Be Still and Be Happy E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 395

Beschreibung

We can choose joy every day when we rely on God to be our source. When we focus on things we are grateful for, our satisfaction in life increases. Comparisons cease. Unnecessary pursuits pause. And we begin to notice the little things. The things that matter. Life. Breath. Kindness. Stillness. Beauty. This is where we find deep connection with God.   As you read these devotions and Scriptures, be inspired to live with gratitude in your heart and praise on your lips. Meditate on things that produce life and peace. Evaluate each day in the light of God's truth and stand in awe of a heavenly Father who gives abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. As you quiet yourself before him, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his life-giving joy.   Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1 NASB   Features: • Thick pearlescent paper wrapped over board allows for an extremely smooth finish with a subtle iridescence that captures the light and lends a touch of elegance. • Cover debossing causes indentations that create varied textures and enhance intricate designs. • Gloss applied in specific places on the cover illuminates specific design elements and provides added texture. • This high-quality sturdy Smythe-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when o pen. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. • This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. • A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.  

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BE STILL AND BE HAPPY

© 2021 by BroadStreet Publishing®

978-1-4245-6236-7

978-1-4245-6237-4 (eBook)

Devotional entries composed by Suzanne Niles, Brenna Stockman, and Amy Uecker.

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. 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, 1971, 1972, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. 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 (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.

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Bless the LORD, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

