A Little God Time for Women E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: A Little God Time
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Seitenzahl: 396

Beschreibung

A little God time can make a big difference in your day. This one-year devotional for women provides you with godly wisdom and insight to strengthen your faith and encourage your heart. Spend a few quiet moments in the presence of God each day, and be refreshed as you find the hope, peace, joy, and strength that is abundant there. 

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

A Little God Time for Women

© 2015 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5047-0 (hard cover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5050-0 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Janelle Anthony Breckell, Claire Flores, Cate Mezyk, Stephanie Sample, Jacquelyn Senske, and Michelle Winger.

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 (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 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 (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are 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 (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 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.

Design by Chris Garborg | www.garborgdesign.com

Edited and compiled by Michelle Winger | www.literallyprecise.com

Cover and interior image © Bigstock/lozas

Printed in China.

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THE LORD IS GOOD TO THOSE

WHOSE HOPE IS IN HIM,

TO THE ONE WHO SEEKS HIM;

IT IS GOOD TO WAIT QUIETLY

FOR THE SALVATION OF THE LORD.

LAMENTATIONS 3:25-26, NIV

CONTENTS

Introduction

January

January 1: Something New

January 2: What He Says about You

January 3: When You Feel Stuck

January 4: The Father’s Love

January 5: Procrastination

January 6: Compassion

January 7: Growth

January 8: The Buddy System

January 9: No Words

January 10: Follow the Arrow

January 11: The Joy of Certainty

January 12: You are Perfect

January 13: Confident in Our Incompetence

January 14: Choosing Well

January 15: Walk Steady

January 16: You are Cherished

January 17: When Your Heart Is Troubled

January 18: Hearing God

January 19: He Is Faithful

January 20: Remain Faithful

January 21: Owning Our Sins

January 22: Surrender Your Heart

January 23: Real Hunger

January 24: Hope

January 25: The Real Thing

January 26: He Feels Our Pain

January 27: Rejoice Today

January 28: Nothing to Fear

January 29: Forgiveness

January 30: Grace upon Grace

January 31: Honor in Purity

February

February 1: The Patience Pit

February 2: Words of Life

February 3: Mature Innocence

February 4: In Light of Resurrection

February 5: Deeper Roots

February 6: Heart and Soul

February 7: The Spirit Is Willing

February 8: Creatures of Habit

February 9: One Percent Wrong

February 10: Body Parts

February 11: Slow to Speak

February 12: Meditate on Goodness

February 13: Trust With all of Your Heart

February 14: God Is Love

February 15: A Love Without Fear

February 16: Perfect in Our Weakness

February 17: Creation Clues

February 18: Rewards of Fellowship

February 19: When Being Rich Is Hard

February 20: Stars

February 21: Be Content

February 22: Better than Rubies

February 23: Breakthrough

February 24: Healing Through Jesus

February 25: Anger Management

February 26: Adornment

February 27: Pruned

February 28: Foolish Wisdom

March

March 1: Constant Love

March 2: Into the Light

March 3: A Thousand Generations

March 4: Let Me First…

March 5: Stress

March 6: Wisdom of Solomon

March 7: Comparison

March 8: Loss of Control

March 9: Conscious Choice

March 10: Pursuit of Peace

March 11: Vulnerability

March 12: The Power of Belief

March 13: Impossible

March 14: Sharpening

March 15: Come Close

March 16: The Gift You Have

March 17: Governor of Your Mind

March 18: Grief

March 19: Each New Morning

March 20: From Winter to Spring

March 21: In His Timing

March 22: Relationships

March 23: Scandalous Forgiveness

March 24: Fully Alive

March 25: Never Too Late

March 26: Rebuilt

March 27: New Life

March 28: Heaven’s Promise

March 29: What God Desires

March 30: Renewal

March 31: What Is Your Faith Worth?

April

April 1: A Shining Example

April 2: Constant Complaint

April 3: Keeping a Secret

April 4: A Way Out

April 5: He Hears

April 6: Only a Heart Change

April 7: Childish Behavior

April 8: Awakening the Sun

April 9: Most Beautiful of All

April 10: Checklist

April 11: Losing to Win

April 12: Enemy Tactic

April 13: Born for Relationship

April 14: Mountain Movers

April 15: Gentle Restoration

April 16: Under His Wing

April 17: Me First

April 18: Fear or Fright?

