David Jeremiah - David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions: Holy Moments in the Presence of God

David Jeremiah Morning and Evening Devotions

This book was created from the contents of Sanctuary, ISBN 978-1-4003-1827-8, 2002, 2011 by David Jeremiah, and Turning Points, ISBN 978-1-5914-5067-2, 2005 by David Jeremiah.

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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations used in this book are from The New King James Version, 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Other Scripture quotations are taken from the following sources: Contemporary English Version ( CEV ). Copyright 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ( ESV ). Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Gods Word ( GW ) is a copyrighted work of Gods Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by Gods Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. The King James Version ( KJV ). Public domain. The Message ( MSG ) by Eugene H. Peterson. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. The New American Standard Bible ( NASB ). Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. The Holy Bible, New International Version ( NIV ). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. The Holy Bible, New Living Translation ( NLT ). Copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. The New Testament in Modern English ( PHILLIPS ). Copyright 1958, 1959, 1960 by J. B. Phillips and 1947, 1952, 1955, 1957 by The MacMillian Company, New York. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version ( RSV ). Copyright 1946, 1952, 1973 by National Council of Churches of Christ. All rights reserved. The Living Bible ( TLB ), 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. The Holman Christian Standard Bible ( HCSB ). Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. HCSB is a federally registered trademark of Holman Bible Publishers.

ISBN: 978-0-7180-9261-0

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N one of us would dispute that our world is complicatedeven hectic at times. We long for shelter from the chaos, a place of refuge where we can rest and be refreshed. Frequently, we plan our vacations to accomplish that goal, but too often, soon after the vacation is over, we are back into the frantic cycle of life. How do we find moments, minutes, or even hours of peace and harmony? Turn to the Word of God.

The instruction of the L ORD is perfect,

renewing ones life;

the testimony of the L ORD is trustworthy,

making the inexperienced wise.

The precepts of the L ORD are right,

making the heart glad;

the command of the L ORD is radiant,

making the eyes light up.

(P SALM 19:78 HCSB )

True refreshment is found when we spend time studying Gods Word. No matter the time of year, the season of life, or the time of day, when you go to the Scriptures for instruction and inspirationyou will find the peace and comfort you long for amidst the daily distractions of life today.

That time with Him makes the complicated issues of life seem small when seen in light of His truths for living. Your life journey will suddenly experience a turning pointthe demanding job, or the need for a job, challenging family issues, medical or financial expensesall of those important needs will be laid at the feet of the Master during those moments in His presence. Spending time with Him allows us to gain an eternal perspective, which draws our thoughts away from the daily events that often drain strength from our lives.

Of course, the most important decision for each of us is when we make Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of our lives. Once He becomes Lord of our life, the path we formerly traveled is no longer our road of choice. Instead, we, like Christian in The Pilgrims Progress, begin a journey toward the Celestial City. It wont be a journey without trials. There will be places along the path that may temporarily distract us, but our focus will no longer be on the diversions we encounter here, but on our eternal dwelling place there.

This book, Morning and Evening Devotions: Holy Moments in the Presence of God, is a collection of daily meditations from Gods Word that will equip you to live with Gods perspective. Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, commit yourself to spending time each morning and evening with God. A moment in time may seem fleeting, but it is never futile when spent in the presence of the Lordyour days and nights will be richer for it.

Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?

1 C ORINTHIANS 6:19

Give unto the L ORD the glory due His name; Worship the L ORD in the beauty of holiness.

P SALM 29:2

A s you meet with God in the light of morning, as your thoughts turn to Him in the adrenaline rush of the day, as you move into the silent sanctuary on the Lords Day, know that He takes His place upon the throne whenever you give Him your praise. Your bowed head, your humbled heart, and your attentive spirit open the door to heaven. Its a door that swings both ways, for God comes to us no matter where we are.

The wonder of worship is the wonder of His very real presence. Its music from another world, wonder that floods out all the darkness and the dust of death this life contains. We rediscover the innocence of children again as we praise and exalt Gods name, for He opens Himself to us. Its the most awesome moment of lifemore awesome than holding your first child in the delivery room, more awesome than meeting the person youre destined to marry, more awesome than seeing the earth from the window of the space shuttle. Youve seen something more beautiful: the face of God Himself.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

1 C ORINTHIANS 15:58

I n December 2001, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued a report suggesting that many Americans are making plastic surgery one of their New Years resolutions. If you havent been able to keep all those other resolutions from years pastlike lose weight, protect yourself with sunscreen, and exercise morea nip here and a tuck there can take care of the damage. Its the American wayhave your cake and lose it too.

New Years resolutions are a traditional part of life, but it takes more than a 1 on the January calendar to bring about real change. Instead of trying to start something brand-new this year, consider taking something youre already doing to the next level: living with passion for God.