Lord It's Me Again E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Seitenzahl: 371

Beschreibung

Draw near to God with Confidence. God loves to meet you wherever you are and fill you with everything you need for each new day. Be assured of God's unwavering love toward you and boldly make your requests known. As you spend time in his presence, unashamedly ask him for strength, joy, peace, and hope as many times as you need to. He is always listening, and he enjoys hearing from you again... and again! 

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

Lord, It’s Me Again

© 2016 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5152-1 (hard cover)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5153-8 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Janelle Anthony Breckell, Diane Dahlen, Claire Flores, Shannon Lindsay, and Michelle Winger.

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

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

Design by Chris Garborg | www.garborgdesign.com

Edited and compiled by Michelle Winger | www.literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

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CONTENTS

Introduction

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Introduction

It’s difficult to admit that we need God—all the time. We find ourselves shyly requesting his attention as if he is easily annoyed. As if he’s tired of hearing us ask for something yet again. This couldn’t be further from the truth!

God loves to meet us in every moment of every day. He encourages us to come close and confidently ask him for everything we need. He wants to hear what is on our hearts.

As you spend time reading these devotions, Scriptures, and prayers, remember that God is keenly listening to your every word. He is waiting to shower you with his blessings of peace, hope, joy, and strength. All you need to do is ask.

January

“SO DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU;

DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD.

I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU;

I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY

RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND.”

ISAIAH 41:10 NIV

JANUARY 1

Something New

“I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland”

ISAIAH 43:19 NLT

Whether you have generated a color-coded list of goals, dreams, and an execution plan for the next 365 days or you’ve banned resolutions and vowed to make this just another day on the calendar, the clean slate represented by the first day of a new year is filled with an undeniable air of expectation. The excitement of a new bauble or gadget pales in comparison to the promise of a new beginning. Deep down inside, there is a part of us which thinks, “This could be my year!”

Guess what? It is your year. This day, and every one that follows, is yours. It is yours to choose who and how to love, to serve, and even to be. And the choice you made in reading this page represents the choice to take this journey in the company of your heavenly Father. That is a beautiful place to start.

Heavenly Father, I give you this year. I ask that you would help me keep you in the forefront of my mind as I make decisions and plans. I want to seek your advice in everything I set my hand to.

JANUARY 2

All Things New

He who sat on the throne said, “Behold,

I make all things new.” And He said to me,

“Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

REVELATION 21:5 NKJV

The most beautiful thing about the God we’ve entrusted our lives to is that he makes all things new. That is a faithful statement—it has always been true and will always be true.

As we begin a new year, empty and full of both bright promise and worrisome unknown, we can rest our souls in the truth that our God will make everything new. Our regrets, mistakes, and failures are nothing compared to his covenanted promise of redemption and newness.

Thank you, Jesus, that you make all things new. Thank you that your Word is faithful and true, and I don’t have to doubt your promises.

Bring newness to my life this year. Take my regrets and turn them into new beginnings.

JANUARY 3

Invisible

The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.

PSALM 33:13-14 NLT

Are you feeling invisible today? You may be surrounded by a crowd of people and yet feel alone and isolated. This may be how the woman who needed a healing touch from Jesus felt, but was convinced he would never notice her among so many. She reached out and touched him, and found him fully aware. Hagar, Sarah’s servant, was driven from her home by her angry mistress. Wandering lost and alone in the wilderness, God saw her and became her deliverer.

It’s difficult to comprehend that as small and insignificant as we are in time and space, God sees each of us and even knows our name. Others may not seem to notice or understand, but God knows our whole story. He is always present, all-seeing, all-wise. No matter where we are, God sees.

I am so thankful, Lord, that you not only see me physically, but you see into my heart and mind and know my every thought. Help me always to remember that I am never invisible to you.

JANUARY 4

Lord Make Me Patient… Right Now!

