Shield of Faith E-Book

Susanne Stalnecker

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

Seitenzahl: 456

Beschreibung

Be strong and courageous. Military life can be unpredictable and messy. With changing schedules and interrupted routines, it is difficult for families to stay connected and grow together spiritually. Shield of Faith is a 365-day devotional designed to support and strengthen every member of your military family. Through a daily Bible verse, inspirational devotion, and encouraging prayer, your family will - embark on a journey of exploring God's faithfulness, - find strength in God's presence to face life's uncertainties, - embrace God's purpose and calling, and - grow together in unity and love.Equip yourselves with the shield of faith and achieve victory in life's trials no matter where God takes you.

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

Shield of Faith: 365 Daily Devotions for Military Families

Copyright © 2022 Susanne Stalnecker

978-1-4245-6398-2 (faux leather)

978-1-4245-6399-9 (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 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 marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked CEB are taken from the Common English Bible, copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible. Scripture quotations marked MEV are taken from the Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Stock or custom editions of BroadStreet Publishing titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, ministry, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email [email protected].

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Author is represented by Adam Davis.

Printed in China

22 23 24 25 26 5 4 3 2 1

DEDICATION

To Jeremy, for always seeing the best in me and encouraging me to do things outside my comfort zone. You are amazing, and I am thankful for you!

CONTENTS

Foreword

January: New Beginnings

January 1: I Will Do a New Thing

January 2: I Am Faithful and True

January 3: I Have Good Plans for You

January 4: I Will Bless You

January 5: You Can Trust Me

January 6: I Will Give You Abundant Strength

January 7: I Will Renew Your Strength

January 8: Your Past Does Not Define You

January 9: I Will Give You Peace

January 10: I Will Uphold You

January 11: I Will Conquer Evil

January 12: I Am Your Strength and Shield

January 13: You Don’t Have to Fear

January 14: My Name Should Be Glorified

January 15: My Strength Will Sustain You

January 16: You Don’t Have to Be Moved

January 17: I Am the Anchor of Your Soul

January 18: My Grace Is Sufficient

January 19: I Will Be at Your Side

January 20: I Care for You

January 21: You Can Stand Firm

January 22: My Word Should Be Meditated On

January 23: I Will Not Forsake You

January 24: I Will Direct Your Steps

January 25: My Compassions Never Fail

January 26: My Values Should Be Yours

January 27: You Are the Light

January 28: I Will Finish My Work

January 29: You Can Run Faithfully

January 30: I Am with You Today

January 31: You Will Have the Victory

February: Love

February 1: The Best Relationship Advice

February 2: The Simplest Way to Love

February 3: Faithfully Love

February 4: Living in Harmony

February 5: Stronger through Acceptance

February 6: Love and Respect

February 7: Pleasing to God

February 8: Love God, Love People

February 9: What Is Love?

