Fruit of the Spirit E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Seitenzahl: 427

Beschreibung

Sometimes you are full of love, joy, and peace. Kindness and goodness flow freely. You have faithfulness in the bag. What about patience, gentleness, and self- control? The truth is none of these are easy to walk in consistently. It is why we need gentle reminders every day. This devotional gives fresh perspective on age-old themes. Spend time in God's presence reflecting on his wonderful Word, and be filled with whatever fruit you need for your day – maybe you need a little of them all! The great thing about God is that his fruit buffet never runs out, and he loves it when you come back for more. 

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The Fruit of the Spirit

© 2017 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5393-8 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5394-5 (e-book)

Devotional entries by Claire Flores, Rachel Flores, Cate Mezyk, and Carole Smith

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

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2014, 2015, 2106 by BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com.

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17 18 19 20 21   5 4 3 2 1

The fruit of the Spirit is love,

joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

GALATIANS 5:22-23 NIV

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: All in Love

January 2: Eternal Mind-Set

January 3: The Gift of Empathy

January 4: Walking in Peace

January 5: Comprehending Perfect Faithfulness

January 6: Stand Firm

January 7: His Glory

January 8: Powerful Kindness

January 9: I Will See His Goodness

January 10: Relentless, Passionate Love

January 11: In Every Season

January 12: Answer Gently

January 13: Tough Obedience

January 14: Know Who You Are

January 15: Laying down Being Right

January 16: Ready to Forgive

January 17: Destroyed Defenses

January 18: Stillness

January 19: Always the Better Way

January 20: Getting Directions

January 21: Peace of a Pure Life

January 22: Internal Tools

January 23: Stumbles, Not Falls

January 24: A Single Soul

January 25: Soul Care

January 26: Run Strong

January 27: Overflowing Spirit

January 28: Faithful Complaint?

January 29: Simple Hospitality

January 30: New Wine, New Joy

January 31: Work for Peace

February

February 1: No Longer a Slave

February 2: Lord of Heaven’s Armies

February 3: Inherent Goodness

February 4: Heavenly Rewards

February 5: What Defines You?

February 6: Love Is a Marathon

February 7: Restored

February 8: Let Jesus Lead the Way

February 9: Fellow Pilgrims

February 10: Deal Kindly

February 11: Online Judgment

February 12: Liberty and Love

February 13: Peace, Be Still

February 14: Powerful, Gentle Love

February 15: Pray for Glory

February 16: Peace Amidst the Struggles

February 17: Listen to God’s Direction

February 18: Proclaim Peace

February 19: Strengthened by Trials

February 20: At Rope’s End

February 21: The Lord Whispers

February 22: Beloved Gaze

February 23: Peacemaker, Troublemaker

February 24: Celebrate God’s Blessings

February 25: Give God Awe

February 26: Christ in Us

February 27: Be Filled

February 28: Leading like a Mother

March

March 1: God Is Love

March 2: Mind Games

March 3: God’s Constancy

March 4: Treasure Faithfulness

March 5: Be Confident in Truth

March 6: The People of Kindness

March 7: Wise Responses

March 8: Demonstrate Faith to the World

March 9: Dwell on the Gospel

March 10: The Greatest Investment

March 11: Soul Sickness

March 12: Current Kindness

March 13: Healing Through Love

March 14: Uncontrollable Assurance

March 15: Light and Warmth

March 16: Finding Love

March 17: Responding in Peace

March 18: The Lifeboat

March 19: Speak Truth

March 20: Jesus’ Heartbeat

March 21: Cultivate Peace

March 22: Fruit from Pain

March 23: Look for Blessings

March 24: Trust the One

March 25: Overcome Temptation

March 26: Take off the Band-Aid

March 27: God-Honoring Speech

March 28: Patient Warrior

March 29: Pray Away Apathy

March 30: Adventure of Life

March 31: Devotion

April

April 1: Temptation Is Powerless

April 2: Piece by Piece

April 3: Fortresses

April 4: Slow Down

April 5: Sanctification

April 6: Peace with Jesus

April 7: Your Face

April 8: Rich Promises

April 9: Are You Tired?

April 10: Keep the Faith

April 11: Generation to Generation

April 12: Faithful Rules

April 13: Brave Commandment

April 14: Shelter and Refuge

April 15: Celebrating Promises

April 16: The Just God

April 17: Many Rewards

April 18: Perfect Prosperity

April 19: Loving Hand

April 20: On Our Knees

April 21: Gift in the Holy Spirit

April 22: A Father’s Teaching

April 23: Rebuilt

April 24: Giving the Other Cheek

April 25: Kindness in Trouble

April 26: Our Great Commission

April 27: Confrontation

April 28: Flying in Formation

April 29: Rearview Mirror

April 30: Faithful Companion

May

May 1: Faithful Reward

May 2: Bad Habits

May 3: Increased Capacity

May 4: Two Kinds of Law

May 5: Words and Deeds

May 6: Inheritance

May 7: Love Well

May 8: At the Table

May 9: Called to Lead

May 10: You Are Worthy

May 11: How Would Jesus Love?

