JoyFull E-Book

Lydia McLaughlin

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

Seitenzahl: 375

Beschreibung

Lead a life of joy.   Our culture encourages instant gratification, promoting must-have brands, conveniences, and luxuries, but dissatisfaction often results. True, lasting contentment cannot be found in worldly things. Jesus wants our hearts to overflow with joy, and he offers it freely.               Join Lydia McLaughlin in JoyFull as she shares the power of God's Word, teaching you how to apply it and live joyfully—just as God intends. Each daily devotion includes: - inspiring Scripture, - a short reading on the day's theme, - a thought-provoking question or challenge, and - an uplifting prayer.  Start each day with a fresh promise of hope and embrace the abundant, joy-filled life that God designed for you!  

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

JoyFull: 365 Daily Devotions for Women

Copyright © 2023 Lydia McLaughlin

9781424564736 (faux leather)

9781424564743 (ebook)

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

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com. 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 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, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, 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 NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible. Copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLV are taken from the New Life Version. Copyright © 1969 and 2003. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.

Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

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This devotional is dedicated to you, sweet sister. I am praying for you. As you seek God through his Word and spend time in it, I am confident that your mind will transform to his will for your life. God is so good and faithful.

Contents

January

January 1: Alive and Active

January 2: The Wilderness

January 3: Plans

January 4: Satisfy My Soul

January 5: Powerful Spirit

January 6: Strong Hearts

January 7: Prayer

January 8: Blessings

January 9: Freedom

January 10: Pride

January 11: Worship

January 12: Quality Time

January 13: Prepared

January 14: Obedience

January 15: Dream and Imagine

January 16: Passionate Faith

January 17: Ambassadors of Heaven

January 18: Hope of Glory

January 19: Christ in Us

January 20: Peace

January 21: Just the Right Time

January 22: Heavenly Perspective

January 23: Godly Life

January 24: Stand Firm

January 25: Growing Pains

January 26: Bloom Where You’re Planted

January 27: Precious as Gold

January 28: Suffering

January 29: Wonderfully Made

January 30: Life Reflects the Heart

January 31: To the Full

February

February 1: Beautiful Words

February 2: New Creation

February 3: Bless My Enemies

February 4: Spiritual Battle

February 5: Truth and Wisdom

February 6: Gentleness

February 7: Healthy Friendship

February 8: Transformation

February 9: Gratitude

February 10: Love at All Times

February 11: Rejoice

February 12: True Beauty

February 13: Kingdom Focused

February 14: Tough Conversations

February 15: Perfect Timing

February 16: Spirit within Us

February 17: Encouragement

February 18: Talents and Passions

February 19: Praise Him

February 20: You Harvest What You Plant

February 21: He Takes Care of Us

February 22: A Servant’s Heart

February 23: Life-Giving Promises

February 24: The Power of Love

February 25: Guilt versus Shame

February 26: Bless Me, Lord

February 27: Set Free

February 28: What Lies Ahead

February 29: The Devil’s Lie

March

March 1: People of Passion

March 2: Temple of God

March 3: Glory of God

March 4: Boundaries

March 5: Seasons of Faith

March 6: Bright Future

March 7: Spiritual Fight

March 8: Strong and Courageous

March 9: Sweet Friends

March 10: Desert Plans

March 11: Unchanging God

March 12: Humble Yourself

March 13: Steadfast Love

March 14: Dangerous Mindsets

March 15: Joy of Salvation

March 16: Never Abandoned

March 17: Truly

March 18: Called to Freedom

March 19: Champion-Deliverer

March 20: Power, Love, and Self-Control

March 21: Done in Love

March 22: Quieted by His Love

March 23: No Fear

March 24: Children

March 25: Strength and Gentleness

March 26: Prepare for Action

March 27: The Truth

