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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
It only takes a moment to change the world. Because of our overscheduled lives, many Christians relish God's Word on Sunday but struggle to find time to walk with Jesus throughout the week. In Pause and Pray @ 1:11, Bobbie Cox offers practical reminders to cultivate biblical habits and thought patterns, encouraging you to reflect Jesus' character every day. One small change today can extend his hope to everyone around you. This 365-day devotional contains - entries themed to the fruit of the Spirit, - Scripture to infuse your life with truth, - messages to draw you closer to Jesus, and - prayers to help you talk with God. Allow Jesus to come alongside you to transform one life at a time, starting with yours.
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Savage, Minnesota, USA
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Pause and Pray: New Habits Create Change
Copyright © 2024 Bobbie Cox
9781424568178 (faux leather)
9781424568185 (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 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 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 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 quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked NRSVUE are taken from the New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 by the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NET are taken from the NET Bible®. Copyright © 1996–2016 by Biblical Studies Press, LLC. http://netbible.com. Quoted by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CEB are taken from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP). Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version—Second Edition. Copyright © 1992 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from GOD’S WORD®. Copyright © 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of God’s Word Mission Society. Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked WEB are taken from the World English Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked ASV are taken from the American Standard Version, public domain. Scripture quotations marked BLB are taken from the Holy Bible, Berean Literal Bible, BLB. Copyright © 2016 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked BSB are taken from the Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB, produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee, public domain. Scripture quotations marked ISV are taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.0. Copyright © 1995–2014 by the ISV Foundation. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC. All rights reserved internationally. Scripture quotations marked LSB are taken from the Legacy Standard Bible® (LSB®). Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing, Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com. Scripture quotations marked MSB are taken from the Holy Bible, Majority Standard Bible, MSB, produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee, public domain. Scripture quotations marked WNT are taken from the Weymouth New Testament, public domain.
Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com
Tree graphics by Ashley Cox | A+B Designs
Printed in China
24 25 26 27 28 5 4 3 2 1
I dedicate this book to Ashley, my daughter, who devotedly makes me the best I can be, far beyond my capabilities. And to everyone with whom Jesus has woven into my life along life’s journey. We’ve shared great moments, hurtful experiences, exciting celebrations, unfortunate betrayals, sweet memories, challenging product development ventures, and blessings that exceeded our imaginations. I am sincerely grateful to each of you, beyond what words can express.
Contents
Introduction
January
January 1: Let’s Embrace the Beginning
January 2: Let’s Not Run from Hardship
January 3: Let’s Fellowship with Jesus
January 4: Let’s Partner with Jesus
January 5: Let’s Ask Jesus for Wisdom
January 6: Let’s Leave the Planning to Jesus
January 7: Let’s Trust Jesus amid Trouble
January 8: Let’s Know and Believe
January 9: Let’s Hang On with Jesus
January 10: Let’s Produce Good Fruit
January 11: Let’s Pause and Pray
January 12: Let’s Endure Testing
January 13: Let’s Live Rescued
January 14: Let’s Rely On God
January 15: Let’s Embrace the Time
January 16: Let’s Start Again
January 17: Let’s Always Face the Son
January 18: Let’s Withdraw Our Inheritance
January 19: Let’s Be Heartfelt Listeners
