Daily Devotional

We can sometimes get the idea that Jesus is all about giving us everything we want. We know from the Word that he wants to give us the things we desire. We see in scriptures that He wants to bring us good things and He wants us to succeed.

But sometimes, we can take that too far. We can begin to think of Jesus more like a wish granter, rather than someone we are to follow, serve, and love wholeheartedly.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. – Luke 9:23 (NLT)

We see in this verse that following Jesus sometimes involves us giving up things too. Sometimes we have to say no to certain things. Other times we have to choose to follow what the Bible says rather than our own opinion or desire.

Being a true follower of Jesus will require something of you. But here’s the thing. Following Jesus is worth it. Yes, you sometimes have to say no to some things, but it’s always worth it. Following Jesus is worth it all the way! So decide today that Jesus is worth it, and do whatever it takes to follow Him with your whole heart!

Today’s Truth: Jesus is Worth My Whole Heart

The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. – 1 John 3:8 (NIV)

Jesus coming to the world meant good news. Ever since Adam decided to disobey God and sin, humankind had been stuck in sin. Our sin kept us from enjoying eternal life with God.

That’s the reason for Jesus. We couldn’t fulfill the law. There was no way we could ever keep all the commandments and be good enough in our own strength. For that very reason, God sent Jesus to be the solution to the problem that we created.

Most of us would never do something like that for someone else. If someone we knew messed something up really bad, most of the time we would never think of helping to be solution to the mess. But that’s what Jesus did for us. He became the solution to the problem that we had. And it was when we didn’t even deserve it.

That’s how great the love of God is to us. That means that even when you don’t like things about yourself, you have value. It means that in the midst of all the bad things happening to you and around you, you are loved by God.

Today’s Truth: Even When You Don’t Like Yourself, you have value to God.

So remember this Christmas that Jesus became the solution to the problem that we created. He did it willingly because He loves us so much!

Help! I feel misunderstood…

I can’t tell you how many times it felt like my parents didn’t understand me at all. Time and time again, they didn’t get what I was trying to say. Sometimes, it felt easier to keep to myself than even try to explain to them how I felt.

Maybe you feel that way. Perhaps it’s not your parents, but maybe you feel misunderstood by someone else in your life. Regardless of who it is, being misunderstood is not a fun feeling.

Practically speaking, if you feel misunderstood, a good thing to try to do is not to give up. Don’t give up communicating with that person who isn’t understanding you. It might be tough to keep communicating when you’d rather scream or give up, but it is good to keep communication open and coming.

Finally, know that even if people misunderstand you, Jesus doesn’t. He gets you like no one else can. God created you, and He knows you intimately. He knows and understands, even if the people in your life don’t. Check out this verse.

And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” – Exodus 33:17 (NIV)

God knew Moses by name. He cared about Moses enough to know Him and what he was up to. God cares about you the same way. He knows your name. He knows each and everything about you, and that means He gets you. God gets you. Isn’t that good news?

God loves you, knows you, and wants the best for you. So don’t believe the lie that you’re misunderstood. God understands and will stand by you each and every day.

Help! I feel anxious…

Anxiety is no fun for anyone. I can recall times when I was anxious about an upcoming test, or getting a group project finished. All the stress and concern would often cause me to not sleep all that well at night.

But anxiousness is not God’s best for my life and for yours too.

God didn’t design us to be anxious. In fact, He loves it when we bring Him the things that worry and upset us. As we do, He’s there to help us carry those concerns.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

This verse gives us a roadmap when it comes to the things that make us anxious. Instead of letting anxiousness build in your life, take those things that make you anxious before God. Let Him know what you need and ask Him for His help.

You’ll be surprised what will happen if you’ll be open to being led by Him. He wants to help you every step of the way. So determine to not let anxiousness run your life. Instead, choose to go to Him, let Him know you’re upset and anxious and get His help and wisdom to bring a solution to pass in your life.

Today’s Truth: Take the things that make you anxious to God.

Help! I’m feeling alone…

I remember one school year my best friend moved away. My whole group of friends dissolved because for some reason, my best friend had held the group together. Then, to top it off, our whole class moved into the high school building the next year. As a result of all this, I entered high school with no group of friends.

Day after day, I went into the school building feeling upset and alone. None of the other students seemed to want to make friends with me, they had their own friends. There I was, friendless in a new school.

You may have experienced something like I did. It stinks. Feeling alone is not something any of us like to face.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. – Psalm 34:18

Here’s the good news. God cares about you. He cares that you’re upset and feeling alone. He’s there to help lift you up when you need it.

So today, go to God. Get real with Him. Let Him know that you’re feeling upset and alone. Let Him be the one to help you, strengthen you, lead and guide you. Know that God loves you and is close to you when you go through tough times. He’s there to help you and strengthen you today.

Today’s Truth: You’re Not Alone – God is close to you!

How often do you stop to give thanks to God? If I’m honest, I probably don’t do it as much as I should. It’s like I forget that there are so many things in life that God has provided for me. I should be thankful and grateful for all the things that are going right in my life.

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. – Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

Maybe you’ve become guilty of focusing on the things that aren’t right in your life. Perhaps instead of thanking God for the good things, you’ve gotten into the habit of being unthankful. If so, decide to adjust your attitude. Know that there are probably many things that are going well for you. So instead of being upset at what is not working, you can begin to thank God for what is working.

Regardless of how things might seem or look, God is good to you. He’s got your best interests at heart. So choose today to look to Him. Know that He loves you and has your best interests at heart.

Today’s Truth: Be thankful, God has your best interests at heart.