March 28: Receive Power

March 29: Love and Consideration

March 30: Find Rest

March 31: In All Situations

April

April 1: Cast Your Anxiety

April 2: The Lord Is Close

April 3: Let It Go

April 4: Love More, Judge Less

April 5: Abba

April 6: The Way

April 7: He Understands

April 8: Forgiveness

April 9: Raised from the Dead

April 10: Heavy Hearts

April 11: Unforgiveness

April 12: Watch in Hope

April 13: Fruit of the Spirit

April 14: Overflowing Hope

April 15: A Pure Heart

April 16: Patience

April 17: Kindness

April 18: Good and Faithful Servant

April 19: God’s Handiwork

April 20: Royal Priesthood

April 21: Trustworthy

April 22: God’s Kindness

April 23: Faithfulness

April 24: Delight in the Lord

April 25: Crown of Righteousness

April 26: Heavenly Realms

April 27: Follow His Steps

April 28: Lady in Waiting

April 29: Boldness

April 30: I AM

May

May 1: All Things

May 2: Of the World

May 3: In Christ

May 4: Omniscient

May 5: Transferred

May 6: Capable

May 7: Saving Grace

May 8: Discipline

May 9: Surrender

May 10: Omnipresent

May 11: Fight for You

May 12: Emotions

May 13: Difference-Maker

May 14: He Prepares Us

May 15: Confidence

May 16: Little Things

May 17: Rejection

May 18: Lydia

May 19: Omnipotent

May 20: Blameless

May 21: Never Forsake Us

May 22: Come Forth as Gold

May 23: Occupied with the Word

May 24: He Looks at the Heart

May 25: Made Alive

May 26: Overcome the World

May 27: Intended for Good

May 28: His Holy Name

May 29: Completion

May 30: Anxious about Nothing

May 31: Intercede

June

June 1: Our Helper

June 2: Grace of God

June 3: Straight Paths

June 4: Yoked

June 5: Righteous

June 6: Faith

June 7: Patiently Waiting

June 8: He Strengthens Us

June 9: Prayer

June 10: Fear the Lord

June 11: Move Mountains

June 12: Unaware

June 13: Love, Love, Love

June 14: Faith from Hearing

June 15: Contentment

June 16: Break the Chains

June 17: Only Son

June 18: Taste and See

June 19: Wherever You Go

June 20: In Your Heart

June 21: Pure in Heart

June 22: God Is Greater

June 23: Run with Endurance

June 24: Builders

June 25: Fan into Flame

June 26: At God’s Command

June 27: Shielded and Protected

June 28: Lioness

June 29: Every Single Moment

June 30: Something New

July

July 1: Hold Fast

July 2: Demolish Strongholds

July 3: Rest

July 4: Trust

July 5: The Lord’s Purpose

July 6: Blessed Is She

July 7: Everything New

July 8: Shine Your Light

July 9: Be Agreed

July 10: Be Kind

July 11: Walk with Integrity

July 12: His Peace

July 13: Guaranteed Blessing

July 14: His Voice

July 15: Live in Freedom

July 16: Thirsty

July 17: Escape Worry

July 18: A Sword

July 19: God Declares

July 20: Words

July 21: Facts

July 22: Pray

July 23: Allied with Jesus

July 24: Heavenly Counselor

July 25: Ransomed

July 26: God Will Provide

July 27: Choose Jesus

July 28: Be Still

July 29: No Excuses

July 30: Potter and Clay

July 31: You Will Not Stumble

August

August 1: Chosen People

August 2: On the Throne

August 3: But God

August 4: Nothing Too Hard

August 5: Prayer Warriors

August 6: Wisdom

August 7: Justified and Glorified

August 8: Judge Correctly

August 9: Clutter

August 10: Peace and Prayer

August 11: Kingdom of God

August 12: By Faith

August 13: Yesterday, Today, and Forever

August 14: He Will Do It

August 15: Mysterious

August 16: Dreams

August 17: Fix Your Gaze

August 18: Such a Time as This

August 19: Higher Calling

August 20: Spiritual Maturity

August 21: Crossroads

August 22: Tempted in Every Way

August 23: Joy of His Presence

August 24: Arise and Shine

August 25: Worth

August 26: Walk in Truth

August 27: Talents versus Gifts

August 28: Perfume

August 29: Dark Times

August 30: Light and Joy

August 31: Think Strong, Be Strong

September

September 1: One Bold Step

September 2: Our Shepherd

September 3: Obey

September 4: Storms

September 5: Slow to Anger

September 6: Love One Another

September 7: He Cares

September 8: Things Above

September 9: Inner Thoughts

September 10: Die to Ourselves

September 11: Exploits

September 12: Raised and Seated

September 13: Appearances

September 14: Found

September 15: Believe God

September 16: Wait upon the Lord

September 17: Small Beginnings

September 18: Safety in the Lord

September 19: Return with Joy

