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Daily Devotion

2/29/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tracie Miles

“I Still Love You, Lord”

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:8 (NLT)

The last few months have been one of the hardest seasons I’ve ever experienced. A situation in my personal life went haywire and left me with an aching heart.

There have been days when I didn’t know if I could get through. Days when God’s strength and my faith were the only reasons I got out of bed. Days filled with “whys.” Days when I’ve questioned God about suffering, the unfairness of life at times and unanswered prayers. I’ve carried the weight of a myriad of overwhelming emotions, fear and heartache.

If I’m honest, I can’t say I’ve felt thankful for my circumstances or focused on God’s promise of having a plan and a purpose for everything. I can say I have been upset with God at times, questioning His ways and feeling discouraged, fearful and down.

Yet recently in the midst of an especially trying day, my heart was changed during a time of prayer. I heard myself say something that caught me off guard. It was just one simple statement consisting of five simple words that rolled effortlessly off of my lips:

I still love You, Lord.

Even though my mind was swirling with hurt and negative thoughts, my heart was swirling with love for God, even when I wasn’t really thinking about it. I realized I loved Him unconditionally, even though in that moment I had felt forgotten. I experienced a surge of peace and relief, prompting me to trust God’s ways, and then today’s key verse came to mind.

Romans 5:8 reminds us of this beautiful, holy love which is not based on us meeting certain conditions, adhering to strict rules or proving our worthiness. A love we are blessed with simply because of who He is. It’s not because of who we are, but because of what He’s done for us, not because of anything we do for Him. It’s a love we don’t deserve, but enjoy nonetheless.

When life is good, it’s easy and natural to love the Lord. But when life falls apart unexpectedly, it’s not quite so easy. In fact, it might even feel impossible. Those thoughts and doubts don’t make us a bad person or a failure at being a believer; they merely make us human.

The upside is these thoughts can force us to ask ourselves a really hard question: Despite everything--will I still love Jesus with my whole heart, soul and mind?

Our honest answer to this question serves as an indicator of whether we love the Lord all the time, or just in the good times--when He gives, and when He takes away, when He answers our deepest prayers, or when it seems He isn’t listening at all.

Maybe you can relate to the emotions and feelings I’ve been experiencing. Maybe you are facing a difficult time, an undeserved hurt or a painful loss. Maybe you’ve been wondering if God hears your prayers, or if He has forgotten you. Maybe you’ve doubted if He loves you, and if you could still love Him, in the face of your hardships.

Sweet friend, you are not alone.

Even the most faithful followers of Jesus have times when they find themselves doubting not only His love during difficult times, but maybe even His existence. Times when they wonder if His love is meant for them, or just everyone else. The truth is, those thoughts are from the enemy who wants to cloud our minds, make us bitter and pull us away from God. But Scripture tells us God sent His Son to die for us, even though we were still sinners, because He loves us unconditionally.

This brief encounter with God helped me refocus on how blessed I am to have His love, especially when life isn’t perfect.

God’s love is unconditional, with no strings attached. I’m so thankful for His gentle whisper on that particular day which reminded me how important it is to love Him unconditionally in return.

Dear Lord, forgive me for doubting Your ways or Your love for me. Fill me with peace and joy. Equip me to focus on Your everlasting love, push past my doubts and love You unconditionally despite my circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Jeremiah 31:3b “… I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (NIV)

Job 1:21b “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (NIV)

1 John 4:9‑10 “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (NIV)
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Daily Devotion

2/26/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Leah DiPascal

“Painting Memories With My Child”

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed …”
Proverbs 31:27-28a (NIV)

When I was young the hardest years for me were in middle school.

I can remember 7th grade being the absolute worst. Wearing glasses certainly wasn’t trendy back then and waking up to a new candy-apple-red blemish on my face had become a common occurrence.

I dreamed of having beautiful soft curls like my best friend, Kerry, but the poker straight hair growing from my roots refused to bounce like hers.

