Jesus First for Women E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Seitenzahl: 383

Beschreibung

When do you find time to connect with God? Even if we try to be intentional about it, everyday activities and responsibilities often find a way to take priority over our time with Jesus. Prayer can happen at any time, and of course it does, but there is value in setting aside a specific time to communicate with the Lord. The notion of getting alone with God to start the day was an example set by Jesus himself! He got up before daylight to pray in a solitary place. We don't know what about or who for, we just know it was his way of connecting with the Father before doing anything else. As you quiet yourself before him and meditate on these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his perfect peace. When you prioritize Jesus above everything, other concerns fade. Hope dawns with the new day. Tender mercies fall fresh. Boundless joy springs up from a well within. And you find the strength to walk through each day with grace for others and for yourself. Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - This high-quality sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. - 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.    

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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.Savage, Minnesota, USABroadstreetpublishing.com

Jesus First for Women© 2022 by BroadStreet Publishing®

978-1-4245-6445-3978-1-4245-6446-0 (eBook)

Devotional entries composed by Sara Perry.

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 (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®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.

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Seek first God’s kingdomand what God wants.Then all your other needswill be met as well.

MATTHEW 6:33 NCV

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Do the Work

January 2: Quiet Trust

January 3: Glorious Meditation

January 4: Thankful Heart

January 5: Praise Him

January 6: Already Known

January 7: Such Goodness

January 8: Every Opportunity

January 9: Generosity to Goodness

January 10: Under his Banner

January 11: Humble Faith

January 12: Generational Stories

January 13: Wonderfully Complex

January 14: Get Up and Pray

January 15: Unchangeable

January 16: Absolute Peace

January 17: Take Heart in Him

January 18: Compassionate Hearts

January 19: Prayer for More

January 20: Sweet Rest

January 21: God’s Work

January 22: Extravagant Love

January 23: Loaded With Love

January 24: Run into his Heart

January 25: Enthusiastic Work

January 26: Heart’s Cry

January 27: Living for Christ

January 28: Children of God

January 29: God Himself

January 30: Enduring Love

January 31: Live Faithfully

February

February 1: Fullness of Hope

February 2: Oaks of Righteousness

February 3: Lifegiving Wisdom

February 4: A Responsive Heart

February 5: He Understands

February 6: My God

February 7: Enduring Love

February 8: Far Better Than Us

February 9: Confident Assurance

February 10: Heart Set

February 11: Find Rest

February 12: Joyful Wisdom

February 13: Wrap-Around God

February 14: Spirit Prayers

February 15: Choose Gentleness

February 16: He is with You

February 17: Wisdom’s Invitation

February 18: Simple Satisfaction

February 19: Lay it Down

February 20: Living above Anxiety

February 21: Pure Peace

February 22: Unfailing Kindness

February 23: Tenacious Faith

February 24: Good Shepherd

February 25: Lighten the Load

February 26: Trustworthy Provider

February 27: Help Each Other

February 28: Grounded in Love

March

March 1: Finding Home

March 2: Blessed to Give

March 3: Spirit Revelation

March 4: Empowered by Scripture

March 5: Celebrate Mercy

March 6: Seek him Continually

March 7: What Pleases God

March 8: Purity of Faith

March 9: Grateful in all Things

March 10: Glorious Inheritance

March 11: He is Peace

March 12: Beloved Child

March 13: Word of Encouragement

March 14: Joyous Restoration

March 15: Morning by Morning

March 16: Powerful and Effective

March 17: Once Again

March 18: What a Savior

March 19: Put Your Hope in Him

March 20: The Same Measure

March 21: Shine Your Light

March 22: Open Heart

March 23: Humble Love

March 24: Sleep Peacefully

March 25: Led by the Lord

March 26: Shield and Strength

March 27: Pursuing Life

March 28: He Lights the Way

