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My Beloved Child
Devotional for Children and Teens
and the unhealed child in you.

February 1

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:3–4).

Beloved, how often have you been in need of a kind word or a gentle touch? As you meet with the Lord daily, does He not soothe your pain with soothing words? Do you not feel His gentle embrace as you sit in His presence? Today, look for the souls who, too, hold pain, fear, and loneliness in their hearts as they struggle through another day.

Make it your assigned task to look for and seek out those who need a smile, a kind greeting, a gentle touch on their hand or shoulder. Is there someone who could use a word of thanks from tender, sincere lips?

Beloved, though your heart may be heavy, many you pass today may be carrying unbearable sorrow that you alone can relieve.

🎈February 1

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction using the same comfort we have been comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Beloved child, how often have you needed a kind word or a gentle touch? As you meet with your Father daily, He is always there to give you comforting words. You feel His gentle embrace as you sit in His presence. Today, ask your Father to show you the people around you who are hurting, who are full of pain, fear, and loneliness in their hearts, struggling through yet another day.

Beloved child, make this your daily assigned task to look for and seek those who need a smile, a kind greeting, or a gentle touch on their hand or shoulder. 

Beloved child, if your heart is heavy, you have a Father who carries your burdens, today may be the day they meet their Father when you simply share His love.

February 2

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Have you determined to finish the course? Or has your mind predetermined when you will quit if a particular obstacle or event presents itself ahead? There is a song that kept me ever seeking and yearning to go on no matter what obstacle blocked my way: “I am determined to be invincible, till He has finished His purpose in me . . .”

The runner cannot be fixed on the winning cup to keep him going, but on the goal, determining to finish the course that is set before him.

Beloved, though your mind dreams of the day when you will stand prize in hand, let not this be your mindset alone. The man refined and disciplined is the one who will stand with his award for all to see.

🎈February 2

“But I do not consider my life worth anything to myself so that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord, to testify about the Good News of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24).

Beloved child, be determined to finish the course, and never quit when you face any obstacles. Sing or recite the words to this song that kept me going: “I am determined to be invincible, till He has finished His purpose in me . . .”

Beloved child, the runner does not fix his mind on winning a trophy to keep him going, but on the goal, simply determined to finish the course that is set before him.

Beloved child, though your mind dreams of the day when you will stand with your prize in your hands, remain disciplined to each task and ministry assigned to you, the Good News.

February 3

“Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You” (2 Chron. 14:11).

Beloved, is this the truth of your heart? Have you come to the pure understanding in your deepest desires that “there is no one besides” the Lord? For it is there and there alone that your soul will be at peace. It is there where the Lord begins to move, where you will begin to see the salvation of the Lord. It is when you are backed up to the Red Sea, enemies pursuing, that you realize that there is no one else who can help.

Beloved, there is no one to help you, save One only—only One to help you, you who have no power and no strength. Cry out to Him, “So help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in Thee, in Thee alone.”

🎈February 3

“O Lord, no one but You can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You alone. It is in Your name that we have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let mere men prevail against You!” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

Beloved child, do you believe that “there is anyone besides” the Lord who can stop the multitude of attacks against you? For it is there and there alone that your heart will be at peace. It is there where the Lord begins to move, where you will begin to see the salvation of the Lord. It is at the moment when you are backed up to the Red Sea, enemies pursuing when you realize that there is no one else who can help but Him.

Beloved child, there is no one to help you, just One only—only One to help you—you who have no power and no strength. Cry out to Him, “So help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, in You alone.”

February 4

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars” (2 Chron. 16:9).

Beloved, is your heart completely His? For the eyes of our precious Lord are looking to lend support to those, only those, whose heart is completely His. So many have a heart for the Lord, but very few have given their heart completely over to Him.

Their heart may be divided with desires that are apart from being His alone.

The children in the desert, their hearts continued to desire many things. When their needs looked uncertain, this desire surpassed their desire for God. It is there that they questioned God’s love for them. Beloved, is your heart completely His?

🎈February 4

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully His. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Beloved child, is your heart fully His? Our precious Lord is looking to support only those whose heart is completely His. A heart that is divided with desires that are apart from His alone will be continually broken and wounded.

Beloved child, the children who wandered in the desert had hearts that desired many things. When their needs looked uncertain, they questioned God’s love for them. Beloved child, is your heart completely His?