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

EPHESIANS 4:2 NIV

It has been said that a prayer for patience is a dangerous one because in order to develop it, trials need to come. Patience is developed with much practice; even the simple act of waiting—for anything really—is good practice. Think of the patience Jesus has with us. Before we knew Christ, he waited patiently for us to come to repentance. When we fail to trust him and worry and complain about our circumstances, he waits until we’re ready to turn to him once again. He puts up with our foibles and inconsistencies and loves us anyway.

Are you being called to a new level of patience these days? Are you bristling with frustration and anger at things that aren’t going your way? Are spiritual growing pains about to wear you out? Then it’s time to kneel once again at the throne of grace and ask for help in your time of need.

Oh Lord, forgive me for my impatience today. I am going to pray a bold prayer and ask that you would develop the quality of patience in my life. Help me to cooperate with the process.

JANUARY 5

My Identity

Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.

Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.

1 PETER 2:10 NLT

There is an emphasis in society on the importance of “finding ourselves.” It seems a valid endeavor. We need to know our gifts and skills and have an outlet for them: a purpose for living. We need an identity. As Christians, we have one! First Peter says we are living stones in God’s spiritual temple, royal priests, a chosen people, God’s very own possession. Before Christ, we were without identity and purpose.

Have you lost your identity somewhere along the way? Maybe you’ve lost your footing as you’ve dealt with daily responsibilities? Reaffirm who and whose you are. You are one who belongs to Christ, called out of darkness to shine Christ’s light in this world!

God, I want to reaffirm that I am your child. I am forgiven, I have a new name, and I am part of your kingdom. You have called me out of darkness to show others your goodness. My identity is in you!

JANUARY 6

Not Our Own

I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own.

We are not able to plan our own course.

So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle.

Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.

JEREMIAH 10:23-24 NLT

Jeremiah, a prophet of God, was called to reveal the sins of the Israelites and warn them of coming judgment. His pleas were ignored and the consequences fell when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. Prior to that catastrophe, Jeremiah made one of the most profound statements in the Scriptures. The Israelites insisted on following the lead of the idolatrous nations around them doing things their own way. They seemingly forgot they were God’s chosen people and that God had lovingly directed their steps. In their independence, they fell into sin and lost the promised presence of God.

I wonder how many times we forget whose we are and begin to think we can plan our own course in life. Perhaps we are not happy with God’s direction and are resisting the road he has asked us to walk. Maybe today you need to pray with Jeremiah:

Correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. I repent of my independence and once again surrender to your direction.

JANUARY 7

Smelling Good!

Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.

2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-15 NLT

What are your favorite fragrances? Freshly baked bread, honeysuckles, lilacs, brewing coffee, or crisp fall air? An aroma can catapult you back in years to a childhood memory or cause an emotion or mood to suddenly arise within you as it links you to a past experience. A woman wearing a lovely perfume shares the fragrance as it permeates the space around her, wafting gently through the air.

Christ wants us to live our lives so that no matter our location, we are disseminating the sweet-smelling perfume of the gospel which then rises up to glorify God. Our gentle, quiet spirits, the peace and joy we exhibit, the kindness, love, and patience we show to others will cause people to turn their heads and say, “What smells so good? I want some of that!”

Oh Jesus, help me to live my life exhibiting your character in everything I do and say. I want to smell good so that my life draw others to you.

JANUARY 8

Taming The Untamable

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.

PSALM 141:3 NIV

What a challenge it is for women to master their tongues! Has yours been out of control lately? It is said that women use an average of 20,000 words a day, while men only speak 7,000. With that many words pouring out of our months every day, there is simply a greater possibility that some of them will be hurtful, unkind, and harmful.

What’s to be done with our tongues? James describes them as a fire that is untamable by man. One moment it praises God; the next it curses man. What a dilemma! It’s so wonderful to know that just like the other challenges we face, we can run to God for a solution. He does what we cannot do, but we must do our part. Meditate on the Word so that Scripture flows easily and our consciences are tender. Determine to speak more about God and less about others. And finally, pray with the psalmist:

Set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Help me, Lord, to speak words of life to those around me. Help me to swallow words that harm and speak only words that uplift.

