Author: Beth Morrison

2 minute read.

Daily Reading:  Genesis 1:1-2:25 ESV, Matthew 1:1-2:12 ESV, Psalm 1:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 1:1-6 ESV

Daily Verse: “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight” (Proverbs 1:2 ESV)

MUCAR: Hebrew root word for INSTRUCTION. “Reproof, warning or instructions; also restraint.” [1]Mucar is discipline, but more. As “discipline” it teaches how to live correctly in the fear of the Lord, so that the wise man learns his lesson before temptation and testing.” [2]

Instruction gives life.

Proverbs, considered a book of wisdom, teaches us how to live.  By reading the words written by Solomon, we can avoid temptations and testing. The Bible is the “only ancient religious document that has survived completely intact.” [3] Wise people heed advice; fools ignore it. Solomon’s writings tell the difference between the two. 

God gave us an instructional manual for life through the authors of the Bible.  Men and women who lived lives of faith recorded their experiences. Their journeys with God help us with ours. We can become wiser by learning from their victories and mistakes.  Beginning a new year by dedicating time each day to read the scriptures will help you live your life to the fullest.

Become disciplined.

Mucar requires discipline.  We must heed the warnings, doing what God commands.  Healthy respect for the Lord’s power means becoming obedient to His ways.  Chapter one of Proverbs tells us how to discover God’s plan for our lives by reading the inspired word of God and applying it to our lives.

Today begins a new journey as you engage with your ancestors through their ancient writings.  Learn from their relationship with God, those who followed Him, those who didn’t.  We can replace any character with “Me.” All of us have fallen short of God’s expectations for us.  God knows we aren’t capable of perfection; Jesus stands in the gap for us.  With Him, all things are possible.  Without Jesus, we have no hope.

Join me on the journey as we venture into a new year.  Expect God to do amazing things in your life as you follow His instructions.  Become disciplined in spending time with your Creator every day.  Live in the hope of Jesus, experience life to the fullest.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson.

[2] Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Word Study) (p. 658). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

[3] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Thomas Nelson.

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Zephaniah 2-3, GW

God’s heroism saves.

One thing we all need, salvation.   Sin affects everyone; we all have personal battles. God’s presence in our life gives us victory over our afflictions.  Having the ability to receive forgiveness for our wrongdoings paves the way for life change.  Ridding ourselves of our sinful nature allows us to make different choices.  Instead of following the old ways, we can choose less traveled paths.

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:14 NIV)

God wants you to choose the narrow road.  Following Jesus makes us change our actions, not following our sinful nature but Jesus’s example.  Taking the high road means denying yourself, picking up your cross, and doing the right thing.  Recognizing God’s ways aren’t ours helps us take the narrow road.  

Prepare to change.

Approaching God through prayer means preparing for life change.  Often, our prayers center around changing other people, but God doesn’t work that way. God’s salvation offers you new life.  People have to choose Him to find the same thing.  Our Hero doesn’t want anyone lost, but God knows, people have free will.  We get to decide how we want to live our lives, who we want to follow, and if we are open to the life change God offers.

Accept God’s heroism, belief in Jesus.  As we end one year and begin another, spend time praying about your life.  Ask God what area you need to give Him.  Decide to take a different path, one less traveled.  In prayer, make a list of sinful regions you haven’t given to God in your life.  Write them down, then prayerfully, give them to your Maker.  Your Hero can’t wait to shed His light on your struggles, helping you overcome them.

Lord, thank You for another year; the time has gone quickly.  Thank You for the life change we’ve experienced because we followed You.  Forgive us when we stray; always draw us back to You.  As we begin a new year, give us a vision for the next 365 days.  Illuminate areas of our lives where You want to grow us, making us more like Christ.  Give us the faith we need to follow the road less traveled.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What areas of your life do you need to give to God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Zephaniah 1 GW; Psalms 147 GW

Wounds heal.

Injuries to the heart are invisible.  Unlike a physical wound, no one can see the devastation.  When someone slices their finger, blood immediately appears, indicating a cut.  Applying pressure stops the bleeding, allows clotting, forming a scab.  The body immediately goes into action, creating new skin to repair the damaged area.  Over time, the only sign of the wound, a barely visible scar.

God heals our invisible wounds.  Stabs to the heart, felt inward, have no outward sign of harm.  Betrayal by someone you trusted, death of a loved one, insensitivity of a friend, rejection by a spouse, all knife strikes which cause deep wounds.  Emotional gashes need God’s bandaging.  When we give God the pieces of our broken hearts, He bandages them together, making them whole again.

“Lord, give me hope.” I prayed a few weeks ago.  No immediate change occurred, but admitting to God how I felt started the healing process.  A week later, in the mail, I received a beautiful cross necklace from my uncle, a brave man of God.  His handwritten note gave me hope. 

