Feeling exhausted? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually?
In a Christian’s life, spiritual exhaustion can result in spiritual extinction. No, you don’t lose your salvation, but you’ll lose your passionate pursuit of God. The following pictures are ten mini-devotions that I hope will refresh you spiritually. You can read them every day, or at your own pace.
Change:
One of the indications of the change from summer to fall is the falling leaves covering the ground. Are you bitter at your season? Do you understand you are in a season, not a sentence? Have you understood that God planned the seasons of your life?
Change is the only constant part of life. God wants us to view change as an opportunity to grow closer to Him, or to serve Him in a new way. He planned our lives so we can glorify Him in the best way possible. You may be in a season of life that is not enjoyable, but God will always provide change. He will either change your outlook or your situation.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Fellowship:
The church has been the primary location of Christian fellowship. Are you involved in a local church? Are you a faithful attender? Do you grow from it? Do others grow from your being there?
God created the church, and He gave us a model for it: the body. The body works together to function, and that is how a church must operate. A Christian needs to be purposeful, present, and progressing. The church is to glorify God and to grow His children.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25
Guidance:
Corn mazes are popular fall attractions, and have baffled guests for years with their twists and turns. Are you lost? Are you trying to find your own way through the “maze” of life? Do you realize God is willing and capable of carrying you through your confusion?
God’s wisdom is above any other wisdom; it is infinite. As Christians, there are often many confusing circumstances in our lives. God is the one we must turn to. He has specifically given us the Holy Spirit to guide us through the puzzling times of our lives. His guidance will never fail, and is always available.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” – John 14:26
Diversity:
This is the entrance to Ellis Island, a symbol of widespread immigration and diversity in America. Are you thankful God has made you specially and in your own unique way? Do you appreciate the different cultures and groups around you? Do you separate yourself, even from other Christians, because they are different than you?
God has created all kinds of people that have all sorts of distinctive traits. He made us this way to be able to accomplish more for His kingdom. He wants us to work together and learn about each other while we seek Him. One day, no matter what we look like or where we’re from, we’ll all unite to worship God.
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” – Revelations 7:9-10
Harvest:
The city of Chicago has 2.7 million people living in it. Are you taking the chance to witness around you? If not, how grateful are you towards God for what He has done for you? Are you recognizing the harvest God has placed before us so we can make disciples that love Him?
God has redeemed us, and He commanded us to share His good news with everyone. He gives us all kinds of opportunities, and He expects us to bring others to Him not because of duty, but out of love and gratefulness for what He has done.
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:37-38
Provision:
Every day the sun rises and sets. Are you aware that as sure as the sun sets and rises, God will provide for your needs? Do you trust in God the same way you trust that everyday events like sunsets will occur? If you can have faith that the sun will rise and set each day, why do you not have faith in the one who causes it to?
God promises to provide everything we could ever need in life. Why does He provide for us? He provides so we can glorify Him and reflect His goodness to others. Even if you trust God to provide for your needs, are you using His provision in the correct way? God will never fail you.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Steadfast:
Pillars support some of the biggest structures in our world. Do you see God as the pillar that is holding up your life? Do you try to support yourself without His strength? Where are you putting your confidence?
Steadfast means resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. God is steadfast. We can lean on Him at all times, and He will never change. God is not just steadfast in security, but in His love is also. We can rest knowing He will always love us no matter what we do, and we can always go to Him.
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 118:1
Salvation:
This was a tract I found on a Bible in a church in Tennessee. Do you take Jesus for granted? Do you take His death and resurrection for granted? Do you take your salvation for granted?
God sent His Son to die for our sins, and Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. It is through Christ’s sacrifice that we can be saved. If we have received salvation, we cannot lose it. But we should never lose our gratitude and awe for what Christ did to redeem us.
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.” – Psalm 62:1
Eternity:
Cemeteries scatter our temporary world, constant reminders of the next step after life. Are you living in light of eternity? Are you thankful you will go to a different place than most who are in that cemetery? Do you realize Christ has given you security forever?
Death is inevitable. But after death we can go to heaven because of Jesus. We need to be thankful for this reality, and it can never fade in our minds. It is a wonderful gift, and we need to also share it with others. God will allow us into His forever.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10:27-29
Liberty:
The Statue of Liberty stands as a bold reminder of America’s freedom. Are you living as free? How do you define free? Do you use your freedom for good or evil?
God has freed us and broken any chain on us. He freed us to live a life for Him, and to live free from sin. He did not give us freedom to sin. He wants us to use our freedom to free others, and to be loving examples of Himself to the world.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13