September 20: Our Advocate

September 21: Marked with a Seal

September 22: Heavenly Citizenship

September 23: Here and There

September 24: Walls of Protection

September 25: Mere Mortals

September 26: Hall of Faith

September 27: Bridegroom

September 28: Bring Honor

September 29: Written in Heaven

September 30: Divine Encounters

October

October 1: Whatever You Have

October 2: God Waits for You

October 3: The Lord Laughs

October 4: Powerless Turned Powerful

October 5: It Is Day

October 6: Unshakable Hope

October 7: Prisoner of the Lord

October 8: Talking Donkey

October 9: Spirit of Power

October 10: Encourage

October 11: Wisdom and Kindness

October 12: Soft Answer

October 13: Multiplied

October 14: Refiner’s Fire

October 15: Strength and Dignity

October 16: Seek God

October 17: Christ in Me

October 18: Live Freely

October 19: A Chosen Generation

October 20: Altogether Beautiful

October 21: Let Another

October 22: Hovering

October 23: Christ Is All

October 24: Hope and Encouragement

October 25: Close Watch

October 26: Devote Yourself

October 27: Scripture

October 28: Take Up Your Cross

October 29: The Lord’s Hand

October 30: Grow Strong

October 31: Ask and Believe

November

November 1: Cleansed

November 2: More Love

November 3: Focus

November 4: Unceasing

November 5: Pray and Persist

November 6: Our Inheritance

November 7: See God

November 8: Fresh Authority

November 9: Promised Land

November 10: Living as Jesus Did

November 11: Angels

November 12: Matters of the Heart

November 13: After God’s Heart

November 14: Everything in It

November 15: Glory to Glory

November 16: Favor of God

November 17: Men and Women

November 18: Tithe and Offering

November 19: Enthroned

November 20: What Is Good?

November 21: Anointed

November 22: Give Thanks

November 23: The Lord’s Servant

November 24: Fight the Good Fight

November 25: One Thing

November 26: Repentance

November 27: Firstfruits

November 28: Real People, Real Issues

November 29: Our Hearts

November 30: Life and Peace

December

December 1: Living Sacrifice

December 2: Testimony

December 3: Messiah

December 4: Shaped by God

December 5: Sons of Thunder

December 6: Fasting

December 7: Fresh Manna

December 8: Stay with God

December 9: Pouring of His Spirit

December 10: God’s Family

December 11: Abundant Faith

December 12: What We Do

December 13: Seal of Ownership

December 14: Halted Plans

December 15: Eternal Life

December 16: God’s Glory

December 17: Children of God

December 18: In Jesus

December 19: Those Who Dream

December 20: Be Watchful

December 21: Honor

December 22: A Cheerful Heart

December 23: A Good Word

December 24: Overjoyed

December 25: With Us

December 26: Helping Those in Need

December 27: Salvation

December 28: Unshakable Joy

December 29: A Hard Worker

December 30: Open Door

December 31: Run Your Race

AcknowledgmentsAbout the Author

Introduction

God often speaks to us through the power of his Word, which is alive and active. It can pierce our souls and speak to our spirits.

I’ve prayed for Jesus’ words to fill the pages of this devotional, and I pray that it leads you closer to him. I pray that it unleashes his power in your heart, ushering you into the throne room of Christ, where we stand in awe at our maker’s presence.

I pray that this devotional inspires new habits in us, encouraging us every morning to reach for God’s Word first instead of our phones or cups of coffee. Lastly, I pray that our pursuit of his Spirit allows us to experience freedom as we witness his truths become realities. Amen.

January

JANUARY 1

Alive and Active

The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

HEBREWS 4:12 NIV

Since we are starting a new year together and reading God’s Word, I want to begin by acknowledging the power we have at our fingertips when we read the Bible. God’s Word is alive and active! Do you believe that?

When we say that God’s Word is alive and active, it means that the Bible can speak to us in different ways depending on what we’re going through in life. If you are in a time of waiting, then the verses on patience will stick out to you. If you are in a season of uncertainty, God’s faithfulness will give you hope. We can be in God’s Word during any time of life because it always has fresh, new teachings to inspire us.

