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WEEK 1
DAILY READINGS
(download PDF here - right click and select "Save Target As")
Day 1 – Monday, January 11
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3.)
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17).
Thought for the Day: Have you ever experienced a time when you had no lights and were so tentative about your next steps because you did not want to bump into something? Think about what it felt like to be walking around in darkness; feeling for the light switch or praying that the lights would be turned on soon. Think about also a time when you needed answers and could not see a way out or you did not understand fully a situation. The first thing that God voiced into being was light – illumination. God wants us to have clarification and enlightenment. So begin to pray and declare during this fast – Let there be light – Let there be illumination to the places where you or someone you know needs answers or can’t seem to figure out what is going on or you need creative ideas. DECLARE “LET THERE BE LIGHT”.
Day 2 – Tuesday, January 12
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:5, 9)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Romans 8:17).
Thought for the Day: You have been chosen of God to be part of the royal family. You are being groomed each and every day to live as an heir of the Most High God. So, hold your head up – for you are Royalty. You have been chosen of God and you are no accident.
Day 3 – Wednesday, January 13
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
Thought for the Day: Trust (confidence and reliance on; to place something in somebody’s care; to have an expectation) is a powerful word. It conjures up so much in a person’s mind – especially if someone has broken or abused your trust. It can be hard to trust but it can be done. The Lord wants us to trust Him with everything – do not think that something is too small or insignificant. God wants us to have confidence in Him and to rely on Him. What is your trust level like? Who do you or don’t you trust and why? Are you apprehensive about trusting because of something that happened in the past?
Day 4 – Thursday, January 14
Prayer for Wisdom
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:5-7).
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
Thought for the Day: Wisdom means good sense, the ability to make sensible or sound decisions and judgments. Wisdom is not based on how much you make or the degrees behind your name but it is the ability to make wise decisions based on your personal knowledge and/or experience. The bible says, all one has to do is ask God for wisdom. What do you need wisdom for today?
Day 5 – Friday, January 15
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2Corinthians 5:7)
Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith (Mark 11:21-23).
Thought for the Day: Do you realize that each and every day we are exercising faith? It takes faith to sit in a chair. It takes faith to ride a particular mode of transportation and expect to get to our destination. We already have faith – now we need to grow and water the faith that we already have been given. On the first day, I encouraged you to declare, Let there be light. Well, let your faith rise and expect illumination to come. Expect answers to situations. Expect Creative Ideas. Expect…
Day 6 – Saturday, January 16
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins (Mark 11:25).
Thought for the Day: What we must understand is that forgiveness is not a tolerance of bad/evil or it is not looking the other way when sin is done or making light of wrongs. Forgiveness is not just forgetting and pretending that the hurt did not happen or making excuses for another person's behavior. Yet, forgiveness is bringing the hurt into the light so that it can be healed. Forgiveness is costly. It can painful to our emotions and even to our pride. Forgiveness requires love in action. I believe sometimes God allows us to go through some things in order to get to our hearts. He wants our hearts - for when He has our hearts - then we are open to Him and even to loving others as we love ourselves. Forgiveness does not mean we forget or pretend that the hurt did not happen but that we bring the hurt into light so that we can be healed. God wants us to be healed and free.
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