Daily Devotional English

THE MEANING OF FOLLOWING JESUS

JANUARY 7, 2023 / DAY #6

TODAY’S RHEMA

Luke 9:23b …If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

“Working for God is always sweet. Let me carry the cross always, sweet. Come on, work for God. It’s enjoyable. Called by God, always sweet. Surrender to God’s fields, brethren. Being with God is always sweet. Sweet, Sweet, follow God, always sweet.” Such are the lyrics of the song “Work for God Always Sweet,” sung by Yehuda Singers. However, though the song repeatedly emphasizes the sweetness of following God and working for Him, how many of God’s children, following His call, are faced with a far-from-sweet reality? Yes, following God is not always easy. There is a high price to pay. There is a test to be taken. There is a process that we have to go through. Not to mention friction with fellow children of God, problems that arise, or mental fatigue that could hit. Sometimes we feel so squeezed that we feel like giving up.

That’s why we need to know precisely what it means to follow Jesus. As a follower, it is only natural for us to do what the Person we follow does. Thus, we need to pay attention to what God has done, what He thinks, and what is pleasing to His heart. God has also provided a means to reveal all that to us, namely His written word. When we continue to read God’s words, we will know God more and more, and His truth illuminates our hearts so that day by day, our steps will be on the right and proper path.

Yes, following Jesus means walking with Jesus, following every order, direction, and principle that He does. Even though there are many challenges and we must carry the cross daily, God’s way is always the best. Maybe God’s ways are not easy for us to understand, but when we continue to follow Him and reach our destination, our joy will be complete. Then, we will also see how sweet it is to follow Jesus.

REFLECTION

FOLLOWING GOD means being on the RIGHT PATH as a DISCIPLE of Christ.

APPLICATIONS

1. In living your daily life, do you walk according to your own will and understanding or God’s?
2. What would you do to be able to follow the Lord Jesus?
3. How do you experience and feel when you earnestly follow God’s way?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace in our lives. We long to continue to be able to follow You in earnest. Lead us with Your Holy Spirit, O Lord, so we are always on the path according to Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

2 Chronicles 15-16
John 12-27-50

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DARKNESS OF THE WORLD

JANUARY 6, 2023 / DAY #5

TODAY’S RHEMA

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but have the light of life.”

“Close to red becomes red, close to black becomes black,” says a Chinese proverb. This proverb warns us to be careful in an association. Even wise parents advise their children not to associate with drinking, troublemaking, or gossiping groups. Because when we hang out with people who drink, it is wrong for us to become drinkers too. When we associate with a group of troublemakers, we can become one of them. Or when we hang out with a group of gossipers, we also like to gossip.

Conversely, when we are close to positive people who like to do good, we will be infected by their good behavior. That’s why we need to choose who we should be close to. Because the way we think, behave, and act will affect our future. However, as good as humans are, they still have their shortcomings and limitations. Even as wise and as intelligent as humans, there will be times when they can make the wrong decisions and experience failure. There is only one Person that we should imitate and follow; One who knows what is good, right, and just. He even knows the best way to each of our problems.

He is the Lord Jesus, who can give us light and peace even amid the darkness of life. That is why God is called the Light of the World. Without God, we will experience darkness; for example, worry, despair, restlessness, and so forth. If we want to be free from all darkness, we should open our hearts and ask God to fill our hearts and lives. Believe that God is the source of light for the world. No light exceeds our Lord, Jesus Christ. Keep walking with God and draw closer to God from the beginning of the year until the end. Hallelujah! Jesus bless you.

REFLECTION

If we want to EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT amid the darkness of the world, we must WALK WITH JESUS, the Light of the World.