February 5

“And the people spoke against God and Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food’” (Num. 21:5).

Beloved, has the Lord delivered you from bondage in order to bring you into a new land? Has He, in His wisdom and knowledge of the future, brought you by way of the desert? What are your thoughts? How have you been speaking of your Deliverer? Do you question His motives? Do you accuse Him of bringing you to this place that would cause your relationship to die? Have you thought favorably of your years of plenty, even if they were in bondage?

Beloved, if these are the meditations of your heart and mind, your time in the desert lands will be filled with highs and lows. Instead, know—really know—His plans for you.

🎈February 5

“They began to speak against God and Moses. ‘Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?’ they complained. ‘There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!’” (Numbers 21:5).

Beloved child, has the Lord delivered you from bondage to bring you into a new land? Has He directed your path to travel through the desert? Do you complain and question His love for you? Have you accused Him of bringing you to this place as your dreams die? 

Beloved child, if these doubts are what’s hidden in your heart and cross your mind, now is the time to begin to thank Him. His plans for you are to prosper you so you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

February 6

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17–18).

Beloved, do you yearn for the joy that will be yours when the Lord brings all of His promises to pass? When your miracle stands before you?

Beloved, that joy will never come. For it is here, in the darkness and the pain, that true joy springs forth. It is here, in the midst of your trials, when the future seems uncertain, that your heart must learn to sing.

For blessings come, but many days will still be filled with the sorrows of life that accomplish much more.

Beloved, do not wait to embrace the joy that could be yours right now, as you embrace the sorrows that accomplish oh so much more.

🎈February 6

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that far outweighs any troubles and will last forever! So don’t look at the troubles you can see now; rather, fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things you see now will soon be gone, but the things you cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Beloved child, do you long for the joy that will be yours when the Lord has fulfilled all of His promises He’s given you? When your miracle is right in front of you?

Beloved child, that joy will never come. The endless joy actually appears in the darkest nights and the deepest pain. In the middle of your trials, when the future seems uncertain, is when your heart learns to sing.

Beloved child, do not wait to embrace the joy that can be yours right now, as you embrace the sorrows that accomplish oh so much more.

February 7

“So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?’” (Neh. 6:3).

Beloved, once the walls were up, but before the doors and gates were in place, the enemy came to distract the builder. So often, we are determined to do this great work but fail to see this enemy tactic.

We know, when others mock our work, that it is the enemy, so we come against it. We can see when there is a blatant enemy attack. We stand against those who try to stop us by coming against us. But, when those efforts have failed, the enemy uses the very subtle tactic of peaceful distraction to put us at ease from our main work. To encourage us, by playing on our self-pity, that we should rest a bit, do something else for a time . . . and by doing so, the enemy will have turned our vision aside long enough to steal.

🎈February 7

“So instead of going, I sent messengers back to them, ‘I am in the middle of a great work and cannot be interrupted. I am not coming down to meet with you. What is so important that I should postpone this great work we are doing to travel to see you?’” (Nehemiah 6:3).

Beloved child, the moment the walls were up, but before the doors and gates were secure, the enemy came to distract the builder. Don’t fail to see this enemy scheme and become distracted.

Beloved child, be prepared for everyone to mock your work, and never forget, that the enemy uses the ones who are closest to you. The enemy will use clever schemes to distract you and often tempt you with self-pity. The enemy comes to steal your momentum, kill your vision, and destroy your future. Remain steady, you are close to completion.

February 8

“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2:4).

Beloved, when it looks like all hope is gone, are you still in the place where you will praise your precious Lord? Is it His hand you seek, or do you seek His face?

It is the disappointing times, when hopes that have not been fulfilled and look as though they never will be, that determine who is your Beloved.

If the Lord, who makes intercession for you, who died for you, who has the power to turn even a seemingly hopeless situation around suddenly . . . if He is not your all in all, if you cannot stand and praise Him, hands lifted high, then you are still estranged from your first love. Make Him your everything today and be forever changed.

🎈February 8

“I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4).

Beloved child, when it looks like all hope is gone, is He still first in your heart? Can He say, “You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first?”

Beloved child, the test of your heart is when all hope is gone and it looks as though His promises will never be fulfilled. This determines who is first in your heart.

Beloved child, make Him your everything today and your future and life will entirely change.