March 29: No More Veil

March 30: Limitless Mercy

March 31: Beautiful Hope

April

April 1: Tell Me

April 2: Unquenchable Love

April 3: Trustworthy One

April 4: Hard Work Pays Off

April 5: Focus on Today

April 6: There is Room

April 7: Without Criticism

April 8: Fellowship as a Priority

April 9: Thankful in all Things

April 10: Softened by Wisdom

April 11: Leave Room

April 12: Timely Reminder

April 13: No Comparison

April 14: Let him Honor You

April 15: Even When

April 16: Newness

April 17: Where He Dwells

April 18: Above all Else

April 19: Inherent Goodness

April 20: Quiet Confidence

April 21: True Competence

April 22: Firmly Placed

April 23: Look to Christ

April 24: He Does No Wrong

April 25: Undeterred Perspective

April 26: Radiant Glory

April 27: Joined to Jesus

April 28: Let the Lord Build

April 29: Liberated Living

April 30: Sharp Truth

May

May 1: Pursued by Peace

May 2: Healthy Growth

May 3: Whole-Hearted Searching

May 4: In His Care

May 5: Secret Riches

May 6: Everything Made Clear

May 7: Directed by Love

May 8: Loosen Your Grip

May 9: It’s Possible

May 10: Wisdom’s Benefits

May 11: Rejoice in Refuge

May 12: Look Around

May 13: Sealed by Love

May 14: Confidence in Crisis

May 15: Pure Promises

May 16: Easily Identifiable

May 17: Nourished by Mercy

May 18: Lifted by the Lord

May 19: New Things Coming

May 20: Keep Searching

May 21: Every Moment

May 22: Holy Work

May 23: What is Produced

May 24: Rich in Kindness

May 25: Wait on the Lord

May 26: Only Jesus

May 27: Delighted by Weakness

May 28: Godly Wealth

May 29: Yet Again

May 30: Never Wasted

May 31: Highest Aim

June

June 1: Inward Renewal

June 2: Spirit Power

June 3: It all Belongs

June 4: What He Wanted

June 5: In His Presence

June 6: Law of Love

June 7: Advancing in Faith

June 8: The Waiting Principle

June 9: Draw Near

June 10: Confident Trust

June 11: Fulfilled Hopes

June 12: The Lord Is

June 13: Grace On Grace

June 14: Greater Reward

June 15: Like a Child

June 16: Righteous Character

June 17: What is Ahead

June 18: Restored in Refuge

June 19: Successful Plans

June 20: Don’t be Offended

June 21: Every Morning

June 22: Every Detail

June 23: His Goodness Continues

June 24: Much More Valuable

June 25: Unending Blessings

June 26: Proven Passion

June 27: Bread of Peace

June 28: Heart Flow

June 29: Peace Promises

June 30: More to Learn

July

July 1: Words That Lift

July 2: Forever Portion

July 3: No Separation

July 4: Every Day of My Life

July 5: Comfort and Strength

July 6: Come with Confidence

July 7: Very Good

July 8: More Mercy

July 9: Renewed Strength

July 10: Pure Wisdom

July 11: Fruit of Patience

July 12: Even Then

July 13: Way Maker

July 14: Rise Up in Courage

July 15: Free from Worry

July 16: Spirit of Truth

July 17: Never-Ending Love

July 18: Holy Motivations

July 19: Called to Freedom

July 20: Gift of God

July 21: River of Justice

July 22: No Matter What

July 23: Greater Than Fear

July 24: Answered

July 25: Blink of an Eye

July 26: Unending Righteousness

July 27: Praise Him

July 28: Even Still

July 29: Marinate In Christ’s Teaching

July 30: Inner Strength

July 31: Tenderhearted Forgiveness

August

August 1: Nothing is Hidden

August 2: When you are Tired

August 3: Be Embraced

August 4: Shine Bright

August 5: Better Hope

August 6: Joyful Salvation

August 7: Under his Smile

August 8: Keep Living in Love

August 9: He Will Do It

August 10: Wonderful Works

August 11: Wait in Hope

August 12: Spoken into Existence

August 13: Careful Words

August 14: You Already Know

August 15: Unbreakable Trust

August 16: Relying on Faithfulness

August 17: The Only Way

August 18: Overflowing with Mercy

August 19: Learn from Him

August 20: Today’s Blessing

August 21: Higher than the Heavens

August 22: Righteous Living

August 23: Consistent Effort

August 24: Good Shepherd

August 25: Let it Go

August 26: Persistence is Key

August 27: I Believe

August 28: Perfected in Christ

August 29: Continual Surrender

August 30: Pay Attention

August 31: Gardens of Joy

September

September 1: Thankful Heart

September 2: Armed with Strength

September 3: Be Open to Correction

September 4: Delighted In

September 5: Transformed Mind

September 6: A Willing Spirit

September 7: None too Small

September 8: In the Morning

September 9: He Has Done It

September 10: All I Need

September 11: Unashamed

September 12: Held

