Every Day with Jesus: God Loves and Cares for You

Copyright © 2018 Shirley Howard.

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THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Website

King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible,

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4284-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4285-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018901600

iUniverse rev. date: 06/08/2018

Contents

[PRAISES FOR HOWARD’S EVERY DAY WITH JESUS BOOK]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

CENTER OF MY JOY

LORD JESUS, YOU ARE

THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO

From

Date

[PRAISES FOR HOWARD’S EVERY DAY WITH JESUS BOOK]

MRS. VIRGINIA HALL, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

I love to start my day with my mind on the Lord. Reading this daily journal has helped me realize God’s presence when you dive into His Word. By opening your heart and mind, letting God’s Word guide and keep you, you can see a brighter future and forgivingness for your past … No way will His Word leave you void. Thanks, Shirley, for allowing me to enjoy and go on this journey with you.

MS. ERICA WADE, HUMBOLDT, TENNESSEE

This journal helped me cope with everyday life. The daily scriptures and prayers inspired me to stay positive when I was going through difficult times. The poems were inspirational and refreshing. I sensed God’s presence. God’s blessing is within this journal, and you can feel every word as you read and meditate.

I also shared the devotionals with my children. And as we read together, we drew closer to God. I began to realize that no matter what, God is always there for you. I gained strength and was able to trust God more in everyday life. This study turned my negative thoughts into positive ones, by increasing my belief and faith in God. Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your journey with me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shirley A. Howard is an author and poet (Inspiration for Life’s Journey), a clinical pastoral counselor, an experienced Bible teacher, and an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has a God-given passion to encourage people through prayer and through inspirational study of the Holy Bible.

She has taught numerous Bible classes, conducted workshops on prayer, and taught on various topics pertaining to spiritual growth and development for wholesome Christian living.

She resides in Lorain, Ohio, with her husband, Gerald.

INTRODUCTION

This journal was birthed out of a deep, heartfelt desire to encourage family members, friends, and readers who face daily challenges and extreme difficulties.

With this journal, I aim to help the reader develop an intimate relationship with God and to help those who already know Him to become much closer. And for me, it is a call to obey the Lord: What I have invested in you, invest in others.

As an ordained minister, I strongly believe in the power of God, which works through faith and obedience to His Holy Word. And as we commune with the Lord in daily prayer, Bible study, and obedience, we develop a deeper relationship with Him that spiritually moves us to truly know that God loves and cares for us.

Over the years, I have preached the Word of God, taught numerous Bible classes, and conducted seminars on prayer and Christian living, both locally and in other states.

I am actively involved in local and district Christian education in Ohio. And for a number of years, I served as a teacher and also as the dean of Christian education for the Progressive Baptist Association in Cleveland, Ohio. I currently serve as an instructor.

I also teach a weekly Wednesday-evening Bible class at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Lorain, Ohio. And I attend a Tuesday- and Thursday-morning Bible class, where I teach twice each month.

I have a Master’s of Education degree from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio.

I close by briefly sharing my personal experience as to why I chose the title Every Day with Jesus and the subtitle God Loves You, and He Cares.

For seven years, I went through a very emotional and stressful situation that forced me to rely on the Word of God and prayer in order to emotionally and spiritually survive. It was through this experience that I learned firsthand that every day with Jesus was the only way I would survive and thrive. The daily study of God’s Word, prayer, and meditation sustained me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It was through this ordeal that I discovered that God really loves me and He cares deeply.

This journal may be used daily as a morning, midday, or evening pick-me-up to provide spiritual insight for your quiet time with the Lord. It can also be used in a group study setting for discussion and sharing, if you desire.

Ideally, if time allows, it is most beneficial to read, study, and meditate on the Word during the morning hours while your mind is clear and not cluttered by the challenges of the day.

As you read through these pages, it is my prayer that you will be drawn closer to the God that I love and to the One who loves us more than our finite minds can comprehend.

My desire and hope is that you will love Him more and intimately experience God’s love and care as you commune every day with Jesus.

Respectfully and gratefully submitted,

Shirley A. Howard

In this journal, you will discover five nuggets for your day:

1. A title theme for each day

2. Words to grab your attention

3. A scripture to ground your thoughts

4. A brief explanation of scripture to guide your heart

5. A prayer of meditation to help you center and focus on God’s provision

In addition, space is provided for daily thoughts and reflections, and each month you will find words of poetry and a scripture to further provide peace and calm for your spirit and soul.

Behold, I make all things new.

—Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s a new day and a new year.

The outcome of it is not clear—

But I will not fear, because Christ

My Savior I revere!

A brand-new year and a new day!

I bow down on my knees to pray:

"Lord, thank You for another year

And another day!"

Time after time, You made a

Way, so at Your feet and in

Your holy presence I desire to

Stay!

Happy New Year is what I say

With gratitude for each passing

Day!

Shirley A. Howard

JANUARY

Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.

—1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

GOD LOVES YOU, AND HE CARES

God loves you, and He cares,

And His grace and mercy He shares.

So wayward hearts He prepares!

God’s love is amazing.

Curious eyes keep on gazing

As new trails, the Gospel message, continue

Blazing!

God loves you, and He cares

More than you will ever know,

For His desire for you is that you will grow.

So day by day, more love allow Him to bestow!

For the Lord cares, as He sits high and looks

Down low!

