My Strength and My Song E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

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

Seitenzahl: 336

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

Take time each day to be refreshed and strengthened by God as you engage your spirit in these encouraging devotional entries, Scripture verses, and prayers. Find hope, comfort, peace, security, and joy in the Father who delights in singing over you as you rest in his presence. Be inspired as you record what is on your heart in the journaling space provided. But as for me, your strength shall be my song of joy. At each and every sunrise My lyrics of your love will fill the air! For you have been my Glory-Fortress, A Stronghold in my day of distress. O my Strength, I sing with joy your praises. O my Stronghold, I sing with joy your song! O my Savior, I sing with joy the lyrics Of your faithful love for me! --Psalm 59:16-17, TPT The Lord is your strength and your song. He is everything you need for each new day. 

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

My Strength and My Song

© 2015 by BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5103-3 (flexi-faux leather)

ISBN 978-1-4245-5107-1 (e-book)

Devotional entries composed by Janelle Breckell, Diane Dahlen, Claire Flores, Laura Krause, Stephanie Sample, and Carole Smith.

All hymn lyrics quoted are listed in the public domain.

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

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

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There’s within my heart a melodyJesus whispers sweet and low,Fear not, I am with thee,peace, be still,In all of life’s ebb and flow.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,Sweetest name I know,Fills my ev’ry longing,Keeps me singing as I go.

Feasting on the riches of His grace,Resting ‘neath His shelt’ring wing,Always looking on His smiling face,That is why I shout and sing.

He Keeps Me Singing

BY L. B. BRIDGES

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

JANUARY

January 1: All Things New

January 2: New Every Morning

January 3: Getting Back

January 4: The Secrets of God

January 5: The Yes To

January 6: How to Fill Our Hunger

January 7: Powerful Words

January 8: Standing at the Last

January 9: Water and Blood

January 10: Out of Darkness

January 11: Unpunished

January 12: Do You Believe This?

January 13: Accomplishment

January 14: Unseen

January 15: Faithful

January 16: Measured Days

January 17: Not Shaken

January 18: Never Disappointed

January 19: Remember Your Wonders

January 20: Because of the Poor

January 21: Fully Devoted

January 22: Human Empathy

January 23: To Have a Change, Make a Change

January 24: He Cares about You, Uniquely

January 25: Leveling Up

January 26: Renewed Strength

January 27: Freedom

January 28: Power to Transform

January 29: The Irony of Weakness

January 30: Weight of Worry

January 31: Joyful Remembrance

FEBRUARY

February 1: Guided

February 2: Set Apart Truth

February 3: God of Safety

February 4: Him Alone

February 5: Cleansed

February 6: Without Fear of the Future

February 7: A Greater Wonder

February 8: Fully Committed

February 9: Trustworthy

February 10: Go in Peace

February 11: Fascination

February 12: Joyfully I Wait

February 13: Though We Stumble

February 14: Good and Perfect

February 15: Tears Turn to Joy

February 16: Not of the World

February 17: Under His Protection

February 18: People of Light

February 19: Truly Awesome

February 20: All of You

February 21: Rocks Don’t Change

February 22: Rest for Your Soul

February 23: Nothing to Fear

February 24: Completely Attuned

February 25: Peace with God

February 26: He Will Fulfill His Purpose for You

February 27: Life Is a Pilgrimage with God

February 28: Rooted in Love

MARCH

March 1: Unconditional Acceptance

March 2: Ready to See

March 3: A Heart That Cares

March 4: Twig by Twig

March 5: Just Because

March 6: Sight Unseen

March 7: Cookie Jar Prayers

March 8: He Never Sleeps

March 9: No Darkness

March 10: He Chose You

March 11: Hidden Treasure

March 12: More of You

March 13: An Incomprehensible Gift

March 14: Where Are You?

March 15: He Holds My Hand

March 16: Not for Nothing

March 17: You Are Chosen

March 18: He Will Shelter You

March 19: Carry Your Shield

March 20: Just Say No

March 21: Live at Peace

March 22: Peace and Quiet

March 23: Why?

March 24: Coffee with God

March 25: Spirited Worship

March 26: Real Love

March 27: Foolish Ones

March 28: Tell Your Story

March 29: Self-Importance in Disguise

March 30: Written in Stone

March 31: Surrender

APRIL

April 1: A Fool for You

April 2: Now I Am Found!

