365 Days with Jesus E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 399

Beschreibung

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3 ESV   When do you find time to connect with God? Even if you try to be intentional about it, everyday activities and responsibilities often find a way to crowd out time with Jesus. Prayer can happen at any time, and of course it does, but there is incredible value in setting aside special time with God: time devoted to growing your relationship with him. Listen to what's on his heart and share what's on yours. Don't hold back. Dive into his open arms and sit for a while.   As you quiet yourself with God and meditate on these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his perfect peace. Spend the year growing closer to Jesus. As you do, other concerns fade. Hope dawns with the sun. Tender mercies fall fresh. Boundless joy springs up from a well within. And you find the strength to walk through each day with grace.  

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

365 DAYS WITH JESUS

© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424565832

9781424565849 (eBook)

Devotional entries composed by Julie Adair and BrendaLou Scott.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked nlt are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked esv are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked csb are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked nkjv are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ncv are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked tpt are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.

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Compiled and edited by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com and Sarah Eral.

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Contents

Introduction

January

JANUARY 1: Anticipation

JANUARY 2: Permission to Rest

JANUARY 3: Everyday Glory

JANUARY 4: Citizens of Heaven

JANUARY 5: Many Ways to Praise

JANUARY 6: Not Just a Name

JANUARY 7: Goodness Will Follow You

JANUARY 8: Don’t Miss a Chance

JANUARY 9: I Shall Not Want

JANUARY 10: Banner of Love

JANUARY 11: Seeing Rightly

JANUARY 12: Passing the Baton

JANUARY 13: Flawless

JANUARY 14: Getting Away to Pray

JANUARY 15: Comfort of Trust

JANUARY 16: No Striving Necessary

JANUARY 17: Hopeful Waiting

JANUARY 18: In Need of Love

JANUARY 19: Good Will Prevail

JANUARY 20: Peaceful Rest

JANUARY 21: Empowered Struggle

JANUARY 22: Unconditional Love

JANUARY 23: Our Gracious Guide

JANUARY 24: Hope for Tomorrow

JANUARY 25: Working for Christ

JANUARY 26: Pursuit of Happiness

JANUARY 27: Living for Christ

JANUARY 28: Strangers No More

JANUARY 29: Guardian God

JANUARY 30: Thanksgiving

JANUARY 31: An Undivided Heart

February

FEBRUARY 1: Future’s Promise

FEBRUARY 2: Growing in God

FEBRUARY 3: True Wisdom

FEBRUARY 4: Humble Hearts

FEBRUARY 5: Understood

FEBRUARY 6: Faithful through the Ages

FEBRUARY 7: Strength of Love

FEBRUARY 8: Trust without Understanding

FEBRUARY 9: Guaranteed to Be Heard

FEBRUARY 10: Treasure

FEBRUARY 11: Rest for the Weary

FEBRUARY 12: The Joy of Knowledge

FEBRUARY 13: Dependent on Grace

FEBRUARY 14: Prayers of the Spirit

FEBRUARY 15: What Would Jesus Do

FEBRUARY 16: Belonging

FEBRUARY 17: Driven by Love

FEBRUARY 18: The Best Life

FEBRUARY 19: Prayer Not Worry

FEBRUARY 20: Seek the Kingdom

FEBRUARY 21: Good Gifts

FEBRUARY 22: God’s Kindness in Trials

FEBRUARY 23: Faith Muscles

FEBRUARY 24: Good Shepherd

FEBRUARY 25: Run to Win

FEBRUARY 26: True Riches

FEBRUARY 27: Joy of Serving

FEBRUARY 28: Compelled by Love

MARCH

MARCH 1: From Eternity

MARCH 2: Blessed Giving

MARCH 3: He Still Speaks

MARCH 4: Grounded in Truth

MARCH 5: Mercy

MARCH 6: Seek

MARCH 7: Our Unfading Objective

MARCH 8: Tested Faith

MARCH 9: Being Thankful

MARCH 10: You’ve Got Power

MARCH 11: Christ Our Peace

