Daily Devotional
A daily devotional to strengthen your relationship with God.
Today's Devotional
Even through tears, plant the seed!
"Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them."
Psalm 126:5-6
The "law of sowing" or the planting rule is a concept that is covered a lot throughout the Bible. Jesus taught several parables about the sower, types of soil and seeds (like the mustard seed, for example). Paul also said (in Galatians 6:7) that "A man reaps what he sows.". From these and other references, we can see that, in all areas of life, we reap what we sow.
Today's psalm tells us about a different aspect of planting. It's the only place in the Bible where a different kind of harvest is mentioned to the one of planting. The law of sowing here is wrapped up in the grace and mercy of the Lord who sustains all things! God grants those who sow with tears (humility, trust and contrition) to reap their sheaves full of joy (happiness, contentment and satisfaction)! Entrust your seed to Jesus who can transform a small seed into many sheaves. He can also turn your weeping into joy!
Even with tears and difficulties, sow your seed:
- Planting is related to trust. Give your plans to the Lord and trust that He will do everything.
- Pray to God constantly, and ask Him to sustain and direct you in all your life's purposes.
- God gives birth and growth, but you have to plant! Work hard and be cheerful!
- After sowing with faith, pray and wait patiently on the Lord.
- Ask God for guidance so that you will always bear good fruit, through the action of His Spirit in your life.
- The Word of God is the Good Seed. Share the Gospel with others around you.
Pray:
Lord, help me to plant seeds with faith and hope in you. May I trust that You sustain all things and that You sustain my life, my family, and all my dreams. Even when I'm weary, tired or beaten down by the wear and tear of life or the strain of work, may I continue to plant good seeds. May these seeds produce good fruit that will remain, for the blessing of many and your glory, in Jesus' name! Amen.
Yesterday's Devotional
God is with you!
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”."
Joshua 1:9
This was God's word of encouragement to Joshua when the people of Israel were about to enter the promised land. After the death of Moses, Joshua was newly responsible for leading the Israelites into their promised land. In front of thousands of people and without the company of their great leader, it was natural for Joshua to feel fearful or alone.
With the great challenges ahead, such as the battles to conquer Canaan, it would be reasonable to expect that Joshua would need to receive instructions for war, military strategies, or training to attack fortresses. But no. Joshua received what he needed most: encouragement, strength from God, and the certainty that the Lord would always be with him...
What great courage and strength we too can feel! The God who created the whole universe is by our side, helping us in our daily struggles.
With Jesus in your life, you can have this security and never feel alone! He is with you, wherever you are!
What do you need most today?
- Believe that all you need most is God's presence with you!
- If you feel fearful in the face of any struggle, believe that God is by your side.
- Pray to the Lord, trust Him with your life and all your projects.
- Seek God's guidance through the Bible, read, reflect, and believe.
- Fill your heart with faith and security.
- Trust in the Lord and He will help you in your daily struggles.
Pray:
Lord God, I know that you are present at all times. Help me to trust that everything I need most is in you. I believe that because you are with me, I don't need to fear evil or the problems that may come my way. Make me strong and courageous to win this day, with you by my side. Amen!
Day Before Yesterday's Devotional
Take care of your brother!
"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
1 Corinthians 1:4
In this verse, we can see the apostle Paul's desire to encourage his brothers. The church in Corinth was going through problems, but Paul's attitude was surprising: he begins the epistle by thanking God for the lives of the brothers in that region.
Paul had a grateful heart because he knew that Jesus also died for them. If God had poured out his grace on them, why not continue to be a channel of blessing in building up the brothers?
The apostle understood that every good seed needs care: it needs to be watered and pruned in order to bear fruit. Despite the failings of the brothers in Corinth, Paul understood that "pruning" was necessary for the seed to sprout and take shape. Caring is not only about ecouragement, but also about gratitude.
Show support by building up your brother's faith!
- Try to build up your brother's faith through the Word of God. Share the essential food of faith!
- Teach when necessary, but also rejoice in your brother's victories.
- Take time out of your day to pray for your brother or sister. It will do your brother and you good.
Pray:
Lord Jesus, I want to thank you for the life of (your brother's name). Your grace has reached him and I am grateful to You for this gift. May Your presence be even greater in his life. In Jesus' name, amen!
What is the Daily Devotional
The Daily Devotional is a special moment of your day that you dedicate to having a precious time of intimacy with God. It is very simple to establish an exciting routine of discovery and spiritual growth. You will achieve this by setting aside a moment each day to draw near to the Lord. During the Devotional, you will read a Bible verse with a meditation on the text. Then, you will meditate on the teachings and how to apply them in your life. In the end, you can pray.
How to do your Daily Devotional
Here are some tips for making the most of reading the Bible message during the Daily Devotional:
- Set aside a moment and choose a specific place: your devotional time will be more beneficial if you set aside the hustle and bustle and invest in a pleasant time alone with God.
- Read the verse or Bible passage attentively: develop a lifestyle committed to the Word of God every day and avoid distractions.
- Read the daily meditation: reflect and try to understand God's purpose for your life through the comments.
- Practical application: jot down your findings and don't forget to put into practice everything you have learned through the Bible.
- Share what you learned: try to share with people around what God has been teaching you in your moments of daily devotion as you go about your daily conversations and interactions.
Don't forget the importance of living a life fully committed to the Word of God!