Reflect

How much time are you spending in God’s Word? Do you listen to God’s voice in your life?

Jesus, I thank you for the power of your Word. I thank you for meeting me wherever I am and for always pursuing and loving me. Amen.

JANUARY 2

The Wilderness

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

ISAIAH 43:18–19 NIV

God is doing a new thing in you. This is his promise. He declares that he will make streams come forth in the wastelands. He has made you with your gifts and talents for such a time as this, and he is making a way for you to use them.

He has a plan for you, and he looks for followers who will be obedient and bold. Don’t give up. Be faithful and passionate. The hopes and dreams that you carry are inside of you for a reason. Pursue what you were made for, sweet sister!

Reflect

Look up today’s verses in other translations. Consider what the promises and declarations mean for your life.

Lord, you are faithful. I trust you with my life. I place my hopes and dreams at your feet. Lead me according to your will and your way. Amen.

JANUARY 3

Plans

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV

In less than a week, God created all that exists, and the Bible is full of prophecies that God fulfilled through Jesus thousands of years later. This is all to say that God knows what he is doing. He promises us in our verse today that he plans for us to prosper and enjoy a future full of hope. He is in control, and we can trust him.

We have the freedom to make plans as well. The anointing on our lives happens when we align our plans with the Lord’s. We tend to confine our dreams to boxes of security and comfort. That is, we want God to move as long as the risks to us are minimal. But God’s plan falls outside of those neat, comfortable boxes. It’s time to step into God’s plan!

Reflect

Ask God to reveal the next step of his plan for you.

Your will, your way, Lord. I desire your plan for my life over my own. Amen.

JANUARY 4

Satisfy My Soul

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

JOHN 10:10 NLT

Jesus says that he has come to give us a rich and satisfying life. He obviously wasn’t saying that he came to fill our homes and garages with a bunch of material things or to busy our calendars with activities. He is saying that he came so that we can have a rich life—a life full of love, joy, and grace. Peace. Adventure.

What satisfies your soul? Dream big and pursue your heart’s desires with faith, but also remember that a life like this often won’t receive the loudest applause. Jesus offers us a satisfying life, not an easy one.

Reflect

Create a list of things that satisfy your soul.

Lord, thank you for creating me. Thank you for my passions and talents. I submit my life to you, Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 5

Powerful Spirit

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

ROMANS 8:11 NLT

Romans 8:11 is perhaps one of my favorite promises in the Bible. It promises the most amazing phenomenon: the Spirit of God lives in you. The same Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us. Can I get an amen?

If we live out of this truth each day, then our days will look a lot different. Our minds will be set free, and our joy will overflow. The ways that we go about our conversations and tasks will take on new meaning. We must tap into the Spirit inside of us. That is where we claim a life of freedom.

Reflect

Embrace the power of the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you.

Jesus, I praise and thank you for your Holy Spirit living within me. I pray that it will consume me, Lord. More of you and less of me. Amen.

JANUARY 6

Strong Hearts

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 CHRONICLES 16:9 NLT

Today’s verse is powerful. Imagine God’s eyes searching the world, examining the hearts of his people. Paint it in your mind: God’s eyes running through the scenes of our lives. He wants his followers to represent him and to be the salt of the world. I desire for my heart to be fully committed to him so that he will pour out his strength on to me.

We are all wonderfully made, and each of us is unique. Maybe you need some of God’s strength today. Perhaps you need purpose or direction. Whatever is going on in your life, God sees it. His eyes are on your heart, and he is ready to pour out his strength on to you.

Reflect

Our hearts need to be fully committed to Jesus. In what areas are you holding back from God?

Lord, thank you for pouring out your strength onto my life. You are so good, and I long to serve and be used by you. It is a deep honor and my heart’s desire. Amen.

JANUARY 7

Prayer

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

JEREMIAH 17:9 NIV

We do not have to be taught how to be bad because it is innately within each of us. It’s difficult for us to admit our shortcomings or even to recognize the ways that our hearts sometimes steer us in the wrong direction. During prayer time, however, we have a beautiful opportunity to examine ourselves and bring any and all of our shortcomings to the Lord. We can acknowledge our wrongdoings with him and move on.