September 13: They’re Just People

September 14: Leave Some Space

September 15: He Sees

September 16: Light of Life

September 17: He’s Got You

September 18: Practice Patience

September 19: Peaceful Harvests

September 20: Victory Songs

September 21: Plant Good Seeds

September 22: Much More

September 23: Validated

September 24: Incomparable Wisdom

September 25: Perfect Gifts

September 26: Spiritual Riches to Share

September 27: Leave it There

September 28: All-Sufficient One

September 29: Keep Building Up

September 30: He Shines Through

October

October 1: Knowing Him

October 2: One Thing

October 3: Holy Vision

October 4: Lifegiving Path

October 5: Enduring Hope

October 6: Calm in his Presence

October 7: Never Forget

October 8: Simply Remain

October 9: A Fruitful Life

October 10: No Reason to Fear

October 11: Higher Vision

October 12: Words to Live By

October 13: There is a Light

October 14: Open Door

October 15: Empowering Faith

October 16: Be Still

October 17: Spilling Over

October 18: Good Reward

October 19: Keeping On

October 20: All Day Long

October 21: Spirit Power

October 22: In His Name

October 23: Freedom is Here

October 24: Astonishing Faithfulness

October 25: Loving Action

October 26: Run to Win

October 27: Faith that Pleases

October 28: Submitted to God

October 29: Infinite Understanding

October 30: Genuine Affection

October 31: Filled Up

November

November 1: Secret Prayers

November 2: Trust and Believe

November 3: Divine Unity

November 4: Suit Up

November 5: Evidence of the Unseen

November 6: The Final Word

November 7: Fountain of Life

November 8: Test of Patience

November 9: Chosen

November 10: Higher Trust

November 11: Faithful Mercy

November 12: Minds of Mercy

November 13: Firm Foundation

November 14: Heart of Gratitude

November 15: Watch Out

November 16: Come Boldly

November 17: Courage and Strength

November 18: Be Mindful

November 19: Generous Living

November 20: Chosen Treasure

November 21: Keep Seeking

November 22: He is Able

November 23: Holy Confession

November 24: Decide in your Heart

November 25: Keep Trusting

November 26: What Joy

November 27: Powerful Message

November 28: Heart Fellowship

November 29: Uncontainable Joy

November 30: Better Than Life Itself

December

December 1: Anchor of Hope

December 2: Overflowing Blessings

December 3: Beautiful Spirit

December 4: Do Your Best

December 5: Be Consistent

December 6: Everything Everywhere

December 7: Unswerving Hope

December 8: My Courage

December 9: True Satisfaction

December 10: Clothed in Love

December 11: Heart’s Desire

December 12: Mindful Understanding

December 13: Strength and Peace

December 14: Ministry of Reconciliation

December 15: Fragrant Offering

December 16: Holy Belonging

December 17: Greater than Temptation

December 18: Joy is on its Way

December 19: Gifted to Serve

December 20: Glory of God

December 21: He Will Still Do It

December 22: Work it Out

December 23: A Faithful Life

December 24: All in Love

December 25: Wonderful Counselor

December 26: A Good Life

December 27: Every Longing

December 28: Unashamed

December 29: Kingdom of Truth

December 30: Same God

December 31: Forever Watched Over

INTRODUCTION

When do you find time to connect with God? Even if we try to be intentional about it, everyday activities and responsibilities often find a way to take priority over our time with Jesus. Prayer can happen at any time, and of course it does, but there is value in setting aside a specific time to communicate with the Lord. The notion of getting alone with God to start the day was an example set by Jesus himself! He got up before daylight to pray in a solitary place. We don’t know what about or who for, we just know it was his way of connecting with the Father before doing anything else.

As you quiet yourself before him and meditate on these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, experience the goodness of his presence and be refreshed with his perfect peace. When you prioritize Jesus above everything, other concerns fade. Hope dawns with the new day. Tender mercies fall fresh. Boundless joy springs up from a well within. And you find the strength to walk through each day with grace for others and for yourself.

JANUARY

With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us.

LUKE 1:78 NCV

JANUARY 1

DO THE WORK

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished.”