JANUARY 9

Faith Matters

He (Abraham) was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.

ROMANS 4:21-22 NLT

Sometimes we are hesitant to admit that we are discouraged because our prayers are not being answered. So many godly men and women have believed God for a miracle and not received it on earth. Does that mean their faith was in vain?

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that through him all the peoples of the earth would be blessed. He believed even though in the natural it was an impossibility. God saw his faith and counted him as righteous. Hebrews 11 lists other giants of the faith—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses—and says, “All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it” (Hebrews 11:13 NLT). There may be prayers we utter that we will not see answered in our lifetime. Can we emulate the saints of old and believe no matter the outcome?

Lord, help me to persevere in faith because my faith alone counts! You hear my prayers and even if I cannot see your response, I know you are working!

JANUARY 10

The Fear Factor

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

I praise God for what he has promised.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

PSALM 56:3-4 NLT

You will notice David did not hesitate to admit when he was afraid! King Saul was pursuing him and so great was his terror that he ran to the enemy’s camp—an unlikely place to find refuge. It was bold and risky, but perhaps King Achish would not recognize him, or might consider him a deserter and an asset. Unfortunately, David was found out, reported to the king, and, motivated by more fear, acted like a mad man and was sent away. Fear causes us to do things we normally would not.

It wasn’t long before David readjusted his thinking and put his trust once again in God. It is interesting that he says, “When I am afraid,” not “If I am afraid.” Fear is a human response and unless counteracted by trust, is at best destructive. What are you afraid of today? Are you magnifying a concern into an impossible mountain of what ifs? Trust Jesus. Remember his promises to you. No matter the outcome, he is in charge!

Lord, I am afraid today, but like David I am going to trust you! I don’t have to worry about anything because I know that whatever you allow in my life is designed for my good. I rest in that knowledge.

JANUARY 11

Remember

I recall all you have done, O LORD;

I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts.

I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

PSALM 77:11-12 NLT

You’ve heard of “selective memory,” when a person remembers only the bits of the past that are convenient while forgetting those that are not. Maybe that’s why the “good ol’ days” seem so good! All through Scripture, we are commanded to remember. Think about how many times Moses admonished the Israelites to recall all that the Lord had done for them through the years. To remember how they had provoked God and suffered the consequences, so they wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.

Remembering what God has done builds our faith. Each time he proves himself faithful to you, another brick in your foundation of trust is laid. The precedent has been set and whenever he moves on your behalf, the bedrock of your faith grows stronger. You know that he brought you through before and he will do it again. Take time today to remember and to thank God for all he has done.

Forgive me, Lord, for forgetting the way you have worked in my life. I am prone to fret as though this time you won’t come through! Thank you for your faithfulness to me and for all you have done!

JANUARY 12

Sitting With Sinners

“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

MATTHEW 9:13 NRSV

Have you ever felt like you haven’t been getting recognition for all the work you have done, either in your job or at home? Have there been times when you have seen other people acknowledged for doing seemingly little? Hard work without appreciation can seem very unfair.

Imagine then how those Pharisees felt when Jesus chose to sit with the sinners! They were bothered by the fact that Jesus was spending time with the unrighteous when they had devoted their whole lives to obeying and working under the law. Jesus responded by saying we don’t earn forgiveness; rather, we receive it as a gift. We are all sinners, and yet Jesus chooses to sit with us because he wants to show us mercy. Sit with him and freely receive it!

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner before you, and yet I thank you that you have chosen to sit with me here and now, offering your grace and mercy. I receive your forgiveness as a gift, knowing that it is not what I do that makes you accept me. Help me to be merciful to others, as you have been to me.

JANUARY 13

Give and Get

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

PROVERBS 11:25 NIV

You get what you give. It’s a simple principle, and one that the Bible endorses. We are not like a takeaway cup that becomes useless once it has been emptied. In God’s upside-down kingdom, the more we empty ourselves, the more we are filled back up! It can be hard to let go of money, or time, or energy for the sake of others. However, if we understand that God is using us to give to others, we can also trust that he will find a way to provide for us. And he does!