MARCH 12: Heavenly Inheritance

MARCH 13: No Thankless Jobs

MARCH 14: Your Greatest Relief

MARCH 15: A Purposeful Day

MARCH 16: The Gift of Community

MARCH 17: Coming Joy

MARCH 18: Glory

MARCH 19: Where Is Your Hope

MARCH 20: Silent Sins

MARCH 21: Whose Glory

MARCH 22: All or Nothing

MARCH 23: Selfless Living

MARCH 24: A Peaceful Promise

MARCH 25: Understanding God ’s Love

MARCH 26: Untouchable

MARCH 27: Prosperous

MARCH 28: Our Light

MARCH 29: Transformation

MARCH 30: God’s Vast Love

MARCH 31: Paradise Is Coming

April

APRIL 1: Morning Prayer

APRIL 2: Can’t Buy Love

APRIL 3: Broken Relationships

APRIL 4: Speak with Wisdom

APRIL 5: Worry-Free Day

APRIL 6: The Father’s Care

APRIL 7: Gift of Wisdom

APRIL 8: Reasons for Fellowship

APRIL 9: Thanksgiving for Everything

APRIL 10: Choosing Wisdom

APRIL 11: Quiet Time

APRIL 12: True Love

APRIL 13: Trust

APRIL 14: Love Always

APRIL 15: Dwelling Place

APRIL 16: Home

APRIL 17: True Competence

APRIL 18: Fellowship

APRIL 19: Praise

APRIL 20: Slow Down

APRIL 21: Confess

APRIL 22: Firmly Placed

APRIL 23: True Philosophy

APRIL 24: No Wrong

APRIL 25: Undeterred Perspective

APRIL 26: Radiant Glory

APRIL 27: His Poetry

APRIL 28: Let the Lord Build

APRIL 29: Liberated Living

APRIL 30: The Sword

May

MAY 1: Everything

MAY 2: Giving

MAY 3: Filled with Joy

MAY 4: The Recipe

MAY 5: Celebrate

MAY 6: Don’t Forget to Pray

MAY 7: Eternal Life

MAY 8: Purity

MAY 9: Thankfulness

MAY 10: Patience

MAY 11: Heart at Rest

MAY 12: Child of God

MAY 13: He Sees You

MAY 14: Joy in Jesus

MAY 15: From a Friend

MAY 16: For Others

MAY 17: Eternal Promises

MAY 18: Our Hope in Jesus

MAY 19: Looking for God

MAY 20: Fallible Humans

MAY 21: Let It Shine

MAY 22: Wise Words

MAY 23: Humility

MAY 24: Rest with Hope

MAY 25: New Love

MAY 26: Keeping Safe

MAY 27: Pursue Righteousness

MAY 28: Illumination

MAY 29: In His Image

MAY 30: No One Else

MAY 31: Be Comforted

June

JUNE 1: Inwardly Renewal

JUNE 2: Power

JUNE 3: Cry and Laugh

JUNE 4: What He Wanted

JUNE 5: His Presence

JUNE 6: Law of Love

JUNE 7: Beyond the Basics

JUNE 8: The Waiting Principle

JUNE 9: Draw Near

JUNE 10: By the Water

JUNE 11: Fulfilled Hope

JUNE 12: The Lord Is

JUNE 13: Just Because

JUNE 14: Love without Limit

JUNE 15: Teachable Child

JUNE 16: Good Fruit

JUNE 17: In Our Sight

JUNE 18: Keep Me Safe

JUNE 19: Commit Your Way

JUNE 20: Don’t Be Offended

JUNE 21: Hear my Voice

JUNE 22: Woven Together

JUNE 23: His Goodness Continues

JUNE 24: Watch and Learn

JUNE 25: Source of Joy

JUNE 26: God’s Passionate Love

JUNE 27: Not A Luxury

JUNE 28: Guard Your Heart

JUNE 29: Peace Promises

JUNE 30: More to Learn

July

JULY 1: Hopeful Heart

JULY 2: Forever Portion

JULY 3: Never Separate

JULY 4: Forever with God

JULY 5: Strength to Stand

JULY 6: Prayer of Faith

JULY 7: Very Good

JULY 8: Time of Need

JULY 9: Like Eagles

JULY 10: Heart That Knows

JULY 11: Wisdom to Patience

JULY 12: You Are Near

JULY 13: WWJD

JULY 14: Rise Up in Courage

JULY 15: Free from Anxiety

JULY 16: All Truth

JULY 17: Covenant of Peace

JULY 18: Motivate and Inspire

JULY 19: Serve One Another

JULY 20: Gift of Grace

JULY 21: Let Justice Flow

JULY 22: His Power

JULY 23: Leadership of God

JULY 24: Answers

JULY 25: Right around the Corner

JULY 26: With God

JULY 27: Breathing Life

JULY 28: Forever Faithful

JULY 29: Marinate

JULY 30: Strengthened by Power

JULY 31: Choose Forgiveness

August

AUGUST 1: Nothing Hidden

AUGUST 2: The Well

AUGUST 3: Unconditionally Welcomed

AUGUST 4: Shine Bright

AUGUST 5: Coming Joy

AUGUST 6: Refreshing Water

AUGUST 7: Keep Smiling

AUGUST 8: Flung Wide Open

AUGUST 9: Yes and Amen

AUGUST 10: Tender Mercy

AUGUST 11: Time of Waiting

AUGUST 12: Spoken into Existence

AUGUST 13: Considered Words

AUGUST 14: A Natural Flow

AUGUST 15: A Reliable Name

AUGUST 16: Reliance

AUGUST 17: The Only Way

AUGUST 18: Compassion Overflowing