APPLICATIONS

1. What darkness is currently covering your life?
2. Why do you need to walk with the Light of the World?
3. What is your commitment to escaping from the darkness and experiencing light?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Good Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word. We believe You are the light of the world. Only You can illuminate our hearts with peace and joy from You, Lord. Here we are; help us continue walking with You, no matter what season we live. And even at the beginning of this year, Lord, we want to always walk with You. We ask you to lead our lives. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

2 Chronicles 13-14
John 12:1-26

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

OBTAINING THE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY IN THE MIDDLE OF DARKNESS

JANUARY 5, 2023 / DAY #4

TODAY’S RHEMA

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

They were shackled in darkness. Such were the conditions experienced for hundreds of years when they were enslaved in Egypt. Whereas before, they were a glorious nation, they believed they were the chosen nation—the owner of God’s promises. But one day, the darkness suddenly ensnared them, and their future was taken away. No matter how loud they screamed, no one came to their aid. Despair swallowed up their last hope. The Israelites no longer believed in God’s promise of the Promised Land.

Yes, darkness can drown us in anxiety, fear, worry, and despair and make it difficult for us to accept the words of God’s promises. Moreover, many say that in 2023, we will experience a period of darkness. There will be many crises, and there will be many moments of downfall. However, no matter what the world says, the truth is, in 2023, God will make it a year of light, a year filled with joy, laughter, success, breakthroughs, triumphs, and glory.

Yes, don’t let the darkness drown us in fear, such as the fear of facing a crisis, or even believing in negative issues, because all of that will reduce our strength so that we cannot rise and become light. Instead, rise! Get rid of all fear and keep walking with God because He is the True Light. He is the one who will support us in walking in the light and experiencing significant breakthroughs in our lives, and gaining eternal victory.

REFLECTION

For the world, 2023 was a year of DARKNESS, but for God, 2023 will be a year of SHINE LIGHT and BIG LEAPS.

APPLICATIONS

1. Have you ever been afraid to face dark times? Why?
2. Do you think God can turn darkness into light? Explain why!
3. What commitment do you make to believing that we will gain light and victory with God?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Father, thank You for Your inclusion in our lives. Teach us to always walk with You so that we can have the strength to fight against darkness so that Your light is manifest in our lives, and we can also have success, breakthroughs, victories, and glory with You even in dark times. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READING

2 Chronicles 10-12
John 11:30-57

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

GOD’S PLAN IS THE BEST

JANUARY 4, 2023 / DAY #3

TODAY’S RHEMA

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope.

Becoming a dentist has been Melisa’s dream for a long time. Unfortunately, her dream had to halt because she didn’t have enough money to pay her college fees. Melisa was desperate. However, she remembered the goodness of God. Melisa also prayed and continued to pray. She continued to hope and rely only on God. One day, she met a friend she had helped and had not seen for a long time. Melisa told her friend about her difficulties. A few days later, when Melisa checked her account balance, how surprised she was when she saw that the balance amount was precisely the nominal amount that had to be paid for her school fees and that the money was transferred precisely on the day when she had to deposit her tuition payments.

Yes, that’s how good God is. His help to the children He loves is never too late, and His plans for our lives always succeed. Let’s learn to rely on God like Melisa, who believes and only hopes in God so that God answers her problems miraculously.

Just know that God doesn’t want to see our lives fail just like that. God wants to see us succeed in achieving our dreams. So, we don’t give up either. Keep trying and hope only in God. No matter how difficult and dark our days are, when we walk with The Light, our lives will surely experience extraordinary changes, and we will achieve a glorious future. Even though everyone says it’s impossible, for God, nothing is impossible.

REFLECTION

God KNOWS what will happen to us THIS YEAR and in the YEARS TO COME.

