God wants to continually renew our minds and the direction of our lives. This devotional focuses on how to recognize nudges from the Holy Spirit, especially during times of renewal sent by God, and how you should respond during such seasons.
COACH RECHELLE FOCUS
Day 1
Scriptures: John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Galatians 5:22-23
His Will for You
In the life of a Christian, there are moments (at times seasons) when the Holy Spirit leads us through a time of renewal. Redirection or reminders, if you will, of God’s plan for your life. These moments can be spontaneous and brief in revelation, or they can come as a perpetual season of growth and clarity. I covet these moments, when you know the wisdom gained could only be from God.
I’ve often struggled with wanting to understand God’s will for my life. I have wished for God to appear suddenly and speak to me, much like times of old. For Him to tell me directly what I should do, how to do it, and what result I could expect. Yet, we all know God doesn’t exactly work that way these days. He could, but since we have been given the gift of His Holy Spirit (when we believed), He usually takes a more subtle approach—through whispers and nudges.
This way can be difficult and discouraging at times. We long to do the right thing, but have no idea where to start. Friends, I figured something out in my Christian walk that took some frustration out of this very predicament. I’ve learned that if I choose to do the things that please God, moment-to-moment, then I am living out God’s will for my life.
When I do what pleases Him and allow Him to work out the details, His will is being done. God wants us to live an abundant life. His will is not much different than the result that we are hoping for, when we strive for the fruits of the Spirit, most of all peace. God may have different ideas about how to get there and His own timing. Bottom line, make choices that please God, and He will work out the details. Trust His plan and give Him the time and flexibility to work it out. It’s easier than we make it. God is good, all the time! Trust Him! Believe it!
Day 2
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13-14, 1 Corinthians 15:33, James 4:10
Idolatry & Bad Company
What’s the draw to sinful things? Pleasure. Pleasure is fleeting, while gifts from God can sustain us for life. Yet, it is human nature (our sinful nature) to want instant gratification. We often forget (in the moment) that instant pleasure will not last and leaves us feeling empty, only until we reach for it again. The act of idolizing can come upon you subtly, not realizing how it began. We were created with a feeling of emptiness and longing for something more. This void is intended to be filled by God and the things of God. When we don’t fill ourselves with God’s love and His Word, we feel anxious and reach for instant gratification or pleasure, to numb the very thing created to make us reach for Him. Addiction and Idolatry can occur before we even realize what has happened.
Friends, let’s make a practice of filling ourselves with God’s word and His promises. Build relationships with others and join groups that share the same desire to please God. The more you fill yourself with Him and surround yourself with like-minded individuals, the less room you have to idolize sinful things. Loved ones, this also prepares you to more clearly hear God’s voice when He whispers. He wants to renew your mind. He wishes to clear your path of distractions that lead you away from His desire for your life. Be aware of these distractions. Choose Christ above all else!
Day 3
Scriptures: Psalms 37:23-24, Psalms 141:8-10, Proverbs 3:5-6, Deuteronomy 31:8, John 10:27-28
Obstacles or Floodgates
Fellow believer, would you like a hint to know if you are following God’s will for your life? Pause for a moment and think about the current flow of your circumstances. Look at the big picture. Are you hitting roadblock after roadblock? Not just one setback, but multiple? On the contrary, do you feel like someone has gone ahead of you and opened the path to the purest desires of your heart? This may be a hint that God is working some things out for you.
Does the path that you pursue honor God, family, or aid in bringing you eternal joy? When we ask ourselves these questions, it could give some perspective on the path you are currently following. I’ve often said to others, “When God is against it, He sends obstacles your way, and when He is for it, the floodgates are opened!” Of course, this method of questioning is not foolproof, but looking back on my life, that’s exactly how the Lord has shepherded me. That’s exactly how I know and feel His presence. He is the Good Shepherd who pastures His sheep, and they know and follow His voice.