Is your tank on empty, needing to be filled up? Do you need refreshing? Be generous and willing to encourage someone in need; there are plenty of people around you if you make yourself aware. As you give, the Lord will return to you.

Dear Lord, show me the people in my life that need my generosity. Show me those who need my time, my prayers, and my encouragement. As I give to others, please fill me up and restore my soul so that I can live a life that is full of you.

JANUARY 14

Faith Please!

Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

HEBREWS 11:6 NRSV

We spend a lot of our lives trying to please people, whether it is a tidy house, a delicious meal, a great birthday present, or new clothes. It seems that to gain approval we need to do things that make us look good to others.

This is often how we approach God, with great effort to do the right things to please him. But the Bible says that it is impossible to please him without faith. What is faith? It is a belief in your heart and a confession with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. It is not what you do that will please God; it is a heart that seeks to follow him. Approach the Lord today with a surety that he is pleased with you, not because of what you do but because of what you believe.

Father, I come with a heart that wants to please you. Forgive me for thinking that all the good things that I do are more important than a heart that believes in you and continually seeks your will. I have faith in you, and I will wait patiently for the reward of seeking you.

JANUARY 15

Born of God

As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

JOHN 1:12-13 NKJV

When children are born, the most significant part in shaping their identity is knowing to whom they are born. They will also continue to be molded by where they are born and who they have to nurture them as they grow. We all have different stories regarding this. We have birth parents, and the circumstance of our conception can be labeled anything from desired to unwanted.

You may have been nurtured by loving parents, uncaring parents, struggling parents, or perhaps even no parents. However, those of us who believe in God have something in common. We are all children of God. It was God who created us and brought us into the world. It is God who has been watching over us since we took our first breath. It was God who was overjoyed when we accepted him as our Savior. We have been born again into God’s family and nothing in this earth can take that away from us.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have called me into your family. Thank you that you love and care for me as your precious child.

JANUARY 16

Hear Me

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

PSALM 4:1 NKJV

Who do you call when you are feeling upset and stressed? Is there someone in your life who will listen to you in your time of need? Are you confident that God is always near and you can call on him when you are distressed?

The Lord knows your heart and what you are facing; he alone is able to relieve you of your burden. He is a God of mercy, which means that it doesn’t matter what you have done, or how big a battle you face, his loving-kindness is able to save you in your time of need. He will hear you, so call out to him.

Dear Lord, I call out to you now, believing in your goodness and ability to ease my burdens. I know that you hear me as I pray. Thank you for listening to me. Hear my heart when I can’t express it in words. Lift me up and give me peace.

JANUARY 17

Rejoice Always!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 NIV

Life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. The circumstances that we find ourselves in can leave us feeling disappointed and even resentful. We have expected God’s goodness without realizing that part of the Christian walk involves suffering.

It is not that God wants you to go through hardship, but he wants you to experience his joy and presence at all times. This is why we are to give thanks in all our circumstances, whether joyous or painful. He is able to lift you up, to allow you to feel joy, and to bring you closer to him. Rejoice always!

Dear Lord, help me to come to you in the hard times as well as the easy times. Thank you that you are a good God who cares about me. Thank you that I can trust you with my life. Thank you that you are present in all of my circumstances. Remind me to rejoice in you, always.

JANUARY 18

Courage for Christ

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

PHILIPPIANS 1:20 ESV

What are your hopes for your life? Perhaps you want a meaningful career, to go on worldwide adventures, to become a wife, or to simply raise wise and wonderful children. Of course we all hope to live a life that honors God, but are we courageous about our faith as much as Paul expresses in this verse?

Paul knew that the Christ that he preached was offensive to many people; the gospel was very hard for others to accept. However, Paul was confident that eventually all would know the truth of Christ, and in this, he knew that he would not be ashamed. Would you allow this to be your hope as well? Honor God with your whole life by being courageous enough to share Christ with the world.