April 3: Blotted Out

April 4: Citizens of Heaven

April 5: A Heart of Compassion

April 6: Sing!

April 7: Powerful Promises

April 8: Everlasting Beauty

April 9: Opened, Lifted, and Loved

April 10: Be Teachable

April 11: Peace Seeds

April 12: A Very Good Creation

April 13: No More Pain

April 14: Brave Heart

April 15: Mere Mortals

April 16: Practice Produces Peace

April 17: Church Siblings

April 18: Starry Host

April 19: On Your Behalf

April 20: Debt of Love

April 21: His Riches

April 22: Water Ways

April 23: Continue in Christ

April 24: Lean on the Lord

April 25: Walking in Works

April 26: Satisfied

April 27: Holy Spirit Words

April 28: From East to West

April 29: Assignment from Jesus

April 30: Whole Restoration

MAY

May 1: Equipped for Battle

May 2: Any Prayer Counts

May 3: Chased by Grace

May 4: Spiritual Guidance

May 5: Key to Success

May 6: A Patient Promise

May 7: Pentecost Power

May 8: Humble Highs

May 9: Free of the Past

May 10: Strength of My Heart

May 11: Convinced of Love

May 12: Opportunity for Joy

May 13: Quenched

May 14: Provision for the Generous

May 15: Light of the Dawn

May 16: Heavenly Scent

May 17: Thunder Theology

May 18: Believing Is Not Seeing!

May 19: Fixed on Him

May 20: The Eternal Kingdom

May 21: Fiery Furnace

May 22: Evergreen

May 23: My Redeemer Lives

May 24: Always Helping

May 25: He Rejoices over You

May 26: The Many Wonders of God

May 27: Thirsty for Mercy

May 28: Divine Decisions

May 29: Contentment in All Circumstances

May 30: Radiant Reflection

May 31: Search Me

JUNE

June 1: Delight in His Presence

June 2: Inner Beauty

June 3: Returned Love

June 4: Continual Praise

June 5: Powerful Friendship

June 6: Overcome

June 7: The Good Father

June 8: Right Relationships

June 9: Joy That Testifies

June 10: Relationships of Believers

June 11: Gracious

June 12: The Comparison Trap

June 13: Full Joy

June 14: Bold Hope

June 15: A God Who Searches

June 16: Portion

June 17: Brought Near

June 18: Understand and Accept

June 19: Eternal Legacy

June 20: No Reason to Fear

June 21: Diligent Seekers

June 22: God’s Dwelling Place

June 23: True Love

June 24: Commissioned to Boldness

June 25: Jesus Keeps You in the Race

June 26: Remember God’s Faithfulness

June 27: Strength Every Morning

June 28: Unless the Lord

June 29: The Goodness in Waiting

June 30: Grit of Grace

JULY

July 1: Simply Listen

July 2: A Generous Heart

July 3: A Sure Foundation

July 4: Truly Free

July 5: For His Glory

July 6: No Plan B

July 7: In the Light

July 8: Peace Is Mine

July 9: Best Day Ever

July 10: The Privilege of Suffering

July 11: Perfect Peace

July 12: An Arm to Lean On

July 13: Like a Child

July 14: By His Wounds

July 15: Renewal

July 16: Openly and Utterly

July 17: Start Here

July 18: Astounding Love

July 19: Joyful in Tribulation

July 20: Seek His Face

July 21: Totally Committed

July 22: Under His Arm

July 23: Abiding Love

July 24: Naked and Exposed

July 25: Friendship

July 26: This Heart-Longing

July 27: Home

July 28: Lost and Found

July 29: He Is Watching

July 30: As I Should Be

July 31: All for Good

AUGUST

August 1: Look to the Mountains

August 2: Seek and Find

August 3: Becoming a Caster

August 4: Delivered from Fear

August 5: Buried Talents

August 6: Thorns

August 7: True Strength

August 8: Pouring

August 9: Hearing Truth

August 10: An Anchored Soul

August 11: Finishing Touches

August 12: Just Run

August 13: Divine Citizenship

August 14: The Gift of Song

August 15: Parental Words

August 16: Wash Away Sin

August 17: Trouble

August 18: Not of This World

August 19: In the Love of God

August 20: Becoming Childlike

August 21: Not Worth Comparing

August 22: Rejoice in Suffering?

