Spirit Thoughts: Daily Devotions Inspired by God’S Word

Table of Contents

Spirit Thoughts is a daily devotional, but to guide the reader to areas they are interested in, this table of contents is arranged by topic.

Peace

March 24, June 25, July 26, July 30, September 24, October 6

Strength

January 16, February 4, February 22, February 26, April 4,

April 29, May 15, July 12

Self Worth

January 30, February 21, March 9, March 29, April 9, May 11, May 13, June 11, July 24, September 1, September 14,

September 29, November 19

Illness

May 9, June 20, June 29, November 27

Anxiety

March 5, September 16

Worry

May 29, July 16, August 6, December 12

Death

January 23, March 22, May 7, July 1, August 10, August 14, August 17, September 21, October 28, November 21

Heaven

January 18, February 8, April 2, April 15, May 4, May 24,

June 6, July 4, July 13, September 10, September 13,

September 25, November 9

Forgiveness

July 27, August 3, August 24, November 10

Depression

January 24, January 28

Loneliness

March 22, October 11, October 22

Angels

February 25, March 2, April 19, June 27, July 19, August 26, September 19

Patience

February 12, July 6

Evil

March 27, June 4, August 28

Despair

January 27

Promises

April 20, June 12, September 3

Discouragement

March 19

Salvation

April 16, September 15, September 17, November 11

Security

January 4, January 17, March 11, May 1, May 19, June 13, August 1, September 25, October 12

Guidance

January 19, January 28, August 25, October 5, October 31, December 8, December 14

Sin

March 23, October 4, December 3

Faith

January 20, January 22, March 13, May 16, May 27, October 17, December 11

Happiness

February 6

Love

January 29, February 13, February 14, February 18, April 13,

July 18, August 7, November 7

Serving

March 21, April 5, August 19, October 8, November 18, November 20, December 6

Prayer

February 2, February 10, February 15, February 20, March 17, April 6, May 3, May 5, May 18, June 21, July 7, August 2, August 22, September 2, September 7, October 13, November 28

Fear

January 14, April 10, August 8

Gifts

March 26, March 31, August 29, October 2, October 25, November 21, December 4, December 16

Starting Over

January 1, January 6, February 27, April 1, June 1, December 31

Judging

January 2, May 17, July 20

Acceptance

January 7, March 1

Guilt

January 9

Introduction

Spirit Thoughts is written as a day-by-day devotional from the beginning of the year to the end. Specific topics are categorized in the table of contents so that the reader may find helpful suggestions on particular subjects. Spirit Thoughts started out as an e-mail to just a few and began to spread to a large number of recipients, many of who requested a desire to have it in book form. Readers will be drawn in and delighted by the adventures with biblical references in a down to earth, easy to comprehend manner. The comments of many individuals has been that the stories related in these devotionals reached their hearts, touched their spirits, and made them anxious to read on through the year.

Spirit Thoughts contains daily messages inspired by the Holy Spirit of God and based on God’s written word—the Bible. These devotionals encompass true-life experience and address numerous phases of life including: birth, death, illness, joy, problem-solving, anger, depression, self worth, and many more matters of day-to-day living. The messages will give the reader a daily prescription of inspiration, peace, and hope through the promises in God’s written word.

This book is dedicated to my

husband, Roger, and my daughter,

Kimberly who both inspired

and encouraged me to pursue

the endeavor of this book.

Daily thoughts throughout a year given

to me by inspiration of the

Holy Spirit of God to be shared

and to bless the reader.

The inspiration of these writings came to me through a nudging of the Holy Spirit. At first, I wasn’t convinced to write these messages on paper, but as I began to write, the Spirit compelled me to continue and share these messages with others.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My experiences and those of many of my loved ones are portrayed in these pages.

To my beloved husband, Roger, for his patience in allowing me solitude and encouragement during these writings.

To my daughter, Kimberly, for her constant love, listening ear, and faith in my ability.

To my precious friend, Esther Mitch, for her wondrous bible studies and faithfulness in sending copies of these devotionals to numerous people for an entire year.

To my lifetime friend, Ruth Poss, for her never ending friendship, support, and belief in me.

To Cheryl Marshbanks, my friend and confidant who spread the word of these writings at every opportunity.

To Reverend George Naff and Bobby Sharp, for their words of encouragement.

To my childhood and present friend, Marybelle, for printing and passing these messages to others.

To my heavenly Father, for giving me the sacred gift of the Holy Spirit’s messages and the courage to write them down.

January 1

Renew

As we open the new year, it is time to refresh and renew our lives. We change our calendars, compile last year’s papers, and give thanks for the blessings we’ve received. Most of us are extremely fortunate, indeed. As we look to the next twelve months, we can revitalize daily our attitudes, outlooks, and perspectives. God, in his infinite mercy, affords us a clean slate every day, whether it is the first day of the year or a day in the middle of the year. Every day God provides us with his love, grace, and guidance. We have only to open the treasure chest filled with the precious jewels of his promises; therein lay all of our most valuable treasures. A new year is filled with the gifts of God’s love, which he offers to us.

