A Closer Walk With God

A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD

LIVING WITH HIM DAILY

THROUGH HIS BLESSED WORD

PRESENTED TO

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PRESENTED BY

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OCCASION

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DATE

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A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD

Living With Him Daily

Through His Blessed Word

Meditations

for Each Day of the Year

CAROLINE A. WRIGHT

SMASHWORDS EDITION

PUBLISHED By

Nubegin Press

Miramar, Florida

http://www.nubeginpress.com

A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD

Copyright © 2012 by Caroline A. Wright

Published by:

Nubegin Press

6151 Miramar Pkwy, Suite 310

Miramar, FL 33023

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) ®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version.

Scriptures noted NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All right reserved worldwide.

Scripture noted AMP taken from the Amplified ® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987, by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture noted CEV taken from the Contemporary English Version® Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotation marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

LCCN 2012952763

ISBN 978-1-936775-56-9

Cover Designed by Concialdi Design

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all seekers of God’s truth. The selected verses are meant to challenge you to delve further into reading and meditating on the Word. Jesus tells us that these [very Scriptures] testify about Me! (John 5:39, AMP). Jesus is inviting us to respond to His word of love and grace. I am praying that the word [spoken by] Christ [the Messiah] will have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness (Col.3:16, AMP). This means you will be guided by God’s wisdom; when you fail, as we all so often do. God’s Word provides our ‘reproof and correction (2Tim.3:16). By obeying, we are put on the right path, to continue A Closer Walk With God. Blessed reading and sweet meditation to all my readers.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Every book that is written has its motivators who deserve to be thanked by its author. A Closer Walk With God is one such book.

Margaret Wright my mother, had been my chief motivator. Her daily pattern of Bible reading and prayer, inspired me to do the same. Now I find that I can go a step further. I am now writing down how God’s Word directs me. God’s Word can do the same for you.

To Patricktown and now Prince of Peace Moravian Church, I am thankful for our community of believers. You are an encouraging group. Worshiping with you and studying the Word together over these years have served to strengthen my faith.

To my sister Violet Wright I am thankful for undertaking the arduous task of compiling the manuscript and for giving me helpful hints. To my sister Gerda Williams, thanks for encouraging me, and for keeping me going.

To my other family members and friends, thank you for always cheering me on.

INTRODUCTION

I read the Word of God with great delight. As I read and re-read, certain verses seem to be speaking to me personally. I certainly believe that there are others who share this experience. In this daily devotional, I have included many of these verses together with those offered as favorite verses by my friends and associates. Now, I am sharing these verses with my readers. Each selected verse is given a fitting descriptive topic, followed by a brief Bible study and a short prayer.

My hope is that God will inspire you all to read not only each day’s verse and Bible study but also the entire chapter. A Closer Walk With God is replete with examples of the ways God’s Word guided the lives of His people. We will discover that God wants us to depend on Him and not on our strength alone. God now wants us to use His Word as our guide.

A Closer Walk With God uses a monthly thematic approach. You are free however, to focus on any theme that God has placed on your heart for any given day. May God’s grace favor you in your Bible reading, your meditation, and your prayer, with a closer walk with God.

JANUARY

THE WORD

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1

JANUARY 1

The Living Word

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

In this bold and inspiring statement In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, (John 1:1), the apostle John offers a glowing description of Jesus, the Son of God. Here is bound up the spiritual truth of Jesus’ timelessness, or eternity, His divinity, and the One with the mind, or nature of God, His Father.

The Word was with God, means Jesus Who coexisted with His Father and is filled with His Divine likeness. Jesus boldly declared, I and My Father are one, (John 10:30). This is the main reason Jesus is able to know quite well what His Father desires Him to accomplish for us His children.

Jesus, the Word became flesh, to reveal God to us all. Through His Spirit in us, the Word of God is made clearer, and touch our hearts. We come to see God’s love and His wonderful plan of salvation for us all. Through the guidance of God’s Word, we are always furnished with daily counsels for a closer walk.