PSALM 103:1 NASB

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Purpose

January 2: Trust

January 3: Audience of One

January 4: Shining Light

January 5: Connection

January 6: He Hears

January 7: Abide

January 8: Obedience

January 9: Deliverance

January 10: Your Account

January 11: Grace upon Grace

January 12: Held

January 13: Rest

January 14: Living Sacrifice

January 15: Acceptance

January 16: Winning

January 17: Forgiveness

January 18: When Life Hurts

January 19: Creation

January 20: Love and Obedience

January 21: Waiting

January 22: Our Forever Home

January 23: Sacrificial Love

January 24: Unburdening

January 25: Mercy

January 26: Communication

January 27: Permanence

January 28: Courage

January 29: Wind and Waves

January 30: Salvation

January 31: Peacemaking Citizens

February

February 1: Without Sin

February 2: True Riches

February 3: Childlike Faith

February 4: Longing for God

February 5: Miracle Worker

February 6: Heart Motives

February 7: True Confidence

February 8: Diligent Study

February 9: Radical Love

February 10: A Higher Authority

February 11: New Creation

February 12: Contentment

February 13: Listening to God

February 14: God Is Love

February 15: Heart Transplant

February 16: Against the Flow

February 17: Spiritual Battle

February 18: Anger and Reconciliation

February 19: Running the Race

February 20: Pursued by Love

February 21: Justified

February 22: Fear to Trust

February 23: Jesus Is Arrested

February 24: Compassion of Christ

February 25: Paul’s Prayer

February 26: Hopeful Courage

February 27: Diligent and Humble

February 28: Prayer and Peace

March

March 1: Doctor Needed

March 2: Fear Not

March 3: Answers to Prayer

March 4: My Father’s House

March 5: Upheld

March 6: One Lost Sheep

March 7: Trash and Treasure

March 8: Seeking the Lord

March 9: Terms of Adoption

March 10: Source of Help

March 11: Prayer for Peace

March 12: Weakness

March 13: Give Mercy

March 14: Between a Rock

March 15: Fruit of the Spirit

March 16: God Intervened

March 17: Pleasing God

March 18: All About Him

March 19: Considered Words

March 20: Great Joy

March 21: Faith Wins

March 22: Learning Contentment

March 23: Help Guaranteed

March 24: Our Father

March 25: Our Deliverer

March 26: Rejoice Always

March 27: Mind Your Motives

March 28: Time Is Ticking

March 29: Temptation or Test

March 30: Truly Christlike

March 31: Real Humility

April

April 1: Truly Known

April 2: Joy in the Journey

April 3: Perfection

April 4: Hope Joy Peace

April 5: Reaping a Reward

April 6: Mountain Mover

April 7: Transformed by Renewal

April 8: Spiritual Gifts

April 9: Wise Choices

April 10: Spiritual Authority

April 11: Spiritual Athletes

April 12: Times and Places

April 13: Expression of Love

April 14: Extravagant Plans

April 15: Covetousness

April 16: Enemies No More

April 17: Purposeful Pain

April 18: Our Defender

April 19: Win or Lose

April 20: God’s Guidelines

April 21: Passing Desires

April 22: Ultimate Authority

April 23: Showing God’s Love

April 24: Sacrificial Perseverance

April 25: A Loving Commandment

April 26: Heavenly Home

April 27: All We Need

April 28: He Listens

April 29: For a Purpose

April 30: Ever Present

May

May 1: Hope on the Horizon

May 2: Foundational Freedom

May 3: Brother’s Keeper

May 4: Blessed Are You

May 5: Peace in Strongholds

May 6: At the Heart

May 7: Compassion

May 8: Never Alone

May 9: Infallible Word

May 10: Be Alive

May 11: He Understands

May 12: God Listens

May 13: Stay Connected

May 14: Limitless

May 15: Security

May 16: Run the Race

May 17: Praise the Lord

May 18: One Thing

May 19: Indestructible Souls

May 20: Rise

May 21: Do unto Others

May 22: Practical Love

May 23: His Presence

May 24: Abide

May 25: True Humility

May 26: Increase Our Faith

May 27: By Grace

May 28: The Lord Sees Me

May 29: Remember to Share

May 30: Given

May 31: Better Together

June

June 1: Keep Them Close

June 2: The Lord’s Day

June 3: Love Your Neighbor

June 4: Numbered Days

June 5: A Little While

June 6: Stand Together

June 7: Faithful and Just

June 8: Relationships

June 9: Comfort

June 10: Mercy

June 11: True Promises

June 12: Seek First the Kingdom

June 13: Your Confidence

June 14: No Fear

June 15: Growing in Praise

June 16: Wholesome Thoughts

June 17: Self-Control

June 18: Slow to Anger

June 19: Roles

June 20: Patterned After Christ

June 21: No Condemnation

June 22: Faith

June 23: Care for Others

June 24: A Steadfast God

June 25: Wherever You Go

June 26: Revive Me

June 27: Living Water

June 28: Forgive Freely

June 29: A God Who Cares

June 30: Authority Over All

July

July 1: Edifying Words

July 2: Only True Guide

July 3: God’s Own

July 4: True Freedom

July 5: Alternatives

July 6: Seasons

July 7: Victorious Faith

July 8: Joy of Friendship

July 9: In His Name

July 10: Sustained

July 11: Many Gifts

July 12: Wholesome Beauty

July 13: The Lord Cares

July 14: Unlike Any Other

July 15: Help for Affliction

July 16: Obedience

July 17: Strong and Bold

July 18: The Lord’s Blessings

July 19: Never Forsaken

July 20: Seeking Good

July 21: Holy Spirit

July 22: Three Times

July 23: Sound Admonition

July 24: Undeserved Kindness

July 25: Encourage One Another

July 26: Purely Grace

July 27: Joyful in Hope

July 28: Glory to Come

July 29: Overcoming Temptation

July 30: Resentment

July 31: Stay the Course

August

August 1: The Will of God

August 2: The Lord Heals

August 3: Patient Hope

August 4: A Great Reward

August 5: Delight

August 6: Love Your Enemies

August 7: Spirit of Power

August 8: Fight for You

August 9: Perfect Peace

August 10: Godly Wisdom

August 11: Shield of Faith

August 12: Joy of the Lord

August 13: Seek and Find

August 14: Undeserved Love

August 15: Redeemed with Purpose

August 16: Courage and Strength

August 17: Instructions and Counsel

August 18: Growing Through Adversity

August 19: Rest

August 20: Together with Him

August 21: A Time for Everything

August 22: Christ’s Yoke

August 23: His Covenant Stands

August 24: Look Forward to

August 25: Inspired by the World

