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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Discover the peace that comes from trusting in God's faithful care, provision, and protection. This devotional book invites you to let go of worry and embrace a life anchored in God's promises. Consider the Lilies will encourage you each day to release your anxieties and find comfort in God's unchanging love. Through daily reflections, Scriptures, and prayers, you'll be reminded that God still provides for the lilies and watches over you with even greater care. Experience a year of hope, peace, and trust in God's faithful provision. Be assured that you are held by a loving Father who meets every need and rest in the knowledge that his protection surrounds you wherever you go. Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic, pearl, or matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - High-quality 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. - Uncoated woodfree paper is of premium quality and thickness, lending itself to 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.
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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.
Savage, Minnesota, USA
Broadstreetpublishing.com
CONSIDER THE LILIES
© 2025 by BroadStreet Publishing®
9781424570836
9781424570843 (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. No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any way for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies. As per Article 4(3) of the Digital Single Market Directive 2019/790, BroadStreet Publishing reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
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.
Typesetting and design by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com
Compiled and edited by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com
Printed in China.
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
LUKE 12:27 ESV
Contents
Introduction
January
January 1: Provision
January 2: Brisk Walk Deep Talk
January 3: Get Together
January 4: Presence
January 5: Take No Offense
January 6: Breath of God
January 7: Still Hope
January 8: Continual Surrender
January 9: A Way Prepared
January 10: In the Meantime
January 11: An Excellent Fight
January 12: Welcomed In
January 13: No Doubt
January 14: Moving Mountains
January 15: He Has Delivered
January 16: Sinking Sand
January 17: Always Good
January 18: New Self
January 19: Promised Inheritance
January 20: Never Lack
January 21: Soul Restoration
January 22: Every Day Refreshment
January 23: Content in Christ
January 24: Keeping Pace
January 25: Drawing Closer
January 26: Grow Up
January 27: Invitation to Surrender
January 28: Stick With It
January 29: Walking
January 30: Gift of Faith
January 31: All Your Heart
February
February 1: Promises
February 2: Righteous Answers
February 3: Ripe
February 4: Small and Significant
February 5: Something Is Different
February 6: Everything with Love
February 7: Still Good
February 8: Strong and Healthy
February 9: The Little
February 10: Voices
February 11: Where You Live
February 12: Willing to Turn
February 13: A Tent Maker
February 14: Ask for Help
February 15: Abide in Him
February 16: Rock of Safety
February 17: Return
February 18: Don’t Be Ashamed
February 19: Faith with Patience
February 20: Firm Faith
February 21: Palm Trees
February 22: Heroes
February 23: Textbook of Life
February 24: Wishful Thinking
February 25: Our Present Hope
February 26: Saved by Faith
February 27: Set on the Spirit
February 28: Steadfast Hope
March
March 1: Boasting in Weakness
March 2: Chosen Ones
March 3: He Remains Faithful
March 4: Heart of Integrity
March 5: Imago Dei
March 6: In a Name
March 7: Jesus Rep
March 8: No Offensive Way
March 9: Reassurance
March 10: Something Different
March 11: The World Will Know
March 12: Wired For Connection
March 13: God’s Workmanship
March 14: The Right Armor
March 15: Your True Identity
March 16: Hunger
March 17: Hypocrisy
March 18: Illusion of Control
March 19: In His Example
March 20: In Our Sight
March 21: It Will Be Done
March 22: Listen to Your Heart
