Promotion
Free shipping on $45+ Shop Now!
Quiet Times with God Devotional
365 Daily Inspirations
Contributors
By Joyce Meyer
Formats and Prices
Price
$17.00Price
$23.00 CADFormat
This item is a preorder. Your payment method will be charged immediately, and the product is expected to ship on or around October 13, 2020. This date is subject to change due to shipping delays beyond our control.
Also available from:
Excerpt
INTRODUCTION
Without a doubt, the very best time you can spend each day is time with God. No matter how hectic your schedule or how busy your day, if you slow down and spend time with God, you’ll be amazed at the difference it will make.
We live in a world that seems to get louder and louder. The demands of work, the busyness of life, the distractions of social media and entertainment—these all seem to almost shout at our souls. None of these things are bad in themselves, but if we aren’t careful, we can allow them to drown out the voice of God.
Keep in mind, God doesn’t compete for our attention. His voice is not abrasive or overbearing. 1 Kings 19:12 gives us a picture of God speaking with “[a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice” (AMPC). I think this is why so many people say they haven’t heard from God. It’s not that God isn’t speaking to them; it’s just that they haven’t slowed down and quieted their souls in order to hear Him.
That’s why I’ve titled this devotional Quiet Times with God. My prayer is that as you take time to pray, read and study God’s Word, or just meditate on His goodness, it will enrich your life in amazing ways. I hope these devotionals will be a great starting point for you. Each devotional has a scripture, a thought to consider, and encouragements on various topics from the Word. Make spending time with God a priority in your life; it will be the best time you spend all day long!
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1
January 1
God Is Your Power Source
I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Your life in Christ is not a do-it-yourself project. In other words, you are not left on your own to solve your problems or meet life’s challenges in your own strength. God is with you. He is your source.
As you grow in your personal relationship with God—spending time talking with Him and studying His Word—you progressively learn to look to God at all times, leaning on His strength rather than your own. You begin to understand that He is your unfailing provider.
Because God is always with you, you have access to everything you need to be victorious in life. Peace, joy, confidence, strength, wisdom, and all the fruit of the Spirit—it’s all available to you in Christ Jesus.
Today’s Thought
Instead of wondering, How am I going to get everything done? or How am I going to figure this problem out? ask God for His help, strength, and guidance. Trust Him to be your source.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Isaiah 40:29; Ephesians 3:16
January 2
Waiting with Expectation
Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)
At some point in our lives, we all find ourselves praying about a situation and waiting for God to answer that prayer. Waiting can be difficult, and we often wonder if God has heard our prayers.
But be assured, God does hear every prayer you pray, and He is working out the answers even though you may not know all the details. Until you get an answer to your prayer, you can wait either passively or expectantly.
A passive person gives up easily, but an expectant person is confident, believing the answer is just around the corner. Expectancy fills us with hope. It gives us the faith and the strength to wake up each morning with excitement: This could be the day God does something amazing!
Today’s Thought
Even when you’re waiting on the Lord, be active. Actively pray, actively study the Word, and actively believe that God is working, even when you can’t see it.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Habakkuk 2:3; Psalm 39:7
January 3
It’s Going to Be a Good Day
This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
Have you ever said, “Well, I’m just having a bad day”? Most of us have. But the problem with bad days is they tend to pile up. A bad day becomes a bad week. A bad week becomes a bad month. And before you know it, a bad month can become a bad year.
You don’t have to go through life held hostage by your circumstances. It doesn’t matter what happens around you; if you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have the Spirit of God within you. Your hope and happiness are not dependent on the world. The Bible declares, “He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]” (1 John 4:4).
Sunny or raining, good report or bad, surrounded by friends or standing alone, you can enjoy every day of this life God has given you. He is with you at all times. Pause frequently throughout the day and say, “God is with me right now!”
Today’s Thought
God wants you to enjoy your life every day, not just occasionally. Every day can be a wonderful day because God is on your side.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study John 15:11; Job 8:21
January 4
Overcoming the Impossible
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] (Philippians 4:13)
Never assume that where you’ve been or where you are is as good as it gets. And when your goal or your situation seems impossible, keep in mind that nothing is impossible for God. In Matthew 19:26, Jesus said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The greatest things you can do in life are the things you can’t do on your own. You know you are on the right track when a challenge or an opportunity can only be done with God’s help.
It doesn’t matter what the situation looks like around you; God is greater than any obstacle you may be facing. Anything that has never been done is impossible until someone does it, so why can’t it be you? Don’t allow your mind to become a hindrance to the things you can accomplish in life. Think big—the way God does.
