A Time For God

A TIME FOR GOD

A 365-Day Devotional

ODELL STAGGERS

A Time for God: A 365-Day Devotional

Copyright © 2019 by ODell Staggers. All rights reserved.

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law. This book is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, and 1985 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

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Book cover design copyright © by Agape For Life Publishing. All rights reserved.

Published in the United States of America

Introduction

We live in uncertain and perilous times, where life as we know it can change with or without our permission. Our world is incredibly fast and demanding, sometimes not leaving enough hours or minutes in each day for us to accomplish everything. Family obligations and personal and professional responsibilities can consume all our time and energy. If we aren't careful, we can get burned out and overloaded with busy work. A TIME FOR GOD is a 365-day devotional that helps us pause, prioritize and receive direction for our lives.

Day 1

Scripture:

If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Thought for Today:

We must not be so preoccupied with the issues and demands of life that we lose sight of where we will spend eternity.

Prayer:

Father, may I never lose sight of why you sent your Son to sacrifice His life. Help me understand that no issue in this world is more important than where I will spend eternity. Show me what you have called me to do in life.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 2

Scripture:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

Thought for Today:

Sometimes, during and after the storms and challenges of life, all we have left to hold onto is His word. If God said it, we must cling to His promises.

Prayer:

Lord, I will trust you even when I can't see my way and don't understand why certain things happen. May I speak your word throughout my life in every situation.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 3

Scripture:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

Thought for Today:

The devil wants to steal our joy, peace and minds by getting us to focus on the problems we face instead of the God we serve. God is bigger and greater than any problem we will face.

Prayer:

Father, may I forever be reminded that you are the almighty, greater than any force in the universe. All power belongs to you. I need peace that is beyond human understanding.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 4

Scripture:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34).

Thought for Today:

Learning to appreciate the small and simple things in life will help keep us humble, in balance and, most of all, grateful.

Prayer:

Father, I am grateful for all that you do in my life, from the seemingly small things to the overwhelming blessings that only you can give. Teach me how to be content with whatever state and season I'm in.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 5

Scripture:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

Thought for Today:

The enemy is not so much after our possessions and the people we love. Rather, he wants to destroy our faith so we will doubt God's existence. But we must be steadfast in our faith in God.

Prayer:

Lord, help me maintain my faith in you by trusting your word, regardless of the circumstances in my life. I need your strength when I am weak and being attacked with doubt and unbelief. Teach me how to trust you when I cannot see my way.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 6

Scripture:

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3).

Thought for Today:

God's love is so amazing! Even when we are not so lovable, He keeps on loving us. His love never fails.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for loving me even when I mess up and do foolish things. Help me to be more like Jesus every day. Thank you for loving me and always being there, especially when I need you the most.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 7

Scripture:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1–2).

Thought for Today:

There's a difference between condemnation and correction; the former seeks to tear down and destroy, whereas the latter builds up and restores.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for accepting me just as I am. You could have condemned and judged me, but instead, you sent your Son to die for me. Thank you for giving me another chance. With your help and strength, I promise to do better.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 8

Scripture:

Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Thought for Today:

If we dare to see things as God sees them, there is nothing we cannot handle or accomplish in His strength.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to understand I can do nothing without you. All that I am and will ever be, I owe it all to you. Help me to always give you glory for anything that you do in my life.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 9

Scripture:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his Law day and night (Psalms 1:1–2).

Thought for Today:

Toxic people and situations can become contagious if we fail to guard our spirits from negativity.

Prayer:

Lord, may I select my associates and friends wisely. Also, help me to realize that not everyone who wants to be in my life is good for me. Teach me how to be loving but discerning at the same time. 

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 10

Scripture:

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death (Revelation 12:11).

Thought for Today:

Some of the greatest lessons we've learned have come during the most challenging times in our lives. We must glean knowledge from each experience.

Prayer:

Father, I don't understand some of the things that I have gone through and that I'm dealing with right now. Help me to become better and stronger as I go through life's ups and downs.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 11

Scripture:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Thought for Today:

God is with us even in our darkest moments, when doubt and fear surround us on every side. Rest in Him.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to trust you even when I don't feel you and doubt tries to consume me. Thank you for working things out right now. I will focus more on your promise rather than on the situation.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 12

Scripture:

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).

Thought for Today:

Words can be powerful, piercing and hurtful. They can pronounce life or death. We must choose the words we speak wisely. Are you building someone up or tearing someone down with your words?

Prayer:

Lord, show how me to guard my tongue even during moments when I am tempted to say something I will regret later. Let me speak your words when I am tempted to react out of emotion. Help me to reflect on how I should respond.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 13

Scripture:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).

Thought for Today:

God's peace supersedes any confusion the enemy attempts to send our way. For His peace is not based on the absence of trouble but is an overwhelming assurance in the midst of it all that God will make a way.

Prayer:

Father, give me that peace that helps me to hold it together when things around me are not so good. You are my rock and shield against the forces that seek to destroy my relationship with you. Help me to stand firmly on your promises.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 14

Scripture:

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36).

Thought for Today:

A person's character and integrity are far more essential than any notoriety or material things they acquire in life.

Prayer:

Lord, may I never worship things or material wealth. Help me understand that my character and word mean everything. Teach me how to be a person of my word.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 15

Scripture:

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

Thought for Today:

There is not a moment that He does not feel what we are going through. Allow His word to heal you today.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me see and understand that you will never leave nor forsake me. For even when I do not feel you, I will trust your word and depend on your guidance and direction.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 16

Scripture:

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

Thought for Today:

The love of God covers a multitude of our sins, draws us closer to Him, and sets us free to be who we were created to be.

Prayer:

Lord, it was your love that lifted me. When the enemy thought he had me down, your love and mercy picked me up. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and setting me free.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 17

Scripture:

The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).

Thought for Today:

Love is more than what we say, it is what we do; people need to know that we care.

Prayer:

Lord, let my love not only be based on what I say but be demonstrated through my daily actions. Let me strive to love everyone, even people who are challenging to love. Teach me to be more like you every day.

Three things I am grateful for on this day:

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Three major things I must accomplish today:

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Day 18

Scripture:

A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied (Proverbs 13:4).

Thought for Today:

We must be careful to disallow procrastination from becoming the thief that robs us of time and missed opportunities.

Prayer:

Father, show me how to be a good steward of my time. Let me be focused and aware of the tasks that you have called me to accomplish in this life. Help me to release things that hinder my growth and development for your glory.

Three things I am grateful for on this day: