Firstfruits E-Book

Brian Simmons

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: The Passion Translation Devotionals
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 416

Beschreibung

Experience awe and wonder as your heart embraces God's abundant blessing. The Book of Genesis unveils the mystery of creation and serves as the foundation upon which all revelation rests. It is God's expression of his covenant blessing for his people and displays his awesome glory.  Firstfruits presents 365 daily devotions and prayers to bring you to your knees in worship. With Scripture from The Passion Translation®, this devotional will inspire you to become a steward of his love and to showcase God's redemptive heart toward the world. I will establish my eternal covenant of love between me and you. Genesis 17:7 TPT

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLCSavage, Minnesota, USABroadStreetPublishing.com

Firstfruits : 365 Days of Blessing from the Book of GenesisCopyright © 2020 Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

978-1-4245-6045-5 (faux leather)978-1-4245-6046-2 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless indicated otherwise, all Scripture quotations are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com. 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.

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Contents

January

January 1: His Story

January 2: He Fills Empty Spaces

January 3: His Fluttering Spirit

January 4: God Is Light

January 5: Made Beautiful

January 6: Morning Always Comes

January 7: The Sky Above

January 8: New Life

January 9: Seeds of Glory

January 10: You Move His Heart

January 11: Created to Shine

January 12: Present in Every Moment

January 13: Illuminate

January 14: Empowered by Love

January 15: Let There Be Life

January 16: The Gift of Creativity

January 17: His Word Is Alive

January 18: In His Image

January 19: Like Him

January 20: One with Him

January 21: Blessed in His Love

January 22: God’s Delight

January 23: Flow in Harmony

January 24: Time with God

January 25: Seasons and Times

January 26: Sacred Days

January 27: Awestruck

January 28: A Holy Spirit Deluge

January 29: Awaken

January 30: To Be One

January 31: Garden of Delight

February

February 1: The Tree of Life

February 2: The River Is Alive

February 3: Healing Waters

February 4: Encircled with Grace

February 5: You Are His Treasure

February 6: Swift-Flowing Truth

February 7: Fruitful

February 8: Rooted in Love

February 9: All You Need

February 10: Surrender Is a Joy

February 11: Find Your Tribe

February 12: Spend the Day with Him

February 13: Made Whole

February 14: Be Yourself

February 15: Continual Surrender

February 16: Power over Temptation

February 17: Unashamed

February 18: The Garden of Your Soul

February 19: The Beauty Inside

February 20: Confess Your Need

February 21: Hear Him

February 22: Honesty

February 23: Never Forget

February 24: Under His Feet

February 25: Life-giving Creativity

February 26: Garments of Grace

February 27: The Fiery Sword

February 28: In the Garden

March

March 1: Mercy’s Gift

March 2: Vulnerable Moments

March 3: Sin’s Debt

March 4: A Listening Heart

March 5: Wandering

March 6: Yahweh

March 7: He Sees You

March 8: He Knows You

March 9: Imparting to Future Generations

March 10: Walk with God

March 11: Be His Friend

March 12: Sweet Fellowship

March 13: Moved to Love Him

March 14: By Grace Alone

March 15: Our Story

March 16: Honor Him

March 17: The Way of Faith

March 18: Sealed

March 19: Hidden Treasure

March 20: The Safety of His Love

March 21: The Ark of His Presence

March 22: Say Yes

March 23: Come Closer

March 24: It Is Well

March 25: Open Floodgates

March 26: Our Refuge

March 27: Safe above the Waters

March 28: At the Top

March 29: A Holy Life

March 30: Set Apart

March 31: The Curse Is Reversed

April

April 1: My Dove

April 2: The Olive Leaf

April 3: Look Up

April 4: Waiting

April 5: A New Beginning

April 6: An Altar of Worship

April 7: Faith over Fear

April 8: The Constant One

April 9: Value Others

April 10: The Beauty of Promise

April 11: He Remembers

April 12: Mercy and Intercession

April 13: Pride

April 14: Unity

April 15: The Voice of Love

April 16: Diving In

April 17: A Lifestyle of Faith

April 18: He Will

April 19: A Pure Heart

April 20: A Posture of Humility

April 21: Responding to the Lord

April 22: In Sync

April 23: The Place of Safety

April 24: Worry

April 25: Merciful God

April 26: Returning

April 27: Humility Leads to Blessing

April 28: Compromise

April 29: Our Greatest Desire

April 30: No Sacrifice Too Great

May

May 1: Dreaming with God

May 2: He Is Extravagant

May 3: Settling In

May 4: Overcoming the Enemy

May 5: Walking in Compassion

May 6: Victorious

May 7: The Blessing of God

May 8: Paying Attention

May 9: His Peace

May 10: Change Your Perspective

May 11: The Timing of God

May 12: Trust Every Word

May 13: In Tune with Him

May 14: Remember

May 15: Certainty

May 16: Stand Your Ground

May 17: The Darkness of Delay

May 18: The Fiery One

May 19: The Good Fight

May 20: Waiting with Grace

May 21: In the Wilderness

May 22: He Sees

May 23: Rest in Truth

May 24: Reverence

May 25: A Humble Heart

May 26: Surprisingly More

May 27: Covenant of Love

May 28: He Will Be Their God

May 29: A Change in Season

May 30: Dare to Believe

