Sweeter than Honey E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

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

Seitenzahl: 430

Beschreibung

The immediate reward of honey is its sweet taste. But honey also has incredible health benefits. Similarly, God's Word has both instant and lasting advantages. The wisdom found within its pages requires time spent searching and meditating. True understanding happens through prayer and an intimate relationship with God. Be encouraged as you savor the Scriptures, devotions, and prayers in this devotional. God has shown immeasurable love and grace, and his undeserved kindness is revealed in his mercies that are new every morning. Taste the goodness of his lifegiving words that are both sweet and strong and be nourished by the richness of his wisdom and compassion.   Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather changes its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - Sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. - Matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

SWEETER THAN HONEY

© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®

Devotional entries composed by Julie Adair.

9781424566501

9781424566518 (eBook)

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

Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked 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, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked esv are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked 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. Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked nkjv are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ncv are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked tpt are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.

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Contents

Introduction

JANUARY

JANUARY 1: ABOVE ALL

JANUARY 2: HIDDEN GEMS

JANUARY 3: SUSTENANCE

JANUARY 4: BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE

JANUARY 5: TRULY GOOD

JANUARY 6: VICTORY IN CHRIST

JANUARY 7: BOAST-WORTHY

JANUARY 8: COURAGE

JANUARY 9: MADE RIGHTEOUS

JANUARY 10: TRUE LOVE

JANUARY 11: TRUSTWORTHY

JANUARY 12: GRACE IN EVERY SEASON

JANUARY 13: GODLY LIFE

JANUARY 14: REFUGE

JANUARY 15: ALWAYS FAITHFUL

JANUARY 16: FREEDOM

JANUARY 17: FEAST FOR THE SOUL

JANUARY 18: WORTH LOOKING AT

JANUARY 19: SHAMELESS

JANUARY 20: WELCOMED HOME

JANUARY 21: HURRYING BACK TO GOD

JANUARY 22: GOVERNED BY GOODNESS

JANUARY 23: THE SOURCE OF JOY

JANUARY 24: RIGHTS VERSUS PROMISES

JANUARY 25: FOUNDATION OF UNDERSTANDING

JANUARY 26: SOVEREIGN GOODNESS

JANUARY 27: WEAKNESS OF RESOLVE

JANUARY 28: CHAOS

JANUARY 29: FAITHFUL JOY

JANUARY 30: EVER TRUE

JANUARY 31: SATISFIED BY THE SACRED

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 1: GRACED TO BE GRACIOUS

FEBRUARY 2: CONDEMNATION FOR JOY

FEBRUARY 3: TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE

FEBRUARY 4: DELIVERED NOT REMOVED

FEBRUARY 5: UNFAILING LOVE

FEBRUARY 6: CALLED AND KEPT

FEBRUARY 7: TREASURING THE WORD

FEBRUARY 8: RESTORATION

FEBRUARY 9: WAITING

FEBRUARY 10: GRACE BETWEEN GRIEF

FEBRUARY 11: NO MORE STRIVING

FEBRUARY 12: NO SHAME IN RESTORATION

FEBRUARY 13: GRACIOUS OPPOSITION

FEBRUARY 14: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

FEBRUARY 15: VALUE

FEBRUARY 16: DOUBTING GOD’S GOODNESS

FEBRUARY 17: FAVOR

FEBRUARY 18: A HEART OF MERCY

FEBRUARY 19: BE ENCOURAGED

FEBRUARY 20: HOPE AGAINST HOPE

FEBRUARY 21: RIGHTEOUS ANGER

FEBRUARY 22: GOODNESS IN LOSS

FEBRUARY 23: STRANGERS ON EARTH

FEBRUARY 24: CALLED BY GOD

FEBRUARY 25: FIXED ON TRUTH

FEBRUARY 26: LACKING NOTHING

FEBRUARY 27: EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN

FEBRUARY 28: PRAISEWORTHY

MARCH

MARCH 1: COUNSEL

MARCH 2: THE GIFT OF AFFLICTION

MARCH 3: ROAD CLOSED

MARCH 4: ADVOCATE

MARCH 5: EVER-PRESENT HELP

MARCH 6: NO GOOD APART FROM GOD

MARCH 7: PERSPECTIVE ON THE WORD

MARCH 8: STEADFAST LOVE

MARCH 9: ABOUNDING GRACE

MARCH 10: PRAISE ALL THE TIME

MARCH 11: CONSTANT

MARCH 12: THE NATURE OF THE WORD

MARCH 13: GOING AFTER GOOD

MARCH 14: GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING

MARCH 15: THE PERFECT PLACE

MARCH 16: AFFLICTED BY FAITHFULNESS

MARCH 17: YET TO COME

MARCH 18: PROMISE OF COMFORT

MARCH 19: FEAR OF GOD OR MAN

MARCH 20: READING FOR PURPOSE

MARCH 21: HOLDING ON TO HOPE

MARCH 22: DETERMINED TO OVERCOME

MARCH 23: KNOWING GOD

MARCH 24: BLAMELESS

MARCH 25: CHEERING YOU ON

MARCH 26: RESPOND

MARCH 27: TRUST HIS HAND

MARCH 28: POWER OF WEAKNESS

MARCH 29: WORSHIP

MARCH 30: NOT ABOUT US

MARCH 31: DELIGHT

ApRIL

APRIL 1: COMPASSION IN WEAKNESS

APRIL 2: LONGING

APRIL 3: GO FOR GROWTH

APRIL 4: REPENTANCE

APRIL 5: FEEL-GOOD BOOK

APRIL 6: NOT DISAPPOINTED

APRIL 7: HIS PERFECT WAY

APRIL 8: UNSHAKEN

APRIL 9: WORTHY OF OBEDIENCE

APRIL 10: ESTABLISHED IN TRUTH

APRIL 11: ORDAINED BY MERCY

APRIL 12: GRACE FOR SAMENESS

APRIL 13: A DIRECTED HEART

APRIL 14: DILIGENCE

APRIL 15: CERTAINTY

APRIL 16: ROOM TO BREATHE

APRIL 17: NO UNFINISHED WORK

APRIL 18: FAITH OVER FEAR

APRIL 19: NEVER SETTLE

APRIL 20: UNSTOPPABLE

APRIL 21: NO SHIFTING

APRIL 22: PERFECT WEAKNESS

APRIL 23: HE HEARS

APRIL 24: CONTENTMENT IN TODAY

APRIL 25: DELIGHT OF THE WORD

APRIL 26: WHEN YOU NEED IT

APRIL 27: END IN SIGHT

APRIL 28: ALL HIS WAYS

APRIL 29: TRUTH

APRIL 30: BLAMELESS AND HAPPY

MAY

MAY 1: GRACIOUS ACCEPTANCE

MAY 2: PRAISE FOR THE ORDINARY

MAY 3: NEVER WASTED TIME

MAY 4: ARMED AND READY

MAY 5: EVERYDAY MIRACLES

MAY 6: LEVEL GROUND

MAY 7: PLEASING VERSUS TRUSTING

MAY 8: THE PERFECT WAY

MAY 9: NEARNESS VERSUS NUMBNESS

MAY 10: STRONGHOLD

MAY 11: APPEAL OF OBEDIENCE

MAY 12: FOCUS ON FORGIVENESS

MAY 13: RELIABLE AND RIGHTEOUS

MAY 14: STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

MAY 15: DEFINED BY MERCY

MAY 16: FRENZY FOR FREEDOM

MAY 17: LOOKING AT HIS LOVE

MAY 18: ACTING ON FAITH

MAY 19: OVERFLOWING JOY

MAY 20: HOLDING LOOSELY

MAY 21: GENTLE LEADER

MAY 22: UNDEFEATED

MAY 23: BEAUTIFUL THINGS

MAY 24: LAWS

MAY 25: CONFIDENCE

MAY 26: QUIET COURAGE

MAY 27: HOPE FOR YOUR SOUL

MAY 28: ABUNDANCE

MAY 29: GIVING YOUR BEST

MAY 30: REST WITH GOD

MAY 31: GOODNESS AND JUSTICE

JUNE

JUNE 1: DISASSEMBLED

JUNE 2: LED BY FAITHFULNESS

JUNE 3: DELIGHTED

JUNE 4: CONTENTMENT

JUNE 5: GLORIFY

JUNE 6: EVERY NEED SUPPLIED

JUNE 7: UNSHAKEABLE

JUNE 8: BEFRIENDING FAITHFULNESS

JUNE 9: BLOOM

JUNE 10: THE GOOD LIFE

JUNE 11: INTERRUPTIBLE

JUNE 12: GREEN PASTURES

JUNE 13: CALL

JUNE 14: A BROKEN SPIRIT

JUNE 15: GIVING UP GOOD

JUNE 16: CULTIVATION

JUNE 17: I REMEMBER YOU

JUNE 18: REFINEMENT

JUNE 19: UNREASONABLE

JUNE 20: UNDERSTANDING

JUNE 21: RESPONDING

JUNE 22: CONVICTION

JUNE 23: BOASTING

JUNE 24: DELIGHTED

JUNE 25: HE RESTORES

JUNE 26: NO IMPASSE

JUNE 27: EVER-PRESENT HELPER

JUNE 28: REDEEMED BY GRACE

JUNE 29: TODAY

JUNE 30: GRACE DAY

JULY

JULY 1: SUMMON

JULY 2: PRUNING

JULY 3: LIKED AT OUR WORST

JULY 4: CHOOSE THEREFORE

JULY 5: LIGHT AND TRUTH

JULY 6: LIKE JESUS

JULY 7: FAITHFUL

JULY 8: OUR LEADER FOREVER

JULY 9: NOT IN VAIN

JULY 10: TRUE LIFE

JULY 11: ENOUGH FOR TODAY

JULY 12: TENDERNESS

JULY 13: BURDEN BEARER

JULY 14: STUCK

JULY 15: ALL TIMES

JULY 16: MEEK

JULY 17: GUIDANCE

JULY 18: DROUGHT

JULY 19: MAJESTY

JULY 20: FAMILIAR WEAKNESS

JULY 21: GROWING SLOWLY

JULY 22: LOVE FROM A FRIEND

JULY 23: GOD OF THE VALLEYS

JULY 24: REJOICING IN HIS SHADOW

JULY 25: POWER STRUGGLES