May 12: Legacies

May 13: Humble Armor

May 14: Examples

May 15: No More Chains

May 16: Good and Faithful Servant

May 17: God’s Family

May 18: Perfect Forgiveness

May 19: Today’s Tabithas

May 20: Intimacy with God

May 21: Joyful Living Overflows

May 22: Jesus, Not Juggling

May 23: Faith to Hope

May 24: Mephibosheth

May 25: Milk Nourishes All

May 26: Promoted

May 27: Where Love and Goodness Meet

May 28: Attributes of God

May 29: Extend Forgiveness

May 30: Receive Wisdom

May 31: Drawn Close

June

June 1: Baptized in Kindness

June 2: God’s Fingerprints

June 3: Carried

June 4: Gentle Discipleship

June 5: On the Way to Self-Discipline

June 6: Flourishing Love

June 7: Jesus-Centered

June 8: Even When Mountains Fall

June 9: Goodness

June 10: Hearts of Reverence

June 11: From the Mountain to the Valley

June 12: Relish His Presence

June 13: God’s Plans Bring Peace

June 14: An Ever-Full Well

June 15: The Holy Spirit Key

June 16: Saturated with Goodness

June 17: Covenant of Love

June 18: Persevere

June 19: Royal Control

June 20: The Love Perspective

June 21: Run to the Lord

June 22: Faith and Peace

June 23: Forgiven to Love

June 24: Savior of the Nations

June 25: Teach and Encourage

June 26: The Appearance of Faith

June 27: Weak Flesh

June 28: Graced with Discernment

June 29: Planted in God’s Will

June 30: Completed

July

July 1: Presence of Jesus

July 2: Powerful and Silent

July 3: Run, Don’t Walk

July 4: Comforting Rules

July 5: Prayer Makes Change

July 6: Tender Authority

July 7: Cut the Static

July 8: Love Motivated, Love Expressed

July 9: Apples of Gold, Set Tings of Silver

July 10: Recreated

July 11: Pain and Patience

July 12: Just like Dad

July 13: Purpose

July 14: Love Equally

July 15: Purchased

July 16: Devotion

July 17: Be Good

July 18: A Listening Ear

July 19: Overflow

July 20: Sing, Sing, Sing!

July 21: Devoted for Eternity

July 22: Love as God Loves

July 23: Love of Eternity

July 24: Truth in the Word

July 25: Let Go

July 26: Affirming Words

July 27: Brothers and Sisters

July 28: Lost

July 29: Loving Correction

July 30: Disciplined Thinking

July 31: Protector

August

August 1: Hide-and-Seek

August 2: Limitless Love

August 3: Tests and Trials

August 4: Supreme Judge

August 5: Glory

August 6: Legacy

August 7: Love of a Father

August 8: Crooked Path

August 9: Humble Spirit

August 10: Blessings

August 11: One Body

August 12: Integrity

August 13: Perfecter of Peace

August 14: Unveiled

August 15: Brick by Brick

August 16: A Fool’s Tongue

August 17: The Good Shepherd

August 18: Accessible

August 19: Show the Love

August 20: Unloved

August 21: Remain

August 22: Glad

August 23: Above and Beyond

August 24: Passions

August 25: Promise of Joy

August 26: A Sweet, Sweet Sound

August 27: Pearly Gates

August 28: Promises of God

August 29: Our Bridge

August 30: Vengeful Hearts

August 31: Along the Way

September

September 1: Steady and Slow

September 2: On the Cross

September 3: The Calm in the Storm

September 4: Tender Love

September 5: The Head of the Snake

September 6: Endurance

September 7: Miraculous

September 8: The Way of the Lord

September 9: Blind Faith

September 10: Nourishing

September 11: Bold and Brave

September 12: Pick of the Lit Ter

September 13: Marriage

September 14: Together

September 15: Humility

September 16: Acting in Your Gift

September 17: God Is Good, All the Time!

September 18: Pay It Forward

September 19: Commandments

September 20: It Was Good

September 21: Plans to Do Good

September 22: Simplicity in Love

September 23: Displayed

September 24: Obedient Love

September 25: He Hears the Details

September 26: Joy in the Shadow

September 27: Authority in Love

September 28: All Joy

September 29: Eternal Joy

September 30: Sincerity

October

October 1: Peaceful Walls

October 2: Joy in the Spirit

October 3: Peace with Faith

October 4: Martyrdom

October 5: A God in Control

October 6: In Secret

October 7: Good Fear?