January 20: Let’s Share God’s Wisdom
January 21: Let’s Live for Jesus
January 22: Let’s Not Just Listen
January 23: Let’s Make Jesus Our Navigator
January 24: Let’s Binge on Jesus
January 25: Let’s Live in God’s Protection
January 26: Let’s Make Our Words Powerful
January 27: Let’s Remain Humble
January 28: Let’s Live Highly Favored
January 29: Let’s Be Seed Bearers
January 30: Let’s Strengthen Our Faith
January 31: Let’s Love the Next Generation
February
February 1: Let’s Become Unified in Prayer
February 2: Let’s Chitchat with Jesus
February 3: Let’s Live Humbly
February 4: Let’s Have Servants’ Hearts
February 5: Let’s Adopt Jesus’ Attitude
February 6: Let’s Make Jesus Our Cornerstone
February 7: Let’s Live Jesus’ Character
February 8: Let’s Live Gracefully
February 9: Let’s Anticipate Greatness Ahead
February 10: Let’s Embrace Our Authority
February 11: Let’s Show No Favoritism
February 12: Let’s Course Correct with Jesus
February 13: Let’s Please God
February 14: Let’s Put Faith into Action
February 15: Let’s Live Free of Shame
February 16: Let’s Live by Jesus’ Design
February 17: Let’s Encourage Others’ Hearts
February 18: Let’s Display Authentic Faith
February 19: Let’s End Our Unrighteousness
February 20: Let’s Pause and Praise Jesus
February 21: Let’s Ask for Jesus’ Help
February 22: Let’s Remodel God’s Home
February 23: Let’s Rejoice as God’s Friend
February 24: Let’s Teach
February 25: Let’s Find Our Joy in Jesus
February 26: Let’s Receive Good Gifts
February 27: Let’s Tighten Our Grip
February 28: Let’s Find Contentment in Jesus
March
March 1: Let’s Embrace Change
March 2: Let’s Live Jesus’ Words
March 3: Let’s Embrace a Faithful Lifestyle
March 4: Let’s Choose Jesus to Reconstruct
March 5: Let’s Not Trust Ourselves
March 6: Let’s Live with Jesus
March 7: Let’s Put Jesus First
March 8: Let’s Make Jesus Our Doorkeeper
March 9: Let’s Wait On Jesus
March 10: Let’s Enjoy Jesus’ Rich Rewards
March 11: Let’s Leave Strategizing to Jesus
March 12: Let’s Clothe Ourselves with Jesus
March 13: Let’s Forgive Others
March 14: Let’s Strengthen Our Confidence
March 15: Let’s Think Maturely
March 16: Let’s Revive John 3:16
March 17: Let’s Cuddle in Jesus’ Love
March 18: Let’s Put Words into Action
March 19: Let’s Illuminate Light in Darkness
March 20: Let’s Expect the Impossible
March 21: Let’s Pray to Restore Unity
March 22: Let’s Live More Compassionately
March 23: Let’s Do It All for Jesus
March 24: Let’s Rest Sweetly
March 25: Let’s Wait without the Safety Net
March 26: Let’s Be Confident in Jesus
March 27: Let’s Brag about Jesus
March 28: Let’s See Others Like Jesus Does
March 29: Let’s Listen More Quietly
March 30: Let’s Become Less Important
March 31: Let’s Live the Light of Jesus
April
April 1: Let’s Be a Blessing
April 2: Let’s Allow for Others’ Faults
April 3: Let’s Unite
April 4: Let’s Overcome the World
April 5: Let’s Live Gently
April 6: Let’s Extend Grace
April 7: Let’s Live in God’s Peace
April 8: Let’s Know God’s Love
April 9: Let’s Understand God’s Sacrifice
April 10: Let’s Refine Our Gifts
April 11: Let’s Be Content
April 12: Let’s Ring Up Jesus
April 13: Let’s Live in Jesus’ Strength
April 14: Let’s Plant Seeds of Hope
April 15: Let’s Make Our Progress Evident
April 16: Let’s Watch How We Live
April 17: Let’s Live Unafraid
April 18: Let’s Walk the Righteous Road
April 19: Let’s Be Fruitful
April 20: Let’s Believe God’s Promises
April 21: Let’s Live in Truth
April 22: Let’s Diminish Old Ways
April 23: Let’s Guard Our Hearts
April 24: Let’s Listen with Care
April 25: Let’s Look Straight Ahead
April 26: Let’s Ponder More
April 27: Let’s Reap a Harvest
April 28: Let’s Remain Faithful in Trials
April 29: Let’s Avoid Profanity
April 30: Let’s Seek to Please Jesus
May
May 1: Let’s Choose the Yoke of Jesus
May 2: Let’s Love Unconditionally
May 3: Let’s Persevere
May 4: Let’s Build Character
May 5: Let’s Pray, Not Wish
May 6: Let’s Thirst for Jesus’ Ways
May 7: Let’s Be Patient
May 8: Let’s Be Pure in Heart
May 9: Let’s Be Peacemakers
May 10: Let’s Do What’s Right
May 11: Let’s Be Encouragers
May 12: Let’s Live in Favor
May 13: Let’s Pray and Be Cheerful
May 14: Let’s Display the Gospel
May 15: Let’s Not Live Like Fools
May 16: Let’s Accelerate Opportunities
May 17: Let’s Let God Work
May 18: Let’s Be Thankful Always
May 19: Let’s Find Songs in Our Hearts
May 20: Let’s Plead to the Lost
May 21: Let’s Examine All Things
May 22: Let’s Live in Jesus’ Spirit
May 23: Let’s Respect Jesus’ Sacrifice
May 24: Let’s Wait Faithfully
May 25: Let’s Follow the Spirit