AUGUST 19: Christ’s Yoke

AUGUST 20: Bless Someone

AUGUST 21: Higher than the Heavens

AUGUST 22: First Things First

AUGUST 23: Ask Seek Knock

AUGUST 24: The Shepherd’s Role

AUGUST 25: Look Ahead

AUGUST 26: Press On

AUGUST 27: Goodness

AUGUST 28: Made Perfect

AUGUST 29: Continual Surrender

AUGUST 30: Quicker in Love

AUGUST 31: Joy for Mourning

September

SEPTEMBER 1: Devoted to Gratitude

SEPTEMBER 2: Armed with Strength

SEPTEMBER 3: Get Advice

SEPTEMBER 4: Crowned Victory

SEPTEMBER 5: Our Gatekeeper

SEPTEMBER 6: Passion for Life

SEPTEMBER 7: None Too Small

SEPTEMBER 8: A Season

SEPTEMBER 9: All He Bore

SEPTEMBER 10: My Shepherd

SEPTEMBER 11: Love Pours In

SEPTEMBER 12: Unburden Your Heart

SEPTEMBER 13: Confident Help

SEPTEMBER 14: Be Patient

SEPTEMBER 15: He Sees All

SEPTEMBER 16: Walking in Light

SEPTEMBER 17: Keeping Watch

SEPTEMBER 18: Practice Patience

SEPTEMBER 19: Harvest of Righteousness

SEPTEMBER 20: Hiding Place

SEPTEMBER 21: Don’t Lose Heart

SEPTEMBER 22: God Does More

SEPTEMBER 23: He Has Seen

SEPTEMBER 24: Incomparable Wisdom

SEPTEMBER 25: Good and Perfect Gifts

SEPTEMBER 26: Spiritual Riches to Share

SEPTEMBER 27: The Lord Cares

SEPTEMBER 28: All-sufficient One

SEPTEMBER 29: A Kind Word

SEPTEMBER 30: Defeating the Mighty

October

OCTOBER 1: It Is Handled

OCTOBER 2: Dwell with Him

OCTOBER 3: One Focus

OCTOBER 4: Path of Life

OCTOBER 5: Joyful in Hope

OCTOBER 6: Calm in His Presence

OCTOBER 7: With You Always

OCTOBER 8: Simply Remain

OCTOBER 9: Grow in Meekness

OCTOBER 10: My Shelter

OCTOBER 11: Look for the Eternal

OCTOBER 12: Words to Live by

OCTOBER 13: Sunrise Brilliance

OCTOBER 14: Welcome and Safe

OCTOBER 15: Building Faith

OCTOBER 16: Fight for You

OCTOBER 17: Spilled Out

OCTOBER 18: Good Reward

OCTOBER 19: Keeping On

OCTOBER 20: Guided by Truth

OCTOBER 21: A New Spirit

OCTOBER 22: In the Name

OCTOBER 23: Freedom Is Mine

OCTOBER 24: Extravagant Love

OCTOBER 25: Caring in Action

OCTOBER 26: Winning

OCTOBER 27: Mountain Movers

OCTOBER 28: Illusion of Control

OCTOBER 29: Absolutely Nothing

OCTOBER 30: Love and Affection

OCTOBER 31: Daily Portion

November

NOVEMBER 1: Life’s Journey

NOVEMBER 2: A Strong Foundation

NOVEMBER 3: Wisdom

NOVEMBER 4: Attitude of Mind

NOVEMBER 5: Temptation

NOVEMBER 6: You Are My God

NOVEMBER 7: Never Give Up

NOVEMBER 8: Magnificent

NOVEMBER 9: God Hears Us

NOVEMBER 10: Guard Your Heart

NOVEMBER 11: Slow Down

NOVEMBER 12: Make Me Wise

NOVEMBER 13: The Right Path

NOVEMBER 14: Prayer Unceasing

NOVEMBER 15: Arguments

NOVEMBER 16: Abide in Me

NOVEMBER 17: Kind Words

NOVEMBER 18: Satisfaction

NOVEMBER 19: Worrywart

NOVEMBER 20: Worth Repeating

NOVEMBER 21: Solid Foundation

NOVEMBER 22: Everlasting Love

NOVEMBER 23: Crown of Life

NOVEMBER 24: He Carries Me

NOVEMBER 25: Encouragement

NOVEMBER 26: Enough

NOVEMBER 27: Helping

NOVEMBER 28: Oak Tree Faith

NOVEMBER 29: Uncontainable Joy

NOVEMBER 30: Joy Shared

December

DECEMBER 1: Following Jesus

DECEMBER 2: Rest in Him

DECEMBER 3: Praise God

DECEMBER 4: God Is in Control

DECEMBER 5: Blessings Overflow

DECEMBER 6: Special Indeed

DECEMBER 7: Big Love

DECEMBER 8: Make Me a Blessing

DECEMBER 9: Success

DECEMBER 10: A Loving Father

DECEMBER 11: Keep Me Humble

DECEMBER 12: Until He Comes Again

DECEMBER 13: Marvelous Workmanship

DECEMBER 14: Prayer Time

DECEMBER 15: Truly Honest

DECEMBER 16: Think on Him

DECEMBER 17: Waiting

DECEMBER 18: Random Acts of Kindness

DECEMBER 19: The Right Path

DECEMBER 20: When Weary

DECEMBER 21: Baby Steps

DECEMBER 22: Salvation

DECEMBER 23: Eternity

DECEMBER 24: Empowerment

DECEMBER 25: Remember

DECEMBER 26: Inward Look

DECEMBER 27: Living for Christ

DECEMBER 28: His Child

DECEMBER 29: Safe and Secure

DECEMBER 30: Not Alone

DECEMBER 31: A New Year

Call to me and

I will answer you,

and will tell you great

and hidden things that

you have not known.