October 8: God’s Love

October 9: Word of the Lord

October 10: Walking with God

October 11: Betrothed

October 12: Father to the Fatherless

October 13: Kingdom Reigns

October 14: Roadmap

October 15: God’s Soundtrack

October 16: Self-Control

October 17: Walk the Line

October 18: Training

October 19: Supreme Boss

October 20: Walk the Talk

October 21: Bring Glory to the Father

October 22: Become an Influencer

October 23: Loyal

October 24: Commend What Is Good

October 25: Radiate True Love

October 26: Child of a Strong God

October 27: Priceless Love

October 28: Blameless

October 29: Gift of Freedom

October 30: Renewed Daily

October 31: Clothed in Beauty

November

November 1: Together in Christ

November 2: Declared Holy

November 3: Rejoice in God’s Gift

November 4: Reap Joy

November 5: New Opportunities

November 6: Source of Happiness

November 7: Substitution

November 8: Keep Your Eyes Open

November 9: Pursue God

November 10: Full Potential

November 11: Long for the Lord

November 12: Go Deeper

November 13: Abundance of the Holy Spirit

November 14: Cast off Your Worries

November 15: Quiet Tranquility

November 16: Hope

November 17: Restore My Heart

November 18: Serenity

November 19: Constant in a Changing World

November 20: Creativity

November 21: Anticipate the Gifts

November 22: Refined

November 23: Helpfulness

November 24: Overcome

November 25: Glorious Salvation

November 26: Attention to Detail

November 27: Model Godliness

November 28: Fruit of Patience

November 29: Passionate Pursuit

November 30: Receive Life

December

December 1: Continue with Vigor

December 2: Reflect God’s Truth

December 3: Urged by the Spirit

December 4: Reconciliation

December 5: Humble Obedience

December 6: Sow a Good Seed

December 7: Invigorated by the Father

December 8: Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Him

December 9: Celebrate His Goodness

December 10: Receive Mercy

December 11: Glorify and Worship

December 12: Never Changing

December 13: Proclaim the Good News

December 14: Loved Uniquely

December 15: Imitate God

December 16: Raise up His Name

December 17: The Easy Yoke

December 18: Lion of Judah

December 19: Be Strengthened by God

December 20: Together, with the Holy Spirit

December 21: Naughty or Nice?

December 22: A Marathon of Faith

December 23: Shine above All

December 24: Praise from Joy

December 25: A Loyal Love

December 26: Endure Through the Storm

December 27: Not by My Own Strength

December 28: Refined into a Priceless Treasure

December 30: An Audience of One

December 30: Purpose

December 31: Time with Jesus

Introduction

When everything else in life demands your attention, spend time in God’s Word and find the love, joy, and peace you need each day. God delights in every moment you choose to spend with him.

This one-year devotional provides you with godly wisdom and insight to strengthen your faith and encourage your spirit so you can bear God’s wonderful fruit.

Be refreshed and inspired as you spend time pondering the fruit of the Spirit. Let your heart be filled with the peace that is abundant in God’s presence.

January

You have put more

joy in my heart than

they have when their

grain and wine abound.

PSALM 4:7 ESV

January 1

ALL IN LOVE

Let all that you do be done in love.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 ESV

Humans are emotional beings. We are motivated and impacted by our feelings and those of others. We speak harshly out of anger, embark on adventures because of curiosity, lash out in embarrassment, and give to those in need through empathy. Emotion is a gift, but if we allow ourselves to be overly driven by our human passions, they will misguide us. We can’t trust our emotions to drive us—they are too unpredictable.

As followers of Jesus, we can check our hearts and continually remind ourselves to act in love. Everything God does is motivated and backed by overwhelming love for us, and that’s the example we follow. Acting in love is always the right course of action; it neutralizes any sinful attitude or motivation. The positive effects of love on our lives are undeniable; they bring us closer to God and more into his likeness.

Lord, love doesn’t come naturally to me in every

situation. Thank you for enabling me to do all things

out of love through your love in me. Help me to always

check my heart before I react to any situation,

so I respond and act in love.

January 2

ETERNAL MIND-SET

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while,

if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. … Though you

do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy

that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

1 PETER 1:6, 8 ESV

Possibly the hardest thing about the Christian life is developing an eternal perspective. Our humanity is naturally short sighted, and we struggle daily to see what’s beyond our immediate circumstances.

And yet, an eternal mind-set changes everything. It frees us from worry and anxiety to rest in peace and calm, knowing that the hope of glory remains, regardless of trials to come. No matter how long a certain wilderness feels in our lives, we will be redeemed and restored.

Lord, I often struggle to remember your eternal plan.

I grieve and worry over the hardships in my life:

those situations that make me wonder if there’s really

a light at the end of the tunnel. Please switch my

perspective and remind me that you are always in

control. What I’m going through here is temporary, and

you have prepared for me a glory that will outlast time.

January 3

THE GIFT OF EMPATHY

Rejoice with those who rejoice,

and weep with those who weep.

ROMANS 12:15 NKJV

Empathy is one of the greatest gifts we can give to another person. It’s a way of sharing the load, coming alongside someone in both pain and joy. It reminds all involved that no one walks alone.