August 26: Seek Advice

August 27: Every Word

August 28: Restoration

August 29: False Prophets

August 30: All Things

August 31: The Spirit Helps Us

September

September 1: A New Thing

September 2: Act Faithfully

September 3: Scriptures

September 4: Responsible and Flexible

September 5: God’s Love

September 6: Entertaining Angels

September 7: Love and Affection

September 8: Faithful to the End

September 9: Perfected in Weakness

September 10: Wasted Time

September 11: Shield of Salvation

September 12: Empathy

September 13: Victorious in Christ

September 14: The Buddy System

September 15: Love and Discipline

September 16: Call to Him

September 17: No One Like God

September 18: Jesus is the Way

September 19: Strength in Weakness

September 20: Sanctified

September 21: Clarity in Believing

September 22: All Pleasure

September 23: His Life for Ours

September 24: Hated

September 25: Our Work

September 26: All Praise

September 27: No Doubt

September 28: Come to Pass

September 29: Real Love

September 30: Reconcile

October

October 1: Things Above

October 2: Look for the Eternal

October 3: Together as One

October 4: Real Love

October 5: Good Medicine

October 6: Where Your Heart Is

October 7: A Good Word

October 8: Held in High Esteem

October 9: When Your Enemy Falls

October 10: Beautifully Sovereign

October 11: God Is the Judge

October 12: Faithful

October 13: Worship

October 14: Beautiful

October 15: Magnificent and Sufficient

October 16: God’s Intentions

October 17: Faith

October 18: Genuine Love

October 19: Caring Correction

October 20: Better than Life

October 21: Godly Grief

October 22: Every Obstruction Removed

October 23: Title

October 24: Real Rest

October 25: Sober-Minded

October 26: Iron Sharpens Iron

October 27: Step of Faith

October 28: The Lord Delivers

October 29: On God’s Side

October 30: God’s Influence

October 31: He Gives Grace

November

November 1: Confidence in Hope

November 2: Righteous Prayers

November 3: God Heard Me

November 4: Fellowship

November 5: What You Want

November 6: Unity in Love

November 7: He Came for Sinners

November 8: Laying Down our Lives

November 9: Don’t Worry

November 10: Be Strong

November 11: Blessings

November 12: The Unchanging One

November 13: Wisdom from God

November 14: Forgiveness Is Waiting

November 15: Perfect in Patience

November 16: Good God

November 17: A True Friend

November 18: Respect and Fear

November 19: Confident Prayer

November 20: Whatever You Do

November 21: Spirit of the Lord

November 22: Preservation

November 23: Washing Feet

November 24: The Torn Veil

November 25: Redemption

November 26: Believe in Jesus

November 27: Peace of God

November 28: Diligence

November 29: Perseverance

November 30: The Father’s Love

December

December 1: Wisdom and Understanding

December 2: The Coming Glory

December 3: Eternal Food

December 4: Out of Nothing

December 5: God’s Conscience

December 6: Freedom

December 7: Gift of God

December 8: No More Sorrow

December 9: See Clearly

December 10: Something Better

December 11: The Lord’s Patience

December 12: Peace

December 13: Wise Planning

December 14: Different Together

December 15: Trials

December 16: Passionate Love

December 17: Good Judgment

December 18: Awareness

December 19: Selfless Sacrifice

December 20: Affliction and Comfort

December 21: God Is Able

December 22: Seasons and Change

December 23: Secure Love

December 24: Birth of Our Savior

December 25: Born to You

December 26: Stand Victorious

December 27: Intentionality

December 28: Not Forgotten

December 29: Humble Honor

December 30: Mercy

December 31: Steadfast Love

INTRODUCTION

We can choose joy every day when we rely on God to be our source. When we focus on things we are grateful for, our satisfaction in life increases. Comparisons cease. Unnecessary pursuits pause. And we begin to notice the little things. The things that matter. Life. Breath. Kindness. Stillness. Beauty. This is where we find deep connection with God.

As you read these devotions and Scriptures, be inspired to live with gratitude in your heart and praise on your lips. Meditate on things that produce life and peace. Evaluate each day in the light of God’s truth and stand in awe of a heavenly Father who gives abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. As you quiet yourself before him, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his life-giving joy.

JANUARY

You, dear children, are from God

and have overcome them,

because the one who is in you

is greater than the one

who is in the world.

1 JOHN 4:4 NIV

JANUARY 1

PURPOSE

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

PROVERBS 19 : 21 NIV

It is that famous time of year for making resolutions, examining priorities, and pondering dreams. The Lord’s purpose prevails. His goals, priorities, and desires will always stand. Often what we want is different or out of sync with God’s plan. At the same time, the relationship between the Lord and us is characterized by love and based on trust. When we desire good things and God seems to withhold them from us, it does not mean he has turned his back on us.

God wants to draw us into a deeper fellowship with him, in and through life’s unforeseen circumstances. We can run to the Lord of love with our doubts and fears. We can trust that his plan truly is best. Approach him with open hands and an expectant heart for what he does in your life, both today and in the coming year.

Lord, I have a lot of plans and desires, and you know the ones that are deep in my heart. I want to trust you with what is ahead. Help me to seek after your heart and your purposes for me.

JANUARY 2

TRUST

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

PROVERBS 3 : 5 - 6 NKJV

The Lord wants our trust in him to be wholehearted. A bungee jumper does not leave the platform with merely halfhearted trust. Our faith in the Lord grows as we get to know him more through his Word. As we see him work through the story of the people of Israel, we realize that his understanding is so much higher and greater than our human minds can contain.