JEREMAH 33:3 ESV

Introduction

When do you find time to connect with God? Even if you try to be intentional about it, everyday activities and responsibilities often find a way to crowd out time with Jesus. Prayer can happen at any time, and of course it does, but there is incredible value in setting aside special time with God: time devoted to growing your relationship with him. Listen to what’s on his heart and share what’s on yours. Don’t hold back. Dive into his open arms and sit for a while.

As you quiet yourself with God and meditate on these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his perfect peace. Spend the year growing closer to Jesus. As you do, other concerns fade. Hope dawns with the sun. Tender mercies fall fresh. Boundless joy springs up from a well within. And you find the strength to walk through each day with grace.

January

May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us.

1 KINGS 8:57 NLT

JANUARY 1

Anticipation

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished.”

1 CHRONICLES 28:20 NLT

Most of us begin a new year with anticipation. It signals a fresh start, a laying aside of past events, and new and exciting things to come. For some it is a time of joy; for others, the New Year may be riddled with anxiety as they anticipate difficult situations. Regardless of how you greet this year, you have hope in this: you don’t face your circumstances alone. The God who made you goes with you. He knows everything to come, and he calls you to courageous enthusiasm as you face your day-to-day challenges, joys, triumphs, and griefs.

Just as David spoke to his son Solomon as he anticipated the work necessary to complete the temple, may this message speak to you; whatever work lies ahead of you this year, face it with courage. Your God will not forsake you. He has established your steps, and he will complete his plan.

Jesus, you know what this New Year holds for me, and you have already given me all I need to face it with courage and joy. Help me embrace each new day with the knowledge that you will complete the plan you have laid out for me. I need not be afraid or discouraged.

JANUARY 2

Permission to Rest

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

ISAIAH 30:15 NIV

Some of us are like Martha in the New Testament; we keep busy because it helps us feel in control of our lives. Quietness and rest feel complacent. What if things go someone else’s way while we stand still? We get anxious and restless.

God has been dealing with his people and their desire to control situations for centuries. He makes it clear that working as hard as we can is not usually the best way. Instead, he asks us to stop striving, rest, and leave the work up to him. Next time you feel the urge to take charge, ask Jesus if that is what he wants of you. You might need to repent of your need for control and let the task go undone for a time to focus your attention on God.

Jesus, show me where I can step back and allow you to sit on the throne of my life today. Let me not be afraid of rest and quietness; I know pursuing control will only lead to anxiety. Thank you for showing me the way to true strength.

JANUARY 3

Everyday Glory

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

PSALM 145:5 NLT

Meditating on the wondrous works of the Lord can be an easy task depending on your situation. Imagine standing atop a mountain in beautiful Hawaii. Green mountains give way to blue seas, and above it all shines a brilliant rainbow. In that moment, it would not be difficult to proclaim the glory of God as displayed in creation. In contrast, picture yourself stuck in traffic while you miss dinner with your best friend. Meditating on the glorious splendor of Jesus’ majesty might not come naturally then.

We know David, who wrote Psalm 145, had moments when he wandered in the valley; his life was difficult and dangerous at times. Yet he declared he would meditate on and speak of the good things God had done. We can do the same. Whatever your circumstance today, remember the awe-inspiring acts of your maker. Declare them out loud to yourself as you step into this new day.

Lord, you are good. Your mighty acts are spread across the earth for all to see. Today, remind me of the glorious things you have done for your people and will do for me as well. You are great and worthy of my praise!

JANUARY 4

Citizens of Heaven

Let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We should worship God in a way that pleases him with respect and fear.

HEBREWS 12:28 NCV

One look at the morning headlines is enough to send one into a panic most days. Today’s world is unsteady, and anxiety-inducing news waits for us on every webpage. On days when our hearts are troubled by the world, it is vital to turn our thoughts to the one who promises us a kingdom that will not be shaken. Our forever home is secure in a kingdom that cannot be touched by the dangers of this world. What a comfort that is.

When you drift toward distress, choose to worship God. Declare to yourself the truth about his kingdom. Repeat to yourself: I do not belong to this world that will be destroyed; I am a citizen of heaven!

Jesus, you warned us that in this world we will have trouble. I am grateful you did not leave us to face our troubles alone. You have overcome the world. I know you are taking care of me today, but even better, I belong to a kingdom that can’t be touched by the troubles of this world. Bring your peace to my heart when my burdens are heavy.