He traces each step as you go!

In all things, you must know that the Lord cares

And He loves you so!

Shirley A. Howard

JANUARY 1: GOD’S LOVE

There is nothing that God cannot do, nothing that He cannot see you through!

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) says, I have loved you with an everlasting love.

When you take God’s hand by faith, He will begin to reveal His plan for your life. Learn to trust Him amid the fear, pain, and tears. You may never know why things happen as they do, but you must believe that Christ loves you more than you can think or imagine. Look to Calvary, and you will begin to see.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank You for the first day of this new year. I come with some doubts and fears in my heart. But I know that You are God and that all power and healing rest in Your hands. Lord, You know my sorrow and pain and the anguish within my heart. Help me to know and understand who You are. Show me Your healing power and the purpose in all that I experience. I ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen.

JANUARY 2: ENDURE

As you endure, I’ll give you a heart that’s pure

As you trust Me, you’ll discover that My love

For you is sure!

John 1:1–2 (NIV) says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

A new beginning is marked by a new year. Just keep trusting in Jesus Christ as you allow His Word to resonate in your heart. The more you learn of Him, the more you will experience His love for you. You must believe that it is through Christ that each victory is won. He is the Living Word from beginning to end.

Prayer

Holy Father, I thank You for this day of a new year. Teach me to trust You more and more as the days go by; this I ask in Jesus’s name. Amen.

JANUARY 3: ENDURANCE

Lord, when you help me to mature, You also teach me to endure

And through Your Holy Word and prayer, my faith is made sure!

Isaiah 43:2–3 (NIV) says, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

God sees and cares for you even when it looks and feels as if He doesn’t. He is right by your side, waiting to be your guide. In the rivers of difficulties and trials, the Lord is with you and won’t allow you to drown. And the fire of oppression and pain will not consume you because the Lord is with you. He will never leave you alone.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. It’s not all I desire it to be, but because I know You are with me, I can make it through one day at a time. Thank You for keeping me. Continue to encourage my heart in Jesus’s name. Amen.

JANUARY 4: SEE MORE CLEARLY

A New Year to see God more clear—the reading of God’s Word and prayer draws me near!

The Lord empowers me to handle the doubt and fear! So, I trust Him to wipe away each tear, as He shows me—to His heart, I am held dear!

John 3:16 (NIV) says, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Holy Word gives comfort in knowing that God’s love for humankind has no limits or bounds. Not only does God love us, but He proved it by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise from death. You must personally believe that Christ died so that your sins would be forgiven. Within your heart, do you know that God loves you unconditionally? Stop and observe the evidence of God’s love in your daily life.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to die for me. I know that You love me and that You care about what I’m going through. Because I live in a fallen world, I know there will be pain and suffering, but by Your stripes, I am healed. I claim Your healing today in Jesus’s name. Amen.

JANUARY 5: I CAN SEE

Today I can see that through prayer and the Word of God

I’m being set free! I trust You to make me what You desire of me!

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) says, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

So often it is difficult to trust anyone, even the Lord. Sometimes, we forget that the Lord knows what is best for us. The Lord desires for you to trust Him completely (nothing doubting) in every choice that you make. I challenge you to carefully think and pray and then trust the Lord to lead you where He desires for you to go.

Prayer

Lord, calm my fears and dry my tears. Remove the doubts that creep into my thoughts. I don’t understand the reason for all that occurs in my life, but I trust You to see me through it. Show and give me Your heart. Allow me to see things as You see them. Amen.

JANUARY 6: REJOICE IN THE LORD

Lord, today I bless Your name from the center of my heart.

I am grateful that You are my one true God!

Psalm 118:24 (NIV) says, This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice, when our mood is down and our situation is out of hand, filled with sorrow, pain, or guilt. But like the psalmist, we can be honest with God about how we feel. Take a moment, and quiet your spirit as you meditate on His goodness. Allow your heart to be filled with thankfulness and praise.

Prayer

O Lord, I will rejoice in Christ my Savior. Thank You for Your goodness and love, which I experience each new day that You give. Teach me to rejoice and be glad in Your presence every day. Today, I choose to rejoice and be glad! Amen.

JANUARY 7: LIFT UP MY HEAD

On the days that are filled with sickness and dread,

Lord, come alongside and lift up my bowed-down head!

Hold me close so I won’t be afraid!

Psalm 145:14 (NIV) says, The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all those that are bowed.

Sometimes your burdens seem more than you can bear. You may begin to wonder whether you will make it through. Be assured, in your heart, that God is able to lift you up above your circumstances. He is a Burden-Bearer and a Heavy-Load Sharer. Allow Him to teach you how to trust Him. Expect the Lord to bring you out.

Prayer

Lord, I trust in You. I rely on You to lift up my bowed-down head. I wait patiently and expectantly for Your healing touch. I cast all my cares and concerns on You, Lord. Help me to be strong today and face what I must in order to be victorious in Jesus’s name. Amen.

JANUARY 8: MY SHIELD

You, O Lord, are my Shield, and by Your Word, the arm of God’s might is revealed!

It teaches me that You are the God who is real and are touched by the sickness that I feel, so, praise and worship to You, I give!

Psalm 3:3 (KJV) says, But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

When we face trials and tribulations, we feel like giving up. But, by faith, we hang in there when we are seriously let down by life because we know