Loving Father, I am thankful for Your Word, which makes me aware of Your love for me. Fill me with Your Spirit, to guide me in my meditations, and lead me to obey Your Word. Continue to give direction to my life with the light from Your Word. In Jesus’ name I humbly pray. Amen.

In Step With The Word

Psalm 119:105-112

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a Light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

For many of us it is quite easy to say the Word of God is our Source, or our Comfort when the circumstances in our lives are pleasant. This could be the time when we are having good rapport with our loved ones, or our friends, or, when we are healthy, with little or no financial strain. However, when our circumstances change and all of these positives become negatives, we tend to question God, by asking, Why me? We tend to forget that God’s promises are for all times, not seasonal.

Here David was expressing confidence in the Word of God. His life was often in danger like many of us. David cast fear aside and walked in step with God’s Word as his guide. As a lamp the Word of God can operate like a flame in our hearts. The Word directs and re-directs us. The Word of God has the Spirit of God as its driving force.

We are to mediate on God’s Word every day. When the pressures of life assail us, aiming to reshape our character, with the Word of God dwelling richly (Col.3:16) within us, we will be led in the right path.

Oh heavenly Source, we thank You for Your Word, and for Your Spirit which gives light to our understanding. Let Your Word strengthen our hearts and keep our faith in You alive even when trials come our way. Amen.

JANUARY 3

Heart And Mind

Deuteronomy 6:5-8, AMP

And these words which I am commanding you this day, shall be [first] in your own minds and hearts. (Deut. 6:6)

In the Amplified version of the Bible Deuteronomy 6:6 reads These words which I command you this day shall be [first] in your minds and hearts. We may not even be aware that God’s Word prompts us to do what is right, and alerts us to what is sinful. God works through us to control our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philip.4:7).

These words which Moses gave to the children of Israel include us. God’s Word in our hearts and minds (Deut.6:6), also points us to love God and one another, and guides us from sinful ways. These benefits should impel us to teach the Word to our children.

How will our children know right from wrong if we do not teach them? When we teach them, then they can teach it to their children. This is one of the ways David assures us that God’s Word will continue to be made known: One generation will commend your works to another and tell of all your mighty acts (Psalm 145:4, NIV).

Father God, thank You for Your Word. Your Word controls my heart and my mind. Let me share Your love for me as I learn Your Word. I desire to do what is right. Work on my thoughts to produce that which is pleasing to You. Amen.

JANUARY 4

The Renewing Message Of The Word

Colossians 3:12-17, CEV

Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (Colossians 3:16)

In the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul called on the small group of believers in Colossae, to let their newfound faith in Christ be reflected in their daily lives. Here, Paul highlights the theme of the rejuvenating or renewing power of the Word of God when it is allowed through the Spirit, to take up residence in one’s heart.

The message of Christianity is a new way of life. Christians through grace can forgo the old ways of thinking and acting. With the Word as our spiritual weapon and a song in our hearts, we can ward off the forces of darkness which assail us minutely. In addition to singing spiritual songs, Paul advised us to include psalms and hymns, (v.16) which are also blessed ways of praise and thanksgiving. The message about Christ (v.16) serves to teach us as well as to correct us. God’s Word shows us that we are all sinners (Isaiah 64:6). God’s Word points us to His love and forgiveness (1John 1:7-9). Let us ask God to inform and renew us through the message about Christ (v.16).

Loving God, how grateful we are for the message of new life in Christ, through the merits of Your Son Jesus! Surround us with Your grace to follow You. Amen.

JANUARY 5

Top-Down Blessings

2 Chronicles 17:3-10

Now, the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals. (2 Chronicles 17:3)

It is well pleasing to God when our rulers worship and praise Him. This is His greatest desire, which the Psalmist further sees as a blessing to such people and their countries when he asserts, Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12).

Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah had a prosperous reign, crowned with God’s favor. His heart took delight in the ways of the Lord (v.6). Judah had again lapsed into Baal worship but as King, Jehoshaphat had the heart to enforce the worship of the true God throughout his dominion. He was not led by the traditions of men-the false prophets and teachers of his day; he sought the God of His father (v.4). Some traditions are worth preserving. What a blessing to have godly rulers! Let us pray that our leaders will be blessed with godly wisdom.

Oh, Source of all wisdom, we thank You for the freedom to worship You. Direct Your Spirit to guide us, that our daily activities will not reflect the fruits of the flesh, but the fruits of the Spirit. We pray for our pastors, teachers, and Bible workers who strive to share and promote your message of salvation. Let our leaders, also, be guided by Your Wisdom, so that our nation will be continually blessed by Your Divine favor. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

JANUARY 6

Dare To Speak The Word Of Truth

2 Chronicles 18:1-34

And Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak. (2 Chronicles 18:13)

The Bible is replete with instances where people who do not want to hear the truth, try to eliminate the messenger. What is even more strange is that many people dare not speak the truth. Ahab, the King of Israel had 400, paid, lying prophets to tell him just what he wanted to hear. Micaiah, the prophet of God, was not among this group. He could not be bought by Ahab. He vowed to be true saying, As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak (v.13).

Micaiah’s test came when Ahab invited Jehoshaphat King of Judah to join forces with him to fight against the Syrians. Ahab’s 400 false prophets cheered him on to victory. Micaiah, who Ahab hated for always telling him the truth (v.7), prophesied Israel’s loss and Ahab’s death (vv.16, 22). For this prophecy, Ahab commanded that Micaiah be imprisoned (v.26). Ahab, the wicked King, died in battle just as Micaiah had prophesied. Jehoshaphat was saved by God’s help (v.31), no doubt from Ahab’s trick to destroy him. We should not allow ourselves to be pressured to tell untruth. God desires us to be honest with Him and truthful to one another (Eph.4:25).

God of truth, guide my thoughts and my actions that I will dare to speak the truth. Strengthen me in Your grace to obey Your word. Amen.

JANUARY 7

Jesus Did What The Law Could Not Do

Galatians 3:11, 15-25

Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ,

that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)

This meditation verse is for us all today. The message of the gospel is that all laws point to Christ, the ultimate source of salvation to all believers (Romans 1:17).

The law became necessary because of our sins, which had separated us from God, our Father. The offering of bloody sacrifices by our earthly high priests could not make us righteous before a just God. As our tutor (v.24) the law showed us desired ways, and acceptable paths of life, but could not help us to abide by them.

As the Apostle Paul made clear, no one is justified by the law in the sight of God (v.11). It was as a result of our inability to save ourselves, our helplessness, that God intervened in the person of His Son, Jesus. Let us all thank God for Jesus who fixes the law in our hearts, giving us His Spirit to obey. The law taught us and continues to teach us. Jesus saves us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your law, which is Your Word. Your Word informs and transforms me. Guide me in Your Spirit to obey Your Word. Give me grace to walk with You. In Jesus, name. Amen.

JANUARY 8

Up Close

Galatians 5:1-14, CEV

Christ has set us free! This means we are really free.

Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become

slaves of the Law again. (Galatians 5:1)

All who accept Jesus are made his children (John 1:13, CEV). As God’s children, we can earnestly heed the words of the apostle Paul: Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the law again (v.1). What is this freedom? This is the liberty to trust in Christ Jesus Who died for our sins. We can pray to God for our forgiveness. We share in God’s kindness (v.4). How blessed we are!