February 9

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Beloved, will you be one of the few who finishes the course? It will come with many a wound to the heart. It will come with many a wound to your pride. It will come with many a wound to the self in you. Your victory banner emerges only after the self has died a very painful, agonizing, slow death as it fights to hold on and not let you yield totally to the will and good pleasure of the Father.

Many begin, but too many never finish. Attempting to hold onto the past, they are unable to reach out and grasp the hem of His garment. Let go of all—reach out to Him and finish the course my Beloved.

🎈February 9

“I have fought the good fight, I have competed well; I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Beloved child, are you determined to be one of the few who finishes the race and remains faithful? You may wound your heart, wound your pride, and ruin your reputation. But if you hold onto the Father, you will finish and be rewarded.

Beloved child, many begin, but very few finish because they hold onto the past, so they are not able to reach forward and grab both His hands while reaching for the future. Today determine to finish and remain faithful to Him.

February 10

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).

Beloved, this trial that besets your soul and spirit, this that has brought such pain and anguish to your heart—it is a battle won for those who determine to be more than conquerors.

It is the plan and desire of the Lord that this test consume all that is evil in your heart and has manifested in your life. To conquer all that has infiltrated your mind and your day-to-day living. With that gone, you are free to take up the spoil left by the enemy. To come out better from this thing that tried to beset you. Beloved, you are to be more than a conqueror.

🎈February 10

“No matter what comes, overwhelming victory is ours through Him who loves us.” (Romans 8:37).

Beloved child, this trial that weighs on your heart and what has brought you the most pain—it is a battle won by those who are determined to be more than conquerors.

Beloved child, God's plan is to wipe away all that wrong that has entered your mind and robs your heart of joy. With the wrong gone, you will be free to gather up all the treasures stolen by the enemy. 

Beloved child, be ready to come out of this trial better than when you entered. It’s the way of your Father.

February 11

“To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).

Beloved, many days and hours are spent wondering and imagining how we can effectually gain the love that we lost. We try persuasion, kindness, reason—all to no avail. There is only one way, one means to conquer the love that was lost, one way to turn them back to you, and that is for them to see Christ in you.

Our Lord drew people to Himself from the heart of love He possessed. No sin to offend, no words unedifying. But how do we attain this kind of drawing? By seeking not the Father’s hand to return your lost love, but by seeking His face. In that face you will find His heart.

🎈February 11

“To them, God has chosen to make known among the unbelievers the glorious riches of this mystery, which is God in you, the hope of sharing His glory.” (Colossians 1:27).

Beloved child, many days and hours are spent wondering and imagining how we can get the love that we lost. We try persuading, kindness, and reasoning, which all fail. There is only one way, one perfect solution to gain the love that was lost, one way to turn them back to you, and that is for them to witness the Father and His Son in you.

Beloved child, the Lord attracted people to Himself because of the heart of love He expressed. No sin offended Him, no words caused Him to change how He felt for the less fortunate. Begin seeking His face and where you will find and capture His heart.

February 12

“Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).

Beloved, loneliness and yearning for your lost love can consume and overwhelm your entire being, making you totally unaware of your Savior’s presence. He has promised to be with you.

Beloved, have you taken the time to sit in His presence? Have you poured out your love for Him with tears, with the same fervency and frequency as you have for your lost love? Or have you determined in your sorrow that your aim is to recapture the one who was lost?

Beloved, there is One who is sweeter, One who is with you. Take His hand. Give Him your love.

🎈February 12

“Teach His new followers to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).

Beloved child, loneliness and yearning for your lost love will consume and overwhelm your entire mind and heart, making you unaware of your Father’s presence. Remember, He has promised to be with you always.

Beloved child, have you taken the time to sit quietly in His presence? Have you poured out your love for Him with tears, with the same passion, and as often as you do for your lost love? Or have you changed course and you're pursuing the heart that was lost?

Beloved child, there is only One who is sweeter, One who is with you. Take His hand. Give Him all your love.

February 13

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’. . . And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?’” (Matt. 26:36, 40).

Beloved, hast thou no one upon whom you may count in these dark and uncertain hours? No one who will listen and understand your immense pain and loneliness?

There is One, only One. Our Lord had no one who stood by Him and stayed loyal to Him, no one who would pray as He needed them to.

This is the One, the only One who understands. He is the only One who has promised to never leave you, nor forsake you. He will keep His promises when others have broken theirs, since His Word is truth. Lean on Him. He will never let you down.

