January 21 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

The theme of the month is spiritual war. Jesus won the battle not by might but by obedience. He is the source of salvation for all who obey him. When we have stood the test, we will share Christ's glory.

Bible Reading:

James 1: 12–15

Bible Text:

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me" (Jas 1:13).

Devotional:

God tests us as a loving Parent so we will grow up to maturity. At the same time, the devil tries to destroy us by tempting us to sin. Each trial God sends for our improvement may turn into a temptation to fall.

Every day we have a chance to step closer to heaven or take another step down the pathway to hell. When we are rich, we have the opportunity to do good and a temptation to go to hell. If our sexuality is rightly controlled and directed, it leads to God's delight and human fulfillment. But when it is driven by lust, it can devour us and damage others.

And then there are situations and events that seem bad in themselves. Who sends sickness? Does it come from God or the devil? Who directs a tornado? Is the hail that destroys a field full of crops sent by God or by demons?

There are no simple answers to those questions. But one thing should be very clear: God wants only the best for you and me. God has not promised to spare us from illness, but he gives us the ability to grow through our pain. He has not promised to shield us from disasters, but we don't have to sin when these things hit us.

The devil intends all things for our destruction. God will use all things for our salvation.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.