DAILY GUIDANCE FROM GOD DEVOTIONAL - Friday, July 12th, 2024 AD
Yom Shishi, 6th of Tamuz, 5784 (Hebrew Calendar)
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27
God made you in His own image. God made you to love. God made you to feel. God made you to strive. God made you to enjoy life. God placed you in this world for a reason, so put your heart into what you believe in and let God guide you and lead the way. If you choose to avoid God and His plan for your life, one thing's for certain: you will make it to the end of your days feeling empty and unfulfilled. Don't waste a single day of your life; each day is a gift from God, so make sure you make the most of it. When you allow God to lead your life and you do exactly what He is commanding you to do, your life will be amazing and fulfilling. So today, show some love, express how you feel, continue to strive, and simply enjoy the life God has given you.
Life is a precious gift bestowed upon us by God, and it is intricately designed with a purpose that aligns with His divine plan. As we navigate through the complexities of our existence, it is essential to remember that we are made in His image, created to love, feel, strive, and enjoy the life He has given us. By putting our heart into what we believe in and letting God guide us, we can find fulfillment and avoid the emptiness that comes from straying from His path. The concept of being made in God's image is foundational to understanding our purpose in life. This divine likeness is not just about physical resemblance but encompasses our capacity for love, compassion, creativity, and moral reasoning. God, in His infinite wisdom, has endowed us with these attributes to reflect His glory and to manifest His love in the world. When we acknowledge and embrace this truth, we begin to see ourselves and others through the lens of divine love and purpose.
Love is the cornerstone of God's creation. He made us to love Him, ourselves, and others. This love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to act in ways that reflect God's unconditional love. When we love, we are fulfilling one of the greatest commandments: to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is expressed through acts of kindness, empathy, and selflessness. By loving others, we mirror the love that God has for us, creating a ripple effect of compassion and grace in the world. Emotions are a vital aspect of our human experience. God gave us the ability to feel joy, sadness, anger, and everything in between. These emotions are not random; they are designed to help us navigate life and grow in our relationship with God and others. Joy connects us to the beauty of life, sadness allows us to empathize with others, and anger can drive us to seek justice and change. By embracing our emotions, we honor the way God created us and can use them to deepen our spiritual journey.
Striving is an inherent part of the human condition. God instilled in us the desire to grow, achieve, and overcome challenges. This drive pushes us to discover our potential and to fulfill the purposes He has set before us. Striving is not about selfish ambition but about using our talents and abilities to glorify God and serve others. When we strive with God as our guide, we find that our efforts lead to meaningful accomplishments and a deeper sense of fulfillment. God's intention for us includes the enjoyment of life. He has filled the world with beauty, wonder, and opportunities for happiness. Enjoying life does not mean indulging in self-gratification but appreciating the blessings and moments that bring joy. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, marveling at nature, or pursuing hobbies, these moments are gifts from God. By savoring them, we honor Him and acknowledge His goodness.
God placed each of us in this world for a specific reason. Discovering and living out this purpose requires us to put our heart into what we believe in and to let God guide us. This involves daily surrender to His will, seeking His direction through prayer, and being obedient to His commands. When we align our lives with God's plan, we experience a profound sense of peace and direction, knowing that we are walking the path He has set for us. Choosing to avoid God and His plan leads to a life of emptiness and unfulfillment. Without God, we will find ourselves chasing after fleeting pleasures and superficial successes that leave us feeling hollow. The end of such a journey is marked by a sense of regret and missed opportunities. God's plan is designed to bring us true joy and fulfillment, and straying from it means missing out on the abundant life He promises.
Every day is a gift from God, an opportunity to live out our purpose and to make a positive impact. By making the most of each day, we honor the time we have been given by God. This means showing love, expressing our feelings, striving towards our goals, and enjoying the blessings around us. It means living with intentionality and gratitude, knowing that each moment is part of God's greater plan for our lives.
LET'S PRAY: Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the gift of life You have blessed me with. I am grateful for all the things You have blessed me with. Lord, in the morning, I shall wake up to a beautiful day You have made and give thanks to You for letting me see another day. I shall offer a prayer of thanksgiving to You, blessing Your Name for giving me the gift of life. At midday, I will come to You, asking You to bless me with strength to move on, wisdom to make wise decisions, and understanding to do the right things at the right time. Lord, at night, before I go to bed, I shall come to You asking You to watch over me while I sleep, protect me from the devil, and keep me dwelling in Your comfort. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
Trevor Winchell