daily god book So in my quest/decision to choose a new devotional for 2014 – I didn’t need to choose – it was gifted. Yes, a Christmas gift. So I thought,  awesome!!  I love all devotionals that read like Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling books. I was almost tempted to buy another Bible – a One Year Bible this month but I am glad I didn’t.

This devotional – The Daily God Book: A Year of Listening for God by Erin Keeley Marshall – is set up a bit differently; there is a Bible passage to look up (so you must keep the “good book” close by), there is a theme – a message – and finally a prayer called ‘Talk to HIM’ and a thought challenge to carry with you all day long. I just love the set up. But more than that I love how the entire year of the devotional walks through the Bible. It is awesome to see a devotional incorporate the WORD into daily devotions – not just a verse but passages of Scripture. It is so important to rely on the Word of God to meet your daily, monthly and yearly needs. And so perfect for morning, evening or morning & evening devotions. I am so excited to walk this year through the Word, with the help of this devotional.

the-storycvr Also on my list of books to read – this month – is The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People foreward by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee. This was a Christmas present last year and I was hoping to delve into it but better late than never and what a great read to start the year. I hope to be completed by the end of January. So, with all that I have chosen to take on this year – I know God is right behind (beside, before and around) me – I know that He knew that I was hungry to experience and understand more of His WORD, His truth, His Promises – HIS STORY!

I am all set to start 2014 – with gusto and true passion for the Word of God – I am amazed at what the Lord does with productive choices and longings. I know this year will be filled with ups and downs, I know the struggles will come and I know the doubt will creep in – BUT – I am determined to cling to His promises and HIS WORD that I may see the truth I craved last year and beginning this year afresh with the choice to make the Lord the focus of my every day – through this year of walking through the words of truth and grace – I will truly see where I belong, where my place is in His Story as long as I listen to His voice.

I pray this year that I hear Him and hear Him clearly – that I may see the path that He has set for me…
The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. Proverbs 15:24

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14.

Grace and Peace be with you today and throughout this year!
Many Blessings,

Shari