Today’s Thought
Believe God is going to do something better in your life. Go ahead and get your hopes up… God is leading you to something better than you can imagine.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Romans 12:21; 1 John 5:4
January 5
Faith Instead of Fear
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Fear, simply put, is the opposite of faith. God wants us to walk by faith, but Satan tries to make us live in fear. When we learn to live by faith and not let fear rule our lives, we can live a fulfilling, satisfying, peaceful, and joyful life in Christ.
Fear begins with a thought. Proverbs 23:7 tells us that “as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he” (NKJV). I like to say it this way: Where the mind goes, the man follows.
This is why the Bible talks about meditating on the Word of God and having your mind renewed (see Romans 12:2). To meditate on God’s Word means you ponder the Scripture over and over in your mind until it becomes part of you. When you do this, it takes information and turns it into revelation. The more you study God’s Word and think about His promises, the better your life will be!
Today’s Thought
Think about what you are thinking about. Instead of fearful or worried thoughts, choose to focus on thoughts that are full of faith.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study 1 John 4:18; Psalm 118:6
January 6
God’s Perfect Timing
[With joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. (Romans 5:3–4)
God has a tremendous plan for each of our lives, and He wants to greatly bless us. However, He may not bless our circumstances beyond the level of our spiritual maturity.
For example, I prayed for years for my ministry to grow. But if God had given me everything I wanted before I was spiritually mature enough, it would have hurt me because I wouldn’t have had the godly character and strength to handle it all. It may sound strange, but now I am so grateful for the hard times when I had to wait on God’s timing, because they’ve helped bring me to where I am today.
When you feel like things aren’t happening the way you want, when you want, I encourage you to trust God’s perfect timing. He knows what you can handle, and He always has your very best interest in mind.
Today’s Thought
God is preparing you for the plan He has for you.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Isaiah 30:18; Ecclesiastes 3:11
January 7
Knowing Who You Are
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
There are many people who aren’t using their gifts and talents from God because they tried and failed in the past. They are frustrated in life because they have let past defeats define who they are. Instead of quitting or giving up, God wants you to keep trying until you get it right!
When we become born again through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we actually become “re-created” in Him. So whatever Jesus is, we are, too.
• He is strong, and in Him, we are strong (see Philippians 4:13).
• He is courageous; in Him, we are courageous (see Matthew 19:26; John 16:33).
• He is a conqueror, so we conquer, too (see Romans 8:37).
• He has peace and joy, so we have peace and joy (see John 14:27).
You can overcome any defeats or failures of the past by seeing yourself in Christ. Then you will find you have whatever you need in order to do what you were created to do.
Today’s Thought
Your past mistakes don’t have to determine your future!
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Genesis 1:27; Romans 8:37
January 8
Unconditional Love
But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). (Ephesians 2:4–5)
One of the most beautiful things the Bible says is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (see Romans 5:8). He did not wait for us to deserve His love. He loves us unconditionally.
Because of His great, wonderful, and unconditional love, God poured His life out for us freely. That is revolutionary love—real, incomprehensible love that gives itself away because it can never be satisfied doing anything less.
Never forget, it is God’s unconditional love that draws us to Him, His amazing grace that erases our sin, and His powerful sacrifice that makes a way for us to enter into relationship with Him. Take time in God’s presence today to simply think about how much He loves you!
Today’s Thought
God’s love for you is available right now, and all you need to do is receive it!
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study John 3:16; Ephesians 3:17–19
January 9
Being a Decisive Person
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)
If you’ve ever felt stressed out in the face of multiple options, I have good news for you: You can be a person who makes wise, bold, and confident decisions.
You don’t have to go through life feeling indecisive and unsure, and you don’t have to be intimidated any longer by the sheer number of choices before you.
Simply ask God for His direction and then take the steps He gives you peace about. When you trust His guidance, He will show you what decision to make. Believe that you have God’s wisdom, and take steps of faith rather than being frozen in fear!
Today’s Thought
You can hear from God, and you can be led and guided by the Holy Spirit. Believe it and be confident!
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study James 1:5; Psalm 49:3
January 10
Find the Good in Everything
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV)
There is great strength in speaking positive, faith-filled words over your day. Rather than talking about all the things you’re dreading, speak God’s promises over the day to come, and incredible things can happen.
• Instead of saying, “Ugh, it looks like rain today. How depressing,” say something like, “Rain or shine, I’m going to have a great day!”