Day 4
Scriptures: Proverbs 4:20-27, Philippians 4:8-9, Matthew 7:6
Guard Your Heart
Your heart is precious to the Lord. As sinners, we deserve death, but God paid the ransom for you and me by the blood of His only Son. Wow! You and I must be very important to Him!
Beloved, you should also view your heart as something very precious. If the Lord can choose to die for us, surely we can live for Him! I’ve made the mistake in my life of offering my heart to those who didn’t value it, only to be cheated, manipulated, and deceived. Our Savior would never do those things to us. We must stay on guard to protect our hearts, and it should be as precious to us as it is to the Lord. Test the spirits, use discernment, and be on guard. If anyone makes you choose between them or God, with their actions or words, please remember the One who thinks your heart is precious enough to die for.
Day 5
Scriptures: Psalms 23:1-6, John 14:26-27, John 16:33
Peace Be With You
Having peace is such a gift! When my life is chaotic, I search for peace. When my soul feels unsteady, I long for peace. When I am worn out and need rest, I look for a peaceful place to hide. Aren’t you the same way?
One thing our God promises those who love Him is peace. During a time of renewal in your life, it may feel unsteady and frustrating, but if the Holy Spirit is the cause of this season, peace is coming. I promise you, friends, peace is just on the other side of your trouble and this “time of renewal.” God wants us to live a life that is unburdened by man and led by trusting in God alone. We struggle daily, but living by Jesus’ example is the template, and peace with our friends, loved ones, and circumstances is the goal. When we follow His example, peace is not only His promise, but it’s a precious gift from God!
Day 6
Scriptures: 1 Peter 5:8, Matthew 7:6, Genesis 19:17
Don’t Look Back
The enemy looks for every opportunity to derail Christians. If you are currently in a time of renewal from God, you may be earnestly living out God’s will for your life and choosing to do the things that please God, but beware. Don’t look back on your previous poor choices! Don’t forget the lessons you learned, but don’t dwell on your mistakes or lament over the consequences. By doing so, we allow the enemy to take advantage and cause depression. Mindset is everything. Stay positive with your eyes fixed on Christ and the good you want to accomplish.
This is something I’ve struggled with. Moving on from the people in my life who have harmed me. Let me explain. I’ve left several relationships that did not serve me well. Often, too late. Like many of you, I have been manipulated, used, lied to, misled, and controlled. I’ve always had the discernment to get out of the relationship, searching for peace. However, I would often forgive them for hurting me, then, out of guilt for hurting their feelings, I would return to the pain. Usually thinking I’d prefer to be unhappy than to be the one causing the pain. This is the enemy at work. He knows our weaknesses. The enemy exploits kindness.
One day, I had an epiphany – if God gave me the opportunity and discernment to escape the mistreatment, He has also given me the courage to stay away, focus on my future, and never return to the same hurt. It’s not a sin to protect yourself from those who wish to harm you. However, if the enemy can keep you depressed and on the wrong path, he can also keep you from the greatness the Lord has planned for your life. Don’t look back!
Day 7
Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 5:8-11, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 11:28-30
Believe, Follow, Pray, Repeat
Nothing in Christianity is easy except for Christ’s burden or yoke, just as His word says. This is why we look forward to heaven. The journey on earth is hard, perseverance is trying, but there is no burden from Jesus for us to bear, for He paid the price for it all! Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we get to spend eternity in heaven with Him when the time comes. While we are on earth, we have a hope and a future promised to us as believers. After we believe, all that is left for us to do is to follow Jesus’ example, detailed in the gospels of the Holy bible, pray with thanksgiving, make our requests known to the Lord, and repeat!
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we make life stressful by worrying about the things God already has under control. The enemy makes our lives more difficult by setting traps for us to stumble into. Christ shows us the way to live, He protects us, and He gives us times of renewal as a way out of difficult circumstances. We need only to pay attention to His whispers and nudges that point us in the right direction. Most of all, His word is all the instruction that we need. Study to show yourself approved. Believe, follow, pray, and repeat!