🎈February 13

“Then the Savior went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ When He returned, He found them asleep and said to them, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?’” (Matthew 26:36, 40).

Beloved child, are you alone with no one who will listen and understand your unbearable pain and loneliness?

Beloved child, there is One, only One. Your Lord and Savior who understands because no one stood by Him and stayed loyal to Him, not one.

Beloved child, God has used this for your good. First, because you understand there is no one but Him whom you can trust. Second, you can understand others who feel just as alone. Let them know there is only One who will never leave or let them down.

February 14

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29).

Beloved, has the pain, which you daily bear, caused you to fight back, or have you settled into quiet agony? Our Lord said of Himself that He was meek and lowly. It is there, amidst the meekness, the lowliness, that you will find the rest you long for in your soul. We must learn from Him. Though His life was filled with pain and rejection, though no one held Him in high regard even though He be the Son of God, yet He bids us to walk the same way in our trials, sufferings, and betrayals—meekly and lowly. Beloved, you’ll not be alone. You will be yoked with Him.

🎈February 14

“Put My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29).

Beloved child, has the burden you carry, the pain you feel caused you to fight back, or settle in quiet agony? Then it’s time to find the rest for your weary soul. 

Beloved child, wear His yoke and learn from Him how it is your humility and gentleness where you find rest. Beloved child, you are not alone once you are yoked to Him.

February 15

“And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while’” (Mark 6:31).

Beloved, are you alone in your life and in your endeavors? This is the place where all go to meet their God. Amidst those who care, love, and understand us, there is no awareness of God. It is alone and in loneliness that the sweet communion with God is found.

Abraham resided in the desert, unlike his nephew who lived in Sodom. It wasn’t until Moses had spent his forty years in the desert alone that he had the relationship with the Almighty that gave him what he needed to free his people and guide them forty years to the promised land. God has a way of altering our circumstances to bring us alone with Him. It is there we find the mysteries and our strengths. Enjoy your desert and find Him.

🎈February 15

“Come with Me privately to an isolated place and rest a little while.” (Mark 6:31).

Beloved child, do you feel alone? Is your life empty of those who care, love, and understand you?

Beloved child, it is while alone and in the fulness of our loneliness that we experience the One who can revive us and allow us to rest.

Beloved child, it was Abraham who lived in the desert, unlike his nephew who lived in Sodom. It wasn’t until Moses had spent his forty years in the desert alone that he had the relationship with God that gave him what he needed to free his people and guide them forty years to the Promised Land. 

Beloved child, God has designed this moment to bring you to a private place to be alone with Him. It is here you will discover His mysteries and gain strength. Enjoy your desert and time with Him.

February 16

“Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by” (Ps. 57:1).

Though winds may blow or rains pour down from dark skies, though the deepest of snows and frigid gusts wail, those who are safe inside a warm shelter feel none of their effects.

Beloved, have you sought the shelter of the Almighty? Have you drawn close enough to benefit from the shadow of His wing? Why do you stay outside rather than sitting warm, close to the fire He has prepared for you? Why do you venture out to see the fierceness of the storm, when He can at once, if He desires, say to the storm in your life, “Peace. Be still.” Instead, wait, be still, and rest here in the shadow of the Almighty.

🎈February 16

“Have mercy on me, O God. Have mercy on me. For in you I have taken shelter. In the shadow of your wings I take shelter until trouble passes.” (Psalm 57:1).

Beloved child, though winds may blow or rains pour down from dark skies. When the deepest of snows and frigid gusts blow, you are safe inside a warm shelter and feel none of their effects when you take shelter in Him.

Beloved child, have you remembered to go to your Father when trouble is near? Have you moved close enough to benefit from the shadow of His wings? Don’t stay outside when He’s waiting for you to come close to the fire He has prepared for you. Then once inside, focus on Him and ignore the storm, “Peace. Be still” while you rest under the shadow and love of your Father.

February 17

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10).

Beloved, it is through fear that you are most vulnerable to attack. The enemy watches and waits for any sign of fear in which to infiltrate the walls of your heart in order to destroy you. Fear if an impending date or meeting. Fear of the future if a miracle does not occur. Fear of being alone.

But perfect love casts out all fear. This perfect love is only found in Him who was and is perfect. With all your love given, open up your heart wide to receive the perfect love that will flood your heart, that will cast out all your fear.

🎈February 17

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I will strengthen you—yes, I will help you—yes, I will hold you up while I make right!” (Isaiah 41:10).