Empathy is acknowledging that, without going through specifically what the other person is going through, you know how they feel. We are all human, and we all know what it is to cry, laugh, and experience pain or happiness. There is great power in our understanding of one another; even a small effort can be life changing for someone else in triumph or crisis.

Lord, help me to be sensitive to the lives of those

around me. Let me have compassion for their pains

and genuine joy for their victories, sharing their sorrows

and reveling in their successes. I know that empathizing

with others will make me a better friend, spouse,

parent, sibling, and child.

January 4

WALKING IN PEACE

Jesus said, “Peace be with you!

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

JOHN 20:21 NIV

Worry comes far too easily for many of us, but it was never God’s intention for worry to be a driving force in our lives. We are visible expressions of an invisible God, and walking in peace is one of the loudest ways to share him with others. Peace from God brings confidence and security, and it shows the world what it means to be a follower of the God who’s in control of everything.

When we step away from peace and allow anxiety to consume our minds, we lose a very important part of our relationship with Jesus. Peace is an easier way to follow him. We don’t falter or hesitate to obey when we are able to trust without concern. Jesus sent us to do a work that is greater than anything we can see here on earth. By going forward in peace and trust, we help accomplish work that lasts for eternity.

Jesus, it’s hard for me to be at peace. I worry about

so many things, and that can stem from questioning

whether or not you can handle everything in my life.

I do trust you, but I need your help translating that

trust into a constant peace. Thank you for being gracious

to me and leaving your peace with me.

January 5

COMPREHENDING PERFECT FAITHFULNESS

Teach me your way, LORD,

that I may rely on your faithfulness;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear your name.

PSALM 86:11 NIV

We have a hard time fully grasping the faithfulness of God because we aren’t capable of perfect faithfulness. In this verse, David asks God to teach him how to rely on God’s faithfulness. What he is saying is that he doesn’t understand it deeply enough to trust it completely.

When we remove the distractions and the hesitations from our hearts, focusing instead on the never-changing, always-trustworthy God, we can finally comprehend what it means to trust and fear him. When we learn the depths of his reliability and the completeness of his faithfulness, we won’t hesitate to fall into his arms. We will know and understand what it means to have a heart focused on him.

Lord God, I want to know the depths of your

faithfulness. Help me understand your character to

such a degree that human failure doesn’t stop me from

trusting you. Unify my heart and focus on you, not on

the world. I want to fix my gaze on you so I can

trust you with my whole heart.

January 6

STAND FIRM

“Because you have kept My command to persevere,

I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come

upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

REVELATION 3:10 NKJV

Multiple times throughout the Bible, God asks us to stand firm. While we often look for some sort of action we can take to prove our dedication to God, the truest test of our commitment is our ability to stand firm and continue in his love.

We don’t earn our faith or God’s favor. Once we’ve accepted what he’s already done, the rest is about perseverance. He promises to bless us, not only with his presence, but also in keeping us from the trials that are coming to the whole world. He promises to protect us and keep us close to his grace. By enduring small trials in this life, we are saved from the greater trials that will come.

Thank you for your faithfulness, God.

Keep me standing firm in your truth. When I begin

to falter, hold me steady, so I may stand firmly

planted until the day of your salvation.

January 7

HIS GLORY

A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,

And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

PROVERBS 19:11 NASB

“Love keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5). We’ve heard it a million times. Still, record keeping comes more naturally than forgiveness. When someone does something that’s wrong, our natural reaction is to seek justice for our hurt. We know we are right, and we want to prove it.

Rushing to anger solves nothing. It takes a disciplined heart to stop, wait, and find a better way. You may think that being visibly right will elevate you. It might bring you glory, or you could be seen in the light you have always wanted. Your glory is in overlooking the wrong that was done to you. Since God sees everything, he knows when you are right and others have wronged you. He will bring you glory in his way and time. It will be far better than any glory you could have sought out for yourself.

Jesus, give me patience when I’ve been wronged.

Let me not rush into trying to prove my side of things

or taking my own glory. Give me slowness to anger,

and grace to overlook others’ offenses.

January 8

POWERFUL KINDNESS

I will tell about the LORD’s kindness and praise him for

everything he has done. I will praise the LORD for the many good

things he has given us and for his goodness to the people of Israel.

He has shown great mercy to us and has been very kind to us.

ISAIAH 63:7 NCV

The Bible says that the kindness of the Lord leads people to repentance: not his anger, not his wrath—his kindness. There is power in kindness: a power that moves souls and changes lives. We can subconsciously equate kindness with weakness, but it’s the exact opposite.

The Israelites turned their backs on God too many times to count. But what we see time and time again in their story is that God was still good. He showed them mercy; he gave them good things. He was kind to them. This did not mean that consequences and trials didn’t come upon Israel, but the people knew God’s promises and trusted him. In the same way, we can trust God and turn to him often, confident that his mercy is present, even in suffering.