JULY 26: HE LIKES YOU

JULY 27: NO ENEMY TOO GREAT

JULY 28: BETTER PLANS

JULY 29: MERCY TO KEEP YOU

JULY 30: WITH YOU

JULY 31: A TASTE OF HOME

AUGUST

AUGUST 1: NOT OUR OWN

AUGUST 2: AWAITING YOUR RETURN

AUGUST 3: WILDERNESS

AUGUST 4: PILGRIMAGE

AUGUST 5: LONELINESS

AUGUST 6: COMPASSION IN OUR CRYING

AUGUST 7: FORGIVENESS

AUGUST 8: CARED FOR

AUGUST 9: A PEACEFUL MIND

AUGUST 10: HIS HOUSE

AUGUST 11: THROUGH THE SEA

AUGUST 12: BEAUTY

AUGUST 13: LACKING NO GOOD THING

AUGUST 14: GROWING IN DRY SEASONS

AUGUST 15: TOOLS FOR EVERY SITUATION

AUGUST 16: EMPOWERED

AUGUST 17: RELAX

AUGUST 18: READY TO FORGIVE

AUGUST 19: THIS GOOD DAY

AUGUST 20: ONLY ONE RESCUER

AUGUST 21: CRAVING CLARITY

AUGUST 22: Cut Out for This

AUGUST 23: DECLARATIONS

AUGUST 24: HELPED BY MERCY

AUGUST 25: NO BETTER

AUGUST 26: LOOK UP

AUGUST 27: NEVER LEFT HELPLESS

AUGUST 28: THE BEST THING

AUGUST 29: CALLED TO FAITHFUL LIVING

AUGUST 30: LOVE WHAT IS GOOD

AUGUST 31: MADE FOR CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 1: REJOICE

SEPTEMBER 2: HIS BEST

SEPTEMBER 3: ENTITLED TO NOTHING

SEPTEMBER 4: HARVEST

SEPTEMBER 5: REST

SEPTEMBER 6: DESPERATION

SEPTEMBER 7: HOPE OF RESTORATION

SEPTEMBER 8: UNCONDITIONAL

SEPTEMBER 9: GROWING WITH GOD

SEPTEMBER 10: PLEASURE IN WEAKNESS

SEPTEMBER 11: PERFECT FAITHFULNESS

SEPTEMBER 12: WONDERFUL LOVE AND MERCY

SEPTEMBER 13: PROMISES

SEPTEMBER 14: NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU

SEPTEMBER 15: STRENGTH FOR TODAY

SEPTEMBER 16: RICHES OF GRACE

SEPTEMBER 17: INTENTIONAL PURSUIT

SEPTEMBER 18: LED BY FAITHFULNESS

SEPTEMBER 19: MIRACLES ALL AROUND

SEPTEMBER 20: ALIVE

SEPTEMBER 21: FEAR

SEPTEMBER 22: SING

SEPTEMBER 23: SABBATH

SEPTEMBER 24: PERFECTION

SEPTEMBER 25: ALL ABOUT HIM

SEPTEMBER 26: REVEALED

SEPTEMBER 27: CONSISTENCY

SEPTEMBER 28: LIVING WORD

SEPTEMBER 29: THE END OF YOURSELF

SEPTEMBER 30: MERCY FOR ALL

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1: FULLNESS OF LIFE

OCTOBER 2: EMBRACING SLOW

OCTOBER 3: MORE JESUS, LESS STUFF

OCTOBER 4: A SOUL AT REST

OCTOBER 5: WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE

OCTOBER 6: GREAT POWER

OCTOBER 7: GROWING HEARTS

OCTOBER 8: KNOWN AND REDEEMED

OCTOBER 9: A PRAYER FOR THE DAY

OCTOBER 10: SEASON OF FAITHFULNESS

OCTOBER 11: OVERFLOWING GRACE

OCTOBER 12: HELD

OCTOBER 13: PLANTING AND REAPING

OCTOBER 14: WHOLEHEARTEDLY

OCTOBER 15: REPETITION

OCTOBER 16: INTENTIONAL

OCTOBER 17: ENLIGHTENMENT

OCTOBER 18: YOU HAVE DONE IT

OCTOBER 19: POWER OVER FEAR

OCTOBER 20: WHAT YOU WORSHIP

OCTOBER 21: HOPEFUL PROMISES

OCTOBER 22: ROUSED BY AFFLICTION

OCTOBER 23: ENDURING LOVE

OCTOBER 24: STRUGGLING TO STEADY

OCTOBER 25: ON THE WINNING TEAM

OCTOBER 26: NIGHTTIME PROMISES

OCTOBER 27: GOOD PLANS

OCTOBER 28: READY FOR BATTLE

OCTOBER 29: KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

OCTOBER 30: WINNING

OCTOBER 31: A WILLING STUDENT

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 1: EYES ON THE GOAL

NOVEMBER 2: SELF OR SACRIFICE

NOVEMBER 3: THANKFULNESS

NOVEMBER 4: ANTICIPATING GOOD TODAY

NOVEMBER 5: NO RECORD OF WRONGS

NOVEMBER 6: INCREASED STRENGTH

NOVEMBER 7: PRECIOUS

NOVEMBER 8: SHELTER

NOVEMBER 9: WORTHY OF GRACE

NOVEMBER 10: NO NEED TO IMPRESS

NOVEMBER 11: IN ALL THINGS

NOVEMBER 12: MORE TO LEARN

NOVEMBER 13: CROWNED

NOVEMBER 14: WORDS

NOVEMBER 15: GRACE INSTEAD

NOVEMBER 16: FOCUS

NOVEMBER 17: SHOWING LOVE

NOVEMBER 18: PATIENCE

NOVEMBER 19: POWERFUL

NOVEMBER 20: GROWTH IN DORMANCY

NOVEMBER 21: DWELLING ON TRUTH

NOVEMBER 22: LOVED TO LOVE

NOVEMBER 23: BLESSINGS

NOVEMBER 24: NO BOWS OR SWORDS

NOVEMBER 25: RECIPIENTS OF MERCY

NOVEMBER 26: GIFT OF COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 27: GRACE AND GOODNESS