APPLICATIONS

1. Do you realize that God already has a beautiful plan for your future? Why is that?
2. How would you know that God cares about your future?
3. What steps did you take when God gave His plan for your life?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Thank you, Lord Jesus. You are perfect. We believe God lives, and we will be safe in Your plan. The design that You have provided us is to make us even more attached to You. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

2 Chronicles 7-9
John 11:1-29

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

EXPERIENCE WHAT WE BELIEVE

JANUARY 3, 2023 / DAY #2

TODAY’S RHEMA

Matthew 8:13b …and as you have believed, so let it be done for you…

Worry and anxiety took over Theodora’s heart. She wondered if she could continue her education at a quality university. Due to financial constraints, she has never attended special tutoring like her friends. Meanwhile, one by one, her friends were accepted into university, but Theodora had yet to be accepted at any of the campuses of her choice. She felt like she wanted to give up. The mother felt the anxiety in her child’s heart and asked her to continue praying and fasting. In the end, her aunt informed her that there was still an opening at a public university in her city. At first, Theodora was unsure because she felt the university was too far from her reach, but she tried to pass the test as best. The result he left to God because she didn’t know where else to try.

However, what is deemed impossible for humans, is what God provides. Even though God’s help came at the last second, He gave more than Theodora wanted. Even though Theodora didn’t believe she could be accepted and was a little doubtful that she could take the courses at the university well, she thought the same God who had helped her to enter college at that place, indeed, He would also guide her to walk together until she graduated later.

Yes, when we have complete faith, God, who feels far away, will feel so close, and we will see Him always working on every problem of our life. In every darkness of life that comes into our lives, His light always comes so miraculous. Likewise, at the beginning of 2023, believe that God, who has helped us and done many miraculous things in 2022, will also help us live and get through 2023 with the light of His love that continues to shine for us. Enlarge our faith capacity so that we will experience miracles and breakthroughs. This is the time for us to rise and continue to shine for the glory of God.

REFLECTION

What we will EXPERIENCE in 2023 will be as we FAITH.

APPLICATIONS

1. Do you still have worries when you enter the new year in 2023? What is it about?
2. How big is your faith that in 2023 God will walk and work with you and help you?
3. What do you need to do to shine and bring a life full of joy and hope in 2023?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your valuable lessons in the past 2022. We are grateful for the opportunity You have given us to feel Your love in 2023. We surrender our lives this year only to You, according to Your will. We believe You are working in every process we experience for our hopeful future. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

2 Chronicles 4-6
John 10:24-42

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

WALK THE NEW YEAR WITH GOD

JANUARY 2, 2023 / DAY #1

TODAY’S RHEMA

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Dawnchere and her father visited a famous shopping center in Yogyakarta. She wanted to try the rides available there, but she wanted to play with others. Her father also decided to accompany her on one of the rides. They chose the crazy car rides, which had many fans. Unexpectedly, their rides didn’t have enough safety for seven-year-old children. When passing through the track, which was approximately ten meters from the ground, the vehicle was going fast, and when it dived sharply on the way partly outside the shopping building, all the passengers screamed in fear, including Dawnchere and her father. Luckily, Dawnchere’s father held Dawnchere’s tiny body so she didn’t fall. After two terrifying rounds, they finally arrived at their original place. Dawnchere and her father came down, but they were still terrified. It’s unimaginable that if Dawnchere didn’t invite her father together with her, she must have fallen.

As we live, we often don’t know what dangers might threaten us. It could also be because we don’t have experience or think we can handle everything on our own, so we make reckless and thoughtless decisions. Even though, as humans, we have limitations and not all things we cannot face alone. We need a helper, and our best Helper is God.

As we enter 2023, we are still determining what will happen this year. But no matter how dark the road is before us, God is the Illuminator who can guard our every step. Today’s Rhema also reminds us to seek and find God first, so we don’t need to be afraid of everything that will happen throughout 2023. Even when walking with the Light, He will resurrect us to be light.

REFLECTION

THE BEST START to begin 2023 is to WALK WITH GOD.

APPLICATIONS

1. What do you usually do when you are about to start something?
2. Why is it important to start something with God?
3. How to start something with God?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Dear Father, thank you for today’s word. We want to start this life in 2023 with You, Lord. Accompany us so that we can spend this year in Your way. Enable us to get through this year because if we walk with You, we can get through whatever You allow happening. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

2 Chronicles 1-3
John 10:1-23

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

THE WONDROUS PROTECTION OF GOD

JANUARY 1, 2023 / DAY 7#

TODAY’S RHEMA

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace

Today is the first day of 2023. We went through many events last year, and now is the time to face the new year courageously. Regardless of the scary stories around us about 2023, there is no need to worry about our life. Because our God cares for and loves our life, He provides protection and blessings. His protection is the most important thing we need to go through our future.