JANUARY 5

Many Ways to Praise

Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!

PSALM 150:2 NLT

The final psalm of Psalms is a triumphant declaration of the Lord’s greatness. The psalmist lists various ways to give praise to God for his mighty works: use the trumpet, the tambourine, stringed instruments, and dance your heart out. There is a sense of abandon and great joy in declaring God’s goodness and power.

Perhaps you didn’t wake up ready to bust out the instruments and dance this morning, but you can give glory to God in various ways today. Whether you drive to work, walk the dog, sit with your Bible, or sing to the radio asyou clean, praise Jesus where you find yourself. Declare his unequaled greatness with song or quiet prayers. Remember what he has done for you while you put in the laundry or write out his promises. God doesn’t limit us in our triumphant praise; he only asks that we not forget to do it.

Jesus, the whole earth is filled with your glory. You have not hidden your goodness from me, and there is nothing greater than you. Help me give praise where it is due. You alone deserve my honor and worship.

JANUARY 6

Not Just a Name

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

JEREMIAH 1:5 NIV

Wanjai, like most Thai people, was Buddhist, and she led a performance-based life striving for nirvana through the Eightfold Path. The first time the Thai Bible was shared with her, she read this verse from Jeremiah. She was overcome with amazement that God knew her. She was not one in a mass of people who hoped to work hard enough to please the spirits or achieve nirvana; she was unique to the creator God. Her astonishment of God’s interest in and knowledge of her as a distinctive person was remarkable.

Isn’t this what we all long for? We yearn to be known—not just as a face, by what we do, or who our parents are—but truly understood, valued, and treasured. Jesus knows you and has set you apart as his beloved child. Walk in confidence today.

Jesus, it is astounding that you know and love me. You care for the parts of me no one else notices. Thank you for looking after me from the beginning of my life till now. May I treasure you the way you treasure me.

JANUARY 7

Goodness Will Follow You

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

PSALM 31:19 NLT

We all have those days: from the moment we wake up until we lay our heads down for the night, trouble ensues. One thing after another goes wrong, and we are left with the weight of the fallen world. On those days, we must cling to the truth that God’s goodness outweighs any difficulty we face even when all we see is everything going wrong.

Delayed gratification is a difficult concept to grasp in this world of instant-everything. Jesus promised two things: one, we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33), and two, goodness has been stored up for those who fear God (Psalm 31:19). We can expect trouble and hard days this side of heaven, but we also remember that these difficulties will, in light of eternity, be a momentary affliction. Good things are coming. Considering that promise, look past your troubles to the assurance of better things to come.

Lord, when trouble is near, help me maintain my joy by focusing on you. You are good, and today’s worries pale in comparison to the wondrous promise of eternity with you.

JANUARY 8

Don’t Miss a Chance

Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!

GALATIANS 6:10 TPT

Do you ever feel like you have nothing left to give? You might be physically, emotionally, or mentally drained and need some time and space to yourself. At those times, we hope no one needs us so we can catch our breath.

Jesus felt that way after the death of John the Baptist. In Matthew 14, he withdrew from the crowds of people to be alone. The crowds followed him, but instead of hiding and keeping to himself, Jesus had compassion on them and served them. We are encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity to bless others even if that means setting aside our desire for time alone. The Holy Spirit will fill you up for an opportunity to pour out. Don’t miss out on that!

Jesus, when I feel empty, please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Make me ready to serve others as you did. I want to see others with compassion so I can bless them.

JANUARY 9

I Shall Not Want

Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

PSALM 112:5 NLT

Trish was raised by parents who worked fulltime for a Christian ministry, and they never had much money. Despite their financial lack, she noticed her parents were always openhanded with what they had. Their generous spirit was contrary to how Trish thought they should live. Wouldn’t it be better to save their resources for their own needs? Even while she pondered this, she realized that while her family did not have excess, they always had what was necessary. God cared for every single need that arose.

It’s easy to think that if we scrimp, save, and hold back unnecessary spending, we will financially set ourselves up for success. The Bible gives us a different message; while wisdom with our resources is good and necessary, God blesses those who give generously. Consider today how you can be a blessing with what God has given you. If he cares for the flowers of the field, how much more will he care for you?

God, you promised good will come to those who don’t hold back from blessing others. I know that giving to others with the right attitude is like giving to you. Help me act on opportunities to bless others.

JANUARY 10

Banner of Love

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

SONG OF SOLOMON 2:4 ESV

Is there any greater delight than feeling loved? Be it the love of a parent, friend, spouse, or child, that sensation you get when you know someone delights in you compares to nothing else. Sometimes we get into a rut of knowing God as protector and provider but not as lover. Any love we know from someone in our lives can’t compare to the love God lavishes on us; we only love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Take a moment to consider the ways God has shown his love for you lately. List them out and be specific. We too easily pass over God’s loving actions toward us as normal events in our lives. Remember the ways God has raised his banner of love over you.