1 CHRONICLES 28:20 NLT

Consistency and perseverance are important factors in our spiritual development. They set us up for steady growth, and they allow the building of our faith muscles. When we are afraid, it does not mean we should give up. When we are anxious about an outcome, it is not a reason to shrink back or abandon course.

Look to Jesus. He is with you. Be strong, take courage in him, and do what he has given you to do. He promises to be with you. He promises to never leave you. Everything you do, do it for him, and he will bless the work of your hands. Keep going, no matter what, and trust him to do what only he can.

Jesus, when I am afraid, I will trust you. I will keep moving ahead in what is already mine to do, and I will trust you to direct and redirect me. Bless the work of my hands as I offer it all as a living sacrifice to you.

JANUARY 2

QUIET TRUST

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

ISAIAH 30:15 NIV

How often have you felt at rest in your salvation? When you take your burdens to the cross of Christ, do you leave them there? When you turn from the things you know are not benefitting you or others, do you look to the Lord for help?

Jesus is a faithful Savior and friend. May you know the deep abiding peace of his presence. May you know the quiet strength that comes with trust in his eternal love. He is for you, and he always will be. He builds you up in his love so that you can courageously and confidently live in him. Let your heart find its home in his mercy today.

Jesus, I want to dwell in the liquid love of your presence. I want to know your peace that passes all understanding. I give you my heavy burdens, and I take respite in you today. Bring relief and refreshment to my soul as I look to you.

JANUARY 3

GLORIOUS MEDITATION

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

PSALM 145:5 NLT

When we take time to meditate on the tangible goodness of God, our hearts expand in his incredible mercy. The Lord is more glorious than our minds can comprehend at any given moment. He is larger than our little lives can contain. He is purer than the most well-intentioned act of love we have ever known.

Let’s take time to meditate on his wondrous works. As we remember who he is, what he has done, and what he has promised to do, may our hearts bloom with hope. He is so very good and always worthy of our praise, our time, and our attention.

Jesus, I meditate on your glorious goodness today. I remember what you said, and I turn my thoughts to what you taught us about the Father. Fill my mind, my heart, and my very being with your ever-present love that breathes peace, joy, and hope into my expanding faith.

JANUARY 4

THANKFUL HEART

Let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We should worship God in a way that pleases him with respect and fear.

HEBREWS 12:28 NCV

Gratitude leads us to the throne of God. It paves the way for our waning hope to be strengthened. It leads us to an ever-expanding faith. It builds the foundation of sacred trust. When we don’t know where to begin as we come to the Lord, we can always start with thanksgiving.

What do you have to be thankful for today? What are the little and big things that enrich your life? Start with a heart that is open to look for deposits of God’s kindness already within reach. Then, let gratitude grow and swell until worship is a natural overflow of your heart’s response.

Jesus, there are so many reasons I have to be thankful: the air I breathe, the home I dwell in, the people and animals in my life that support me. I am thankful for the fulfillment of long-awaited desires and the faithfulness of your love. For all these things and more, I worship you!

JANUARY 5

PRAISE HIM

Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!

PSALM 150:2 NLT

Can you remember a time when you were astounded by an answer to prayer? Has there ever been a moment in your life or in a loved one’s life that had no earthly explanation? God is a God of miracles. He restores what was stolen, and he redeems what seems lost forever. In his earthly ministry, Jesus healed the sick, drove out tormenting spirits, and raised the dead. He still does these things today.

Jesus is alive and well. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he lives to intercede for you and me. He is still the God who defends the vulnerable, still the one who reaches beyond the boundaries of religion, and still the one who loves perfectly and powerfully. Let’s praise him!

Lord Jesus, how could I begin to praise you for all you have done? You have had a hand in more glorious goodness than the earth’s libraries could hold. You are better than I have given you credit for, and I worship you today.

JANUARY 6

ALREADY KNOWN

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”

JEREMIAH 1:5 NIV

Have you ever felt alone in this world? Even surrounded by others, we can feel unseen. Even when we have felt known, transition tears at the threads of our lives and leaves us feeling like our worlds are being shredded. There is one who understands. There is one who sees the end from the beginning and all that lies between.

Take some time to meditate on the verse for today. Before God formed you in the womb, he knew you. Before you were born, you were set apart by him. Everything he does is done with intention and love. He imagined you and created you with affection and purpose. When you feel far from connection, know that you are intimately connected to his heart.