O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.

2 Samuel 7:28

January 2

First Impressions

Have you ever had to attend an event or apply for a position that required you to make a good first impression? Have you ever met someone new that you instantly disliked, but then grew to like after knowing the person better? We have all had these experiences and pertaining to the latter, I have resolved not to be so quick to judge. But, despite these resolutions, we judge others over and over again. We do it in our minds, on the street, in church, at work, and on it goes. It is difficult to get to know everyone and to understand the motivations of every person’s behaviors. The only method I have found to overcome this innate flaw of human nature is to try to see others with my Father’s eyes. Only God knows the heart, the motives, and the true personality of each and every one of us. While we only see the outer shell, he sees and understands the entire person. Only in this way can we possess a nonjudgmental attitude and look at others with the love that he first gave us.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

1 John 4:19–20

January 3

Response to Kindness

We all naturally respond naturally and positively to kindnesses extended to us. We are grateful when a coworker helps us with a perplexing matter, when a loved one does a task for us that we would rather not do, or when we are given a gift. We may even thank this person profusely and respond with a gift in return. How can we ever thank our heavenly Father for all he does for us each day? Yes, we pray and give thanks, but how many things do we just take for granted almost as though they are owed to us? Our words, though inadequate, are one of the ways we can honor God with gratitude. It is right that we are dissatisfied with our feeble language, for the Lord is so glorious in his majesty. Yet, he only requires that we honor him in all things. Were we to have the power of the whole universe to express our thanks, it would still remain insufficient, but all he desires is our love. Isn’t this what we want from our children? Come, let us adore him!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:1–3

January 4

Safe Harbor

Whether modest and simple or elaborate, our homes offer us shelter. They not only protect us from the elements of the outside but also serve as our mental safe havens. We seek solace from the world’s noise and confusion within these domestic spaces. Without shelter, our bodies would be battered by wind, rain, snow, and cold. Yet, we are not mere flesh and blood, but also spirit and soul. This most integral part of our being reaches out with every breath for a secure place to rest. Only Jesus can impart that shelter for the yearning soul. The mere utterance of his name encompasses us with comfort, peace, and a safe harbor for our souls. His name lifts us from the deep valley to the mountain top. No name in heaven or on earth is more magnificent—Jesus.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

Psalm 8:1

January 5

No Need to Speak

Since the beginning of humankind, we have communicated with one another: through images, body movements, speech, and the written word. Although much can be related through the window of the heart—the eyes—we have not replaced speech. We have expanded our methods of communication to include telephones, television, cell phones, and e-mail. Speech remains an essential tool to our existence in the world. There is only one with whom we can communicate by mere thought—God. In quiet confidence, we are able to reach the heart of God by a simple, silent thought. It may be a thankful voice or a mute appeal; there is no beckoning, begging, or searching. If in our hearts we seek him, his nearness can transform the conditions of our lives without one spoken word. The Lord knows our every thought, desire, and plea for help.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you.

Psalm 9:10

January 6

Awake

Each new morning we awake to our cup of coffee, tea, milk, piece of toast, or whatever we choose as our first delight. After the fasting sleep, we fill the void in our stomachs. Imagine if you were to spend the day without a sip of water, or a morsel of food. That is the circumstance of the soul who forgets to adore, confess, thank, and supplicate to the Lord each new dawn. The spirit yearns and cries out for his refreshment and renewal at the break of day. Without a daily spiritual revival, we remain thirsty for the life-giving power of God’s love, which flows through us. It’s as vital to our well-being as our next breath. Divine love feeds the world with the bread of life.

Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:35

January 7

Can I Accept It?

Most of us, at some time or another, have been forced into something that we didn’t think we deserved. Perhaps we’ve been ill and had to accept assistance, or maybe we’ve been forgiven for something we’ve said that was hurtful. These positions require us to assume an attitude of humility. We must first admit we are only human and allow ourselves to be cut down to size. Moses and Peter resisted this, while Samson and Paul, who were so undeserving, accepted it. We accept God’s grace when we truly come to the realization that our flesh will always fail us, but that God is lasting and preeminent. In allowing God to be exalted and glorified, we can come to the true knowledge of amazing grace.Can we accept it?

