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- Herausgeber: Belle City Gifts
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Serie: Ziparound Devotionals
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
This elegant daily ziparound devotional features a beautifully designed interior with inspiring devotions, encouraging Scriptures, thought-provoking questions, and space for journaling. Stop and ponder, delight in God's love for you, and express your praise, petitions, ideas, emotions, struggles, desires, and dreams in the space provided. SPECIAL FEATURES • High-grade faux leather cover provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. • Special heat debossing gives the cover a two-tone appearance and creates indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. • Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. • This high-quality, sturdy Smythe-sewn binding stitches the signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the binding. • This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. • A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off. • Coordinating sturdy zippered closure allows you to tuck important extras inside.
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BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC
Savage, Minnesota
Broadstreetpublishing.com
God Is Always with MeDEVOTIONAL
© 2020 by BroadStreet Publishing®
978-1-4245-5996-1eISBN: 978-1-4245-6057-8
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Scripture quotations marked (nlt) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (niv) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, niv®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “niv” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (ncv) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (nasb) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (nrsv) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (esv) are from the esv® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (tlb) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (nkjv) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com
Edited and compiled by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com
Printed in China.2021222324257654321
Contents
Introduction
January 1: All Things New
January 2: New Every Morning
January 3: Getting Back
January 4: Secrets of God
January 5: The Yes
January 6: Filling Hunger
January 7: Powerful Words
January 8: Standing at the Last
January 9: Water and Blood
January 10: Out of Darkness
January 11: Unpunished
January 12: Live and Believe
January 13: Accomplishment
January 14: Unseen
January 15: Faithful
January 16: Measured Days
January 17: Not Shaken
January 18: Never Disappointed
January 19: Remembering Wonders
January 20: Because of the Poor
January 21: Fully Devoted
January 22: Human Empathy
January 23: Make a Change
January 24: Uniquely You
January 25: Leveling Up
January 26: Renewed Strength
January 27: Freedom
January 28: Power to Transform
January 29: Irony of Weakness
January 30: Weight of Worry
January 31: Joyful Remembrance
February 1: Guided
February 2: Set Apart
February 3: God of Safety
February 4: Him Alone
February 5: Cleansed
February 6: Without Fear
February 7: Greater Wonder
February 8: Fully Committed
February 9: Trustworthy
February 10: Go in Peace
February 11: Fascination
February 12: Joyfully Waiting
February 13: Though We Stumble
February 14: Good and Perfect
February 15: Tears to Joy
February 16: Not of the World
February 17: Under Protection
February 18: People of Light
February 19: Truly Awesome
February 20: All of You
February 21: Rocks Don’t Change
February 22: Rest for Your Soul
February 23: Nothing to Fear
February 24: Completely Attuned
February 25: Peace with God
February 26: Fulfill His Purpose
February 27: Pilgrimage with God
February 28: Rooted in Love
March 1: Unconditional Acceptance
March 2: Ready to See
March 3: Heart that Cares
March 4: Twig by Twig
March 5: Just Because
March 6: Sight Unseen
March 7: Cookie Jar Prayers
March 8: He Never Sleeps
March 9: No Darkness
March 10: He Chose You
March 11: Hidden Treasure
March 12: More of You
March 13: Incomprehensible Gift
March 14: Where Are You
March 15: Held
March 16: Not for Nothing
March 17: You Are Chosen
March 18: Sheltered
March 19: Carry the Shield
March 20: Just Say No
March 21: Live at Peace
March 22: Peace and Quiet
March 23: Questions
March 24: Coffee with God
March 25: Spirited Worship