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that you know me best and know me fully. In your love, you created me. In your love, you pursue me. In your love, I have found acceptance and a true home that never fades or crumbles. I love you!

JANUARY 7

SUCH GOODNESS

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

PSALM 31:19 NLT

No matter what is going on in the world, God is unchanging in faithfulness and mercy. He lavishes his love on those who run to him. He pours out blessings on those who take refuge in him. He is a safe place to abide in the storms of life. He is full of redemption, grace, and understanding.

When we live with hearts surrendered to God’s mercy, we will know the goodness of his care. There is more goodness than we can imagine! There is fullness of life, love, peace, joy, power, and grace. There is so more than we can fathom available to us through fellowship with him. Let’s run to him when we are afraid. Let’s come to him when we are confident. In every season of the soul, he is full of goodness.

Jesus, there is no one else like you in all the earth. No one can claim to love more than you do. I trust you with my heart, my life, and my loved ones. I trust you more than I trust myself. I trust you more than my closest friends. I trust you.

JANUARY 8

EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!

GALATIANS 6:10 TPT

Every day holds a myriad of opportunities to either respond or withhold love. When we choose compassion over judgment, we look for ways to be a tangible blessing to others. A kind response, an encouraging word, a helping hand to one who is struggling: these are all ways to bless others significantly and yet easily.

There is a cost to love. It is risky to reach out in mercy when our instincts would have us self-protect in fear. Fear does not promote love. It keeps us restricted when love compels us to expand. May we take every opportunity that presents itself today to be a blessing to others, those we know and love as well as those we don’t. It’s worth it.

Jesus, give me grace to extend compassion and mercy to others when I would rather go about my day. Give me eyes to see where I can help. Fill my heart with your love that compels me to reach out. I want to partner with your purposes today.

JANUARY 9

GENEROSITY TO GOODNESS

Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

PSALM 112:5 NLT

Does generosity have a place in your day-to-day life? Have you made room to practice giving to others out of the excess you already have? Though we have needs, there are likely ways we can give to others without fear of our own destitution. We don’t need to cheat (a system or anyone else) in order to hoard more for ourselves. In giving, we find a greater reward: satisfaction.

Jesus taught us that those who give will receive. Those who trust the Father to provide have no need to worry, for he even takes care of the birds and the flowers. Let’s find ways to be more generous than we have been. Let’s look for opportunities to make giving a priority. It will even benefit us as it benefits others.

Jesus, you are the most generous leader. You have an abundance of everything we need available in your kingdom. I follow your lead and choose to be generous rather than stingy. I want to know you more as I freely give to others.

JANUARY 10

UNDER HIS BANNER

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

SONG OF SOLOMON 2:4 ESV

Today, there is a great feast available to you in the vast kingdom of your God. Jesus has ushered you into the throne room of the Father where his abundance dwells. Through Christ, you can freely enter into the fullness of the presence of the King of kings.

When was the last time you feasted on the extravagant love of God? When did you last taste the satisfaction of his kindness toward you? Have you filled up on his glorious goodness lately? Right now, there is an open invitation to you. Come and feast under the banner of his love.

Jesus, I come to you today with an open heart that longs for an encounter with your Spirit. I want to feast on your mercy and fill up on your grace, Meet me with the overflowing radiance of your presence and love me to life again. You are my Savior.

JANUARY 11

HUMBLE FAITH

By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

ROMANS 12:3 ESV

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We are inclined to inflate our own character and motivations while simultaneously devaluing and doubting others’. This is pride. Pride keeps us from the flexibility that is necessary in life, and it keeps us from compassion.

May we be people who choose to humble ourselves both in our minds and in our interactions with others. This does not mean we should not be confident or that we should pretend to not be good at what we are good at. Let’s be gentle with ourselves and others and build each other up in love.

Jesus, I want to follow the path of your love and not seek my own gain above others. I want to be humble as you were humble. Help me to keep right perspective of myself and others. Clothe me in compassion in all things.

JANUARY 12

GENERATIONAL STORIES

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

PSALM 145:4 NLT

God’s mercy is not on a timetable. It is not a finite resource. It is faithful through the generations. When we look through Scripture, we find many instances of God’s powerful acts of mercy on behalf of his people. When we look at the life of Jesus, there are many stories of his miraculous kindness. He is still moving in power today.