Beloved child, when you are afraid, when you are fearful that's when you are most vulnerable to attack. The enemy watches and waits for any sign of fear in your heart so he can destroy you. 

But, Beloved child, His perfect love casts out all fear. The perfect love from the One who was and is perfect. With His love filling your heart, your future is open, your heart wide to give, not just receive blessings—blessings overflowing over everyone who comes close to you.

February 18

“[Cast] all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).

Beloved, cast all the cares and worries, the reasoning, and the plans on the seas. Release them to know how He cares for you. Every decision, every wonder—give it to Him and feel the release of weight that you have been carrying. So light will you feel, so refreshed will you be, so changed will be your demeanor that all will notice the joy that springs forth when in your presence!

Why carry the cares of the world when He has asked you to cast them all on Him? Do it now. Do it every time you feel the weight of a decision or a thought. Give it to Him, Beloved—do it now.

🎈February 18

“Cast all your cares, anxiety, and worries on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

Beloved child, like fishers of men, cast by throwing His net over all your cares, anxiety, and worries. Cast it over the reasoning and the plans that need to go. Every decision, every calculation—give it to Him and feel the weight you have been carrying lift. 

Beloved child, why carry the cares of the world when He has asked you to cast them all on Him? Do it now. Do it every time you feel the weight of any decision or burdensome thought. Give it to Him, Beloved child—do it now.

February 19

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4 KJV).

Beloved, all of us are destined to walk “through” shadow and death situations. Our goal must be to stay close to the Shepherd who shields and guides us. Many experience such fear that in the midst of the darkness they lose their way. They stay in the valley, accepting that it is God’s will that they stay and suffer. Not so! It is our heavenly Father’s desire that we walk through, hand in hand, with our Savior. This is the way we will learn to be like Him, by walking with Him. It is there we learn not to fear. Not to fear circumstances, knowing He is always with us. Not to fear man, for He is there to shield us from all harm.

Take His hand, Beloved, and walk through.

🎈February 19

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod your staff reassure me.” (Psalm 23:4).

Beloved child, all of us are called to walk “through” dark valleys. Our hope is found in staying close to the Shepherd who protects and guides us. 

Beloved child, don’t stay in the valley, but walk through, hand in hand, with your Savior. This journey teaches you to learn to be like Him, by walking with Him. With Him you learn not to fear, knowing He is always with you protecting you from all harm. 

Take His hand, Beloved child, and walk through.

February 20

“He answered and said, ‘Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!’” (Dan. 3:25).

Beloved, the believer is able to survive and even prosper in the midst of flames of torment, injustice, and persecution that consume unbelievers. We are able to walk in, heads held high, confident that our God, whom we serve, is more than able to deliver us. But even if He doesn’t deliver us, we know and have confidence that the fires were chosen for us.

For there in the midst of the fire He blesses us—first with His presence, for we are never alone. Yet, the blessings go on. For there in the midst of the flames, even though it would destroy most, it is there that all that had us bound is burnt away, leaving us loosed with arms high to praise Him. Glory!

🎈February 20

“‘Look!” King Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, untied, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!’” (Daniel 3:25).

Beloved child, you will not only survive but prosper in the middle of the flames for every injustice and persecution that consumes anyone who is not His. His child walks in confidence that His God is more than able to deliver those whose hearts are completely His—even should He not deliver you, you know and understand the fires will be used for good.

Beloved child, it’s in the fiery flames where He blesses you—setting you free, all ties gone—leaving your arms free to praise Him, while your enemies witness who is always with you.

February 21

“And the satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king’s high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them” (Dan. 3:27).

Beloved, have you seen the destruction of those who have faced abandonment and rejection from those they loved, which, like you, have left you in fear? Fear that you, too, would suffer such harm when all is over? Beloved, do not accept this sentence. It is far from him who trusts the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

The youths who walked in the fiery furnace that was seven times hotter—so hot that it caused the men who threw them in at the king’s command to be consumed—these youths walked out without any harm done to them. Not even the smell of smoke rested upon them.

🎈February 21

“Then the high officers, governors, and advisers crowded around and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” (Daniel 3:27).

Beloved child, the youths who walked in the fiery furnace, which was seven times hotter—so hot that it caused the men who threw them in at the king’s command to be consumed—these youths walked out without any harm done to them. Not even the smell of smoke was on them.