May 31: Ready to Run

June

June 1: Stay a While

June 2: Our Friend

June 3: Increasing Faith

June 4: His Searching Gaze

June 5: Loved

June 6: Friendship and Intercession

June 7: Identity and Confidence

June 8: Looking Ahead

June 9: The Beauty of Surrender

June 10: Pray for Others

June 11: Believe for the Extravagant

June 12: Enjoy Life

June 13: Do It Again

June 14: Lean Upon Our Beloved

June 15: Shine with His Light

June 16: A Surrendered Life

June 17: Costly Worship

June 18: Set Free by the Lamb

June 19: Step Out and Trust

June 20: Led by His Spirit

June 21: Bridal Love

June 22: Angels

June 23: The Attitude of Our Hearts

June 24: Divine Setups

June 25: Into the Unknown

June 26: Meditate on the Lord

June 27: Close to His Heart

June 28: Serve the Younger Generation

June 29: Patient Trust

June 30: Resist Temptation

July

July 1: Go Deeper

July 2: The Well of Refreshment

July 3: Trust His Love

July 4: Your Children Will Succeed

July 5: Crush Fear

July 6: Live with Authenticity

July 7: Release Mercy

July 8: Lavish Rewards

July 9: The Power of Words

July 10: True Riches

July 11: A Dry Place

July 12: The Anointed Stone

July 13: Dreams

July 14: Reach into Heaven

July 15: Enclosed in His Love

July 16: Always Near

July 17: His Presence Is a Portal

July 18: Pause and Ponder

July 19: The House of God

July 20: Divine Love

July 21: Holy Passion

July 22: Reignite Your Heart

July 23: A Glorious Exchange

July 24: Lay Your Heart before Him

July 25: The One We Love

July 26: God’s Timing

July 27: Walk in Victory

July 28: Our Joyful Provision

July 29: Always More

July 30: Behold

July 31: Miraculous Wisdom

August

August 1: Protected

August 2: He Takes Notice

August 3: Honor Our Vows

August 4: Angel Armies

August 5: The Beauty of His Love

August 6: Powerful Prayers

August 7: Solitude

August 8: Relinquish Control

August 9: The Power of Confession

August 10: Know Him

August 11: Reconciliation

August 12: Unlikely Places

August 13: First-Love Devotion

August 14: Idols

August 15: Your Life Is an Altar

August 16: Powerfully Connected

August 17: The Unveiling

August 18: The One We Need

August 19: Remember Who You Are

August 20: Do the Impossible

August 21: Be Fruitful

August 22: Honor Your Encounters

August 23: Woven throughout Our Lives

August 24: Even in the Night

August 25: In Him Alone

August 26: Slow to Judge

August 27: Critics

August 28: Let Him Shine Through

August 29: For Your Good

August 30: Guard Your Heart

August 31: Discouragement

September

September 1: Favor Will Find You

September 2: The Power You Carry

September 3: Through You

September 4: Maintain Integrity

September 5: Holy Vessels

September 6: Relentless

September 7: You Will Rise

September 8: Testimonies of Kindness

September 9: Mysteries in the Night

September 10: Do Not Relent

September 11: Refined by Grace

September 12: Not Forgotten

September 13: Pray for Our Leaders

September 14: With Him

September 15: Live with Dignity

September 16: Give Him the Glory

September 17: Suddenly

September 18: Believe Again

September 19: Time to Be Free

September 20: Become Fruitful

September 21: You Are a Storehouse

September 22: Triggers and Healing

September 23: Misunderstood

September 24: Free at Last

September 25: The Gift of Compassion

September 26: Mercy Triumphs

September 27: God Is for You

September 28: Release the Past

September 29: The Greater Blessing

September 30: Confront Sin

October

October 1: Compassion

October 2: Consult Him

October 3: Expectancy

October 4: Act on Faith

October 5: Alone

October 6: The Wonders of Royalty

October 7: Expose Fear

October 8: Gentle Reminders

October 9: More Like Him

October 10: Tenderness

October 11: Distracted

October 12: Jealousy

October 13: Feast on His Love

October 14: No More Shame

October 15: Every Way Imaginable

October 16: Tender Moments

October 17: Divine Exchange

October 18: Intercession

October 19: Emotions

October 20: Come Close

October 21: Wholehearted Forgiveness

October 22: Be Honest

October 23: A Perspective Change

October 24: From Suffering to Abundance

October 25: Freedom in Confession

October 26: The Power of Our Testimony

October 27: Leaving a Legacy

October 28: Provision from Above

October 29: Family Restoration

October 30: Loved by Him

October 31: Reflect the Lord

November

November 1: Take the Risk

November 2: Worth the Wait

November 3: Grow in Peace

November 4: Surprises

November 5: Seasons of Change

November 6: Adventures of Faith

November 7: Validation

November 8: A Life Worth Living

November 9: His Beloved

November 10: Impart His Blessing

November 11: Hold On to Faith

November 12: Wisdom

November 13: Represent Him Well

November 14: Awaken Dreams

November 15: Eternally Faithful

November 16: Our Strength

November 17: Destiny

November 18: Yes, He Can

November 19: Double Blessings

November 20: Hear God

November 21: Mercy’s Kiss

November 22: A Legacy of Devotion

November 23: The Will of God

November 24: Lessons in Reflection

November 25: Transformation

November 26: Listen

November 27: Declarations of Truth

November 28: A Warning and an Example

November 29: Purity

November 30: Powerful Intercession

December

December 1: Lay Aside Anger

December 2: Priesthood

December 3: Let Us Roar

December 4: Represent the King

December 5: A Servant’s Heart

December 6: Tap into Glory