Jesus, I want to serve and honor you with my whole life. Teach me to understand the gospel and then give me the courage to share you with others around me. Let me hope and expect, as Paul did, that I will not be at all ashamed.

JANUARY 19

“Yes” to Grace

The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

TITUS 2:11-12 NIV

When you hear a word often enough it begins to lose its impact. This can happen when we see words like grace and forgiveness; they surround us because they are core to our Christian faith. Instead of switching off when you read or hear the word grace, remember that grace is actually equivalent to Jesus.

Jesus defeated the power of sin in our lives and we no longer have to earn our salvation through good works! Grace is powerful because it gets to the heart of the matter. You are no longer judged because of your outward sin. The Father can see your heart of repentance and you will be forgiven. His forgiveness transforms our hearts, and this is what gives us the strength to say no to ungodliness and live righteously. Say yes to his grace today!

Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life on the cross, so that I can experience salvation. I need the power of your grace working in my life so I can resist worldly passions.

Forgive my sin and transform my heart, so I can live a godly life in this moment.

JANUARY 20

Unshakable

Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

HEBREWS 12:28 NIV

It is probably easier to understand the power of kingdoms back in the day when monarchy reigned supreme. These days, it might be easier to recognize power and authority in our politics, world leaders, and law. As we well know, not many political systems, leaders, or even societal law stand the test of time. Leaders are replaced, a new governance structure is set up, and laws change as society does.

We live in a very unsettled world! It’s little wonder that a good majority of us are anxious about the future. This doesn’t need to be our outlook. The Bible says that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken! This means that our God will reign with justice, mercy, and peace. You can be thankful because you have a bright future ahead of you. The good news is that he has already begun his work. We can worship him as our King, even today.

Dear Lord, I revere you as the sovereign Lord of this world and also of my heart. I worship you because you are awesome. You will one day bring your magnificent plans to completion. Help me to live with the hope of your kingdom that cannot be shaken.

JANUARY 21

Crown of Life

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

JAMES 1:12 ESV

“When will these hard times ever end, Lord?” Do you find yourself praying again and again to be relieved of the challenges of life? You might be struggling through grief, engaged in conflict with someone, giving up an addiction, or just trying to make it through each day without collapsing from exhaustion. Life presents a lot of testing and temptation.

God doesn’t promise an easy life. He does, however, promise a great reward to those who will endure the trials. Strength doesn’t have to look like you have it all together when things are hard. It doesn’t mean that you come out unscathed in your battles. It means that you have been patient through the struggle and that you have continued to love and trust God. The crown of life is your future hope. One day you will receive God’s eternal kingdom, and your troubles will have been worth standing through. Remain steadfast; your reward is coming.

Lord, teach me to have patience through these times that seem almost too hard to endure. Forgive me for wanting to escape the challenge and look for an easier way out. Remind me of the value of resisting temptation and standing strong. I look forward to receiving the crown of eternal life.

JANUARY 22

Name Above All

I bow down toward your holy temple

and give thanks to your name

for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;

for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.

PSALM 138:2 NRSV

What have you been looking toward in your life lately? Is any one thing taking priority over everything else? In Bible times, people built statues and placed them in high places to worship them. It was their way of looking to something that they could put their trust in: something they could ask for help or favor from. These days we don’t have statues, but we have food, entertainment, relationships, careers, celebrities, and money to idolize.

In a world where so many things are competing for our worship, it is good to remember the God whose name is higher than any other thing. He is worthy to be worshiped because of his faithfulness and everlasting love toward us. To bow down to God’s holy temple was to approach the place where God dwelled. Since Christ has now redeemed us, we have become the place where God’s Spirit dwells. Are you able to give thanks to him in your heart, and let him take his rightful place again in your life?

Lord God, I want to thank you for your love and faithfulness in my life. I want to serve you and worship you above every other thing on earth. Help me to show you love by remaining faithful to you.

JANUARY 23

Clothed in Grace

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds.

