In Jesus' Name for Men E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 320

Beschreibung

Jesus said we can do all that he did in his ministry on earth and even more if we believe in him. This is no small statement! Jesus performed large displays of God's power through miracles, signs, and wonders. We were never meant to stay small in prayer or in faith. When Jesus said whatever you ask, it included the big, bold prayers that would be impossible to accomplish on our own. As you read these Scriptures, short devotions, and prayers, pray in Jesus' name with faith! Take him at his word and ask for greater things. Grow bold in the way you ask him to move in your life and in the world around you. He loves to save, heal, comfort, and amaze. We catch a glimpse of the glory and goodness of God through answered prayer. He has not stopped moving in power, so let's keep asking him to show up in wonderful ways. 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. • Sturdy Smyth-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. • Matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. • A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.  

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IN JESUS’ NAME FOR MEN

© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424566433

9781424566440 (eBook)

Prayers composed by Eoghan Holdahl.

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 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 nlt are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked esv are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked csb are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. 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 ncv are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked tpt are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.

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“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

JOHN 14:13 NIV

CONTENTS

Introduction

January

January 1: Sing Praise

January 2: All Generations

January 3: Big List

January 4: A Changed Heart

January 5: Clear Guide

January 6: A Delicate Balance

January 7: Description of Glory

January 8: A Gift

January 9: Good Father

January 10: King’s Dream

January 11: Written Words

January 12: Unique Song

January 13: A New Thing

January 14: Risk Taker

January 15: Song of David

January 16: Warm Welcome

January 17: A Way Out

January 18: Abba

January 19: Abundance Follows

January 20: Acceptable Speech

January 21: Alert Mind

January 22: All About God

January 23: Another View

January 24: For Jesus

January 25: All Our Praise

January 26: Lovely Things

January 27: All Praise

January 28: What Is Within

January 29: Always Near

January 30: Ready

January 31: Type of Joy

February

February 1: Answers

February 2: Prayer and Peace

February 3: Anxious Hearts

February 4: Applause

February 5: Appreciated

February 6: Bump in the Road

February 7: Approaching God

February 8: Ark of Strength

February 9: Break Every Chain

February 10: Ask for Wisdom

February 11: Joy Complete

February 12: Quiet Times

February 13: Assurance

February 14: Astonishing

February 15: At a Loss

February 16: At All Times

February 17: Awesome God

February 18: Be a Blessing

February 19: Aware

February 20: Still Before Him

February 21: Beautiful Song

February 22: Wonderfully Sovereign

February 23: Beauty

February 24: Because He Is God

February 25: Being an Encouragement

February 26: Being Heard

February 27: Believe in Faith

February 28: Better Balance

March

March 1: Most Important

March 2: Better than Sleep

March 3: Best Friend

March 4: Seen Later

March 5: In Admiration

March 6: Boast in God

March 7: Bold Prayers

March 8: Make Your Request

March 9: Bones

March 10: Both Necessary

March 11: Bottled Up

March 12: Breakthrough

March 13: Breathtaking

March 14: Bring Everything

March 15: Bubbling Over

March 16: Burdens

March 17: Life and Healing

March 18: Time for Singing

March 19: Call Upon Him

March 20: A Loving Mother

March 21: Calling God

March 22: Calming

March 23: Caring for Others

March 24: Not a Fad

March 25: Appreciating Friends

March 26: Celebrated

March 27: Changes

March 28: Chaos Climates

March 29: Optimism

March 30: Choose Wisely

March 31: No Matter What

April

April 1: Chosen by God

April 2: Clay