March 23: Never-ending Kingdom
March 24: No Other Gospel
March 25: No Other Name
March 26: Open Door
March 27: Peaceful Truth
March 28: Remember
March 29: Thirsty Soul
March 30: Train to Win
March 31: Praising Together
April
April 1: Anchored in Truth
April 2: Losing Courage
April 3: Be Brave
April 4: Believe in the Son
April 5: Celebrate
April 6: Choose His Way
April 7: Congregation
April 8: Convinced
April 9: Cornerstone
April 10: Easier than Breath
April 11: Fellowship
April 12: Fountain of Life
April 13: Fully Armed
April 14: Good News
April 15: He’s the One
April 16: Penetrating Word
April 17: The Sword
April 18: Light and Momentary
April 19: Let Wisdom Pour
April 20: Favor
April 21: He Calms My Soul
April 22: Nourish
April 23: Believe in Jesus
April 24: Get Wisdom
April 25: Hope in God
April 26: He Is Willing
April 27: Maturity
April 28: Salt and Light
April 29: Character
April 30: Just Believe
May
May 1: Victory Won
May 2: Family Values
May 3: When I Am
May 4: Be Strong
May 5: Always Ready
May 6: A Holy Calling
May 7: Daring Faith
May 8: Seek First
May 9: No Show
May 10: Don’t Lose Heart
May 11: On My Side
May 12: Shared Feelings
May 13: Thirsty Soul
May 14: Founded on Faith
May 15: Flowing Rivers
May 16: Source of Hope
May 17: We Cannot Lose
May 18: The Whole Thing
May 19: Family History
May 20: He Won’t Forget
May 21: Prayer of Faith
May 22: Held Together
May 23: Fully Trust God
May 24: Step Out in Faith
May 25: Mystery and Hope
May 26: Brave Belief
May 27: Out of the Pit
May 28: In Charge
May 29: A Description of Glory
May 30: A Little Wobbly
May 31: Allowed to Enter
June
June 1: Efficiently
June 2: For the Run
June 3: Perfection
June 4: Bound Together
June 5: Providing an Answer
June 6: All You Ask
June 7: In the Story
June 8: Lukewarm
June 9: A Blazing Furnace
June 10: Confident in Hope
June 11: Until We Know
June 12: Loneliness
June 13: Sure Foundation
June 14: Choosing Praise
June 15: Get Back Up
June 16: My Living Hope
June 17: Goodness of God
June 18: Persist
June 19: Wherever You Go
June 20: So Far Away
June 21: Power of Kindness
June 22: Listen in the Dark
June 23: Good News
June 24: Satisfied Hunger
June 25: Take That Leap
June 26: Faith Wins
June 27: Faith in Action
June 28: Give Thanks
June 29: Sustained by Love
June 30: Fear of the Dark
July
July 1: The First Thing
July 2: In Times of Doubt
July 3: I Look to You
July 4: Belief in God
July 5: Stay Calm
July 6: The Way
July 7: Heard
July 8: Stretched Out
July 9: Through Faith
July 10: Sweet Rain
July 11: Pleased
July 12: Hunger Pangs
July 13: Under Control
July 14: Turning Back
July 15: Childlike
July 16: Seeing Clearly
July 17: Desperate for You
July 18: Hurled into the Sea
July 19: Alive Together
July 20: Small Delights
July 21: Eleventh Hour
July 22: Unseen Mysteries
July 23: Shout for Joy
July 24: Blessing Untold
July 25: More than Anything
July 26: Open My Understanding
July 27: Focused on Him
July 28: Taking the Risk
July 29: Have Discernment
July 30: A Single Gift
July 31: Better Days
August
August 1: Shield of Faith
August 2: Shared Feelings
August 3: Exciting Adventure
August 4: If Only
August 5: Saving Faith
August 6: Good Stories
August 7: Eagerly Waiting
August 8: Mountain Mover
August 9: How Rich
August 10: Pilgrimage
August 11: Love and Truth
August 12: God First
August 13: Ways to Remember
August 14: Fools for Him
August 15: Eternal Legacy
August 16: Ready Help
August 17: Great Faith
August 18: Firmly
August 19: Hold onto Truth
August 20: The Unseen
August 21: True Worshippers
August 22: Discouragement
August 23: Look No Further
August 24: Construction Workers
August 25: He Is Willing
August 26: Continuous Faith
August 27: Come Home
August 28: Faith in Love
August 29: Faith or Sight
August 30: Eager for More
August 31: Compelled
September
September 1: Without Limit
September 2: Run Free
September 3: Pioneer and Protector
September 4: Above All Else
September 5: The Beautiful Prize
September 6: Lasting Virtues
September 7: Never Give Up
September 8: Lots of Room
September 9: Step of Faith
September 10: Bear the Weak
September 11: Respond in Love
September 12: Abide
September 13: Spiritual Achievement