December 7: The Anointing

December 8: Gloriously Redeemed

December 9: His Gaze

December 10: Found in Him

December 11: Beyond Borders

December 12: The Honor of Prayer

December 13: His Resting Place

December 14: His Portion

December 15: True Potential

December 16: Confident in Him

December 17: Overcomer

December 18: The Oil of His Presence

December 19: Skip over Mountains

December 20: Beautiful You

December 21: Fruit for Sharing

December 22: Unstoppable

December 23: Our Vindicator

December 24: He Is Strong

December 25: The One We Worship

December 26: More than Able

December 27: Carrying His Name

December 28: Speak Life

December 29: Seasoned with Grace

December 30: The Grace to Forgive

December 31: A Life Framed by God

About the Authors

I will establish my eternal covenant of love between me and you.

GENESIS 17:7

January

JANUARY 1

His Story

When God created the heavens and the earth…

GENESIS 1:1

Genesis is God’s autobiography. It is his story. His account of turning extraordinary desire into something tangible. He created us because he longed to share his unlimited love. He formed the heavens, the earth, and all that they contain to demonstrate his extravagance, wisdom, creativity, and generosity. God wanted us to know to what lengths he went to bring all that we see and all that we are into being. From his eternal dwelling, he created everything from nothing.

The story of creation pulls us into mystery. With no answers to our curiosity, we can only worship. Man wasn’t made to analyze God. First and foremost, he was created to be a worshiper (John 4:24). We will never be able to take the mystery out of creation, for a God who is incomprehensible in his greatness accomplished it.

Father, from the beginning, you have wanted me to be blessed by your extravagance. All that I see, from the skies above me to the waters beneath, is a testimony of not only your desire to bless me but also of your absolute power and wisdom. As I start this journey through Genesis, I open myself to experience your love in ways I’ve never known before.

JANUARY 2

He Fills Empty Spaces

The earth was completely formless and empty,with nothing but darkness draped over the deep.

GENESIS 1:2

Our brilliant, all-powerful God doesn’t need a starter kit. He isn’t at a loss for how to turn dark situations into something glorious. Perfect beauty and harmony fill empty spaces, void of life, when he enters the scene—just look at what his glory has done in us! Obscurity is merely a blank canvas awaiting the touch of the Master’s hand.

Let this encourage you. This magnificent One doesn’t listen to our difficult prayers or look at our desolation and stand by feeling stumped. No! He confidently steps into the darkness and wraps it around himself like a robe. With perfect wisdom and uncontainable glory, he infuses every inch with light until not even a shadow exists. Not one single atom remains the same when it comes in contact with him.

Father, I’m so glad my trials don’t repel you. Thank you for reminding me that the areas of my life that seem dark and empty are only opportunities awaiting your splendor. So come. Breathe upon every hollow and lifeless situation. As you do, I know life itself will radiate with your glory once again.

JANUARY 3

His Fluttering Spirit

God’s Spirit hovered over the face of the waters.

GENESIS 1:2

The word hovered can also be translated “to brood, to vibrate, to flutter.” It signifies a gentle, intentional movement. Imagine a mother eagle tending to her young, wings flapping with both gentleness and power as she hovers above. On the morning of creation, God’s Spirit fluttered over the waters. Air, land, and sea were set perfectly into place.

Now the Holy Spirit has set his intention upon you—gently brooding with fierce love and approval because of what Jesus has done. He looks at your life and, with unmatched wisdom, knows exactly how to bring every area into heavenly order. You can be confident, fully trusting him, knowing he has set his attention upon you. Imagine his Spirit gently sweeping over you as you rest in his presence. Notice the way his love greets you in the morning and tucks you in at night. With loving affection, he is there—with you now and always. Gently brooding over you.

Father, my heart rises to meet you. Overshadow me like you did the Virgin Mary—creating something out of nothing. Take my life, every part of me, and make me eternally yours. Refresh me with your Spirit wind and fan the flames of holy devotion.

JANUARY 4

God Is Light

God announced, “Let there be light,” and light burst forth!

GENESIS 1:3

God shaped all things by his word and spoke them into being with intricate detail and skill. Light was his first expression released on the earth—bursting forth though the sun had not graced the sky! Before the natural sun existed, the light of God filled the earth with glory. The very essence of God illuminated the world.

God spoke, and an explosion of light appeared that still races through the darkness! Darkness heard his command and bowed. And that word still proceeds out of the mouth of God today. In fact, everything he speaks accomplishes his purpose. Darkness continues to submit to light. Remember that when it opposes you. Your life is bursting with creation glory, and you stand victorious! When God announces his desires, his words carry the power to make them a reality. Light always overcomes darkness.