March 26: Real Love
March 27: Foolish Ones
March 28: Tell the Story
March 29: Self-Importance
March 30: Written in Stone
March 31: Surrender
April 1: Fool for You
April 2: I Am Found
April 3: Blotted Out
April 4: Citizens of Heaven
April 5: Heart of Compassion
April 6: Sing
April 7: Powerful Promises
April 8: Everlasting Beauty
April 9: Restored
April 10: Be Teachable
April 11: Peace Seeds
April 12: Very Good Creation
April 13: No More Pain
April 14: Brave Heart
April 15: Mere Mortals
April 16: Practice Peace
April 17: Church Siblings
April 18: Starry Host
April 19: On Your Behalf
April 20: Debt of Love
April 21: His Riches
April 22: Water Ways
April 23: Continue in Christ
April 24: Lean
April 25: Walking in Works
April 26: Satisfied
April 27: Holy Spirit Words
April 28: East to West
April 29: Assignment
April 30: Whole Restoration
May 1: Equipped for Battle
May 2: Prayer Counts
May 3: Chased by Grace
May 4: Spiritual Guidance
May 5: Key to Success
May 6: A Patient Promise
May 7: Pentecost Power
May 8: Humble Highs
May 9: Free of the Past
May 10: Strength of Heart
May 11: Convinced of Love
May 12: Opportunity for Joy
May 13: Quenched
May 14: Provision
May 15: Light of the Dawn
May 16: Heavenly Scent
May 17: Thunder Theology
May 18: Simply Believing
May 19: Fixed on Him
May 20: Eternal Kingdom
May 21: Fiery Furnace
May 22: Evergreen
May 23: My Redeemer Lives
May 24: Always Helping
May 25: Rejoiced Over
May 26: Many Wonders
May 27: Thirsty for Mercy
May 28: Divine Decisions
May 29: Contentment
May 30: Radiant Reflection
May 31: Search Me
June 1: In His Presence
June 2: Inner Beauty
June 3: Returned Love
June 4: Continual Praise
June 5: Powerful Friendship
June 6: Overcome
June 7: The Good Father
June 8: Right Relationships
June 9: Joy that Testifies
June 10: Relationships
June 11: Gracious
June 12: The Comparison Trap
June 13: Full Joy
June 14: Bold Hope
June 15: God Who Searches
June 16: Portion
June 17: Brought Near
June 18: Accept It
June 19: Eternal Legacy
June 20: No Reason to Fear
June 21: Diligent Seekers
June 22: Dwelling Place
June 23: True Love
June 24: Commissioned
June 25: In the Race
June 26: Remember
June 27: Strength Every Morning
June 28: Unless the Lord
June 29: Goodness in Waiting
June 30: Grit of Grace
July 1: Simply Listen
July 2: A Generous Heart
July 3: Sure Foundation
July 4: Truly Free
July 5: For His Glory
July 6: No Plan B
July 7: In the Light
July 8: Peace Is Mine
July 9: Best Day Ever
July 10: Suffering
July 11: Perfect Peace
July 12: Strong Arms
July 13: Like a Child
July 14: By His Wounds
July 15: Renewal
July 16: Utterly Authentic
July 17: Start Here
July 18: Astounding Love
July 19: Tribulation
July 20: Seek His Face
July 21: Totally Committed
July 22: Take Refuge
July 23: Abiding Love
July 24: Exposed
July 25: Friendship
July 26: Heart Longing
July 27: Home
July 28: Lost and Found
July 29: Watching
July 30: Prepared in Advance
July 31: All for Good
August 1: To the Mountains
August 2: Seek and Find
August 3: Casting
August 4: Delivered from Fear
August 5: Buried Talents
August 6: Thorns
August 7: True Strength
August 8: Extravagance
August 9: Hearing Truth
August 10: Anchored Soul
August 11: Finishing Touches
August 12: Just Run
August 13: Divine Citizenship
August 14: Gift of Song
August 15: Parental Words
August 16: Washed Away
August 17: Trouble
August 18: Flickers
August 19: In the Love
August 20: Becoming Childlike
August 21: Not Worth Comparing
August 22: Rejoice in Trouble
August 23: Feeding on Faithfulness
August 24: Not without Hope
August 25: Continual Intercession
August 26: Strong Faith
August 27: Near
August 28: Superhuman
August 29: Steadfast Love
August 30: Worthless Things
August 31: Growing Weary
September 1: A Basket Case
September 2: Not Hidden
September 3: Bad News
September 4: Bloom
September 5: Blackbird Bluff
September 6: Bridging the Gap
September 7: Dust
September 8: Clay Pots
September 9: Eat for Life
September 10: Necessary Instrument
September 11: Faith’s End
September 12: Held Together
September 13: This Is Love
September 14: Idols of the Heart
September 15: Constant Joy
September 16: Kept
September 17: End of the Tunnel
September 18: Never Give Up
September 19: Perennials
September 20: Sins of Omission
September 21: Starting Over
September 22: Deliverance Trilogy
September 23: Divine Song
September 24: The Vine
September 25: Three Things
September 26: Unchanging
September 27: Waiting
September 28: Weak Strength
September 29: Eye Contact