While you pray, perhaps God will bring to mind a conversation or a friendship that you had not yet realized you handled poorly. Prayer is the perfect time to bring all of your concerns to God.

Reflect

Examine your heart during your prayer time today and ask for forgiveness in any area that needs it.

Lord, I thank you for loving me and always lighting my path. We pray you make me aware of the many ways that I can do better for your glory. Amen.

JANUARY 8

Blessings

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1 CHRONICLES 4:10 NIV

Jabez asks God to bless him in our verse for the day. It’s good to ask God for our heart’s desires. We want God to bestow upon us the blessings that he designed for us. Jabez asked for God to enlarge his territory, keep him from harm, bless him, and free him from pain.

What are your hopes and dreams? Have you submitted them to Jesus and laid them at God’s throne?

Reflect

Spend time with Jesus today. Make your heart’s desire known to him and ask him to bless you.

Lord, thank you for my passions, talents, and gifts. You have already blessed me so much with this beautiful life. I pray you would bless me with the desires in my heart. If they are not your will, then I pray you would direct my path for the plan you have for my life. I submit to you, Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 9

Freedom

The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:17 NIV

Jesus did not come to simply eliminate our fear of death but to also give us a life of freedom in this world. We can be saved by Christ, believe in him, and go to church on Sundays but still live in bondage. My pastor shared how “secondhand Christianity” kills people much like secondhand smoke. Too many of us live off the smoke of someone else’s faith, someone else’s fire, or someone else’s encounter with Jesus.

Secondhand Christianity cannot and will not satisfy your faith. God is calling you. He has specific plans and a specific purpose for you according to how he created you. He came to set you free!

Reflect

Try to identify any chains in your life today. In which areas have you not submitted to the Lord? Once you identify them, try handing them over to Jesus.

Lord, I long to live a life of freedom. I claim the promise of your Spirit ushering in freedom today. Make that a reality for me, Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 10

Pride

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

PROVERBS 11:2 NIV

Pride is dangerous. We are to exalt the Lord and consider pride the enemy. We are to pursue humility and see the beauty in its practice. It doesn’t take more than a quick scroll on our Instagram feeds to recognize that the biblical value of humility is counter to our culture today. We are conditioned and even encouraged to boast by putting our talents and anything of worldly value on display. This self-pride will create a stronghold and lead to destruction in our lives.

We exist to encounter God and to display his glory. We are to boast in Christ alone, not in our own accomplishments or blessings.

Reflect

Look for opportunities to practice humility today. Acknowledge that your gifts have come from Christ and be mindful of keeping your pride in check.

Lord, I want to be wise. I desire to point people to you and your love. Help me notice the ways in which I am prideful and help me to put my confidence and trust in you. Amen.

JANUARY 11

Worship

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”

ISAIAH 29:13 NIV

When my youngest son started kindergarten, the first few weeks were brutal. He would hold it together all day for his friends and for his teacher, but the moment he was buckled into the car, he would have a hardcore meltdown. He would cry or lose it over small things that ordinarily wouldn’t bother or upset him. I was slow to realize that I should be thankful for his meltdowns. They meant that he felt safe enough to lower his guard and experience his big emotions with me. And you know what? I could handle it. So can God.

God always knows our thoughts, and he isn’t impressed by our ability to hold it all together sometimes. He’d rather for us to experience our real, honest meltdowns with him and then draw near to him. That honors him far and above insincere worship.

Reflect

Have a real, honest conversation with God today. Ask him questions about things you don’t understand.

Lord, I thank you for wanting a real relationship with me. Amen.

JANUARY 12

Quality Time

Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

JOHN 1:38 NIV

Today’s verse is the first time that the apostle John, the author of this Gospel, writes of interacting with Jesus. Picture yourself looking into the eyes of Jesus before he poses you a simple yet complex question: “What do you want?” That question can be answered in so many different ways, and I think our answers depend on our season of life. The disciples’ answer was simple; they invited Jesus to dine with them (v. 39). They wanted his company. They wanted to spend quality time with him.