Instead, each strand hung limp and lifeless, while my bangs clumped together in an oily mess on my forehead.

Let’s just say I wasn’t feeling like Miss Congeniality.

To make matters worse, my sister was a few years older and I would constantly compare her accomplishments to my failures.

She was a popular high school cheerleader … and I had nothing to cheer about. In my eyes, she did everything right. In my thoughts, I couldn’t do anything right.

Although I figured no one noticed my frustration, my momma did and one day she said to me, “Why don’t we start a new hobby together.” I was reluctant at first, but with a little prompting Momma persuaded me to consider the idea.

A couple weeks later we went to our very first painting class at a local artist’s home.

The combined odor of acrylics, oil-based paint and turpentine would later become a scent I’d learn to love over the years as Momma and I kept our weekly date--every Tuesday night--to paint together.

We’d sit side-by-side with paintbrushes in hand, as Momma would encourage me by pointing out what she loved about my paintings. Months passed and my confidence slowly grew as our relationship deepened to a whole new level.

Looking back, I realize the tremendous investment Momma chose to make during that awkward middle school year when I was struggling.

She could have simply signed me up to take the classes on my own or suggested I spend more time with friends, which would have been a lot cheaper. Instead, Momma set aside other priorities and rearranged her schedule to devote time with me.

Just like the Proverbs 31 woman in today’s key verse: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed … ”

My mother was keenly aware of what was going on in our home and took notice of her little girl who was hurting inside.

Her attention to detail, and effort in making a difference, afforded me the wonderful privilege to “arise and call her blessed.”

To this day, every time I look at one of Momma’s oil paintings, my eyes swell with tears as I’m reminded of her devotion and love for me. I’m also challenged in the best way to be keenly aware of what’s going on in my own home and take notice if one of my kids seems to be struggling.

I aspire to be like my mother. To always be willing to set aside other priorities and rearrange my schedule to devote time with my children and relationally invest in them.

As I make these small deposits of love, I trust and pray that God will dispense a beautiful return as my kids arise and one day call me blessed.

Heavenly Father, help me every day to be the kind of momma who invests in her children by encouraging, loving and dedicating time to do special things with them. Knit our hearts together as we share simple moments that will create beautiful memories--not only for me, but also for my children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (ESV)

Isaiah 66:13a “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you …” (NIV)
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Daily Devotion

2/25/2016

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His Princess: Love Letters from Your King
Sheri Rose Shepherd

"My Princess: It's Never too Late"

"The LORD said: It isn't too late: You can still return to Me with all your heart."
Joel 2:12 CEV

It is never too late to turn to Me, My love. I didn't start a countdown when I gave you the choice between life and death. There is no time limit on My love for you. I am patient, yet I don't want you to miss out on any precious time with Me. There is no place you have to go to find Me. Just cry out to Me, and I will come to You. Wherever you've gone My grace has followed you. Whatever you've done My blood has covered you. Come to Me today, and I will do more than repair the damage done . . . I will restore what was lost. Someday you will look back on this moment as the turning point that transformed you into the princess I called you to be. Now come to Me, and let's fall in love all over again.

Love, Your King who knows no limits
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Daily Devotion

2/24/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Karen Ehman

“Sandpaper Spouses”

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

“This is NOT what I signed up for!” I cried out to God as I sat cross-legged on the bedroom floor of our first apartment, my eyes stinging with hot tears.

Out in the living room sat my husband--bewildered, completely exasperated, unable to handle his wife’s volatile emotions.

I was a brand new bride of just six weeks. Our thank-you notes for the wedding gifts hadn’t even been sent! But already I had buyer’s remorse. Or I guess more accurately, “bridal remorse.” All I knew was that this “Happily Ever After” thing was not-so-happy after all.

The first few years of my marriage were rocky and rough. I had envisioned a relationship of marital bliss. Flowers. Candlelight dinners. Holding hands at the movies. Long strolls on the beach.