In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:7–8

January 8

Comparison

While comparison can serve a useful purpose, it often leads to feelings of dissatisfaction. As humans, we measure ourselves against the talents, possessions, appearances, and successes of others. Often times we judge others’ homes, cars, wardrobes, and positions in life. Most of us would never deem ourselves capable of breaking the tenth commandment—Thou shalt not covet, and yet we do. Instead of mentally allowing our brothers to be different in their likes and dislikes—their choices of music, homes, cars, attire, or vocations—we fuel the fire of prejudice. The Lord never intended for us to all look alike, have the same talents, or embrace the same lifestyles. He even went so far as to give us examples of difference, such as the buzzard and the butterfly, the dog and the deer, and the mountain and the plain. There is only one you, and God’s desire is that you revel in accepting his perfect plan.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Romans 14:13

January 9

Guilt

In a futile attempt to attain perfection, I am sometimes encumbered by unnecessary guilt. I know that by accepting the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, I have been forgiven, but I don’t always accept it. At times my state of mind is clouded with guilt. Sometimes guilt manifests its ugly head in the form of fear, while at other times it manifests in the form of self-scrutiny. I believe guilt is one of the devil’s most secretive tools. When we verbalize our past weaknesses, big or small, the deceiver keeps us in the past and we are unable to be liberated in the present. God’s mercies are new each morning, which means that we can be new creatures with the dawn of each day. As we recite the Lord’s Prayer, asking for forgiveness, we must first shed the cloak of guilt and forgive ourselves. Our power is not to be found in guilt, but in Jesus alone.

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Romans 6:13–14

January 10

One Time

There are times in life when we’re only given an opportunity to do something once. It could be that smile we give to someone who has only a scowl to offer or, more importantly, it might be the word or message of God we share with someone who is hurting. I am sure we have all wished we had done or said the right thing to a suffering person. Getting caught up in the business of living, we don’t always give pause to what is truly lasting and meaningful. Sometimes these situations will only present themselves once, and we may never have the occasion to reach out to that person again. It is important that we keep our eyes and hearts open to the moments God chooses to use us. Let’s not be like the horse with blinders, but instead keep our vision open to all the situations where we can make a difference, even if it only means offering a cheerful Hello to a stranger.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity; let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:9–10

January 11

The Power of Two

If you have ever had to do something or go somewhere alone and another offered to accompany you, you understand the power of two. Traveling by car a long distance can be very grueling, but when done with a companion, the load is lifted. Going to a physician to hear the results of tests might be fearful, but having someone go with you helps with the anxiety. Just like requesting assistance when lifting a heavy object makes it easier, God frequently sent two or more of his disciples together when directing them on a mission. The Lord did not intend for man to be a solitary creature, and first demonstrated that with Adam. He gave Adam a helpmate, Eve, to share in his existence. So it is with prayer, our burden is made lighter when we know that another is also praying for the same situation. God in his infinite wisdom gave us each other.

Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Matthew 18: 19–20

January 12

Striving for Perfection

Throughout our lives we continually strive to perfect the things that we do. It starts when we are very young in school and it continues into adulthood. Some of you, like me, will pursue a task into exhaustion until mastered. All my thoughts and energies focus on the undertaking or problem with a driving and unrelenting pursuit. A short time ago, a family problem presented itself and disturbed some of my peace. I prayed diligently for resolution, asking God to intervene, but continued to struggle in my own might. Patience has never been one of my virtues—I continually have to work on it. As the days passed, I was forced to realize that I had to let go and let God. I knew I had attempted to put the Lord in a time box, and all scenarios I had envisioned came to a dead end. At the eleventh hour, in God’s perfect timing, he answered my fervent prayers. He didn’t answer in the ways I had thought, but in his own omnipotent wisdom. I had to acknowledge that only in God’s power can I be perfect. His ways are not my ways, nor his time my time. The lesson learned: I am given intelligence to do what I am able to, but then I must recognize my imperfection and wait on the Lord to direct my path.

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.’

Isaiah 48:17

January 13

Locked Out

Our conditions in life can sometimes be compared to the locked door to which we don’t have a key. There are times when our paths are not those of happiness, peace, or joy. As Christians, we are not immune to pain or difficulty, and the doors to freedom from life’s ills may be slammed shut. In an attempt to rid ourselves of adversity, we can literally bang on the door in frustration. God may be allowing the door to remain locked because we are not ready to accept what lies on the other side. It may also be that God’s work on the other side is not completed and must temporarily remain from our view. If you have ever locked yourself out of your home or car, you know the frustration of not being allowed to enter into what belongs to you. Once you do gain entrance, you vow to never let it happen to you again. But, it is different with God. A closed door may represent his merciful protection. The apostle Paul knew the affliction of closed doors and realized the doors were closed only for a moment. Our light affliction, which is for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17–18

January 14

Footsteps

The sound of foot steps can convey different messages to us at different times. As small children who at times are afraid of the dark, their resonance on a floor is reassuring. For the older child involved in a naughty deed, their sound may provoke fear. The ill person in a hospital or nursing home may feel at ease when they hear the sound of foot steps, for they know help is approaching. The soft or loud sound of our foot steps may also convey a timid countenance or one of confidence. The foot steps of the Lord in simple sandals brought news, good will, instruction, and healing to an expectant world. We are further told that when our feet are too weary, the Lord will carry us in his wonderful arms, thus giving us a comfort no other can provide. Like our days, our foot steps are numbered and very important to God. Will they be used for idle nothings or to spread the good news of a risen Savior? We know if we only ask that God will lead us through the paths he desires for our lives. Where is he sending