February 10: Steadfast Love and Faithfulness

February 11: Love One Another Deeply

February 12: The Unrepaid Debt

February 13: Love through Unity

February 14: The Greatest Is Love

February 15: Loyal Friendship

February 16: Kindness and Grace

February 17: Overwhelming Burdens

February 18: Agreeing in Prayer

February 19: Faithful Effort

February 20: The Bond of Peace

February 21: Beyond Simple Obedience

February 22: Unconquerable Love

February 23: Loving Obedience

February 24: Children of God

February 25: Living Examples

February 26: Spirit-Controlled Living

February 27: Love without Hypocrisy

February 28: Guard Your Heart

March: Faith

March 1: Faith Is Believing

March 2: Confident and Purposeful

March 3: Good News

March 4: Praying in Faith

March 5: Grace Alone

March 6: A Family Matter

March 7: Without a Doubt

March 8: Renew Our Faith

March 9: Godly Character

March 10: Not Ashamed

March 11: Live by Faith

March 12: Hope and Joy

March 13: Faith by Works

March 14: Glorious Trials

March 15: Victory in Faith

March 16: Purpose in Faithful Living

March 17: Shared Faith

March 18: A Faithful God

March 19: My Strength and Shield

March 20: A Steadfast Heart

March 21: Faithful Service

March 22: No Doubt

March 23: Tested Faith

March 24: Be Still

March 25: A Sure Word

March 26: Guided by Faith

March 27: Faith in Contentment

March 28: Pray Effectively

March 29: Stand Firm

March 30: A Place of Privilege

March 31: Choose Truth

April: Family

April 1: A Mighty Legacy

April 2: Spirit of Adoption

April 3: Family Unity

April 4: Redemptive Future

April 5: Life Oriented

April 6: Consumed with Care

April 7: Everlasting to Everlasting

April 8: The Preferred Way

April 9: God’s Children

April 10: A Godly Heritage

April 11: The Most Amazing Gift

April 12: Not Good Enough

April 13: Blessing Others

April 14: Strength in Numbers

April 15: A Woman of Character

April 16: The Golden Rule

April 17: Not the Same

April 18: For His Good

April 19: Increasing in Love

April 20: Sharpen One Another

April 21: Responsibility and Duty

April 22: Valued by God

April 23: A Family of Character

April 24: Sacrificial Love

April 25: The Nature of God

April 26: Healing and Understanding

April 27: All in the House

April 28: The Will of God

April 29: Free to Do Right

April 30: God’s Goodness

May: Change

May 1: God Is Already There

May 2: Real with God

May 3: Unchanging God

May 4: God Is Caring

May 5: Always the Same

May 6: Hope in Change

May 7: Relying on God

May 8: Made New

May 9: God Has a Plan

May 10: Character of God

May 11: Follow God in the Unknown

May 12: Transformed Minds

May 13: Our Ultimate Hope

May 14: Count Your Blessings

May 15: Purposeful Truth

May 16: Life-Giving Strength

May 17: True and Faithful

May 18: Light for Our Path

May 19: Credit to God

May 20: Fulfilling His Purpose

May 21: A Right Spirit

May 22: Continue in His Will

May 23: You Are Important

May 24: More like Jesus

May 25: Growth from Trials

May 26: Walking Worthy

May 27: Motivated to Maturity

May 28: What Matters Forever

May 29: Righteous and Holy

May 30: Abundant Provision

May 31: Walk in the Light

June: Acceptance

June 1: Serve God Effectively

June 2: Equal Grace

June 3: Comfort and Confidence

June 4: Welcomed and Protected

June 5: Christ Is in All

June 6: Love and Forgiveness

June 7: The Importance of Serving

June 8: Accept One Another

June 9: Live in Peace

June 10: A New Heart

June 11: Judgmental Negativity

June 12: Direct Access

June 13: Our Guarantee

June 14: Welcomed and Received

June 15: The Greatest Love

June 16: Pleasing God

June 17: The Approval of God

June 18: Giving Our Best

June 19: God’s Values

June 20: House of Prayer

June 21: Constant and Waiting

June 22: The Word of God

June 23: Equipped by God

June 24: Silencing Ignorance with Good

June 25: Understanding God’s Will

June 26: Love Your Enemies

June 27: Forsaken and Forgotten

June 28: Our Rescuer

June 29: Ask for Wisdom

June 30: Walking Humbly

July: Contentment

July 1: Where Is Your Treasure?

July 2: Seek God

July 3: Strength for Contentment

July 4: All Sufficient

July 5: Contentment Is Gain

July 6: The Good Life

July 7: Lasting Value

July 8: Your Dreams and Desires

July 9: The Best Thing

July 10: Contentment in Serving

July 11: Abide with God

July 12: Joy in the Every Day

July 13: Strength for Your Burdens

July 14: Perfect Peace

July 15: Truly Living

July 16: Satisfied with Righteousness

July 17: Choosing Contentment

July 18: Another Way

July 19: Near to God

July 20: Joy in God’s Provision

July 21: Godliness Is Beneficial

July 22: Blessed by His Goodness

July 23: Comparison Foolishness

July 24: Real Benefits

July 25: The Satisfaction of Peace

July 26: Sure Footing

July 27: Obedient Followers

July 28: Rich in God

July 29: Shining Lights

July 30: Incline My Heart

July 31: Never Thirst Again

August: Identity

August 1: Important to God

August 2: The Image of God

August 3: Made for a Purpose

August 4: Glorifying God

August 5: A New Identity

August 6: Greater Calling

August 7: The Right Filter

August 8: The Difference

August 9: Fruitful Efforts

August 10: Ambassadors for Christ

August 11: Holy and Blameless

August 12: Children of God

August 13: Be the Light

August 14: A Holy Calling

August 15: Light in the Lord

August 16: Faith and Character

August 17: Set Free

August 18: Released from Bondage

August 19: One in Christ

August 20: Promised Peace

August 21: Chosen by God

August 22: Made Alive

August 23: Knowing Christ

August 24: Rest in His Love

August 25: Anointed of the Lord

August 26: True Humility

August 27: Walking Blamelessly

August 28: Justified

August 29: Sheep of His Pasture

August 30: In the Potter’s Hands

August 31: Totally Devoted

September: Fear

September 1: Focus on Peace

September 2: Victory over Fear

September 3: Power, Love, and Wisdom

September 4: Healthy Fear

September 5: Bold and Courageous

September 6: Fear of Man

September 7: Hope in the Lord

September 8: Trusting in Fearful Times

September 9: Faith over Fear

September 10: Reason for Fear

September 11: Fear Is a Choice

September 12: Overcoming Fear

September 13: Hope in Love

September 14: No Fear in Love

September 15: Power of Friendship

September 16: Fix Your Focus

September 17: Listen to Faith

September 18: Not Troubled or Afraid

September 19: Protected by Truth

September 20: God Fights for You

September 21: Deliverance from Fear

September 22: Do Not Fear

September 23: God Will Rescue

September 24: Comfort in Value

September 25: No Fear of Death

September 26: God Is My Helper

September 27: God Won’t Leave You

September 28: Unwavering Confidence

September 29: Desperate Faith

September 30: Rest in the Lord

October: Anxiety

October 1: Focus Your Mind

October 2: Hidden in the Heart

October 3: Busywork or Service

October 4: Close to the Brokenhearted

October 5: Don’t Worry

October 6: Power to Save

October 7: Our Source of Hope

October 8: Why Are You Anxious?