September 14: A Yes Faith
September 15: Faithful and Strong
September 16: Losing to Gain
September 17: The Rest Will Follow
September 18: Call Upon Him
September 19: Mustard Seed
September 20: What We Know
September 21: Increase Our Faith
September 22: Living Water
September 23: Emerging from Darkness
September 24: Feeling Trapped
September 25: Assurance of Eternity
September 26: Address the Need
September 27: Value of Faith
September 28: Hold On
September 29: Supported
September 30: Soul Vacation
October
October 1: Proclaiming Faith
October 2: Mindful Discipline
October 3: Faith Explanation
October 4: Unstained
October 5: Influencers
October 6: Add to Faith
October 7: Priceless Faith
October 8: Faith Before Sight
October 9: Hearing God
October 10: Looking for Laborers
October 11: Acknowledge
October 12: Keep the Faith
October 13: Seek Him Out
October 14: No Holding Back
October 15: Consistent Hope
October 16: Confident Faith
October 17: Conviction
October 18: Faith Is Confident
October 19: Yours
October 20: Because We Know
October 21: Building Faith
October 22: Out of Nothing
October 23: All About God
October 24: No Offense
October 25: Mountain Movers
October 26: Earnestly Seek
October 27: Faith Without Sight
October 28: Steady Hearts
October 29: Idols
October 30: Childlike in Faith
October 31: Safe in Him
November
November 1: The Perfect Pattern
November 2: Healing Power
November 3: Soil of His Love
November 4: Not in Vain
November 5: Springs of Living Water
November 6: Way of the Good
November 7: Nothing Impossible
November 8: Beautiful Mystery
November 9: No Greater Law
November 10: Appropriate Standards
November 11: Pursuit
November 12: Legacy of Jesus
November 13: Have Faith
November 14: Credit
November 15: Satisfaction
November 16: Gracefulness
November 17: Warmth
November 18: Righteousness
November 19: Value
November 20: Cut the Static
November 21: Faith-Building Words
November 22: Gift of Salvation
November 23: One Who Knows
November 24: Being Known
November 25: Eye on You
November 26: Before Birth
November 27: In Your Hand
November 28: Magnificent
November 29: A Heart Truth
November 30: Be Patient
December
December 1: Law and Faith
December 2: Built Together
December 3: Faith and Works
December 4: Rooted
December 5: Not of Yourself
December 6: Work of Faith
December 7: Clear Views
December 8: Firm Foundation
December 9: Great Hunting
December 10: Run the Race
December 11: Believe in the Son
December 12: A Blazing Furnace
December 13: Heavenly Citizenship
December 14: Directed Paths
December 15: Play Well
December 16: Truly Known
December 17: Measuring Sticks
December 18: Who He Is
December 19: For Sensitive Souls
December 20: Already Qualified
December 21: Consider It
December 22: Rightful Pursuit
December 23: Guarded by Wisdom
December 24: All Come True
December 25: Journey of Faith
December 26: On the Horizon
December 27: You Are Perfect
December 28: Spiritual Heritage
December 29: Recognize
December 30: Labels
December 31: Grow Spiritually
Introduction
Discover the peace that comes from trusting in God’s faithful care, provision, and protection. This devotional book invites you to let go of worry and embrace a life anchored in God’s promises.
Consider the Lilies will encourage you each day to release your anxieties and find comfort in God’s unchanging love. Through daily reflections, Scriptures, and prayers, you’ll be reminded that God still provides for the lilies and watches over you with even greater care. Experience a year of hope, peace, and trust in God’s faithful provision.
Be assured that you are held by a loving Father who meets every need and rest in the knowledge that his protection surrounds you wherever you go.
January
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
HEBREWS 13:8 NASB
JANUARY 1
Provision
May He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:10 NKJV
The beginning of generosity is provision. Just as a farmer requires seed for a harvest, we must also be provided with something to sow. God has supplied you with everything you need to help grow his kingdom. He will increase your resources as you diligently plant the seeds of faith.