As we seek God’s guidance for each decision, he can be counted on to direct us. He uses not only his Word, but also other believers to provide counsel and guidance. His Spirit in us also gives us assurance and peace. What a comfort it is to know that the Lord is with us, holding our hand each step of the journey.

Lord, thank you for being trustworthy. I ask for your wisdom and guidance. Trying to figure it out on my own is bound to fail me. I place myself in your hands.

JANUARY 3

AUDIENCE OF ONE

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

COLOSSIANS 3 : 23 ESV

There is no performance or work required to earn God’s love. We could not do a single thing to make God love us any more than he already does (Titus 3:5). His gaze of acceptance is on us as his beloved sons and daughters.

As we increasingly realize the truth of God’s delight in us, our heart and attitudes are transformed. We no longer need to watch out of the corner of our eye for a gaze of acceptance from our fellow human beings. What a freedom that brings! May we increasingly desire to please God, pursue excellence in our work, and put our whole heart into everything we do.

You love me, Lord. What a wonder that is! I want to be so enraptured by your acceptance that I can’t help but seek to glorify you. Help me to please you in every task and interaction today.

JANUARY 4

SHINING LIGHT

“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

MATTHEW 5 : 16 NASB

Individuals who need Christ are watching our actions every day, and what we do matters. The purpose of our good deeds is not to score points with God, but instead to point others to the source of our light and life.

Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). As he lives in us, we are vessels of his light, hope, and peace. He shows up brightly against the backdrop of the confusion, fear, and hopelessness of this world. We have the privilege of showcasing Christ through the way we live. There is no greater gift we can offer this world than to reflect Jesus and draw others to him.

Lord, I want your light in me to shine forth. Help me to put you on display through everything I do, simply because you are worthy. Show me where your light is needed in the lives around me.

JANUARY 5

CONNECTION

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

ECCLESIASTES 4 : 10 NIV

God created us for relationship. Each of us encounters the Lord in different ways in various seasons. We spur one another on in the body of Christ by sharing in each other’s struggles and joys. It might be a victory over a particular sin habit, concern about a personal health issue and how it’s challenging our faith, or how a particular passage of Scripture recently spoke to a specific life circumstance.

Sharing on this level involves vulnerability and intentionality. It requires skill and practice in asking good questions and listening well. Prayerfully consider your connections with other believers; maybe someone who could benefit from a deeper communion with you will come to mind.

Lord, thank you for the blessing of fellow believers you have placed in my life. Show me how to take a step today towards even stronger connection.

JANUARY 6

HE HEARS

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

PSALM 34 : 17 NKJV

Troubles are an unavoidable part of life in this fallen world. We are not exempt from them simply because we are believers in Jesus. Our deliverer is the living, all-powerful God who is present with us.

In Jesus, we have an advocate who stands before the Father at all times. He hears our heart’s cry and wants to come to our aid. He is big enough to handle our honesty when we share how we feel with him. Sometimes his rescue does not look like a miraculous change of circumstances, but instead shows itself as true comfort through his presence. His peace far surpasses our comprehension (Philippians 4:7). Consider the privilege and blessing of having the eager, listening ear of your Savior at any moment.

Savior, I am so grateful for the privilege of prayer. I can talk to you and cry out to you. Help me to be conscious of your presence with me even in the midst of trouble.

JANUARY 7

ABIDE

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

JOHN 15 : 4 ESV

Abiding in Christ means staying connected to him and remaining in him. Just as Jesus, the Son, remained connected to his Father, we should have the same moment-by-moment dependence in fellowship with the Lord. Union with him involves surrendering our will and pursuing his.

As we abide in Jesus, we naturally become fruit bearers. When we think of fruit in Scripture, we often recall the fruit of the Spirit being produced in our hearts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Bearing fruit also takes on external forms—like the advancing of God’s kingdom or bringing lasting change to individual lives. Since our fruitfulness is directly dependent on our connection with Christ, continually cultivate your relationship with him.

Lord Jesus, I want my life to bear lasting fruit. Show me how to submit more completely to you.

JANUARY 8

OBEDIENCE

“Devote yourselves completely to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”

1 KINGS 8 : 61 NRSV

The Lord is worthy of our wholehearted devotion. As our love for him grows, so does our desire to know him through his Word. We cannot hope to obey God’s commandments without becoming intimately acquainted with them and meditating on them regularly. As we become familiar with his ways and are changed inwardly by his love, he gives us the desire and grace to obey him in all things. His commands shouldn’t be a chore, but rather a delight to follow.