October 9: Relationship Resources

October 10: Making Hearts Glad

October 11: Recognize God’s Care

October 12: Self-Centered Values

October 13: Stay in Your Calling

October 14: Grieved and Troubled

October 15: The Lord of Peace

October 16: Strengthened and Delivered

October 17: Enduring Trials

October 18: Joy in Comfort

October 19: Pray More

October 20: Second Chances

October 21: Discouraged in Triumph

October 22: Guided by Peace

October 23: Deceitful Heart

October 24: Don’t Be Afraid or Terrified

October 25: Look to Jesus

October 26: Fight for Deliverance

October 27: Wise Words

October 28: Hope in God

October 29: Who Am I?

October 30: Toil and Sorrow

October 31: Help from the Lord

November: Strength

November 1: Refuge and Strength

November 2: Strength in Times of Trouble

November 3: Blessed Trust

November 4: Restored Confidence

November 5: Dwell in Safety

November 6: Sing for Joy

November 7: Respect for God’s Majesty

November 8: Eyes on God

November 9: True Satisfaction

November 10: God’s Way Is Perfect

November 11: Pleasing Words and Thoughts

November 12: My Rock and Fortress

November 13: Continual Praise

November 14: A New Song

November 15: Thirst for God

November 16: God Alone

November 17: Strength of My Heart

November 18: Refuge for the Suffering

November 19: A Blameless Path

November 20: Fulfilled Purpose

November 21: Train My Hands

November 22: Don’t Forget to Praise

November 23: Abounding with Thanksgiving

November 24: His Name Is Exalted

November 25: Acknowledge His Name

November 26: Always Faithful

November 27: Thanks to God

November 28: Enduring Mercy

November 29: Graciousness and Compassion

November 30: Praise the Lord

December: Victory

December 1: Overcoming Victory

December 2: Abundant Life

December 3: Power of the Holy Spirit

December 4: Victory over Sin

December 5: The Glory of God

December 6: Friend of God

December 7: Fight the Good Fight

December 8: Take Every Thought Captive

December 9: Hope and Healing

December 10: Safety in Counsel

December 11: God’s Protection

December 12: God’s Righteousness Revealed

December 13: Submit Control

December 14: Don’t Be Fooled

December 15: Victorious Life

December 16: Resist Temptation

December 17: Withstand the Evil Day

December 18: Perfect Work of Patience

December 19: Wise Companions

December 20: Active Word

December 21: Be Watchful

December 22: Dedicate It to God

December 23: Be Strong and Very Courageous

December 24: Grace and Truth

December 25: Good Tidings of Great Joy

December 26: Glory to God

December 27: Victory in Jesus

December 28: Delight in God’s Presence

December 29: Expect His Promised Strength

December 30: Your Whole Duty

December 31: Shield of Faith

About the Author

FOREWORD

USMC, PCS, TDY, ORI, USAF, ORE, MEU, GWOT, PTSD, MIA, POW, KIA. This short list of acronyms is a compact reminder of the fact that military life is often confusing, chaotic, and, on the worst days, catastrophic. Traversing life in the military is like going on a night hike in unfamiliar, dangerous territory. When you go alone, untrained, and ill-equipped, it is terrifying and potentially deadly. But with the right navigation equipment, some training, and a guide, it becomes an adventure. Surely there are still dangers involved in any adventure, but they become less threatening when we are prepared to handle challenges and face them together. In Shield of Faith, Susanne Stalnecker provides a resource that will help you navigate the many challenges you face in military life.

Susanne points you first and foremost to true north by drawing your attention to Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, Creator, Sustainer, and Lord. Without him, we would not exist. Without him, we would not have this life or the opportunity for eternal life. Without him, we would not have a pattern of true humanity to imitate and be transformed to. He is our North Star. Whenever we get off course by our own choices, the circumstances of life, or the sins of others against us, we can always find him and reorient ourselves to the right path by fixing our eyes on him.

Susanne also continually points to our map for this life: the Bible. Each day, she shares a word from God’s Word. This is not a token nod to Scripture but an acknowledgment that the Bible is absolute truth, divine wisdom, and the very words of God. She begins each day this way because she realizes that without his wisdom, she would have no wisdom to share. One of the things I love about this devotional is that it is not intended to replace deep Bible reading and study but is meant as a supplement to it. I also love that it is written by a dear sister who knows the ups and downs of life, the thick times and the thin. She knows that there may be days or even seasons when the supplement is all you get, so she is sure to give you true nourishment from God’s Word and ground the wisdom she offers in divine wisdom.

If Jesus is our North Star and the Bible is our map, then the Holy Spirit is our compass. He helps us orient ourselves in relation to the Word to ensure we understand and use it correctly. Susanne reminds us that we need his direction and power. Her daily prayers for you are shadows of the prayers the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf (Romans 8:26–27).