August 23: Feeding on Faithfulness

August 24: Not without Hope

August 25: Continual Intercession

August 26: Strong Faith

August 27: Near to the Brokenhearted

August 28: Superhuman Expectations

August 29: Steadfast Love

August 30: Worthless Things

August 31: Do Not Grow Weary

SEPTEMBER

September 1: A Basket Case

September 2: Are You Shining?

September 3: Bad News

September 4: Bloom Where You Are Planted

September 5: Blackbird Bluff

September 6: Bridging the Gap

September 7: But Dust

September 8: Clay Pots

September 9: Eat for Life

September 10: Necessary Instrument

September 11: Faith’s End

September 12: Held Together

September 13: How Do I Love Thee?

September 14: Idols of the Heart

September 15: Joy

September 16: Kept

September 17: Light at the End of the Tunnel

September 18: Never Give Up!

September 19: Perennials

September 20: Sins of Omission

September 21: Starting Over

September 22: The Deliverance Trilogy

September 23: The Divine Song

September 24: The Vine

September 25: Three Things We Can Know

September 26: Unchanging

September 27: Waiting

September 28: Weak Strength

September 29: Where Are You Looking?

September 30: Willing to Teach—Willing to Learn

OCTOBER

October 1: The Complete Believer

October 2: I Will Help You

October 3: Songs of Victory

October 4: Refuge for the Questioning Soul

October 5: Waiting for the Promise

October 6: For Us, Not Against Us

October 7: Comfort

October 8: Encouraged in Faith

October 9: Stronghold

October 10: The Power of Seeking

October 11: Altar of Sacrifice

October 12: Strength

October 13: Worthy

October 14: Return

October 15: Who Do You Say I Am?

October 16: Your Eyes Will See

October 17: Ruled by Emotion

October 18: Unhindered

October 19: Focus

October 20: Fulfilling God’s Dreams

October 21: Found in a Desert

October 22: God of Compassion

October 23: Death to Life

October 24: The End of Death

October 25: Comfort for the Failure’s Heart

October 26: Father Knows Best

October 27: The Giant Obstacle

October 28: Kindness Leads to Repentance

October 29: Filling the Emptiness

October 30: Same Spirit

October 31: You Make Him Happy

NOVEMBER

November 1: Wise Home Construction

November 2: Not As the World Gives

November 3: Stronger for Waiting

November 4: Collected Tears

November 5: Outwardly Wasting?

November 6: Light and Momentary?

November 7: My Gift

November 8: Hope of Glory

November 9: Rewards or Wrath?

November 10: No Longer Infants

November 11: Mind Control

November 12: Separated from His Love

November 13: Gift of Weakness

November 14: Talking Back

November 15: Were You There?

November 16: Discipline as a Gift

November 17: Running Unhindered

November 18: God Loves Justice

November 19: Stored Goodness

November 20: Learn from Me

November 21: A Friend in Him

November 22: Ask, Seek, Knock

November 23: Calling and Selection

November 24: Growing in Discernment

November 25: Committed to the Process

November 26: Content in All Situations

November 27: Standing Blameless

November 28: A Confident Approach

November 29: Origin of Strength

November 30: The First Move

DECEMBER

December 1: Peace in Jesus: the Eternal Gift

December 2: Execute Your Hope in Faith

December 3: The Love-Joy Life

December 4: Water of Life

December 5: Lay Down False Expectations

December 6: Charity

December 7: Freed: for Life

December 8: Known of My Father

December 9: Steps to Intimacy

December 10: God Provides

December 11: Emotions

December 12: Making Choices: a Good Gift

December 13: He Teaches Me Acceptance

December 14: He Is a Triune God

December 15: He Blesses Me Eternally

December 16: Filling the Hole

December 17: He Chooses the Proper Time

December 18: He Delights in You

December 19: Blessed Enemies

December 20: His Understanding Illuminates Motives

December 21: He Offers Gifts Unreservedly

December 22: He Dresses You for the Weather

December 23: He Chooses You as You Are

December 24: Seek, then Boldly Proclaim!

December 25: Jesus: My Christmas Song

December 26: God’s “No Returns” Policy

December 27: Jesus Frees Me from Anger

December 28: He Is My Steadfast Hope

December 29: Source of Beauty

December 30: The Law of the Spirit

December 31: Load of Anxiety

Introduction

Take time each day to be refreshed and strengthened by God as you engage your spirit in these encouraging devotional entries, Scripture verses, and prayers.

