Daily Wisdom for Peacemaking E-Book

Brian Noble

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

Seitenzahl: 489

Beschreibung

Experience the power of God's perfect peace.   Wherever there are people, there will be problems. Thankfully, God promises enduring peace even in the midst of conflict. Daily Wisdom for Peacemaking is a 365-day devotional that connects you to God's Word, teaching you how to uphold a kingdom-minded perspective and enjoy peace-filled relationships. Each day provides - thought-provoking Scriptures, - encouraging devotions, - challenging applications, and - comforting prayers.   God is love, and when we reflect his love in our relationships, we draw ourselves and others closer to Christ.    

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Daily Wisdom for Peacemaking

Copyright © 2021 Peacemaker Ministries

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scriptures marked NASB95 are taken from the New American Standard Bible®. Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked PHILLIPS are taken from The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips, copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.

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Contents

Introduction

JANUARY: Who Sell Separate us

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

January 8

January 9

January 10

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 17

January 18

January 19

January 20

January 21

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 26

January 27

January 28

January 29

January 30

January 31

FEBRUARY: Every good and Every Perfect Gift

February 1

February 2

February 3

February 4

February 5

February 6

February 7

February 8

February 9

February 10

February 11

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

February 22

February 23

February 24

February 25

February 26

February 27

February 28

MARCH: Restore him in a spirit of gentleness

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

APRIL: Teach me your ways oh Lord

April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5

April 6

April 7

April 8

April 9

April 10

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

MAY: Bear one Anothers Burdens

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

JUNE: I can do All Things through Christ

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29

June 30

JULY: Steadfastness

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July 5

July 6

July 7

July 8

July 9

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

July 26

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

AUGUST: Clam Who Clam

August 1

August 2

August 3

August 4

August 5

August 6

August 7

August 8

August 9

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

August 14

August 15

August 16

August 17

August 18

August 19

August 20

August 21

August 22

August 23

August 24

August 25

August 26

August 27

August 28

August 29

August 30

August 31

SEPTEMBER: Spirit Heart

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 5

September 6

September 7

September 8

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 12

September 13

September 14

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

September 24

September 25

September 26

September 27

September 28

September 29

September 30

OCTOBER: You are God

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

October 7

October 8

October 9

October 10

October 11

October 12

October 13

October 14

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 19

October 20

October 21

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

October 27

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

NOVEMBER: Nothing is too Hard for You

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

DECEMBER: The Ruler of the World is Coming

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

December 26

December 27

December 28

December 29

December 30

December 31

About the Author

INTRODUCTION

A life of peace isn’t the absence of trouble or conflict; it is being secure in the knowledge of who you are in Christ and who God is as you walk through those difficulties. When I think of a biblical example of that, I think of the story of Jesus and the disciples in the boat during the storm (Matthew 8:23–27). Jesus was able to experience peace (and even to sleep) in the midst of the storm because he knew who the Father was and that he was with them in that boat. If we truly want to live a life of peace, it doesn’t happen by attending a seminar or conference. A life of peace is fulfilled by daily encounters with God and his Word. This is how we are transformed and renewed. This is how we can experience peace in the midst of life’s storms. We at Peacemaker Ministries pray that this devotional helps you draw close to the Prince of Peace so that you can experience a life of peace.

Blessings,

Sarah Schelley

Executive Assistant, Peacemaker Ministries

JANUARY 1

Anyone who does not lovedoes not know God,because God is love.

1 JOHN 4:8

The first word of this verse is clear. “Anyone” means everyone. Since you are “anyone,” how is your love for everyone? Your love for others will show your knowledge of God.

On the opposite side, our lack of love shows a lack of knowing God. How can John say that? Because God is love, so if we know God, we are affected by his love. God doesn’t just do love. His very substance, nature, and being is love.

That truth is powerful. Later, John says, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). “God is love” means God loves us. He loves you! That is amazing!

APPLICATION

Apply this amazing truth to your relationships today. Who do you love, and who are you struggling to love? How can you see those people through your knowledge of God?

Reflect on Romans 5:8. While we were still doing wrong and estranged from God, Jesus died for us. How can you “die” in your relational tensions? How can you take steps toward humility, toward dying to your rights and seeing the power of the gospel in your life? Think of ways you can demonstrate love to others by “dying” and truly serving and loving them.