Beloved child, the same will happen to you when you are willing to stand for what is right and not bow down to fear. This allows everyone around you to witness the power of God and the protection He gives to those whose hearts are completely His.

February 22

“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also” (Matt. 23:26).

Beloved, so many of us have been so busy cleaning the outside of our cup but have failed to clean the inside. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, the religious people, for the way they lived. Has He rebuked your lifestyle too? Have you found in the midst of this trial in your life that you cared more about what others saw, rather than being sure that the inside, the person unseen, was also clean?

Our Father has set us aside to purify the inside, to rub and disinfect our hearts and motives. To refocus our attention to what matters—being intimate with Him. Not personal gain or praise from others, but a deep and abiding oneness with our Savior, Lord and Lover.

🎈February 22

“You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and then the outside will become clean, too.” (Matthew 23:26).

Beloved child, stop focusing on how you look, and what everyone else sees. Instead, ask your Father to search and cleanse your heart. The Pharisees, the religious (who have no relationship with Him) work very hard to appear good but inside hide a filthy heart.

Beloved child, your Father is the only one who can purify what’s inside your heart and redirect your motives. Then, not only will the inside be clean but His light will shine through you and cause your face to glow.

February 23

“Save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:30).

Beloved, you may have opportunity when others will try to convince you to save yourself, but fight this temptation. Jesus, our example, heard these words as He hung upon the cross. He refused to use the power He had, in the middle of incredible and agonizing pain, to save Himself. Others mocked Him as He suffered. Others will mock you, too, in your pain.

But it was in enduring to the end that brought the victory that would save all who call upon His name. Not until His words rang out—“it is finished”—would our Lord turn from the course that was set before Him. Neither can you, if you want to see the glorious resurrection of your relationship. Save not yourself, but wait until it is finished.

🎈February 23

“Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:30).

Beloved child, like your Brother, you may have an opportunity to save yourself but resist this temptation. Our Savior, our example, heard these words as He hung on the cross yet He refused to use the power He had to save Himself while the crowd mocked Him as He suffered. 

Beloved child, when everyone mocks you and your pain— look to Him until you can also say “It is finished.” Focus on and remember what follows—your resurrection and your testimony!

February 24

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17).

Beloved, are you suffering because you cannot feel the presence of the Lord? Has darkness covered your soul and brought with it the question of whether God has forsaken you? Has the devil whispered in your ear, as he whispered in Gideon’s, “If God be with you, why then has this come upon you?”

Yet, the Lord said Himself, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And He cannot lie.

However, he who whispers in your ear, not only is he the father of lies, but he can do nothing except lie. In this dilemma, we put our faith in things unseen and believe that there is One who is always with us, yet invisible. Speak to Him. Not only is He there, but He is listening.

🎈February 24

“All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen One who never dies; He alone is God. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17).

Beloved child, are you suffering because you stopped feeling the presence and warmth of the Lord? Has darkness covered your heart and you question whether God has forsaken you? Has the enemy whispered in your ear, as he whispered in Gideon’s, “If God is with you, why has this burden come on you?”

Beloved child, remember, the Lord said Himself, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” and He cannot lie. Your faith is unseen but you know that there is One who is always with you—not only is He with you—He is listening.

February 25

“Thou art my hiding place; Thou dost preserve me from trouble; Thou dost surround me with songs of deliverance” (Ps. 32:7 KJV).

Beloved, do you hear the beautiful song that the Lord sings to your heart? It is a song of deliverance sung especially for you. It may seem faint, but, if you will be still and turn your hearing toward Him, you will hear it. You will notice the more you take time to listen, the closer and more distinct the melody becomes.

Only God has the song of your deliverance. You cannot sing it yourself, though many have tried and have ended up disappointed and embarrassed. Nor can another sing this song for you. Only One, your Savior, has a special song that He will sing just for you. Listen . . .

🎈February 25

“You are my hiding place; You protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy, songs from those who are celebrating you will be set free.” (Psalm 32:7).

Beloved child, do you hear the beautiful song that your Savior sings in your heart? It is a song of freedom sung especially for you. It may begin with a whisper, but when you sit still and turn your heart toward Him, you will hear it above all the noise. Then each time you stop to listen, the closer and clearer the melody becomes.

Beloved child, only your Savior knows the song of your freedom. You cannot sing it yourself, though many have tried and have ended up disappointed and embarrassed. No one else can sing this song for you. Only One, your Savior, has a special song that He will sing just for you. Listen... 