EPHESIANS 4:22-23 NIV

Fashion comes and goes with every new season. If you don’t follow it closely, you could be wearing last year’s wardrobe before you realize that you are totally out of date! You may not care much about fashion, but living in the past can indicate a lack of acceptance of the present.

Such is the illustration with our salvation. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we accepted a new life—one that is free from the power of sin, and one that began our spiritual, eternal life. If you feel like you have been caught wearing sin like an ugly, old garment, take it off! Instead, clothe yourself with an attitude of forgiveness and the freedom that was given to you through Jesus.

Jesus, forgive me for going back to some of my old sinful habits. Thank you that you have given me a new life that allows me to have freedom from my sinful nature. Give me an attitude that willingly throws off my old life, so I can live by your grace.

JANUARY 24

Held in His Hand

You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;

you consider their grief and take it in hand.

The victims commit themselves to you;

you are the helper of the fatherless.

PSALM 10:14 NIV

The problems of life are seen all around us, sometimes on a daily basis. We see troubled families, poverty, and sickness. Maybe you are experiencing some of these afflictions. It is comforting to know that God sees our troubles. He is not a God that stands at a distance. He takes our grief in his hand.

You may feel helpless, but God is the helper. When the victims of loneliness, abuse, hunger, and poverty seek out God, he will meet them. God carefully watches over the hurting and he offers his hand. Jesus knew what it was like to suffer. He experienced trouble and grief, so we know he understands. Will you trust him to intervene when you are feeling troubled? Will you commit yourself to him, so that he can help you? He cares for humanity, and he cares for you!

Heavenly Father, I bring my troubled heart before you today. I ask you to consider my situation. I give it over to you, knowing that you understand and that you care for

me. Help me trust you as a good Father who is always there to help me in my time of need.

JANUARY 25

No Longer Captive

You did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

ROMANS 8:15 NKJV

When a slave is released from captivity it is often hard for them to know what to do with their freedom. In fact, many slaves, in Biblical times, would choose to remain servants (bondservants) to their masters, not knowing how to belong elsewhere. We probably don’t relate to slavery the way the Israelites did, but we can understand feeling powerless over sin, emotions, or even in relationships.

When Jesus defeated death on the cross, he introduced a way for us to be free from our former lives of captivity to sin and death. We no longer have to fear that old life; we have a new life that is living by the Spirit. We are children of God. When we truly understand our freedom, we can begin to let go of the areas of our lives that hold us back.

Abba Father, thank you for freeing me from the power of sin and darkness. Thank you that I now belong to your family and I can live protected in your love. Help me to recognize the areas in my life that keep me from living in this freedom, and give me the strength to let them go.

JANUARY 26

Call Me!

Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

JEREMIAH 33:3 NASB

Have you ever used caller ID to make sure that you don’t answer phone calls that you don’t want to? Maybe you haven’t, but we all know the feeling of not wanting to talk to someone. Maybe we’re concerned about being uncomfortable, we don’t know what to say, or we just don’t want to have to say “no” to whatever is asked of us.

Let’s not make that same assumption about God’s response when he hears us call out to him! God himself asks us to call on him, and he tells us that he will answer. God knows us—heart, mind, and soul. He is never going to be stuck without a response. He desires communication with us. He wants us to know so much about him that we begin to understand great and mighty things that we didn’t know before. Give him a call today!

Hello, Lord Jesus. Thank you that you want to listen to me. I have a lot of things to talk to you about. I would love some answers, too. Would you reveal something of yourself to me today? I know that there are many great and wonderful things that I don’t know yet, and I am ready to listen.

JANUARY 27

Rules of Happiness

Happy are those whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law.

PSALM 94:12 NRSV

Discipline is often followed by tears, so it seems surprising when the Bible associates discipline with happiness! While we may feel ashamed when the Lord convicts our heart of wrongdoing, we need to recognize that God’s correction is ultimately for our good. He wants us to do what is right because he loves us.

