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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
In a world where negativity can easily take root, the power of gratitude has the ability to shift your perspective, heal your heart, and transform your relationships. Too Grateful to Be Hateful invites you to explore the life-changing practice of gratitude through daily reflections, Scripture, and practical insights. Each entry will guide you to discover how focusing on the blessings in your life can displace bitterness, anger, and resentment, filling your heart with peace, joy, and compassion. Practicing gratitude not only enhances your relationships, but it also improves your mental and physical health. Whether you're navigating difficult circumstances or simply seeking to strengthen your daily spiritual practices, this devotional will inspire you to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness that will make every moment brighter. Embrace the beauty of gratitude and find yourself too filled with thanks to hold onto hate. 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 and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - This 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. - This 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.
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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.
Savage, Minnesota, USA
Broadstreetpublishing.com
Too Grateful to Be Hateful
© 2025 by BroadStreet Publishing®
9781424571338
9781424571345 eBook
Devotional entries composed by Natasha Marcellus.
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.
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25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 NLT
Contents
Introduction
January
January 1: Sing a New Song
January 2: Mercy Alone
January 3: Acknowledge Weakness
January 4: Training Ground
January 5: Gracious God
January 6: Drenched with Thanksgiving
January 7: Fearless Confidence
January 8: Never Helpless
January 9: Whatever You Do
January 10: Ask Confidently
January 11: Healed Hearts
January 12: Reliable Promise
January 13: Blessed Obedience
January 14: Greater Dependence
January 15: True Satisfaction
January 16: Bigger Story
January 17: Abundant Joy
January 18: Godly Family
January 19: Different Ways
January 20: Loving Correction
January 21: Common Good
January 22: Nothing Hidden
January 23: Unique and Free
January 24: Stay the Course
January 25: People of God
January 26: All Your Heart
January 27: Rediscover Wonder
January 28: Trust Him
January 29: Cared For
January 30: Godly Longings
January 31: Humble Love
February
February 1: Your Response
February 2: No Record
February 3: No Room
February 4: Carried Through
February 5: Reliable Love
February 6: Firm Foundation
February 7: Keep Growing
February 8: Above All Else
February 9: Beautiful Fruit
February 10: Confidence in Christ
February 11: Abundant Life
February 12: Always Hope
February 13: Peace and Joy
February 14: Greatest Gift
February 15: Abundant Peace
February 16: Clarity
February 17: His Battle
February 18: Simply Remain
February 19: Each One
February 20: God’s Gift
February 21: Sacrificial Love
February 22: The Greatest Treasures
February 23: He Chooses
February 24: Turn Back
February 25: Shared Burden
February 26: Through Christ
February 27: Each Moment
February 28: He Sees
March
March 1: Spirit of Truth
March 2: All in Love
March 3: Complete Joy
March 4: Loosen Your Grip
March 5: Wholly Loved
March 6: Overcomers
March 7: He Is Good
March 8: Childlike Faith
March 9: There He Is
March 10: Sought After
March 11: Endless Possibilities
March 12: Run to Him
March 13: Acknowledge Him
March 14: Upside-down Kingdom
March 15: Our Response
March 16: Always Faithful
March 17: Opened Understanding
March 18: Wonderful Things
March 19: Reliable Defense
March 20: Peace of Mind
March 21: The Everlasting Way
March 22: Do the Work
March 23: Constant Companionship
March 24: Only a Moment
March 25: All Is His
March 26: Compassionate and Kind
March 27: Listen and Trust
March 28: No Wrong
March 29: Never Lost
March 30: Safe and Secure
March 31: Make Him Known
April
April 1: Good and Pleasing
April 2: God Alone
April 3: At All Times
April 4: Perfect Character
April 5: He Is Strong
April 6: Good Shepherd
April 7: Each Star
April 8: He Doesn’t Tire
April 9: Opportunity for Strength
April 10: No Room
April 11: Held Up
April 12: Unstoppable
April 13: Redeemed by Love
April 14: In Control
April 15: In the Wilderness
April 16: Swept Away
April 17: Hidden Treasures
April 18: Relief in Him
April 19: Deliberate Trust
April 20: Heart of Surrender
April 21: Finished
April 22: Unfailing Love
April 23: So Much Joy
April 24: Gardens of Glory
April 25: Better Word
April 26: None Like Him
April 27: Eternal Portion
April 28: His People
April 29: Always Good
April 30: Thankful for Rescue
May
May 1: Mercy over Sacrifice
May 2: Everyday Miracles
May 3: Trustworthy Truth
May 4: His Choice
May 5: Day of Rejoicing
May 6: Revived in Hope
May 7: Loving Wisdom
May 8: Call and Answer
May 9: Nothing Too Broken
May 10: Infinite Understanding
May 11: Time to Sing
May 12: Even There
May 13: No Empty Promises
May 14: Our Liberator
May 15: Light of Breakthrough
May 16: Molded with Purpose
May 17: Don’t Forget
May 18: Compassionate Father
May 19: So Close
May 20: Revelation Light