God, I sometimes miss your point. I assume that

you’re angry with me or that I’ve distanced myself

too far from you, but your arms are always open wide

to me. No matter how many times I turn my back

on you, you’re still constant in mercy.

January 9

I WILL SEE HIS GOODNESS

I remain confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

PSALM 27:13 NIV

“It will be okay.” Parents soothe fretful children, professors console students, and spouses and siblings calm each other with those words. There is nothing more reassuring than a confident hope: a knowledge that what is coming is better than what is. We struggle with many difficulties through our lives, but hearing that it will be okay can be the difference between getting through it, and giving up.

God gives you a beautiful promise of hope to speak during the hardest of times. You can be confident that better things are coming. God has blessed you, and he will continue to bless you. You know you will see, firsthand, the goodness of a loving God in the land of the living—a glorious heaven. There, the living will not just be getting by, or barely getting through; they will be truly alive. They will taste and see that the Lord is good to them.

God, you are infinitely good. Thank you for promising

your goodness and your faithfulness to me. No matter

how hard things get, give me confidence that I will

see you and be alive with you.

January 10

RELENTLESS, PASSIONATE LOVE

I will show my love to those who passionately love me.

For they will search and search continually until they find me.

PROVERBS 8:17 TPT

You can always tell the measure of love by the lengths that love will go for others. Relentless passion and continual pursuit showcase love’s endurance. The one who gives up easily is one who never truly loved.

The depth of our love and desire for God is similarly exposed. How easily are we deterred from pursuing him? Do certain tasks and items distract us from seeking his presence? When we truly long to know Jesus personally, we won’t be stopped. Despite distraction or worry, we continue to seek him, pressing deeper and looking harder. We yearn for him in a way that won’t allow us to stop searching. We do not seek in vain, because he promises to show his love to those who love him passionately and seek him continually.

God, let my love for you be so passionate and so true

that other affections do not deter me. Let me set you as

the greatest love of my life, the one thing I seek more

fervently than any other. Help me to grow in my love

for you. Continue to reveal your love to me.

January 11

IN EVERY SEASON

“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

MATTHEW 28:20 ESV

Life is made of seasons. For many of us, different people take part in each of those seasons. Your family was more than likely there from the beginning, followed by friends through school and college, and then maybe your spouse and kids if you got married and started a family. You lived a whole life before meeting your spouse and another before raising your children. Rarely do we have another person who was there through every moment of our life.

But God is the one who knows you in every season and every moment, more intimately than anyone else. He sees everything that makes up your heart: all the experiences and decisions that have come together to create your unique outlook and character. He is the ultimate faithful one—the one who is there through every season of your life, and he will be with you forever.

God, thank you for being with me through every season.

I know that you understand me fully because you know

everything I’ve gone through, even the pieces I’ve told

no one about. Thank you for your faithfulness to me.

January 12

ANSWER GENTLY

A gentle answer deflects anger,

but harsh words make tempers flare.

PROVERBS 15:1 NLT

In the middle of an argument, the most difficult thing to do is to answer gently. To begin with, most of us find ourselves in arguments because both parties believe they are right. Gentle answers sacrifice the desire to make the other person see things our way. It’s humility in its purest form; it feels like less than we deserve.

When two people are simply trying to prove a point, are either of them prepared to learn? In the heat of argument, neither is teachable; each is too busy trying to prove an opinion, and no one wins. If Jesus’ birth and life on earth showed us anything, it’s that humility and lowliness—not pride or a pedestal—are the eternal victors.

God, when I’m fighting with someone, I want to

be right, not proven wrong. It’s so hard to let go of

a point and humble myself. You humbled yourself

in front of the people you created. The ones who

were supposed to bow to you insulted and spat on you,

but still you served them. Thank you for your

example of love and humility; give me the

courage and strength to follow it.

January 13

TOUGH OBEDIENCE

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect,

not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

1 PETER 2:18 ESV

It’s easier to serve people we admire. We look up to them, and we long to catch their attention by doing good for them. However, if God is going to be glorified in us, we have to serve both those we love and those who are hard to love.

Sometimes, we have bosses, superiors, and authorities in our lives who don’t lead well or fairly. Still, we have been placed under them by God, and we must serve and respect them. We have to remember that our one true authority is God, and he will see and reward our gentle obedience to his will.

Heavenly Father, I ask today for your grace to

submit to those in authority over me when I have

a hard time respecting them. You are my true master.

All the work and service I give to others is given to you.

When I struggle to serve, remind me of these truths.

January 14

KNOW WHO YOU ARE

Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

PSALM 46:10 ESV

God never loses confidence in who he is. When we falter, become flustered, or wonder how a situation is going to work out, he reminds us to be still and remember him. Who is he? What is he worthy of? At the end of it all, we know he will be exalted in every nation, and everyone will bow to his name, as is his due.

