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“I will go before you” (Isaiah 45:2).

Read Psalm 23

When I opened my 2009 calendar to January, the verse at the top captured my attention:  “I will go before you” (Isaiah 45:2). What a comfort! Whatever I face this year, God promises to go before me. He will be there first to prepare the way, every day of the year.

This verse reminds me of Psalm 23, which speaks of the Lord as my Shepherd. I love this picture of Jesus, because shepherds lead their flocks. They don’t walk behind them to drive and herd their flocks. Sheep are led.

Since we belong to Jesus’ flock and He’s our Good Shepherd, where will He lead us? Psalm 23:2-3 tells us: beside the still waters and in paths of righteousness. Isn’t that reassuring? We can trust our Shepherd to lead us to refreshing waters and along protected paths, free from spiritual dangers. One friend put it this way: “When I don’t know what to do or how to get through a situation, I ask God to go before me and make the way straight. This makes me feel I’m not alone, and He has already figured out a solution.”

As another year with new opportunities begins, where might God lead us? We don’t know what will fill our calendar pages, but we can be confident and courageous since God goes before us. As we follow Him, our paths may not be easy, but they will be safe because we walk on prepared paths of righteousness.

Lord God, You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You are also the Good Shepherd Who leads us. Help us stay close to You and not stray from Your paths. Help us fill each day with the plans You have for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Questions: What are you facing this year? How can you stay close to the Shepherd and remain on the path He has prepared for you?

About the Author Lydia Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Because of You, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

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And this was his message:  “After me will come one more powerful than I…” (Mark 1:7).

Read: Mark 1:4-11

We spent months preparing for our daughter’s wedding. We had so much to do: mail invitations, order flowers, bake cookies, choose dresses, diet to squeeze into dresses, and the list continued. Finally everything was ready and the big day arrived. Musicians played, candles glowed, and lovely bridesmaids strolled down the aisle–all in anticipation of the bride’s entrance. When our radiant daughter appeared, the music swelled and the audience rose, all eyes upon her. It was time to celebrate and “unveil” the bride. As the marriage ceremony concluded, her father prayed a blessing over the wedded couple, and she marched out with her husband, eager to begin her new role as wife. What a memorable day!

In the Gospel of Mark, we read about another anticipated day of even greater significance. Much preparation took place for this event too–the unveiling of Jesus’ new public ministry. John the Baptist prepared the way by preaching “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (v. 4). Many confessed their sins and were baptized (v.5). When all was ready, Jesus came from Nazareth’s carpenter shop and was publicly “baptized by John in the Jordan” (v. 9). As Jesus rose from the water, the Spirit descended on Him and God blessed Him saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (v. 11).

Now we anticipate another great day–Jesus’ second coming, when we’ll be the bride of Christ. This requires spiritual preparation. When He returns, I want to be ready so He will be pleased with me, as the father was with Him.

Lord God, help me live each day anticipating Jesus’ return. Cleanse my heart so I’ll be ready. Today, may I live to please You. Amen.

Questions: How are you preparing yourself for the second coming of Jesus? Are you anticipating with joy Christ coming? Why or why not? What do you need to change in your life before you would be ready to meet Christ?

About the Author Lydia Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Practicing Patience, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Do you have difficulty sharing God’s love with others?  We invite you to talk to  us about it. One of our Women Today e-mail mentors will respond to you personally.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself ” (John 14:2-3 (KJV).

Read John 14:1-14

Together with other church women, I worked hard to prepare a lovely setting for the church dessert to welcome newcomers. To make it special, we draped the tables with colorful tablecloths, added fragrant flowers, and fluffed napkins into the cups. Then we set out a wide variety of irresistible, mouthwatering homemade desserts. I couldn’t wait to welcome the forty-five guests who had signed up. They trickled in slowly, so we delayed starting, hoping more would come. When only twenty-five attended, I felt disappointed.

The Lord Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. We’re all invited, but so few accept His offer. Those who neglected our dessert simply missed a pleasant evening; those who reject the Lord’s invitation miss out for all eternity.

Will we accept His invitation? Are we burdened and praying that others will respond?

Lord Jesus, thank You for preparing a heavenly mansion for those who believe. I pray that many will respond to Your invitation. Help me share my faith and invite others to know You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Questions: What could we do differently so that more people would be attracted to the Lord’s invitation?  How does your life reflect God’s love and forgiveness?