September 30: Willing to Learn
October 1: Complete Believer
October 2: Helped
October 3: Songs of Victory
October 4: Questioning Soul
October 5: Tested Promises
October 6: For Us
October 7: Comfort
October 8: Encouraged in Faith
October 9: Stronghold
October 10: Power of Seeking
October 11: Altar of Sacrifice
October 12: Strength
October 13: Worthy
October 14: Return
October 15: Who I Am
October 16: Eyes Will See
October 17: Ruled by Emotion
October 18: Unhindered
October 19: Focus
October 20: Fulfilling Dreams
October 21: In a Desert
October 22: God of Compassion
October 23: Death to Life
October 24: End of Death
October 25: The Failure’s Heart
October 26: Father Knows Best
October 27: Giant Obstacle
October 28: Kindness and Repentance
October 29: Filling the Emptiness
October 30: Same Spirit
October 31: Happy
November 1: Home Construction
November 2: True Peace
November 3: Stronger for Waiting
November 4: Collected Tears
November 5: Outwardly Wasting
November 6: Light and Momentary
November 7: My Gift
November 8: Hope of Glory
November 9: Rewards or Wrath
November 10: No Longer Infants
November 11: Mind Control
November 12: Not Separated
November 13: Gift of Weakness
November 14: Talking Back
November 15: Not There
November 16: Gift of Discipline
November 17: Running Free
November 18: Love Justice
November 19: Stored Goodness
November 20: Learn from Me
November 21: A Friend
November 22: Ask, Seek, Knock
November 23: Selection
November 24: Discernment
November 25: The Process
November 26: In All Situations
November 27: Standing Blameless
November 28: Confident Approach
November 29: Origin of Strength
November 30: Loved First
December 1: The Eternal Gift
December 2: Executed Hope
December 3: Love-Joy Life
December 4: Water of Life
December 5: False Expectations
December 6: Charity
December 7: Free for Life
December 8: Known
December 9: Echo Gratitude
December 10: God Provides
December 11: Emotions
December 12: Making Choices
December 13: Acceptance Lesson
December 14: Triune God
December 15: Eternally Blessed
December 16: Filling the Hole
December 17: The Proper Time
December 18: Delighted In
December 19: Blessed Enemies
December 20: Illuminated Motives
December 21: Unreservedly
December 22: Properly Dressed
December 23: As You Are
December 24: Boldly Proclaim
December 25: Christmas Song
December 26: No Returns
December 27: Freed from Anger
December 28: Steadfast Hope
December 29: Source of Beauty
December 30: First Fruits
December 31: Load of Anxiety
Introduction
The circumstances of life may have you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or discouraged. Because God’s love for you is unchanging and his promises are true, you can choose to believe in the steady outpouring of grace he has for you each day.
Find the hope, joy, and strength that is abundant in God as you reflect on these devotional entries, Scriptures, and prayers. Be inspired as you record what’s on your heart in the space provided.
Claim God’s grace over your life and continue to believe that your Creator loves you deeply and is with you always no matter what comes your way.
JANUARY 1
All Things New
He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
REVELATION 21:5 NKJV
The most beautiful thing about the God we’ve entrusted our lives to is that he makes all things new. That is a faithful statement—it has always been true and will always be true.
As we begin a new year, empty and full of both bright promise and worrisome unknown, we can rest our souls in the truth that our God will make everything new. Our regrets, mistakes, and failures are nothing compared to his covenanted promise of redemption and newness.
How do you see God making all things new in your life?
JANUARY 2
New Every Morning
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.
LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23 NRSV
It is beautiful to know that the mercies of our God are new every single morning. To know that the grace we spent on yesterday will still be abundant enough for the troubles we will face today. To know that his faithfulness is true even when we wander, and his love is steadfast even when ours fails.
We don’t deserve the mercy he extends, but he delights in loving us and has more than enough strength for us in each new day.
How can you walk as one who knows God’s faithfulness and understands his love for you?
JANUARY 3
Getting Back
As for you, return to your God,hold fast to love and justice,and wait continually for your God.