Find hope, comfort, peace, security, and joy in the Father who delights in singing over you as you rest in his presence.

Be inspired as you record what’s on your heart in the journaling space provided.

The Lord is your strength and your song. He is everything you need for each new day.

January

A joyful song of praise we sing,

And thankfully we gather

To bless the love of God above,

Our everlasting Father.

In Him rejoice with heart and voice

Whose glory fadeth never.

Whose providence is our defense,

Who lives and loves forever.

For nothing falls unknown to Him,

Or care or joy or sorrow;

And He whose mercy ruled the past

Will be our stay tomorrow.

A Joyful Song

BY A.N. BLATCHFORD

JANUARY 1

All Things New

He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

REVELATION 21:5 NKJV

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

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

Thank you, Jesus, that you make all things new. Thank you that your Word is faithful and true, and I don’t have to doubt your promises. Bring newness to my life this year. Take my regrets and turn them into new beginnings.

JANUARY 2

New Every Morning

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23 NRSV

It is beautiful to know that the mercies of our God are new every single morning. To know that the grace we spent on yesterday will still be abundant enough for the troubles we will face today. To know that his faithfulness is true even when we wander, and his love is steadfast even when ours fails.

Heavenly Father, I know that I don’t deserve the never-ending mercy that you extend to me. But I know that you delight in loving me and that you have more than enough strength for me in each and every new day. I pray that as I face today, I would walk as one who knows your faithfulness and understands your love.

JANUARY 3

Getting Back

As for you, return to your God,

hold fast to love and justice,

and wait continually for your God.

HOSEA 12:6 NRSV

Sometimes we lose our way and lose sight of the passion we once felt for God. Once we’ve lost our connection with him, we don’t always know how to get back. We wonder if there is too much between us that he can’t overlook.

But it’s as simple as returning; as straightforward as getting down on your knees and saying, “God, I’m back.” When you return, holding fast to the love that first drew you to him, God will show himself to you.

God, I know that there are areas of my life where I’ve put distance between myself and you. I don’t want to continue with a disconnect between us. I want to return to you and be restored to right relationship with you. This is me, returning to you. Thank you that even when I wandered, you never went anywhere.

JANUARY 4

The Secrets of God

“Can you understand the secrets of God?

Can you search the limits of the Almighty?”

JOB 11:7 NCV

Have you ever discovered something about yourself that you never knew before? Maybe you tried a new food that you always claimed you hated, and you found you actually loved it. Maybe you were surprised by an idea you had that you didn’t even know you were capable of.

If we, who are human, are so complex that we don’t fully know ourselves, then how much more complex is the God who created us? We mustn’t limit God to what we think we know of him. We cannot know his limits. But we can trust in his Word and his Holy Spirit to teach us as we seek to know him more.

Almighty God, help me not to limit you to what I’ve seen or what I’ve heard of you. Help me to constantly be seeking your heart so that I can know you for myself.

JANUARY 5

The Yes To

The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ,

and through Christ we say yes

to the glory of God.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 NCV

We all go through seasons in life when we doubt if God is really good to us. But tasting the goodness of God is often as simple as opening our hearts to receive what he has promised through Christ.

We may feel unworthy or even unready, but if we have said yes to salvation, then we have also said yes to God’s promises, his goodness, and his eternal glory.

God, I say yes, right now, to your promises for my life. I say yes to your glory, your goodness, and your grace. I thank you that your salvation and your promises are mine in Christ Jesus. I ask you for the strength to continue to say yes even when I feel ineligible. I know that in Christ I am a new creation who is worthy of goodness.

JANUARY 6

How to Fill Our Hunger

“I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me will never be hungry,

and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

JOHN 6:35 NRSV

You don’t have to teach babies to put things in their mouth—they are born with a natural instinct to feed themselves. But you do need to teach them what to feed themselves.

We were all created with a natural spiritual hunger for God. But we must learn how to fill our hunger. There are things that we will try to put into our souls that will never satisfy us. The only true remedy to the deepest longing in our being is God—because we were created to hunger after him.

Lord, help me not to look to outside sources to fill the hunger that can only be satisfied by relationship with you. Help me to recognize my hunger so that instead of living as one who is empty, I can live as one who is full of your presence.

