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“And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good… And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.” Genesis 1:21,23

Imagine a world without fish and birds. Without the thousands of varieties of sea life and the innumerable species of flying creatures. These serve as examples to us of the imaginative depths of our Creator.

When we look at the variety and intricate details that God implemented on the fifth day of creation, it reminds us of an important spiritual truth. We are not just another cookie-cutter person. God specifically designed us to be unique and each of us is valuable to Him.

So be inspired by what God created and placed in the ocean and air. Jump like a whale, sing like a dolphin. Soar like an eagle and enjoy the view of all that God created for your pleasure.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the interesting world You created for me to enjoy. Help me to live life to the fullest, and to revel in the pleasure You receive when I give You glory.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also… And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:16,19

Imagine a world without stars. After sunset, the sky would simply be black. No constellations to capture our interest, no North Star to guide us on our journey. Just… nothing up there. But thankfully, God planned something special on the fourth day of creation. He made sure that there would be something in the sky to alleviate the darkness of night.

And He did the very same thing for our souls. There are times when God allows us to experience a time of testing, frustration or grief. Circumstances look dark and hopeless, but He gives us a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

He comforts our souls through the promises in His Word. We may weep all night, but joy will come in the morning. His mercies are new every morning. He will never leave or forsake us. These spiritual stars keep us on track as we go through trials.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that even when my situation seems bleak, Your love and hope are still shining through the darkness. I know You will bring me through and there will be joy on the other side.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.” Genesis 1:12-13

Imagine a world without plants. What a drab landscape it would be if there were only dirt and rocks to break the monotony. No tall trees to provide shade, no grass to cushion our feet, no colourful flowers to brighten our day. If God had not chosen to create plant life on the third creation day, it would be sorely missed.

It is no different spiritually. There must be growth in our daily Christian life to keep our relationship with God from becoming a meaningless religious routine.

It is a good practice to periodically reflect on our walk with God. In what areas have we grown over the past few months? What parts of us are flourishing? Are there any areas that need attention, maybe some extra sunshine and watering? Growth is beautiful!

Prayer: Lord, I want to be constantly growing in You. Show me any areas of my spiritual life that have become stagnant, and help me to reach higher and draw closer to You.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.” Genesis 1:7-8

Imagine a world without water. The entire planet would be a desert, plants would be shriveled and brown and life would slow down to a crawl. The second day of creation gave us a precious resource.

The same is true spiritually. Without living water, souls become parched, hope dries up, and motivation virtually disappears. Life becomes a mere existence with no promise of change.

But when we allow God to flood our spirits with the water of His Holy Spirit, everything is refreshed. Hope is rejuvenated and life becomes worth living again. Just as we need a steady supply of water to survive physically, we need to soak in God’s presence on a daily basis.

Prayer: Lord, let me drink daily from the fountain of living water. And pour the water of Your Spirit over me, in me and through me.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:4-5

Imagine a world without light. Everything else that God made during creation week would go unnoticed and unappreciated. Life would be dull, dark, depressing and boring. With light comes clarity, joy, hope and alertness.

The same is true in regard to our spiritual existence. The Father of lights shines into our soul and the darkness is eradicated. We begin to see clearly the things that previously confused us. Our daily lives are infused with joy because we experience unconditional love. We are full of hope for the future, here on earth and in heaven eternally.

And the spiritual illumination we have received causes us to feel truly alive, excited and full of passion for the Kingdom of God. He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for illuminating my life. Let your light shine through me to those around me, and may they be drawn to You.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalm 103:2

God is daily showering us with blessings: life and breath, health and strength, joy and peace, just to name a few. How easy it is to forget the source of these things and just take them for granted.

We need to consciously remember the benefits God has given us. A great way to do this it keep a “blessing box”. Every day, write down on a slip of paper something God has done for you, and put it in your box.

When negative situations come your way, and you are tempted to feel discouraged and depressed, it’s time to pull out your blessing box. Sit and read all the benefits God has showered on you, and it will give you faith and hope for the future.

Prayer: Lord, thank You so much for all of Your kindness to me. Spiritual blessings, physical blessings, emotional blessings… I can’t even count them all. Where would I be without You?

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:17

We all need to be corrected sometimes; and rather than resenting the process, we need to value it. How else can we learn?

The verse above is from a passage that describes the scriptural method of correction. Go alone to the person who has offended you. If they won’t listen, take one or two others with you and try again. If that doesn’t work, take it to the Church.

The whole purpose of this procedure is restoration: “thou hast gained thy brother”. If both parties seek to have a right spirit, then correction will be given and received properly, and a relationship will be saved.

Prayer: Lord, show me if there is any relationship that I need to mend. Maybe I need to lovingly confront someone, or maybe I am the one who wronged someone else. Let me value correction and preserve my friendships.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” 1 Timothy 4:14

Our spiritual gifts are something that we must not neglect; we need to value them. Each of us have been uniquely called and equipped for a special place of service in God’s Kingdom.

Sometimes we become aware of our spiritual gift through the prophecy or prayer of another person. And that doesn’t mean it is fully developed instantly. Sometimes the seed is planted, and we have to grow into it by using it.

What spiritual gifts has God placed in you? Are you an administrator, an evangelist or a teacher? Do you have a ministry of compassion, of helps or of encouragement? Whatever gift has been given to you, guard it carefully but also make sure it grows!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the spiritual gifts You have given me. Help me to develop them and use them to further Your kingdom.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

Life is so busy, but it is very important that we don’t forget to do good. We must build time in our schedules for helping other people, encouraging and ministering to them.

God is so pleased when we do this. We could sacrifice money or other things, but He loves the sacrifice we make when we do good.

There are many opportunities every day for well-doing: in your own home, at work or school, out in the community. Ask God to open your eyes to chances to do good.

Prayer: Lord, I want to value well-doing. I want to be a blessing to those around me. Show me who I can minister to today.

Devotion by Liane Grant

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