Lord, thank you for loving me with your love. I want to abide in your love and then demonstrate your love to others today…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 2

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said,“Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

EXODUS 3:14

God names himself the “I am.” Think about that. He doesn’t say, “I am a…” He simply says, “I am who I am.” In other words, there is none compared to God. God is God because he is God. This is both reassuring and intimidating. Reassuring because he sent his Son to save humanity and intimidating because we often proclaim that we are the “I am.”

How do we do that? We make judgments about others, break relationships, and elevate our preferences over God’s law.

God is the “I am”—the only Lawgiver, the only King. Read what James says:

The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law…There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11–12)

APPLICATION

How have you tried to act like God with your friends, spouse, or coworkers? What preferences have you raised above God’s law? Find an area to repent of by acknowledging your sin before God and the person you’ve ruled over. Recognize God as God and allow him (as if he needs to be allowed) to be the “I am” in your life.

God, I acknowledge you as the “I am.” That makes me the “I am not.” Please forgive me for pretending to be you, and help me walk in humility… (Continue praying.)

JANUARY 3

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;you are remembered throughout all generations.

PSALM 102:12

Sometimes we may feel like the worries of life have overshadowed us. Our joy may be withering like grass, but God is still forever enthroned and forever remembered.

Although we live in a fallen world, God still sits on his throne. Although our enemies seem to prevail, God is still on his throne. Although sickness may attack our bodies, God is still enthroned. Tears flow and depression lingers, but God is still enthroned.

How will you remember him today? Will you remember what it seems he isn’t doing, or will you remember his goodness? His deliverance? His comfort? Today in the midst of your trials, remember and proclaim God’s greatness. Your circumstances may not be good, but God is good.

APPLICATION

We all need absolutes about God in our lives. These absolutes will help you get through your circumstances if you believe—truly believe—that God is good.

Think about your closest human relationship. Have you ever had a struggle in that relationship? In the midst of that struggle, you can proclaim, God, I remember you, and I believe you are enthroned. In other words, God, I submit to you as the Lord of this relationship. Don’t be afraid to talk to him. He is amazingly good.

God, today in my relationships, I proclaim that you are enthroned, and I will remember your works in me. Lord, please teach me, search me, and direct me. You created me, and you created the other person. Be our Lord. Help me to honor you…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 4

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

HEBREWS 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same. He has always been the same. He will forever be the same. This is so reassuring. Think about the eternalness of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t say to the adulteress woman, “I had compassion in the past, but for you, now, I am not sure.” He wasn’t only addressing the Pharisees of long ago when he said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). Jesus says the same to us when we worry about cleaning our outsides and not changing our insides.

APPLICATION

How does Jesus’ unchangeableness apply to our relationships? Think about this: Jesus proclaims, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The thief—the devil—wants to destroy relationships, but Jesus desires you to have abundant life, both personally and in all your interactions with others and with God. So here it is: Jesus is the same every day, always has been and always will be, and he wants you to experience abundant life in every aspect of your life, including your relationships.

Jesus, thank you for always being the same. I live in a world that seems to change constantly, but I can rely on you never changing. I ask that you bring your abundant life into my relationships. I really need your help to show your life to others…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 5

“I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming.He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.”

JOHN 14:30–31

In this verse, Jesus understood that he would face a betrayal, and the religious leaders would seek to kill him. He then makes a bold statement about his enemy: “He has no claim on me.” He knew that the enemy could not have victory over him. Then why did Jesus die on the cross? He was being obedient to his Father. We know that Jesus did not want to experience the pain and suffering, nor did he want to be separated from the Father. But Jesus’ love for the Father was greater than his desires.

What if Jesus had gotten a paper cut for our sin? Then his resurrection wouldn’t be a big deal. Jesus’ life was not taken from him; he willingly gave it, and that is why the resurrection is glorious. What was Jesus’ motive? His love for the Father.

APPLICATION

If Jesus loved the Father so much that he laid down his life for all people, shouldn’t we also lay down our lives for others? Reflect on 1 John 3:16. In your relationships today, how can you lay down your life for your friend or enemy out of love for your Father?

Lord, remind me the enemy of my soul has no claim to me. Because I love the Father, let me freely lay down my life to live out the gospel…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 6

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us…Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.”