NOVEMBER 28: PURPOSE

NOVEMBER 29: SET APART

NOVEMBER 30: TAKING BACK WHAT’S STOLEN

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 1: MORE GRACE

DECEMBER 2: REVERENCE

DECEMBER 3: THE GREATEST COMMANDS

DECEMBER 4: HEART-CHANGE

DECEMBER 5: CALLED TO BLESS

DECEMBER 6: COUNTED

DECEMBER 7: KNOWING GOD

DECEMBER 8: MANIFESTING CHRIST

DECEMBER 9: THE RIGHT KIND OF REST

DECEMBER 10: NOT THE GOAL

DECEMBER 11: COMING RESTORATION

DECEMBER 12: STAY THE COURSE

DECEMBER 13: NEW PLANS

DECEMBER 14: TO LOVE OTHERS

DECEMBER 15: DELIGHTED STUDY

DECEMBER 16: IN FAILURE AND SUCCESS

DECEMBER 17: RESPOND

DECEMBER 18: THE DAILY CHOICE

DECEMBER 19: ANCHORED JOY

DECEMBER 20: LOVING OUR ENEMIES

DECEMBER 21: FAITHFUL DISCIPLINE

DECEMBER 22: THE GOAL

DECEMBER 23: PEACE

DECEMBER 24: WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT

DECEMBER 25: MADE LIKE US

DECEMBER 26: FROM THE HEART

DECEMBER 27: HIS PRIZED CREATION

DECEMBER 28: SURRENDERING RIGHTS

DECEMBER 29: EXTRAORDINARY

DECEMBER 30: IDENTITY IS LOVED

DECEMBER 31: FOCUSED ON FAITHFULNESS

How sweet yourwords taste to me;they are sweeter than honey.Your commandmentsgive me understanding;no wonder I hateevery false way of life.

PSALM 119:103-104 NLT

INTRODUCTION

The immediate reward of honey is its sweet taste. But honey also has incredible health benefits. Similarly, God’s Word has both instant and lasting advantages. The wisdom found within its pages requires time spent searching and meditating. True understanding happens through prayer and an intimate relationship with God.

Be encouraged as you savor the Scriptures, devotions, and prayers in this devotional. God has shown immeasurable love and grace, and his undeserved kindness is revealed in his mercies that are new every morning. Taste the goodness of his lifegiving words that are both sweet and strong and be nourished by the richness of his wisdom and compassion.

JANUARY

Gracious wordsare a honeycomb,sweet to the souland healing to the bones.

PROVERBS 16:24 NIV

JANUARY 1

ABOVE ALL

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;let them sing joyful praises forever.Spread your protection over them,that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

PSALM 5:11 NLT

You are probably entering this New Year with new goals in mind. Whether they are physical, financial, or relational, this year is a fresh start for you to pursue good things. While you may already have all your goals in mind, it would be good to put this one at the top of your list: pursue Christ above all. Your relationship with him is the most important thing you can go after this year.

The Word tells us that when we take refuge in God, we rejoice. Those whose hearts are hidden in God are full of joyful praise. When we are loving the things of Christ, life is abundant, and peace filled. What could be better? It will likely require sacrifice of some things that we would normally otherwise pursue, and then also the denial of other desires. It will not be in vain. We should set our sights on the pursuit of God’s goodness, and in this we will find our joy complete.

God, this New Year is yours, and my plans pale in comparison to those you have for me. Help me pursue you foremost, knowing that if a deep relationship with you is what I have at the end of this year, I have succeeded.

JANUARY 2

HIDDEN GEMS

I have hidden your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.

PSALM 119:11 NLT

Life is full, and during some seasons all you might have time for is a page from this devotional. May that page turn your thoughts to God as you chug your coffee. While you may be adopting the “something is better than nothing” mentality in more than one area of your life, your walk with God is one you don’t want to shortchange.

Scripture is powerful, and it is particularly influential when you meditate on it throughout the day. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? That’s what you’re aiming for here. Ponder on a verse in the morning. Repeat it to yourself as you get ready for your day. Review it over your lunch break. Savor it and ask yourself, “What does this tell me about God?” or “What does this tell me about how God sees me?” When the Word is in your mind, it impacts the way you live each day, and consequently your life.

Holy Spirit, help me give time to your Word, so my mind is ruled by it. Of all the things I could think about, I know your Word is the most important. It brings life to my days.

JANUARY 3

SUSTENANCE

Sustain me, my God, according to your promise,and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

PSALM 119:116 NIV

What keeps each of us going throughout our days? Could it be a midday nap, an afternoon cup of tea, or a walk that gets the blood flowing? Whatever the method of choice, all of us have things that help sustain us through our long days. Beyond the midday slump, our souls require sustaining, too, and whether we realize it or not we are constantly on the search for something that will fill us, satisfy our hungers, and give us a reason to wake up and go to workday after day.

God promises to sustain us, and his bearing up of our soul brings life and hope where other things fall short. We need to take account of the state of our hearts in this moment. What are we giving ourselves to in hope of satisfaction? What are we pursuing in anticipation of numbing our pain? Dear one, it is in Christ alone that our hopes will not be dashed. We can set aside all else and find our peace in him.

God, I repent of pursuing created things that give me energy for a short period of time. I know all too well that I will be disappointed in the end. Help me instead to seek you when I feel myself drifting toward false support.

