February 24 - Fruit Trees

  

“When you enter the land

and plant any kind of fruit tree,

regard its fruits as forbidden.

For three years you are to consider it forbidden;

it must not be eaten.”

(Leviticus 19:23 NIV)

 

God instructs me to slow down and not rush into anything. Growth takes time. The plans and projects He has given require thoughtful deliberation before action. I must give the fruit to Him first, then I can enjoy its bounty. I will plant and wait on my heavenly Father to produce fruit in me today. I hope you will, too! 

February 23 - Protect Your Blessings

 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.”

(John 10:10 NIV)

 

Blessings can come at any time and in many different ways. The enemy wants to destroy life and all the wonderful blessings that come in good and bad times. They are God’s gifts and must be protected. With the Bible, God’s Word, in my hands, heart, and mind I will fight all the battles to keep faith in the struggles today. I hope you will, too!

 

February 22 - Provisions

 “So don’t be afraid;

you are worth more than many sparrows.”

(Matthew 10:31 NIV)

 

I watch birds flock to the feeder on my balcony. They come in pairs and sometimes alone to peck at the wild bird feed my husband put there for them. They do not worry whether they will find food or not. When the feeder is empty they stare at me through the glass as if to ask how I could forget about them. I trust my heavenly Father to not forget about me, either. I hope you will, too!

February 21 - Listen

 

“The Lord came and stood there,

calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’

Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”

(1 Samuel 3:10 NIV)

 

I want to be like Samuel. I want to listen to God speak to me. I want to hear His voice. Am I too distracted, too worried about my life to hear Him? His voice never stops vying for my attention. What am I paying attention to? I will stop and listen to my Lord and Savior today. I hope you will, too!

February 20 - Balance

  

“Do you not know that your body

is a temple of the Holy Spirit,

who is in you,

whom you have received from God?”

(1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV)

 

Jason White reminded me, “God didn’t rescue you from your sin and come to dwell in you just to be involved in a small portion of your life.  He came to be involved in all of it.” There is no secular vs sacred in God’s kingdom. All I am and do is covered with His presence and power. I will welcome balance in my life today. I hope you will, too!

February 19 - My Confidante

 

“When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

(Psalm 94:19 NIV)

 

Anxious thoughts of yesterday and today lead my mind to Jesus. He is the only One who knows all my thoughts, all my secrets. He will give me my best meditations today and guide me on the path laid out for me. He will console me and wipe away all of my foolish, selfish contemplations. He turns my anxiety into joy. I will confide in my Lord and surrender all to Him. I hope you will, too!

February 18 - The Golden Rule

 

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.

Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.

Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

(Luke 6:37 NIV)

 

I must treat others as I want to be treated. A difficult lesson to learn. Who am I judging? Who do I want to condemn? Who do I need to forgive? May I first forgive myself and know God has forgiven me through Jesus Christ. May I put the needs of others before my own today, only by the power of God’s grace. I hope you will, too!