About the Author Lydia E. Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, How to Handle our Weakness, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).

Read: John 2:1-11

The guests were seated in the sanctuary at my niece’s wedding, but her parents paced in the lobby. Where is the caterer? They wondered. Finally, the caterer rushed in with armloads of food, and the bride’s parents sighed with relief. The wedding march began, and the radiant bride and her father walked down the aisle.

After the recessional, I was among the first ushered into the reception hall where I saw empty buffet tables. I hurried into the kitchen and found a harried caterer stuffing deviled eggs. Much of the food wasn’t ready! The church ladies and I quickly helped as directed, and soon the tables were laden with gourmet appetizers, breads, and sweets. The guests raved about the wonderful reception, unaware of the chaos behind the scene.

In John 2, we read about another wedding mishap. In Cana of Galilee, the wine supply ran out, a serious matter in those days. Jesus’ mother knew her Son could solve the problem and asked Him for help. Then she told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

The Lord’s instructions probably seemed strange to the servants, but they filled six large stone jars with water and then brought the chief steward a sample. When he tasted the water-turned-to-wine, he marveled to the bridegroom, “You have kept the good wine until now” (v. 10).

Just as Jesus, the Living Water, has the power to change water into wine, He has the power to transform any crisis we face. We only need to ask for His help, then do what He says. The outcome may surprise us!

Heavenly Father, help me to instinctively bring You my problems. Then give me an obedient heart to do what You say, knowing You’ll work for my good.

Questions: Have you faced a chaotic situation where Jesus showed up big time when you asked Him for help? What would you like Jesus to do for you but hesitate to ask? Why?

About the Author Lydia Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God Relates to Man, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 NASB).

“Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20 NIV).

Years ago, when I learned my 34-year-old sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt numb. After telling a friend the shocking news, I added, “I wish Jesus would return.”

“You should welcome Christ’s return because you love His appearing,” my friend said, “not to avoid trouble.”

This answer startled me. I looked to God to fix my problems and help me. Looking for Christ’s return only because I longed to be with Him was a new thought for me. Later, after reading that Jesus will give a crown of righteousness to “all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8), I gave serious thought to why I wanted Christ to return.

Lately, with numerous world crises, I hear Christians say, “Come soon, Lord Jesus.” And I say it, too. But what are my motives? Do I only want to escape life’s troubles, or do I truly long to see Him face to face?

When I e-mailed these thoughts to a friend, she replied, “You are so right about yearning for the Lord’s return with the right motives–for no other reason than to take our places in eternity with Him.”

She continued, “These are exciting times to strengthen our trust in God and to tell others about Christ’s love and salvation. This week, I shared Scripture with several ladies at the fitness center where I exercise.”

I love her hopeful, upbeat attitude. Yes, Jesus is our only answer, and He will return. Revelation 22:17 (NIV) says, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”

We live during uncertain times, but we have a secure, rock-solid God. Even so we say, “Come soon, Lord Jesus.”

~Lord, You have everything under control. And we know You will return for Your bride in Your perfect time. Help us to wait with eager anticipation because we long to see You and be with You forever. Strengthen us today as we walk. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Questions: Do you look forward to the Lord’s return? If so, why?  How does knowing that we have a dependable God help us in uncertain times?

About the Author: Lydia E. Harris

“…Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me, and let the one who believes in Me drink…” (John 7:37-38).

Please read John 7:37- 41

Several years ago I taught a class in my home on how to prepare and serve a three – course tea. Although the women who attended didn’t know me, or each other, our hearts blended while sipping tea. Before the women left I shared that, although tea was physically satisfying, after they drank it they would thirst again. “Only Jesus” I said, “can give us living water to quench our spiritual thirst.”

In John 7, Jesus offered “living water.” It was the last day of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. The people had gathered to commemorate God’s faithful provision during the forty years the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness while living in tents, eating manna from heaven, and drinking water from the rock.

After a week of celebrations, Jesus stood before the crowd and announced: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me” (v. 37). I wonder how many understood his incredible invitation. Did they realize he could satisfy their spiritual thirst? Were they thirsty? Did they come?

Some in the crowd seemed thirsty; they recognized something special about Jesus. They called him a prophet and the Messiah. But others were skeptical, saying, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee” (v. 41). They were not ready to believe and thus find their spiritual thirst quenched.

Jesus offers us the same invitation: Come and drink. There seems to be only one requirement— come thirsty. Are we thirsty? Are we open to drinking of the life that Jesus offers?