NEHEMIAH 9:32–33

Nehemiah’s prayer refers to God as gracious, merciful, mighty, awesome, righteous, and faithful. Think about each of these characteristics of God. He is gracious (compassionate), merciful (forgiving), mighty (strong), awesome (to be revered), righteous (just), a God of lovingkindness and steadfast love. Even though we act wickedly, he deals with us faithfully.

Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Think about the words used to describe God. Consider how children imitate their parents. We are to imitate God in all of his attributes, which includes his grace, compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. He is to be revered, and we are to revere him as do children who have loving parents.

APPLICATION

This is one of the most challenging aspects of our walk with God. We are to imitate his grace, compassion, and faithfulness to others. Whether our relationships are healthy or not, we still need to imitate God. Don’t lose heart. In the face of another’s wickedness, you are able to imitate God because of his work through Jesus Christ on the cross because you are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help me to imitate you. In my relationships, I need your compassion to transform my anger; I need your mercy to transform my judgment… (Continue praying.)

JANUARY 7

Through [Jesus] we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

ROMANS 5:2–5

Think about Paul’s words “by faith into…grace.” Faith in Jesus leads us into the grace of God. Rejoice!

Then Paul says, “but we rejoice in our sufferings.” The Greek word for “suffering” is thlipesos: to crush, press, compress, squeeze. This verse literally says we rejoice in being crushed, pressed, compressed, and squeezed. We understand we can rejoice as we stand in God’s grace and rejoice in the hope of God’s glory, but rejoicing in suffering?

Paul says that suffering produces endurance, not deliverance. Endurance produces character; character produces hope. Suffering eventually produces hope, hope that we will get to stand in the glory of God. We won’t be ashamed if we hope because God has poured his love into us through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION

Think about suffering you are experiencing. Is it the result of a choice you made, a relationship, or the fallenness of this world? How can you allow suffering to work in you to produce character and hope?

Lord, help me rejoice in suffering. I know you have poured your love into my heart and that one day I will be in your presence…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 8

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

ROMANS 8:35

“Who [or what] shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Do you think tribulation will separate you from Christ’s love? How about distress? Persecution or famine? Will violence separate you from Christ’s love? The next verses say: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39). Are you convinced? Jesus is love, and he has clearly demonstrated his love!

APPLICATION

How about the way you love? In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus said to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Let’s put Jesus’ words together with the verses above. Will anything affect your love for God? Will something come between Christ and your love for him? And what will “separate” your love from others? Will you allow tribulation to diminish your love for others? God doesn’t say, “I will love, but here is the limit.” He is abounding in love and compassion. Often, we think, I can’t love the way Jesus loves. That is true. But God’s love in you through the Holy Spirit can. Allow his Spirit to flow through you and enable you today.

Lord, let my love be modeled after your love. Holy Spirit, empower me… (Continue to pray.)

JANUARY 9

Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;save me for the sake of your steadfast love.

PSALM 6:4

Early in this psalm (verses 1–3), King David says, “I am languishing…How long?” Often we feel like we are languishing. Our heart begins to say, How long? We have all been there, wanting to see God’s deliverance.

King David asks God, “Turn, O Lord.” We can feel like God has turned away from us. Whatever the situation, do not be afraid to tell God that it feels as if he has turned away. Ask him to turn toward you. The truth is that he is with you, but we need to be reminded of that at times.

God is the deliverer. He turns and delivers your languishing heart. He saves you from your troubles, pouring out his grace on you. God is with you in the midst of distress. He saves you for the sake of his steadfast love. Think of that! God saves us because it is his very nature to save.

APPLICATION

King David is just like us. He understands difficult situations and how painful relationships can be. Remind yourself that the Lord has “not forsaken those who seek [him]” (Psalm 9:10). He is delivering you, saving you. That’s faith—when you proclaim the opposite of what your natural mind is saying and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking truth to your inner being.

Lord, I thank you that you are facing me and delivering me. My soul feels like it is in despair, but your truth has become my comfort…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 10

God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…so that...he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

EPHESIANS 2:4–9

Look at Paul’s statement about God’s mercy. He was merciful at our lowest point and transformed us to make us alive together with Christ. We were dead (in our sins) and buried (in baptism) then God raised us to life together with Christ by grace. Neither mercy nor grace have anything to do with us. They have to do with the Giver, God’s kindness toward us.

APPLICATION

How does the truth about God’s immeasurably rich mercy and grace apply to our relationships? Remember the story about the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet at a meal? Jesus said in Luke 7:47: “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Jesus taught that if we realize how much we have been forgiven, we will love much. Therefore, if you’re unable to love someone, it may be because you haven’t fully grasped how much you have been forgiven, how rich in mercy and grace God has been toward you.

Lord, I have been immeasurably forgiven through your mercy and grace. I want to love others like you do…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 11

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

TITUS 3:3–7

Verse 3 says we were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves of various passions and pleasures, passing the days in malice and envy, hated by others, and hating one another.

Then “But when” shows up. We once did all of these things, but then Jesus appeared. He transformed us! He saved us “according to his… mercy.” It wasn’t our righteousness. He washed us with the Holy Spirit, regenerating, renewing us. Why would he do this? So that we might be heirs of the hope of eternal life, justified by his grace.

APPLICATION

In your relationships, are you living “once were” or “but when”? Are you disobedient or quarrelling? Or are you obedient, living in gentleness toward all people (Titus 3:1–2)? When the Holy Spirit comes upon your life, you may have “once were” moments, but you will increasingly have a lifestyle of “but whens.”

Lord, because of your transformational work in me, I can be obedient and gentle. I have the hope of eternal life…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 12

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

EXODUS 34:6–7

Who made this amazing proclamation? The Lord called himself “The Lord, the Lord.” This name, “The Lord,” comes from the Hebrew word “YHWH,” the proper name of God. God also emphasized that he is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, and makes it clear that he is steadfast in his love for thousands and forgives their sin. He declared that he is just; therefore, he will not clear the guilty. This is not what Moses or someone else declared to be true about God but what God declared.

APPLICATION

Have you repented and received God’s mercy, grace, love, and faithfulness? He desires to pour out his steadfast love and faithfulness. Although he has the authority and power to punish people for their sins, in mercy he withholds punishment for those who repent. God’s mercy is his legal compassion. Grace is God’s unmerited favor and is his relational compassion. In light of how much God has given you, how can you extend that mercy and grace to others?

Lord, I repent of what does not align with your Word. You are merciful and gracious. Help me to extend your mercy and grace to others… (Continue praying.)

JANUARY 13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 PETER 1:3–5

Peter writes that out of the Father’s great mercy, God caused us to be born again. We sometimes think that we are born again as a result of religious actions, but this verse is clear. God the Father caused us to be “born again to a living hope.” The source of this hope? It comes through Jesus’ resurrection. The gospel of our living Savior causes us to be born again to a living hope.

The believer has “an inheritance that is imperishable.” Earthly things perish, but our inheritance is unfading and stored in heaven for us. Treasure that God is guarding us too, through faith, for a salvation that he will fully reveal one day.

APPLICATION

In life we experience the world’s fallenness—through others’ behaviors, our own choices, or simply through the brokenness of this world. Do you see only fallenness around you, or have you been keeping eternal things in mind? Remember your inheritance in heaven: that you will have endless days in Jesus’ presence compared to a few years on earth separated from him.

Lord, thank you for my rich inheritance. I want to see all my relationships through this eternal perspective…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 14

From him and through him and to him are all things.To him be glory forever. Amen.

ROMANS 11:36

Paul is writing about the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, that God’s ways are unsearchable. Paul then talks about how the mind of the Lord is uniquely independent of mankind. His knowledge is autonomous from all creation. Then Paul proclaims, “for from him…are all things.” All wisdom, all knowledge is from God Almighty—plus an endless list of other things. And not only from him but also through and to him. He is the source of wisdom and the filter of wisdom. He is to be lifted up and receive all glory.

Let your heart flow with love from God, through God, and to God. Let your forgiveness come from Jesus, through Jesus, and to Jesus. Pause and think about this. Your salvation is from God, through Jesus, and to him.

It is easy to think about what does not glorify God and more difficult to describe actions that glorify God. Try it. Make a list of all the things that do not glorify God, and then live out the opposite. Here’s an example: cursing does not glorify God; words of praise glorify God.

APPLICATION

If all things are from, through, and to God, then why do we so often feel that our relationship with him is from, through, and to ourselves? God is the source, the power, and he deserves to receive the glory. Evaluate your words: Are they filled with praise, with encouragement?

Lord, let my life, thoughts, and desires come from you, through you, and to you…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 15

The LORD is righteous in all his waysand kind in all his works.