We can be encouraged in our faith by observing God’s faithfulness to others. May we take time to listen to the stories of God’s tangible kindness toward people of all generations. No one is too young or too old to have a testimony of God’s goodness. Let’s take the time to share with one another in love, encouragement, and hope.

Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness from generation to generation. I know you aren’t finished working miracles of mercy in our lives today, and I long for a fresh revival of my faith. Encourage me through the testimonies of others.

JANUARY 13

WONDERFULLY COMPLEX

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

PSALM 139:14 NLT

You are made in the image of the Almighty God. You are wonderfully complex. You were not made to fit into small boxes that demand you look, act, or speak in a certain manner. The quirks in your personality and preferences are part of what make you, you. God is creative, and he put you together in a marvelous manner.

When you are tempted to shrink yourself to meet others’ expectations, or when you feel compelled to pretend that you are someone else, may you remember that you are perfectly, wonderfully, and lovingly made. God loves who you are, and he delights in your uniqueness.

Jesus, I’m glad you delight in me and lovingly accept me as I am. At the same time, I’m grateful for your love that transforms me into your image. I can throw off the lies of the enemy that seek to confine and control me, and I can embrace who you have created me to be. Thank you!

JANUARY 14

GET UP AND PRAY

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

MARK 1:35 NIV

Jesus did not rely on his own strength to get through the day; he made it a priority to spend time with his Father before he did anything else. He was not doing it out of obligation but out of a living relationship. He came from the Father, and he knew he needed the Father’s perspective to help him in all things.

We can take Jesus’ example and start our days with prayer. Whatever is on our hearts, minds, and schedules is an open invitation for God’s perspective, help, and power when we communicate it to him. The give and take of prayer, both laying out our hearts and taking time to listen to his response, is full of opportunities for us to grow in compassion, healing, and wisdom.

Jesus, I know I need the Father even more than you did on earth. I am grateful you are the open door to the Father. I come to you with everything weighing on my heart and mind. Give me your perspective and lift the heavy burdens from my shoulders as I share them with you. Thank you.

JANUARY 15

UNCHANGEABLE

I will not break my agreement nor change what I have said.

PSALM 89:34 NCV

God does not go back on a single promise he makes. What he vows to do, he always follows through on. Though his timing is not our own, he never fails to make good on his word. Are there areas of your life where you have gone back on your word? We will inevitably change our minds, but let’s take Jesus’ advice and let our yeses be yeses. Let’s not make vows we are unable to keep.

The grace of God is large enough to cover our mistakes and imperfections. He is wonderfully consistent, and he is powerful enough to take our biggest messes and make something beautiful grow out of them when we surrender to him. His mercy is large enough. We will never be perfect, but he is. He always will be.

Jesus, thank you for being consistent in all you do. You are perfect in love, and you never change your mind about me. Thank you for your consistency. I come alive in your mercy, and your faithfulness encourages my heart. Thank you for never leaving me on my own.

JANUARY 16

ABSOLUTE PEACE

Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you.

ISAIAH 26:3 TPT

When was the last time you experienced the tangible peace of God as it settled your anxious thoughts? There is an invitation to you today, just as there is to everyone who looks to the Lord, to find absolute peace in the presence of the God who is with you. Turn your attention to his faithfulness. remember what he has said and what he has already done.

Let confidence in God’s faithfulness be the bridge that leads you to stronger trust. He is more than able to do infinitely more than you could ever think to ask him. Let your imagination be consumed with who he is and invite his perspective to transform you own today. If you struggle to know where to begin, look at Jesus’ life and words. He is so very good.

Prince of Peace, I look to you for my needs, my hope, and my rest today. I need your perfect peace to surround me and settle me. I don’t want to waste energy on worries that have no foundation in your love. Pour over me with the power of your presence and soothe my anxious heart.

JANUARY 17

TAKE HEART IN HIM

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

PSALM 27:14 NRSV

God does not abandon those who look to him for help. He does not leave the destitute to destruction. He does not turn away from the vulnerable. He is the God who goes to the margins and heals those whom society casts out. Look at the life of Jesus, and you will find this to be true. He does not give more favor to the educated than he does those who work menial jobs. He is the God whose passionate love is the same for all who are created in his image.

Wait for him today. Take courage in his love, for he is pursuing you with the power of his loyal mercy even now. It is within your reach; don’t give up hope. Don’t stop doing the good you have been working toward. Keep waiting for him even as you take the steps that you have been shown. Trust him. He will not disappoint you.