May 26: Let’s Pray with Bold Expectancy
May 27: Let’s Weigh Our Humility
May 28: Let’s Live in Readiness
May 29: Let’s Be Heaven’s Ambassadors
May 30: Let’s Leave Judgment to God
May 31: Let’s Be Jesus’ Healing Vessel
June
June 1: Let’s Restore with Gentleness
June 2: Let’s Live Gospel Truth
June 3: Let’s See through Jesus’ Eyes
June 4: Let’s Share the Reasons for Jesus
June 5: Let’s Find Quiet
June 6: Let’s Not Be People Pleasers
June 7: Let’s Sow and Reap
June 8: Let’s Be Assured That He Knows
June 9: Let’s Not Grow Weary
June 10: Let’s Build Our Strength in Jesus
June 11: Let’s Keep Loving Others
June 12: Let’s Value the Gift of Prayer
June 13: Let’s Close Temptation’s Door
June 14: Let’s Forgive to Be Forgiven
June 15: Let’s Learn to Wait Patiently
June 16: Let’s Make Our Faith Our Shield
June 17: Let’s Use the Armor of God
June 18: Let’s Pray Persistently
June 19: Let’s Accumulate Eternal Treasure
June 20: Let’s Be Ambassadors for Jesus
June 21: Let’s Evaluate Our Treasures
June 22: Let’s Let God Be God
June 23: Let’s Be the Lamp of Jesus
June 24: Let’s Embrace Our Blessings
June 25: Let’s Share Jesus’ Smile
June 26: Let’s Cast Our Cares on Jesus
June 27: Let’s Seek God’s Approval
June 28: Let’s Love When It’s Not Easy
June 29: Let’s Share Our Belief in Jesus
June 30: Let’s Not Worry
July
July 1: Let’s Not Be Judgmental
July 2: Let’s Discover the Bible
July 3: Let’s Be Remolded
July 4: Let’s Renounce Foolishness
July 5: Let’s Listen to Wisdom
July 6: Let’s Be Holy
July 7: Let’s Ask with Expectation
July 8: Let’s Examine Our Integrity
July 9: Let’s Live in Unwavering Faith
July 10: Let’s Not Miss Opportunities
July 11: Let’s Ask with Trust
July 12: Let’s Boomerang Jesus’ Love
July 13: Let’s Travel the Narrow Path
July 14: Let’s Pray to Heal Our Land
July 15: Let’s Beware of Counterfeits
July 16: Let’s Recognize Their Fruit
July 17: Let’s Live as God Called
July 18: Let’s Devote Our Lives to Jesus
July 19: Let’s Seek Clear Discernment
July 20: Let’s Secure Our Identity
July 21: Let’s Attract Others to Jesus
July 22: Let’s Help the Confused
July 23: Let’s Offer Hope
July 24: Let’s Look at the Heart
July 25: Let’s Build a Firm Foundation
July 26: Let’s Notice Camouflaged Idols
July 27: Let’s Imitate John the Baptist
July 28: Let’s Stand Up for Truth
July 29: Let’s Live Upright
July 30: Let’s Never Reject God’s Purpose
July 31: Let’s Simplify
August
August 1: Let’s Stop Condemning Ourselves
August 2: Let’s Live Set Free
August 3: Let’s Be Amazed at Creation
August 4: Let’s Be Jesus’ Wind of Hope
August 5: Let’s Live for Eternity
August 6: Let’s Bask in Jesus’ Love
August 7: Let’s Live in Jesus’ Aura
August 8: Let’s Rely On Jesus’ Strength
August 9: Let’s Proclaim Jesus’ Majesty
August 10: Let’s Make Plans with Jesus
August 11: Let’s Exemplify Jesus’ Spirit
August 12: Let’s Become Set Apart
August 13: Let’s Show Respect
August 14: Let’s Cut Away Thorns
August 15: Let’s Seek Joy
August 16: Let’s Display Tough Love
August 17: Let’s Make Jesus Our CEO
August 18: Let’s Focus on Days Ahead
August 19: Let’s Watch for Divine Moments
August 20: Let’s Extend Jesus’ Invitation
August 21: Let’s Make Jesus Our Treasure
August 22: Let’s Cross to the Unfamiliar
August 23: Let’s Live above the World
August 24: Let’s Wait in Expectant Hope
August 25: Let’s Walk Daily with Jesus
August 26: Let’s Study Jesus’ Voice
August 27: Let’s Jabber to Jesus
August 28: Let’s Depend On Jesus’ Promises
August 29: Let’s Be Pleasing to Jesus
August 30: Let’s Draw Others to Heaven
August 31: Let’s Remember God Is for Us
September
September 1: Let’s Thank Jesus
September 2: Let’s Shine Jesus’ Light
September 3: Let’s Follow the Fire
September 4: Let’s Not Leave the Lost Behind
September 5: Let’s Keep Jesus’ Flame Burning
September 6: Let’s Sow Generously
September 7: Let’s Remember God’s Peace
September 8: Let’s Depend On God’s Generosity
September 9: Let’s Remain in Jesus’ Shelter
September 10: Let’s Be the Lasso of Jesus
September 11: Let’s Overflow with Blessings
September 12: Let’s Seek Jesus’ Wisdom
September 13: Let’s Live Who Jesus Is
September 14: Let’s Flourish
September 15: Let’s Trust God’s Mercy
September 16: Let’s Value the Rainbow Promise
September 17: Let’s Display Jesus’ Power
September 18: Let’s Always Hope in Jesus
September 19: Let’s Emulate Paul
September 20: Let’s Witness by Our Lifestyle
September 21: Let’s Know Jesus Hears
September 22: Let’s Cherish Answered Prayers
September 23: Let’s Believe in Miracles
September 24: Let’s Be a Model of Jesus