It is said that creating boundaries for children gives them contentment because they are clear about right and wrong. This is the way that God teaches us from his law. He doesn’t want to enforce rules so that he can punish us when we fail; he wants us to know righteousness so that we can freely walk in it. Will you let him correct, guide, and instruct you in the way you should go? Be blessed as he continues a good work in you.

Lord, thank you for guiding me into every good thing. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see the truth of your ways. Help me to learn from your instruction and to know your grace when I need correction. Let me experience the joy of your discipline.

JANUARY 28

Grumbly Hateful or Humbly Grateful?

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

PHILIPPIANS 2:14-15 NIV

Most companies have a department dedicated to dealing with complaints. It is an apt indication of our human nature: we complain when our “rights” have not been met. The problem with complaining is that it focuses our attitude on wrongdoing.

What a different world it would be if we could first look at our own hearts and admit our wrongdoing before pointing the finger at others. This kind of humility is rare and precious. It can only really be achieved by allowing God’s grace to permeate your life. It is Jesus that makes you blameless and pure, and if you can imitate his humility, your life will shine like a bright star amidst the darkness.

Jesus, I acknowledge that my immediate reaction is to complain and argue to show others their faults. Remind me to search my own heart and to be humble in my approach to others. Thank you for your ultimate example of humility. Let me experience the full measure of your grace that I may follow your example.

JANUARY 29

At the Crossroads

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads

and look around.

Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.

Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”

But you reply, “No, that’s not the road we want!”

JEREMIAH 6:16 NLT

Sometimes our journey of life stops us in our tracks and requires us to make a decision about which way to go. Some of us continue on the path we were headed, others run quickly in another direction, while still others take so long to decide that it seems they are forever standing at the same crossroad!

God gave the people of Israel some clear directions on how to steer away from their inevitable path of destruction. First, we need to stop and evaluate our past and future situation. Second, we ask for the godly way, and then we walk in it. We can find the way through what has been written in Scripture. The Bible tells us a lot about who God is and how he wants his children to conduct their lives. Don’t be stubborn like the Israelites and reply, “No, that’s not what I want.” Obedience will ultimately bring you peace.

Lord, give me wisdom to choose the godly path that you have set before me. Help me to take time to stop and listen to your guidance. Allow me to rely on your strength to say yes to the right way.

JANUARY 30

Beautiful Layers

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 PETER 1:5-6 NIV

The art of a painting lies not in what you see, but in the process that has gone into making it what it has become. Usually a painting begins with inspiration: an idea or emotion that wants to be expressed. It proceeds with sketching, color, texture, and variations in between. A painter rarely produces exactly what they originally pictured.

Our life with God can be like a painting. It begins with our faith. Our belief in Jesus sets up our canvas, but the Scriptures call us to add to the depth of our faith by applying colors of goodness, knowledge, and self-control. The beauty emerges as we add perseverance, godliness, affection, and love. These things take time to develop in us. They can involve mistakes, and they can make us look very different. Do you need to add anything to your faith today? Will you make the extra effort to become beautiful by applying goodness, perseverance, or love to your life?

Thank you, Jesus, that you have begun a good work in me. I have faith in your saving grace. Today, Lord, I need to add some spiritual discipline to my faith. Help me to know you more, help me to control my emotions, help me to persevere, and help me to love.

JANUARY 31

Summer and Winter

The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon.

It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

PSALM 74:16-17 NIV

Those who live in a cold climate understand that winters can get long. As the amount of daylight decreases, it’s easy to find discouragement or depression creeping in. Sometimes this is a direct result of just needing more vitamin D to compensate for the lack of sunlight. But sometimes the Lord allows this to drive you to a place of finding a deeper degree of contentment in him.

God created the seasons. They are his making. Winter treasures are like manna—the same manna would be rotten in the summer. Manna that is provided on a daily basis refreshes us and provides the kind of nourishment we need.

God, help me to make the most out of this season. I don’t want to live in complaint or wish away the winter. There are treasures to be found in this place that I don’t want to miss.

February

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