Bandages vary. 

For my situation, God applied pressure from an unexpected source.  Never did I expect hope to come via First Class mail.  How God treats our brokenness differs, no two patients are the same.  As we follow God, He stops the bleeding.  Giving our heavenly Father our pain allows Him to create beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).  

Stopping the blood flow allows us to sift through the emotions.  Taking time to sit in the difficult feelings helps us move through them.  Accepting, acknowledging, and investigating them enables God to nurture us.  Sorrow and joy work closely together.  Without sadness, we wouldn’t know joy.

From the depths of our wounds, God creates new life.  Stitching our hearts back together with His love and mercy.  Keeping soft, vibrant hearts requires complete dependence on our Creator.  Without Him, we can’t overcome the heartaches of this world.  With God, we’re conquerors.

Lord, thank You for healing our invisible wounds.  Forgive us for trying to hide our hurts from You.  Help us trust You with our deepest cuts.  Repair our hearts as only You can do.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What hurt do you need to give God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 65-66 GW; Revelation 21-22 GW

Life flows from God.

If you’ve ever watched a river flowing, you’ve seen the ripples indicating movement.  Silently, the bubbling water moves towards its eventual destination, an even larger body of water.  Our lives are similar.  From day one, we begin moving towards our eternal home, whether we participate in the trip or not.

Our Creator constantly creates new life.  Every day, babies are born into the world, beginning a journey.  From the time we come from our mother’s womb, we grow and change.  Our path to eternity happens one day at a time.  When we take our last breath on earth, we’ll take our first in heaven.  Each day, our challenge remains the same, keep moving forward.

“What areas of your life are you stuck in guilt and shame?” asked my therapist.  Over the next few weeks, I prayed over her question; the answers surprised me.  What I realized, areas of personal unforgiveness stopped me from thoroughly enjoying the journey.  God didn’t condemn me; I judged myself unworthy.  By identifying my “stuck” places, I released the log jam.

Open the dam.

Floating debris creates log jams in rivers, places the water can’t flow because of the backup.  My unresolved issues developed an emotional blockage for me.  Clearing the congestion meant allowing God’s living waters to flow into my deepest hurts.  With mercy and love, God shed light into the darkness, letting grace cleanse my heart.  Forgiving others, much easier than letting myself off the hook.  But we must let our past sins go, striving to move forward and experience life to the fullest.

God creates life, its flowing waters available to all.  Drink of God’s love for you; allow His river of love to access all areas of your heart.  Embrace Christ’s vibrant energy, letting His Spirit lead you through your days.  Thank God for living water that flows eternally.

Lord, thank You for life.  Forgive us for taking Your precious gift for granted.  Help us today identify areas we are stuck.  Free the emotional log jams from our lives, let Your living water flow through us.  As we embrace Your love and mercy, encourage us on the journey.  Give us hope for our future.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What areas of your life are stuck in shame and guilt?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 60-64 GW; Revelation 20 GW

Spiritual joy multiplies.

Experiencing God’s grace makes you want to share it with others.  The Maker’s peace surpasses all understanding, something we can pass to others.  Freedom in Christ brings new life, one you want others to experience as well.  When people first believe in Jesus, their enthusiasm can often challenge people around them.  They are overzealous in their desire to share Christ, often causing unintended harm.  We learn to communicate Jesus’ love better as we grow and mature, knowing actions speak louder than words.

Ending another year of writing devotionals gives me joy.  Thinking back over the last 365 days makes me grateful.  Through thick and thin, God helped us persevere.  Counting blessings, an excellent way to share the good news of Jesus with others.  Praise God for providing us with a home, food, good health, and jobs.  But also, thank God for walking with us through the moments of uncertainty and fear, for giving us hope when we felt hopeless.  Praise God for His light which leads us through a dark world.

Praise God.

Sharing the good news means praising God to others.  Tell people how believing in Jesus changed your life.  Show others the way to find freedom in Christ.  Honestly, talk about your struggles and how Jesus’ helped you overcome them.  Accepting Christ means God’s Spirit lives within us, guiding us through our days.  God’s assistance, available to all who believe.  Sharing our faith means telling our story, how God changed our lives.

I’ve shopped for a cross necklace for months but didn’t find one I liked.  Discouraged, I asked God for hope.  We received our Christmas card from our uncle in Texas a week later.  Nestled in a letter was a beautiful cross necklace, a mite in the middle.  Mites are what the poor widow put in the offering; Jesus commended her for giving everything (Mark 12:41-44). Uncle Earl shared the good news through the action of love, inspiring and encouraging me to do the same.  

We can’t help but share the good news with God’s spirit in us.

Lord, thank You for filling us with Your Spirit.  Forgive us when we don’t follow Your promptings.  As we move through the day, don’t let us miss opportunities to tell people what You’ve done for us.  Help us praise you loudly to all those who will listen.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How can you praise God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 56-59 GW; Revelation 19 GW

God gives strength.