April 3: On the Surface

April 4: Clear Views

April 5: Comfort in Stress

April 6: Spilling Over

April 7: Confident Prayer

April 8: Considering the Creator

April 9: Consistent Effort

April 10: Constant Praise

April 11: Contagious Kindness

April 12: Continued Devotion

April 13: Perpetual Praise

April 14: Continuous Faith

April 15: Counted as Righteous

April 16: Cry Out to God

April 17: Prayers of Thanks

April 18: Sunshine and Storm

April 19: Deep Yearning

April 20: Deserved Glory

April 21: Despite Feelings

April 22: Despite What We Know

April 23: Digging Holes

April 24: Distracted

April 25: Don’t Stop

April 26: Draw Near

April 27: Not in a Box

April 28: Dwelling Within

April 29: Each New Morning

April 30: Embrace the Day

May

May 1: Encouragement

May 2: Enduring Kingdom

May 3: Enemies

May 4: Enemy Tactic

May 5: Eternal Song

May 6: Free My Soul

May 7: Even in Bed

May 8: Even Though

May 9: There He Is

May 10: Everlasting Contentment

May 11: Everyone Talking

May 12: Juggling Act

May 13: Everything Made Right

May 14: Exalted

May 15: Exciting Adventure

May 16: Expressions of Praise

May 17: Filled with Cloud

May 18: Extent of Love

May 19: Eyes Open

May 20: Face of Jesus

May 21: Faithful Direction

May 22: Faithful Forever

May 23: Fast and Strong

May 24: Father Time

May 25: Discover Peace

May 26: Finding Words

May 27: Sunrise Reflections

May 28: Forgiveness

May 29: Joy

May 30: Fragrant Offering

May 31: Free from Chains

June

June 1: Freed by Love

June 2: From the Heart

June 3: Fulfilled Hopes

June 4: Full Attention

June 5: Fully Restored

June 6: Gaining Understanding

June 7: Get Up and Pray

June 8: Glad for Each Day

June 9: Glorious Meditation

June 10: Grace and Glory

June 11: Glory Origin

June 12: He Heard Me

June 13: The Creation

June 14: God’s Goodness

June 15: Good Hearts

June 16: Stored Goodness

June 17: Great Love

June 18: Good and Faithful

June 19: True Superhero

June 20: Hard Knocks

June 21: Hate Evil

June 22: So Good

June 23: He Is Worthy

June 24: He Listens

June 25: Satisfied Hunger

June 26: Still Praying

June 27: Love not Sacrifice

June 28: Lovely before Him

June 29: Healing through Jesus

June 30: Hear and Protect

July

July 1: My Cry

July 2: Prayers Heard

July 3: Stilled Storm

July 4: Better than Fireworks

July 5: Heart Motives

July 6: Enlightened with Hope

July 7: Heart’s Posture

July 8: Heavenly Comfort

July 9: Help Guaranteed

July 10: Highways to Zion

July 11: Mercy Endures

July 12: Mighty Works

July 13: Humble Servant

July 14: Boast in Weakness

July 15: Hurled into the Sea

July 16: I Will Praise

July 17: Meet with Him

July 18: Call on Him

July 19: I Wish

July 20: Immeasurably More

July 21: In His Name

July 22: My God

July 23: In the Secret

July 24: The Valleys

July 25: Lovely for You

July 26: Brave Belief

July 27: Incredible

July 28: Incredible God

July 29: Intimate Companion

July 30: It Matters

July 31: It Is Time

August

August 1: Joyful Song

August 2: Just Today

August 3: Never Give Up

August 4: Keep Things Simple

August 5: Keeping Pace

August 6: Know for Yourself

August 7: Big and Small

August 8: Lacking Wisdom

August 9: Lavished with Love

August 10: Laying Down Dreams

August 11: The Rest Will Follow

August 12: Learn about Me

August 13: Knocking

August 14: Let It Go

August 15: Wisdom Poured Out

August 16: Shameless Joy

August 17: Call for Help

August 18: Life’s Song

August 19: Life’s Leader

August 20: Lifted Up

August 21: Limitless Power

August 22: Search Me

August 23: Listen to Me

August 24: Look and Find

August 25: Of Good Courage

August 26: Relationship Breakdown

August 27: Lost

August 28: Joy Will Follow

August 29: Love Wins

August 30: Intercession

August 31: Mail Joy

September

September 1: Hurry

September 2: Make It Happen

September 3: Marvelous

September 4: Moment of Solitude

September 5: Mountaintops

September 6: Music for the Soul

September 7: Creative Expression

September 8: Holy Helper

September 9: My Praise

September 10: Needs Met

September 11: Never Give Up

September 12: Eternal Food

September 13: Laugh at Days Ahead

September 14: No One Else

September 15: Not Abandoned

September 16: Bring Down Walls

September 17: Never in Vain

September 18: Not to Us

September 19: Numbers

September 20: Oceans

