Devotions by Susan Waters of Exceeding Joy

Rules For A Reason

Deuteronomy 8:1 Amplified Bible

All the commandments which I command you this day you shall be watchful to
do, that you may live and multiply and go in and possess the land which the
Lord swore to give to your fathers.

God’s rules are for a reason. He’s not trying to limit our lives; He’s
trying to bless us and bring us into the promised land of our destiny.

The more we trust God, the easier it is to follow His ways. The more we
follow His ways the better life will go for us. Sometimes, we still go
through storms, but just imagine what it would look like if we didn’t do
things God’s way?

Father, I choose to trust You and follow Your ways for my life. In Jesus’
name. Amen.

God Leads Us

Psalm 16:11 New King James

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at
Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

God leads us in the best way. The way may be difficult at times, but it
will still be the very best way.

When we are unsure of the way, with decisions to be made, it’s comforting
to know that God knows the way. As we listen, He will show us.

Sometimes, it seems hard to trust Him, but once we choose to trust Him, we
will never regret our choice.

Father, I choose to trust You to lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Partners

1 Corinthians 3:9 Good News Translation

For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field. You
are also God’s building.

If we are all partners, working together for God, should we not be in
unity? So much time and energy is spent on criticism and judgment. Instead,
let’s focus on what we have in common – the Lord Jesus Christ!

So what if we sing different songs or do things differently. I realize that
every church believes a little differently than another, but if we focus on
our love for God, we will see more people come into the kingdom of God.

True love accepts people. You don’t have to agree with their choices to
accept them. God loved us and reached out to us when we were at our worst.
Let’s love others the way He loved us.

Father, I choose to love others with Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Live the Gospel

2 Timothy 4:2 The Message

So proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge,
warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.

We are called to passionately live the Gospel in all we do. We are to love,
forgive, share, teach, help, caution, encourage, pray, lead, and serve.

We are ambassadors of Christ; we represent Him. We are called to be about
our Father’s business.

Father, I follow the leading of Your Spirit as I represent You to others.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.