As God multiplies your resources, he will also increase the harvest; that is, the good that comes from what you have sown. He gives to you generously that you might be generous.
Be encouraged to give from what he has given you and watch the blessings in your life increase.
JANUARY 2
Brisk Walk Deep Talk
Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
1 TIMOTHY 4:8 NKJV
There’s nothing like a brisk walk to get your heart rate up and help you to clear your head. If you are headed outside, it can be a time to cut yourself off from all the distractions that easily grab you when you are home. You might be someone who likes to put something in your ears when you exercise—like music or inspirational messages.
Try something different the next time you head out. As this Scripture says, the exercise does benefit you but so will a great conversation with a close friend.
Combine exercise with time to connect with someone you love. Listen, talk, and encourage one another in your faith.
JANUARY 3
Get Together
When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
ROMANS 1:12 NLT
There is something wonderful about meeting up for coffee or a quick dessert. Not only is this a simple pleasure, but it sets the tone for good conversation. You probably have a lot of conversations throughout your day, but it is good to be intentional with those in your life who help to build you up in your faith.
Take some time to get together with another believer and share with them what God has been teaching you right now. Ask them questions. Take advantage of times together to encourage each other and wrestle with some bigger questions of faith.
Invite Jesus into your time with friends and watch the growth in your lives as you experience the joy of getting together.
JANUARY 4
Presence
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
PSALM 16:11 NLT
It doesn’t always feel like life is full of God’s presence and pleasures. Sometimes it actually feels like the opposite. Many of the psalms explore the feelings of those times when God feels absent, and it’s important to acknowledge these as genuine human emotions.
The truth is that God is always near and willing to show us the way of life. Sometimes our darkest times can turn into our closest times with our maker.
If you are feeling estranged from him right now, ask him to grant you the joy of his presence and allow your heart to be filled with the knowledge of living into eternity.
JANUARY 5
Take No Offense
People who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.
1 CORINTHIANS 2:14 NLT
It can be easy to have a day full of wondering where God is in the middle of it all. We can admit that sometimes faith in Christ seems absurd. We can feel a form of persecution when we hear others laugh about Christianity or find a way to blame religion for all the wrong in the world.
To the world, the message of the cross is offensive. To those of us who believe, however, we find in the message of Christ our true fulfilment because it is a message full of hope, peace, and joy. Jesus can handle your doubt but ask him to restore an unwavering faith so you know you are living in the truth.
Choose not to be offended by someone’s ignorance of your faith today. Pray for them instead.
JANUARY 6
Breath of God
The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
GENESIS 1:2 ESV
You might not consider yourself very spiritual if you benchmarked yourself against how often you pray, attend church, or read the Bible. However, as a believer, you have received Jesus who has breathed new life in you.
The word for the Holy Spirit in this verse, ruach, can mean wind, breath, or spirit. The Spirit that was hovering over the waters in the beginning is the same Spirit that lives in you and is as natural as your breathing.
You don’t have to be religious or have nailed down every spiritual discipline, just be welcoming of the Holy Spirit within and watch him turn the ordinary into something extraordinary!
JANUARY 7
Still Hope
“Now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”
PSALM 39:7 ESV
In the innocence of our youth, it can be so easy to believe things that seem impossible. The opportunities of life are like an open book before us. When our stories are in the beginning stages, there is an ease and rhythm to everything. The thought of the future is exciting to most, not intimidating. The more life we live, the more experience we get, and the more unknown variables insert themselves into our stories. What once seemed simplistic is complicated by matters that challenge our belief systems.
But this is where our stories deepen, and the faithfulness of the Lord shines through the testing of our faith. Through it all, God is unchanging. His loyal love never leaves us. As our understanding of his kindness deepens along with the pain we inevitably experience, our capacity for extending his mercy also grows.
Continue to hope, for there is always more available through fellowship with the Spirit.
JANUARY 8
Continual Surrender
By the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, And wait on your God continually.
HOSEA 12:6 NKJV
It is never too late to build a life on the foundation of God’s mercy. Whether you have been following him for decades or for days, each moment is a new opportunity to rely on his love. His ways are better than our own. His wisdom is purer than the logic of the world’s systems. God is more reliable than the sunrise.