Susanne is an excellent guide for this journey. She knows what it is like to walk the path of military family life. She has been down that road first as a military wife herself and then time and time again as she has guided countless women, including other military wives and female veterans, through similar journeys. She has heard stories of lives unsettled by deployment, unfair leadership, marriages ended by death or adultery, dashed dreams, prodigal children, sexual trauma, abuse, combat, and post-traumatic stress. The list could go on. She has poured the wisdom gained from those many trips into Shield of Faith. Even though she may not be with you physically, her experience and wisdom can guide you from afar.

Without our heavenly Father, there would be no us, there would be no world, and there would be no path. In him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:24–28). All along this journey, whether you have a physical guide with you or not, God is always there. If you are his child, saved by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9), then he will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He has given you all you need for this life, no matter what it throws at you. Shield of Faith is another gift of kindness from him for you through his daughter. I pray you are blessed by it. I know he is glorified by it. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36 MEV).

Curtis Solomon, PhD

Executive Director, Biblical Counseling Coalition Advisory Board Member, Mighty Oaks Foundation

Former S.Sgt., USAF

January

NEW BEGINNINGS

JANUARY 1

I WILL DO A NEW THING

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

ISAIAH 43:19 KJV

The start of a new year has always brought me nervousness, doubt, and fear of the unknown. Several years ago, however, I came across this verse, and it shed new light on how I view January 1. God promised the Israelites that he would continue to deliver them from oppression. The miracles he had performed for them in the past were nothing compared to what he would do for them in the future. As you look to a new year and all the things it holds for your family, there are so many unknowns but also so many “knowns.” Realize that God will continue to provide for you. He will continue to make a way for you, and this “new thing” in front of you will unfold in such a way that you can look back at the end of the year amazed at how God once again made rivers in places you thought could never see water.

Dear God, thank you for a new year filled with promise and hope. Thank you for past miracles that fill me with excitement for the new things you’ll do.

JANUARY 2

I AM FAITHFUL AND TRUE

O Lord, thou art my God;

I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name;

for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

ISAIAH 25:1 KJV

I have never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I always told myself that if I make a resolution, I will most likely not be able to keep it. The fear of failure, the unknown, and letting others down kept me from making goals for the new year for a very long time. Maybe you’re looking at this new year with some hesitation about making goals for yourself and your family. Maybe you are afraid of failing or disappointing those around you. Maybe you’re looking at this as an “all or nothing” situation. The Bible gives us such a great reminder here that God is faithful. He has already done so many wonderful things in our lives that can give us hope for the future. Yes, there are natural consequences for not keeping a goal we set for ourselves—discouragement, disappointment, and setback. But God will respond with help when you ask, and those consequences don’t have to consume you. You can rejoice in a new day and a new opportunity to trust in God’s faithfulness.

Dear God, thank you for your unfailing compassion and your great faithfulness. Please help me not to be consumed by my shortcomings and to trust in you.

JANUARY 3

I HAVE GOOD PLANS FOR YOU

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

JEREMIAH 29:11 ESV

One of the things that makes military families so special is their understanding of leadership. You have probably experienced good and bad leaders. But the leaders whom you want to follow are the ones who encourage you to move ahead, believe you can do your assigned job, and see you through all of it. God is that kind of leader—the kind who makes you want to follow him. He knows your future, and his plans for you are good and full of hope. The key is making him part of your goals and asking him to direct you as you move ahead. He already believes you can do it, and he already promises to go with you. Your part is to align your agenda for your life with his and make his plans yours. Your future can be bright and full of hope.

Dear God, thank you that you have a plan for my life. Thank you for the hope I can have because your plan for me is good. Please help me seek you and make your agenda the one I follow.

JANUARY 4

I WILL BLESS YOU

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

PSALM 1:1–2 ESV

You might have heard the phrase “the best-laid plans” before. It often describes a situation in which the ability to execute a plan is uncertain. You have probably made plans before that have not turned out exactly as you hoped. Most of the time, it’s difficult to make plans too far into the future because needs outside of your control dictate so much of your life. But the Bible is very clear on some things you can do to have certainty in your life. The blessed person is someone who has joy in God’s Word and who meditates—thinks all the time—about what it says. The blessed person refuses to listen to those who ridicule or discredit God and his Word. Therefore, the blessed person can lay out a certain plan for life.

Dear God, thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your Word and for showing us how to live. Please help me meditate on your Word and have the right people around me, encouraging me to live by it.

JANUARY 5

YOU CAN TRUST ME

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

PROVERBS 3:5–6 KJV

The new year often brings change and maybe some important decisions you need to make for your family. In the process of making those decisions, it might feel like you can’t trust anyone and like no one has your best interest in mind. But God can have your trust because he knows what’s best for you. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is good for you even better than you do. “Leaning on your own understanding” gives the idea that you are relying on yourself more than you rely on God and trusting your ideas more than you trust his. Be intentional in bringing your decisions to God in prayer, using the Bible as your guide, and following his leading. This shows that you acknowledge him and his ways and that you are completely trusting that he will lead in the direction that is for your good.