Jesus, I wait on you today. Flood me with the power of your presence and encourage my heart in your promised faithfulness. I depend on you more than any other. I will wait for you and not give up. You are my courage.

JANUARY 18

COMPASSIONATE HEARTS

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

COLOSSIANS 3:12 ESV

Hardness of heart has no place in the kingdom of God. Jesus did not instruct us to love some and hate others. He taught us to love others as we love ourselves, and that includes our enemies. He showed us how to extend mercy instead of vengeance. Justice is his, and it is not our right as his heirs to judge others more harshly than we do ourselves.

Let us take Paul’s instruction to heart today. Let us “put on…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” These are fruits of the Spirit, and the Spirit is always ready to help us when we ask. Though we may naturally tend toward pride, self-protection, and rushed conclusions, the way of Christ is different. Let us follow his path of love; as we do, we will be transformed into his likeness.

Jesus, you are full of compassion, mercy, patience, joy, and honor. You are filled with peace that passes understanding. I long to reflect your lifegiving love in my own life. I choose your way over my own today. I clothe myself in your compassion, for it is my covering.

JANUARY 19

PRAYER FOR MORE

O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.

PSALM 125:4 NLT

We can count on the goodness of the Lord to meet us in the land of the living as we submit our lives to him. In surrender to his kingdom ways, we serve his purposes first and foremost. He is our goodness and the prize that we run after in this life. His mercy is our portion today and forever.

Has your heart felt disconnected from the Lord? Have you felt out of touch with his overwhelming love? All it takes is a turn toward him to realize he is closer than you knew. He rushes toward you whenever you turn toward him. Make a move and watch him come close. He is your tuning fork, and he will continue to meet you, transform you, and love you to life over and over again.

Jesus, I need a fresh touch of your mercy in my life. I believe that you are with me, but my heart longs for an encouragement of your truth. Reveal yourself to me in a new way and revive my hope, courage, and strength in the living waters of your presence.

JANUARY 20

SWEET REST

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

PSALM 4:8 NLT

No matter what happens, we can trust the Lord to keep us secure in his love. He is our faithful foundation, our strong shield, and our refuge in times of trouble. We can know his perfect peace even in the midst of our greatest storms. Jesus knew this. He slept peacefully in the middle of a treacherous storm when he and his disciples were out to sea.

Just as Jesus slept peacefully in his storm, so can we sleep peacefully in ours. His loyal love has not left us to fend for ourselves. Fear is not our master. With the presence of his Spirit to keep, hold, and comfort us, we can lie down and sleep while trusting him to care for us.

Jesus, I want to find rest in you today. Help me let go of what I cannot control. May worry not consume my heart; may anxiety not send my thoughts looping unproductively in my mind. As I lay down my cares, flood me with your peace that passes understanding.

JANUARY 21

GOD’S WORK

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

PHILIPPIANS 2:13 NLT

When we are at war within ourselves, may we turn to the Lord for help. We have needs that may have go unmet in important relationships in our lives. In Christ, we find these needs fulfilled. Though our trauma responses and self-defeating cycles of shame may have been our past, it is not our future. We get to choose, at any and every point, what we will do with our desires and hopes.

Is there any desire to do good for the Lord? Is there any longing to know him? That is his work already happening within you. He is faithful and full of grace to empower you as you continue to yield your life to him. Keep going, keep choosing his kingdom ways, and keep letting his love work in your life.

Jesus, thank you for the work you are already doing within my heart. I long for more of your peace, power, joy, and goodness. I want to live in the liberty of your love just as you promised your people would, Transform me and keep doing your good work in my life.

JANUARY 22

EXTRAVAGANT LOVE

“This is how much God loved the world— he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.”

JOHN 3:16 TPT

The living expression of love came to us in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the image of God the Father in human form and given to us so we could come to the Father through him. Jesus showed us the way, and he is still revealing it to us today through his Spirit.

Jesus spoke about the Father in lavish, wonderful terms. In one parable, he spoke of a father who joyfully ran to meet his son when he returned from wandering and squandering his inheritance. The son came back completely humiliated and desperate, but the father only had love, redemption, and restoration on his mind. So does our Father with us! Let us come freely to him, no matter our state, for he is full of merciful kindness, and he receives us with open arms.