September 21: Unbroken Gratitude

September 22: Only Pray

September 23: Open Door

September 24: Opportunity to Praise

September 25: Father in Heaven

September 26: Our Present Hope

September 27: Overconfident

September 28: Party Time

September 29: Patient Decision

September 30: Waiting

October

October 1: Pause

October 2: Paying the Bills

October 3: Perfect Timing

October 4: Persist

October 5: Petitions

October 6: The Antidote

October 7: Please Answer

October 8: Position for Rescue

October 9: Powerful Kingdom

October 10: Gratitude Focus

October 11: Let Hope Arise

October 12: What Wins

October 13: Praising Together

October 14: Crossing Warden

October 15: Pray Boldly

October 16: For All People

October 17: Lifting Up Leaders

October 18: Remembered in Prayer

October 19: Hope in Power

October 20: Rescue Plea

October 21: Power of Prayer

October 22: I Do Believe

October 23: Proclaim His Name

October 24: Promised Grace

October 25: Adoration

October 26: Purposeful Life

October 27: Quietly Waiting

October 28: Radiance

October 29: Reflections

October 30: Join in Song

October 31: Remain Upright

November

November 1: Reputation

November 2: Respect and Fear

November 3: Reverence

November 4: Rhetorical or Not

November 5: Always Near

November 6: Righteous Prayers

November 7: Good Answers

November 8: Sacrifice of Praise

November 9: Safety Guaranteed

November 10: Saving Grace

November 11: Secret Places

November 12: Set Your Mind

November 13: Shield of Faith

November 14: Shift of Focus

November 15: Shout for Joy

November 16: Showdown

November 17: Thank You

November 18: Result of Righteousness

November 19: Simple Pleasures

November 20: Sing to the King

November 21: Skilled

November 22: Skillfully Made

November 23: Sleep Like a King

November 24: So Much Love

November 25: Everything Beyond

November 26: Speak Well

November 27: Spiritual Achievement

November 28: Stand Victorious

November 29: Stormy Weather

November 30: Stretched Out

December

December 1: Stubbornly Redeemed

December 2: Sun Rising

December 3: Supporter

December 4: Supporting Leaders

December 5: Teachable Spirit

December 6: Tenant Farmers

December 7: Breed Joy

December 8: Thankful for Life

December 9: Final Kingdom

December 10: First Thing

December 11: Great Mystery

December 12: Hand Off

December 13: The Lord Hears

December 14: He Sees Me

December 15: More Important One

December 16: Power of a Name

December 17: Storyteller

December 18: Waiting Principle

December 19: Will of God

December 20: Time to Rest

December 21: Transformed by Renewal

December 22: Unending Blessings

December 23: Carrying the Story

December 24: Peace Is Here

December 25: Importance

December 26: Unending Chorus

December 27: Unlimited Resources

December 28: Unwrap Grace

December 29: Use Your Head

December 30: What to Do

December 31: Praise Party

Introduction

Jesus said we can do all that he did in his ministry on earth and even more if we believe in him. This is no small statement! Jesus performed large displays of God’s power through miracles, signs, and wonders. We were never meant to stay small in prayer or in faith. When Jesus said whatever you ask, it included the big, bold prayers that would be impossible to accomplish on our own.

As you read these Scriptures, short devotions, and prayers, pray in Jesus’ name with faith! Take him at his word and ask for greater things. Grow bold in the way you ask him to move in your life and in the world around you. He loves to save, heal, comfort, and amaze.

We catch a glimpse of the glory and goodness of God through answered prayer. He has not stopped moving in power, so let’s keep asking him to show up in wonderful ways.

January

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

JAMES 5:16 NLT

JANUARY 1

Sing Praise

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High.

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.

PSALM 92:1-2 NLT

Without an agenda, give thanks to the Lord today. How has he been good to you? How have you witnessed his strong mercy in your life? Pour out your praises to him. Let your heart swell with wonder as you remember how faithful he has been. His unfailing love has not left you yet, and it never will. Proclaim it over your day, your family, your life. His unfailing love covers you all the days of your life.