Dear God, thank you that I can trust you, knowing that you have my good in mind. Please help me rely on you more than I rely on myself and acknowledge you in all my ways, seeking you in my decision-making.

JANUARY 6

I WILL GIVE YOU ABUNDANT STRENGTH

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river.

JEREMIAH 17:7–8 KJV

Does it ever seem like you have just enough strength for what’s in front of you? Do you ever feel anxious that if a crisis were to happen, you might not survive it? The truths in these verses from Jeremiah are encouraging because of the promise given. Those who trust God and hope in him will receive the blessing of strength. Like a tree planted by the water, where even the sun or heat cannot affect its growth or ability to flourish, your roots planted in trust and hope in God can spread wide, giving you abundant strength to survive any crisis. The word abundant implies “more than enough,” so when you are blessed in this way, your family will be strengthened, and you will be able to uphold those around you.

Dear God, thank you for your promises. Thank you that I can put my hope in you for abundant strength to survive daily life and any crisis that might come my way. Please help me put my full trust and hope in you alone.

JANUARY 7

I WILL RENEW YOUR STRENGTH

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

ISAIAH 40:31 KJV

Can you imagine running without getting tired and walking a long distance without feeling the need to stop? Life often feels like a race that will never end or a long-distance run that seems to go on forever. Sometimes all we need is a little break or some refreshment and renewal. Waiting on the Lord can be just that for you. It’s just allowing his strength to renew you by staying focused on him. When you feel like you can’t take another step, you can ask God to renew your strength. Having a regular time with God and being in his Word can be your daily renewal and just what you need to continue moving forward in your life. You can experience running without getting tired by allowing God’s strength to be the source of your strength.

Dear God, thank you for your promise of renewed strength. Thank you for the refreshment I can find in your Word. Please help me stay focused on you, drawing from your strength when I feel I can’t take another step.

JANUARY 8

YOUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in

Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 3:13–14 ESV

In these verses, we get a glimpse of the apostle Paul’s life and the feelings of regret he must have had about his past. He was personally responsible for the persecution of the church in Jerusalem, putting believers into prison, and he was present at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54–60). In spite of the events of his past, he became a great missionary who wrote most of the New Testament. He says the one thing he did was forget those things in his past and move forward because of his hope in Christ. Maybe you can relate to Paul. You have things in your past you’re not proud of, and those things can keep you from accomplishing anything meaningful—but only if you dwell on them. You can move forward in a meaningful way because of your relationship with Christ. Your future doesn’t have to be defined by your past.

Dear God, thank you for people like the apostle Paul who have given us an example of moving forward. Thank you that I don’t have to live in regret.

JANUARY 9

I WILL GIVE YOU PEACE

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 ESV

This unpredictable world in which we live makes it very difficult not to be anxious or worried about things. Added to the everyday stress of life, military families have their own unique struggles—deployments, moves, kids changing schools, making new friends constantly, and much more. It’s really easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged when your life seems to always be in transition. But you can have such comfort and peace by bringing your praise, pleadings, and requests to God. You don’t have to live in fear or with anxiety about what’s to come for your family because trusting God with a heart of thanksgiving despite life’s unpredictability will help you move forward in unity with one another through times of transition and uncertainty.

Dear God, thank you for the peace and comfort I can have by simply praying to you. Thank you for always watching over us and for being a God we can trust. Please help our family be unified by thankful hearts and please take away any anxious thoughts or feelings about our current situation.

JANUARY 10

I WILL UPHOLD YOU

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:

And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:

For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

PSALM 37:23–24 KJV

A “good” person, as spoken of in these verses, is someone who follows God, trusts him, and tries to do his will. It’s so easy during the first month of the year to set out to be this kind of person. You’ve made plans to read your Bible, pray every day, go to church, and maybe even join a church small group. But as soon as you miss a day doing any of these things, it becomes easier not to do it the next time and so on. These verses in Psalm 37 are a great reminder that God delights in the person who is allowing his or her steps to be ordered by him—and this is the case even when you get off track. God promises that you won’t be cast down because he will uphold you and continue to strengthen you as you get back on track with allowing him to order your steps.

Dear God, thank you for your promises. Thank you for upholding me even when I get sidetracked. Please help me to be focused on you and on being the person you have called me to be.

JANUARY 11

I WILL CONQUER EVIL

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 JOHN 4:4 KJV

In a world where evil seems to thrive, it often feels like evil is much stronger than we are. Most of those who have served in the military know what evil looks like and, many times, have had a personal experience facing it. It also doesn’t take much time looking at society to recognize the prevalence of evil and the catastrophic stronghold it can take on a family. You can be assured, however, that God is much stronger, and he will conquer all evil. His Spirit and his Word live in you and enable you to live in this evil world with the ability to overcome the evil and its perceived strength. You don’t have to be frightened by the wickedness around you or overwhelmed by the problems you face. With God as your source of strength, you can stand against all evil.