• Instead of saying, “I have so much work to do this week. I can’t wait until it’s over,” say something like, “It looks like a challenging week ahead, but I can’t wait to see how God is going to use me!”
Do you see the difference? When you change the conversation, you stop dread dead in its tracks. Speak confident, optimistic words each day and watch what God will do!
Today’s Thought
Have the faith to speak about God’s promises; that opens the door for Him to work in your life.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Nahum 1:7; Proverbs 18:21
January 11
Living in the Now
Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Having an attitude of peace and calm is priceless. It’s an attitude that says, “I’m trusting God,” and it honors Him and speaks powerfully to others.
One way to develop consistent peace is to learn to live “in the now.” We can spend a lot of time thinking about the past or wondering what the future holds… but we can’t accomplish anything unless our mind is focused on today.
The Bible tells us that God gives us grace for each day that we live; He doesn’t give it to us before we need it. I believe that grace is the power, enablement, or energy to do what we need to do—and He gives it generously. Your power and ability will increase if you focus on what you are doing instead of allowing your mind to worry about the past or the future.
Today’s Thought
You can make a decision every morning to say, “God has given me today. I will rejoice and live each moment as it comes!”
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Matthew 6:34; Psalm 16:5
January 12
Walking Out God’s Perfect Plan
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. (Proverbs 16:9)
We think and plan in temporal terms, but God thinks and plans in infinite terms. What this means is that we are very interested in right now, and God is much more interested in eternity.
Never forget that God sees and understands what we can’t yet see or understand. He asks us to trust Him, not to live in frustration because things don’t always go according to our plan. He wants us to trust that He is working His perfect plan… in His perfect timing.
We often want what produces immediate results, but God is willing to invest time. God is an investor; He invests time in us, and if we choose to invest time in and with Him, we will love the result!
Today’s Thought
Not only does God have a plan for your life, but He has the perfect timing for each step of that wonderful plan.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 37:4–7
January 13
Discipline Leads to Joy
Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. (Titus 1:8 NIV)
There are many things that compete for our limited amount of time and energy. These things often steal our joy.
I used to complain to God about my schedule being too busy. I’d say, “God, how could anyone be expected to do all that I have to do?” Then God showed me that I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me. God showed me that simplifying my schedule was the way to simplify my life.
Ask God to show you what changes you can make to eliminate the stress of rushing, and then discipline yourself to make those changes. Spend time with God first, and you will find that the remainder of your time will be more fruitful and peaceful.
Today’s Thought
Decide today that you are going to manage your schedule instead of allowing it to manage you.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Proverbs 1:7; Hebrews 12:7
January 14
Something Good Is Going to Happen!
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power. (Isaiah 40:31)
Hope is a positive expectation that something good is going to happen because of God’s great love for you. It is not a wishy-washy, wait-and-see attitude, but a mindset we must choose on purpose each day.
Hope in Christ enables us to endure hardships and long waiting periods without giving up, and God uses these times to develop character and endurance in us.
Hope reminds us to believe that God has a plan; things are going to work out. It is the sometimes unexplainable but always undeniable feeling that today would be a bad day to give up. When you choose hope, you are choosing to keep moving forward, knowing that God will make a way.
Today’s Thought
When facing a difficult day or a tough situation, choose hope over despair or discouragement. God is in control!
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study Psalm 5:3; Jude 1:21
January 15
Jesus Has Overcome
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Too often, our stress level is tied to our circumstances. We could be stressed because we’re always busy, we’re struggling financially, or we’re not getting along with someone we love.
It could be a number of things, but what’s interesting is that these situations are not actually the cause of stress. Stress is really caused by our perspective of our circumstances.
If we focus on our blessings instead of our challenges, then the challenges won’t seem so daunting. Jesus said we would have tribulation, but He also promised us victory. Instead of letting problems make us miserable, we can cheer up! No matter what is happening right now, we will win in the end.
Today’s Thought
When the storms of life rage around you, trust that God is going to carry you through the storm and bring you safely to the other side.
Dig Deeper into God’s Word: Study 1 Corinthians 15:57; John 1:5
January 16
Closeness with Your Heavenly Father
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)
Abba was a term used by little children in addressing their father. It would be similar to the word Daddy today. This term is less formal than father and denotes a comfortable closeness between a child and their father.
Genre:
- On Sale
- Oct 13, 2020
- Page Count
- 384 pages
- Publisher
- FaithWords
- ISBN-13
- 9781455560288
You May Also Like
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
