Introduction
This year’s devotional materials are designed to lay a solid foundation of faith for those who trust in Jesus Christ. For readers seeking to know the blueprint for spiritual growth, I encourage you to go directly to Days 364–365. This year’s devotionals are organized around twelve key areas: Choosing Life (Days 1–20), Righteousness and Integrity (Days 21–43), Wisdom (Days 44–69), Departing from Folly (Days 70–88), The Way of Heavenly Life (Days 89–119), The Practice of Divine Wisdom and Understanding (Days 120–159), Welcoming Jesus into Your Life (Days 160–189), Dialogue with the Lord (Days 190–212), Humility and Gratitude (Days 213–252), Healing from Hypocrisy (Days 253–303), Honesty (Days 304–321), and Faith (Days 322–361) — all aiming for establishing a firm foundation for spiritual growth. Next year’s devotionals will focus on several dimensions of experiencing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The key features of these devotional materials are:
First, they are designed specifically for believers who desire to know and practice the biblical truths. The content includes a substantial number of Bible passages and, at times, explanations drawn from Hebrew or Greek words. However, it is not primarily an academic discussion that lacks applications in life, nor personal life anecdotes that seek to resonate with readers.
Second, we believers should carefully study and earnestly reflect on what the Scriptures mean for our own lives with an open heart, perseverance, and steadfastness, allowing ourselves to be transformed by God’s Word, and cultivate a longing for God.
Third, believers should pay special attention to unfamiliar messages for building an intimate relationship with the Lord. Many days of devotion are intended to challenge our established and sometimes mistaken ways of thinking, so that we might fully receive the blessings of God. Thus, taking time to meditate on the daily reflection questions will not only help us grasp the applications of the scriptures but also prompt genuine self-examination, a dependent heart on God for life-changing, and readiness to receive His blessings.
Fourth, however, if a reader merely reads the devotional text at a surface level, he or she may gain some little biblical knowledge. More concerning still, should anyone approach these materials with malicious intent, it may deepen their resistance to being transformed by Jesus, further entrench unbelief, and ultimately bring harm upon themselves.
May all the beloved of the Lord Jesus rejoice in His salvation. For the world is going into ruin, “but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered” (Proverbs 11:9b NASB).
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