This devotion brings a close to another month of actively seeking a deeper relationship with God. You have given Him your time and attention. You have invited His presence into your life and opened your heart to welcome Him.

If you are up against something that seems insurmountable, know that Jesus has the final word. Man can make plans, but the Lord’s word endures forever! He can fill you with the grace to accept whatever you are going through. He has the final say.

If you feel overwhelmed by the problems that others face—in your own family, your neighborhood, or the world—pray. Ask God to show you where you are most needed and offer your time, energy and prayers to the cause.

Are you looking to boost your mood? When you lift your mind with words of praise for God, your spirits will lift and you will realize that no matter what you are going through, there are many blessings to be grateful for.

Jesus used a precious pearl to symbolize the value of God’s Kingdom. In the parable The Pearl of Great Price, Jesus compares the journey of heaven to a merchant searching for fine pearls and selling everything he had to buy them. Are you giving your all to follow Jesus?

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, yet periods of waiting have a way of testing your faith. In stressful times, when nothing seems to be going right, it’s important to be mindful that God is in control. He will give you the desires of your heart in His time.

Some people seem focused on being negative—being a bad influence, gossiping or judging others. Rather than delving into darkness and conflict be a gentle guide to show another the Light.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “How you live your life is directly proportional to how greatly you believe. Believe little, and you will have a little life. If your belief is weak, you will get a weak life. If your faith is fear-based, you will live a life of fear. But when you believe big, you get a big life!”

This verse is a comforting reminder for those that have loved ones in heaven—those who die in the Lord live with Him, and so they live with us as He does. Christianity has tremendous power; the resurrection of life over all defeat, over death itself.

In the above parable, one of the servants was afraid to take a risk. He let insecurity and fear of failure guide his actions. The next time an opportunity comes your way instead of hesitating because of doubts, trust that it will all work perfectly.

God wants you to fully experience the world, to notice and enjoy His wonders of creation. When you break out of your daily routine and make an effort to try something new, you gain a fresh perspective, see new possibilities and discover amazing things!