Dear God, thank you for your strength and greatness. Thank you for being my source of strength through your Spirit and your Word. Please help me rely on you and find my strength in you to conquer the evil in my life.

JANUARY 12

I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND SHIELD

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

PSALM 28:7 KJV

Most people understand that there are some very basic tools available to those fighting a battle. Depending on your position or specific job in the military, the tools you use will vary. But the point is that everyone has tools specifically designed for the battle they are facing. The victory in battle is often dependent on how effectively you use those tools and, especially, on the trust the user can place in those tools. In the spiritual battle around us, God is our strength and shield—our defense against the enemy and those things that would harm us. He will give you the tools you need to fight the battles you face every day—mental, emotional, or even physical. If you place your trust in him and allow him to be your help, you can rejoice in the victory of a spiritual battle won against the enemy.

Dear God, thank you for being my defender and giving me the tools to fight the battles in my life. Please help me trust in you for help so that I can have joy in the victories of battles won.

JANUARY 13

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FEAR

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear.

PSALM 46:1–2 ESV

The fears we have in life as a result of terrible things happening in our world preoccupy the minds of many people today. You might find yourself in a place of fear due to the unknowns for your family or your career. In the first few verses of Psalm 46, the psalmist says that even if the world comes to an end and even in the face of total destruction, you don’t need to fear. The psalmist expresses quiet confidence in the ability of God to help him, calling God a “very present help in trouble.” That means he is confident that God is always there, ready to help. He is your refuge, the place where you can turn for shelter from harm. So you don’t have to fear the unknown or whatever may be happening in our world because God can provide strength in any circumstance.

Dear God, thank you for being the refuge to which I can run when I am afraid. Thank you for providing strength when I am afraid and don’t know what to do. Please help me not to fear and instead to turn to you for help.

JANUARY 14

MY NAME SHOULD BE GLORIFIED

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

1 CHRONICLES 16:10 ESV

Praise and thanksgiving should be part of our regular routine. We should all be expressing thanks to those closest to us—our family members, friends, mentors, and pastors. It should just be something we are all used to making a daily part of our lives to be sure those people know we are not taking them for granted and that we appreciate all they do for us. Looking back at your life, you can probably recognize how God has blessed you and the many areas in your life where he has done a great work. When you make praising and thanking God a regular part of your routine, it will help you not take those blessings for granted. By not only making this part of your prayer life but also telling others about it and giving of your time and resources, you will get into the habit of fully expressing glory to God. This will be the overflow of the joy in your heart because of what God has done for you.

Dear God, thank you for the ways you have blessed and worked in my life. Please help me be in the daily habit of rejoicing in what you have done for me.

JANUARY 15

MY STRENGTH WILL SUSTAIN YOU

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 ESV

In Philippians 4:10–14, Paul talks about contentment in life’s situations. While imprisoned in Rome, he writes this letter to the Philippian church and for the sake of all believers. Even in Paul’s difficult situation, he could find contentment because he could draw from God as his source of strength and see life from God’s perspective. Where are you finding contentment? It’s so easy to get distracted by the things of life—work, chores, activities, and so on—that we forget our priorities and forget to be content with those things God has placed in our lives. If you are struggling to be content with your situation, you can learn, just like Paul did, to have a different perspective, shift your priorities to reflect the truly important things in life, and be sustained by the strength given to you through Christ. Often what seems like it might be the most difficult thing to get past or change in your life is the very thing you need to ask God to give you strength to sustain you through.

Dear God, thank you for sustaining me through your strength. Please help me see life from your perspective and have my priorities in the right place.

JANUARY 16

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE MOVED

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence;

I shall not be moved.

PSALM 62:6 KJV

What are some things you have encountered that have caused you to be “moved” from your position? Are there some areas in your life where you need to allow God to be your refuge, your defense? In this psalm, we can see David moving through a trial in his life as his son Absalom has rebelled. He is pouring out his frustration, and then he comes to a place of reminding himself that he doesn’t have to be moved or shaken from the position of placing his trust in God. Clearly, he has absolute confidence in God to save him and be his strength during this time. You can have the same confidence as David did when circumstances threaten to “move” you from the position of trusting that God is there for you. God’s Word is true; he is good, and he is your rock, salvation, and defense. You don’t have to be “moved” from having this confidence.

Dear God, thank you for being my defense, my rock, my salvation. Thank you that I can have the confidence that you are there for me and will keep me from being moved from my position of trusting in you.

JANUARY 17

I AM THE ANCHOR OF YOUR SOUL

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.

HEBREWS 6:19 ESV

If you have ever been on a ship or have any nautical knowledge, you know the purpose of an anchor. It’s to keep a ship or boat secure when the waters are turbulent or when the vessel pulls into a port or dock. We, as believers, also have an anchor to keep us secure—the hope we can have in Jesus Christ. We can be certain of this hope because God keeps his promises. He fulfilled his promise of blessing to Abraham by ultimately sending his Son, Jesus Christ, who is an anchor for our souls to keep us at rest. We now have access to a place that was never accessible before—“the inner place behind the curtain.” This refers to the holy of holies, which, in the past, only the high priest could access under specific circumstances and by following many regulations. Because Jesus now acts as our High Priest, we have the hope needed to boldly enter God’s presence. This is the anchor of your soul that keeps you steadfast and secure no matter what life brings your way.