Lord Jesus, you are the living water who quenches spiritual thirst. Today I come thirsty – thirsty for You and Your righteousness. Refresh me, and let Your living water flow through me to bless those around me. Amen.

Questions: Are you thirsty today for the Living Water to flow to you and through you? Do you need to ask the Lord to help you thirst after Him? Do you need to ask Him to refresh you today?

About Lydia Harris

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Tell the Next Generation, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

During November, our family often made an acrostic using the word thanksgiving. We’d list things we were thankful for, using words beginning with each letter. When our children became teenagers, words like telephone, summer, and ice cream topped the list. Now with grown children, I exchange a thanksgiving list with my pen pal each year.

But thanksgiving shouldn’t be limited to a season or holiday. God’s Word says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). Since a thankful heart should be the year-round norm, I’ve used the word thanksliving in this acrostic to share some things I’m thankful for.

T = Talents
I’m thankful for my God-given talents. If I develop them and use them for God’s glory, one day I’ll hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

H = Hope
I’m thankful for the hope I have in Christ and the Holy Spirit who spreads hope in my heart. Since I know the God of hope, I can point others to Him, no matter how bleak their circumstances. I often pray Romans 15:13 for others:  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV).

A = Acceptance
Acceptance is a basic human need. As a writer, I’m thankful when editors accept my writing. However, I’m especially grateful that God always accepts me; my worth before Him is not based on my performance or success.

N = News
Although world events may be discouraging, I’m thankful we can always find good news in God’s Word.

K = Kindness
I’m thankful for the many family and friends who express kindness to me in tangible ways. In turn, I want to express caring toward others.

S = Senses
My five senses help me experience life more fully. Beyond my physical senses, I’m thankful to spiritually “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

L = Life
Life is precious and should never be taken for granted. I’m thankful for each new day.

I = Intelligence
I’m thankful for my intellect which helps me think clearly and make wise decisions.

V = Vision
I appreciate physical vision to enjoy my surroundings and spiritual vision to understand spiritual truths.

I = Imagination
Imagination helps me think creatively. As I pray and seek God, He enables me to imagine no limits and to expect him to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians. 3:20 NIV).

N = New Experiences
I’m thankful for new opportunities to grow and for new relationships that enrich my life.

G = God
God is the greatest treasure and reason to give thanks. I’m most grateful to have a relationship with  Him through Jesus Christ.

Listing what I’m thankful for always lifts my spirit. Besides that, the Bible says God is pleased with a thankful heart:  “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me” (Psalm 50:23 NASB).

Why not make your own thanksliving list? After we thank God for our blessings, we can serve Him from the overflow of our grateful hearts.

Take the next step:

5 Reasons to be thankful right now
Take a lesson: Develop a heart of worship

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

When my son was in high school, I campaigned hard for a godly school-board candidate. This man’s values reflected mine, including abstinence-based sex education.

For weeks, I stumped from door to door and from neighborhood to neighborhood to promote my candidate. Campaigning became a priority, and sometimes I barely had time to cook dinner for my family. I wondered if investing so much time in this election was worth it.

My son cheered me on with, “Keep it up, Mom.” My family agreed to simpler meals and a less-than-tidy home so I could continue campaigning.

Finally, the election was over, and the votes were counted. My candidate had lost! I had worked hard, sacrificed, and prayed. For what?

Crushed in spirit, I asked God, “What shall I do now?”

His answer surprised me: “Praise Me.”

Praise Him? For this outcome? Yes, I sensed that’s what God asked of me.

I pulled out a chair and knelt on my not-so-clean kitchen floor. With tears running down my cheeks, I prayed in surrender.

“Lord, I’m disappointed. I worked hard, yet my candidate lost. But I choose to praise You because You are sovereign. Oh, God, I look to You, and I praise You as my great God. You are worthy of praise even when things don’t turn out as I hoped. I surrender my desires and trust You with these election results.”

I got up from my knees, still disappointed, but at peace with God. I sensed He was pleased with my prayer and my campaign efforts. He would oversee the situation, even with another school-board member elected.

In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah wrote about disappointments that were far greater than mine. Enemies had burned down the entire city of Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Yet in the midst of this devastation, Jeremiah praised God (Lamentations 3:22-26).

No matter what disappointments and setbacks we face, God always deserves our praise for who He is. And when we praise Him, it brings Him joy and changes our focus.