Father, you have filled my life with the brilliance of your love. The desire to know you consumes me. To see the One whose light illuminates every dark crevice. May the glory of your presence be prevalent in my life. And may I shine the beauty and power of your love into the world around me.

JANUARY 5

Made Beautiful

God saw the light as pleasing and beautiful.

GENESIS 1:4

God wants us to see ourselves the way he sees us. As we position ourselves in Jesus, in the glory that comes from him, we discover our true identity. Spiritual light floods our vision so we can see a surprising reality: he has made us beautiful. Not bearable or tolerable. Not loved because God’s a good Father and has to love us. But so pleasant, treasured, and desirable that we were worth the price of the cross.

When God looks at us, he sees the light of his presence within us. He loved us long before the cross ever happened. He sees us—every inch of us, every flaw and bad attitude—yet still delights in us. He who created the light and then stepped back to admire it has created you. God sees with perfect vision, and nothing hides from his gaze. It’s time for you to see yourself the way he does—wholly beautiful in his sight.

Father, open my eyes and spiritual understanding. Help me to see myself the way you do. You created me in your image—to be full of light and to stand separate from darkness. As I look into your eyes, I discover my true identity. I am your child—beautiful and valued in your sight.

JANUARY 6

Morning Always Comes

He used the light to dispel the darkness.God called the light “Day,” and the darkness “Night.”And so, evening gave way to morning—the first day.

GENESIS 1:4–5

The Light of the World has come onto the scene and ruined the intensity of darkness forever. Every day, when morning casts its golden glow, darkness bows. It resigns itself to the power of God’s command that there would be light. This is an astounding message of hope given at the start of every day to remind us of God’s faithfulness. Light always comes. Evening always gives way to morning.

Darkness helps us recognize the importance, beauty, and power of light. Whether on the earth and in the skies or through the trials of life, even shadows seek out the light. Shadows point to the fact that light must exist. Difficulties cause us to lift our eyes and await the dawn with hope, faith, and expectation. Even in our most difficult seasons, the Glorious One still shines. His magnificence glistens through the deepest night, turning darkness into day and chaos into order.

Jesus, you are the Light of the World. Illuminate my life. Let the valley of shadows bow to your majesty and come into alignment with your Word. Shine brightly so that even in the fog, I will see clearly. I set my eyes on you so my vision will adjust. Eclipse this obscurity with your glory.

JANUARY 7

The Sky Above

God said, “Let there be a dome between the watersto separate the water above from the water below.”He made the dome and called it “Sky.”

GENESIS 1:6–8

It doesn’t matter where you live—a bustling city or a tropical island—the sky above us declares the brilliance and wisdom of God. The stars glisten as a reminder of his grace, and the sun burns with samples of his fiery love. The clouds swell with refreshing rain. The wind teaches us that we can feel invisible things. It demonstrates that we don’t need to see, bottle, or understand something to know it’s there.

The height of the heavens reminds us of God’s supremacy and the infinite span of his power. The brightness of the sky reminds us of his purity and glory. Its vastness teaches us the immensity and grandeur of his majesty. He is the God of the heavens who has stretched out this dome over us!

Father, thank you for giving me glimpses of your greatness and then reminding me that it has been set in place for my enjoyment. When I feel the sun on my face or enjoy the night sky, I stand in awe. Your brilliance stirs my soul to worship. Your generosity ignites my passionate praise.

JANUARY 8

New Life

God said, “Let the land burst forth with growth.”

GENESIS 1:11

God’s words still carry power! His declaration that the ground would burst forth is still applicable to our lives today. Every dry, cracked, dusty area of your soul thirsts for the quenching rains of his love. He can turn a desert into a blossoming oasis.

It’s time to believe again. To ask this loving, gracious Father to pour out his glory into every lifeless chasm. To turn our desolation into something beautiful and fruitful. To stop agreeing with a victim mentality and remember that he created us for beauty. Destined to fit into this crown he has placed upon our heads. We are not defined by our trials but by the glory that makes us whole and causes us to shine.

Father, this year I’m going to see things from your point of view. Instead of allowing circumstances, busyness, or disappointments to dictate how I feel, I’m going to agree with the words you’ve spoken. Saturate my dry ground with your love so I will burst forth with new life!

JANUARY 9

Seeds of Glory

God said, “Let the land burst forth with growth:plants that bear seeds of their own kind,and every variety of fruit tree,each with power to multiply from its own seed.”

GENESIS 1:11

God raised the land up from the waters and clothed it with life. In the place of desolation and barrenness, God, the author of life, blanketed the earth with vegetation. He gave the trees and flowers the ability to seed themselves in the land so they could blossom, bloom, and feed the soon coming creatures and humans. He didn’t hand us something ugly, useless, and tolerable. He gave us something beautiful and useful.

God raised us up and clothed us with himself. He took our barrenness and wrapped it in his glory. Now, the seeds we sow—these actions in the form of prayer, compassion, and kind deeds—bear fruit in his name. He has given us the privilege of spreading his glory seeds across the earth.

Father, I love reading the comparisons of what you did on the earth and how they apply to my life. You astound me. Nothing you do is accidental, and I know when I get to heaven, I will learn even more about the intricacies of creation I don’t yet understand. Thank you for inviting me on this journey to discover you in all that I see around me.