No matter how difficult life gets, how hidden you feel, or how lost you become, don’t forget who you are. You are created in the image of God, and in the end, you’ll live forever with him through faith and grace. Don’t worry about the present when you know who holds the future. Be still, remember who he is, and remember who he created you to be.

Jesus, help me to be still and remember who you are.

Your power and your glory are not lessened by

the turmoil in this world. You have a plan and

a purpose for all of it, including me.

January 15

LAYING DOWN BEING RIGHT

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living

a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

HEBREWS 12:14 NLT

No opinion is valued by anyone more than by the person who holds it. We arrive at our varying opinions in different ways—some shaped by the life we’ve lived, people we’ve encountered, wrongs done to us, or convictions we sometimes can’t fully explain. Opinions come as we are shaped in life, and they shape us in return.

And while our opinions become an important part of us, how we express them to others is a delicate matter. We can alienate or bond with those with whom we share our opinions. This has been dramatically demonstrated by social media. There, opinions spew from the protective mask of a computer screen, the fallout feels leagues away, and offenses hide between the miles that separate people. God asks us to fight for peace and to work at living well with those around us, because when we lay down the need to be right and pick up the need to be loving, God is glorified and seen.

God, I fight daily with my desire to voice my opinion.

I feel that I’m owed that platform, and I often justify the

harsh words I use to deliver it. Remind me that I am a

walking representation of you. I do not want to confuse

someone about your love or grace because I failed to

demonstrate those in my desire to speak my mind.

January 16

READY TO FORGIVE

For You, LORD, are good, and ready to forgive,

And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

PSALM 86:5 NKJV

Sometimes, we forget that Jesus already won our forgiveness. We forget that the full work was done on the cross. There is nothing we can do or have to do to get his grace. Still, we sometimes tiptoe to God, wondering if mercy will be given. Have we gone too far for his grace this time? Again and again, he reminds us it is finished. We are forgiven and free.

The beautiful truth in this relationship is that the grace of God is never permission for mockery of God. The knowledge that forgiveness comes readily sparks a desire in our hearts to not need it. Once grace has been tasted, we don’t want to sin. Will we still struggle with our desires? Of course. Our greatest desire, however, will be to flourish under the mercy and compassion of our Father.

Lord God, thank you for the cross. Thank you for your

sacrificial forgiveness and mercy, which accomplished

their work a long time ago. I’m humbled by your great

love, and I want nothing more than to please you and

bring you glory. Give me the courage to repent freely,

and give me the strength to resist future temptation.

January 17

DESTROYED DEFENSES

If you live without restraint

and are unable to control your temper,

you’re as helpless as a city with broken-down defenses,

open to attack.

PROVERBS 25:28 TPT

We often use the phrase I have a temper as though it is unique to some of us. Unfortunately, a temper is a built-in feature. We all have one. The question is, do we have control of it?

Everyone comes up against people and situations that push them to the edge. One irritation follows another, feeding our anger. If we let that rage go, allowing ourselves to be overtaken by it, we destroy our defenses. We can no longer say that we were in the right—because we weren’t. We lost control. Anger is a dangerous sin. While it isn’t above grace, it’s not without consequence. There are often casualties of anger, and the damage is done before we’ve had a moment to think.

God, I’m heartbroken over how easily I can lose my

temper. Anger boils over so quickly, and I am blind

in the moment. Through your Spirit, I know I can

overcome it. Give me the grace and the power to restrain

my anger and demonstrate your kindness.

January 18

STILLNESS

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

PSALM 37:7 NLT

Distraction lurks everywhere. In the data age, there are a million screens, people, and gadgets fighting for our attention at any moment. It takes great amounts of effort and intention to stop, focus, and be still. In these fought for moments of stillness, we hear the voice of God the loudest.

When we quiet the sound of our surroundings and look away from attention grabbers, we can fully and clearly hear what he has to say. It’s not for us to worry about what’s going on the world. In fact, getting caught up in the sins of others takes our attention away from what God is trying to do inside of us. God will act. He will shine his glory on those who have lived in righteousness, and he will have his say against those who have turned their backs on him. We do not command that justice. God alone will decide and carry out his plan. We must just be still, and listen for his summons.

God, I have bought into this lie that I have to busy

myself in order to bring you glory and further your

kingdom. You didn’t ask me to execute your justice—

you asked me to be still and to wait for you to act.

Make your will clear in my life, and give me

the strength to do whatever you ask.

January 19

ALWAYS THE BETTER WAY

Hatred keeps old quarrels alive,

but love draws a veil over every insult

and finds a way to make sin disappear.

PROVERBS 10:12 TPT

It’s strange how we all struggle with memory until we’re offended. Then, suddenly, we can remember every detail clearly, every word or action that hurt or distanced us. Maybe it’s because we feel a deep emotional connection to the things that hurt us. Insults damage us deeply, leaving marks that aren’t easily erased.