Jesus, thank you for taking the humble road of humanity to show us what the Father is truly like. I come to you today with a heart full of surrender and with nothing to offer but myself. Please, revive me and restore me in your love.

JANUARY 23

LOADED WITH LOVE

He saves my life from the grave and loads me with love and mercy.

PSALM 103:4 NCV

As Luke 19:10 tells us, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He did not count his life as worth too much even though he is the Son of God. He left his glorious throne in heaven to make a way for us to come to the Father. He experienced degradation, humiliation, and defeat. He was mocked and put to death.

Thankfully, that is not the ending. He rose from the grave three days later and broke the curse of sin and death in the process. His resurrection power is our salvation; his grace is our more-than-enough portion at every point. He has loaded us with love and mercy, and he continues to do so today. Let us rejoice in him, for he is our salvation and our transformative hope.

Jesus, thank you for saving my life from the grave and for the promise of everlasting life in your glorious kingdom. Make that hope more real to me today as I continue to yield my heart to you. Load me up with your love and mercy.

JANUARY 24

RUN INTO HIS HEART

It is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope!

HEBREWS 6:18 TPT

Whenever we have doubts of any kind, we can run into the heart of the Lord, for he is faithful. He will never stop being loyal to his promises, and he won’t break a single vow he has made. Even when we are faithless, God is still faithful. He cannot change from his character. What lengths his love goes! What patience he has with us.

When we need strength and comfort, we can find it in the heart of God. He is our unshakable hope, the foundation stone of our faith that will never crack or move. The power of his love is stronger than any force of fear we will ever know. We can rest in his peace and his unmatched power.

Jesus, I’m so grateful you never change. You are as full of merciful miracles today as you have ever been. Encourage and strengthen my heart in your hope. Enliven and refresh my courage in your presence. I run into your heart today.

JANUARY 25

ENTHUSIASTIC WORK

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

EPHESIANS 6:7 NLT

When we do what is right—not only when others are watching, but at all times—our lives are lined with integrity. This is pleasing to Christ, and it follows his kingdom ways. We should seek to always do the right thing, to do it enthusiastically even, because it reflects the goodness and constancy of the Lord.

When we are tempted to take shortcuts in necessary work because we do not see the value of integrity, may we not compromise. Everyone is tempted, but God gives us the strength to offer all we do to him whether or not we receive the accolades we long for from others. May we find our strength, our drive, and our joy in doing everything for the Lord.

Jesus, thank you for your example of hard work. I know rhythms of rest also belong, so I won’t feel bad for taking the breaks I need. However, I will not look for ways to get out of the work that is mine to do. Give me strength and joy in the process, for I know work is as holy as worship.

JANUARY 26

HEART’S CRY

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

PSALM 119:5 NLT

In the beginning of Psalm 119, the poet explains that true happiness comes from walking in total integrity. Joy comes from keeping God’s ways and seeking him with our whole hearts. When we choose the paths of the Lord, we reap the benefits of his presence. His law of love is our standard, and when we live according to it, we come alive in him.

Does your heart cry out to be more like Jesus? Are you longing to reflect his decrees in your life? As you follow him and everything he instructed, you will go from glory to glory. You will be transformed into love’s image as you submit to his ways. Look to the ways of God and line up your choices with Christ today. Watch what happens in your heart in response.

Jesus, you are the cry of my heart. How I long to know you more, to become more like you, and to reflect your love in my life. Be glorified in me as I follow you on the path of your laid-down love.

JANUARY 27

LIVING FOR CHRIST

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:15 NLT

We have been set free in the liberty of Christ’s love to live for something larger than ourselves. His love is bigger than our lives can contain, and it continually pushes us out of our comfort zones into greater lived compassion for others. If it’s not, let’s consider what motivations are driving our lives.

When we live for Christ, we allow his teaching to broaden our horizons. We are led by love to reach out to others we might have stayed closed off to on our own. We look to make a difference in the lives of others and to welcome and serve those in our communities. We live with open hearts and lives rooted and established in the love of Christ.

Jesus, your love doesn’t just change my life; it changes the whole world! I want to follow you when you lead me outside of myself and my comfort. Give me a heart of compassion, strength, and courage to follow you no matter what.

JANUARY 28

CHILDREN OF GOD

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 JOHN 3:1 NIV