JANUARY 10

You Move His Heart

God loved what he saw,for it was beautiful.

GENESIS 1:12

There was a void that once reverberated in silent need of its Creator yet now stands in confident awe at what it’s become. Creation wasn’t always the glorious masterpiece we see today, yet from the moment God held its design in his heart, he knew it was beautiful.

When God looks at you, your beauty moves him. He is overcome by the love he has for you. You, who were once in desperate need of his cleansing, now glisten with the splendor of God himself. He made you in his image, and he loves what he sees. Your life of devotion has become a beautiful poem. The very heartbeat of love he knew you would be.

Father, your love has made me confident. I am becoming the person you’ve always known I could be. I am your perfect design. Your glorious bride and honored friend. In you, I am beautiful. Because of your mercy, I shine with holy purity. I move the heart of God.

JANUARY 11

Created to Shine

God said, “Let there be bright lights to shine in spaceto bathe the earth with their light.Let them serve as signs to separate the day from night.”

GENESIS 1:14

God did not mean for the distinction between light and darkness to intimidate us. It was always God’s idea for these two opposing expressions to teach us great truth and to reveal our position in Christ. Darkness, seen as worldly views, sin, and man-made ideas, won’t bully us when we know our identity in the Lord. Instead, we see these as invitations to shine.

As the sun, moon, and stars bathe the earth in light, we who radiate the glory of God pour out the purifying love of God into the world. He created us to shine. To be radiant, full of compassion and courage, just as our Father is. We are glorious when we keep our minds fixed on the Lord. The One whose face is like the brightness of the sun reminds us that we are his bride. As we step from the chambers of his love onto the platform for which he created us, we radiate with his glory so all the world can see.

Father, keep me close to you. Near enough to see the brilliance of your smile and feel the warmth of your embrace. Consume my fears so I may boldly shine into the darkness. Absorb my weaknesses with the glory of your love. I embrace the truth of who I am—glorious and filled with light!

JANUARY 12

Present in Every Moment

“…and signify the days,seasons, and years.”

GENESIS 1:15

God did not create time to rule over us. It was meant to be a gift, a way to watch our lives progress in knowledge of the One we love, serve, and run alongside. Time can serve as a reminder of its importance, so we don’t squander it, but it is not our master. God is.

Our heavenly Father is the Creator of our days, seasons, and years. It’s time for us to change our perspective of time. Instead of looking back at what we haven’t accomplished or focusing on what has gone wrong, let’s set our hearts on the Lord. Let’s live by faith, believing that our time is in his hands. The Lord knows our seasons, and when we fully surrender each day, moment, and decision to him, he will set them in order. He will take us by the hand and give us the grace and wisdom necessary to do all that is in our hearts. It’s not too late. There is always enough time when we follow the Lord’s leading and see each moment as a blessing instead of a curse.

Father, I repent for behaving as though time is my master. I don’t serve time; I serve you! You are my Master, and you hold my seasons with care. Release to me the grace to find purpose, peace, and joy in each day. Help me to be present in every moment, discovering the blessing you’ve hidden in each one.

JANUARY 13

Illuminate

He also spread the tapestry of shining starsand set them all in the sky to illuminate the earth.

GENESIS 1:16–17

Look at how extravagantly the Lord has dressed the sky! Before he ever created you, he taught the stars to dance on the edge of his fingertips. To release pinpricks—samples of his glory to illuminate the night sky. But the stars in their brilliant wonder don’t compare to the mystery of his light in you.

You are a vessel of the highest honor. The one who houses the very glory of God himself. The same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. God created you to brighten every room you walk into. To sparkle and shine with joyous praise that the enemy cannot silence. To speak words of life that awaken sleeping hearts. You are radiant.

Father, thank you for filling me with the light of your Spirit. Help me to remember how much glory and power I carry. I am your child—a beautiful masterpiece with an eternal purpose. You delight in me. You love me, and I am an extension of your love on this earth. I will shine with the glory you’ve entrusted to me.

JANUARY 14

Empowered by Love

To rule over the day and to rule over the night…

GENESIS 1:18

Do not hide in a corner bewildered at this darkness all around you. It wasn’t created to take you out. It is there to demonstrate how powerful you really are. To allow you an opportunity to release the majesty of God and see his will manifest on the earth.

When you stand in the midst of the unknown, let faith be the posture of your heart. Remember who lives inside of you, and let him lead, even if your legs are shaking with those first steps. Soon, you’ll realize how trustworthy he is. How much fun it is to rule and reign with him. How strong you really are when you choose to believe despite the screaming lies of hell. Don’t give up! You carry the power of breakthrough inside.

Father, thank you for reminding me that I am not a victim but a victor. I can do all things because you are on my side. You are in me, with me, and leading me. Fear is the enemy of love, and from now on, I will not agree with it. Trusting your love is what empowers me!

JANUARY 15

Let There Be Life

God said, “Let there be life!”

GENESIS 1:20

God will breathe life into every dead and lifeless situation. No matter how dark and gloomy things are, he can turn them around in an instant. His light shines brightest in darkness. Trials are merely opportunities to see God do amazing things. Don’t run from trials, face them head-on and laugh in their faces. Allow them to build patience as you trust God and wait for his hand of breakthrough.