February 26

“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold” (Job 42:10).

Beloved, Job had lost every blessing He had. He had not sinned to cause the series of calamities to unfold like great, devastating hurricanes blasting into his life, no doubt unexpectantly. Nevertheless, they came to test and mold this lover of God. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

In His final hours, just before his “dawn” finally came, Job faced possibly his greatest test—forgiveness. Forgiving, and then praying for those who mocked and ridiculed him while he was in the midst of the most horrendous suffering anyone had ever suffered until that day. And yet, he prayed for his “friends,” and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.

🎈February 26

“Once Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave Job twice as much as before!” (Job 42:10).

Beloved child, Job had lost every blessing He had. He never did anything wrong; it wasn't the consequences of his wrongs that he was suffering. Instead, God chose Job and allowed the enemy to test his love for God, when Job answered when he lost everything, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Beloved child, Job's breakthrough arrived in his final hours, just before his “dawn” finally came, Job faced possibly his greatest test—forgiveness. Forgiving, and then praying for his “friends” who had accused, mocked, and ridiculed him while he was in the middle of the most horrendous suffering anyone had ever suffered until that day. Yet, Job forgave them, prayed for them and that's when they witnessed how the Lord gave him twice the blessings he had before!

February 27

“Yield now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you” (Job 22:21).

Beloved, these sound words are so true. First, yield to Him. Give Him the “right of way” in your life. Let Him be first. Follow Him, yielding to His gentle prompting.

Those who are forever “unaware” of His presence can never yield to His gentleness. Never is His leading harsh, pushy, or demanding. Always the Lord will allow you to lead if you take the initiative. Yet, soon you find you again have taken the wrong way and must again cry out to Him for help, for Him to lead you back to the correct path. Instead, yield and be at peace with Him. It is only there that the good you seek will come to you.

🎈February 27

“Yield now and be at peace with Him; in this way good will come to you.” (Job 22:21).

Beloved child, these sound words are so true. First, yield to Him by giving Him the “right of way” in your life. Let Him be first. Follow Him, yielding, surrendering, submitting to His gentle prompting.

Beloved child, yield and be at peace with Him. It is here that the good will follow you all the days of your life.

February 28

“And he went out to meet Asa and said to him, ‘Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you’” (2 Chron. 15:2).

Beloved, so many fool themselves into thinking that God is nowhere to be found in their distress. But He promises to “let you” find Him.

As children, we may have played hide-and-seek with our parents, or maybe we have played it with our children or grandchildren. Though the child may not be capable of truly finding the one he seeks, the adult will “let him” find him.

Beloved, we must seek Him in order for Him to “let us” find Him. If we seek our own way, if we seek others—this, too, He will let us find. This will cause us to forsake Him, and lo, He also said He will forsake us as well.

Beloved, seek Him.

🎈February 28

“Listen to me, the Lord is with you when you are with Him. The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake, reject or abandon Him, He can only forsake, reject or abandon you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2).

Beloved child, as a young child, you played hide-and-seek with your parents. Though the child may not be able to find the person he seeks, the parent will lovingly “let him” find them.

Beloved child, we must seek Him so our Father will “let us” find Him. If we seek our own way, if we seek others—they are who we will find. Seeking anyone but Him means we forsake, reject, and abandon Him.

Beloved child, seek Him.

February 29

“However, the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver” (2 Sam. 24:24).

Beloved, God said that David was a man after God’s own heart. Are you, too, after His heart? David was so in love with the Lord that he refused taking the threshing floor without paying for it. How different we are today! We long and seek earnestly for that which we don’t pay for. We want God to turn our situation with our husband around, now, or we sulk and entertain thoughts that God has forsaken us.

Beloved, we have so little to give to Him who has given us everything! Let us have a true heart of giving to the One we love. Let us glory that finally, we have this to offer Him—“suffering for the sake of Christ,” something that costs us everything.

🎈February 29

“No, I insist on buying it from you! I will not make an offering that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24).

Beloved child, God said that David was a man after God’s own heart. Are you also after His heart? David was so in love with the Lord that he refused to accept anything without paying for it. 

Beloved child, even though you have little to give to Him who has given us everything, what He wants is your heart. A true heart who gives all of yourself to the One you love. Give your Father and your Savior something that costs you everything—yourself.