Everything in our life should be secondary to our relationship with God. If you are hurting, then spend time with Jesus. If your marriage is failing, you’re stressed about money, or you’re unsatisfied, lonely, or bitter, then spend time with Jesus. All of those things, as stressful as they are, can be worked out as we spend time in his presence.

Reflect

Prioritize your time with Jesus today. Imagine yourself looking into his eyes and telling him what you want.

Lord, I thank you for caring so much about me. I thank you for wanting to know my wants and desires. I submit my day to you, Lord. Reveal yourself to me in new ways. Amen.

JANUARY 13

Prepared

We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.

EPHESIANS 2:10 NLV

God prepared us and has already given us everything we need. Think back to a time when you felt completely prepared for something important. You felt organized, safe, and secure because you knew you were ready—for the test, the trip, the event, the meeting, or whatever it was.

When we are prepared, we enjoy a sense of confidence. We can enjoy that same confidence with our lives because God created us to do his good works. He has plans for us, and those plans are our ministry. He has prepared us in this moment, for this time, with our unique gifts and passions. You are already prepared and can enjoy confidence because the Creator of the universe is on your side.

Reflect

Try to shift your mindset today. Imagine God preparing you for every situation that unfolds throughout your day.

Thank you, Lord, for creating me and preparing me for this moment in time and in this place. You are so good, Father. I love you. Amen.

JANUARY 14

Obedience

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

1 JOHN 5:3 NLT

Many people spend their entire lives searching for their purpose. I spent much of my twenties feeling lost and wondering what to do with my life. I thought I would find a plan and have everything figured out for the rest of my life by the age of twenty-two. I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

God knows all. He guides us for our best interests. He is trustworthy, so we can trust him. The purpose of our existence is to obey him, love him, and spend time in his presence.

Reflect

Try to obey God in all that you do today. If you feel called by the Holy Spirit to do something, even if it’s small, honor that prompting and see what happens.

Lord, I praise you for your guidance. I want to love you well and with my whole heart. Your ways are above mine, and I trust and obey you today. Please help me with my unbelief. Amen.

JANUARY 15

Dream and Imagine

All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

EPHESIANS 3:20 NLT

There is no limit to what God can do. He’s limitless! And he has given us the ability to dream and imagine because he wants us to dream and imagine. Our dreams are rooted in God’s power and in what he can do through us, not what we can do on our own. And because we have the power of God on our side, it’s on us to make our dreams become our reality.

What a gift it is to take bold steps of faith wherever you feel God calling you. Or if you’re unsure, then ask him what he wants you to do with your life. Reflect in prayer and pay close attention to anything that excites your spirit.

Reflect

Create a list of ten of your biggest dreams.

I want to pray big, bold prayers. I want a life full of wonder and awe. I submit my dreams to you, Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 16

Passionate Faith

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

LUKE 9:62 NIV

In today’s verse, Jesus describes a worker who’s plowing a field but keeps looking back on his old way of life. In other words, this worker was distracted. But if we are to be passionate about our ministry and about what God is doing today, then we can’t spend all of our time and energy looking back on what God called us out of and what he has already done.

Of course, there is a place for remembering God’s faithfulness and feeling encouraged by his goodness. Focus on your field, friend! Focus on what God is doing with you right now. Don’t be discouraged or distracted by the harvests of others. God has a good crop for you.

Reflect

Consider what God is doing in your life right now. Be a servant who’s passionate about your faith.

I thank you for everything that you are doing in my life, Lord. I thank you for my passions and gifts. I pray that I focus on the path on which you are leading me and that I allow only you to fulfill me, Jesus. Amen.

JANUARY 17

Ambassadors of Heaven

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 NIV

An ambassador is often the highest-ranking representative of a territory whose assignment is to represent their homeland in a foreign land. We are Christ’s ambassadors, and we represent heaven. What an honor!

Because we serve as ambassadors of Christ, we need to overflow with Christ-centeredness, not self-centeredness, and we need to possess a spirit of excellence. Today’s culture lacks excellence and, instead, favors efficiency. But if we do everything to our greatest ability while representing our maker, the world around us will take notice. We change the course of our lives when we know who we are and what we are created to do, so let’s represent excellence to the world around us.

Reflect

Select an inspiring Bible verse that captures who you truly are in Christ. Memorize this promise and remind yourself of it today and throughout the week.