September 25: Let’s Be Disciplined for Eternity
September 26: Let’s Forgive Ourselves
September 27: Let’s Fulfill Our Purpose
September 28: Let’s Be Ready
September 29: Let’s Grow in Faith
September 30: Let’s Open Blinded Hearts
October
October 1: Let’s Be Devoted to God’s Word
October 2: Let’s Think Sensibly
October 3: Let’s Share God’s Amazing Grace
October 4: Let’s Lay to Rest Offenses
October 5: Let’s Give Jesus Our Thoughts
October 6: Let’s Depend On Jesus
October 7: Let’s Make Jesus Our Gatekeeper
October 8: Let’s Refrain from Revenge
October 9: Let’s Give Jesus Our Door Keys
October 10: Let’s Mend Relationships
October 11: Let’s Not Be Disappointed
October 12: Let’s Overlook Faults
October 13: Let’s Be Authentic to the Message
October 14: Let’s Always Turn to Jesus
October 15: Let’s Share the Good News
October 16: Let’s Remain Wise and Pure
October 17: Let’s Make Jesus the Majority
October 18: Let’s Filter Our Words
October 19: Let’s Defeat the Enemy
October 20: Let’s Be Jesus’ Voice
October 21: Let’s Call on Angels
October 22: Let’s Get Past Our Pasts
October 23: Let’s Unwrap Blessings
October 24: Let’s Encourage One Another
October 25: Let’s Gather in Support
October 26: Let’s Stop Sinning
October 27: Let’s Believe in Impossibilities
October 28: Let’s Be Found in Him
October 29: Let’s Abide in Jesus’ Safety
October 30: Let’s Extinguish the Darkness
October 31: Let’s Live for God’s Glory
November
November 1: Let’s Grow Our Branches
November 2: Let’s Honor Jesus
November 3: Let’s Be a Model of Integrity
November 4: Let’s Not Wait
November 5: Let’s Be Examined
November 6: Let’s Encourage Peace
November 7: Let’s Speak Jesus’ Language
November 8: Let’s Trust in God’s Plan
November 9: Let’s Ask, Seek, and Knock
November 10: Let’s Be Messengers
November 11: Let’s Await Jesus’ Coming
November 12: Let’s Choose Our Words
November 13: Let’s Gift the Gospel to Others
November 14: Let’s Seek Godly Counsel
November 15: Let’s Listen and Understand
November 16: Let’s Focus on the Heavenly City
November 17: Let’s Depend On Help
November 18: Let’s Sow Righteousness
November 19: Let’s Be Sensitive to Jesus
November 20: Let’s Live Rightly
November 21: Let’s Be Productive Figs
November 22: Let’s Have Faith in God
November 23: Let’s Move Mountains
November 24: Let’s Believe to Receive
November 25: Let’s Forgive as Jesus Did
November 26: Let’s Give Time to Jesus
November 27: Let’s Shut the Door on Trouble
November 28: Let’s Find Rest in Jesus
November 29: Let’s Take On Jesus’ Yoke
November 30: Let’s Plant a Life-Giving Tree
December
December 1: Let’s Find Life Pleasant
December 2: Let’s Change the Way We Think
December 3: Let’s Stay in Our Lane
December 4: Let’s Say Hallelujah Together
December 5: Let’s Reunite in Harmony
December 6: Let’s Accomplish Our Tasks
December 7: Let’s Shelter from Evil
December 8: Let’s Give from Our Gifting
December 9: Let’s Glory in Our Weakness
December 10: Let’s Make a Difference
December 11: Let’s Serve with Devotion
December 12: Let’s Be Joyful in Affliction
December 13: Let’s Respect and Obey God
December 14: Let’s Pause before Speaking
December 15: Let’s Share Meaningful Gifts
December 16: Let’s Live in Harmony
December 17: Let’s Return Goodness for Evil
December 18: Let’s Live in the Unity of Peace
December 19: Let’s Leave Room for Jesus
December 20: Let’s Start Anew
December 21: Let’s Overcome Evil with Good
December 22: Let’s Illuminate God’s Work
December 23: Let’s Sync with Jesus’ Timing
December 24: Let’s Die to Self
December 25: Let’s Focus on Others
December 26: Let’s Serve Obediently
December 27: Let’s Live Our Purpose
December 28: Let’s Shake Loose from the World
December 29: Let’s First Hear
December 30: Let’s Love God
December 31: Let’s Love Others as Jesus Does
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Are you frustrated with life, your irresponsible reactions, and the behavior of others? Are you searching for change yet don’t know where to start? We can all fall into a rut of bad habits, and there never seems to be enough time to even think about change, much less maneuver one more task into our overscheduled life.
Change starts with you. You then affect others. One day, I was reading 2 Corinthians 1:11, which speaks of gathering in prayer together, and at that moment, I glanced at my watch; it was 1:11 p.m. The Lord whispered to me to text my prayer group, encouraging us to pause and pray together each day at 1:11 p.m. What started as a group text is now an app, Branch to Hope, bringing together thousands in daily prayer.