God’s commands are perfect and eternal. However, we can never put our hope in the law, or our ability to keep it, to save us. Jesus came to fulfill the law perfectly, to redeem us from slavery under the law, and to make a way for us to be adopted as sons and daughters of God (Galatians 4:3-7).

Almighty God, thank you for making me your child and redeeming me from enslavement to the law. You are amazing beyond comprehension and perfect in all your ways. Help me to find delight in doing what you want me to do.

JANUARY 9

DELIVERANCE

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

MATTHEW 6 : 13 NIV

This prayer reveals our dependence upon God to help us remain steadfast in the midst of temptations, trials, and evil. God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13), but he allows us to encounter testing to strengthen our faith. Even Jesus was not exempt. He was tempted in the wilderness by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). We can always turn to him, knowing that he understands what the experience of temptation feels like.

God is our rescuer, the one we can turn to in any difficulty we face. We cannot resist the power of Satan on our own, but in the Lord, we have the wisdom and power to escape his snares.

Lord, when you allow testing and trials to come my way, I know you will not abandon me. Give me the faith to hold fast to you.

JANUARY 10

YOUR ACCOUNT

Each of us will give an account of himself to God.

ROMANS 14 : 12 ESV

When we stand before God on the last day, we will reflect on our lives. We will be answerable to God on an individual basis. A loved one’s faith won’t be able to save us, and our faith won’t be able to cover for anyone else.

God’s standard is absolute perfection and holiness. Our own attempts to be right before God utterly fail us, and Scripture compares our attempts at righteousness to dirty rags (Isaiah 64:6). Praise God that, as believers in him, Christ’s righteousness has been credited to our accounts. We can draw near to him with confidence.

Lord of all, you are perfect in holiness. I could never attain your standards, yet through Jesus’s sacrifice, you have lifted me to the heights of heaven.

JANUARY 11

GRACE UPON GRACE

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

JOHN 1 : 16 NRSV

It’s impossible to comprehend the abundance of who Christ is and of all we have been given through him. One of those innumerable blessings, grace, is God’s favor undeserved, and it grants the power to live a Christian life. Grace does not merely play a role in our salvation; it is for all of life. Whether we have been a believer for a day or for sixty years, we all are dependent on God’s grace every day.

Picture a rushing waterfall and what it would feel like to stand directly underneath it. Just as the abundance of water keeps on coming, in Christ we are the recipients of one blessing of grace after another, and we are continuously renewed and strengthened by them.

Lord, my mind cannot grasp the greatness of who you are. Thank you for the limitless grace you provide to me. Help me to live through your grace and to take joy in your generosity to me.

JANUARY 12

HELD

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

PSALM 27 : 10 NLT

One of the closest relationships in God’s original design is the bond between a parent and child. Sadly, because of the pervasiveness of sin, each of us has experienced hurt of some kind from a parent’s failure toward us. Praise God for this great promise from his Word; our heavenly Father will never turn his back on us. In Hebrews 13:5 he says he will never desert or forsake us. In the original language, the wording is emphatic: never, ever, ever will God leave us.

The Lord’s posture toward us is described by the beautiful words of “holding me close.” May you find comfort in the love and tenderness of God’s heart toward you. May brokenness be restored to wholeness in his presence.

Heavenly Father, not only will you never leave me, but you hold me close in your embrace. I want to stay there, learning how to love like you do.

JANUARY 13

REST

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

PSALM 127 : 2 ESV

Notice the two contrasting themes in this verse: overwork and rest. Forgetting the Lord and striving on our own can take many forms, and one of them may be the life of a workaholic. God designed our minds and bodies to rely on sleep and its renewing effects. Sleep is one of the first things to suffer when we give in to the pressure to be a bigger breadwinner. The Lord wants to replace any fear and anxiety about our material needs with his love, peace, and provision.

If you find yourself anxious about material provision today, may you find assurance through the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34. There, he reminds us that God takes great care of birds and flowers. How much more care will he show to us?

Lord, show me how to trust you for the provision of my material needs. Help me to be a wise steward of all you have given me, including the blessing of rest.

JANUARY 14

LIVING SACRIFICE

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

ROMANS 12 : 1 NLT

This word picture is meant to shock us a bit. Human sacrifice is utterly evil, but this verse is about sacrificing our physical bodies by living, not by dying.

