FaithStones Devotional - August

Be the light you’re looking for in your world.

It’s easy to look at the darkness around us and feel discouraged, but God calls us to be different.

Instead of waiting for change, take one step towards it.

Draw near to the Lord, and He will draw near to you.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14).

Salt preserves what is good, and light pushes back darkness. As believers, we carry the presence of Christ wherever we go, and we are not doing it alone— we have our Dear Holy Spirit is our Helper.

Readings for this week:

- Week 1: Luke 6:39-49 A blind man cannot lead another blind man.

- Week 2: John 14:16-26 Jesus promised to send the Helper.

- Week 3: Act 1:6-11 When the Holy Spirit comes, you will be His witness.

- Week 4: Matthew 5:3-11 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

The Journal

Created You With Love

I created you with love.

With care and skills I crafted and molded every curve of your shape. I took a step aside in the corner of my workshop, and I smiled.

With a deep breath of satisfaction I whispered in admiration of my creativity “You are

fearfully and wonderfully made”. (Psalm 139:14). Gently I breathed my Spirit into you and in a moment, you came alive

(Genesis 2:7).

I took you by the hand and taught you how to walk. Gradually, I trained you to become the warrior that you are, unafraid and brave, like Father like son/daughter (Psalm 144:1). You are mine, and I AM yours my beloved (Song of Solomon 2:16).

As my child I taught you my decrees and ordered your path so that you won't go astray, (Psalm 32:8) and I will continue to do so as long as you allow me to.

I have assigned my angels over you to guard you in all your ways,

they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11-12).

I watch you go to sleep at night and I stay awake all the while and with great excitement each morning I joyfully stare at you open those beautiful eyes of yours; ready for a bright new day! And having in mind loads of things to teach and impart to you.

You are my beloved.

Will you allow me to become your best friend? I have exciting secrets and treasures to share with you (1 Corinthians 2:7).

Will you lean on me for an adventure of a lifetime? Will you trust me, to love and hold you, in sickness and in health,

I'll be there through the highs and the lows, I'll carry you on my shoulders if I have to, for I care about you.

I wish to show you all the hidden treasures in my covenant with you, things no eyes have ever seen nor ears have ever heard (1 Corinthians 2:9). Why do I do all these?

... Well It's because I have loved you with an everlasting Love (Jeremiah 31:3).

Yours faithfully,

Jesus

with love,

Eva-Marianne