JANUARY 7

Powerful Words

“Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first.

Listen to them carefully for yourself.”

EZEKIEL 3:10 NLT

There is so much power in quieting our minds and listening to the voice of God as he speaks directly to us. We must learn to recognize his voice above any other sound. God has the power and the ability to speak to any situation we are going through, under any circumstance.

Since the beginning of time, God has begun powerful works with a powerful Word. When we listen for him to speak, we ready ourselves for him to do those works in and through us.

Lord, I want to be someone who does powerful works for your kingdom. I know that I cannot do them without the words from your mouth. Let me be a listener who both absorbs your Word and is changed by it.

JANUARY 8

Standing at the Last

Lord, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness

you have done wonderful things.

things planned long ago.

ISAIAH 25:1 NIV

We serve a God who at the end, after everything has fallen and everything has changed, will still stand. In all of our confusion, suffering, and hopelessness, we have the enduring promise of serving the one who will always be greater.

It’s easy to become discouraged in this life, but when we adjust our perspective to view everything against the backdrop of a victorious Savior, we can face absolutely anything with great confidence and peace.

Thank you Lord that, in you, I can have the confidence of a victorious outcome—no matter how great the obstacles are that I am facing. Help me walk as one who is assured of my victory, trusting fully in my Savior who won it for me.

JANUARY 9

Water and Blood

This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ;

not only by water, but by water and blood.

And it is the Spirit who bears witness,

because the Spirit is truth.

1 JOHN 5:6 NKJV

Jesus didn’t come to earth only to save us—he also came to heal us. He takes us as we are, but doesn’t leave us that way. Jesus came with water to cleanse us from our sin and to heal us from the inside out.

He came with blood to sacrifice and to save us—trading his life for ours. Our salvation through Christ is complete as we are washed by the water and saved by the blood.

Thank you for your salvation, Lord. Thank you for not only saving me, but also healing me so that I can live an abundant life in your grace. Thank you for sending your Spirit who testifies of your great love to me—bringing your truth to my heart.

JANUARY 10

Out of Darkness

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies

of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 PETER 2:9 NASB

Don’t try to hide where you came from. No matter how dark or shameful your past was before you met Christ, there is power in your testimony. When a light is turned on in an already bright room, its effect is barely noticeable; but when even the smallest flicker of light appears in blackness, we are drawn to it.

We have been chosen as people of God’s possession to proclaim his excellence and to be the visible evidence of his marvelous, life-changing light.

Thank you that you have called me out of darkness. Thank you that while darkness no longer defines me, I can testify about what I was saved from so that I can glorify who I was saved by.

JANUARY 11

Unpunished

He has not punished us as our sins should be punished;

he has not repaid us for the evil we have done.

PSALM 103:10 NCV

We deserve death, punishment, and distance from God because of our sin. But through the grace of salvation we have life, reward, and relationship with God. While the devil condemns us because of our sin and causes us to think that we have lost favor with God, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and leads us to repentance and greater favor.

There isn’t any condemnation for us in Christ Jesus because he died to remove our sin, our guilt, and our shame.

Thank you Jesus that, because of your death on the cross, I can stand blameless in the sight of Almighty God. I pray that I would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s gentle conviction, but would overcome the devil’s harsh condemnation because I am in Christ—a new creation, free of guilt and shame.

JANUARY 12

Do You Believe This?

“Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

Do you believe this?”

JOHN 11:26 ESV

All throughout Scripture we are clearly promised eternal life through Christ. But there is something so poignant about the question in this verse: “Do you believe this?” Do you really, truly believe that you will live forever in heaven with Christ?

We are accustomed to promises being made and broken daily. Human fallacy has left us skeptical and anxious. But the beautiful truth is that we serve a God who will never back out of his covenant with us. Our hope of eternal life is sealed for us when we place our trust in Christ.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for eternal life that is given to me through your Son. I do believe in you and in what you have promised me. Calm my fears and strengthen my faith. Enable me to live my life in you, relying on your strength and resting in your great love.

JANUARY 13

Accomplishment

Lord, you will grant us peace;

all we have accomplished is really from you.

ISAIAH 26:12 NLT

As we each look back on our lives, we remember what we’ve accomplished with some sense of pride. We have all climbed our mountains, but here we are—still standing to tell the tale.

