Day 1

First Light

Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

GENESIS 1:3

Let there be quiet sunrises —

turning every day into a sparkling diamond of new beginnings;
painting crescendos of radiant hope on uncertain horizons;
brightening the future and canceling all midnights of despair.

Let there be silent sunsets of breathtaking color —
framing even difficult days with a triumphal benediction.

Let there be warming sunbeams —
soothing cold, stinging faces of the wandering and homeless.

Let there be dazzling rays of incandescence —
humbling anyone who dares to casually stroll into My Presence.

Let there be rainbows of comfort —
painting lilting symphonies after nerve-racking storms.

Let there be glistening moonlight —
charming forlorn hearts, encouraging upward looks of faith.

Let there be shimmering starlight —
cascading calls to worship, inspiring praise songs to the Star Maker;
pinpointing hope for the saddest heart and the loneliest traveler.

There is no need to be afraid of the shadows —
You are never alone since My Spirit accompanies you everywhere.

You do not have to be ignorant of life's profound realities —
I breathed out My Word to enlighten your mind.

Say a final goodbye to evil, shameful deeds —
Open your soul's windows to the joyful sunshine of right living.

To contemplate the magnificence of heaven's glory —
Gaze on the face of Jesus, My Bright Morning Star.

Take life one step at a time —
I will illuminate your footpath on the journey home.

I am Light beyond light, so you do not have to be afraid of the dark —
I will always leave the light on.

* * *

Psalm 19; 119:105; Isaiah 55:8-9; John 8:12; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:14-15; Hebrews 13:5-6; Revelation 21:23-25; 22:3-5,21

Day 2

Spiritual Coordinates

The Lord God called to Adam, "Where are you?"

GENESIS 3:9

Sometimes your mind is so preoccupied with chasing the wind — arranging your busy schedule, balancing your budget, and mapping your future — you do not even notice Me calling you.

I am not in the windstorm of your anxieties, the earthquake of your ego, or the fire of your frustrations. I speak to you in the hushed tones of providence and the still small voice of conscience.

You are typically running so fast in your human race that you cannot hear Me walking nearby. You may think of Me as being at a great distance, but in reality I am nearer to you than your hands and feet and closer than your breathing. I would really enjoy your friendship. If you will stop hurrying long enough, slow down a few minutes, and take a walk with Me, I have a few questions for you.

Where have you been?I have noticed that you have been extremely busy, actively pursuing earthly success. Do you understand that I have a higher standard by which to measure eternal significance? No matter how many rungs you climb, it would be humiliating for you to reach the top of the wrong ladder!

Where are you now? After all your merry-go-round days, your hectic pace, your frequent moves, and your accomplishments in life, what is the current state of your heart? Do you feel fulfilled, satisfied, and content? Are you at ease and relaxed with who you are and what you have become? Are you hiding from Me? Or am I your Hiding Place?

Where are you going? Have you pondered your direction? If you continue on the road you are traveling, where will you be ten or twenty years from now? Are you willing to trust Me with your destination? Will you allow Me to arrange your itinerary? Does your heart hunger to enjoy paradise? Care to go for a stroll?

* * *

1 Kings 19:9–12; Psalm 46; 139; Acts 17:24–31; James 4:7–10; 1 John 2:15–17

Day 3

Victory Strategy

"Why are you so angry?" the Lord asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."

GENESIS 4:6-7

Take time to reflect on your relationship to Me — try to learn from your history. When you disobeyed My commands and I disciplined you, did you resent My correction? Did I touch a nerve? Because you, in your imagined moral strength, could not keep My law, did you become angry at yourself, blame others, and sulk around down in the mouth?

Remember how I pulled you through your dejection to My delight? You chose the correct response — My way instead of yours — then our fellowship was restored, sadness gave way to singing, and you managed a smile again. Life is indeed sweet in the victory lane.

Think you have got it made? Watch your step! You are not home yet. You are still subject to vicious satanic attacks. The Devil has ten thousand lures. Your adversary is on the prowl like a roaring lion, crouching in the moral jungle on the lookout for an unsuspecting victim to tear to shreds. When you least expect it — when you are exhausted or discouraged or disoriented or worried — suggestions to do evil will assault your mind.

When you are hungry, aggravated, lonely, or tired — halt! Resolutely refuse to let sin control how you live. Stand fast against evil desires, because if you do not they will develop into evil actions. That is no way to live; in fact, it is the way to die. Subdue sin or sin will subdue you. Conquer or be conquered! Holiness is more than an ethical ideal; it is a moral imperative. Christlikeness is an absolute must!

I know sometimes it seems no matter how hard you try, you just cannot win over evil. The truth is, by yourself you cannot. But do not think you have to struggle all alone against sin. Help is available.

Satan did his best to defeat My Son, but Jesus crushed the head of the serpent striking at His heel. Triumphant over sin and death, the Victor lives to bring you personal victory over sins hindering your advance in holiness. He fights right alongside you on the front lines, encouraging and reinforcing you in your intense battles with temptation. Stay close — one day we will celebrate winning the war.

* * *

Romans 16:20; Galatians 5:16–25; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 2:16–18; 4:14–16; 12:4–11; James 1:14–15; 1 Peter 5:8–10; 1 John 1:9; 2:6

Day 4

Prayer-Walking

Enoch walked with God.

GENESIS 5:24 KJV

When you reflect on who I am, is your mind illuminated with joy or overshadowed with dread? Do you think of Me as a harsh Judge out to nail you for your misdemeanors? Guidance Counselor with your best interests in mind? Friend who deeply loves you? Companion always walking by your side?

Is your relationship with Me delightful? Or are you obsessed with dutiful, meticulous adherence to a burdensome set of self-imposed rules and regulations?

I am not a killjoy! I created you to really enjoy life. But you can only experience joy to the degree that you draw near to Me. I did not write commands to shackle but rather to liberate. When you humbly obey My Word, you are...