Thank you, Jesus, for everything you have blessed me with. Your mercy has been evident in my life from my first breath, and it will continue to remain until my last. You have always been faithful to me, and I am so grateful for your unfailing love. I praise you today because you are worthy of being praised with my every breath.

JANUARY 2

All Generations

This forever-song I sing of the gentle love of God! Young and old alike will hear about your faithful, steadfast love—never failing!

PSALM 89:1 TPT

God is constant in compassion, and full of second chances. In fact, he doesn’t put a limit on his mercy at all. It is never failing, never ending, and powerful to save. Why would we hide our joy when he is the pure delight of our lives? He is too marvelous for words, yet we shouldn’t stop declaring his goodness to all who will listen.

Jesus, I will sing about your goodness. The song of my heart overflows to the melody on my lips. You are full of love that never ends. Your everlasting kindness is my assurance and my strength. You do not leave even one of your loved ones behind. You are the God who leaves the ninety-nine on the path of life to rescue the one who has gone astray.

JANUARY 3

Big List

Let all that I am praise the LORD;

with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the LORD;

may I never forget the good things he does for me.

PSALM 103:1-2 NLT

The person who wrote this Bible verse was thankful for everything that God had given him. He was thankful for little things like flowers, surprise gifts, and quiet mornings, as well as big things like healing, relationships, and forgiveness of sin. Remember to praise God for all these wonderful things today.

Oh Lord in heaven, I will praise you this day. With all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul, I will raise up my praises to you in everlasting thanksgiving. Nothing compares to having you on my side; I will not forget this.

JANUARY 4

A Changed Heart

“I say to you, love your enemies.

Pray for those who hurt you.”

MATTHEW 5:44 NCV

It is not easy to love your enemies. Jesus did not command that we tolerate our enemies or peacefully avoid them, but that we actually change our hearts to love them. The way we can do this is by actively praying for them. When we genuinely pray to God, our hearts begin to soften and change. We are invested in that for which we are praying. We were Christ’s enemies when we were outside of grace. He suffered the cross for our sake because he loves us. Now, in response to that unimaginable love, we are told to love others including our enemies.

Jesus, in light of the great love you have shown me, I will display love to those around me. I will love those who hurt me and those who are enemies of the cross. Just as you advocated for my soul, I will advocate for those who hurt me.

JANUARY 5

Clear Guide

The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

MICAH 6:8 NLT

Fortunately, as Christians, we don’t have to question what God requires of us. He has written it in the Bible. We have a plan book that shows us the way and gives us specific instructions on how to live right, love mercy, and walk with God. Any time we question the right thing for us to do, we can search the Scriptures and find the answer.

Dear Lord, no matter where I am in life, I pray that I would continue to measure my conduct by the standard you set. Not by man’s standards, or by my own, but by yours, Lord. You are righteous, seeking for children of mercy, humility, and righteousness. May I be counted among them.

JANUARY 6

A Delicate Balance

Set your minds on the things that are above,

not on the things that are on earth.

COLOSSIANS 3:2 NASB

Isn’t creation incredible? Isn’t God’s handiwork infinitely glorious? Our world is dazzling in its beauty, bursting with opportunity, and dizzying in its variety. It’s also a tremendous distraction. We can get so caught up in our own possessions and problems, and in the vast wonders God supplied to the earth, we fail to remember the Supplier. Instead of being grateful for our homes, we become proud and possessive. The purpose we get from our worldly tasks can morph into obsession. Treating our bodies with respect can veer us into vanity. Remember, none of these earthly things define us. Only the Lord does that. Let him, and his love, be all that consumes us.

Heaven is my home, oh Lord. Only heaven can give me the peace I require. I will fix my eyes on your place of eternity, casting aside the distractions and idols that claw for my heart. There is nothing, Jesus, that can take the place you have in my mind and give me what you give.

JANUARY 7

Description of Glory

All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.

EZEKIEL 1:28 NLT

When we finally meet Jesus face to face, we might have a different way to describe what he looks like, but Ezekiel’s description is pretty magnificent. The human language is limited, yet we need to appreciate the beauty of descriptions. It is true that Jesus is our hope for the future; he is like that promise represented by a rainbow on a rainy day. Yes, he is our friend, but he is also the King of kings, and he is worthy to be worshipped.