Lord, thank you for choosing me to represent you. Thank you for loving me like a precious daughter. It is the honor of my life to be seen, known, and loved by you. Amen.

JANUARY 18

Hope of Glory

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

COLOSSIANS 1:27 NIV

This “hope of glory” mentioned in Colossians is our faith, our “glorious riches.” We don’t need to have every detail of our faith figured out, but God does call us to have it. And we can grow and cultivate our faith by spending time in God’s Word. His presence will bring us contentment and remind us of just how much we have to be thankful for, and a grateful heart often means a content soul.

When you focus on our Creator, the issues of this world tend to fade away. Because no matter what season of life you find yourself in, you are never outside God’s love, provision, promises, or goodness.

Reflect

Sit with the concept of the “hope of glory” living within you. What does that phrase mean to you personally?

Thank you, Lord, for living in me. I am grateful for the mystery of our faith and the hope that you give us in Christ’s glory. Amen.

JANUARY 19

Christ in Us

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

GALATIANS 2:20 NIV

Although we are literally alive, our concept of self died when we welcomed Jesus into our hearts. In the waiting, in the hopelessness, in the good times and the bad, “I no longer live.”

Our ego is difficult to dethrone, and that pesky sense of self will always try to crawl its way back to its former throne. But we made the powerful, life-giving choice to submit to our maker, and this verse promises us that Christ now lives where our self once lived.

Reflect

Approach your day from the perspective that you no longer live but that Jesus lives in you. In every word you speak and in every action you take.

Lord, I want to live my life boldly by faith in you, Jesus. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your goodness and grace. I pray to be a light to the people you put in my path today. Amen.

JANUARY 20

Peace

Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

ROMANS 14:19 NLT

Boundaries bring peace to our life. I personally believe that setting boundaries is biblical. God set boundaries with us, and we refer to them as his Commandments. He put them in place for our own good, and in the same way, boundaries are blessings not only to ourselves but also to the people we share relationships with. They protect us and help us live peacefully with the world around us.

Today’s verse also calls us to build each other up. That means our words should be edifying, compassionate, and spoken out of love over one another. It’s easier said than done, at times, but remember that we are called to a higher standard.

Reflect

Be intentional about building up someone in your life today.

I pray for a peaceful life. I want to be someone who isn’t easily offended but full of peace. Fill me with your presence, Lord, and let me speak with the love and hope that only your Spirit can bring. Amen.

JANUARY 21

Just the Right Time

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

GALATIANS 6:9 NLT

I love the first five words in the second part of today’s verse: “At just the right time.” Those words are so important for us to always remember. In the Bible, God waited to send his son, Jesus Christ, until the perfect time. We serve a patient God who is the Creator of everything and the King of time.

So trust the timing of your life. Trust that God knows what he is doing and that his timing is perfect. He’s got you. Do not tire of doing good because God will show up at just the right time.

Reflect

Repeat to yourself throughout the day, “At just the right time.” Remind yourself as many times as you need to that God is on your side and that you can trust his timing.

Lord, I want to do what is good and pleasing in your sight. I want to be available to serve you. I want to trust you with every aspect of my life, including your timing. I trust you, Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 22

Heavenly Perspective

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:11–12 NLT

We are called to mind our own business. This doesn’t mean we have to turn a blind eye to injustice, but it does mean that we need to have an eternal perspective. When we are busy looking up toward heaven, the nonsense around us won’t distract or offend us.

If we want to do well, we have to be well. Whatever is going on inside of us will also flow out of us. So if we want our thoughts to overflow with love and gratitude, then we need our spirits to be consumed with Jesus.

Reflect

Monitor your thoughts carefully today. Listen to the words that leave your mouth. Are you orienting yourself and the people around you toward heaven?

I invite your Holy Spirit into my heart, my mind, and my words, Lord. I desire to overflow with your love and kindness. Amen.

JANUARY 23

Godly Life

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

2 PETER 1:3 NIV

God has given us everything we need to lead godly lives. Let yourself steep in that truth. Let it sink deeply into your heart and mind. When we know that God has given us all that we need for every situation and circumstance, our outlook, actions, and thoughts change. We become more confident, secure, and rooted in our faith.