Love has the power to heal the hurt. Love covers a multitude of sins, both those we’ve done and those done against us. When we make the conscious, albeit painstaking, choice to love past offense, our hurt evaporates with the insult. Love has the power to raise us up when we’ve been knocked down, and it can restore what hatred tried to destroy.

Lord, it’s never easy to let go of something

that has offended me. Sometimes, I hold onto

my pain in an attempt to find my own justice for it.

Remind me that love is always the better way.

Give me the strength to choose love.

January 20

GETTING DIRECTIONS

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;

but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

PROVERBS 29:18 NIV

Imagine you told a little girl that, someday, she’d get a prize, but you didn’t tell her why or how to get it. That child probably won’t do what you want her to do in order to earn the prize. All people, not just children, need directions. They need an end goal and instructions for getting there.

When you find yourself directionless, your guard comes down, and you are most susceptible to failure. You have to continually look to your guide and the directions laid out in Scripture. Without its instruction and hope, what reason will you have to stay on the path toward righteousness? Be diligent in your pursuit of revelation. Cast vision for yourself daily, and always hold it up to the standard of God’s plan for your life.

Lord, help me to be mindful of my own direction

or lack thereof. Don’t let me become apathetic

in my walk with you. I want to be a person

of vision, hope, and intention.

January 21

PEACE OF A PURE LIFE

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place

restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you

serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:35 NLT

“You’re missing out,” people might say to you when your Christian faith tells your heart to stop. God doesn’t set parameters for us because he wants us to miss out on something. He sets them because he doesn’t want us to miss out on his goodness. He knows how easily sin can derail a person, and he understands how quickly distractions of the flesh can separate someone from the rewards of the Spirit.

God’s desire for us is for undivided, content hearts, focused on him. He doesn’t want us at war within ourselves. He wants us to live in peace—his peace, which comes with a pure life.

God, remove the distractions from my life that are

keeping me from your goodness. Help me not to dismiss

your law as you wanting me to miss out. Help me to

trust that, when you speak to my spirit, you want the

best for me. I want a heart full of you, with no room for

distractions that take away from our relationship.

January 22

INTERNAL TOOLS

God is working in you, giving you the desire and

the power to do what pleases him.

PHILIPPIANS 2:13 NLT

Have you ever noticed that the longer you say no to a specific sin, the easier it is not to give in to it? That’s because you are not designed to be at war with sin forever. God is at work in you, giving you a stronger desire for righteousness as well as the capable power to do what is right.

When your struggle with sin feels like more than you can handle, and you feel the weight of temptation is crushing you, remember that you aren’t fighting alone. God is working within you, giving you the tools to overcome sin and walk in perpetual freedom.

Thank you, God, for the knowledge of your presence in

me. Daily, you are shaping me into the person I want to

be, one who lives a pure life before you. Your tools create

kindness, gentleness, patience, and ultimately victory.

When I beg for purification, you’ve already begun

the work. When I ask you for freedom, you’re already

breaking the chains. Continue this work in me.

January 23

STUMBLES, NOT FALLS

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the LORD holds them by the hand.

PSALM 37:23-24 NLT

Don’t ever doubt God’s intimate interest in you. Not even for a second. He created you, and he cares about your story as he adds new paragraphs every day. He feels your pain, sees your joy, and lavishes his love on you throughout it all.

When you stumble, you won’t fall. You might feel as though you’ve been laid low. You might feel as though your future is crashing down around you, but he’s never stopped holding it all together. He doesn’t just know what you are going through, he delights in it. He sees the end, and he knows that everything works out. You will stumble, you won’t fall. Don’t lose sight of that incredible truth.

God, thank you for holding my hand through life. Thank

you for directing my steps. Sometimes I feel

so alone, but the truth is that I never am. When I look

back on my life, I can see your faithfulness at work.

Continue to lead me, and let my hand remain in yours.

January 24

A SINGLE SOUL

“In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven

over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over

ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change.”

LUKE 15:7 NCV

It’s easy to get caught up in the big moments of faith that sweep us away. We are drawn to the biblical stories of thousands of souls saved, bodies healed, and demons cast out. The stories of just one are less glamorous. Let’s say a ministry invests money, time, and energy into opening a coffee shop, only to shut it down two years later. Those involved might wonder, Was it worth it? Did the money, time, and effort save one soul? Would that make the shop worth it? God would say yes.

We want signs and wonders to define a great ministry. The coffee shop is a failure to us, but heaven rejoices over the faithfulness of those Christians and over the one new believer. When we grasp his love and pursuit for the one, we can understand the joy in salvation. Let’s dwell on the length that Christ will go for one soul, and what he did to save us. Let us realign our thinking of true ministry to capture the joy of heaven over the one.

Jesus, thank you for pursuing me. Give me a desire

to pursue others with the truth of the gospel,

whether a group or a single soul.

