It was the first thought, from a friend’s text message, that popped into my head when I awoke the next morning, after having received God-filled meaningful texts from him the day before.
He was referring to reading the next devotion in my book and seeing how God will make the message come alive for him. What a blessing to learn of the ripple effect of God’s goodness in our daily interactions. This man, a Deacon, ministers to the residents of a nursing home daily, sharing Scripture, along with a devotion from one of my books. He has taken time to share with me how different devotions have related to a current day event in his and his wife’s life. Those God moments continue to make me smile and be in awe of God’s orchestrations.
His sentence reminded me of this verse:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. –Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
God’s love, mercy, and compassion for His people and promises never end. Each day we are offered a fresh start to rejoice in seeing God and His faithfulness in our lives. He never gives up on us!
Some nursing home residents being graced by God’s Word on a beautiful spring day.
“I CAN’T WAIT TO OPEN UP A NEW PAGE TOMORROW AND SEE WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR ME.”
When I first read that sentence, a parallel with our lives immediately came to mind. Yes, we should live each moment in joyful expectation of God working in all of our circumstances, in both the good, and the bad. I can’t help but think that sentence is a great encouragement for us as we start afresh in God’s presence each day.
We should greet each day in JOYFUL EXPECTATION!
What does God have in store for my life today?
In what ways will He reveal Himself in my life?
++++++++++++
Be encouraged to take a few moments to read these Scriptures about JOYFUL EXPECTATION and ponder the reflection questions:
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. –Psalm 130:5-6 (ESV)
Be encouraged to wait for the Lord expectantly to work both in and through your life with a great longing knowing you can trust His word and promises.
Reflection questions:
~How will you be able to share the joy of the Lord with a stranger?
~How will God speak to you through His Word?
~How will God provide during the darkest hours of the night?
++++++++++++
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. –Romans 12:11-13 (MSG)
As you go through the daily events of your life keep pacing yourself and keep the eyes of your heart open with joyful expectation to see how the Lord is working each circumstance out. He is present even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Reflection questions:
~How will He use the devotions you read to touch your heart and soul?
~How will He use the people you interact with to encourage your faith journey?
~How will He use you to impact another’s life?
++++++++++++
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. –Psalm 37:7 (NLT)
Be encouraged to take time to be still in the Lord’s presence and wait to see Him act. The Lord is always with you loving and protecting His precious child.
Reflection:
~Who will He put in your path to help you follow Him more closely?
~What acts of service can you participate in to share God’s love and presence?
~What ministries will God provide for you to further the Kingdom?
This week be encouraged to…
…be mindful of how God is working in your circumstances.
…see each opportunity in life as a new start of God at work.
…share with others how God is orchestrating events in your life for His glory.
For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. –Philippians 1:19-20 (ESV)