Let this trial become a testimony of victory. Lift your voice in joyful anticipation of what God is about to do. He has declared life, so agree with his Word! He is encouraging you to believe despite what you see, so shake off discouragement and trample it with your faith. God is good, he loves you, and in his presence is fullness of life.

Father, I see the light of hope shining on the horizon. It’s the testimony of breakthrough that you released over me from the beginning of time. Even when an answer to my prayer is different than I expect, your love is worth trusting. You always breathe new life into my soul.

JANUARY 16

The Gift of Creativity

God created huge sea creatures and every living creature that moves of every kind—swarming in the water and flying in the sky, according to their species. God loved what he saw, for it was beautiful.

GENESIS 1:21

Our all-wise God is also fun and unique. His creativity has no limits. The extravagance of creating sky, planets, oceans, trees, and flowers wasn’t enough. God wanted to gift us with more. To live in awestruck wonder of his originality and wisdom. It seems he wants us to know creativity can be fun, intriguing, and extraordinary—expressions of our own ideas, emotions, and beauty.

He filled the world with multitudes of living creatures. Animals that are wild, weird, and brilliant! And we are to be like him when we create. Let’s not hold back for fear of what others may think. We are an expression of him on this earth, so let’s not fear to be unique in our gifts of creativity.

Father, all you’ve created is astounding! I stand in awe of your artistic brilliance and perfect wisdom. You created all that I see and don’t see, yet you knew exactly how it would tie together to make up this wonderful world. Grace me with the ability to express my creativity with freedom, joy, and uniqueness, just as you did.

JANUARY 17

His Word Is Alive

God said…And so it happened. …And God loved what he saw,for it was beautiful.

GENESIS 1:24–25

We often say God created out of nothing. But God didn’t create things out of nothing; he created everything from his word. He took the invisible substance of his words and made them visible. Elohim took what had never been seen and made it known. All things came to life through the word of God.

Like our Father, our words carry the power of life or death. God’s unchanging Word, spoken through our lips, releases life and beauty even now. It is still alive and powerful—continuing to create. Let’s soak in the truth of the Scriptures until they saturate us with faith and assurance. Soon the power of his Word will overflow into all we say, faith will frame our perspective, and the truth will fill our lives with beauty.

Father, inhabit the areas of my life that are barren and dull and make them beautiful. I trust the power of your Word that flows with eternal, creative power. Saturate my thinking with the life-giving truths that will transform my way of speaking, doing, and believing. Thank you for your Word that continues to bring all things into divine order and causes my life to blossom with heavenly beauty.

JANUARY 18

In His Image

God said, “Let us make a man and a woman in our image.”

GENESIS 1:26

Image can be translated “representation, resemblance.” We not only represent God, but we also look like him! More than anything else he created, we are the ones who bring his beauty into the earth. Reflecting the nature, authority, power, and compassion of who he is into creation. We are walking examples of God upon the earth.

Think about the painted sunset, majestic mountains, and the brilliance of a starry sky. As stunning as creation is, you are more beautiful still. The glory of his Spirit is in you and releases from you. The master artist, this perfect Creator who breathed the world’s most exquisite sights into existence, says that you are his most beautiful creation. Nothing compares to the delight he feels when he gazes upon you.

Father, I love that you put so much care into the way you created everything around me. Yet you bestowed me with the honor of carrying your glory. I’m undone by the grace you’ve shown. I stand in awe of your beauty within me. Delighted to represent you and to live in this holy union.

JANUARY 19

Like Him

“…in our image to be like us.Let them reign.”

GENESIS 1:26

It was God’s original intent that we would be like the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sin attempted to usurp our rightful place of rulership, but God, through Jesus, redeemed our calling. Through a humble display of extravagant love, Jesus took our sinful nature upon himself and gave us his righteousness. We are the bride who has been chosen to rule and reign with Christ.

We are not only created in his image, but we also have become the perfect partner for Jesus—loved by the Father the same way he loves his Son. We have an equal role with Jesus upon the earth. We present his glory, his merciful and joyous personality, his hope, his wisdom, and his redemption to the world. What an honor it is to be like him!

Father, let every motive of my heart be fine-tuned, flowing in unison with you. I want to look like you, see like you, and walk like you. I want to know you more than any person ever has. Strengthen me with your presence and transform every part of me into your image

JANUARY 20

One with Him

God created man and woman and shaped them with his imageinside them. In his own beautiful image, he created his masterpiece.Yes, male and female he created them.

GENESIS 1:27

God is vast and mysterious. Being neither male nor female, he had to create two genders to reveal the dimensions of his nature and character. Everything that exists contains demonstrations of his creativity and brilliance, but we are the ones who radiate the very beauty of God. We are his masterpiece, formed to have communion and relationship with our Creator.

The Lord took his own nature and likeness and fashioned a creature to be like him—one he could love with unlimited passion. Humans who were created from dust yet filled with the divinity and nature of a holy, omnipotent God. We are meant to enjoy him in the warmth of mutual love. Freely and openly, we stand in his presence and commune. Being one has been his divine idea since the beginning.

