choice for us because the shepherd is leading us through even the darkest of valleys.

He’s Your Shepherd!

DAILY VERSE

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

– Psalm 23:1

DEVOTION

In an ancient Hebrew family, the lowest job was watching the sheep. A shepherd had to stay with them, provide for their needs, protect them, and lead them.

This depiction of “the Messiah” must’ve thrown the leaders of Israel for a loop. They were searching for a mighty king to free them from the oppression dealt by Rome. Instead, they were given a servant to the lowly.

But it’s a perfect depiction of who God is. He’s your shepherd! He’s always there to guide and protect you. And, oh, how He loves you!

He Gives and Takes Away

DAILY VERSE

After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.

– Job 42:10

DEVOTION

The Lord gives and He takes away…

Job had it all; status, riches, an amazing family. People loved him. But when God allowed Satan to stir things up he lost nearly everything.

Job took it as many of us would, he wondered what he had done. He grumbled to the point he wished he’d never been born. But he never cursed God once.

God restored everything to him and more.

Sometimes God allows Satan to stir things up. He softens the clay so He can mold it into something even better.

Every Day is New

DAILY VERSE

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

– Psalm 30:5

DEVOTION

We will stumble in our walk, everyone does. As a believer, those stumbles can leave us feeling defeated. It can leave us saying to ourselves, “Why should I even put up a fight?”

The good news is, God, forgives! Every day is an opportunity for a “do-over”. He gives us a fresh start every day.

You’ve been forgiven!

DAILY VERSE

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.

– Job 36:16

DEVOTION

God wants your life to be peaceful and filled with joy. If that does not describe your life, know that He desperately wants you to attain that. Continue to have faith that whatever you are facing He is tearing down brick by brick.

He is actively making a way, removing barriers, wiping away obstacles, preparing breakthroughs, and moving you towards victory!

Vent Your Hurt & Frustration

DAILY VERSE

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:18

DEVOTION

It’s easy to be grateful and notice the good around you when things are going well. It can be harder to practice gratitude when things aren’t going so well. Yet, that’s exactly when we need to connect with God. When life is tough, we need God more than ever.

Christ’s will for you is to give thanks “in all circumstances.” How can you give thanks when you feel as if you’re constantly running into a wall? You may need to vent your hurt or frustration to God before you can get to gratitude.

God knows your heart and He knows your motives. You can get real with Him. Jesus suffered, He knows the feelings that arise.

Ask God to show you some things to be grateful for today

Be Grateful

DAILY VERSE

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

– Mark 6:41

DEVOTION

Gratitude. There are not enough hours in a day or breath in our bodies to pour out the amount of gratitude we owe to God. Unfortunately, if you’re like me, I’m not pouring out a fraction of what I should be.

Like anything, it’s a habit worth developing. Crawl out of bed and thank God for the rest you were able to get. Thank him for the new day. Thank Him for your family. Thank Him for the person that gave you a smile or a kind word that made your day.

We owe everything to God! We should be grateful for it and let Him know it.

Tap Into God’s Power

DAILY VERSE

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

– 2 Timothy 1:7

DEVOTION

Most of us forget the fact that we’ve been given the Holy Spirit as a source of strength who gives us the ability to love like Christ and conquer the schemes of the devil. It’s like a vehicle with a reserve gas tank; you run out of gas and are left stranded in the middle of nowhere when all you had to do was flip the reserve switch and continue on.

The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to obliterate most of our problems, guide us out of a difficult situation, and to love people in a way that would allow them to see Christ in us.

Tap into God’s power!