April 19: Clear Out the Clutter

April 20: Tossed by Waves

April 21: Hand Over Control

April 22: Prize of Glory

April 23: Call on Him

April 24: True Worship

April 25: Struggling to Pray

April 26: The Foxes

April 27: A Discipline of Time

April 28: Chorus of Love

April 29: Blessed

April 30: Extent of God’s Love

May

May 1: Overflow of Anger

May 2: Royalty Protocol

May 3: Toxic Thinking

May 4: Dare to Hope

May 5: Drink from the River

May 6: Always Caring

May 7: Steadfast Path

May 8: Every Talent Counts

May 9: A Higher Vantage Point

May 10: Held Captive by Fear

May 11: Temper Tantrums

May 12: New Life

May 13: Application Accepted

May 14: Love Like He Does

May 15: Unexpected Generosity

May 16: A Strong, Graceful Oak

May 17: Assurance of Eternity

May 18: Safety Guaranteed

May 19: Choosing Compassion

May 20: Come Away

May 21: Never-Ending Joy

May 22: Waiting for Dawn

May 23: Embracing Weakness

May 24: Unending Chorus

May 25: A Worthy Friend

May 26: A Mighty King?

May 27: Always there

May 28: Overwhelming Devotion

May 29: True Satisfaction

May 30: Wandering in the Courtyard

May 31: Sound of a Whisper

June

June 1: Lifting the Veil

June 2: Truly Special

June 3: He Understands Temptation

June 4: Rest Secure

June 5: A Living Sacrifice

June 6: Kindness Defined

June 7: Forever Fashion

June 8: Glory Origin

June 9: Proclaiming Faith

June 10: Good Company

June 11: Melody of Worship

June 12: Top Priority

June 13: Praise Through Circumstance

June 14: All of You

June 15: The Son Before the Sun

June 16: Help Needed

June 17: A Light to the End

June 18: Make Your Complaint

June 19: Unfailing Goodness

June 20: Ordered Steps

June 21: Honor Your Parents

June 22: Eternal Fountains

June 23: Divine Promises

June 24: Confused?

June 25: Step Out in Faith

June 26: The Word

June 27: Approval

June 28: Busyness

June 29: Living Word

June 30: For Such a Time as this

July

July 1: Uncomplicated Freedom

July 2: Sand Castles

July 3: Risk

July 4: Give Me Liberty

July 5: Miracles

July 6: Healing Words

July 7: The Weight of Grace

July 8: Voice in the Wilderness

July 9: Hidden Beauty

July 10: Playing Make-Believe

July 11: The Spice Rack

July 12: Surrender

July 13: Idolatry

July 14: Temptation

July 15: The Plan

July 16: Covering Offense

July 17: Deep Friendship

July 18: Eternal Perspective

July 19: The Greatest Love Story

July 20: Stubborn Hearts

July 21: Chosen and Called

July 22: Things You Do Not Know

July 23: Sustained

July 24: Generosity

July 25: Christian Unity

July 26: Stumbling in the Dark

July 27: Victory

July 28: Mean Girls

July 29: Our Advocate

July 30: Love at First

July 31: People of Truth

August

August 1: Planner

August 2: Gratitude

August 3: Heart Center

August 4: The Voice of Love

August 5: Risk-Taker

August 6: Break Every Chain

August 7: Faith or Sight?

August 8: In The Secret

August 9: Glorious

August 10: Worth Holding on to

August 11: The Gap

August 12: Trust in the Little Things

August 13: Search My Heart, Oh God

August 14: Limitless

August 15: Unified in One Body

August 16: Releasing Beauty

August 17: Roots

August 18: Just Say No

August 19: The War

August 20: God’s Ear

August 21: Undeniable Trust

August 22: Rest in Jesus

August 23: City Without Walls

August 24: A Heart for Our Sister

August 25: Change of Season

August 26: Just Rest

August 27: Peace Like a River

August 28: Healer

August 29: Belt of Truth

August 30: Joyous Journey

August 31: The Race

September

September 1: He Knows whens We Don’t

September 2: No Sacrifice

September 3: Prepare Him Room

September 4: Humility

September 5: Being Known

September 6: He Is Our Strength

September 7: True Friends

September 8: Priorities

September 9: Embracing Solitude

September 10: Silence

September 11: Fear

September 12: Just Ask Him

September 13: Your Heart’s Desire

September 14: Free to Do What?

September 15: Our Destiny

September 16: No More Thirst

September 17: You are Beautiful

September 18: In times of Doubt

September 19: He Will Give You Victory

September 20: True Healing

September 21: Nobody’s Perfect

September 22: Renewal

September 23: Please Remain Seated

September 24: Not Our Power

September 25: Trust the Light

September 26: We Live by Faith

September 27: Who Are You Trying to Please?