PSALM 145:17

What does “all” mean? Is your “all” really most? Or some? The word here in Hebrew is kōl, which means “whole, every, everything, or the everything of something.”1

The Lord is righteous—morally and ethically just—in all his ways (in the whole or everything of his ways). We can count on God’s ways as being 100 percent righteous and just. Not only that, but he is also kind in all his works. Think about the works of God, dwell on his ways. All that he does is just and kind, righteous and benevolent. His actions are the same as who he is. Don’t get confused by your circumstances. Your circumstances aren’t necessarily the ways of God. They might be the ways of this fallen world.

APPLICATION

God’s ways are righteous and kind. Yet at times, our hearts loudly object, saying that God’s way is wrong and even mean. During those times, it’s helpful to ask yourself, What do I actually believe? Do I believe what my heart says or what God’s Word says? When circumstances announce, “That’s not fair,” and life says, “That’s cruel,” reply with truth: God is righteous and kind. Inform your emotions that God is morally and ethically just. Speak the Word of God to your inner self. Insist that your soul align itself with the truth of God’s Word.

Lord, right now, I’m telling my soul and my emotions what’s true. Father, thank you for your Word because it helps me to correct my thoughts and live in the truth…(Continue praying.)

1 Warren Baker and Eugene E. Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003), 506.

JANUARY 16

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

EPHESIANS 1:11–12

As Paul told the believers in Ephesus, God works everything “according to the counsel of his will.” Every aspect of our life is according to the wise counsel of God’s will. King David wrote in Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” God is not a God of chaos. He is the God who sees everything in accordance with his will.

And what is God’s will? Paul clearly states that God’s will is for us to be sanctified, which means holy or set apart for God. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3–6.

APPLICATION

Think about your walk with God. Are you wondering how you can reconcile a struggling relationship? God is working it out according to the counsel of his will, and he wants you to walk in holiness in your actions toward the other person. Your holiness is to be the holiness that Jesus modeled, a humble holiness that willingly and faithfully picks up a cross daily and follows Jesus as he sanctifies you.

Lord, I am struggling. Guide me according to the counsel of your will. Help me to walk in humble holiness. Help me to daily pick up my cross and follow you…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 17

Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.

ROMANS 1:4–7, EMPHASIS ADDED

We are “called to belong” and “called to be.” So many Christians feel they are called to do. They try to do Christianity as if they are fighting internally to be a Christian. The fact is that because you are a Christ-follower, you have been appointed as a saint. In Jesus, you are an appointed saint and are called to be holy. When you are truly transformed, then you will do.

Let’s look at Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Now bring all these ideas together. Believers are called holy, called to belong, and created to do the works God has prepared for us.

APPLICATION

Since we are, since we belong, and since we also are created to do, we can operate in the fullness of what God has for our relationships. When you understand your newness in Jesus, it helps you to forgive and walk in humility.

Jesus, thank you for calling me to belong. Please help me to know you fully, to experience all of my identity that I have in you…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 18

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

HEBREWS 1:1–3

Jesus is the exact imprint of the nature of God, a mirror of the Father’s glory. This is an amazing truth. When you see Jesus, you see the Father. He is total compassion, loves flawlessly, engages selflessly in people’s lives. He protects, is merciful, loves justice, and upholds the truth.

When you think of God’s nature, what comes to mind? Do you see the face of Jesus when you contemplate God’s goodness, holiness, faithfulness, or loving kindness?

APPLICATION

What is imprinted on your nature? Each of us is stamped with the nature of God in our spirit and is called to imitate Christ. The key is realizing that when Jesus came into our lives, we received a new nature that is rooted and grounded in who God is. We can live in healthy relationships because of our Savior.

Father, I thank you for your Son, and I praise you for all that he has done for us! You have imprinted my nature with your nature. Lord, let me walk so that your nature is visible to others…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 19

He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you.Remove this cup from me.Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

MARK 14:36

Jesus prayed to his Father, “Not what I will, but what you will.” Jesus, the King of kings, wanted the cup of crucifixion removed from him, but he knew he must endure the cross. He knew there would be no gospel without the cross. In this excruciating moment, he displayed his humanity, and he cried out to God. The cross would be a terrible place. Although he knew his eternal destiny in this moment, he wanted his Father to create a different way, a different possibility. But the key to Jesus’ outcry is where he landed. He didn’t land at, “No way.” He landed at, “Not what I will, but what you will.” This was a supremely loving place to land.