In considering God’s great compassion toward us, our hearts are drawn to thanksgiving and praise. The highest and truest form of worship that God seeks is that we would willingly offer our lives completely to him. Following Jesus does not mean living our best life now. It costs us something, but it is well worth all we can give (Luke 14:25-33). Consider what it means to surrender your body, mind, soul, and heart to serve God.

Lord, I am in awe of the mercy you extended to me by sending your Son, Jesus. I want to say thank you by offering my life to you afresh today.

JANUARY 15

ACCEPTANCE

As it is in your heart, let it be in mine.

Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.

ROMANS 15 : 7 NCV

The theme of this passage is unity among believers. We are to accept one another because we are the recipients of unconditional acceptance from Christ. Acceptance of one another does not mean undiscerning agreement. It means accepting someone as a person, laying aside any personal prejudice.

We are to bear with each other’s character traits and life background as well as personal convictions on “gray areas”: for example, personal standards on drinking alcohol, how much, and when it’s okay. Getting to know one another deeply will aid us in our quest to not unintentionally lead someone down a path toward sin.

Lord, give me discernment in my interactions with others in the body of Christ. Help my relationships to bring you glory and provide instruction to others.

JANUARY 16

WINNING

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 CORINTHIANS 9 : 24 NIV

We are exhorted by Paul the apostle to pursue excellence in our life with Christ, just as a professional athlete strives to win. The race requires endurance, discipline, and training (1 Corinthians 9:27). It takes a commitment to never call it quits.

Praise God that we are not in competition with each other for God’s affection. We could never earn his favor through our own striving. Our adoption into God’s family—the ultimate prize—has already been won for us through Jesus. We strive to please God out of thanksgiving for all he has done for us. Our whole life ought to reflect the goodness and mercy of God, shown through our continual growth and pursuit to bring him glory.

Lord, show me where I need more training and greater endurance in my spiritual life. Thank you that the best prize of all is already mine through your Son.

JANUARY 17

FORGIVENESS

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

MARK 11 : 25 NRSV

We are no different from anyone else in that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. In our redemption, God has shown us mercy we did not earn or deserve (Ephesians 2:4-5).

It would be like setting ourselves higher than God if we withheld mercy from those who have done wrong to us. See Matthew 18:21-35 for a poignant illustration that Jesus gave about forgiveness. The ability to forgive can be extremely difficult on our own, but we can ask the Lord, our example and grace-giver, for his power to do the impossible.

Lord, I need your help to forgive from the heart when others offend me. I don’t want any grudge I may be holding to get in the way of my prayer life.

JANUARY 18

WHEN LIFE HURTS

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 THESSALONIANS 5 : 18 ESV

Giving thanks in all situations is easier said than done. We would rather just give thanks when we are happy and content. Uncomfortable, pain-filled circumstances tend to evoke little thanks and praise to God, unless he gives us the grace to seek out what he’s doing under the surface.

A surgeon’s scalpel brings pain for a time, but its purpose is to bring about improved health. In the same way that we can trust a surgeon’s skill, we can trust our all-knowing, all-powerful God in the midst of heartache. God knows what we are facing. We can trust that he is allowing it for his purposes, even if we don’t understand why. These are precisely the times that can highlight our dependence on God and cause us to grow in our faith the most.

Lord, help me to thank and praise you even when life hurts. You are always worthy, even when I don’t understand your plan.

JANUARY 19

CREATION

God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.

GENESIS 1 : 21 NLT

Through creation, God demonstrated his sovereign power over the world and everything in it. He created each of the numerous species of fish and birds on the fifth day of creation. God designed each of them, with their wide variety of colors, shapes, and habits. It’s easy to imagine that God instilled creation with beauty and diversity purely for his own, and our, pleasure.

“God saw that it was good” implies that God took delight in his own handiwork. Before sin and its consequences entered the world, it truly was good and perfect. We as God’s image bearers also have great capacity for creativity. We can use the gift of creativity to glorify God and point others toward our Maker.

God, I praise you for the beauty of your creation that I get to enjoy. Help me to use my creativity in ways that honor you and bless others.

JANUARY 20

LOVE AND OBEDIENCE

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”

JOHN 14 : 15 NLT

Before discussing obedience, there is an important sequence to understand. This verse is preceded by Jesus’ urging listeners to believe in him (John 14:10-11). We believe first, and then Jesus entreats us to love him. The basis of our love and devotion to the Lord is that he first loved us.