JANUARY 4

BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;you hold my lot.The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

PSALM 16:5-6 ESV

Perhaps you woke up this morning considering all the things that are not right in your life—your finances, your marriage, your job, your health. There are countless things in life that can be put in the category of “grievances,” but today is a day for recognizing God’s goodness.

Regardless of your circumstances today, you have been chosen by God to be a part of his family, and therefore you are blessed. You have a beautiful inheritance in Christ, and while the culmination of God’s blessings has not yet arrived, the realization of his goodness starts today. Will you, like the wandering Israelites, demand relief from pain and insecurity, or will you choose Christ as your portion, the source of all you will ever need? His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), and his goodness pursues you (Psalm 23:6). May you draw peace from that knowledge.

Jesus, it is foolish of me to complain when I consider the many ways you have blessed me and given me the hope of a beautiful inheritance. Cause my heart to rest in contentment today.

JANUARY 5

TRULY GOOD

You are good and do only good;teach me your decrees.

PSALM 119:68 NL

Who among us would knowingly let ourselves be led by false teachers or deceivers claiming to have our best interests in mind? Every day we are up against the deceptions of this world, and many times we allow ourselves to be misled by that which looks good but actually plots to destroy us. Materialism, consumerism, and influencers who emphasize what feels good rather than obedience to Christ—they are all ploys of the enemy to wean our hearts from the source of all that is good.

How are we to combat these sweet deceptions except by steeping our minds in what is good and true? The entire book of Psalms tells us that God is good and only does good—shouldn’t it be God we seek to learn from? Let’s accept the challenge today to note what seemingly good things are being influential at a personal level. How do they compare to the truth of Scripture?

God, forgive me for allowing myself to be swayed by things that look and sound good but really are empty. These things, I know, will leave me aching. Help me to fill up on the truth of your Word so that I am not tempted to binge on lesser things.

JANUARY 6

VICTORY IN CHRIST

“For your sake we are killed all day long;we were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

ROMANS 8:36-37 NASB

Chances are we are all under attack today. Regardless of our cognizance of the spiritual forces which seek to deter us from walking in God’s path, they are real and present. Scripture tells us that we who belong to Christ are like sheep being led to the slaughter every day. In other words, we are constantly under attack due to our relationship with Jesus. Satan wants nothing more than to create doubt instead of trust, disassemble our relationships, and lead us to a false belief that it’s best when we take the wheel.

We have the power when we realize this, though. The victory is ours when we are aware of the attack, we speak against our enemy, and we can then claim triumph over him in the name of Jesus. Today, remember that there is literally nothing that can separate you from the love of Jesus. Be aware of your enemy but walk in the victory that is yours through Christ.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the power that is mine to wage war against the enemy. Thank you for reminders of the battle that I face, but also of the victory that is mine because I am your child.

JANUARY 7

BOAST-WORTHY

“Those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

JEREMIAH 9:23-24 NLT

We’re proud of our strengths. Whether it’s our beauty, talent, or intelligence, we take pride in the things which we are good at. But better than anything that we possess on our own is the ability to know and understand the things of God. And what does God, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, desire that we boast in?

God, in his glorious humility, desires that the things we brag on are things that the world would find rather weak and dull. We can proudly profess the love that does not grow tired, the mercy extended to the undeserving, and the triumph in the right thing when the right thing is terribly difficult. Next time we feel the need to justify ourselves by sharing our own good qualities, let’s remember the things Christ finds boast worthy.

God, you remind me that the things that the world finds pleasing mean nothing to you. May these things—love and mercy, justice and righteousness—be the same things I treasure and boast in.

JANUARY 8

COURAGE

LORD, you are my shield,my wonderful God who gives me courage.

PSALM 3:3 NCV

As a child or young adult, courage might seem like something called upon for great, meaningful accomplishments like saving someone from drowning, perhaps. But as we grow older, we learn that courage is most necessary when life’s pressures mount, struggle knocks on the door, or the burden of pain causes our shoulders to slump. It is not only in the life-altering moments of heroism when we need courage. We will call on it the mornings after a fight with our spouse, when our child uses words like knives, the day our job lets us go, or when depression creeps in.

On these days, it is vital to remember the source of our strength. It is imperative that we do not shut the door to block out the world without first turning our gaze heavenward. On these days we must lay hold of the courage that our wonderful God offers us. We can lift up our heads because our help is on the way even before we pray.

Jesus, life is sweet when I trust you. I know that regardless of my struggle you are with me, and you are the source of my courage and joy. Help me look to you today.

JANUARY 9

MADE RIGHTEOUS

As for me, by your abundant graciousnessI will enter your house,at your holy temple I will bow in reverence for you.

PSALM 5:7 NASB

None of us is perfect; we all have our flaws and secret sins. It is easy to see the unrighteousness of those who lead wicked lives, who boast about evil, or take pleasure in wrongdoing. When we compare ourselves to those who are outwardly immoral, we tend to feel that we are doing a pretty good job. In reality, sin is sin, and no one is righteous in his own merit. But what grace has been extended to those of us who have trusted Jesus; because we are covered in the blood of Christ, the Father sees us as righteous and welcomes us as if we have done no wrong.

We each can thank Jesus for his abundant grace. We deserved death, but God in his mercy brought us into his house. Today, when we see the depravity of the world around and we are tempted to consider ourselves virtuous, remember that it is only by the sweet grace of Christ that we can draw near to God.