APPLICATION

Do you have an area where God is refining you or taking you to the cross in your life? This can seem overwhelming, just too much. My hope is that in your heart a Christlike attitude will begin to rise up that says, Not what I will, but what you will, Lord. In your relationships, I encourage you to end up here: Lord, I set my attitudes, my actions, and my words at the foot of your cross. I come to you in humility. Your will be done.

Lord, my attitude has been stinking, and my actions have been worse. I surrender my actions, words, and thoughts to you. Not my will, but your will be done in my life…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 20

“Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”

JEREMIAH 32:17

God created the heavens and the earth by his great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for our God. Think about this statement and how often it is repeated in Scripture. For instance, a conversation with Jesus is recorded in slightly different words in the Gospels. Matthew said, “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). And Mark wrote, “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God’” (Mark 10:27).

Through the gospel story—the life, death, burial, resurrection, and appearance of Jesus Christ—the impossible becomes possible! God can take those who are in bondage, chains, and captivity and set them free. The Lord is able to do far more than we can dream, so start hoping and believing that God can change you and others in your life.

APPLICATION

Are you in a relational impossibility? Let me remind you that nothing is too hard for God. I am reminding you that God is working on every believer’s behalf (see Philippians 1:6 and 2:13). He is the God of hope, the God of reconciliation and newness.

Lord, thank you that nothing is too hard for you. I want to believe that with my whole heart. I am grateful that you’re still able to transform a person’s heart…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 21

What shall we say then?Is there injustice on God’s part?By no means!

ROMANS 9:14

This verse tells us that God is just. The context of this verse is that Paul is talking about God’s sovereignty. Just before this (verse 13), Paul wrote that God said, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” In our hearts, we may conclude that God is unjust; however, Paul states there is no injustice in God. We can ask God about things we don’t understand in his Word, but for us to tell God whom he should love is setting ourselves above God. The wise response is simply to take him at his word.

You may be wondering, If God can hate someone, why should we seek him? It’s helpful to explain that God’s hatred is not like that of humans. His hate is based on perfect discernment and judgment of evil. In verses 15–16, Paul states that God’s mercy and compassion have nothing to do with human will or exertion. They exist because God is merciful and just.

APPLICATION

From this verse, I hope you grasp this: God is God; he is sovereign. In your broken relationships, don’t think that God is going to overlook the injustices that you are experiencing or the ones you have caused. He is holy but also full of mercy. The key is to run to him, not from him, in our time of need.

Lord, you are just and sovereign. You are God; I am not. Please forgive me for injustices that I have caused. And I want to trust that you see injustices I have experienced…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 22

Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

MATTHEW 19:23–26

Jesus astounded the disciples by saying salvation is so difficult that it’s only possible with God. Jesus uses a graphic image to press home his point: salvation is only possible because of God. Because of the gospel, our eternal destiny has changed. Jesus exposes the false hope in wealth and reveals a true hope in him. That’s powerful!

Remember that the God who dramatically saved the Israelites from oppression is your Savior. The One who was in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is the same God who is with you in your fire. The One who walked on water and calmed the storms is the same Lord who calms your storm. Do not lose heart.

APPLICATION

You may be thinking about your relationship with God right now. We cannot earn our own salvation. The Lord planned from the beginning to provide salvation as a gift to all who will accept it. He makes salvation possible.

Lord, thank you for the great gift of salvation, for taking my impossible situation and saving me. I know that you are with me…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 23

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.

PSALM 115:1–4

This psalm reassures us that our Lord is in heaven and does all that he pleases; he is faithful and loving. We are living to give glory to him.

“The nations” are worshiping idols that bring pleasure. That is our natural pattern also: trusting things and people to give our lives meaning and happiness. But that always disappoints us! Our trust doesn’t need to be in idols; we can put our trust in the Lord. He helps us and is a shield to us. He is always at work to bring about his good purposes in us. Stand and praise the Lord!

APPLICATION

In our difficult relationships, we ask, God, where are you? I want to encourage you to put your trust in God like the psalmist did. We know exactly where the Lord is. He hasn’t deserted you, and he is worthy of your praise despite your circumstances. So get up and praise him, not for what he has or hasn’t done, but for who he is. It will change your view of your conflict. It will transform you to praise in the midst of your storm.

Lord, please forgive me and help me to clear off the throne in my heart. You are worthy of all my praise and trust…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 24

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!”