How do we live a godly life? Today’s verse holds the key: “through our knowledge of him.” We gain this knowledge by spending time in his Word, in prayer, and in his presence. It also helps to invest in a faith-filled community of friends and mentors who know us well and point us to Jesus.

Reflect

Come up with one way to pursue God on a deeper level today, whether that’s meditating on today’s verse, proudly sharing it with another person, or connecting with Jesus in your own way.

Father, I praise you for your goodness and glory! Thank you for being so beautiful and kind. Thank you for your beauty all over this earth. I pray that I can know you deeper today and make you proud. Amen.

JANUARY 24

Stand Firm

Stand firm…with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace…Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

EPHESIANS 6:14–17 NIV

These verses are so rich with inspiration that it’s no wonder why they’re so popular. The Lord’s power gives us strength. Do you feel in step with God’s mighty power? Make space in your life for him to display it. Create rhythms in your life that allow God to speak to you through his Word. Worship him in the car during your commute or spend time in prayer inviting him into your daily routine.

Once we allow ourselves to live boldly for Christ, our lives transform. God wants to use our stories for his glory.

Reflect

Stand firm, sweet sister! Be ready for spiritual battle daily and be prepared to win.

I pray that you continue to open up my spirit so that I can understand and live in all of the powerful promises that you gave me through your Word, Lord.

JANUARY 25

Growing Pains

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

HEBREWS 12:11 NIV

We will experience pain and discomfort in this life. It is not necessarily to discourage us from our purpose or spiritual pursuits. Just like I lovingly discipline my kids so that they can grow into healthy adults, God can and often does use our discomfort and pain for good. For example, when someone hurts us, our painful experience sometimes shows us that our relationship with that person might not be a healthy one. And sometimes our pain draws us closer to God.

We are stronger than we think. We must hand over our pain to God and trust that he is doing good things in and for us. Always.

Reflect

When something inevitably goes awry or doesn’t go your way today, shift your mindset. Ask yourself what quality God may be harvesting in you, such as patience, forgiveness, gentleness, or another positive quality.

Thank you for caring for me, Lord. At times, you teach me in ways I do not understand, but I trust you, Jesus, and praise you for all you are doing with me and my life. Amen.

JANUARY 26

Bloom Where You’re Planted

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

PROVERBS 12:26 NIV

It’s important to make wise choices about the people we choose to surround ourselves with. And there’s wisdom in pursuing and nurturing the friendships that God puts in our lives. My best friend from childhood, who lovingly served as maid of honor at my wedding, doesn’t live in the same state as I do. Our kids don’t go to the same school. I don’t get to do life with her like I want to, and our friendship doesn’t look the same as it did when we lived in the same town, but it doesn’t mean that I love her any less.

Relationships and friendships change. Not only is that normal, but it’s also healthy. Consider the people you see on a regular basis. Pursue and invest in the healthy, godly relationships. Bloom where you are planted.

Reflect

Examine the friends that God has placed in your life. Invest in at least one of these friendships today, whether that’s sending a quick text to tell them something kind, scheduling a lunch, or saying a prayer for them.

Lord, I thank you for my friendships. Help me be a good friend so my life can be full. I place my heart at your feet, Lord. Lead me today and always. Amen.

JANUARY 27

Precious as Gold

He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

JOB 23:10 NIV

Sometimes God tests us, and sometimes his will for us is to walk through fire. Remember that he’s after our hearts, and by walking through fire, he allows our hearts to become refined. When we emerge on the other side, we become more precious than gold.

Some of us might feel as though God is testing us in life, and I encourage you, precious friend, to walk through that fire with hope and faith in Jesus. Just as Job declares, so do we, “I will come forth as gold.” Let the Lord test you, and have the confidence today to know that you will come forth more precious and valuable than gold.

Reflect

Make Job’s prayer yours: “Lord, I will come forth as gold.”

I pray for all the ways in which I am being tried and tested right now. I want all that remains in me to shine like gold and point people to you, Jesus. Amen.

JANUARY 28

Suffering

“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.”

EXODUS 3:7 NIV

In the very next verse in Exodus, God declares that he’s going to rescue his people from the Egyptians and bring them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (v. 8). We can find comfort in these two verses because they show us just how much he loves us.