Then the wall of reality hit. Instead of the candlelight dinner, it was burnt roast. When he once again came home late from work, I wrongly interpreted that as him caring little about my culinary efforts. We didn’t get to the hand-holding at the theater much because we couldn’t make up our minds about which show to see. And I strolled on the beach, all right--all alone--just after I stormed away from my husband following yet another argument.

Although we possessed a mutual love for each other (really we did) our personalities and approach to life could not have been more different! In fact, we joke today that if we went on one of those online dating sites, instead of matching us up as perfect soul mates, the computer screen would blink a bright red message “DO NOT DATE! TOTALLY INCOMPATIBLE!”

Often, my husband and I just plain rub each other the wrong way. Yep. We’re different. We are what I call “sandpaper spouses” and our rough-around-the-edges relationship often finds us turning to God when we feel like turning away from each other.

When we encounter conflict, I am verbal and process my thoughts quickly, backing him into a corner. He prefers to pause and ponder before sorting his thoughts or sharing his feelings. This difference makes him view me as critical and combative. And I label him an avoider, accusing him of caring little about resolving conflict.

When making decisions, he is methodical and thorough, carefully weighing all options. I prefer to decide in a snap and forge ahead to the next thing. This difference causes me to label him as indecisive and tempts him to brand me knee-jerk and impulsive.

Having a spouse who faces life differently can often tempt us to attack each other. But what if instead we were to flip the situation, and see things that rub us the wrong way as blessings instead … that enable our spiritual growth?

Today’s key verse states, “Iron sharpens iron.” If your kitchen knife is dull, you sharpen it by grinding it against a rough stone, not by rubbing it on cushy cotton. In the same way, the rough patches in our personalities can help sharpen us in the areas of love, compassion and patience--mostly patience!

And I know from experience that my less-than-perfect marriage has grown my prayer life immensely as I take my concerns to God during times of tumult.

My husband’s slower-paced decision making causes me to pause and pray before I forge ahead and consider other options I might not have thought of initially. My verbal processing encourages my husband to talk through issues rather than stuff his feelings inside, where they might fester and explode later. And our different philosophies teach us patience and perspective.

Will you join me today in thanking God for sandpaper spouses? Rather than our differences driving us crazy, instead may they drive us all straight to our knees.

Father, I want to see the differences in my marriage as opportunities for growth as I take my concerns--and my attitudes and responses--to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Colossians 3:12-13 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the LORD has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (ESV)

Hebrews 13:4a “Marriage should be honored by all …” (NIV)
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Daily Devotion

2/23/2016

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Brenda Hercula
“Cleaning Closets”

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."
Psalm 37:23

It's snowing! Ah, just when it was almost all melted . . . well, it is still February . . . and Winter. That's why our closets have such a variety of "seasons" in them. Mine is getting to be a bit on the messy side. I thought of getting in there and straightening it up today. I like it organized, and with the changing weather it's gotten rather chaotic. To be honest, I haven't been very diligent about putting things back in their proper "sections." Do any of you hang up your clothes by category? Doing this not only makes it more organized for me, but it makes things easier when I'm trying to make a decision about what to wear. And yes, even though I'm "grown up," I can still stand and stare at my clothes like a teenage girl and think, "I don't have anything to wear!" At least those moments are very few anymore, but decision making is not a strong point for me.

Cleaning closets can seem like such a menial task, but at some point, if left unattended they can become a bigger issue, at least for me. My closet will actually start to give me stress, make me late at times, and can even affect my attitude and mood. All because of a closet! I know you're probably thinking: "Get a grip girl!" Well, not everyone is put together the same way, and I've realized over time (fortunately) that this is how it affects me and I am able to "get a grip" and change the situation instead of letting it control me. Like our key verse reminds us, God “delights in every detail” of our lives.