~Lord, help me to always praise You. Like Jeremiah, change my song of lament into a song of joyous praise. Amen.

Questions: What are you facing today? It’s easy to praise God on the mountaintops of joy and even on the plateaus of daily life. But what about in the dark craters of despair? Will you praise Him there?

About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/lydia-e-harris/

**Come chat with us.

Listen to this devotional read aloud online

Please join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our women’s chat room at 10:30am est

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

When my son was in high school, I campaigned hard for a godly school-board candidate. This man’s values reflected mine, including abstinence-based sex education.

For weeks, I stumped from door to door and from neighborhood to neighborhood to promote my candidate. Campaigning became a priority, and sometimes I barely had time to cook dinner for my family. I wondered if investing so much time in this election was worth it.

My son cheered me on with, “Keep it up, Mom.” My family agreed to simpler meals and a less-than-tidy home so I could continue campaigning.

Finally, the election was over, and the votes were counted. My candidate had lost! I had worked hard, sacrificed, and prayed. For what?

Crushed in spirit, I asked God, “What shall I do now?”

His answer surprised me: “Praise Me.”

Praise Him? For this outcome? Yes, I sensed that’s what God asked of me.

I pulled out a chair and knelt on my not-so-clean kitchen floor. With tears running down my cheeks, I prayed in surrender.

“Lord, I’m disappointed. I worked hard, yet my candidate lost. But I choose to praise You because You are sovereign. Oh, God, I look to You, and I praise You as my great God. You are worthy of praise even when things don’t turn out as I hoped. I surrender my desires and trust You with these election results.”

I got up from my knees, still disappointed, but at peace with God. I sensed He was pleased with my prayer and my campaign efforts. He would oversee the situation, even with another school-board member elected.

In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah wrote about disappointments that were far greater than mine. Enemies had burned down the entire city of Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Yet in the midst of this devastation, Jeremiah praised God (Lamentations 3:22-26).

No matter what disappointments and setbacks we face, God always deserves our praise for who He is. And when we praise Him, it brings Him joy and changes our focus.

~Lord, help me to always praise You. Like Jeremiah, change my song of lament into a song of joyous praise. Amen.

Permanent devotional link

Questions: What are you facing today? It’s easy to praise God on the mountaintops of joy and even on the plateaus of daily life. But what about in the dark craters of despair? Will you praise Him there?

About the Author: Lydia E. Harris

**Come chat with us.

Listen to this devotional read aloud online

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

When my son was in high school, I campaigned hard for a godly school-board candidate. This man’s values reflected mine, including abstinence-based sex education.

For weeks, I stumped from door to door and from neighborhood to neighborhood to promote my candidate. Campaigning became a priority, and sometimes I barely had time to cook dinner for my family. I wondered if investing so much time in this election was worth it.

My son cheered me on with, “Keep it up, Mom.” My family agreed to simpler meals and a less-than-tidy home so I could continue campaigning.

Finally, the election was over, and the votes were counted. My candidate had lost! I had worked hard, sacrificed, and prayed. For what?

Crushed in spirit, I asked God, “What shall I do now?”

His answer surprised me: “Praise Me.”

Praise Him? For this outcome? Yes, I sensed that’s what God asked of me.

I pulled out a chair and knelt on my not-so-clean kitchen floor. With tears running down my cheeks, I prayed in surrender.

“Lord, I’m disappointed. I worked hard, yet my candidate lost. But I choose to praise You because You are sovereign. Oh, God, I look to You, and I praise You as my great God. You are worthy of praise even when things don’t turn out as I hoped. I surrender my desires and trust You with these election results.”

I got up from my knees, still disappointed, but at peace with God. I sensed He was pleased with my prayer and my campaign efforts. He would oversee the situation, even with another school-board member elected.

In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah wrote about disappointments that were far greater than mine. Enemies had burned down the entire city of Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Yet in the midst of this devastation, Jeremiah praised God (Lamentations 3:22-26).

No matter what disappointments and setbacks we face, God always deserves our praise for who He is. And when we praise Him, it brings Him joy and changes our focus.

~Lord, help me to always praise You. Like Jeremiah, change my song of lament into a song of joyous praise. Amen.

Permanent devotional link

Questions: What are you facing today? It’s easy to praise God on the mountaintops of joy and even on the plateaus of daily life. But what about in the dark craters of despair? Will you praise Him there?

About the Author: Lydia E. Harris