Jesus, forgive me for forgetting to recognize the daily ways you love me. Show me how you delight in me today. Thank you for loving us so we can love each other.

JANUARY 11

Seeing Rightly

By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

ROMANS 12:3 ESV

Thinking about oneself in a right way is a challenging task. We toggle between thinking we’re better than others, At least I’m not like that person, and thinking that people are better than us, Why does everyone else have their lives together? God blesses each of us with gifts and talents and asks us to use them accordingly. When we spend our time either gloating or wishing God had made us differently, we waste opportunities to use our gifts in practical ways.

Today, ask God if you are not thinking rightly. Are you condemning yourself? Are you judging others? Are you missing opportunities to be a blessing because of your self-focus? Determine today, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk worthy of your calling in Christ.

Thank you, Jesus, for creating me as I am. Please give me your perspective of myself as I go throughout my day so I can walk according to the gifts and faith you have given me.

JANUARY 12

Passing the Baton

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

PSALM 145:4 NLT

Have you ever considered the miracle of the gospel being passed down over centuries? We are blessed today to know the truth because generations before us took seriously the exhortation to tell their children the mighty acts of God. We have a great cloud of witnesses who lived faithfully and proclaimed the goodness of God.

Perhaps you don’t have children of your own, but as a child of God, you are tasked with passing the good news on to the next generation. This might be through teaching Sunday School, discipling a young believer in your church, or befriending your neighbors and their kids. Ask the Holy Spirit what part you can play to proclaim his power to the next generation.

Lord, the way you have maintained your faithfulness through the generations amazes me. Help me walk in faithfulness to you as I speak of your power and love to those around me. Reveal who needs to hear this good news.

JANUARY 13

Flawless

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

PSALM 139:14 NLT

Emma was perfect. Her body was flawed by all the standards of the world, but she was made in the image of God; she was beautiful, acceptable, and wonderfully complex. Society says we must fit a certain standard to be beautiful, but the truth of Scripture is that no matter our flaws, we are perfect to God. “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Songs 4:7).

How are you considering yourself today? Do you see yourself the way God sees you, or are you trying to force yourself into the mold of the world and finding yourself hopelessly flawed? Beloved, God wants you to know how marvelously he has made you. Do not let yourself be defined by what the world says are your flaws. God knows them all, and he sees you as altogether beautiful.

God, it gives me comfort to realize you know my ins and outs, my quirks, and all the things the world might find wrong with me. Not only do you know all these things, but you love them, and that brings me joy. Thank you.

JANUARY 14

Getting Away to Pray

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

MARK 1:35 NIV

How regularly do you get away by yourself to pray? It’s intriguing to see how often Jesus went off alone to spend time in prayer with the Father. His ministry didn’t begin before he spent forty days alone in the desert fasting and praying. While he was ministering to the sick and possessed, he often withdrew to pray early in the morning. Jesus modeled a healthy relationship with the Father which included times alone in prayer.

Some seasons in our lives are conducive to regular solitary times in prayer. Other seasons are busy, and we struggle to make time. However, there is no indication that Jesus took time every single day for long, extended times of prayer. There was nothing legalistic in his approach to prayer, but it was obviously important to him, and it should be an important part of our relationship with the Father too.

Jesus, thank you for showing me the importance of prayer. You treasured time with your Father and used that time to then bless others. I want my life to show I value time alone in prayer too.

JANUARY 15

Comfort of Trust

I will not break my agreement nor change what I have said.

PSALM 89:34 NCV

A great comfort we have while reading the Bible is knowing the trustworthiness of the God who spoke it. We have been in situations where trust was broken between a parent and child, between friends, or between spouses. It’s devastating to be let down by another, and it can affect our ability to trust others in the future.

Throughout the Bible, God makes a lot of promises. If we read them according to our human experience, we will be distrustful of the good assured to those who love God. God is not a flawed human though; he never breaks his covenants or changes his mind. Knowing everything he says is true brings peace and assurance. Which of God’s promises will you trust today?

God, thank you for not changing like shifting shadows. You are not fickle; your love doesn’t depend on us doing what is right. What comfort that brings our hearts. Give me the strength to trust your promises today.

JANUARY 16

No Striving Necessary

Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you.

ISAIAH 26:3 TPT

Peace is something we long for, but it evades us the more we strive for it. We simplify our lives, belongings, and activities with the intent of finding peace. Our pursuit is in vain because it only lasts as long as our stable circumstances don’t collapse. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a mind at peace, and it is not reliant on us doing anything except keeping our thoughts on the Lord. Perfect, absolute peace belongs to the one who depends on God.

What does it mean to be dependent on God? It means recognizing his sovereignty and our lack of control. It means speaking the truth to ourselves in a painful or difficult situation instead of letting our minds turn to anxiety. It means choosing to consider the good things God has promised to those who love him. Then peace will be ours.

Lord, forgive me for attempting to bring peace to my life by my own power rather than acknowledge that true peace only comes from you. Holy Spirit, settle my thoughts on you today. May I confidently trust you with my life.