Like the challenge to pray at 1:11, this book contains three interactive features that will inspire you to develop a new lifestyle pattern. In addition, QR codes allow you to interact with the features in deeper ways.
•
Galatians 5:22–23 speaks of the fruit of Jesus’ Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each devotion is color coded to a fruit of the Spirit. As you focus on one of the nine specific colors throughout the day, it will be a reminder of one of Jesus’ characteristics, triggering a habit that helps you live more like Jesus.
•
Each devotion contains a Scripture Whisper. This Scripture reference corresponds with the date. For example, January 1 features Genesis 1:1. Noticing the date on your phone, watch, calendar, or car dash will prompt you to change negative self-talk by weaving the verse through your thoughts.
•
Most importantly, each day includes a message and prayer. By reading or listening to the devotion, you will realize that Jesus desires to walk alongside you and chitchat with you as your best friend. The prayers are written so that even if you’re praying alone, you will be reminded that you’re also praying with everyone who’s reading this devotional.
These calls to action prompt lifestyle changes in the in-between moments: idling at a red light, waiting for an elevator, or standing in line. Some say it takes 21 days to make a habit. Therefore, spending 21 days on each characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit takes 189 days, so in six months, you will be living more like Jesus and improving your world.
Embracing this book with passionate intentionality will make your cry for change into a reality. A movement of change starts with one; let that be you!
January
JANUARY 1
Let’s Embrace the Beginning
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
GENESIS 1:1 ESV
The first day of the New Year appropriately begins with our focus on the color red, signifying love. We should seek ways to show God’s love, the foundation of the other fruit of Jesus’ character. Our Scripture Whisper today reminds us that even in the beginning, God loved us enough to create us.
Satan’s strategy is to disrupt the love in our relationships with God, our family, and our friends. Let’s begin each day on the lookout for the Enemy’s crafty strategies that interfere in our relationships so we can win the battle before Satan gains a foothold. By falling back on a lifestyle of living by the fruit of Jesus’ Spirit, we can diffuse evil attempts and send them fleeing. Over time, when our automatic default flows toward Jesus, Satan will surrender in that area of our life. That door is slammed shut and sealed with the sacrificial blood of Jesus when we intentionally remain on guard. The benefits will include us experiencing less conflict, watching our relationships soar, and becoming more intimate in our daily relationship with Jesus.
Jesus of love, help our New Year’s resolution to be making a habit of living a fruit of your Spirit each day.
JANUARY 2
Let’s Not Run from Hardship
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
JAMES 1:2 NIV
Life’s journey prepares us for what God created us to fulfill in his great plan. Circumstances and choices we make affect how our life unfolds. God loves us so much that he often corrects our course to better equip us for what’s ahead. Rather than using our efforts to avoid hardships, we can ask God to navigate us through, and he will give lavishly.
Often, trials and hardships are out of our control because we live in a fallen world, but they are never out of God’s control. God promises to take the experiences of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) and turn them into his blessings, far greater than we can hope or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Jesus of joy, we come to you today with a thirst to start this year renewed, aligning our desires with yours and realizing we need to approach the challenges, hardships, and trials of life differently, head-on. Help us always trust that you will lead the way and equip us for accomplishments for which you created us.
JANUARY 3
Let’s Fellowship with Jesus
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 JOHN 1:3 KJV
Fellowship with Jesus in a personal, intimate relationship is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; nothing is better as we navigate life on this earth. But why does it take a lifetime along the journey to realize this? It’s because we live in a fallen world, and it is Satan’s goal to disrupt our relationships with each other, which ultimately interferes with our relationship with God.
We must realize that when we accept Jesus in our hearts, we have the same power transferred from the cross to divert Satan’s attempt and send his efforts straight into the pit of hell. All we must do is call on God to fight our battles. Satan cannot permanently reside in the presence of our Lord, so when we invite Jesus on the scene, victory is won in him.
Jesus of peace, fellowship with you brings meaning and value to your sacrifice and joy within our souls. Help us become intentional about spending more time with you each day.
JANUARY 4
Let’s Partner with Jesus
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear.
1 PETER 1:4 CEV
We can be assured that if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and have developed a personal relationship with him, our names will never be removed from the Book of Life. We will live in heaven for eternity, which our Scripture Whisper assures us.
Jesus calls us to spread that good news to others by following the fruit of his Spirit in our lifestyle. We are called to plant the seeds, and God will bountifully harvest them into his kingdom. It’s a partnership, working daily with him as he arranges divine moments for us to advance his kingdom.
Jesus of patience, we thank you for the sacrifice you offered so that our names can be written in your Book of Life. Please help us never miss an opportunity to be your ambassadors by attracting others into your kingdom through our lifestyles so that hopeless souls don’t have to navigate life on their own in this troubled land.
JANUARY 5
Let’s Ask Jesus for Wisdom
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, the One giving generously to all and not finding fault, and it will be given to him.