January 25

SOUL CARE

When your heart overflows with understanding

you’ll be very slow to get angry.

But if you have a quick temper,

your impatience will be quickly seen by all.

PROVERBS 14:29 TPT

Anger is a symptom. When we don’t connect to and deal with a problem, anger tells us that it is bubbling under our skin. If you find yourself in a constant state of anger, it’s time to tend to your heart. The wellspring of life flows from your heart. Is Christ’s life flowing from your heart, or is it anger from bitterness, control issues, depression, anxiety, or pride?

Here in Proverbs, a heart overflowing with understanding slows anger. Does your soul need care? Are you pulling water from an empty well? If you continue on that path, you will pull up anger. It is important to take care of your soul to produce a life of patience. What restores you? Where are your still waters? It is not selfish to take care of yourself. To have patience with others, you must be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to rest in God’s presence. Understanding your soul is key to a heart that draws from a well of life and brims with understanding, not anger.

Jesus, I repent of anger in my heart.

Refresh my wellspring, refresh my soul,

and let me draw from living waters.

January 26

RUN STRONG

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

HEBREWS 12:1 ESV

Once every two years, the whole world turns its eyes to one place. Not toward a catastrophe or war, but toward inspiration at the Olympics. The crowds near and far support their favorite athletes, cheer on underdogs, and admire the winners. Four years later, beloved athletes can find trouble. They could be forgotten by the crowd that once held them so high.

We, too, run a race. It’s important to notice the cloud, the innumerable number of “athletes” that have gone before you. They have run this race, and they have finished well. This is not a crowd that will turn against you, but a gathering of faithful witnesses. They cheer loudly for your endurance in faith. They are a crowd clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, encouraging you to discard your filthy robes and run free. The race requires patience, and you have an audience full of people cheering you on.

Thank you, God, for those who have gone

before me. Thank you that we can run the race well

in your strength. Continue your work of patience

and endurance in my heart.

January 27

OVERFLOWING SPIRIT

“I know your deeds, your love and faith,

your service and perseverance, and that you are

now doing more than you did at first.”

REVELATION 2:19 NIV

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time thing. When you become a believer, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside you and should be like a cup of water that is so full it sloshes out on everything around it. Is that how people would describe you?

Such overflowing people exist; you can probably think of a few. It’s evident and real. This person is not tied to agendas, schedules, and to-do lists, but is willing and open to the Spirit’s call. God is moving in our world, and our job is to partner with him. Lay down your agenda today, release your grip on your day planner, and grab hold of God’s outstretched hand. He wants to use you in mighty ways.

Lord, I repent of running my life based on my agenda.

Thank you for working in this world. Can I partner with

you today? Show me the moments where you want me

to slow down and speak truth or act in your name.

January 28

FAITHFUL COMPLAINT?

You know that these troubles test your faith,

and this will give you patience.

JAMES 1:3 NCV

Patience cannot be defined as waiting. When you are waiting for a friend to come over, but you are casually reading a book or enjoying the rest of your dinner, you do not need patience. It produces no discomfort for you. However, if you are in discomfort, then you show patience by not complaining. Can you be patient and complain? In situations that involve suffering, situations that are not petty or pointless, the answer is yes. Several times, the psalmist cries out to God. The writer was being tested. Still, the complaints reveal patience, because they speak to the sovereignty of God over the pain. They speak for the faith of the writer that God was in control of it all.

If you are in a season of suffering, do not be afraid to bring your requests to God. It’s not impatience to ask him, like the psalmist, “How long, O Lord?” It is an awareness of the one who is in control and is producing more fruit in your life.

God, even in my discomfort, I acknowledge your

sovereignty over my situation. Help me to endure

hard times, knowing you are in control.

January 29

SIMPLE HOSPITALITY

The people of the island were very kind to us.

It was cold and rainy so they built a fire

on the shore and welcomed us.

ACTS 28:2 NLT

Hospitality is a vibrant and beautiful spiritual gift that is often overlooked. In Acts, the apostles appoint seven Spirit-filled people to attend to the hospitality needs of the community. In Hebrews 13:2, we are told our hospitality might entertain angels.

Hospitality is all about little gestures. It is the cozy warmth of home, that tears down a traveler’s protective walls, allowing peace to fill their hearts. It meets simple needs. Through crackling fires, fresh beds, and clean water, kindness shines. Scripture tells us that God’s kindness leads us to repentance. May our simple, hospitable kindness reveal the grace of Christ and lead others to repentance. Isn’t that what every gift is for, what every fruit is about? That all would see and know the saving grace of God.

Dear Lord, thank you for the hospitable welcome

into your kingdom. How can I show kindness

to others today? Please open doors and provide

opportunities for me to offer simple hospitality.

January 30

NEW WINE, NEW JOY

You have put more joy in my heart

than they have when their grain and wine abound.

PSALM 4:7 ESV