You alone, Lord God, are perfect in both humility and majesty. Fully man and fully divine, you are the perfection of every good thing. I rely on you, and I glorify you for the greatness of your character.

JANUARY 8

A Gift

LORD, every morning you hear my voice.

Every morning, I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer.

PSALM 5:3 NCV

Every time our sun has moved its way over the horizon line into our skies, it can be defined as one thing: a gift. It doesn’t matter what season it is, or if those skies are cloudy, full of storms, crystal clear, or speckled with fluffy white marshmallows. When our eyes flutter upon that first light, God himself is there holding the gift. Anticipation is full. Let the beauty of this sink into your heart for a moment. The God of the universe is presenting you with extraordinary gifts. What do you need?

Apart from you, what is there for me to desire, Lord? You are the fullness of every blessing, the essence of every good thing. I have only to confide in you, and you fill my every need and listen to my desires.

JANUARY 9

Good Father

“Don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life.”

MATTHEW 10:30-31 TPT

Worry is a thief, and this generation is being robbed blind. Do you realize what is being stolen from you? The smallest moments as a whole make up your life. When you succumb to worry, you lose your life. But you do not have to live in the poverty of worry. You serve an all-powerful, all-knowing God who cares so deeply for those small moments. He wants to tend to the moments that are being stolen by anxiety and redeem them. He can change all those circumstances that are haunting you.

Amid this sea of life’s cares, you are my vessel, Lord. You alone keep me from drowning in my anxiety, and you sustain me through all the trials and difficult details. Please, Jesus, help me to trust in you more fully this day.

JANUARY 10

King’s Dream

Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret.

But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future.

Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.”

DANIEL 2:27-28 NLT

Daniel could have presented himself as some kind of skillful mind reader, but he gave all the glory to God. He could have used his gift of interpretation to make himself great in the king’s palace, but with sincerity of heart he directed the king toward the one true God who knows all things. There are times when you might be tempted to take the glory for yourself. Remember who gave you your gifts and allow your accomplishments to point toward the magnificence of your God.

Lord, you alone deserve all the glory. There is no other God in heaven but you, and nothing else deserves my worship. No one else can read the hearts of men and the future. Help me to give you the glory on this day.

JANUARY 11

Written Words

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.

Every king in all the earth will thank you, LORD, for all of them will hear your words.

PSALM 138:3-4 NLT

The written word is mostly digital these days which makes it very efficient to get your thoughts down. But there is something almost sacred about using your hands to write—the way scribes would have done for the kings. Consider this Psalm and how you might have written a prayer of gratitude. What, or who, do you have to be thankful for in your life?

Lord, thank you for being close. Your strength sustains me in times of need, and you have shown yourself to be enough in all times. Truly all kings and rulers will bow one day before your throne and give you the glory you deserve.

JANUARY 12

Unique Song

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

PSALM 40:3 ESV

Since the beginning of time, songs have been written. One could assume that every topic has been covered: sorrow, heartache, hope, joy, healing—the list goes on. With the millions of songs written, could there truly be a new song? God’s knowledge and wisdom are unmeasurable, and no created being will ever fully grasp the depth of his persona even if they have walked with him for their entire life. There is always something new to sing about him!

When I am bored and feel a lull in my spiritual life, please remind me of your brilliance, God. Reveal to me again a glimpse of your glory, so that I would not forget just how incomparable you are in goodness and grace.

JANUARY 13

A New Thing

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

ISAIAH 43:19 ESV

The prophet Isaiah recorded many of God’s reminders to the people of Israel. They readily forgot his miracles and abandoned his ways, so he constantly reminded them of who he was and what he had done for them, proving that he was worthy of their praise and worship. When we were all lost to sin with no hope of redemption, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to make a way for us: a way in the wilderness. This is the “new thing” he was doing.

Dear Lord, please use this day to remind me of your faithfulness. When I have lost my way, and when I feel broken, remind me that you are still sovereign. No authority compares to yours, so please help me to have faith.

JANUARY 14

Risk Taker

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

PSALM 119:105 NLT

There will be opportunities that arise that might be surprising to us. We might suddenly be presented with something that feels kind of terrifying. We view it as an opportunity because we see the benefit in it somewhere along the way. Stepping through the unknown takes courage, and courage isn’t always readily available. Through the power of prayer, we come to the point where our hearts feel the peace we’ve been looking for. That makes the task of accepting the opportunity much easier.