September 28: Our Comforter

September 29: Do Everything in Love

September 30: Finding Peace

October

October 1: Source of Life

October 2: Slow to Speak

October 3: Mixed Messages

October 4: Leaves That Never Wither

October 5: Where Credit Is Due

October 6: Seeing the Good

October 7: My Way

October 8: Pray like You Mean It!

October 9: The Game of Opinions

October 10: Ruled with Grace

October 11: Weary to the Core

October 12: Is It Relevant Now?

October 13: Hidden Blessings

October 14: Every Part Working Together

October 15: Flip the Switch

October 16: Choosing Wisdom

October 17: Building Your House

October 18: Finding Love

October 19: Lighthouses

October 20: Choose Obedience

October 21: New Life

October 22: Losing to Gain

October 23: In Sunshine and Storm

October 24: A Life of Worship

October 25: Power Without Limit

October 26: True Riches

October 27: Overcome the Obstacles

October 28: In this Together

October 29: Bold and Confident

October 30: Dance Unhindered

October 31: Eye on You

November

November 1: Truth about Legalism

November 2: The Writing on the Wall

November 3: Believe He Is Good

November 4: Our Beautiful Girlhood

November 5: We have Time

November 6: The Burning Bush

November 7: Humility

November 8: True Religion

November 9: The Cost of Sacrifice

November 10: A “Yes” Faith

November 11: Storytelling

November 12: Appetite

November 13: Continual Praise

November 14: A Love That Is Felt

November 15: A Warm Welcome

November 16: Emotions

November 17: No Condemnation

November 18: Perseverance

November 19: Perfect Love

November 20: Sanctuary

November 21: Money Trouble

November 22: The Right Rest

November 23: Thirst for Pure Water

November 24: Prepared to Serve

November 25: Giving Thanks

November 26: Rejoice, Pray, Thank

November 27: Lamb of God

November 28: Perfect

November 29: Stillness

November 30: It’s a Wonderful Life

December

December 1: The Table

December 2: The Twinkling Lights of Christmas

December 3: The Storyteller

December 4: Our Father in Heaven

December 5: Insatiable God

December 6: Balance Beam

December 7: Christmas Gift

December 8: Mystery and Hope

December 9: After the Heart

December 10: Journey of the Wise Men

December 11: The Good Fight

December 12: Gems

December 13: Hero

December 14: Love Well

December 15: The Call for Help

December 16: Cheer for the Prize

December 17: Clay

December 18: Let God Win

December 19: Cycle

December 20: Do You Really Need it?

December 21: The Self Elf

December 22: Christmas Truce

December 23: Stop and Listen

December 24: Journey of Hope

December 25: Carry the Story

December 26: Boxing Day Reward

December 27: Highways

December 28: New Every Morning

December 29: Don’t be Ashamed

December 30: Mind Over Matter

December 31: On the Right Track

INTRODUCTION

When everything else in life demands your attention, rest in the Lord to find the hope, joy, and peace you need each day.

This one-year devotional provides you with godly wisdom and insight to strengthen your faith and encourage your spirit.

The Father is captivated by you! He delights in every moment you choose to spend with him. Let your heart be filled with his presence and find the peace that is abundant there.

Be refreshed and inspired as you make A Little God Time part of your day.

JANUARY

You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.

You read my heart like an open book

and you know all the words I’m about to speak

before I even start a sentence!

You know every step I will take before my

journey even begins!

PSALM 139:3-4 TPT

JANUARY 1

SOMETHING NEW

Whether you have generated a color-coded list of goals, dreams, and an execution plan for the next 365 days or you’ve banned resolutions and vowed to make this just another day on the calendar, the clean slate represented by the first day of a new year is filled with an undeniable air of expectation. The excitement of a new bauble or gadget pales in comparison to the promise of a new beginning. Deep down inside, there is a part of us which thinks, “This could be my year!”

Guess what? It is your year. This day, and every one that follows, is yours. It is yours to choose who and how to love, to serve, and even to be. And the choice you made in reading this page represents the choice to take this journey in the company of your heavenly Father. That is a beautiful place to start.

“I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT).

What new thing would you like to do this year? What pathways do you need God to clear?

JANUARY 2

WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT YOU

In a memorable scene from a movie about teenage girls, a teacher asks a gymnasium full of young women to close their eyes and raise their hands if they’ve ever said anything bad about another girl. Virtually every hand is raised. The reason this scene rings true is that it is true. And sadly, we are often even harder on ourselves.

In addition to the amazing news that Mary would bear God’s son, the angel who visits her in Luke 1 also tells Mary of her goodness, of her favor in God’s eyes. Mary was a teenage girl. Chances are, she’d heard—and thought—something less than kind about herself on more than one occasion. Consider her brave, beautiful response:

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her” (Luke 1:38, NLT).