Dear God, thank you for evidence of the fulfillment of your promises through the person of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the confidence and rest we have in the hope found in you.

JANUARY 18

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT

He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 KJV

Have you ever asked God to remove something from your life that was either a difficult circumstance, a health issue, or some other affliction? The apostle Paul here in 2 Corinthians has asked God to remove something from his life. We don’t know what it was, but we do know that God didn’t remove it from his life. Sometimes when God doesn’t answer our prayers the way that we think he should, we take it as a bad thing. Maybe when God chooses not to remove something from our lives that we wish he would, we should look at it as an opportunity to draw closer to him and allow others to see him at work in our lives. Just as God promised to demonstrate his power in Paul’s life through a perceived weakness, he will do the same for you. What you perceive as a weakness is simply an opportunity for growth and an avenue for God to display his glory. When you admit that it’s only by God’s grace that you’ll make it through whatever it is you’re facing, you are affirming his strength made evident by your weakness.

Dear God, thank you for your sufficient grace that helps me endure trials and the things in my life that I look at as weaknesses. Please help me to display your strength and power in my life and to truly rely on you.

JANUARY 19

I WILL BE AT YOUR SIDE

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

PSALM 16:8 ESV

There is such a unique sense of security that we can feel when we place our confidence in God’s plan for our lives. When all around you it seems that people are experiencing pain, trouble, hopelessness, and confusion about their purpose in life, you can move forward confidently if you seek God. This verse says, “I have set the LORDalways before me,” meaning he needs to be the one we are looking to for direction and purpose. Consistently setting ourselves before the Lord will keep us from searching for confidence and hope in other places. He will be there with us, setting the course for us so that we don’t have to be shaken from the path he has set for our lives. You don’t have to be shaken by hopelessness and confusion like those around you because you have at your right hand the only one who can keep you steadfast and sure.

Dear God, thank you that you have a plan for my life. Thank you for being at my side and walking with me. Please help me to be focused on you and not to be moved from your plan for me.

JANUARY 20

I CARE FOR YOU

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

NAHUM 1:7 KJV

Do you ever doubt God’s goodness to you? Maybe you’ve experienced something in your life or family that makes you wonder if God truly has your best interest in mind—news of yet another deployment, an impending move, or the strain put on your relationships by any of these situations. Verses like this one in Nahum can be such an encouragement during times like this. They remind us that God is good. When we look back at the ways he has already provided for us, answered prayers, and shown himself to be real, we can see the evidence of his goodness. The prophet describes God as a “strong hold in the day of trouble.” He is the one place we can turn that will protect us from attacks in our life and strongly defend us during times of discouragement. God also “knoweth them that trust in him.” Maybe take a few minutes and think about that. God knows you and cares for you. If you have a personal relationship with him, God will help you and strengthen you because he knows you and has a personal interest in your well-being.

Dear God, thank you for the reminder of your goodness and care. Please help me to trust in you and rely on your strength.

JANUARY 21

YOU CAN STAND FIRM

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).

HEBREWS 10:23 KJV

Living by faith can often be challenging, especially when we are surrounded by those who are not trying to live the same way we are or who are not moving in the same direction we are. This can be a challenge at school, at work, sometimes even at home, with friends and with family. Life can get lonely very quickly when it seems we’re the only ones living according to a specific standard. And sometimes it’s easier to give in to the way everyone else is living life, and we might find ourselves “wavering”—teetering back and forth. Holding “fast the profession of our faith” means living so that we are continually staying on the path of moving forward in the life God has planned for us. It’s standing firm in Christ and his promise of eternal life to those who have placed their trust in him and turned to him in repentance. God, who promised this, is faithful to help you be unwavering in your faith and in the way that you live it out even in challenging circumstances.

Dear God, thank you for being faithful to me in keeping your promises. Please help me be firm in my faith and live the way you have called me to live.

JANUARY 22

MY WORD SHOULD BE MEDITATED ON

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.

JOSHUA 1:8 ESV

If you know anything about the Joshua of the Bible, you know that he is considered to have been a brilliant military leader and a strong spiritual influence. But what made him successful wasn’t education or training. He was a success because of his submission to God. We get a glimpse into some of God’s instruction to Joshua here in Joshua 1:8 as he became the new leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death. God is letting him know of the importance of meditating on his Word—constantly reading and studying it so that he is thinking about it all the time. The verse ends with God telling Joshua that, by doing this, he will be successful in leading the Israelites. Do you spend so much time in the Bible that you think about it all the time? Before making a life decision or having a difficult conversation, do you consider what God says about it in the Bible? You can succeed in living the life God has called you to by submitting to God and his Word.