So today, as the fluffy snow falls outside, I will be happily cleaning my closet, knowing that tomorrow morning it will be organized and ready for me to choose what I need, and will allow me to feel freedom from the chaos I once felt. Are there areas in your life that might need "cleaning" out in order to feel free from the chaos? Take a few minutes to let the words of the following verses speak to you today.

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Psalm 63:7 "Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings."

Father, thank You that You care about every detail of our lives and You give us the courage, strength, and endurance we need to accomplish everything before us. Give us the motivation we need to get started, whether it's something as small as cleaning a closet, or something much bigger. We know that we can do all things through You because You give us strength. Thank You for Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Daily Devotion

2/22/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Glynnis Whitwer

“Do I Pursue Goals More Than God?”

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Today I have a confession, one that is hard to admit. Many times I want the satisfaction of completing a goal more than I want to experience God.

This is a battle every morning, knowing my to-do list beckons, tasks await, people expect, emails ding.

All the while my Bible sits on the table with a silent invitation. It’s not demanding, simply a peaceful promise. Sadly, it’s easy to pass by as I move on to things I “need” to do.

I’m wired like Martha--maybe you know her from the Bible? She was concerned about her to-do list too.

Luke chapter 10 records a day when Martha was the hostess and Jesus was the guest. It’s a short story, but we know Martha fussed at Jesus because her sister wasn’t working hard enough. Rather than helping Martha fix the food, Mary was sitting listening to Jesus.

Jesus loved both Mary and Martha. But in that moment, as the story records, Jesus was more delighted with Mary’s heart to be with Him than in Martha’s heart to serve Him.

I can be a fusser too. Too busy with the details, too worried about planning for what’s next, too preoccupied with my to-do list. Sometimes I even worry about other people’s to-do lists.

Yet, I want a heart that pursues God more than goals. I want to long to spend time in Jesus’ presence more than I long to spend time on my computer or phone.

It’s not that I don’t love Jesus. I do. I’ve devoted my life to serving Him. I’m aware of His presence and talk to Him throughout the day.

But so did Martha. She loved Jesus. And I’m sure she loved having Him as a houseguest, where she could hear Him talk as she went about her daily tasks.

Maybe she asked Him questions and served Him lunch. Touched His shoulder as she walked by and picked up His plate.

But she didn’t stop to sit at His feet. She didn’t pause her preparations to give Him wholehearted attention.

Jesus so gently and lovingly corrected Martha and gave her advice on the right way to go about her work:

“Martha, Martha,’ the LORD answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed--or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ ” (Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

Jesus loved Martha’s heart of service, but He wanted her wholehearted devotion first.

This was a message Jesus consistently taught in His ministry. Get your heart right first; that’s the most important place to start.

In fact, our key verse is from Jesus’ teaching recorded in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I wonder if Martha changed her habits. Did she check her heart and consider where Jesus fit? Did she review her priorities and put Jesus before cleaning up?

We don’t know the answer. The only thing we can know is what we decide to do with this story.

It’s so compelling to jump into our days--whether it’s carpooling children or leading a meeting at work--without ever pausing to sit at Jesus’ feet. It’s so much easier to whisper a prayer while driving or listen to the Christian radio station and consider that time with God.

And we can be sure that God loves to hear our prayers and songs of worship. But Martha’s story challenges me to do a heart check. Why haven’t I carved out time every day to just enjoy the presence of the Lord?

It’s a challenging question, and one I’m determined to answer. But more than that, I’m committed to putting God before my goals in a very practical way … to stop being worried about my “many things” and choose what is “better.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming me into Your presence
no matter how I approach You. You never shame me for my selfish
choices, only love me. Help me re-order my heart and my schedule
to put You before any task or goal. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (NIV)

Luke 10:41-42, “But the LORD said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (NLT)
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Daily Devotion

2/19/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Liz Curtis Higgs

“A Place to Begin When You Don’t Know Where to Begin”

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:1 (NIV)

A cold February night many winters ago. Snow was falling thick and fast, blowing across my windshield. Not far ahead I saw the glowing lights of a bookstore.