HOSEA 12:6 NRSV
Sometimes we lose our way and lose sight of the passion we once felt for God. Once we’ve lost our connection with him, we don’t always know how to get back. We wonder if there is too much between us that he can’t overlook.
But it’s as simple as returning; as straightforward as getting down on your knees and saying, “God, I’m back.” When you return, holding fast to the love that first drew you to him, God will show himself to you.
In which areas of life have you created distance between you and God? How can you change that?
JANUARY 4
Secrets of God
“Can you understand the secrets of God?Can you search the limits of the Almighty?”
JOB 11:7 NCV
Have you ever discovered something about yourself that you never knew before? Maybe you tried a new food that you always claimed you hated, and you found you actually loved it. Maybe you were surprised by an idea you had that you didn’t even know you were capable of.
If we, who are human, are so complex that we don’t fully know ourselves, then how much more complex is the God who created us? We mustn’t limit God to what we think we know of him. We cannot know his limits. But we can trust in his Word and his Holy Spirit to teach us as we seek to know him more.
What have you discovered about yourself recently?
JANUARY 5
The Yes
The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ,and through Christ we say yes to the glory of God.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 NCV
We all go through seasons in life when we doubt if God is really good to us. But tasting the goodness of God is often as simple as opening our hearts to receive what he has promised through Christ.
We may feel unworthy or even unready, but if we have said yes to salvation, then we have also said yes to God’s promises, his goodness, and his eternal glory.
What promises of God can you say yes to today?
JANUARY 6
Filling Hunger
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
JOHN 6:35 NRSV
You don’t have to teach babies to put things in their mouth—they are born with a natural instinct to feed themselves. But you do need to teach them what to feed themselves.
We were all created with a natural spiritual hunger for God. But we must learn how to fill our hunger. There are things that we will try to put into our souls that will never satisfy us. The only true remedy to the deepest longing in our being is God—because we were created to hunger after him.
How do you fill your hunger for God?
JANUARY 7
Powerful Words
“Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first.Listen to them carefully for yourself.”
EZEKIEL 3:10 NLT
There is so much power in quieting our minds and listening to the voice of God as he speaks directly to us. We must learn to recognize his voice above any other sound. God has the power and the ability to speak to any situation we are going through, under any circumstance.
Since the beginning of time, God has begun powerful works with a powerful Word. When we listen for him to speak, we ready ourselves for him to do those works in and through us.
What powerful works do you want to do for God’s kingdom?
JANUARY 8
Standing at the Last
LORD, you are my God;I will exalt you and praise your name,for in perfect faithfulnessyou have done wonderful things.things planned long ago.
ISAIAH 25:1 NIV
We serve a God who at the end, after everything has fallen and everything has changed, will still stand. In all of our confusion, suffering, and hopelessness, we have the enduring promise of serving the one who will always be greater.
It’s easy to become discouraged in this life, but when we adjust our perspective to view everything against the backdrop of a victorious Savior, we can face absolutely anything with great confidence and peace.
What are you facing right now that requires confidence in a victorious God?
JANUARY 9
Water and Blood
This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only bywater, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness,because the Spirit is truth.
1 JOHN 5:6 NKJV
Jesus didn’t come to earth only to save us—he also came to heal us. He takes us as we are, but doesn’t leave us that way. Jesus came with water to cleanse us from our sin and to heal us from the inside out.
He came with blood to sacrifice and to save us—trading his life for ours. Our salvation through Christ is complete as we are washed by the water and saved by the blood.
What do you want to ask the Lord to heal in you right now?
JANUARY 10
Out of Darkness
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people forGod’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies ofHim who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 PETER 2:9 NASB
Don’t try to hide where you came from. No matter how dark or shameful your past was before you met Christ, there is power in your testimony. When a light is turned on in an already bright room, its effect is barely noticeable; but when even the smallest flicker of light appears in blackness, we are drawn to it.
We have been chosen as people of God’s possession to proclaim his excellence and to be the visible evidence of his marvelous, life-changing light.
What is your testimony of being called out of darkness?
JANUARY 11
Unpunished
He has not punished us as our sins should be punished;he has not repaid us for the evil we have done.
PSALM 103:10 NCV
We deserve death, punishment, and distance from God because of our sin. But through the grace of salvation we have life, reward, and relationship with God. While the devil condemns us because of our sin and causes us to think that we have lost favor with God, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and leads us to repentance and greater favor.