The freedom which Christ gives, also relieves us from all efforts to save ourselves through our own righteousness or our own ways. Our freedom, bought at a price, but freely given, affords us the blessings of eternal life. Since we are free, let us act as if we are free. We can clap our hands, dance, sing, and praise God for our freedom. Jesus raised us up and brought us close to God.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which is holy, just, and good. Through Your Spirit, help me to use my freedom to give glory to You. Let Your Word correct me when I am tempted to do what I want and not what You desire. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

JANUARY 9

God Is A Rewarder

1Samuel 1:1-2, 11-17, 20-28

Then she made a vow and said, oh LORD of host,

If You will Indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant, ... And not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child Then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life. (1Samuel 1:11)

What do you do when faced with a problem which appears

insurmountable? You may become angry at yourself and even with your associates. You could become consumed with sadness. You could say God, why me? You could pray. In today’s meditation, Hannah, a woman in distress, turned to sincere prayer as a last resort as she implored the Lord to give her a son. God answered her prayer.

She conceived and gave birth to Samuel, whom she brought and placed in care of Eli the priest. Hannah was true to God and God rewarded her. She was blessed with five children (1Sam.2:21), greater blessings than she anticipated.

Whatever problems you may face today, include prayer and faithfulness to God among your efforts. Be assured, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Our concerns may be different, but we can always trust in God and await His timing.

Heavenly Father, You assure me that whatever I ask in Your name, in faith, You will honor in Your own time. Teach me obedience and simple trust. Amen.

JANUARY 10

Be Patient: Give God A Chance

1 Samuel 13:1-14

You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord Your God. (1 Samuel 13:13)

Are you a member of the microwave society? Not so fast! Learn to Wait on the LORD (Psalm 27:14). The sure thing is, God still expects you to trust Him and patiently wait His perfect timing. Yet, many of us at times become restless, and tired of waiting, so we take matters into our own hands, to the point where we disobey God. This was the case of Saul, Israel’s first King.

In a time of great threat from their enemies the Philistines, Saul was anointed by Samuel to be King. But Saul fell out of God’s favor, and lost his kingship, through disobedience. He presumptuously offered sacrifice himself. As King, God had not appointed him to perform priestly duties. For this he was reprimanded with the piercing words You have done foolishly, ... Your kingdom shall not continue (v.13).

Today, if we are faced with difficulty, let’s remember that God is bigger than all our problems. We need to be patient and give God a chance in the affairs of our lives.

Loving God, let me think of Your powerful arms around me when faced with a difficult situation. Restrain my self-will. Teach me patience, as I await Your second chance in the midst of all my short-comings. Amen.

JANUARY 11

In God’s Might We Do What’s Right

1 Peter 4: 12-19

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you. (1Peter 4:12)

When unpleasant situations overtake us, we often wonder whether we have done wrong for which God is punishing us (v.12). Take heart! Even Jesus Christ, He Who knew no sin, suffered horribly. It is in the likeness of these sufferings that God’s Word reminds us that we should be strong, For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

Again, the apostle Peter encourages us to continue being faithful to God in doing good works (v.19). God is glorified when our false accusers see the outcome of our righteous efforts. Paul and Silas were styled troublemakers and treated like criminals all to the glory of God (Acts 16:24). Peter persisted in preaching the message of the Gospel of Christ even in the midst of threat (Acts 4:17, 20).

Are you being wrongly accused for doing God’s work? If you are, do not lose heart. Peter is reminding us to trust and continue serving His cause.

Father God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your Son, to bear hurt and insults in Your effort to save us. Give us all the favor of Your grace to withstand false accusers and difficult situations in Your service. Help us to live to serve You faithfully. Amen.

JANUARY 12

Strength Through His Word

Psalm 46:1-4, 10

God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2)

On Tuesday January 12, 2010, the most devastating earthquake in 200 years, struck in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead, as well as the same number injured and homeless. This was followed by several after-shocks. This disaster reminds me of Psalm 46:1-2.