JAMES 1:5 BLB
It would be an unbelievable blessing to have a biblical counselor who lives by our side, precisely perceives the future, and has encountered every experience we could ever imagine. This counselor would know what’s best for us, assisting us in every aspect of our lives. We do have such a counselor; it’s the Holy Spirit.
So why do we not engage him? Why do we make choices and do life without his counsel? He has provided his Holy Word and prayer as his phone of communication, and he answers twenty-four seven.
Jesus of kindness, thank you that the Holy Spirit is accessible as our Counselor to guide us through life’s challenges. Forgive us when we do life alone; that’s our foolishness. We ask that we gain your wisdom in everything.
JANUARY 6
Let’s Leave the Planning to Jesus
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
JAMES 1:6 ESV
Aligning with the heart of God is a lifelong learning process and a recipe for answered prayers. God knows every detail of our lives, where he plans for us to reside, our career path, and our spouse. Rushing in with panicked prayer requests and quick decisions is not God’s design. When we begin seeking God’s plan, decisions of this magnitude come with ease and peace from the Lord as his perfect plan unfolds and the desires of his heart become our desires. Though things often happen differently than we envision, he has something arranged that is much more significant than we could ever imagine.
Those we encounter and those we were meant to miss will affect our lifelong journey and future. That applies to all decisions, significant life encounters, and small choices, too, whether at a red light, in line at the grocery store, or walking into a restaurant. Life is all about relationships, and God is the master planner.
Jesus of goodness, please mold our hearts’ desires to align with your desires and focus our minds on the unfolding of your plan.
JANUARY 7
Let’s Trust Jesus amid Trouble
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
The LORD is good, a strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.
NAHUM 1:7 AMP
Nahum is such an overlooked book in the Bible. When was the last time you heard a verse quoted from the book of Nahum? Yet how powerful are these words in our Scripture Whisper, reminding us of the value of trusting in God?
When we are in trouble, he is our strength. When we feel weak and downhearted, he is our stronghold. When evil chases us down, we know the Lord is good. These words of Scripture assure us that God recognizes our troubles and knows what to do. He fully understands how to navigate us to the other side of trouble. We are blessed to be his children because we can call upon the one who will carry us through the storms of life.
Jesus of faithfulness, we are grateful that your promises were hidden in your Word centuries ago. They are full of encouragement that we can cling to today during troubled times. There’s so much noise, distraction, and hopelessness surrounding us in the world; help us find that quiet solitude to reflect on your rich words and then share with others the value of trusting you.
JANUARY 8
Let’s Know and Believe
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
1 PETER 1:8 BSB
Faith is an unwavering confidence and clear expectation, just like we trust that the four legs of a chair will not fail us, a tall building’s foundation will withstand its weight, and an invisible God is by our side leading the way.
But how can people live by faith if they do not have sufficient knowledge of God? We must welcome a personal relationship with God. That’s our part, to come to know and depend on him as we journey through life. We must turn to his Word and pray for direction and guidance and strength, which increases our knowledge of God and our faith. Tragically, many believe in God’s existence but do not live in an intimate relationship with him, as evidenced by their conduct and the downfall of our society’s moral integrity and character.
Jesus of gentleness, help us ignite a revival for those who know of you but do not understand your gentle and tender character or your desire to lead them through the minefields of life. Equip us to be your light of hope and to trust in your plan with unwavering faith.
JANUARY 9
Let’s Hang On with Jesus
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
You are receiving the end result of your faith,
the salvation of your souls.
1 PETER 1:9 NIV
Life’s journey is a faith stretch. Every day, we encounter situations and experiences that challenge our faith. There’s no doubt that Satan does not want us to live eternity in heaven, so he continually attempts to interrupt our daily walk with Jesus.
As we face circumstances and people who put us out on a limb, suspended from our fingertips in faith, it’s encouraging to remember that we can look forward to a trouble-free life awaiting us in heaven. And that’s what our Scripture Whisper is reminding us: “You are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” That should bring soothing warmth to our souls, an assurance we can cling to in troubled times.
Jesus of self-control, thank you for hanging on those limbs along with us. We know a safety net of your love will catch us when we encounter a faith stretch. We are incapable of hanging on with our own strength, and we are grateful that we can rest in your loving care.
JANUARY 10
Let’s Produce Good Fruit
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
The way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
COLOSSIANS 1:10 NLT
This is the road map of life we should follow daily. Just look at the rewards! And the Bible tells us that we can rest assured that our Father makes us strong enough to take part in life’s challenges. This strength endures the unendurable and spills over into joy amid life’s storms. Bright and beautiful days for which he has arranged for us ahead will unfold.
Approaching life with an expectation of the bright and beautiful should lift our souls as God completes his plan, giving us his spiritual wisdom and understanding, so even in the stormy days, life ahead can be nothing but bright and beautiful as we know God better.
Jesus of love, we ask that you help us be good stewards of your orchard, seeking ways to plant seeds of hope in lives you arrange for us to encounter each day. We ask that we become thirsty for your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding so that we can fulfill your plan with ease throughout our lives.
