Beyond the day-to-day life of a 'Christian', is a hunger to truly connect with Christ and find what life and faith mean personally. It seems that on Sunday, we might tell ourselves we will dig deeper into prayer and the scriptures. We will seek God for real. But Monday has other plans. The hassles and distractions and general tasks of daily life can turn the best Christian all around, and before we know it, we are just sliding under the gate into Sunday and hoping God shows up.
F.R. Giles knows this all too well. For years the habit of a spiritual life was an uphill climb. But now he has broken through to the place where God has wanted him all along. Sometimes the simple habit of a daily devotional can bring the connection to God we need. In this case however, the author's heart was for a deeper spiritual growth for himself and others. That is why the daily devotionals of this book include the very best of the author's experiences with God through life, Bible study and connection with the Holy Spirit.
There are shards of God's light throughout the world. They are hidden in the Holy Bible, in long forgotten sermons, in our day to day experiences, in nature, in old books and movies, in circles of friends, in places we don't even know exist and on every level and in every season of our life. F.R. Giles has compiled the very best shards of God's light from his own life to share in this devotional for you.
This is from the January 1st entry -
Today is the 'impossible' day you fear. You didn't want to get up. You didn't want to face the mirror. You couldn't imagine eating breakfast, let alone getting ready. And yet, here you are. It seems like a crossroads moment. Something will be decided today. One way or another, Tomorrow will not be the same.
The stillness of anticipation- the anxiety of change - the trepidation of the next step - holding you against the wall - pulling you toward the edge and every foothold is slipping - with nothing to hang onto.
You know it looms on the horizon, and you know how much it means. But nobody else does. There might be that one or those few who say they know. They don't. They can't. Not really.
This moment was always about you and how much you've been through. Nobody understands everything that's happened. Sometimes you have a difficult time putting it together.
But that is where God wants us. We have gone a little too far, relying on our own strength. So today, take time to lean back into God. Let God be your courage and your strength today. Trust Him to hear you and trust that God does understand.
Each devotional includes a prayer and scripture. The types of devotionals include direct words from the Holy Spirit, visions from F.R. Giles during worship, a Word study from the book of Genesis, excerpts from the author's other books, excerpts from some of his favorite writers, stories and hymns, and anecdotes from experiences with God to help build your own faith.
F.R. Giles invites you to find your own connection with a real and loving God by taking a journey of devotion and prayer daily that will open your heart to know God more. Because every day presents an opportunity to gather Shards of Light.