Liz, you drove through a snowstorm to buy a book? I did. But it wasn’t just any book.

Minutes earlier, seated in a toasty warm office, I’d confessed my sins (well, most of them) to the pastor of the church I’d started attending. I told him enough to get my point across, to convince him I was a "Bad Girl."

The pastor gently said, "So, you lived a worldly life."

I was confused. "No, I did all that stuff in America."

He smiled. Then he prayed and encouraged me to read the book of John.

I bolted out of his office, intent on buying a Bible right then and there, snow or no snow. The bookstore was deserted. The cashier was freaked out about the weather. But I found what I was looking for: the biggest, thickest study Bible in stock.

Safely back home, I opened my new Bible and read today’s key verse: "In the beginning was the Word …" (John 1:1a, NIV). Um … did this mean back when God created the earth? No, even before that. "Before the world began, the Word was there" (John 1:1a, ERV).

So, God wasn’t talking about a printed book filled with words. He was talking about His Son.

I kept reading. "And the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1b, NIV). Father and Son, together with the Holy Spirit, bound throughout eternity.

Three in one, like water in three forms: liquid, vapor and ice.

I couldn’t believe so much mind-boggling truth was packed into a single verse. Is the whole Bible like this? I wondered.

Sitting there in my drafty old apartment, where central heat was little more than a rumor, I let the truth of John 1:1 sink in, warmed by the words and what they revealed about this God I was only beginning to understand.

Then I read the next verse. And the next. I inhaled the book of John, then the Psalms, then the letters of Paul. I couldn’t get enough, didn’t want to stop.

As the months went by, I feared my enthusiasm for the Bible might wear thin. That once I’d read each page, the words wouldn’t be as exciting the second time, let alone the tenth time.

Seriously, Liz? Nothing could be further from the truth! Every time I read a familiar verse, God reveals a richer, deeper meaning. And when I find a new-to-me passage? Pure joy.

Beloved, is that how reading the Bible is for you? An ongoing journey of discovery, an endless adventure? Or has it become a duty, a task, something to be checked off on your daily to-do list?

Maybe it’s time to change that.

All over the world, Bibles are waiting to be opened. On shelves and under beds, on top of coffee tables and inside dresser drawers. Waiting, waiting. In your house. In my house. In lots of people’s houses.

When we finally dive into God’s Word, a light comes on. Things inside us fall into place. Our hearts begin to heal from years of brokenness. We have a new reason to get out of bed in the morning. We’re drawn to a place of worship where we can serve and to a body of people we can love.

One book can do all that? It can. It will. Just begin. Go slowly. One verse a day, maybe two. Break each verse into phrases, then into individual words. What is God saying? What does it mean? How could you apply it to your life right now, this very day?

Heavenly Father, help me keep my Bible close at hand and foremost in my thoughts. Prompt me to reach for Your timeless Word every day and open it with joyful anticipation of what You will show me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope." (NIV)

Deuteronomy 30:14, "… the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." (NIV)

1 John 2:5a, "… if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them." (NIV)

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Daily Devotion

2/18/2016

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His Princess: Love Letters from Your King
Sheri Rose Shepherd

"My Princess: You Don't Have to Fit In"

 I know you want to be accepted by others, but you were not made to fit in. You, My princess, were created to stand out. Not to draw attention to yourself, but to live the kind of life that leads others to Me. Remember, it's your choices that will pave your path to life. I will not force you to do anything. I have given you a free will to walk with Me or to walk away from Me. I want you to know that you can put on your crown at any time and let people know that you belong to Me. You have a royal call on your life. I want you to remember you wear the crown of everlasting life, and through you I will do abundantly more than you would ever dare to dream.

Love, Your King and Crown Giver

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10 NIV)
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Daily Devotion

2/17/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller

“Lessons from a Yellow Slip ‘N Slide”

"The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more."
Psalm 103:15-16 (NIV)

My 2-year-old daughter had drunk enough water from the hose that her little belly looked like a watermelon. Her twin brother wore only a bloated diaper. My eldest, 3 years old, struggled to keep her bathing suit on.