There isn’t any condemnation for us in Christ Jesus because he died to remove our sin, our guilt, and our shame.
How do you remind yourself of your freedom from sin and guilt?
JANUARY 12
Live and Believe
“Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.Do you believe this?”
JOHN 11:26 ESV
All throughout Scripture we are clearly promised eternal life through Christ. But there is something so poignant about the question in this verse: “Do you believe this?” Do you really, truly believe that you will live forever in heaven with Christ?
We are accustomed to promises being made and broken daily. Human fallacy has left us skeptical and anxious. But the beautiful truth is that we serve a God who will never back out of his covenant with us. Our hope of eternal life is sealed for us when we place our trust in Christ.
What do you believe about God’s promises?
JANUARY 13
Accomplishment
LORD, you will grant us peace;all we have accomplished is really from you.
ISAIAH 26:12 NLT
As we each look back on our lives, we remember what we’ve accomplished with some sense of pride. We have all climbed our mountains, but here we are—still standing to tell the tale.
As we reflect with peace in our hearts on things past, we must remember that we could have done none of it without God. He is the one who carries our burdens, comforts our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and orders our steps.
What have you accomplished in your lifethat you want to give God glory for?
JANUARY 14
Unseen
We do not look at what we can see right now,the troubles all around us,but we look forward to the joys in heavenwhich we have not yet seen.The troubles will soon be over,but the joys to come will last forever.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 TLB
It’s not easy to fix our eyes on something we can’t see. By abandoning our earthly perspective in exchange for a heavenly one, we are radically changed. If we are focused only on what is here on earth, we will quickly find ourselves overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.
If we fix our eyes on the promise of heaven, then we cannot help but be filled with peace, joy, and hope. We must remember that while we are here on earth for only a little while, it is the joy of heaven that will be our eternal, blessed reality.
How can you fix your eyes on eternity rather than on the momentary troubles around you?
JANUARY 15
Faithful
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,for he who promised is faithful.
HEBREWS 10:23 ESV
We don’t have to question whether or not God will do what he said he would. He has proven himself to be faithful and true. When God makes us a promise, we don’t have to wonder if he will follow through. It is we who are forgetful, fearful, and oftentimes, faithless.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of the Word of God, and the encouragement of fellow believers, we can hold fast to the hope of our salvation, staying true to the confession we made when we first believed.
How do you make a habit of keeping your word?
JANUARY 16
Measured Days
LORD, let me know my end,and what is the measure of my days;let me know how fleeting my life is.
PSALM 39:4 NRSV
Life throws all kinds of things at us. Stress, pressure, decisions, and busy schedules. When we are living, rushed in the midst of our own lives, we forget the age-old reality that life passes very quickly. If we stop—as the Psalmist did—in full awareness of a fleeting life, we begin to recognize that what was once pressing is really trivial, and what was once urgent is actually insignificant.
By numbering our days and being mindful of our own fleeting existence on earth, we can spend our energies not on the pressures of earth, but rather on the purposes of heaven, which will last forever.
What are you pursuing right now that will last into eternity?
JANUARY 17
Not Shaken
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
PSALM 55:22 NASB
We all have different ways of dealing with worry. Some internalize it, others call a friend, and still others find a way to take their minds off it. When we bring our worry to God and lay our anxious hearts bare before him, he will encourage us, lift us up, and sustain us. He will not allow us to be shaken or weakened by worry because he holds us through every situation.
The God who knows beginning from end is not flustered by our anxiety, and does not allow us to be overcome by uncertainty.
What anxiety do you need to give God today?
JANUARY 18
Never Disappointed
This hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out hislove to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit,whom God has given to us.
ROMANS 5:5 NCV
None of us are strangers to being disappointed. In life, we have learned to prepare ourselves for both the best and the worst possible outcomes. But when it comes to our salvation, there is no need to be braced for disappointment because the hope we have in Christ is guaranteed.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts reminds us constantly of this beautiful, certain promise we have in Christ.
How have you been disappointed lately?Do you see God’s hope in the situation?
JANUARY 19
Remembering Wonders
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
PSALM 77:11 ESV
When we find ourselves doubting God’s power to work miracles in our lives, we must remember the wonders he has performed throughout history. Scripture is full of accounts of lives changed by the power of God.
