Devotions by Susan Waters of Exceeding Joy

God’s Blessing Upon You

Numbers 6:24-25 Good News Translation

May the Lord bless you and take care of you; God bless you and keep you,
may the Lord be kind and gracious to you.

This is God’s blessing for you! He blesses you, NAME-HERE. He promises to
take care of you. He calls you blessed and keeps you safely in the palm of
His hand.

He will always be kind and gracious to you NAME-HERE.

Father, I receive Your blessing with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Graciously Forgive

Ephesians 4:31-32 The Voice

Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all
malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate.
Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the
Anointed, our Liberating King.

We don’t need people’s forgiveness, but it’s always nice to have. Think
about a time when someone didn’t want to forgive you. It’s not nice, is it?
Graciously extend forgiveness, keeping in mind that forgiveness is for your
benefit.

Most people don’t purposely try to hurt or offend us. Often, they aren’t
even aware that they have been insensitive or hurtful. They go through life
oblivious to their actions. Unforgiveness comes with a DVD with automatic
replay. Those that refuse to forgive are the ones in torment.

Yes, there are always a few that purposefully hurt and offend others. Do
you think they care if you forgive them? They don’t give it a second
thought. So why should you stay trapped in the bondage of unforgiveness?

Choose to forgive so that you can be free! Keep in mind, forgiveness
doesn’t let them off of God’s hook. It doesn’t make their actions right.
Forgiveness positions you to receive God’s healing and freedom.

Father, I choose to forgive _______________________. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Why Don’t You Ask?

John 16:24 New King James

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive,
that your joy may be full.

Over the years, I’ve come across numerous people that don’t ask God for
things for various reasons. Some don’t feel worthy. Others feel they
shouldn’t bother God with anything that is crucial. Many don’t think to
ask, and countless believe that God doesn’t care enough to answer their
prayers.

Those – and many others – are lies that have been carefully injected into
our minds. Those lies paint a picture of God that contradicts His loving,
fatherly nature.

Ask. What have you got to lose? Don’t let it be said that you don’t have
because you didn’t ask!

Father, I’m going to ask You for the things I desire, just like a child
would ask his or her loving parent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are You Speaking?

Proverbs 18:21 The Message

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.

Listen to yourself talk. Take note of your words throughout the day. Are
you talking about your problems or your solutions?

I’m not talking about sticking your head in the sand and ignoring your
problems. It’s not wrong to have conversations about your fears and doubts
but don’t end your conversation there.

Sometimes, King David spent the night in tears. Many times he was stressed
to the max, but he always ended his dilemmas with trusting God.

You may not see a way out of the situation you’re in, but we serve a God
who makes a way when there isn’t a way. We have a God who performs miracles
when needed. God is an awesome God who moves mightily on our behalf.

Father, thank You that I can always trust You to lead me in Your perfect
plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.