Father, I’m overwhelmed by the desire of your heart to be one with me. You literally filled me with yourself. You love me so much that you want to continually commune with me. To enjoy the beauty of our relationship at all times and to experience our oneness as your presence greets me each day.

JANUARY 21

Blessed in His Love

God blessed them in his love.

GENESIS 1:28

The blessing of God implies love. Love that empowers us to live with joy. Love that expects and cannot fear. Love that is fruitful and established in him. This blessing gives us all we need to succeed. Walking hand in hand with the Lord equips us for all we face. This relationship infuses us with the power and favor necessary to succeed. His love is the stabilizing force that anchors us in the ways of peace.

God created us to live in his love. This is the place of continued blessing where safety and stability are the norms. In the cocoon of his wraparound glory, we are equipped and soon emerge transformed. Able to face anything that comes our way. When we remain near his heart, the blessing of his presence melts away anything that contradicts this holy blessing.

Father, there is nothing sweeter than remaining in the bliss of your presence. You have become my strength and song. When everything else feels out of sorts, I can rest in the confidence that you love me. Nothing else matters when I’m aware of you. Thank you for the blessing of your passionate desire for me.

JANUARY 22

God’s Delight

God surveyed all he had made and said, “I love it!”For it pleased him greatly.Evening gave way to morning—day six.

GENESIS 1:31

Take a moment and imagine our Father leaning back in his throne and surveying the vast beauty of all he created. The waters abundant with life lapping at the shores. The creatures spreading out upon the earth, running and playing for the first time. Wind partnering with the trees, making the leaves dance under glimmering stars. Perfectly green grass and fragrant flowers untainted by pollution. Imagine the sounds filling the atmosphere. Sounds of life never heard before. And then there we were—the ones who would contain the uncontainable One. What did the angels do to celebrate the birth of creation? What must it have been like to see it all unfold?

The story of creation doesn’t end with God feeling disappointed or dissatisfied. From the beginning, we (the entirety of creation) pleased him greatly. Before we could possibly do anything to please him, he loved us. We are his delight.

Father, thinking about the wonder of creation leaves me awestruck. How glorious and brilliant you are! Thank you for blessing me with such beautiful things. No one could ever gift me with planets, oceans, and life itself. You are the epitome of perfection, yet you look at me and call me beautiful.

JANUARY 23

Flow in Harmony

The creation of the heavens and the earthwere completed in all their vast array.

GENESIS 2:1

Our Father designed all of creation in heaven and earth as a visual representation of his perfect power and unlimited generosity. Nothing was an accident. Everything he created is beautiful and filled with purpose. It all flows together in harmony.

When we look at the diversity around us, it should excite us because each of us is a portrayal of the One we worship. Our differences and uniqueness aren’t meant to push us apart but serve to reveal God’s vastness. If he had made us all alike, it wouldn’t have conveyed who he is. He desires that we flow in harmony, becoming stronger and more beautiful as we embrace who God created us to be without shaming or criticizing each other. We are whole when we function as a whole and embrace each other in the light of God’s love.

Father, thank you for reminding me of the importance and beauty of our diversity. Help me to see others, even those I don’t agree with, as valued, important, and as a reflection of you. Teach me to look beyond what makes us different and to remember the power of uniting despite those differences.

JANUARY 24

Time with God

God had completed creating his masterpiece,so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work.

GENESIS 2:2

Like an artist who has finished his masterpiece, God took the time to admire his work. The Omnipotent One didn’t rest because he was weary. There is no mention of evening and morning completing the seventh day, which implies that God’s Sabbath rest endures forever. On the sixth day, the Lord created man, and on the seventh, he rested. God took the day off to be with him.

Man started his life by enjoying his Father in the place of rest. He wasn’t taken into the fields and taught the importance of each animal, plant, or seed. He wasn’t versed in the science of the cosmos. God didn’t put him to work. Man learned the importance of rest by watching his Creator demonstrate it firsthand. Adam’s first day was to be the foundation for the rest of his life! It centered on nearness to his Father and the value of resting with him.

Father, I want to follow your example. I long to find this place of rest and enjoyment with you. When I want to rush and get the day started, remind me to start in the stillness of your presence. Bless me with the grace to quiet my mind and find this rest again.

JANUARY 25

Seasons and Times

God blessed the seventh day.

GENESIS 2:3

The Hebrew word for “day” is yom and can be translated into over fifty different words, such as “today, time, forever, continually, age, life, season, perpetually, or a period of time.” The Hebraic mindset doesn’t view yom as a twenty-four-hour period. Scriptures frequently speak of the day of the Lord, which points to a time period of God’s divine activity, not a day with a sunrise and sunset. Both Moses and Peter spoke of a thousand years being like one day (Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8).

God’s ways are higher than ours. His wisdom is far greater than the wisdom of man. When we feel confined by the limits of time, God sees unlimited possibilities. He isn’t restricted to our timetables. When we commit our days, seasons, and lives to the Lord’s care, there is always enough time. He knows how to lead us in his perfect timing, even if it doesn’t make sense to our natural understanding.