Verbally praising God acknowledges His presence in your life.  Four tornadoes devastated Kentucky on Dec. 10, 2021.  Watching news coverage, Dr. Milton West, pastor of First Christian Church of Mayfield, KY, talked about the communion table.  Nothing survived the onslaught of circular winds except the ornate table, cross still standing.  Small tiles sitting on the unbroken glass read, “Glory.”  In a Christian RV Facebook group, I saw several posts of Bibles found untouched in the rubble.  Everything was lost but the word of God.  People found hope amid tragedy, giving them strength.

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:

    It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” 

(Isaiah 55:11 NIV)

One survivor, holding the blue and gray Bible, shared the verse from Isaiah.  Expecting to find nothing in the remnants of his home, he discovered his monogrammed book lying on the floor.  

God’s word prevails.

“My God is still on the throne and still in control!  We might not know what He is doing and why but His hand is in this.”  Austin McReynolds, Tornado Survivor

Life’s devastations come without warning.  All of us experience them.  But God remains constant, no matter what the storm.  Finding comfort within the pages of Scripture leads us to praise God, trusting the unfolding of His plan in our lives. 

First Christian Church gathered for services in the parking lot on Dec. 12, 2021. Uniting in fellowship, the key to moving forward from the tragic event. 

“We will pull together and find ways to grieve, to celebrate, to locate, and to care.”  Dr. West

God meant for us to live in a community.  Strength comes from gathering together during life’s difficulties, persevering in faith, and trusting God.  As we approach the beginning of a new year, praise God with others.  Join the heavenly crowds in proclaiming God’s sovereign power.  Gain strength from God.

Lord, thank You for giving us strength in the storm.  Forgive us for not turning to You sooner.  Whenever we stray, draw us back to You.  Help us persevere in the storms we’re facing.  Give us peace for today and hope for tomorrow.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How does praising God help you persevere?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 53-55 GW; Psalms 65 GW; Revelation 18 GW

Sins overwhelm.

“I hope he had time to make peace with his Maker.” 

The prosecutor’s words struck me while listening to “Broken Chains,” part four of the “Truth Be Told” series by Kim Henderson about abuse in the church.  Referring to David Earl King’s death, he was a pastor convicted of child abuse.  In his final hours, no one knows if he found peace with God over what he did on earth.  Thinking about making peace with our Maker means coming to terms with the things we’ve done.

In my fifties, making peace with my past allows me to strip myself of the things that hold me down.  I’m not enjoying the present moment when I condemn myself for historical mistakes.  Now only happens once.  What I’m discovering, I’m overwhelmed with my sin.  Constantly battling my human nature, past, present, and future exhausts me.  Only when I make peace with God can I gain His.

Forgiveness frees.

“You are only as sick as your darkest secret.” my therapist said at the end of one of our sessions.  The things we can’t or won’t talk about in life make us sick.  Confessing our sins to God begins the healing process.  As we accept that God loves us, we can start to forgive ourselves no matter our sins.  In my experience, I’m the one I can’t forgive.  My expectations of myself are higher than any I place on someone else.  When I’m struggling, God helps.

God’s grace never ends nor depletes.  Jesus died to give us life, hanging on the cross for us.  Someone had to bear our sins; Jesus did the job.  If we don’t accept His gift, our sin will overwhelm us.  Saying “Yes” to Christ frees you from your past, allowing you to live in the moment, enjoying the now.

Make peace with your Maker.  Speak your secrets to Him.  Feel less overwhelmed today.

Lord, thank You for saving us.  Forgive us for not believing or accepting the gift you offer.  Help us become healthier as we bear our sins to You.  Cleanse us from our pasts, purify us through Christ’s blood, heal us completely.  Teach us to enjoy the moment, knowing You have us in the palm of Your hand.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

Have you accepted God’s grace in your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 49-52 GW; Revelation 17 GW

Jesus brings joy.

Today, celebrating the birth of Jesus fills us with joy.  Bonding our lives eternally with His gives us new life.  Light invades the darkness when the journey with Christ begins.  No longer does sin hold us captive; God’s grace and mercy cover our inequities.  We are all equal in Jesus, brothers, and sisters in Christ.

Think of what Jesus does for you every day.  Spending time with friends and family, thank God for another year together.  Appreciate the blessings you have.  Praise Jesus for health, wealth, and gladness.  Whatever gifts you enjoy came from above:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”(James 1:17 NIV)

Recently, my husband couldn’t find his keys after service in church.  Turning to the ladies behind us, I asked for help.  Not seeing the keys, with a sparkle in her eye, one lady said:

“Your sure do like to dance!”