1 KINGS 8:27

Solomon is standing before God to dedicate the “house” of the Lord. Look at a key attribute of God that this verse emphasizes. Our God will not be contained in or limited to anything built by human hands, including the boxes we create for him. He is God—grand and awesome! Even the highest heavens cannot contain him because he is God!

Read these additional passages that describe vividly how God cannot be contained: Isaiah 40:28, Psalm 147:5, and Psalm 8:3–4.

APPLICATION

We often want to place God in a little religious box—to limit God to a space, an idea, or a process. God is uncontainable, unlimited. God is majestic and great. He is above; we are below. He is bigger than any relational problem we have.

The first two verses above make it clear that God does not faint and that his understanding is beyond measuring. You may feel like he has given up on you, especially if you are struggling in a relationship. He has not! He is powerful, and he cares for you. He is the everlasting God, your Creator.

Lord, help me with my doubts. Thank you for being everlasting, uncontainable, and my Creator. I place my trust in you…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 25

O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?Who shall dwell on your holy hill?He who walks blamelessly and does what is rightand speaks truth in his heart.

PSALM 15:1–2

Who can live in God’s tent? Those who walk in integrity, do what is right, and speak truth in their hearts. This is a description of a citizen of God’s kingdom.

God’s people are to be honest, credible, and consistent. We are to live and operate in strong moral and ethical principles that are grounded in and founded on the Word of God.

God’s people are to do the right things. We must walk in righteousness. We have been made righteous through and in Jesus Christ, which makes it possible for us to walk in righteousness.

God’s people are to speak God’s truth in our hearts. What God says about you from his Word is the truth that you need to hear. You are his child. You belong to him. You dwell in his tent.

APPLICATION

Relationships are forever changed when we walk in integrity. Relationships are renewed when we do what is right. Relationships can be transformed when we speak God’s truth about another person. God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for you and me and for the difficult person in your life. God raised his Son from the dead for you and for the other person. Speak these truths to your heart.

Lord, sometimes I have trouble being honest. I often fail to do the right thing, even when I see it clearly. Forgive me. Help me to speak your truth in my heart…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 26

Where shall I go from your Spirit?Or where shall I flee from your presence?If I ascend to heaven, you are there!If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!If I take the wings of the morningand dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me.

PSALM 139:7–10

The psalmist says that God’s hand will lead you, and his right hand will hold you. This is an amazing truth: no matter where we go, God is leading us and holding us. You cannot get away from his Spirit or flee from his presence.

Believer, you are stuck with God because God sticks with you. He loves you. He holds you. I know at times your emotions say that he’s far away, that he has abandoned you or forgotten your needs. It simply is not true. Even if you were to “dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,” he would be with you.

APPLICATION

In your relationships, God is leading you and holding you. Sometimes we become too focused on fixing, mending, or trying to handle the problem on our own. I encourage you to breathe, to rest, to rely upon God—to be still and know that he is God. In your current difficulty, start to recognize God’s presence and thank him. He is near.

Lord, I believe that you are near. I need your help to fully trust these things in your Word. In faith, I proclaim that you are holding onto me. You are near…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 27

LORD, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.Before the mountains were brought forth,or ever you had formed the earth and the world,from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

PSALM 90:1–2

In this prayer Moses states, the Lord is the everlasting God. He is not the fly-by-night or a vapor-like God. He is the everlasting God. What does “everlasting” even mean? It means that God has been enduring since before time and will endure eternally. Consider how many people have lived on this planet. God has known every one of them and all their relationships. God has seen each of them because he is everlasting. “Before the mountains were brought forth,” before he formed the earth, God was. This is why Moses addresses God as “Lord.” God is the ruler of the earth. God has been the Lord of the earth for all generations. Don’t think that he cannot, does not, or will not understand you. He has seen it all. All generations can live in him.

APPLICATION

Where is your dwelling place? Is it temporal or eternal? I’m not talking about your house; I’m talking about your heart’s home. Your eternal God is your dwelling place forever. Do not lose sight of this fact.

When you think about your friendships, what are you focused on? Are you trying to “dwell” in something you were never meant to live in? Our hope, hearts, and passions always need to be hidden in God, our everlasting dwelling place.

Lord, you are my dwelling place. You are everlasting and eternal. Please forgive me for focusing on temporary things…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 28

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;his understanding is beyond measure.