Are you self-critical? If asked to describe yourself, what would you say? Now think of someone who loves you. What do they say about you? Decide today to let their words—and God’s words—be the truth. Join Mary in saying to God, “May everything you have said about me come true.”

JANUARY 3

WHEN YOU FEEL STUCK

“Local authorities are reporting blizzard conditions on the Interstate…” Did your pulse just quicken, your muscles tense? No one likes to feel stuck, and blinding snow and unmoving vehicles on every side can cause even the most rational, laid-back woman to imagine leaping from her car and running over rooftops and across hoods, action hero style. What a fun way to test out the traction on your new winter boots. Or not. Anyway, stuck is stuck, right?

Maybe we feel stuck in our everyday lives. A job that doesn’t utilize our gifts, a relationship that’s more take than give, a habit that’s edging toward addiction. Unlike that snow-covered freeway-turned-parking-lot, there is a direction to turn when circumstances have you feeling boxed in. Turn your face toward the Lord; let him fill you with the strength to move.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights (Habakkuk 3:19, NLT).

Where are you stuck right now? Professionally, personally, or perhaps in your prayer life, is there an area where you’ve simply stopped moving? Ask God for surefooted strength, and then go where he leads you.

JANUARY 4

THE FATHER’S LOVE

Regardless of how beautifully or how imperfectly your earthly father showed his love, your heavenly Father’s love is utterly boundless. Rest in that thought a moment. There is nothing you can do to change how he feels about you. Nothing.

We spend so much time trying to make ourselves more lovable, from beauty regimens to gourmet baking, to being there for pretty much everyone. It’s easy to forget we are already perfectly loved. Our Father loves us more than we can imagine. And he would do anything for us. Anything.

“If a man has a hundred sheep but one of the sheep gets lost, he will leave the other ninety-nine on the hill and go to look for the lost sheep. I tell you the truth, if he finds it he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that were never lost” (Matthew 18:12-13, NCV).

Who do you love most fiercely, most protectively, most desperately here on earth? What would you do for them? Know that it’s a mere fraction, nearly immeasurable, of what God would do for you. Spend some time thanking him for his great love.

JANUARY 5

PROCRASTINATION

I don’t want to walk in late; I think I’ll just go tomorrow.

I’m feeling a little tired; I probably wouldn’t do my best today, anyway.

I don’t feel very creative right now. I’ll do it in the morning.

How often are circumstances ideal? How often do we think we need to wait until they are?

Right now, today, let’s choose together to follow the advice of Scripture and decide that a few minutes late is better than absent. Let’s acknowledge our collective fatigue, and then do today’s version of our best in spite of it. Let’s stop waiting for a burst of creativity, attack our projects, and see what happens. Let’s honor God—and surprise ourselves at the same time.

Those who wait for perfect weather

will never plant seeds;

those who look at every cloud

will never harvest crops (Ecclesiastes 11:4, NCV).

What are you waiting for?

JANUARY 6

COMPASSION

Advertisers know your secret. They know the sight of a lost puppy, starving child, or grieving mother tugs at something deep inside your female heart, giving you a powerful desire to do something—anything. They’re counting on it.

When we accepted Christ, and he gave us his Holy Spirit, we became aware of his heart. Specifically, we became aware of what breaks his heart. The more in tune we are with him, the more those things break our own hearts.

Jesus was pretty clear: “Feed my sheep,” he commanded. His actions said the same; he fed them by the thousands. He wept for Lazarus’ sisters in their grief. He wept for those who did not recognize him. He wept for us. He took on our burden of sin, the full weight of it, so we might live and know his heart.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NLT).

What breaks your heart? Do you find yourself aching at the sight of a motherless child, a homeless mother, a neglected animal? How can you act on this compassion, and obey Christ?

JANUARY 7

GROWTH

Do you remember when you realized you had stopped growing? Your height was going to be your height, your shoe size your shoe size. This second fact was pretty thrilling for many of us; no more hearing Mom say, “That’s too much to spend on shoes you’ll outgrow in a few months.” And so the collection began.

Not too long after our bones finish growing, we realize the real growth is just getting started. As we become young women, friendships either deepen or fade away as we begin to figure out who we are. No matter what our ages today, most of us are still working on that one. When we are growing in Christ, it’s a process that never really ends.

I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be.

I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his (Philippians 3:12, NCV).

How does knowing that God wants to help you become your best inspire you to attempt it this year?