JANUARY 11
Let’s Pause and Pray
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
You join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:11 CSB
The verse that started my ministry Branch to Hope is 2 Corinthians 1:11, making January 11 our signature day. This Scripture Whisper is the seed that inspired the gathering of people to pray for each other and our country at 1:11 p.m. every day. This small effort sprouted and blossomed into our Branch to Hope movement, which promotes the power of prayer in unity while bringing hope to the hopeless.
With his whispers into our spirits, our Lord guides us to pray throughout the day. As he drops someone on our heart, let’s pause, pray, and let them know we are praying for them. Often our prayers are needed at that very moment, in his perfect timing, and the ones we pray for become encouraged because they see that prayer makes a difference.
Jesus of joy, thank you for your nudge to pray. The greatest gift is to partner with you in prayer. As you flash someone across our thoughts, help us never miss those opportunities to pause and pray. Give us a thirst to be devoted and diligent prayer ambassadors when you whisper needs into our hearts.
JANUARY 12
Let’s Endure Testing
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
JAMES 1:12 NLT
Everyone wants a blessing, but unfortunately, it’s often something tangible, something worldly that we desire. A true blessing, however, is a God-given gift to bless others from the blessings of Jesus living through us. A blessing, in the eyes of Christ’s followers, is kingdom victory. Blessings are meant to be experienced, enjoyed, and shared through the goodness of God. They are intended to bring about internal change within us and influence those we encounter.
Often trials open the door to God’s blessings. Paul said to embrace trials and receive them joyfully, praying for wisdom and expecting to be more equipped to be a blessing in Christ’s likeness. As a result, trials prepare us to live the fruit of his Spirit, encouraging us to recognize that we are blessed to be a blessing so we can share with others the fruit of blessings along our path.
Jesus of peace, we ask for your wisdom and strength to persevere under trials so we can encourage others. That is your promise, and we are grateful when you can use us for your kingdom’s victory.
JANUARY 13
Let’s Live Rescued
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
COLOSSIANS 1:13 AMP
Let’s pause and reflect on the heart of God. He offered his Son, Jesus Christ, to purchase us from the rule of Satan because of Adam and Eve’s fall to the slavery of evil. We were all born as slaves to sin, but God so desired to have a daily relationship with his children that he paid the price for each of us with his life. The cost of our freedom was God’s only Son, and believing in him is an entrance to heaven.
Many think they must work for their freedom through good works, living as slaves to themselves without understanding that their freedom is found only in Jesus. Seeing the life of Jesus living through us can open their heart of understanding and set them free.
Jesus of patience, help us be your voice of freedom in this world of darkness so that others can find freedom in your sacrifice, rescuing us from the kingdom of darkness and bringing us into your kingdom of hope.
JANUARY 14
Let’s Rely On God
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
JOHN 1:14 CSB
Jesus relied on his Father when he was in need. We have the same Father. With an outstretched hand and compassionate heart, he waits for us to ask for guidance as Jesus did. Why is it so hard for us to do that? Why do we try to do life on our own without calling on him to carry us through?
The lure of Satan supersedes when we allow our free will to take over instead of surrendering to the only one who knows the future and wants the very best for us. Jesus encountered Satan’s tug throughout his walk on earth. Yet he trusted his Father to lead the way around the pitfalls of life. The Father never had to pull him out of the pits, though, because Jesus never fell into the pit. Our Lord suffered and died so that we never have to fall in either; he provided a way around Satan’s pit and will lead the way for us too.
Jesus of kindness, you understand the pitfalls and paved the way around them. You give us a stable path should we choose to follow in your footsteps. Help us depend on you every step of the way.
JANUARY 15
Let’s Embrace the Time
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
He said, “The time has come, and God’s kingdom is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News.”
MARK 1:15 GW
The time has come to be a light in the darkness. By changing our thoughts and actions that are not in alignment with the ways of Jesus, we can live by the fruit of his Spirit for others to see. In this troubled world, the light of Jesus shines brighter. Time seems to indicate that the coming of the Lord is soon; it’s time for us to be ambassadors for his good news of salvation by the way we live.
Jesus of goodness, help us during these times to be aware of the importance of leading others into your kingdom. We do not know what tomorrow brings or when it may be too late. It’s the way we live that will draw others to you. Help us be all that you desire us to be to reach the lost and hopeless every day along our journey; as we plant seeds, you harvest hearts.
JANUARY 16
Let’s Start Again
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
JOHN 1:16 NLT
How often do we ignore the blessings that our Lord arranges each moment? He is behind the scenes orchestrating things for which we fail to give thanks. Let’s join in a season of starting again, making better choices, living more meaningfully, and giving thanks and appreciation for the many things that bless us, which we too often ignore.
Why do we complain when God showers us with grace on top of grace every day? The blessings from the simple things in life bring more value than the self-imposed complications that tend to capture our focus.