This world is full of darkness, Jesus, so please be the light of my world. Illuminate the way when I have doubts and bring me peace when there is chaos around me. Nothing compares to the radiance of your truth. Please illuminate my path.

JANUARY 15

Song of David

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!

PSALM 108:1 NLT

The Psalms communicate the highs and lows of life: the mountaintops and valleys. This Psalm is a mountaintop moment. These are the moments you feel self-assured, confident of what lies ahead, and optimistic for the future—you almost boast about it! Embrace these moments and celebrate with enthusiasm. If you can’t celebrate for yourself today, celebrate for someone else.

In the highs and the lows, you are still God. You are sovereign, and you remain steadfast. My world may be shaking, but you are not. You are unshakeable, and I am confident in you.

JANUARY 16

Warm Welcome

Accept one another, then,

just as Christ accepted you,

in order to bring praise to God.

ROMANS 15:7 NIV

Have you ever met someone and immediately felt a connection? Maybe you were drawn to their personality and a friendship was born. We all have our natural friendships. We don’t have to be best friends with everyone we meet because the truth of it is, we won’t be. But what if, despite our differences, we still accepted all those we come in contact with?

Jesus, why do I reject others, when I myself cannot live without your unconditional acceptance? Am I perfect, Jesus, that I should cast judgement on others? Help me today to bless and not to curse.

JANUARY 17

A Way Out

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?

How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

PSALM 13:2 NLT

One of the hardest realities of life is that we can’t escape suffering. There is no easy fix to a heart or mind that has been broken or wounded in some way. You may be able to relate to an experience where you have felt sorrow in your heart every day. During those times of struggle, you desperately want a way out. It’s important to cry out to God and acknowledge that you are totally dependent on him for help. Keep hoping and praying; he is a God that can be trusted.

I can trust you, God, with the truth of how I feel. I will not hide my pain or my anguish from you any longer, but I will lay it bare for you to see so I might find healing.

JANUARY 18

Abba

You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.

ROMANS 8:15-16 CSB

Abba. It’s the Aramaic word used for Father. Used by children and adults alike, the word drips with intimacy. Using it shows familiarity, vulnerability, and a deep sense of trust. Do these words seem foreign to you when referring to God? Some of us grew up with very rigid fathers: relationships void of the words above. Others grew up in a stoic and rigid religion, without the warm familiarity of a loving, kind father. By simply saying in prayer, “My Father!” the Holy Spirit unlocks a level of intimacy with God. Try praying this way, and rest in the care you receive from your loving, kind Father.

Father, how great it is to be adopted into your family! I praise you for giving me the privilege of being in your family. I thank you for your warm embrace.

JANUARY 19

Abundance Follows

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

PROVERBS 21:5 NLT

If lists, calendars, and flowcharts rule our days, verses like this one are great news. If we love making plans, it’s affirming to read that it’s pleasing to God and leads us to prosperity. However, plan with care. Without prayer and remaining close to God’s will, we can run ahead of him—and end up lost.

Dear God, I know that unless you build the house, those who build it build in vain. I render my life to you, so that through my planning and your sovereign hand it would be built for your glory.

JANUARY 20

Acceptable Speech

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

PSALM 19:14 ESV

The words that come out of our mouths are influenced by the motives which are hidden in our hearts. What we focus our time on will be what flows in our conversation. We ought to remember the Lord who authored our creation, salvation, and preservation. It is he alone who redeemed us through his death and resurrection, and it is he alone who sustains us by his power and might.

I need your grace to purify my soul, Jesus! Without you, the very meditation of my heart and the contents of my mind are fruitless. Please sustain me today in my thoughts.

JANUARY 21

Alert Mind

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

COLOSSIANS 4:2 NLT

Prayer does not require the perfect sentiments or a specific style. It is an open door of communication between us and heaven. Prayer is bigger than a statement we make in churches or cathedrals. It is more than a request we make in desperation. It can be as constant as our breathing. When we devote ourselves to prayer, we can do it with intention and thanksgiving. We know Jesus is full of mercy, and we can expect to be met by his love every time we turn to him.

