@pharmetta01
I am a Christian creative, and writing is my thing. I hope that every piece here truly blesses your heart, and makes your faith walk, better. Welcome!
There was this season in my life, when a particular devotional booklet spoke to me so deep...they were more like custom-made pieces (crafted to fit my needs, in that time). It was such a blessing, I tell you. God's love for me was palpable...His Presence...His heart! [I love the way He dotes on me].
But then, I began to sense my attention pulled to the Scriptures attached to the devotional... And that meant something to me. Some persons mention that in using daily devotionals, they are more likely to read through the piece for the day, and skip going through the Scripture attached. And I can relate to this. If for some reason you feel that beyond just going over the daily devotional pieces, you should also study th2. I'd like to add also: Yes, devotionals help believers grow in faith, understand God's word, and apply its principles to daily life, by providing structure, guidance, and a dedicated space for prayer and reflections. They could even serve to strengthen one's understanding, or deepen their conviction on a matter.e Scripture attached, then pay attention to that. God could be pulling you to something deeper. Let Him speak to you personally, directly, through His Word.
You know what? Scripture is layered. There's real, living depth associated with it. And the goal of fellowshipping with God in Scriptures, is to know Him. The essence is to bring you to a place where you can hear Him, and like Habakkuk in the Bible, you can see what He says to you. Hence, a devotional is a means to an end.
A devotional piece usually addresses a Bible verse (or a set of verses) from one angle or from a particular light. If you go through just that, you would most likely be seeing that Scripture from just that light. Meanwhile, if you take some time to go through the Scripture personally, before you go through the devotional piece, chances are, that you would be gleaning more from the verse(s) used– from a personal revelation God would be giving you, and from the insights shared in the devotional piece.
Emphasis on "Scripture first," because, going through the devotional before you go through the Scripture, could make you less likely to gain new light, as you might see the Scripture used, only from the angle the devotional considered it.
If this speaks to you, try this approach. First study the Scripture attached to your devotional for the day, and let God minister to you on a personal level, before you receive the Word in the light from which the author of the devotional considers it. If what God communicates to you, aligns with what the devotional for the day highlights, Cheers! The most important thing is that His words leap off the pages of Scripture, and come alive to you; that quickening, is what births transformation.
Lately, I've been more conscious about allowing whatever I do, flow from my heart, and Colossians 3:23-24 is one Scripture that I seek to live out, more consciously.
Have you ever reasoned that doing things heartily, and as unto God, adds beauty to life and purpose? It brings "life" into what you do. Whether it's something done in service to God and humanity, a regular chore, or even a "9-5," it glorifies the LORD, and blesses the world around you, to do the things you desire/ought to do, wholeheartedly, and "as something done for the Lord, and not for men."
When what you do, comes from the depth of your being, it can be perceived. When it is done just for show, or because you want to join a crowd of others who do same, or because some part of you seeks some approval, it reflects.
In The Amplified version, Colossians 3:23-24 reads: “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).”
Living by this, it is easier and more worthwhile to do the things that you desire/ought to do, even when it involves dealing with persons you may consider "difficult," or "undeserving."
It's August 2025. The best month you've lived so far. Welcome!
“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!"
The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, "I don't have any money for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened.” [Acts 3:1-7, NLT].
If you study Scriptures, or have ever attended "Sunday School Classes," or read/heard Bible stories, the passage you just read, should be a familiar one. I have also encountered this Scripture, many times before, but of recent, I caught new light from it. And I thought to share it with you.
Verse 6 of the same passage, in the KJV, says: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Note that apostles Peter and John were both with this lame man, at the point where he was to receive his healing, but when it was time for the release of the anointing, when it was time for apostle Peter to give of his portion, he didn't use "WE;" he went personal...
You see, when it comes to the administration of the anointing, it's not "...such as WE have...," but "...such as I have..." When it comes to matters of destiny, everybody has something they are to offer." ...each Joint supplies!..." [Ephesians 4:16]. When you understand this, there will be such a fire in your soul to do the will of the Father, as written concerning you "in the volume of the books." Unhealthy comparison will be eliminated, too, and you will grow to function in your element.
Apostle Peter was convinced of who he was, and what he carried. What do you have, beloved? What portion have you been called to give? Do you even know who you are, to start with?
BE CAREFUL TO NOT BE CONFUSED WITH, OR CARRIED AWAY BY THE CROWDS! Do not be lost in the noise. Find your path in God, and give attention to it. Each of us here, has a role to play; a gap to fill, and a burden to bear. Find yours. Own it. Become one with it! And ensure that your post is not left vacant!
I was listening to an important WhatsApp voice message. I found that I played it over and over, because each time when it had played to about the half of it, I would become conscious that I had not really been listening, and thus, was not getting what I needed from it.
What was the issue? I had my attention in some other places. I played the audio, and while it went on, I left the chat in question to attend to other things online, that demanded my attention.
You know? That's what happens with us sometimes when we say we do not hear God speak to us. If we would be truthful to ourselves, we would find that we actually do not listen. And we are not patient enough. God speaks to you, Child of God. Could it be that you have not been paying attention? Have you listened out for His voice to the point where you know that He is silent?
Now. How do you communicate with those around you? If you ask me a question for which you want an answer, by default, you would listen to hear what my response would be. And if I do not respond, you would press in to know why I am not. Yeah?
This is how it should be with seeking God. You ask Him a question? Expect a response from Him. You pray about something? Keep an eye out for the answer(s). Keep your ears to the ground. This can be learned. You too can hear Him, for yourself.
The subject of hearing God's voice is very broad. But, you can start somewhere. Scripture teaches that without faith, it is impossible to please God. And that he that comes to God must believe that HE exists, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (See Hebrews 11:6).
So, when you want to hear from God, expect that He would speak to you, shut out distractions as much as you can while you listen out for His voice, and stay sensitive. With continuous practice, you'd get better at this. You'll know His voice and the different ways He communicates to you, and you would understand better, how He speaks to you.