When we learn to wait on him, we are better for it. Instead of rushing ahead in our own strength to accomplish what we think is best, let us surrender our plans to him. As we move forward, when we know him well, we will know when to pause, when to redirect, and when to keep pushing through.
Above all, know him well. Love him well, being merciful and promoting justice and peace with your life. You will not be disappointed when he is your constant help and guide.
JANUARY 9
A Way Prepared
“Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
ISAIAH 57:14 NIV
There is an open road to heaven’s gates laid out before us. The courts of our great God and King are welcoming and accessible to all who will enter in. Jesus made it clear through his life and through the ministry of his Word that all who want to come to the Father must come to him first.
Through Jesus, we are able to enter into unhindered connection with the Father of glory. There are no hoops to jump through, no moving targets to master in order to know God.
In submission to God, through faith in Jesus, and in the aligning of your life with his loyal love, you will find yourself at home in him with no obstacles to separate you.
JANUARY 10
In the Meantime
It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed.
HABAKKUK 3:2 NCV
When we are waiting on the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives, and in the world at large, it is important to maintain the right perspective. God’s timing is not our own. Where we would be hasty, God is full of patience, waiting for all things to be properly aligned in his purposes. He is not slow in answering his promises.
God is full of mercy, and he can see what we cannot. He is faithful. His character is unchanging. Instead of being influenced by our circumstances, let’s let our faith influence them. God’s truth will always prevail, and he will not be made a liar.
Practice patience and persistence. He is making a way, and when he says it is time, nothing will stop him.
JANUARY 11
An Excellent Fight
I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith.
2 TIMOTHY 4:7 TPT
When you are training, it is one thing to persevere in preparation. Some days you may hit your mark, and others you may struggle to meet it. But there is nothing like the energy and thrill of a crowd to push you beyond your normal peak. Knowing that others are watching can cause one to gain a new burst of energy and focus.
In faith, too, there are times when we are pushing through with all we’ve got on the lonely stretches. But then we remember that there is a crowd of witnesses cheering us on. Let us throw off the things that hinder us and keep that pace. The finish line is not far off!
There is strength to be found in the camaraderie of faithful followers in the race of life. Remember today that you are not doing this alone.
JANUARY 12
Welcomed In
“Everything that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I certainly will not cast out.”
JOHN 6:37 NASB
We have been welcomed in with open arms into God’s great kingdom through Jesus. We come to him through faith, and he transforms us by the power of his Spirit in our lives. He will never turn us away when we come to him.
Let that sink in. He welcomes you with the undying affection of a father toward his children. He runs to meet you whenever you turn to him. There is nothing that could keep him from meeting you. His love compels him toward you, so run freely toward him without delay.
Whatever your hesitations have been, leave them behind today and run into the arms of your loving God. He is already running toward you.
JANUARY 13
No Doubt
Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
JAMES 1:6 NKJV
There is nothing on earth that compares to the life God has called us to and wants to bless us with. When we are able to overcome our doubt and live by faith, we will experience a freedom which is not available any other way. Yet we all, admittedly, struggle with doubts.
There is no hope for us unless we anchor ourselves in the Word of God and ask him to hold us with his mighty hand. In his grasp, we will be safe from the crashing waves of life that attempt to drown us and pull us under. Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and began to sink because of doubt, so Jesus reached out and saved him in his mercy.
You don’t ever need to doubt God, but when you do, he will still keep you from drowning because of his abundant mercy and love for you.
JANUARY 14
Moving Mountains
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
ISAIAH 40:4 NIV
There is no way out. Ever feel that way? Life can present us with ways that seem like dead ends, capable of opening up only if there is some type of supernatural intervention. We confess we need a miracle.
Thankfully, we have a miracle worker, and he is always working on our behalf in unseen places. He sees everything that we are going through. He is capable of moving our mountains, parting our seas, and eventually, bringing us into eternity, where he has prepared a place for us. Nothing is impossible with our God.
When you hit a wall and there appears to be no solution, remember that you serve a God of limitless power. Go to him in faith and expectation of what he will do.