Oh Lord, you are so gracious. Thank you for covering me in righteousness when I deserved death. Let me live today with a thankful spirit.

JANUARY 10

TRUE LOVE

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD,for our hope is in you alone.

PSALM 33:22 NLT

Chick flicks and rom coms have long given us a definition of love which modern women so often cling to in their search for romance. Love is willing to chase us through the airport to stop our flight. Love will give up hopes and dreams in order to fulfill ours. Love will deny family relationships in order to pursue one true love. Rarely, if ever, do we see a display of love that goes beyond the initial attraction and pursuit.

This sets us up for misunderstanding real love, but it’s time to set things straight. Real love is quieter but no less extraordinary. Real love is faithful. Real love continues to show up despite our inadequacies. Real love sees the best and the worst and chooses to accept both. Real love allows room for mistakes, growth, and setbacks; it always hopes for better. Real love is Christ.

Jesus, thank you for demonstrating true love—love that is unfailing, everlasting, always patient, and always hopeful. Forgive me for assuming that love is only loud and bold. Help me see the beauty in your quiet, faithful love.

JANUARY 11

TRUSTWORTHY

Everything he does is good and fair;all his orders can be trusted.

PSALM 111:7 NCV

In today’s world, maybe more than ever before, doubt is everywhere. We suspect everyone and everything; wariness always precedes believing the best of someone. It is no surprise, then, that our view of God’s Word and his call to us as believers is also met with hesitation.

Yet Scripture could not be clearer about the trustworthiness of God and his Word. Imagine knowing someone who always did what was right and good, brought comfort in the midst of trial, found the good in every situation, and followed through on every single promise. That is our God. He is completely good, and his Word is entirely trustworthy. Is he asking you to do something about which you have been uncertain? Has he called you to action, but you’ve been doubtful that he’ll see you through? Hesitate no more, friend.

God, thank you that I can trust you completely. Forgive me for doubting your Word. Help me learn to depend upon your goodness to lead me through my days. Let me not delay in obeying your commands.

JANUARY 12

GRACE IN EVERY SEASON

My soul clings to the dust;give me life according to your word!

PSALM 119:25 ESV

Life can be heavy. For the Christ-follower, hard times are guaranteed (John 16:33). We have days when our souls feel dragged through the dust—when our lungs just can’t seem to breathe in enough air. Those days, or weeks, or months can drag on until we have lost all hope. It is not easy to say or easy to hear, but it is vital to understand that those times are a form of grace.

When life is simple, pleasant, or straightforward we tend to think that it is our own capability which has caused things to level out for us. We forget that we are but a vapor and our entire existence is dependent on the Creator’s mercy. But when the burdens begin to stack up, when our backs and hearts break under the pressure, it is then in that painful grace-filled season, that we remember who sustains us. If life is heavy today, cry out as the psalmist did for life according to his Word. He promises to strengthen us.

Oh Lord, thank you that every season of life is full of your grace. Give me strength for today as I trust in you.

JANUARY 13

GODLY LIFE

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

2 PETER 1:3 NIV

Perhaps you woke up this morning unprepared for the day. The kids slept poorly, your project’s deadline got moved up, and the coffee maker wouldn’t work. You want nothing more than to return to bed and hit the restart button. But life awaits. How will you respond? It is tempting to think that on those days God understands our angst and will surely tolerate a less-than-ideal attitude coming from us.

But we know better. Peter tells us that God’s divine power has given us everything we need for living a godly life. This isn’t just on the days when we get enough sleep and coffee but maybe specifically on the days when everything seems to go wrong. By his goodness we have been called, not to get by with our teeth clenched and our hearts set on the end of this awful day. Instead, we have been called to live a life of humility, patience, self-sacrifice, and joy. This is how Jesus lived. Take a moment and ask for God’s grace to live a godly life today.

God, help me today to choose joy. You have given me all I need, not just to endure this day but to make it sweet and beneficial. May it be so according to your grace.

JANUARY 14

REFUGE

Taste and see that the LORD is good.Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

PSALM 34:8 NLT

What do you take refuge in? We all have something. Maybe for you it is a good workout to burn away the day’s stress, or the time at night when the kids are finally in bed, or perhaps it is the accolades you receive on social media. A refuge is a safe place—a place where we run and hide from the troubles of our lives. But what happens when the very thing we count on for our safe place is unavailable to us?

Scripture tells us to taste and see—to experience with our senses and with our whole being—that the Lord is good. He is a good place to hide ourselves when things are getting tough. His refuge offers peace for our minds and joy for our hearts. It is not dependent on things going a certain way; it cannot be taken from us when the day takes unexpected turns. We need to check our hearts today and make sure we are hiding ourselves in the certainty of Christ.

God, I admit that I rely on created things to relieve my stress and bring me joy. I know that true and lasting joy is only found in you. Help me take hold of that today.

JANUARY 15

ALWAYS FAITHFUL

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.”

EXODUS 34:6-7 ESV

Close your eyes for a moment and think back on the last month of your life. Consider the hard days and the good days and think about them in light of God’s faithfulness. What stands out to you? Does his faithfulness make itself known in extraordinary and loud ways, much like the parting of the Red Sea? Or does it barely come through, like a light that seeps out through a crack in the door?

God’s faithfulness, we are told, is abounding. That doesn’t always mean it’s flashy and audacious. Sometimes it is the quiet but sustaining force that carries us through a dark season. We might not even be aware of it until after the fact. But the reality is that we are never without it. Thank you, God for your abounding, ever-present faithfulness in our lives.