JANUARY 17

Hopeful Waiting

Wait for the LORD;be strong, and let your heart be courageous.Wait for the LORD.

PSALM 27:14 CSB

Every one of us has had to wait for something. For those of us who love God, waiting will continue until the day he takes us to our forever home. It can be discouraging when waiting means suffering through difficulties, longing for things that aren’t ours, or dealing with the sinful nature that resides in us until we are in heaven.

Waiting also brings opportunity for action. We don’t need to stop at discouragement. God calls us to wait with hope in our hearts. We know what is coming for us! Even if things we hope for never come to fruition on earth, we are guaranteed good things in eternity. As you wait today, be courageous and go after the things of God.

God, waiting is so hard, but I don’t have to wait without hope. Give me grace to pursue you even as I anticipate what is to come. May my longings never become so great that I forget your goodness.

JANUARY 18

In Need of Love

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

COLOSSIANS 3:12 ESV

When we are adopted into God’s family, he makes no distinction between us. We are all his: chosen, accepted, and loved. It is wonderful that God doesn’t see one type of person as better than another. How would we feel if people with certain qualities or gifts were treated better than others? With this in mind, we ought to make no distinction between the members of God’s household but instead treat each other with the same love and acceptance that God does.

Today, whom do you need to view as a member of God’s family? Who needs your compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience? Don’t let an opportunity to bless them pass you by today.

Thank you, Lord, for making no distinction between members of your family. What a blessing that is! As I interact with my brothers and sisters today, help me see them as you do. May I extend to them the same kindness and compassion you daily give me.

JANUARY 19

Good Will Prevail

O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.

PSALM 125:4 NLT

Our eyes naturally see what is unfair in the world. It is a reminder of the sinful nature of the world and of the sin dwelling within us. With this perspective, we might deduce that those who don’t love God seem to have it easier than those who are working to stay on the path of righteousness. The cheater doesn’t get caught; the woman who has no trouble getting pregnant has multiple abortions; the man gets away with abusing his wife. So much in our world goes unpunished while those who love God struggle.

It might appear that evil is winning, but God’s righteousness insists upon good triumphing in the end. Scripture is full of reminders that the just righteousness upon which God’s kingdom is established will have its way: good to those who are good and ruin to those who walk in wickedness. Take heart! The war is not over, and good will prevail.

God, I confess I often think evil is winning. Please remind me that the success of the wicked now does not equate to triumph in the end. Help me walk through today as a victor.

JANUARY 20

Peaceful Rest

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

PSALM 4:8 NLT

As a child, Lauren often woke from dreams that filled her little heart with dread. She sought safety and comfort in her mama’s room and could only go back to sleep after reassurance that what was so tangible in her dream was not reality. Perhaps you had similar dreams. Even as adults, dreams, anxieties, and concerns about our world keep us awake at night. Maybe you live in an unsafe area. Maybe stress about your job or relationships keeps you from finding peaceful sleep. Whatever the situation, we can find dozens of reasons to lie awake during the time God set apart for our rest.

David surely experienced nights of unrest as he ran from King Saul and later from his own son, Absalom. Despite the terror of his reality, he knew God alone could protect him and bring peace in the midst of adversity. Remember this tonight as you lie down; God alone guards you, and he will bring his peace upon you.

Lord, thank you for the assurance of peace as I lie down to sleep. The worries of the day can be overwhelming, but I trust you for protection and peaceful rest.

JANUARY 21

Empowered Struggle

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

PHILIPPIANS 2:13 NLT

Do you have days when you feel like you’ve been supercharged by the Holy Spirit? Your responses to negative circumstances are grace-filled, you speak with kindness even when you’re wronged, and you feel like you can conquer the world with love. It would be great to feel that way every day, but those days seem to come only after days or months of struggling in our pursuit of Christlikeness.

Even while we struggle, what a blessing it is to know God is working in us to make us more like Jesus. There will be days when our sinful nature seems overpowering, but we are not left alone to earn salvation. God enables us to persevere in his plan by his power.

God, thank you for sending the Spirit to fill and empower me. The promise of your help is a comfort as I struggle to be Christ-like. Thank you for being gracious with my struggle and not leaving me alone in it.

JANUARY 22

Unconditional Love

“This is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.”

JOHN 3:16 TPT

Unconditional love is hard to come by. Human love waxes and wanes like the moon. If someone does something wonderful for us, our love grows; if someone hurts us, we wonder how we loved them to begin with. The capriciousness of human love is contrasted with the love of the Father. He gave what was most precious to him to a world of sinners so he could bring those sinners home and call them his children. God’s love for us doesn’t depend on us doing something right or getting our act together. He simply loves, and we can learn from him.

In what ways are you waiting for someone to “get it right” to show them love? Where are you holding back compassion and kindness because someone hasn’t earned it? Remember your condition when the Savior chose to show you love. Resolve to love the undeserving today.