As we reflect with peace in our hearts on things past, we must remember that we could have done none of it without God. He is the one who carries our burdens, comforts our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and orders our steps.

Thank you, Lord, that you have been there for me every step of the way. I would have nothing if it weren’t for you. Thank you for the peace that you give me and for the works that you’ve done in me. I look forward to what you have yet to accomplish in my life.

JANUARY 14

Unseen

We do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us,

but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen.

The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 TLB

It’s not easy to fix our eyes on something we can’t see. By abandoning our earthly perspective in exchange for a heavenly one, we are radically changed. If we are focused only on what is here on earth, we will quickly find ourselves overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.

If we fix our eyes on the promise of heaven, then we cannot help but be filled with peace, joy, and hope. We must remember that while we are here on earth for only a little while, it is the joy of heaven that will be our eternal, blessed reality.

Lord, help me to fix my eyes on you and on eternity rather than on the momentary troubles around me. Give me your perspective.

JANUARY 15

Faithful

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,

for he who promised is faithful.

HEBREWS 10:23 ESV

We don’t have to question whether or not God will do what he said he would. He has proven himself to be faithful and true. When God makes us a promise, we don’t have to wonder if he will follow through. It is we who are forgetful, fearful, and oftentimes, faithless.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of the Word of God, and the encouragement of fellow believers, we can hold fast to the hope of our salvation, staying true to the confession we made when we first believed.

Thank you, Lord, that no matter how much I wander, you remain faithful and true. Help me to hold fast to my salvation and to the hope I have in Christ Jesus. Thank you for your grace for my faithlessness and for your Holy Spirit who gives me the power to become faithful.

JANUARY 16

Measured Days

Lord, let me know my end,

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is.

PSALM 39:4 NRSV

Life throws all kinds of things at us. Stress, pressure, decisions, and busy schedules. When we are living, rushed in the midst of our own lives, we forget the age-old reality that life passes very quickly. If we stop—as the Psalmist did—in full awareness of a fleeting life, we begin to recognize that what was once pressing is really trivial, and what was once urgent is actually insignificant.

By numbering our days and being mindful of our own fleeting existence on earth, we can spend our energies not on the pressures of earth, but rather on the purposes of heaven, which will last forever.

Teach me, Lord, to number my days. Give me eternal vision so that I can live my life for the things that truly matter and not spend so much of my time pursuing what won’t last.

JANUARY 17

Not Shaken

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

PSALM 55:22 NASB

We all have different ways of dealing with worry. Some internalize it, others call a friend, and still others find a way to take their minds off it. When we bring our worry to God and lay our anxious hearts bare before him, he will encourage us, lift us up, and sustain us. He will not allow us to be shaken or weakened by worry because he holds us through every situation.

The God who knows beginning from end is not flustered by our anxiety, and does not allow us to be overcome by uncertainty.

Thank you, God, that you welcome me to come to you when I am burdened. You don’t want me to carry my anxiety alone. My future is secure in your hands, and all I have to do is rest in you.

JANUARY 18

Never Disappointed

This hope will never disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts.

He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.

ROMANS 5:5 NCV

None of us are strangers to being disappointed. In life, we have learned to prepare ourselves for both the best and the worst possible outcomes. But when it comes to our salvation, there is no need to be braced for disappointment because the hope we have in Christ is guaranteed.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts reminds us constantly of this beautiful, certain promise we have in Christ.

Thank you, God, that the hope I have in you will not lead me to disappointment. No matter how many times I am let down in this world, I know that your love will never fail me.

JANUARY 19

Remember Your Wonders

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

PSALM 77:11 ESV

When we find ourselves doubting God’s power to work miracles in our lives, we must remember the wonders he has performed throughout history. Scripture is full of accounts of lives changed by the power of God.

The same great God who raised Lazarus from the dead is the God we worship today. The God who gave sight to a blind man and who let a lame man get up and walk still works miracles. Believe God for something great, knowing that his power has never lessened and his wonders never cease.

God, I am amazed at the wonders you have performed throughout history. Help me to recall your power when I begin to doubt your strength. Thank you for redeeming me and allowing me, through faith, to witness your miracles in my own life. Help me to grow in faith and expectation of your greatness.

JANUARY 20

Because of the Poor

The Lord says,

“I will now rise up,

because the poor are being hurt.