Lord, thank you for the ways you have proven yourself faithful in my life. Forgive me for the times that I fail to recognize it. Help me be more aware of the ways you extend your faithfulness and love to me.

JANUARY 16

FREEDOM

I will live in freedom,because I want to follow your orders.

PSALM 119:45 NCV

As a young adult, Heather couldn’t wait for the day when she lived on her own and made her own rules. She longed for freedom to make plans and follow her own dreams. When she was twenty-two years old, she was finally out on her own and tasting the freedom she had yearned for. It wasn’t long, however, before she realized that life on her own didn’t hold the fulfillment that she had assumed it would. Her actions held consequences, and she began to understand that it wasn’t freedom from rules or authority that she needed.

Heather began to appreciate Scripture which gives guidelines for how life works best. She saw wisdom in God’s instructions—how they provided protection, gave advice for tough situations, and spoke of God’s mercy that always attended her even in her mistakes. Freedom, she found, was not in independence and making her own rules; it was found in bowing to Christ and discovering the peaceful sovereignty by which her life was ruled.

God, sometimes I wish to do things my own way. Thank you for the reminder that freedom is found in my obedience to your Word which speaks of your desire for my best life.

JANUARY 17

FEAST FOR THE SOUL

You satisfy me more than the richest feast.I will praise you with songs of joy.

PSALM 63:5 NLT

It’s amazing to have a satisfying meal after a long day of hard work. Our bodies were made for nourishment, and they work best when they are regularly fed with good, nutrient-rich food. Similarly, our souls were not made to fast for extended periods of time; we need regular nourishment from the source of life—Jesus. Just like a feast at the richest of celebrations which offers all the good things we could want to eat, Jesus eases the pangs of hunger that our souls experience living in this world.

We are constantly looking for ways to fulfill our longing for more, but the created world was never meant to satiate our thirst. What things are you pursuing to fill you? Make sure you are giving your soul regular nourishment by spending time in the Word and in prayer with your heavenly Father. You will be satisfied.

Jesus, thank you for satisfying my longings with your presence and your joy. Forgive me for seeking other things to fill the void in my heart and help me pursue you alone.

JANUARY 18

WORTH LOOKING AT

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;and give me life in your ways.

PSALM 119:37 ESV

God made us to appreciate art in many forms—paintings, cinematography, street art, photography. It’s a privilege to enjoy beautiful things that give us pleasure. But with the sinful nature which we are all born into, it is all too easy for appreciation to develop into an obsession, or to allow our eyes to enjoy things that will tempt us into sin.

Scripture tells us to ask for help in turning our eyes from worthless things; God knew that our tendency would be to allow ourselves to dwell on things that—while maybe not inherently bad—could become too important and take away from seeing and seeking good things. How much time do you give to the best thing—God’s Word? Check your heart and your time today, and make sure you are meditating on what will serve your heart well.

God, I need help in turning my eyes away from things that do not encourage my relationship with you. Forgive me and help me dwell on things that are pure and lovely.

JANUARY 19

SHAMELESS

I will speak of your statutes before kingsand will not be put to shame.

PSALM 119:46 NIV

Lily often found herself speaking quietly when she was publicly discussing spiritual matters with her friends or her children. What if someone heard and was offended, or called her out for being judgmental and contradicted her beliefs? What if she didn’t know how to respond? The more she studied the Scriptures, the more confident Lily felt in speaking boldly about Christ. She did not care if she were ridiculed, and she hoped that she would be overheard, and then asked about her beliefs. The Spirit lived in her and empowered her to share the truth.

The modern world makes us afraid of speaking about Christ, but why fear? We are the ones with the truth! Ask the Spirit to embolden you to speak confidently and without shame whenever you have the opportunity to share the sweetness of knowing Christ.

God, my natural inclination is to keep quiet about you, but you are the one whom I am absolutely unashamed of knowing! Give me courage to share boldly, knowing that I will not be put to shame for speaking the truth.

JANUARY 20

WELCOMED HOME

Do not turn away from me.Do not turn your servant away in anger;you have helped me.Do not push me away or leave me alone,God, my Savior.

PSALM 27:9 NCV

Have you ever experienced the silent treatment? Angry friends or loved ones can push us away when we have hurt them, refusing to speak to us when we desperately want connection and reconciliation. Perhaps you’ve been the one to refuse a restored relationship at times in your life. When we have sinned against God it is natural to think that he will respond with the same anger that we have received in our lives from others. We’re expecting to be pushed away and received with stony silence when we plea for reconciliation.

But what mercy is ours when we approach his throne of grace! Instead of anger, we find love. Instead of God shunning us, we find his open arms. Instead of abandoning our friendship, we find him rejoicing to restore our relationship. God’s mercy is just waiting for us to return. We need to not delay.

Oh God, how merciful and good you are! Thank you for not tiring of welcoming me back. Help me walk in righteousness today and every day.

JANUARY 21

HURRYING BACK TO GOD

I thought about my life,and I decided to follow your rules.I hurried and did not waitto obey your commands.

PSALM 119:59-60 NCV

Imagine you went hiking in the Rocky Mountains. The path was winding and beautiful, and you were overcome with wonder as you traversed the trail. But suddenly you realized you were no longer on the path. Somewhere along the way you must have missed a turn, and now you must be lost. You certainly would not hesitate in turning back in order to find the trail. You wouldn’t say to yourself, “I’ve come this far, I’ll just go a little farther before turning around.”