God, you humble me with your reminders that I have done nothing to earn your love. Forgive me when I withhold love from someone because I don’t think they are worthy of it. Help me love as you love: unconditionally.

JANUARY 23

Our Gracious Guide

He saves my life from the grave and loads me with love and mercy.

PSALM 103:4 NCV

When given the choice, we often make unwise decisions for our lives. The sinful nature within and the evil world without team up to work against our good. Parents guide us as children; as adults, hopefully we have wise advisors, but we still struggle to choose what is good and not be swayed by our sinful desires and the pull of the world.

Luckily, God knows this, and he has not abandoned us to fight these forces on our own. He has given us the Holy Spirit to nudge us in the right direction. He has given his Word to guide us. He constantly pours out his love and mercy on us to draw us to repentance and the path of righteousness. He saves our lives from the grave that we, left to our own devices, would head straight for. What grace!

Lord, you are gracious to me. Without your love and direction, my life would hurtle toward death. Thank you for saving me and leading me along the path of righteousness.

JANUARY 24

Hope for Tomorrow

It is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope!

HEBREWS 6:18 TPT

A true understanding of hope will carry us through arduous seasons of life. What spurred Noah, Abraham, and Moses to continue during the darkest times of their lives? It was the unshakable hope of God’s promises even when their situations seemed bleak. They knew God had told them what they could expect, and they knew God could not break his covenant. They had every reason to hope what had been promised to them would be fulfilled. They pushed through hopeless experiences because they had planted themselves in the promise of God’s faithfulness.

Today we can do the same. Life will wear us down with its difficulties and disappointments, but God is faithful. He gives what we need for today and hope for what is coming.

You are good, God. Your faithfulness strengthens me to persist through the trials I face each day. Remind me of the hope that generations before me have clung to: hope of your goodness and your promises that never change.

JANUARY 25

Working for Christ

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

EPHESIANS 6:7 NLT

Recognition is a powerful motivator to keep working hard. Who doesn’t love the affirmation of a boss or the thanks of a child? If we only worked for human recognition, however, we would soon be disappointed and empty of enthusiasm. Maybe you’re currently at that place in your life.

One of the joys of following Christ is the ability to work for him and not just for the people around us. Working with diligence and enthusiasm for Christ brings motivation that can’t be found anywhere else. God tells us that the work we do for him will be rewarded, and we can only imagine how great that reward will be. Who will you work for today?

God, I am often motivated by the recognition and affirmation of people rather than you. Forgive me for working so hard to please others that I forget that my work is best done for you. Help me labor with joy and diligence for you alone today.

JANUARY 26

Pursuit of Happiness

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

PSALM 119:5 NLT

The heart of the believer yearns for the day when all sin will pass away, and true freedom will reign. Until then, we are faced with a daily battle: choose to fight against our sinful nature and follow Christ’s example or surrender to the temptation within us. It is wearying, and sometimes it seems like we aren’t making progress. It is tempting to think life would be better if we did what we wanted.

Sarah thought this way for a while. Following Christ was hard, and even though she had tasted the Lord’s goodness, she felt life would be easier if she lived according to the world’s definition of happiness. After two years pursuing the pleasures of the world and ignoring the Lord’s instruction, she came to the realization that walking in constant pursuit of the Lord, even while battling the temptations of sin, far exceeded the life the world offered her.

Jesus, forgive me for thinking that worldly pleasures will satisfy me. You have told us that a life spent pursuing your ways will bring true happiness. May I seek you with all my heart and find the satisfaction I long for.

JANUARY 27

Living for Christ

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:15 NLT

It’s a counter-cultural idea to live for someone else. Every day, we are bombarded by ads claiming to have what we need to make our lives better. The concept of denying your desires to live in a way that pleases someone else is laughable in this day and age, but it’s what Christ did when he gave up his life for us, and it’s what he asks of us now too.

The world will not understand what we are doing. They will mock us for living for Christ instead of ourselves, but what good is it to gain the world and lose our souls (Mark 8:36)? The reward is ours when we no longer live for ourselves. Stay the course.

Jesus, thank you for setting the example when you gave up your life for me. I know what it means to deny myself since you did it first. Keep me strong when the world tries to sway me.

JANUARY 28

Strangers No More

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 JOHN 3:1 NIV

Leah received a call early one Saturday. Her friend’s sister had had a baby at home, there were complications, and the baby was unwanted. Leah, a certified midwife, rushed to the home to make sure mother and baby were healthy. Upon discovering the mother had no plans to keep the child, Leah and her husband promptly agreed to adopt the baby girl. Their immediate decision to love this baby and bring her into their family echoed God’s own love for his adopted children: us.

Think about it. We were strangers to God, but he brought us into his family. He invited us into his home, celebrated us, and showed the ultimate act of love by making us his children. “Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).

God, how great is your love that you would bring me, a stranger, into your home and make me your child. Help me walk in the knowledge of that love and receive others with the same welcoming spirit.

JANUARY 29

Guardian God

The LORD himself watches over you!The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.

PSALM 121:5 NLT