PSALM 147:5

What a beautiful psalm! The context of verse above can be found by reading Psalm 147:1–11.

In verse 5, the psalmist lists three deeply reassuring things about God: God is great, abundant in power, and has understanding beyond measure. God understands the person with a broken heart, the outcast. He understands our wounds, both physical and emotional.

Look in verse 11 at what the Lord delights in: “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear [revere] him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” After reading this psalm, we have these words floating around in our heads—“great,” “abundant power,” “understanding beyond measure,” “takes pleasure,” and “those who hope.” What is our response? To worship him for who he is!

APPLICATION

Are you an outcast? Praise him for “gathering” you. Is your heart broken? Sing to him because he heals. Are you wounded? Proclaim his greatness because he binds wounds.

Here is the point: your love for others is directly tied to your hope in God. If your hope is in God, his love takes over, and you can love like he does. Don’t try to love in your own strength. The Lord is ready to heal you and bind up your wounds.

Lord, my heart is broken, and I feel like an outcast. I have been wounded. You are great, abundant in power, and you understand me, so I will hope in your steadfast love…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 29

For it is better to suffer for doing good,if that should be God’s will,than for doing evil.

1 PETER 3:17

To understand this verse, you need to read what Peter said before and after verse 17. Read 1 Peter 3:13–18.

Peter is encouraging his readers to be zealous for what is good. He teaches us that if we suffer for righteousness’ sake, there is no need to be afraid or troubled. Then he goes on to say something very interesting: in our hearts we are to honor Christ the Lord as holy. Normally when we suffer for doing what is right, our hearts aren’t thinking that Jesus is holy. We think he is unfair! Instead, we should simply focus on being gentle and respectful and keeping our consciences clear. Christ is our example—he suffered terribly, and he was righteous.

APPLICATION

Consider these things: Why are you suffering? What caused your suffering? Was it something you did wrong? Or are you suffering for doing good? We don’t usually evaluate our suffering; we often just try to get out of it quickly. Instead, talk to the Lord about it and about what your response can be.

The Lord wants us to become zealous for what is good. In suffering, our goal can be to have hearts that honor Jesus.

Lord, without your help, I can’t do what is right. Help me to be gentle, respectful, and gracious to those around me in spite of what happens to me…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 30

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?And not one of them will fall to the groundapart from your Father.”

MATTHEW 10:29

Jesus is speaking here, teaching the people about the right and wrong kinds of fear.

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28–31)

Jesus clearly does not give significance to those who can kill your body. Instead, he gives the highest value to God because of his authority to destroy soul and body in hell. The basis of Jesus’ statement is this: God knows you and values you. Think about that for a moment. God knows every hair on your head. He is intimately acquainted with all of your ways.

APPLICATION

Whom do you fear and respect most? People or God? Fear of people can control your life and cause you to make many unwise decisions.

Here are two ways to address your fear of man: First, believe and proclaim that God knows you intimately. If you have trouble believing it, read Psalm 139. Second, believe and proclaim how much God values you.

Lord, help me to have a deep reverence for you. I believe that you know me, and I declare that you value me…(Continue praying.)

JANUARY 31

“My thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts.”

ISAIAH 55:8–9

God’s thoughts are not your thoughts. Our thoughts can be focused on the “what ifs,” but God’s thoughts are sure. Our thoughts are focused on others and their sins while God’s thoughts are focused on us through his Son, Jesus.

God’s ways are not my ways. God is holy; I am sinful. God is righteous; I am unrighteous. The only thing that will change this is what Jesus Christ has done. Jesus takes our sinfulness and redeems us at the cross. Look at the context of these verses by reading Isaiah 55:6–11.

We are to seek the Lord while he may be found. He is near, so call on him. God abundantly wants to pardon you. His word will produce growth. He is a God who is powerful, accomplishes, and succeeds. He is amazing!

APPLICATION

In your relationship with God, are God’s ways different than yours? What are God’s thoughts about you, your situation, your conflict? You may believe that he doesn’t think about your situation. But he is here to speak into your life and your relationships. He is a God who sows into our lives. He accomplishes what he has purposed to do.

God, you are so above me in all your thoughts and ways. Thank you for accomplishing your will in my life…(Continue praying.)

FEBRUARY 1

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth;unite my heart to fear your name.

PSALM 86:11