Dear God, thank you for your Word, the Bible. Please help me be consistent in studying it so that I might meditate on it constantly.

JANUARY 23

I WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not… for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

DEUTERONOMY 31:6 KJV

Imagine having to be the leader that would come after Moses. Surely there were feelings of inadequacy and apprehension. In this chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites and Joshua as he’s passing on the responsibility of leading the people into the promised land. In verse 6, Moses is speaking specifically to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, because God would not leave him or forsake him. What an encouragement that must have been to Joshua. Have you ever been encouraged in that same way? Has there ever been a task you felt inadequate to complete and all you needed was an encouraging word from someone who had been there before? Probably, a person in your life right now could greatly benefit from you taking some of the weight off their shoulders or speaking words of truth and peace into their life.

Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness to me and for not forsaking me when I need you. Please help me be an encouragement to those you have placed into my life.

JANUARY 24

I WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

PSALM 37:23 KJV

Do you ever feel like your life could use just a little more order? The life of a military family can seem so chaotic at times, especially when you only get to stay in one place for a few short years. Thankfully, God has a plan. The words in this verse, “a good man,” speak of the person who is a follower of Christ—someone who has placed his or her faith in Christ for salvation. The Lord has ordered this person’s steps, meaning God has a plan and clear direction for this person’s life. When we follow the plan for life that God outlines in the Bible, he delights in the steps we take as we do his will for us. Your life, as chaotic as it sometimes seems, doesn’t have to be out of control in every way. You can have peace and confidence that it is ordered exactly the way it should be when you follow God and his plan for you.

Dear God, thank you for giving me clear direction on how to live. Thank you for bringing order to my sometimes-chaotic life. Please help me follow you so that I can live a life pleasing to you.

JANUARY 25

MY COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL

It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22–23 KJV

We can easily take the daily care and protection of our loving God for granted. We often act like spoiled little kids who didn’t get the toy they wanted, or we forget to say thank you altogether for something wonderful that he did for us. If you have kids, you know how that feels. And yet we continue to do that to God, who lovingly takes care of us and protects us in ways we don’t always know or cannot even comprehend. The big things are easy for us to notice—protection during a combat deployment, the orders to that new duty station for which we were hoping, and new friends. But what about the small daily things—an extra day of leave, that extended weekend, canceled duty, nothing breaking in the house during a deployment? God’s faithfulness to you is so great that he provides his mercy and compassion daily. You don’t have to be consumed by the difficulties of life because he will never fail you.

Dear God, thank you for your compassion and mercy. Thank you for your care and protection over me even when I don’t realize it. Please help me to be more aware of your faithfulness in my life.

JANUARY 26

MY VALUES SHOULD BE YOURS

Do not love the world or the things in the world.

If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life… is from the world.

1 JOHN 2:15–16 ESV

The verses here in 1 John are so important because everyone seems confused by this concept all the time. We are living in the world but are called not to love it. The words the world here refer to the attitude of the heart that places our desires as more important than God’s desires. God created us to be in relationship with him, and it’s truly a constant battle living in this world and fighting the desires of our flesh, the desires of our eyes, and the pride of life. He created our desires to be toward him and for his values to be our values. Maybe you have found yourself pushing God to the edges of your heart because your desires are aligning less and less with his desires. God created your heart, and he can change the desires of it. You can rekindle your love toward the Father because of his love toward you.

Dear God, thank you for your love toward me. Please help me focus on you, desire you, and make your values mine.

JANUARY 27

YOU ARE THE LIGHT

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

MATTHEW 5:16 KJV

You probably know what it’s like to light a match or a candle in a dark room. It’s impossible to ignore that light. Here in Matthew 5, Jesus is giving the Sermon on the Mount and challenging the listeners to have faithful obedience that comes from the heart. And this verse is speaking of being a light in a dark place. No matter where you find yourself in life, if you live for Christ, others should find it impossible to ignore your light. When others see Christ in you through your daily living—your speech, standing up for right, living a pure life, and meeting the needs of others—it’s going to be impossible for them to ignore your testimony. The darkness and hopelessness of the world are evident, so what better way to fight the discouragement of that than to be the light and the hope in it.

Dear God, thank you for teaching me how to live. Please help me be a light for you and have a testimony that points others to you.

JANUARY 28

I WILL FINISH MY WORK

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

PHILIPPIANS 1:6 KJV

Have you ever started a project and just felt so discouraged and overwhelmed that you might not be able to finish it? Or then maybe you were even tempted not to finish it at all? In moments of discouragement and frustration like that, it’s so nice to have someone come alongside you and offer a helping hand or word of encouragement. The apostle Paul is trying to do the same here for believers—give an encouraging word—because we can get to the place in our spiritual lives where we feel like we’re not making progress and are tempted to just give up. If you have accepted Christ by receiving his gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit is in you, enabling you to be more like Christ every day. And he will help you to continue to grow until God’s work is complete in your life. When you become discouraged and overwhelmed, don’t let that keep you from growing or having joy in that process. Remember that God promises to finish the work he has started in you.