Picture starry-eyed newlyweds. Out of sheer love, the husband lives for and delights to make his new wife happy. He’s willing to do whatever he can to fulfill her requests, and the same goes for his wife. They are continuously discovering each other’s likes and dislikes so that they can do little acts of service for each other. Likewise, out of love and thanksgiving for all Jesus is to us, we will want to know his will and seek it.

Lord, your unfailing love for me exceeds that of the most passionate lover. I want to love and obey you from my heart.

JANUARY 21

WAITING

Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

ISAIAH 40 : 31 NRSV

Waiting on God indicates trusting him to act. It means not taking matters into our own hands.

We may be waiting for clarity and direction or for answers to prayer. Often, God’s timetable appears slower than ours. If we aren’t watchful, we may rush ahead of God.

Striving on our own leads to mental and emotional exhaustion. In choosing trust, we find renewed strength and courage. Lean into the beauty of these word pictures. Let your mind’s eye find the eagle soaring effortlessly on the breeze, the runner’s legs pumping without tiring or losing breath. It’s a restful, freeing place to live.

Lord, striving without you wears me out. Help me to find rest as I choose to trust and wait on your timing.

JANUARY 22

OUR FOREVER HOME

Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

1 THESSALONIANS 4 : 14 ESV

We worship the living, risen Christ. We must not stop at the crucifixion, but instead continue to the third day when Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared bodily to many (Luke 24). He ascended to heavenly glory and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

We have a glorious hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Because he defeated death, we as believers in him will likewise not stay in the grave. For us, death has lost its sting. Believers in Jesus who have preceded us in death are in now God’s presence (2 Corinthians 5:8). One day, when our appointed time comes, we will join them. Heaven is our forever home. Whenever you are reminded of the brevity and tenuous nature of this earthly life, may you be comforted by this promise.

Lord, thank you for the resurrection and for the promise that I have an eternal home with you in heaven.

JANUARY 23

SACRIFICIAL LOVE

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

JOHN 13 : 34 NASB

This passage in John’s gospel is spoken just hours before Jesus goes to the cross. Physically following Jesus used to be the mark of being his disciple. Since Jesus will soon be absent from them, the new indication will be the love they have for one another. When others witness that kind of love, they will know these men are his disciples (John 13:35).

Jesus is commanding us to love each other with the same kind of love that he has for us. Going to the cross on our behalf was the ultimate act of selfless love. It may seem unreasonable for Jesus to ask us to love our fellow believers in this way, and it would not be possible apart from the power of God. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work in us who believe (Romans 8:11). Being a follower of Jesus leads to inner heart transformation, which will manifest in our outward behavior towards one another in the family of God.

Lord, I’m amazed by your sacrificial love for me. Help me to lay down my own agenda to love and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ.

JANUARY 24

UNBURDENING

Cast your burden on the LORD,

And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

PSALM 55 : 22 NKJV

God knows everything about our lives and our unique concerns. He is not far off and aloof. He wants us to pour out our hearts to him and unburden ourselves in his presence. When troubles pop up, often we would turn first to a friend or loved one to vent our frustration and disappointment. How much better it would be to first run to the Lord, who cares more than any human being could.

In letting God take our burdens, we find the promise of the Lord’s sustaining power. His grace will always be sufficient for every situation. To never permit us to be shaken doesn’t mean that he won’t let anything bad happen to us. It means he won’t allow our faith to be destroyed. We can’t rely on our subjective feelings to determine our standing with God. When we feel we are sinking in quicksand, his Word is our sure foundation.

Lord, I want to bring the burdens of my heart to you. Help me to trust you and sustain me by your grace when everything feels shaky.

JANUARY 25

MERCY

“They are blessed who show mercy to others, for God will show mercy to them.”

MATTHEW 5 : 7 NCV

This is near the opening of Jesus’ famous sermon on the mount. Through the Beatitudes, he appeals to our desire for happiness and blessing. The route to obtaining that happiness is so different from the world’s message to pursue wealth, power, and fame. Jesus’ desire for us is to completely transform our hearts.

Extending mercy and acting in kindness to others when they don’t deserve it goes against human nature. When we have a keen awareness of our own sinfulness and of our dependence upon God’s mercy, it enables us to go against the tide. If we have experienced God’s mercy and compassion, we can show mercy to others. We have the privilege of being the extension of Christ’s mercy and compassion to this world that desperately needs him.

Lord, you have shown me great mercy and compassion. Help me to be merciful to those who don’t deserve it. None of us deserve mercy, and yet you offer it freely.

