O. S. Hawkins - The Believers Code: 365 Devotions to Unlock the Blessings of Gods Word

The Believers Code

2017 by O. S. Hawkins

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ISBN: 978-0-7180-9953-4

ISBN: 978-0-7180-7509-5 (eBook)

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T O J OHN J ONES

For over twenty years, John has been by my side, helping to navigate through the waters of leading a multibillion-dollar ministry we call GuideStone with the integrity of our hearts and the skillfulness of our hands (Psalm 78:72). This talented COO could lead any Fortune 500 company. But what makes him special is his heart for those we serve every day, especially those in need, served through Mission:Dignity. Johns dedication, along with that of his wife, Ann, is a constant source of inspiration to me personally and to all who come in contact with his Christ-filled life.

Along with John, and like all the other Code volumes, this book is dedicated to all those faithful servants who labored a lifetime and ministered with dedication and determination in those seemingly out-of-the-way places where they often wondered if they had been forgotten. They lived on meager pastors salaries with even less to prepare for their declining years. As all the authors royalties and proceeds from The Believers Code go to support them, you have had a part in being Christs hand extended by purchasing this book. Mission:Dignity is here to enable them, their wives, and their widows to live out their final years with the kind of security and dignity they so richly deserve. Find out more at www.guidestone.org, and click on Mission:Dignity.

CONTENTS

M any believers who are serious about personal devotions and spiritual growth seem to think it is the volume of Scripture one can devour daily that is most important. For years I have sought to read the Bible through every year, which involves the reading of several chapters a day. However, The Believers Code is designed to guide readers through each day of the year with one particular verse upon which they can meditate both day and night (Joshua 1:8). You will find a verse for each day, accompanied by a devotional thought, a Code Word, and a sentence prayer.

When teaching us how to pray, Jesus instructed that we should ask God to give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). Note it is DAILY bread. Just as the manna fell each day for the children of Israel in the wilderness, we need a daily portion of Gods Word to sustain us. Yesterdays victories will never suffice for todays devotion. It was said of those in Thessalonica that they searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). In defining the demands of discipleship, Jesus called upon us to take up [our] cross daily (Luke 9:23). Our own personal devotion demands a daily discipline.

The Believers Code is designed to be used each morning... and to live with you and in you throughout your day. Each devotion embodies a Code Word that serves to unlock the truth of the daily devotion. Write it down. Keep it with you. Think about it throughout the day as it stirs you to put into practice each daily devotion so that, as James said, you will become a doer of the word and not a hearer only (James 1:22). Each day also includes a sentence prayer. Keep this prayer in your heart, and pray it repeatedly throughout your day.

Thus, we begin the journey to make our own personal devotion a part of our daily routine throughout the year. Yes, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8). We have a God who still speaks to you and me through His Word and by His Spirit. Turn the page and begin to unlock the blessings of Gods Word through... The Believers Code.

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 J OHN 3:16

You have not passed this way before.... Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the L ORD will do wonders among you.

J OSHUA 3:45

N ew Years Day provides us with a new beginning, so...

Be flexible. Dont be afraid of change. Change can be your friend and not your foe.

Be focused. Enter the new year with your eyes on the Lord.

Be faithful. Commit yourself to stay pure in mind, motives, and morals.

Be futuristic. Dont let memories of yesterday be more important than visions of tomorrow.

Be fearless. Jesus is your Good Shepherd, and great is His faithfulness.

At this new beginning, we come to the waters edge. We might be tempted to say, Lord, just let those waters part, and then I will step in. Butlike the priests taking the ark across the Jordan Riverwe often have to get our feet wet before God begins to work wonders among us.