JANUARY 8

THE BUDDY SYSTEM

Women like to travel in pairs. Men love to razz us for it, but it really does feel better to go to the restroom—or the concession stand, or the mall, or the movies, or to a child’s basketball game—with another woman. It’s not that it’s uncomfortable being alone; it’s just that most things are better with a companion. We go with our friends when they ask because we want to go.

How great it is to realize we have a constant companion in the Holy Spirit? Once we’ve accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation, we’ll never be alone again. He’s there for all of it—the silly, the simple, and the scary. Waiting for those test results, driving a lonely road at night, or walking an unfamiliar neighborhood by day, we are not alone. He is with us wherever we go. And like a true friend, he’s there because he wants to be.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NLT).

Spend some quiet time feeling the ever-present Spirit of God. Thank him for his companionship.

JANUARY 9

NO WORDS

Sometimes, all you need to do to be a hero is show up. We love to talk, don’t we? Words of encouragement, words of comfort, words of advice. Even if you are the quiet type, you know a woman who is rarely at a loss for words.

But occasionally, there really are no words. Someone you love is hurting, and you truly don’t know what to say. Your presence says it all. Know that, in those moments you feel lost for words, if God occupies the central place in your heart, he’ll make your heart known.

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words (Job 2:13, NLT).

How easy or difficult would it be for you to simply be with someone in their sorrow and not try to “fix” them? Do you know someone who would be blessed today by the silent, loving presence of someone who loves them?

JANUARY 10

FOLLOW THE ARROW

Decisions, decisions. It seems a week never goes by without our needing to make at least one important choice. Whether job related, relationship motivated, or something as seemingly innocent as how to spend a free Friday, wouldn’t it be nice to have an arrow pointing us in the right direction—especially if we are in danger of making a wrong turn?

According to the Word, we have exactly that. When we truly desire to walk the path God sets us on, and when we earnestly seek his voice, he promises to lead us in the right direction. His ever-present Spirit is right there, ready to put us back on the path each time we wander off.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,

“This is the way, walk in it,”

Whenever you turn to the right hand

or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21, NKJV).

Consider the decisions before you right now. To whom are you turning for guidance? Lay your options before God, and then listen for his voice.

JANUARY 11

THE JOY OF CERTAINTY

Yesterday we read about hearing God’s voice behind us, leading us down the path he’s chosen for our lives. Perhaps this idea isn’t entirely comforting to you. What about free will? What if I want to wander off the path a little bit? The idea of just blindly following someone, even God himself, can seem a little daunting. What if his path is no fun?

Rest assured. You are not blindfolded, and he is not pushing you down his—or any—path. You will only hear his voice if you are listening, and the choice to follow his lead is entirely yours. But what a wonderful choice it is! Consider Psalm 16.

You will show me the path of life;

in Your presence is fullness of joy;

at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11, NKJV).

He doesn’t just tell us which way to go, he shows us the path. And even better, because he is with us, joy and pleasure are ours—forever. Rest in that lovely assurance today, and pray for the courage to surrender to his lead.

JANUARY 12

YOU ARE PERFECT

Stop, go back, and read that again. You are perfect. Looking in the mirror, or thinking back over your day, it is easy to forget or disbelieve those words. Don’t let that happen. A wrinkle here, a bulge there, an unkind word, or a jealous thought cannot change the way the Father sees you. And it’s how he wants you to see yourself.

The dictionary uses 258 words to explain what it means to be perfect, but we only need to know this: We are complete. When he chose to die on the cross for our sins, Jesus took away every flaw from those of us who love him. He finished what we never could; he made us perfect.

By a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14, ESV).

If possible, go to the mirror you see yourself in most often. Stand before it and ask God to show you what he sees when he looks at you. See past the flaws, past any hurt or anger in your eyes, past any perceived imperfection. See yourself complete, just as you were meant to be. See yourself perfect.

JANUARY 13

CONFIDENT IN OUR INCOMPETENCE

Whether bringing a brand new baby home from the hospital, giving your first major presentation at work, or simply making your first Thanksgiving meal, there’s probably been at least one moment in your life that had you thinking, I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m not qualified. So what did you do? Chances are, you put a smile on your face, dove in, and did your best.

The older we get, the more we realize how truly helpless we are. We also, beautifully, realize it’s okay. There is great freedom in admitting our shortcomings and allowing the Father to be our strength. No matter what he asks of us, we are confident in our incompetence. We may not be capable, but God is more than qualified to carry out his plans through us. All we need to do is swallow our pride and let him lead us.

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5, NLT).

What dream or calling would you be able to fulfill if you were to embrace God’s competence as your own?