Now think about your spiritual life. When you realize you are not walking in righteousness, how quickly do you turn back to the Lord? Oftentimes shame, pride, or your sinful desires keep you from repenting and hurrying back to God. But what dangers lie in wait for you when you do not turn in haste back from your sin! Just as darkness can fall and prevent you from getting to safety on a mountain trail, you can also put yourself in a dangerous place when you hesitate to come back to God.

God, forgive me for hesitating to repent and return to your ways. I know that you will not meet me with a heavy hand; thank you for your mercy.

JANUARY 22

GOVERNED BY GOODNESS

The LORD is good to everyone.He showers compassion on all his creation.

PSALM 145:9 NLT

What are the implications of God’s divine attributes in your life today? You might have a basic understanding of God’s goodness, but does it affect the way you live? God’s nature causes him to be good to all mankind. He is compassionate, kind, and merciful (Isaiah 30:18). He is patient and does not want anyone to perish; he is hoping for all to repent (2 Peter 3:9). So how does this knowledge change the way you live today?

Hopefully, the awareness of God’s goodness will cause a spirit of humility to rise up in you; hopefully it inspires you to extend the same goodness to others that you have received yourself. It may allow you to see the body of Christ as well as those whose hearts are far from God with the same level of compassion—breathing out kindness to those who love you as well as those who persecute you. It will hopefully cause you to repent from sin and return to God with joy, being confident that he will receive you back as if you had never sinned.

Oh God, cause your goodness to change me from the inside out. May I live, not with knowledge alone, but with a heart governed by your goodness.

JANUARY 23

THE SOURCE OF JOY

Those who sing as well as thosewho play the flutes will say,“All my springs of joy are in you.”

PSALM 87:7 NASB

Any one of us could tell the next person how life is a series of ups and downs. The highest highs and the lowest lows weave together to form the messy tapestry of life. As followers of Christ, it is important that we see each moment—wonderful or tragic—as an opportunity to praise God for being our source of joy. Today, are you embracing where Christ has you, allowing him to shape your character and your story according to his will? Or are you waiting for things to change, to improve, to be the green grass of a happy life that someone else already seems to have?

Today, I challenge you to consider how you are viewing your life, and ask yourself, “Am I connected to the source of my joy?” Allow yourself to repent of longing for an earthly utopia and embrace your present situation. Embrace the fact that Jesus is enough for you even when nothing else is.

Jesus, if you are all I have, I have it all. Thank you for being my source of joy in all seasons of my life. You are sufficient for my every need.

JANUARY 24

RIGHTS VERSUS PROMISES

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope withoutwavering, for he who promised is faithful.

HEBREWS 10:23 ESV

Gigi was peeved. The restful night of sleep she longed for had once again evaded her for no apparent reason. Here she was serving in ministry, sacrificing herself in order to bring others into the family of faith, and she couldn’t even get a full night’s sleep. She was annoyed with God—where were his blessings? She sulked through her day, but the Spirit wouldn’t let her get away with her complaining. She finally realized that she was clinging to good sleep as if it were something she was entitled to. She had turned it into a right, something which had never been promised.

In that moment she repented and began to count the things of God which are promised to her: the love of God that cannot be removed (Romans 8:38-39), abundant life—with or without good sleep (John 10:10); the care of the Father (1 Peter 5:7), a purpose in life which will be fulfilled according to his will (Ephesians 2:10), and that all of God’s promises to his people are a resounding, “Yes!” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). What things are you holding fast to that were never promised?

God, I know I can trust your promises because you are faithful. Help me cling to them instead of clinging to the things I have contrived an entitlement to.

JANUARY 25

FOUNDATION OF UNDERSTANDING

Before the mountains were bornand before you created the earth and the world,you are God.You have always been, and you will always be.

PSALM 90:2 NCV

What have you based your heart’s understanding of God upon? How you perceive God will impact you—for better or worse—and the way you live your life. We know what God is like because of what Scripture says, because of the Spirit living in us, and because of the body of Christ who helps us grasp his character. But what is your understanding of God really based upon?

It is all too easy to comprehend God through the lens of our human experience, allowing that lens to define God for us. This might cause us to see him as someone who withholds good from us, or who loves us based on what we do, or who is untrustworthy. All of these notions are false according to Scripture and will lead us to an understanding of God that is not worthy of him. Today, check the foundation for your comprehension of God.

God, forgive me for creating in my mind a god that is not based upon the truth of your Word. Instead, I have based my faith upon my limited human experiences. Help me to know you rightly.

JANUARY 26

SOVEREIGN GOODNESS

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

ROMANS 8:28 NASB

Life is full of conflict. From birth, our stories are built on overcoming conflict or bending and breaking as a result of it. Perhaps today you find yourself in a battle and you are struggling to perceive the blessing that will come from it. But as believers we must have faith that there is no battle we will face which will not produce some good.

Do you believe strongly in the sovereignty and goodness of God? Do you rise to the occasion when conflict occurs, waiting with anticipation for how God will show his goodness? Or do you avoid trouble at all costs and then panic when it finds you? Here is something to remember: if you belong to God, you cannot lose. Regardless of your battle, you are sure to win if you are on God’s side.

God, thank you that no temptation has seized me except that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). You knew my battles before you created everything, and you knew the blessings that would arise from them according to your sovereign goodness. Help me trust that today.

JANUARY 27

WEAKNESS OF RESOLVE

The one who calls you is faithful,and he will do it.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:24 NIV