The liquid dish soap I added to the water made the Slip ’N Slide like a rocket. Their little bodies flew as they squealed in delight. I was having a blast until the car drove up. Three church ladies wearing dresses stepped out of the car. I recognized them from the new church we’d visited the week before.

I immediately wished I could whisk a wand so we’d all be invisible. What would they think of my mostly naked child with her watermelon belly? Or my son with his 5-pound diaper? What did I look like with my hair half-dry, the other half wet and sticky from the soap solution?

The women walked to the fence and greeted me. "Can we come in?" one asked.

That’s when real panic set in. Until that moment our day had been almost perfect, but my home? It was far from perfect! Laundry was piled in a basket on the kitchen table. Toys cluttered the living room. As a mom of three toddlers, I worked hard but cleaning my small house was like mowing the grass only to come out five minutes later and discover it had grown eight inches.

When the women stepped inside, I saw it through their eyes and I began to wrestle with comparison.

Surely, I thought to myself, other moms with three children under age 4 were able to keep a spotless home, fold their laundry as it came out of the dryer and organize toys so you didn’t step on them.

Surely there were other moms who had a roast — no, strike that because maybe red meat isn’t the healthiest option — a chicken and fresh vegetables roasting for dinner.

Surely there were other moms with stretch marks who weren’t wearing a swimsuit in the backyard where God and everybody could see.

Sadly, I allowed those thoughts to overshadow the beauty of that day.

Looking back, I wish I hadn’t.

My children are grown now and I’m "Gaga" to six beautiful grandbabies under the age of 5. Today, when my children flock to my house with their kids, car seats, fruit snacks and diaper bags, I want them to know something important.

Sometimes, we act as if we have forever and we put too much emphasis on what others think. Or we get so tangled up in our to-do lists that we forget to enjoy the moment with those we love the most.

Sure, we have tasks to do and they are important, but no more valuable than the sweet pockets of play and silliness. As my grown children gather around the table, they don’t talk about how spotless my kitchen once was (or wasn’t), or how I managed to have it all together. Instead, they laugh as they remember how the dish soap made the Slip ’N Slide so fast, or how mama took an afternoon off from laundry to enjoy the noon sunshine.

Those flashes of time have become precious markers of their childhood that settled as memories. As our key verse reminds us, "The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more" (Psalm 103:15-16).

I know we’re busy, yet today is a good day to laugh with a child. It’s a perfect day to stop comparing ourselves to others. It’s a good time to put down the to-dos for a few minutes and enjoy the moment.

Heavenly Father, I get trapped in busy work that seems so important,
and sometimes I forget to just laugh. Slow me down for a few moments
today, Lord. Whisper in my heart about the importance of making
sweet memories with those I love the most. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." (NIV)

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Daily Devotion

2/16/2016

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His Princess: Love Letters from Your King
Sheri Rose Shepherd

"My Princess . . . You are My Precious Daughter"

You are a daughter of the King, and not just any king. You are My daughter, and I am the God of all heaven and earth. I'm delighted with you! You are the apple of My eye. You're Daddy's girl. Your earthly father may love and adore you, but his love is not perfect, no matter how great--or small--it is. Only My love is perfect . . . because I am Love. I formed your body. I fashioned your mind and soul. I know your personality, and I understand your needs and desires. I see your heartaches and disappointments, and I love you passionately and patiently. My child, I bought you with a price so that we could have an intimate relationship together for all eternity. Soon we will see each other face-to-face--Father and daughter--and you will experience the wonderful place I have prepared for you in paradise. Until then, fix your eyes on heaven, and walk closely with Me. You will know that--although I am God--My arms are not too big to hold you, My beloved daughter.

Love, Your King and your Daddy in heaven

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
(2 Corinthians 6:18)
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