Embarrassed, with a smile, I said, “Worship is my favorite part!”

Worship well!

Sing for joy at the birth of Jesus.  Let yourself worship the baby who became our Saviour.  Celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in world history, the day Christ entered the world as flesh, His mission one of love.

Focus on the Savior today.  Whatever mountains you’re facing, give them to the Mountain Mover.  Rest in the glory of Jesus’ birth, singing joyfully for our King.  Prepare room in your heart for the King of all Kings. Carry the wonder of Christmas with you throughout the year.  Share Jesus’ miraculous birth with all who will listen.

Lord, thank You for Jesus!  Forgive us for getting caught up in the whirlwind of the holiday, forgetting its original meaning in the hustle and bustle of Christmas.  As we celebrate Christ’s birth today, fill our hearts with joy to last all year long.  Help us carry the message of Christmas throughout the next 365 days.  Let heaven and nature sing at the birth of our King.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How does Jesus make you sing for joy?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 45-48 GW; Revelation 16 GW

God created community.

When our Creator set the earth on its axis, He fully intended to fill the planet with people.  The kaleidoscope of humanity, a miracle to behold.  Different races, skin color, languages, cultures, all part of God’s original plan.  Everything done with intentionality.

Talking with a friend about her past, she wondered why God allowed her ex-husband to cheat on her.  Or why did God allow 911 to happen, killing thousands of people.  My response, God didn’t make those choices, the people involved decided to do those things.  God gave us free will, we have options, either follow Jesus or not.  When humans pick themselves over Jesus, their deeds reflect the decision.

“But my heart always ached for those who don’t know Jesus, their actions being a reflection of that,” Shelby Houston, speaking at her father’s funeral.

Choose the Creator.

Shelby Houston’s father, Richard, died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic abuse call. She is only 18 years old; Shelby’s heart aches for the killer because his actions indicate he didn’t know Jesus.  God intended to inhabit the earth with people, and His ultimate plan, for them to choose Him.  Love can’t exist without choice.

God loves everyone, Jesus’ actions on the cross demonstrate His affection for us.  But we must choose Him.  Love only works when given freely, no one can force someone to love them.  When I was in highschool with a crush on the star baseball player, I couldn’t force him to return my affections.  Life doesn’t work like that and neither does God.

Choosing Jesus means accepting the love God gives.  Realizing, God wants a relationship with you so badly; He created a way for eternal bonding.  But you have to make the decision; our Maker doesn’t force himself on anyone.  Appreciating the people who made a choice first helps you make the same decision.

Richard Houston chose Jesus first; as a result, his daughter did as well.  Appreciate the people in your life that guide you on the right paths.  God created us all in love.  His hope, you will choose Jesus.

Lord, thank You for those who’ve gone before us.  Forgive us for not choosing You always.  Help us today to follow You.  Give us strength and courage to face the day ahead, knowing You are in charge; Your plan, always the best one.  All glory belongs to You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who are you choosing today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 42-44 GW; Revelation 15 GW

God protects.

Doing the right thing always takes effort.  Overcoming hurt feelings to represent God well, never easy.  To love people, we must overlook their offenses.  Instead of assuming hurtful actions were intentional, think they weren’t.  Remember God loves them too, our calling, communicate God’s affection to them.  God never calls us to judge; He calls us to love.

Keeping in stride with Jesus, we must remind ourselves of His perspective.  Dying on the cross, the ultimate act of love.  Jesus died for you, me, and the person you’re mad at right now.  No exceptions of who we’re to love, everyone.  Doing the right thing, the best way to share God’s love.  

Start with prayer.

If you don’t know what the right thing to do is in life, start with prayer.  Believe as God’s purpose unfolds in your life, He will give you direction.  As you partner with God, coming under His protective wing, you will find the courage to take the next step.

Forgiving someone who hurt you takes courage.  Letting go of past offenses, praying for ones who’ve betrayed you, difficult.  But with God, all things are possible.  Allowing Jesus to guide and direct your steps will help you do the right thing.  If you falter, God will give you another chance.  

“You don’t have to hit a home run every time; you just have to get on base.” Rick Warren

When we take steps of faith, we must give ourselves grace.  Do the best you can, trusting God will do the rest.  We can get on base under our Maker’s protection, one hit at a time.  Eventually, becoming obedient to God becomes your only option, realizing, no other way works as well.  

God will hold your hand, helping you accomplish your mission.  Following Jesus, always the path to victory.  Live for the applause of one.  Nailed scarred hands give the best protection.

Lord, thank You for protecting us in our calling.  Forgive us for doubting Your divine intervention.  As we move through our day, help us remember our calling to love You and others.  Give us the strength to do the demanding things we all must do in life.  Shetler us in Your arms as we do our best to represent You well.  Guide and direct us, Lord, today and always.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What is God calling you to do?