JANUARY 26

COMMUNICATION

Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

JAMES 1 : 19 NIV

Many of us would much rather talk than listen to what others have to say. This verse is for all of us, not just the loudmouths. Being a good listener requires a degree of humility. In order to truly listen well, we must consciously put a pause on our own thoughts and consider the speaker before ourselves.

Being slow to speak does not mean being reticent and shy. This verse is referring to contemplating a thought, especially a word of advice or admonition, before sharing it. As we mature in our faith, we ought to become less self-righteous and more aware of our own weaknesses. We also should become less defensive and indignant when others confront us or disagree with our point of view.

Lord, help me to be a loving listener and to grow in humility, wisdom, and gentleness in my communication with others.

JANUARY 27

PERMANENCE

When God chooses someone and graciously imparts gifts to him, they are never rescinded.

ROMANS 11 : 29 TPT

The gifts that this verse refers to are not the blessings that he sometimes gives us for a time, such as health or prosperity. Those kinds of gifts are not guaranteed, nor are they permanent. Here, it’s referring to spiritual realities: the blessings of salvation, grace, adoption, eternal life, and so many more.

The call to salvation and all of the spiritual blessings God gives are permanent. God never changes his mind or goes back on his word. God himself does not change; he is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). We can rest in the knowledge that our spiritual inheritance is forever.

Lord, when I am tempted to doubt my salvation or my spiritual standing, help me to remember that I am yours forever, because of who you are.

JANUARY 28

COURAGE

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

PSALM 31 : 24 ESV

At the close of this psalm, David the psalmist encourages us based on his own experience of God’s faithfulness. He urges us to not give up our hope in God in the face of trying times. When we feel ready to give in and yield to fear and doubt, we need the voice of encouragement to spur us on. The book of Psalms is a great place to run to when we need to keep our courage up.

When we feel weak, we can be strong in the strength the Lord provides. In fact, it is in the times we come to the end of ourselves that God is best able to meet us in our need (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Don’t give up hope! The Lord is always faithful.

Lord, I need you! I feel weak, but you are strong. Help me to not stop putting my hope in you.

JANUARY 29

WIND AND WAVES

They were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

MARK 4 : 41 ESV

In the midst of the storm, it’s easy to get caught up in the problems that face us. Our default mode wants to focus on the height of the waves and lose sight of all else, especially Jesus. His timing and manner of resolution may be entirely different from our desires, but we can rest in the assurance that all is under his authority.

The disciples appear so fickle in this passage in Mark. Their fear of drowning in the storm quickly turns to fear, awe, and respect for Jesus, but only after he rebukes the storm, and all is calm. Recognize a similar tendency to doubt in your own heart. Then, return to a place of trust and awe, and rest in Christ’s care for you.

Jesus, just as you spoke to the wind and waves from the boat, I know you are with me. I can trust you with any problems I face today.

JANUARY 30

SALVATION

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

ROMANS 10 : 9 - 10 NKJV

Salvation here indicates rescue from the penalty for sin, which is separation from God forever. Our salvation is found by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). The very meaning of the name Jesus is salvation, and it is because of his death and resurrection that the door to God’s rescue is flung wide open.

We can see that there is both an inward aspect to faith as well as an outward confession. First, the inward reality is belief and trust from the heart. Secondly, the outward confession to others confirms where we stand. This confession reveals itself in how we act and the choices we make. Our lives experience change on such a fundamental level, and it affects everything we do, including the words we speak.

Jesus, thank you for being my rescue. I believe in you as my only Savior and Lord. May my life and my words reflect how you have worked within my heart.

JANUARY 31

PEACEMAKING CITIZENS

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

TITUS 3 : 1 - 2 NIV

Our adherence to God in our spiritual lives does not negate the need for obedience to earthly rulers. Romans 13:1 reminds us that our rulers in government have been put in place by God. We are to be exemplary citizens and obedient to the governing officials and laws, as long as those mandates are not in violation of God’s Word.

We are to not speak evil of anyone, even if we ourselves experience mistreatment and slander from others for following Christ. As believers, we ought to be makers of peace, not discord. By our humility and gentleness, we can bring calm to the hotheaded conflict that typically characterizes this world. By acting differently, we are a living testimony to the power of God.

Lord, I need your grace. Help me to obey the authorities and to be a peacemaker in this land. Give me a humble heart will yield to you.

FEBRUARY

You, O LORD, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

PSALM 3:3 ESV

FEBRUARY 1

WITHOUT SIN