JANUARY 15
He Has Delivered
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
PSALM 34:17 ESV
We have been told that there are no guarantees in life, but for the children of God, there are. We have a promise from God that when we, who have been made righteous by the blood of Christ, call out to him, he hears, he answers, and he delivers. That is the absolute truth.
God’s ways are higher than ours. When we cry out to him, we sometimes think we have the perfect and only solution. But then God overrules, and we should be thankful that he does. He gives us his very best, delivering us in his wisdom and love.
Call out to God today and listen to his solution for your troubles. He knows you better than anyone in all of time and space, and he will move toward you in love and faithfulness.
JANUARY 16
Sinking Sand
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
PSALM 40:2 NLT
When you were a little kid, did you ever play sinking sand? It is a game that usually involves jumping from pillow to pillow or couch to couch because if you touch the ground, that’s sinking sand! As adults we can fall into the routine of living life the same way, jumping from one thing to the next, terrified of failure. Life in Christ doesn’t need to be like this though.
No good pursuit or busy schedule is going to save you. A life built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ is the only thing that will keep you grounded. He is the solid ground, steady and sure, and even if you fail, you can never mess up enough to sink.
Be aware of your footing and what you trust in today and pray about if you need to shift to relying on Christ instead of other things.
JANUARY 17
Always Good
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.
LAMENTATIONS 3:25 NIV
You know how you can hear about a restaurant and how great a particular dish is from others, but it’s not until you taste it for yourself that you really know? You have to experience it firsthand to be able to proclaim to someone how good it is. You run a risk when you go partake of the meal, however. You risk it not being as good as you hoped; you risk being let down.
There is a risk when we hope. When we choose to partake of hope, we risk being let down by whatever it is we are hoping in or for. Is God really as good as everyone else has said he is? As the Scriptures proclaim he is? The only way to really know is to hope in him—to take a risk and find out.
Here’s a little secret: God never disappoints. He is good, but don’t settle for taking everyone’s word on it! Taste and see, and find out for yourself.
JANUARY 18
New Self
Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
EPHESIANS 4:22-24 ESV
Paul makes a distinction between life before Christ and life after. He is not asking us to simply replace sinful lifestyle with a moral lifestyle or obviously bad deeds for seemingly good deeds. He is telling us that when we become Christians, we are handed a new life in Christ. A difference should be present.
In verse 17, Paul talks about life before Christ and how people have futile minds. This means they are living with no regard for God or his ways. They are self-focused and living with no thought to eternal consequence. He mentions that this is a thought pattern.
Do you live as if God exists? Put off your old self and walk in freedom and life with God.
JANUARY 19
Promised Inheritance
Your faith and love rise within you as you access all the treasures of your inheritance stored up in the heavenly realm. For the revelation of the true gospel is as real today as the day you first heard of our glorious hope, now that you have believed in the truth of the gospel.
COLOSSIANS 1:5 TPT
The promises of God are a guarantee; they aren’t going anywhere. Your inheritance is a sure thing. Believing in Jesus is not a bait-and-switch tactic or a gimmick with a catch. When you choose to follow him, Jesus says that his promises toward you are a done deal. And who is more faithful than God? His reputation of keeping his promises and being faithful proceed him. This is a truth that cannot be shaken or stolen and doesn’t get destroyed or old and broken with time.
The glorious truth of trusting in Jesus is just as wonderful on day 1,000 as it is on day one. Isn’t that good news? Let this news bring you hope. Let your faith and love rise up in your soul as you consider the sure foundation that you stand on.
Don’t let the gospel message become old or stale. Open your mouth in praise to the Creator and in exclamation of this truth to those around you.
JANUARY 20
Never Lack
The LORD is my shepherd, I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
PSALM 23:1-2 CSB
The world wants to tell you that what is most important is taking care of yourself. It says that your self-care is all up to you, and to feel better in life you just need to get away, get a manicure, get a massage, or take a trip to the mall. Though these things are not bad, they fall short, as most of our attempts at self-care will.
Instead, look to God to supply all your needs. Turning to your good shepherd is the best self-care gift you can give yourself; it’s the only one that will truly heal and refresh. Jesus is waiting to whisper to you, “In me, you will never lack.”