Just like God protected Mary and Joseph from Herod; Daniel from lions; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from fire, He will do the same for us. Indeed, His protection is ultimate! It is impenetrable. God can protect us from sickness; He can protect our business and work, protect our dignity and all aspects of our life, including our future.

This is why we shouldn’t worry about living our life because God cares for our life and provides us with His wondrous protection. Let’s face 2023 worry-free because God cares, blesses and fulfills our needs. And He can also protect us from sickness and evil. Accept His care and guidance and enjoy His wondrous protection, for He will never turn His face away from us.

REFLECTION

God LOVES AND CARES for us, and He wants to GIVE US HIS BLESSINGS.

APPLICATIONS

1. Do you have any worries about entering 2023?
2. What sort of wondrous protection have you received from God?
3. How much faith do you have that God cares, loves, and wants to give you His blessings?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, we thank You for loving and caring for us. We receive Your wondrous blessings and protection to walk in 2023. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

1 Chronicles 28-29
John 9:24-41

in Daily Devotional English

GOD IS THE SOURCE OF PROTECTION

DECEMBER 31, 2022 / DAY 6#

TODAY’S RHEMA

Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble

After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt by God’s direction. Herod was looking for baby Jesus and wanted to get Him killed. And most likely, Mary and Joseph will also be killed. As a king with enormous power, Herod should easily find them. But God protected them in Egypt, so Herod failed to find them until he died.

God’s protection towards His children is wondrous. He protected Jesus from Herod and protected Daniel from the lions. He kept the Israelites safe from the Egyptians. This is a protection that we know nothing about. That is how God works. His works are always miraculous, unlimited, and on time. And most of all, God cares for us, His beloved children.

Don’t be afraid; believe that God can and will always protect every aspect of our lives. God will protect us from sickness; He will protect our marriages and our business. He will protect our future. God is our just protector. Regardless of what people say about 2023, believe that He saved us in 2022 and will also protect and walk with us in 2023.

REFLECTION

Because He cares, God PROVIDES us with HIS WONDROUS PROTECTION.

APPLICATIONS

1. How do you feel during challenging times? How did you look for solutions and protection at those times?
2. Why does God care for You?
3. How will you surrender your life in His wondrous protection

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Lord, we thank You for Your love and favor. We thank You for not leaving us. We believe that Your protection and support are true. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

1 Chronicles 25-27
John 9:1-23

in Daily Devotional English

DIOS SE PREOCUPA POR NOSOTROS

DICIEMBRE 30, 2022 / Día 5#

RHEMA DE HOY

Jeremías 31:3 Jehová se me manifestó hace ya mucho tiempo, diciendo: Con amor eterno te he amado; por tanto, te prolongué mi misericordia.

“Esta noche de Navidad es demasiado tranquila”, susurró Elsa mientras contemplaba frente a la ventana de su dormitorio. La niña de nueve años echa de menos a su padre. Cuando otros niños estaban con toda su familia, ella tenía que pasar tiempo solo con su madre y sus abuelos. Su padre, que suele pasar la noche de Navidad juntos, no pudo hacerlo porque tenía trabajo que terminar. Entonces llega la hora de acostarse. Como de costumbre, su madre cuenta historias bíblicas y reza con ella. Después de que su madre terminara de rezar, Elsa oró: “Señor Jesús, creo que Dios ama a Elsa. Echo de menos a mi padre y quiero que esté con nosotros. Ahora, me voy a dormir; por favor, protégeme, papá, mamá, abuelo y abuela. En el nombre de Jesús, amén”.

