Break The Cycle

Have you ever talked to God about your plan and thought, "this is a pretty good plan," until He gave you His plan? That's pretty much what happened to this devotional. After publishing Capturing The Promise With Joshua, I set out work on my 3rd devotional from my journal notes on 1-2 Peter and 1-3 John.

The Holy Spirit had other plans. He said, "Judges," which was a book that I was just recently going through in my quiet time. Judges is a strong reminder to completely depend on God, not depending on our own plans, strengths and abilities. And, sometimes, He directs us to do something strange or illogical at the time, but when we look back, we realize that it had to happen that way or else it would not have worked out for the best result in the end.

He has also led me to invite others as co-authors to contribute to future publications – you will notice some additional sections, not written by me. If you are interested in contributing to future devotionals, please reach out via email to iwanttocontribute@gpub.us so we can get rolling.

Clearly, the Holy Spirit has much bigger plans! I'm still here thinking about what He's put in front of me right now, but He is already many steps ahead. I really hope that each of my devotionals can be read and used individually. And each one should be used as a tool, to be used over and over as many times as you need it, as well as a journal to be able to look back at years from now and see how far you've come.

Taking time to read Scripture every day is a great way to experience God. I personally believe that it does not matter where you start, whether it’s in John, Joshua, Judges or anywhere else – God has deposited something for you wherever you find yourself seeking Him today.

Just like with my daily devotionals in John and Joshua, I am encouraged by others gleaning something from my experiences. It seems that God created a new thing in my life that I did not even realize existed. And I hope that as you pick up this book and take the time to find the treasures that God has hidden for you in the Book of Judges, that your life is enriched and that you experience God on a much deeper level.

The notes that I share for each day come from my personal journal where I wrote down each day (with a date) what I felt like God was speaking to me that day. The accompanying prayer is what I wrote down in response to what I felt God was speaking to me to either change or confirm to me or to show me whether I am on the right track.

I want to make it perfectly clear that the way that God speaks to each one of us individually is personal. This book is meant to serve as a guide, not as literal instructions, although, it is not impossible for God to speak the same thing to you right now, today, at this very moment, what He spoke to me back then when I was writing in my journal during my personal time with Him.

It is my goal for you to connect with God on a deeper level. I have personally experienced this many times in my adult life in a way that I walked away changed and with more peace in my heart than ever, and this is what I want to share with the whole world. Like Jacob, who wrestled with God, and came away a changed man with a new name (see Genesis 32:22-32).

The more time I spend with God the more I want to spend time with Him. Not because it’s always fun but because it’s always fulfilling. I get to do things together with Him and witness lives being transformed. My hope is that through using this devotional you will experience this same closeness with God and find fulfillment in doing life together with Him.