The psalmist used the imagery of the mountain been carried unto the midst of the sea (v.2), thereby depicting the earth’s movement in an earthquake. It could be that the psalmist was describing his own inner conflicts which affected him as severely as if the earth moved from under his feet or if the mountains were carried into the sea (v.2). God is still in charge (v.10).

In real life situations, we all have our personal earthquakes, through loss of loved ones, ill health, loss of employment, or other unfavorable situations. What-ever happens to us in this world, we are still God’s people. God is always reminding us through His love, His Word, and His mighty deeds He is our refuge and strength (v.1). Help one another and trust in His Word.

Father God, remind us in times of happiness and in moments of sorrow that You are still in charge. Let us trust in You, as we comfort and help one another. Amen.

JANUARY 13

Hope Always

Psalm 43:1-5

Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 43:5)

When is one disquieted? This mood reflects one who is troubled, over-concerned, despairing, out-of-sorts, saddened, sorrowful, anxious, dissatisfied, regretful, or hopeless.

In today’s meditation, the Psalmist David, like many of us experienced these bouts of unhappiness at some times in our lives. These emotions will overwhelm us if we allow them to become our main focus.

David’s time as a fugitive (2 Samuel: 8:5), put him at a low ebb when he was not even in a position to worship God. Hence, he questioned himself, Why are you cast down oh my Soul? (v.5). Yet, David’s mind was in tune with God through His Word. God spoke to his heart even in his darkest moments, telling him to Hope in God (Psalm 43:5).

Let us look to Jesus, instead of being overcome by our problems. At such times we are to be mindful of His promise, I will not leave you, nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5). Let us hope always.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my God, and my Savior. Without Your Spirit, I am nothing. Refresh and renew me in my daily challenges. I ask these mercies in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.

JANUARY 14

God Loves Us

Romans 5:6-8, CEV

But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us though we were sinful. (Romans 5:8)

Throughout the Old Testament we read where God became angry with His children for their disobedience. As followers of Christ, we are His children. Does God get angry with us? If you are like me, I am sure you have done or said things of which the Lord does not approve. To obtain forgiveness of their sins, the Israelites had to offer sacrifices. Because God’s love for us is so great, He sent Christ to die for us even though we were sinful (v.8). Jesus became our-once- and for-all-sacrifice through Whom we can ask and receive forgiveness and eternal life. God loves us.

It is incomprehensible how God can love many of us who are so unlovable to ourselves and others, so vile, and unworthy. Jesus was God in the flesh and although He knew Peter would deny knowing Him, He loved him even with his weakness. God loves us.

God knew what the condition our hearts would be before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4), and before we were in our mothers’ womb (Jer.1:5). God’s love has redeemed us into a loving relationship with Him, and His love can redeem you too. God loves us.

O Blessed Redeemer, thank You for always purifying me, and for loving me unconditionally. Day by day lead me to obey Your Word. Enable me to live in the grace of Jesus’ love. Amen.

JANUARY 15

A Friend For Everyone

Mark 2:14-17

I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

(Mark 2:17)

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, among those with whom He associated were the poor and outcast in society. For this action He was severely criticized by the religious elites. Why do you believe Jesus befriended, and helped the poor? The answer is that he was dutifully fulfilling His Divine Mission or Purpose, a part of which was to preach good tidings to the poor (Isaiah 61:1). He also came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 9:10), and friendless.

But Jesus did not only reach out to change the lives of the ‘publicans and sinners’ like Zachaeus or the adulterous woman. Among the rich, were notables like Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler, who were still searching to find the way of salvation (John 3:2; Mark 10:17). Jesus’ friendship was a redemptive one. He touched rich and poor alike.

Although you may be judged and despised by the friends you keep, being a friend of Jesus means that you are seen as a person of value who can be made new. We all have a friend in Jesus. Let’s reach out to others as Christ did.

Father God, You have shown us how to live unselfishly. Your kindness knew no boundaries of race, class, color, or gender. Give us the full measure of Your grace to reach others, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

JANUARY