There is only one who can bring you to waters that will make you never thirst again and bread that will alleviate all hunger. Only one can restore your soul—Jesus.
JANUARY 21
Soul Restoration
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
PSALM 23:3 NKJV
You’ve already chosen to let God care for you by picking up this book. It shows that you place a priority on reading his Word. Good job! There are many important things asking for attention but being in his Word and in prayer are the most important for your faith. Continue to persevere in this, dwelling in his Word and praying.
Instead of hitting snooze in the morning, grab that cup of coffee and your Bible. Sleep is important, but Jesus is better than that extra fifteen minutes every time. It can be hard to ask for help, but those who find God as their happy place embrace dependency on God.
Asking God for what you need is the action that shows the posture of your heart. You want the posture of your heart to be turned toward the Father. He alone will restore you.
JANUARY 22
Every Day Refreshment
Fill us with your love every morning. Then we will sing and rejoice all our lives.
PSALM 90:14 NCV
Many of us take time to start our mornings with a full mug of coffee or tea. Reading this devotional means you’re also taking time to fill your soul. What is the key to a good life? It’s this right here—being filled with God’s love. Just like our morning beverages, we need it fresh every day. Most of us empty our coffee mugs every morning and our spiritual mugs every day.
If you are living a life for God, you are constantly pouring into those around you, which is a great thing! But those who pour out need to be filled up again. When you start your days in your strength and skip out on God’s Word, you start on empty. Most people don’t like cold, old coffee either. If you set your mug down and forget about it, do you pick it up a few days later and drink it? Usually not. When the coffee gets cold and old, it usually gets thrown out.
Bring your cold heart before the flame of God every day and ask him to fill it afresh.
JANUARY 23
Content in Christ
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
PHILIPPIANS 4:12 NIV
Self-help book after self-help book promise you the secret to the life you’ve always wanted. They keep getting published. If you just pay a small fee, or use this product, or join our program, we promise it will change your life! You’ve heard it before. They can be rather alluring, don’t you think? Who doesn’t want to be in on a grand secret that can make life better? But none of those man-made methods will satisfy.
Paul writes the secret right here: a timeless truth that trumps them all. Do you want to know the secret to contentment? You find it in Christ. That’s the secret. If you are abiding in Christ, you can live content in poverty and in wealth. You can live content through trials and in joyous moments. You can be satisfied in any circumstance because your rock and refuge are Christ. It’s not a trick, not a gimmick, not a “but wait, there’s more!” kind of ad.
It’s really this simple: abide in Christ and God will give you everything you need.
JANUARY 24
Keeping Pace
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 TIMOTHY 6:12 NASB
Do you admire people who are really into running? Maybe you are an avid runner. There is a lot to be learned from the sport of running that can be used as a metaphor for the Christian life. The apostle Paul likens our Christian life to a race, not because we are competing against one another, but because to run a long race it takes endurance.
Endurance is an important character trait that you grow in as you allow the Holy Spirit to do his sanctifying work in you. There is a shift in your life when you realize that being a Christian is not just a prayer you pray, but a lifetime race that requires you to keep pace with the Holy Spirit.
God is not a crazy task master; he’s the perfect coach, gently working with you to become more like Christ.
JANUARY 25
Drawing Closer
The LORD is near to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
PSALM 145:18 NLT
If things don’t turn out the way we have planned, does that mean that God hasn’t answered our prayers? We can’t simplify our life and prayers and God like that. When we do, we put God in a box—where he does not belong. God is not our great genie in the sky, granting wishes or denying them.
A red flag in this area would be if you move on and forget about God when he answers your prayer until the next time a request pops up. Prayer is a part of your relationship with God. It strengthens your faith, exposes your weaknesses, and leads to real communion with the Father. God won’t always answer your prayers the way you think he should or even in the time that you want.
Do you see a red flag in your prayer life? Come to God with expectancy to grow in a relationship instead of demanding your own way.
JANUARY 26
Grow Up
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
1 CORINTHIANS 13:11 NLT