Father, forgive me for my unbelief. For putting limits on what I think can or cannot happen based on my age or the restrictions of time. I know my seasons are safe in your hands. I don’t need to sacrifice my dreams just because they haven’t happened yet. You are a faithful God—the keeper of my days.

JANUARY 26

Sacred Days

God blessed the seventh day and made it sacred,because on it, he paused to rest.

GENESIS 2:3

Since Scripture never references the end of the seventh day, we should pause and acknowledge the eternal truth of sacred rest. This isn’t necessarily a ceasing of action but an internal, ongoing enjoyment of this spiritual relationship with the Lord that never ends.

God has provided everything we need to live a full and satisfying life. We are now complete in Christ. Created to enjoy his provision. Our busy or mundane days, each breath, and every moment are sacred. Each nanosecond, a gift from our heavenly Father. Let’s not take life for granted but instead learn to embrace it fully. To live for eternity with an awareness of the Holy Spirit’s continual abiding presence. These are sacred days.

Father, give me eyes to see from eternity’s perspective. To enjoy these sacred days with you that will continue forever. To never take for granted the blessing of our holy union. To not only acknowledge your presence but also to stay tuned into it throughout the day. You are the way, the truth, and the life that transforms every moment.

JANUARY 27

Awestruck

This is the account of the heavens and the earth.

GENESIS 2:4

God loves to share things with us. To let us in on family secrets and ideas that move his heart. He wasn’t obligated to divulge the mysteries of creation. He wanted to. And yet even in this account, as he breaks it down into bite-sized pieces, we can only stand and wonder at his brilliance.

The wisdom of our Father is vast and glorious, yet he tells us to ask for it. To search out the unsearchable. To dip our toes in an ocean of understanding that has existed before time began. He wants us to reach while being comfortable with the mystery of the unreachable. He is not only our Creator and King, but he is also our friend and Savior. Our brother and Father. He is the beginning and the end. The One who abides within the very beings he created.

Father, I’m astounded by the brilliance of your creation. Left awestruck by the beauty you have entrusted within this vessel of flesh and blood. Each day you give me glimpses of glory and snapshots of revelation. And when I think of all there is to know, I’m grateful that we have eternity to spend together.

JANUARY 28

A Holy Spirit Deluge

Yahweh-God had not yet sent rain. In those days, a mist arose fromthe soil and watered the whole face of the ground.

GENESIS 2:5–6

Rain often stands as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Before God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us, he was already there—enveloping us like a mist. Drawing us to himself. Before our souls were ever watered, he wet our lips and awakened our thirst.

God, in his mercy, poured out the refreshing rain of his love upon our dry, dusty ground. What once was a trickle has become a downpour! Every day of our lives, we’re invited to splash about as we dance in the rain with our beloved. To laugh and sing as he satisfies our parched souls. His love is the remedy. His grace is our refreshing. We never need to complain of feeling spiritually dry when the fountain of living water lives inside of us!

Father, I’m diving in! Worshiping you without restraint. You are the One who quenches my thirsty soul. You are the river that cascades through my being with refreshing, healing love. Pour out your presence into every dry and cracked crevice so I will never thirst again.

JANUARY 29

Awaken

Yahweh-God scooped up a lump of soil, sculpted a man,and blew into his nostrils the breath of life.

GENESIS 2:7

God created everything else through an act of speech. He sculpted only man with his hands. Take a moment and imagine the tenderness and care that went into forming us. God knelt in the soil and delicately sculpted his most desired offspring. With each brush of his hand, he meticulously created Adam, who would become his firstborn on the earth.

We are a reflection of our Father, mysteriously complex and beautifully woven together. We were chosen to be his vessels—containers of his presence and glory. Face-to-face, as close as one gets to another, God breathed the breath of life into Adam. In essence, Adam was awakened by a kiss from his Father. Imagine being kissed into existence! Today, our Father’s presence is the kiss of love that awakens us to life.

Father, kiss me with holy awakening. Meet me face-to-face as I set time aside to enjoy you and breathe deeply of your love. Your nearness reminds me how much you care for me. You have been with me since the beginning. In these moments of encounter, you continue to pour over me with loving attention, telling me how desired and beautiful I am.

JANUARY 30

To Be One

In the Land of Delight…he placed the man he had formed.In the middle of the garden, he planted the Tree of Life.

GENESIS 2:8–9

At the start, God gave us a peek at his perfect will. Man was placed in the Land of Delight (Jesus—our home and true delight). Then life itself was planted in the middle of the garden (we are his garden). From the very beginning, we see God’s heart. We catch a glimpse of our prophetic destiny—man and God were meant to live in perfect union.

Today, this is our reality. In him, we live, move, and have our being (Acts 7:28). And inside of us dwells the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Our Father held this heavenly design close to his heart before Adam ever sinned. God, in his perfect wisdom and sin-shattering love, set a plan in motion that nothing could stop. Before anyone would ever challenge love, it had already won.

Father, it’s mind-boggling to think that from the very start, you knew we would be one. You loved me and had a plan to rescue me before I needed rescuing. Each day, as I live in the reality of your presence, I know I’ve found my perfect home.

JANUARY 31

Garden of Delight

Yahweh-God planted a lush garden paradise in the East, in the Landof Delight; and there he placed the man he had formed.

GENESIS 2:8