JANUARY 14

CHOOSING WELL

How different would life be if you decided, today, to be done with your job? Whether CEO, barista, or dance instructor, your choice would be noticed. Lives would change. What would happen if you simply chose not to get out of bed tomorrow? Even a change of hair color has the potential to affect our trajectory. Our decisions matter—and not just here on earth.

God is interested in the choices you make. He has plans for you and desires for your life, but you have the final say. You get to choose. When it comes to the big stuff, all of heaven is waiting for your decision.

“So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve…But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-15, NLT).

While the angels are probably not sitting around debating which shade of red you should try at your next salon visit, know that heaven is truly interested in how you choose to conduct your life. God waits for you to choose life—to choose him—every day.

JANUARY 15

WALK STEADY

What is it about high heels? Every family album contains a photo of an adorable toddler attempting to walk in Mama’s shoes, and every woman remembers her first wobbly attempt to appear graceful in that first pair of pumps. How did she make it look so easy, so elegant? Most of us also have a memory of a not-so-graceful stumble or even a twisted ankle; yet, somehow the stiletto retains its appeal. Who hasn’t relied on the steady arm of an escort or companion in far more sensible footwear?

Walking with Jesus is a little like learning to walk in four-inch heels. Others make it look so easy, gliding along apparently sinless while we feel shaky and uncertain, prone to stumble at any moment. Will we take a wrong step? Fall flat on our faces? (Do anyone else’s feet hurt?) Lean on the strong arm of the Savior; allow him to steady you and direct your steps.

Direct my footsteps according to your word;

let no sin rule over me (Psalm 119:133, NIV).

In which aspect of your walk do you feel the most steady and certain? The least? Share your confidence and your concerns with the Savior, and invite him to lead you in both.

JANUARY 16

YOU ARE CHERISHED

It’s good to be loved, isn’t it? What feeling really compares to knowing someone has run through the rain, cancelled an international flight, driven all night—for you? Even if we’ve never experienced it, we’ve imagined it in our hearts. Or else we’ve had the realization that we, too, would move heaven and earth for the one we love the most. Whether husband, child, parent, sibling, or dear friend, to love and be loved deeply just may be the best feeling there is.

How much love you have given or received is a mere sampling of the way Jesus feels about you. You are cherished, loved beyond reason or measure. The one who really can move heaven and earth would do so in a heartbeat—for you.

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39, NIV).

Let the incredible words above wash over you as you realize there is nothing—absolutely nothing—Jesus wouldn’t do for you.

JANUARY 17

WHEN YOUR HEART IS TROUBLED

I can’t get a moment’s peace. Sound familiar? We all go through seasons where it seems every corner hides a new challenge to our serenity, assuming we’ve actually achieved any semblance of serenity in the first place. Why is it so hard to find peace in this world? Because we’re looking in this world.

After his resurrection, before Jesus ascended into heaven, he left his disciples with something they’d never had before: peace. More specifically, he gave them his peace, a gift not of this world. Whatever the world can offer us can also be taken from us. Any security, happiness, or temporary reprieve from suffering is just that: temporary. Only the things of heaven are permanent and cannot be taken away.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).

Do not let your heart be troubled, Jesus tells us. This means we have a choice. Share the things with him that threaten your peace, and then remember they have no hold on you. You are his, and his peace is yours.

JANUARY 18

HEARING GOD

The best way to know if something is true, or right, is to hear it for yourself—straight from the source. You believe you nailed the interview, but you don’t believe you got the job until you get the phone call. You feel you might be pregnant, but you wait for the test results before telling anyone. The same is true for bad news, at least ideally. You get wind of a rumor about a friend’s indiscretion, but you wait for her side of the story before believing a word.

So what about God? How can we hear from him? How do we discern his will for our lives? We may not have a hotline, but we do have his book. God speaks to us through his Word, so if you are waiting for confirmation, direction, validation, or conviction, pick it up. Read, and listen.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17, ESV).

How often do you feel God speaking to you through his Word? Are your conversations as frequent and meaningful as you’d like? Share you heart with him right now, and listen for his reply.

JANUARY 19

HE IS FAITHFUL

What’s the oldest thing you own? How long have you had it, and what does it mean to you? Whether a decades-old diamond ring, twenty-year-old car, or a tattered baby blanket hanging together by threads, you probably know it won’t last forever. How about your longest relationship? How many years have you been connected to this person through the good and the bad? One way we decide where to place our faith is longevity. History matters.

Consider now what God made: the earth we live on. Scientists estimate it to be 4.5 billion years old, give or take fifty million. Whether we think it’s been around that long or six to ten thousand years, it’s some quality workmanship. If we’re looking for someone to trust, we won’t find better credentials than that.