Jesus, my prayer today is that this would not be my only prayer. My prayer is that you would fill my mind and heart with prayer throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset, so I might live in your glory.

JANUARY 22

All About God

For out of him, the sustainer of everything, came everything, and now everything finds fulfillment in him. May all praise and honor be given to him forever! Amen!

ROMANS 11:36 TPT

Having eyes for the kingdom of God will make you feel like an outsider in the world. We should expect to be hated by the world, but there will even be those who call themselves believers who find you to be too much. A life dedicated to the glory of God is never too much. A heart set on seeking him is exactly where it needs to be. A mouth proclaiming his goodness and mercy so that the rocks don’t cry out is saying what needs to be said. A mind set on the Spirit is to be commended.

Not to me, Lord, but to you is all the glory due! I live only to be found pleasing to you, and to be enlivened by your love. You have created and sustained me, so I glorify you for your power and rule.

JANUARY 23

Another View

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.

1 THESSALONIANS 1:2 ESV

Have you been stuck in a conversation with someone who only talks about themselves? Every word out of their mouth is centered around their view of the world and how everything affects them. It’s difficult to relate because there is plenty of talking but no listening. It’s a one-way street. Let’s not allow our prayers to be all one-way. Prayer is a beautiful gift. We can communicate with the God of the universe!

God, I pray over those I have seen shining your light in a dark world. I rejoice over them and pray that you would continue to do a good work through them. Thank you, Jesus, for what you are doing!

JANUARY 24

For Jesus

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

COLOSSIANS 3:17 NASB

When we focus on what people around us expect, we can become burnt out and resentful that we are being stretched thin. Instead of complaining or grumbling to ourselves while doing chores around the house, going out of our way to meet a friend, or doing a task that we wish others would do, let’s approach it as if we were doing it for God. He sees what others miss.

All my life I have been blessed, Father, and I pray that my lips would bless you this day in thankfulness. I thank you for your grace, and I thank you for the cross.

JANUARY 25

All Our Praise

They sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

REVELATION 5:9 ESV

Jesus is the worthy one, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every tribe, every language, every people, and every nation are offered the same power of his redemption. We are all as one in Christ, and none of us has a better claim to come before him than any other. May we join with heaven in proclaiming Jesus as King over all. He is worthy of all our lives, all our praise, and all our honor. There are no tiers in his family. May we be unified in love.

You alone, Jesus, are worthy to open the scroll! You alone stand resurrected from a penalty you did not deserve, and you alone deserve to be lifted up. Thank you, Jesus, for being my King!

JANUARY 26

Lovely Things

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3 NLT

The lovely things of life—sunsets, fresh fruit, warmth, spring water—they are all created by God to glorify him. He clothed the world in beauty to be pleasing in his sight. Although we live in a broken version of the original Eden, we catch glimpses of the earth that God has planned for the future. If we look, we can see signs of a coming new earth even in our everyday lives, truly good things that give us hope for the time to come.

Even the grass glorifies you. I am surrounded by a world, God, that testifies to your comfort and mercy. As long as there is air in my lungs, I pray that I would glorify you for it.

JANUARY 27

All Praise

Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; let this be known throughout the earth.

ISAIAH 12:5 NASB

Our God is so worthy! All praise, respect, honor, and glory belong with him. Amazed by talent, let us glorify the One who formed the hands that did the painting. Let us lift up the Father of the voice who sang the song. Beholding beauty, let us sing of the glorious mind who imagined, then spoke it into being. Every time we are dazzled, let our hearts remember our God, who designs, creates, and blesses us with it all, and let us not be shy in giving him the credit. As long as we have breath, let us spend it honoring the one who gives it.

All my honor is due to you, God, and to none other. My mind is filled by the excellency of your testimony, and I pray that my praise would reach to the ends of the earth. I will certainly proclaim your mercies this day!

JANUARY 28

What Is Within

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

PSALM 103:1-2 ESV

We can choose to bless the Lord, to offer him praise and thanks no matter what we are feeling in the moment. We can choose to focus on what he has given, and how fellowship with him has enriched our lives. No matter how we feel at any given moment, we can turn our attention to focusing on all the ways that we have been blessed by God.