Small Steps Daily Devotions for Jan. 9 - 15

Monday 

Wise Paths

I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths (Proverbs 4:11 NLT). 

People can be an instrument of godly wisdom but can never be a source of godly wisdom.

Lord, thank you for using your children to share your wisdom. We praise you Father God and in your Son's name, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday 

24/7/365 

I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word (Psalms 130:5 NLT). 

Life is crazy. We never know what will cross our path. We aren't to worry, though. We are to trust in Jesus and enjoy every minute He has blessed us with. Tell your family and friends that you love them, give them hugs and kisses, and thank God for every breath.

We might not be able to count on our next breath, but we can count on God. He is always with us and will never leave us.

Lord, thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for being with us 24/7/365. Yes, Lord, you are with us yesterday, today, tomorrow, and for eternity. Thank you for your holy Word. Thank you for every breath we take. We praise you, Lord God, and give our lives to you. We pray in our Savior’s name. Amen. 

Wednesday 

Double-Check Your Life 

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts (1 John 5:21 NLT). 

What is in your life that is separating you from the fullness of God? Maybe you should evaluate and then re-evaluate what you are focused on in your life.

Dear Lord, open our eyes to what we are placing between you and us. I ask in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. 

Thursday 

Open Your Eyes & Be Amazed 

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever (Psalm 86:11-12 NLT). 

We serve an amazing God, but more than that, a God who loves us, has mercy on us and gives us second chances through His grace. I am so thankful that He is a God of second chances; a God who sent Jesus to our earthly world so that we might have a Savior; a God who loves us more than we can ever understand. We serve a God who is the God of all creation, and He loves us. We also serve a just God that cannot be in the presence of evil and sin. He has a plan of salvation for each of us, it's our choice whether we choose Him or sin. We can't serve both our sinful nature and God. God doesn't wish to condemn anyone to eternal separation, but He gives us the choice. We have the freedom to choose life or death. I pray that each of you chooses God and His commands, not the frills of this broken world. Our time, on this earth and in this life, is short. Our decision will determine our eternity. Choose wisely.

Praise be to you, Father God, for your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Friday

Wise Living 

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5 NLT). 

Are we doing this? Are we living a Christ-honoring life, in full view of those who don't have a relationship with Him? Are we living in this world and not being drawn into being of this world? It's very easy to be drawn from God's light into the Devil’s darkness. We must armor up each and every day (read: Eph 6:10-17).

Being a follower of Christ means picking up your cross and following His calling in your life. Many times, that is not what you have envisioned for yourself. It is often not what you really want to do, because it is out of your comfort zone. Jesus has a way of pushing us, sometimes far beyond that area of comfort.

God, your will; nothing more; nothing less; nothing else. Amen.

Saturday

Victory

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). 

Smile, yell, or scream praise for the Lord who has secured our victory. We are victorious. We are secure that we are only walking "through" our valleys of troubles. Our eternity awaits, and it is glorious!

So, no matter how tough your situation might be, pray for God to deliver you by His victorious hand.

Lord God, thank you for saving us from ourselves. Amen.

Sunday

Lead Me, Lord 

Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow (Psalms 5:8 NLT). 

Father God, hold us in your arms. Protect us from the troubles of this world. Shield us from Satan's attacks and lies. Direct us in the right direction; your way, not ours. Make clear your way, because we often follow the wrong road. We trust in you, Lord. You will never fail us, even though we fail you daily. Forgive our ineptness and save us from ourselves. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.