Your faithfulness flows from one generation to the next;

all that you have created sits firmly in place to testify of you (Psalm 119:90, TPT).

Through every storm, every disaster, every war, and every attack of the enemy, our earth stands. Ponder all God has made and all he has done, and share your heart with him regarding his faithfulness. Have you embraced it?

JANUARY 20

REMAIN FAITHFUL

A video of a small, white dog entering a hospital through the automatic doors and wandering its halls made national news recently. A short investigation revealed the dog’s owner had been taken to the hospital earlier for cancer treatment. The dog bolted from the yard earlier that day and ran all the way—nearly two miles—to the hospital to see her owner. No one is sure how she knew where to go. She was led by love.

God desires that kind of faithfulness from us. He wants his daughters to seek him, to love him, with all of our hearts. May nothing stop us from returning his faithfulness with our own! Even—or perhaps especially—if we don’t know where we are going, let us be led by love to show our faithfulness to our Father.

Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go,

and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught.

Let your life be shaped by integrity,

with truth written upon your heart (Proverbs 3:3, TPT).

Do you see how much your Abba loves you? He desires your faithfulness so much he wants you to write it on your heart. What would it take for you to seek him that way, to bolt from the safety of your surroundings in search of him?

JANUARY 21

OWNING OUR SINS

Think of a time you blatantly denied something you had done. Maybe as a little girl, melted chocolate covering your face and hands, you swore you hadn’t had any cookies. Perhaps more recently you lied to a girlfriend about betraying a confidence, or to your husband about the cost of a pair of jeans.

First off, don’t beat yourself up. We are human, and it’s hard to accept, and even harder to admit, when we’ve disappointed someone. As long as we’ve admitted our mistake, we are free to move on. Let’s not miss that first part: we must admit it. Why? It’s the reason Jesus died for us.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us (1 John 1:8-10, NIV).

We are sinners. This fact is the whole reason for Jesus’ life and death. Ask him to show you any sin you are denying or are unaware of, so you can confess it—and be set free.

JANUARY 22

SURRENDER YOUR HEART

Watching the news we learn the losing army in a war has surrendered to their enemy. The fugitive has finally surrendered to police after a long standoff. Perhaps, closer to home, someone you know has surrendered to addiction. So how, given all these examples, are we supposed to feel good about surrendering to God? As women, it can feel particularly scary to allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Doesn’t surrender mean defeat, giving up?

It would…if God were our enemy. But because he is for us and not against us, surrender means something else altogether. It means freedom. Surrender also means abandoning ourselves to God and no longer resisting him—accepting his plans and his perfect will for our lives. We don’t have to strive any more once we give him our hearts.

O my son, give me your heart.

May your eyes take delight in following my ways (Proverbs 23:26, NLT).

Is there an area of your heart you are struggling to hold onto? Consider that his plans are perfect, that his will for you is peace. What would it take for you to surrender your whole heart to him, and end the struggle?

JANUARY 23

REAL HUNGER

When was the last time you exclaimed, “I’m starving!”? How about, “I’m so full!”? Many of us say both things in a week. Occasionally at the beginning and end of a single meal. Clearly when we examine these terms literally, and in the greater context of a hungry world, we are not starving if we have the means to become full only minutes later. Chances are we don’t even begin to know what that kind of hunger feels like. So what are we saying?

We are recognizing, by the empty, gnawing feeling in our bellies, an unmet need. Fortunately for most of the sisters reading these words, those physical needs can be easily taken care of. Why does the emptiness so often remain though? Because this is not our home. Jesus is our home, and until he returns, our hunger—in one way or another—will remain.

Poor people will eat until they are full;

those who look to the Lord will praise him.

May your hearts live forever! (Psalm 22:26, NCV)

The next time you feel hunger, whether physical or emotional, turn to Jesus and thank him for the reminder that he is the only thing that truly satisfies.

JANUARY 24

HOPE

What differentiates hope from a wish? Think about the lottery. Does one hope to win, or wish to win? How about a promotion, a pregnancy, or a proposal? Both hoping and wishing contain desire, but for wishing, that is where it ends. Hope goes deeper. The strong desire for something good to happen is coupled with a reason to believe that it will.

We see then how vital hope is, and why it’s such a beautiful gift. Desire without hope is empty, but together they bring joy, expectancy, and peace. When we put our hope in Christ, he becomes our reason to believe good things will happen. He is our hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13, NIV).

