Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:24; Luke 2:8-19; Acts 4:13; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Hebrews 13:5; James 4:8

The Bible says in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Can you imagine this kind of love — the Father sacrificing His Son to save others who weren’t even looking for Him? No wonder that heavenly host filled the sky, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14)! Angels joyfully announced that the time for the plan of all ages — the redemption of mankind — had finally come!

I’m certain there are things in your personal life you’re believing God for, and I want to encourage you that just as God was faithful to His Word to fulfill the promise of a Savior, He will be faithful to do for you what He said He would do!

Years ago, I was seeking the Lord and questioning Him about something. I asked Him, “Oh, God, can I really trust You for this?” I wanted Him to change something in me; I needed a supernatural touch. Then the Lord spoke to my heart so sweetly, saying “Denise, don’t you believe Me? Don’t you believe that My Word is true? Haven’t I proven My faithfulness in your life over and over again?” Then He called upon me to remember and rehearse what He’d spoken to me about the very situation I was pondering.

Immediately, I repented. “Lord, I’m so sorry! I do believe You! I believe what You said in Your Word — that if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me [James 4:8]. You do hear my prayers. You know my deepest heart’s desires and my every thought!”

God said He would always be with us — that He would never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). In fact, we are joined to the Lord. We are one spirit with Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:17). He truly is as close as the mention of His name! Subscribe to Denise’s 28-Day Journey Email Devotionals! Many times as we’re pressing in to know the Lord better and to trust Him more completely, the enemy will come up beside us and begin ridiculing us. Why are you doing that? he’ll whisper. You’ve gone off the deep end if you believe all those great things are going to happen! What makes you think those things will come to pass? Do you think you’re somebody special?

Thoughts from the enemy come to try to make us unsure and cause us to lose our footing. However, although thoughts may bombard us at times, those thoughts do not and cannot change the truth of God’s Word! They don’t change His will, His plan, or His faithfulness.

Just as it was time for the birth of the Messiah that beautiful night more than 2,000 years ago, it is time right now to trust the Lord explicitly in every area of our lives. We can trust the Eternal One with our lives, but our faith must be real, not something we talk about to impress others. Our fellowship must be intimate, not shallow and superficial. We must truly lean on and rely on Him instead of putting our hopes in those around us.

I encourage you to press in as never before to know the Lord better. Just as others took notice of Peter and John “that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13), others with whom you come into contact will take notice of the light and life of God within you as you spend more time with Him.

Please let us know how we can pray for you. We are excited to stand in faith with you because we know God is faithful, and He will be faithful to you!

In His great love,

Denise Renner

Denise Renner