The same great God who raised Lazarus from the dead is the God we worship today. The God who gave sight to a blind man and who let a lame man get up and walk still works miracles. Believe God for something great, knowing that his power has never lessened and his wonders never cease.
How can you grow in faith and expectation of God’s greatness?
JANUARY 20
Because of the Poor
The LORD says,“I will now rise up,because the poor are being hurt.Because of the moans of the helpless,I will give them the help they want.”
PSALM 12:5 NCV
God’s economy is completely opposite from our own. Our currency is money and power, while his are mercy and grace. Our society elevates the rich and prominent, God lifts up the needy and nameless. His main objective isn’t getting something from people; it’s lavishing himself on them. His heart lies with the poor. He is a defender of the helpless and a protector of the weak.
If we desire to please the heart of the Father, then we too will take up the cause of the poor. We will defend them, rescue them, and help them. We will speak for them, honor them, and lavish love on them.
What opportunities do you have to meet the needs of the poor and to serve the helpless?
JANUARY 21
Fully Devoted
“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
RUTH 1:16 NIV
Ruth gave up everything she’d ever known to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem—a land completely foreign to her. What a radical commitment: to leave everything familiar for the sake of devotion to another!
Are you willing to leave everything you love and know to follow God? He is a God who rewards and repays. Everything you give up for the kingdom will be restored to you in an even greater measure than you gave up.
Where do you think God is leading you?
JANUARY 22
Human Empathy
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
ROMANS 12:15 ESV
There are few things more remarkable than the power of human empathy. When someone is hurt, we can feel their pain although we are not wounded. When someone cries, we can weep with them although we are not sad. When someone laughs, we can enjoy the moment with them although the happiness is not our own.
Jesus came to us, as a human, in the greatest act of empathy in history. As we follow his example by shouldering each other’s sorrows and by sharing in another’s joy, we express his heart to the world.
How can you minister God’s character to those around you?
JANUARY 23
Make a Change
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by therenewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve whatGod’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
ROMANS 12:2 NIV
We want change, but we struggle to get or stay on task with our goals. “One day, I’ll…” is the enemy of “Today, I am…”; yet it seems that as long as change hurts more than staying the same, we vacillate between our desires and our comfort.
It is often so with surrendering to the Holy Spirit. He longs to do “greater things than these,” and while this appeals to us, the comfort of doing nothing seems reassuring, safe, and predictable. We find, at last, that the center of God’s will truly is the safest place for our lives. Knowing that, we revel in him as he molds and inspires us. We were created to do good things.
What changes is God’s Word making in your life?
JANUARY 24
Uniquely You
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and thesemembers do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, thoughmany, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
ROMANS 12:4-5 NIV
Each of us has a function. We don’t operate like one another because we aren’t fashioned that way. We often don’t agree upon priorities—beyond dwelling in Christ and living in love—because we are each made to carry different aspects of God’s glory.
So often, we read this verse as an adjuration to play nicely with people of other denominations. That’s not it, though. It’s a glorification of our wondrously creative God, and an encouragement to each take up our gifts, allowing others to do the same. Our gifts are just as personal as our salvation experiences. When we finally embrace our interdependence, we honor each other and operate in unity. We embrace who we are in Christ and let go of what we are not. To have the liberty to do so is an aspect of what it is to be truly free in Christ, and to operate in freedom.
What unique gifts do you have to offer others?
JANUARY 25
Leveling Up
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.
PROVERBS 3:5-6 ESV
As we learn to walk in surrender to the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father beckons us to a higher level of intimacy with him. In order to do this, we must become vulnerable and get real with him. We must continually trust him more than our experiences or reasoning.
When we trust God without boundaries, we find him more reliable than anyone else. We are wrapped in his love—the safest place we could find ourselves. Constantly leaning our hearts toward him, and choosing what he would, we receive his comfort and guidance, and our paths become straight.
What do you need to release control of?
JANUARY 26
Renewed Strength
I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy andpeace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by thepower of the Holy Spirit.
ROMANS 15:13 NCV
Life takes a lot out of us. From sickness and pain to uncertainty and sorrow, life’s challenges can quickly drain us of our strength. But for those who have put their hope in the Lord, there is a source of refreshing.