Allow this blessing from Romans to wash over you today as the Holy Spirit fills you with hope, joy, and peace. Believe good things will happen—you have a wonderful reason to.

JANUARY 25

THE REAL THING

Is that real? Whether body part, hair color, purse, or jewel, there’s real, and there’s imitation. Neither choice is inherently wrong or right. Why we choose as we do—and where we compromise—reveals our hearts. And it’s our hearts that matter to God.

Make no mistake, a sister who shuns makeup and hasn’t painted her house trim in years can be every bit as guilty of vanity and pride as one who won’t leave her own bedroom until she appears flawless and has an eight-person grounds crew.

When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:6-7, NLT).

God doesn’t care how much you spend on shoes, how much time you spend in front of the mirror, or how fabulous your home is. He does care about why those things matter—or don’t—to you. Spend some time examining your heart with him today.

JANUARY 26

HE FEELS OUR PAIN

When someone we love is in pain, their ache becomes our ache. We cry openly with our newly jobless neighbors, recently bereaved girlfriends, freshly disappointed daughters. Tears come easy when your heart is surrendered to the Holy Spirit, because they are his tears. He hurts when we hurt.

In the shortest verse in the Bible, but also among the most beautiful, Jesus saw how his dear friends were hurting and was moved to tears. He knew he was about to take their pain away by raising Lazarus to life again, but in that moment, their pain was his pain—and it broke his heart.

Jesus wept (John 11:35, NASB).

In telling the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection (see John 11:1-46), why do you think these two words are set apart and given their own verse? How are you affected by them? Are you able to imagine Jesus openly weeping with Mary and Martha? Spend some time with your thoughts, and share with him your response to his great compassion.

JANUARY 27

REJOICE TODAY

Winter is fully upon us, and even if you live somewhere that isn’t blanketed in cold and snow, it’s still winter. It’s not as warm outside, and there’s not as much life in nature. If you do live where winter is cold, you may be growing tired of boots, hats, scarves (well, maybe not scarves), and puffy, shapeless coats. Looking outside, there may not be much to feel particularly joyful about.

Yet, we are called to rejoice—today. There are days we see his handiwork everywhere we look, and there are days that just seem to happen. Be certain; the Creator has created, and this day is it. Today is an offering from our Abba, our papa, to us. That in itself is cause for celebration, don’t you think?

This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24, NKJV).

Let’s look harder, closer, at today. Find a patch of blue sky, recall a night of sledding, light a fire. Turn your heart toward him, and rejoice and be glad for today.

JANUARY 28

NOTHING TO FEAR

A loud crash in the night. Unexpected footsteps falling uncomfortably close in a dark parking lot. A ringing phone at 3:00 AM. No matter how brave we think we are, certain situations quicken the pulse. We’ve heard, over and over, that we have nothing to fear if we walk with God, but let’s be honest: certain situations are scary! So what does it mean to have nothing to fear?

Let’s consider David’s words from Psalm 56. When we are afraid, and we will be, we can give our situation to God and let him take the fear away. Notice it doesn’t say he changes the situation, but that he changes our response to it. We have nothing to fear not because scary things don’t exist, but because God erases our worry and replaces it with trust.

In the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart.

What harm could a man bring to me?

With God on my side I will not be afraid of what comes (Psalm 56:3-4, TPT).

What are you afraid of? Have you truly tried letting go of that fear? If not, why? Talk to God about this.

JANUARY 29

FORGIVENESS

It seems like most families and many circles of friends contain at least two people who aren’t speaking to one another—and haven’t for years. Perhaps you know someone. Perhaps you are someone in this situation. Occasionally, the offense itself is truly unforgivable: abuse, betrayal, or complete disregard. Other times, and considerably more often, even the people involved admit the silliness of the quarrel and are no longer angry about it. But they’re still angry with the person.

What do we gain when we hold onto bitterness? Bitterness. When we refuse to let go of anger, what do we find in our clenched fists? Anger. While an offense may be unforgivable, no person is. Jesus proved that when he died for all of us. And here’s a fact often overlooked, especially by those of us who seem to like our little balls of anger: God withholds our forgiveness until we have forgiven others. Ouch.

“When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25, NIV).

Sisters, let us encourage one another, and ourselves, to believe what Scripture tells us. Together, let’s open our hands and surrender our grudges, and ask the Father to refill us with peace.

JANUARY 30

GRACE UPON GRACE

You know those days, the perfect ones? Your hair looks great, you nail a work assignment (whether client presentation, spreadsheet, or getting twins to nap at the same time), you say just the right thing and make someone’s day, and then come home to find dinner waiting for you. It’s good upon good, blessing upon blessing.