Sometimes we just need a little “kick in the pants” motivation from the Lord to stop making excuses and to get up and get going. At least I know that I do. I’ve spent the better part of the week sick, rising out of bed or off of the couch to do only what was necessary. But today… I feel better. There’s much to do before this weekend’s Women’s Event, and though at the time I didn’t know it, apparently I needed a gentle “kick in the pants” from the Lord this morning to roll out of bed and get going. I know I needed it because before I dragged myself out of bed, I opened a well-worn and beloved devotional book, and these were the healing words that poured over me.
I needed the extra motivation in the physical sense this morning. However, there have been other times where I’ve needed it in the emotional and spiritual realm. How about you? Do you need a little loving-what-I-call-kick-in-the-pants-from-the-Lord-Who-loves-you-so? Then, my friends… here it is.
“‘Be strong and work; because I am with you,’ declares the Lord of Hosts.
I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can’t produce anything without me. * I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. * Receive your power from the Lord and from His mighty strength. * The joy you have in the Lord is your strength.
This is what the Lord of Armies says: Be strong… you people who are presently listening to the words from the mouths of the prophets. * Strengthen limp hands. Steady weak knees. Tell those who are terrified, ‘Be brave; don’t be afraid.’ * The Lord looked at him and said, ‘Go in this, with the strength that you have.’
If God is for us, who can be against us? * Therefore, we don’t become discouraged, since God has given us this ministry through His mercy. We faint not.
Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. * Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Haggai 2:4; John 15:5; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 6:10; Nehemiah 8:10; Zechariah 8:9; Isaiah 35:3-4; Judges 6:14; Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:57
Scripture reading for February 3, Daily Light on the Daily Path ~ Morning and Evening Devotionals
God’s Word translation and some King James thrown in here and there…
This wonderful devotional book has occupied a prominent spot on my bed side table for years. I can mark many stages and situations of life by its pages and the messages it contains. The paper cover is tattered, but its words are forever strong – they are ALL SCRIPTURE. Nothing but Scripture verses compiled into categories meant to be used for a “protein meal” as the day begins, and a “sweet sleep aid” as the weary head hits the pillow each night. Somehow, it always fits life, no matter what’s going on – celebrating life’s plenty, challenging through the drought, or encouraging through the difficult. That’s the beauty of God’s Word… timeless… piercing… effective… living… breathing life into limp bodies of clay each and every day, watering the parched places to new life.
You can download this devotional book FREE from these sites:
This one is probably in the KJV version and most likely in a PDF format: The SWORD Project
{BTW, I truly do love reading it in the King James Version. I don’t study Scripture in the KJV anymore because the wording is much harder to understood and the phrasing often doesn’t translate with the full impact it had when we spoke and read in a more formal English. I don’t hold the KJV as the only acceptable translation of the Bible. However, there is something beautiful, poetic, and special about it. All of the Scripture hidden in my heart for the first 18 or so years of my life were in this version. I say all of that to say that I completely enjoy the KJV of this book – and if it’s the only free copy you can find, I’m confident that you’ll enjoy it just as much.}
You can read it on your computer in the KJV version here.
This is the “God’s Word” translation – in more modern day language. When I downloaded this version, it was free for a day or so. I can no longer find the free version. Keep checking and googling “free e-book” after the title, and maybe you’ll catch it when it is once again available as a free download.
It’s healthy to get a little “get up and go” when we’d rather drag and delay. I’m praying for each of you today, that whatever it is God has planned to do with, through, and in you today, you’ll get up and work with Him on it. Because He is with you. And your joy and trust in Him… That is your strength!
Let’s do it! 🙂
May the Lord bless and strengthen each one of us today and through the weekend… for His glory alone~
Jennifer