Al día siguiente, Elsa corrió hacia su madre y dijo: “Mamá, anoche conocí a Jesús en mi sueño”. Su madre respondió: “¿Qué hizo Jesús, cariño?” Elsa dijo: “Jesús abrió sus manos y me dijo que me ama. Me pidió que me calmara y que me había preparado un regalo. Estoy muy feliz”. Su madre sonrió y la abrazó. Ella dijo: “Ahora cálmate, ¿vale? Como dijo Dios, ha preparado el mejor regalo para ti”. Poco después, alguien llamó a la puerta. Cuando su madre abrió la puerta, su padre sonreía mientras llevaba un gran regalo. Elsa salió corriendo, gritando de felicidad.

Al igual que la historia de Elsa, Dios tiene sus formas mágicas de responder a nuestras oraciones. Si hay una oración sin respuesta hoy, sigue esperando y reza a Él. Recuerda, sus promesas son definitivas. Ven a él y apóyate en él. Ten fe en que Él es Dios y siempre llegará a tiempo para mostrarnos su amor y cuidado. ¡Aleluya!

REFLEXIÓN

La preocupación de Dios tiene una CLASE MÁS ALTA que el cuidado humano

APLICACIÓN

1. ¿Quién crees que más se preocupa por nuestras vidas?
2. ¿Por qué la preocupación de Dios es mayor que la atención humana?
3. ¿Qué pasos tomarás para mantenerte vivo en el amor fiel y el amor eterno que Dios te ha proporcionado?

ORACIÓN POR HOY

“Señor Jesús, gracias por tu cuidado y tu gran amor en nuestras vidas. Señor, pedimos perdón si todavía dudamos y nos preocupamos por tu amor. A partir de hoy, queremos despertar nuestra fe y creer que el amor fiel eterno de Dios provee a aquellos de nosotros que queremos seguir apoyándonos en Ti. En el nombre del Señor Jesús, oramos. Amén”.

LECTURAS ANUALES DE LA BIBLIA

1 Crónicas 22-24
Juan 8:28-59

in Daily Devotional English / January 2023

GOD CARES FOR US

DECEMBER 30, 2022 / DAY 5#

TODAY’S RHEMA

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness, I have drawn you

“This Christmas Night is too quiet,” Elsa whispered while contemplating in front of her bedroom window. The nine years old is missing her father. When other kids were with their whole families, she had to spend time only with her mother and grandparents. Her father, who usually spends Christmas night together, could not make it because he had work to finish. Then time for bed comes. As usual, her mother tells bible stories and prays with her. After her mom finished praying, Elsa prayed, “Lord Jesus, I believe that You love me. I miss my dad, and I want him to be with us. Now, I’m going to sleep; please protect me, dad, mom, grandpa, and grandma. In the name of Jesus, amen.”

The following day, Elsa ran to her mother and said, “Mommy, I met Jesus in my dream last night.” Her mother replied, “What did Jesus do, honey?”. Elsa said, “Jesus opened His hands and told me that He loves me. He asked me to be calm and that He has prepared a gift for me. I am so happy.” Her mother smiled and hugged her. She said, “Now be calm, okay. Just like God said, He has prepared the best gift for you.” Soon after, someone knocked on the door. When her mother opened the door, her dad was smiling while carrying a big present. Elsa ran out, yelling in happiness.

Like the story of Elsa, God has His magical ways of answering our prayers. If there is an unanswered prayer today, keep hoping and pray to Him. Remember, His promises are definitive. Come to Him and lean on Him. Have faith that He is God and will always be on time to show us His love and care. Alleluia!

REFLECTION

THE LEVEL OF HIS CARE is HIGHER than those of humans.

APPLICATIONS

1. Who do you think cares for you the most?
2. Why is God’s care higher than humans’?
3. What would you do to live in His forever love?

TODAY’S PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your care and love. God, we are sorry if we doubt Your love. We want to rise in faith and believe that You have prepared everlasting love for those who lean on You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

YEARLY BIBLE READINGS

1 Chronicles 22-24
John 8:28-59

in Daily Devotional English
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