Because of the moans of the helpless,

I will give them the help they want.”

PSALM 12:5 NCV

God’s economy is completely opposite from our own. Our currency is money and power, while his are mercy and grace. Our society elevates the rich and prominent, God lifts up the needy and nameless. His main objective isn’t getting something from people; it’s lavishing himself on them. His heart lies with the poor. He is a defender of the helpless and a protector of the weak.

If we desire to please the heart of the Father, then we too will take up the cause of the poor. We will defend them, rescue them, and help them. We will speak for them, honor them, and lavish love on them.

Father, I know that your heart is tender toward the needy. Put opportunities in my path to meet the needs of the poor and to serve the helpless.

JANUARY 21

Fully Devoted

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.

Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

RUTH 1:16 NIV

Ruth gave up everything she’d ever known to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem—a land completely foreign to her. What a radical commitment: to leave everything familiar for the sake of devotion to another!

Are you willing to leave everything you love and know to follow God? He is a God who rewards and repays. Everything you give up for the kingdom will be restored to you in an even greater measure than you gave up.

Heavenly Father, I want to be willing to go wherever you lead me—even if it takes me to places I’ve never been. You are my God, and I am fully devoted to you.

JANUARY 22

Human Empathy

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

ROMANS 12:15 ESV

There are few things more remarkable than the power of human empathy. When someone is hurt, we can feel their pain although we are not wounded. When someone cries, we can weep with them although we are not sad. When someone laughs, we can enjoy the moment with them although the happiness is not our own.

Jesus came to us, as a human, in the greatest act of empathy in history. As we follow his example by shouldering each other’s sorrows and by sharing in another’s joy, we express his heart to the world.

Lord, give me a capacity for empathy that will minister your character to those around me. Help me to better understand what others are going through so that I can reveal your heart to those around me.

JANUARY 23

To Have a Change, Make a Change

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

ROMANS 12:2 NIV

We want change, but we struggle to get or stay on task with our goals. “One day, I’ll…” is the enemy of “Today, I am…”; yet it seems that as long as change hurts more than staying the same, we vacillate between our desires and our comfort.

It is often so with surrendering to the Holy Spirit. He longs to do “greater things than these,” and while this appeals to us, the comfort of doing nothing seems reassuring, safe, and predictable. We find, at last, that the center of God’s will truly is the safest place for our lives. Knowing that, we revel in him as he molds and inspires us. We were created to do good things.

Thank you, Father, for the changes you are making in my life. I enjoy being transformed by you, polished like the silver brought out for special occasions. You are good to me. Let your Word do the work in my life that you would like.

JANUARY 24

He Cares about You, Uniquely

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same

function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

ROMANS 12:4-5 NIV

Each of us has a function. We don’t operate like one another because we aren’t fashioned that way. We often don’t agree upon priorities—beyond dwelling in Christ and living in love—because we are each made to carry different aspects of God’s glory.

So often, we read this verse as an adjuration to play nicely with people of other denominations. That’s not it, though. It’s a glorification of our wondrously creative God, and an encouragement to each take up our gifts, allowing others to do the same. Our gifts are just as personal as our salvation experiences. When we finally embrace our interdependence, we honor each other and operate in unity. We embrace who we are in Christ and let go of what we are not. To have the liberty to do so is an aspect of what it is to be truly free in Christ, and to operate in freedom.

Father, thank you for the intricate care you used in making me. Help me to recognize what gifts within me are actually not universal values for everyone else, but are your unique signature of grace upon my life. I love you! Thank you for making me so thoughtfully, and letting me discover your hand on me. Your gifts are always good. Please show me how to foster what gifts you reveal throughout my day, today.

JANUARY 25

Leveling Up

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 ESV

As we learn to walk in surrender to the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father beckons us to a higher level of intimacy with him. In order to do this, we must become vulnerable and get real with him. We must continually trust him more than our experiences or reasoning.

When we trust God without boundaries, we find him more reliable than anyone else. We are wrapped in his love—the safest place we could find ourselves. Constantly leaning our hearts toward him, and choosing what he would, we receive his comfort and guidance, and our paths become straight.

Heavenly Father, I come to you and ask you to help me trust you, knowing that you have the best in store for me. Have your way with me. I release control, and I trust in you. You are for me, not against me. I love you.

JANUARY 26

Renewed Strength

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him.

Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.