Jesus of faithfulness, we come to you today asking you to help us notice the blessings that make a difference in our lives and that we so often take for granted. Help us smile more at others and give affirmation that we appreciate them for the little things they do for us every day. And Lord, we thank you in the unity of our prayer today for the gift of your sacrifice and for the many things you do in the moments of our day that protect us and bless us along life’s journey.
JANUARY 17
Let’s Always Face the Son
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
JAMES 1:17 KJV
Have you ever thought about why the earth becomes dark even though the sun always shines? It’s because the earth keeps turning. Similarly, we so often turn our backs on the bright light of Jesus, failing to live out his shining light. He never changes; we do.
God continuously shines his goodness, truth, gentleness, and grace on us, and we must intentionally turn toward him, not away from him. The evil forces attempt to cast a shadow to camouflage the light of Jesus within us. It’s up to us to keep our focus on the brightness of the Son.
Jesus of gentleness, we are grateful for your bright, shining light. You continually stretch out your hand to take us through the dark moments of our lives. The pull of Satan is as dynamic as we allow it to be, and it is weakened when we refuse it. Please help us refrain from turning to the darkness and, instead, focus on your light.
JANUARY 18
Let’s Withdraw Our Inheritance
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
EPHESIANS 1:18 NIV
God navigates our lives through the maze of life experiences amid our own free-will choices. He leads us in extraordinary ways along life’s journey and equips us to live out the plan he uniquely created for us.
There is a bank of spiritual blessings for those adopted into the family of God. God lovingly customizes our lives for a purpose. So we are spiritually wealthy; we just need to open the Bible bank of promises and, in faith, take out a withdrawal. Many Christians live spiritually poor lives while sitting on a pile of blessings. We are spiritually impoverished when we refuse to believe God’s promises or to activate our blessings through faith.
Jesus of self-control, we pray that the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened so we recognize the hope of our calling, understand the wealth of your glorious inheritance by reading your Word, and activate your promises through faith.
JANUARY 19
Let’s Be Heartfelt Listeners
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
JAMES 1:19 NLT
We should listen with sincerity to learn others’ stories; life is all about stories. There’s a lot of meaning between the lines, and when we are “quick to listen,” that meaning reveals much about how we can support one another. And when we listen through the heart of Jesus, we are less likely to speak in haste or anger while we listen compassionately for the meaning of others’ stories.
Everyone interprets things differently, from everyday humdrum to life-altering events. We’re all on a unique journey that no one else has traveled, and our different experiences provide varied interpretations of life. That’s what makes our individual stories so unique. Let’s become better listeners and hear others through the heart of Jesus.
Jesus of love, we ask that you help us listen to others through your heart. We pray for the discernment to perceive heart cries between the lines so we can be a vessel of hope and help those who need a compassionate heart. And help us sift our words through your filter so that we live a lifestyle that emulates you.
JANUARY 20
Let’s Share God’s Wisdom
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Wisdom shouts in the street, she raises her voice in the markets.
PROVERBS 1:20 AMP
Wisdom is available and accessible to anyone, but it requires that we ask and get out of God’s way. The world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom are vastly different. We learn at an early age and spend our cumulative years learning, but that doesn’t equate to wisdom. Wisdom is gained little by little as we journey along life. It’s human nature to make choices on our own, and it’s a continual tug-of-war battle, but Satan knows he has lost us when we surrender our will to the wisdom of God.
God’s wisdom requires less effort—surrendering our ways to his ways, defaulting our choices to his wisdom—yet we seem to make that a lifelong training session too. Our stubborn will and Satan’s interference keep us in a vortex that discourages us from surrendering to the wisdom of God.
Jesus of joy, we humbly ask your forgiveness for living in a vortex of our own choices and for allowing Satan to interfere in our asking you for wisdom. It is such a blessed gift that we can turn to you. There’s no need for worry, fret, concern, or confusion; your wisdom is all we need.
JANUARY 21
Let’s Live for Jesus
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
PHILIPPIANS 1:21 KJV
When we make Jesus our reason to live, joy permeates our atmosphere everywhere we go. No matter the circumstances, if we choose joy when we feel like screaming, crying, or giving up, the Spirit of God floods in and blankets us with an indescribable peace that all will be alright. His promise to take what Satan meant for harm and turn it into good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose will manifest. It’s that simple. We must call on him instead of cracking open the door to Satan.
And then dying to our flesh and the ways of the world ensures eternal life and a life on earth that rises above the worries and woes we might face. Intentionally making a habit of living in the character of Jesus allows us to leave drama behind and lifts us above the trivial frustrations of life.
Jesus of peace, help us make you the focus of our moments, replacing worldly distractions with time spent with you, emulating your character as your ambassadors, permeating the world with your light, and overtaking the darkness of the hopeless.
JANUARY 22
Let’s Not Just Listen
SCRIPTURE WHISPER
Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.
Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
JAMES 1:22 NLT
God is the giver of all good things and is looking for every opportunity to bless us. But we often have difficulty trusting and receiving good things, even when those things come from God. Satan is the master deceiver and attempts to trick us and camouflage God’s truth.