May 21: Good and Beautiful
May 22: Instruction in Suffering
May 23: Peace and Contentment
May 24: Steady Gaze
May 25: Keeper of the Watch
May 26: Guarded by God
May 27: Wonderfully Made
May 28: He Sees It All
May 29: Constant Meditation
May 30: All the Earth
May 31: In His Hands
June
June 1: Eyes Fixed
June 2: Rich Soil
June 3: Shielded by God
June 4: Slow Down
June 5: Many Nations
June 6: Each Season
June 7: By Grace Alone
June 8: Always a Reason
June 9: He Cares
June 10: God’s Dwelling
June 11: Oasis of Peace
June 12: Heaven and Earth
June 13: How Wonderful
June 14: Wholehearted Devotion
June 15: Fleeting and Valuable
June 16: In Your Midst
June 17: Yet I Will
June 18: Never-ending Mercy
June 19: Depend on Him
June 20: Every Aspect
June 21: Continual Feast
June 22: Endless Supply
June 23: Dance of Joy
June 24: Sacred Rest
June 25: All We Need
June 26: Whatever We Do
June 27: From the Overflow
June 28: Mindful One
June 29: Spend Time
June 30: Miraculous and Mundane
July
July 1: Reason to Celebrate
July 2: Compassionate Comfort
July 3: Divine Help
July 4: Commemorate Growth
July 5: Thankful for Others
July 6: Continued Work
July 7: Reliable Friends
July 8: Great Expectation
July 9: Precious Promises
July 10: Gracious Generosity
July 11: Only Light
July 12: Given a Family
July 13: Simply Ask
July 14: Deeply Understood
July 15: Confident in Christ
July 16: Pure Light of Unity
July 17: Lighthearted Joy
July 18: Tools for Living
July 19: Abundantly Kind
July 20: Help in All Things
July 21: Inexpressible Glory
July 22: Firm Foundation
July 23: Faithful to Forgive
July 24: Holy Hope
July 25: Fully Delivered
July 26: Overflowing with Love
July 27: Patience
July 28: Remember Them
July 29: Good News
July 30: Glorious Inheritance
July 31: Yes and Amen
August
August 1: Firm Faith
August 2: Remain in Love
August 3: Great Joy
August 4: God Is Better
August 5: Forgiveness Abounds
August 6: No One Like Him
August 7: True Motives
August 8: Covered by Love
August 9: Trust and Obey
August 10: Holy Habitation
August 11: Endless Wisdom
August 12: Deep Roots
August 13: Let Him
August 14: Gift of Grace
August 15: Glorious Possibilities
August 16: Called into the Light
August 17: Simple Yet Glorious
August 18: Spirit Led
August 19: Signs of Spring
August 20: Faithful and True
August 21: Ever So Near
August 22: God’s Desire
August 23: Triumphal Procession
August 24: Perfect Peace
August 25: Our Inheritance
August 26: Sweet Message
August 27: He Knows
August 28: More Than Enough
August 29: True Home
August 30: Sons and Daughters
August 31: Story to Tell
September
September 1: Revealer of Mysteries
September 2: Refreshing Rains
September 3: Hope for Tomorrow
September 4: Trustworthy Truth
September 5: Greater Things
September 6: Stand Out
September 7: Strong Enough
September 8: Empowered
September 9: Full Understanding
September 10: Washed and Renewed
September 11: In All Things
September 12: Joy in Fellowship
September 13: Perfect Pace
September 14: In His Time
September 15: Living Love
September 16: Clothed in Compassion
September 17: Confident and Free
September 18: Leave Room
September 19: Look Forward
September 20: At All Times
September 21: As Long as I Live
September 22: Higher Wisdom
September 23: Lavish Liberty
September 24: Purpose
September 25: No Condemnation
September 26: He Sings Over You
September 27: Transformed
September 28: Even Greater Than
September 29: Small but Sure
September 30: Weak Ones
October
October 1: Called Out
October 2: So Much More
October 3: Heart and Soul
October 4: Plentiful Hope
October 5: Rest Well
October 6: Confident Trust
October 7: Healing Is Coming
October 8: Love that Overcomes
October 9: Accept with Thanksgiving
October 10: Share in Joy
October 11: Inherent Worth
October 12: Intentional Love
October 13: Through the Cracks
October 14: His Child
October 15: Not Crushed
October 16: Excellent Thoughts
October 17: Great Leaps
October 18: Everything Matters
October 19: Creation’s Story
October 20: God Is Love
October 21: Respectable
October 22: Unmatched Wisdom
October 23: Nothing Is Wasted
October 24: Seen and Known
October 25: Springs of Refreshment
October 26: Abundantly More
October 27: He Gets It
October 28: Living Love
October 29: A Fresh Start
October 30: No Comparison
October 31: Directed by God
November
November 1: Not One Forgotten
November 2: Better Things Ahead
November 3: Simple Love
November 4: All You Need
November 5: More Than Words
November 6: Renewed Perspective
November 7: It’s Time
November 8: Healer
November 9: Listen
November 10: Love in Action
November 11: Unashamed
November 12: Satisfied
November 13: Let Go of Worry
November 14: Settled by Grace
November 15: Even Greater
November 16: Built Up
November 17: Confident Communion
November 18: Beyond Description
November 19: Fresh Start
November 20: Fresh Air
November 21: In Everything
November 22: Reunions of Mercy
November 23: Powerful Name
November 24: Today Is the Day
November 25: Spring Rains
November 26: Satisfaction in Simplicity
November 27: Faithful Father
November 28: God’s Will
November 29: And Yet
November 30: No Longer Bound
December
December 1: Just Grace
December 2: In Due Time
December 3: Highly Valued
December 4: Great Joy
December 5: Show Them
December 6: No Matter What
December 7: No More Judging
December 8: Filled to Overflow
December 9: Generations of Mercy
December 10: Christ’s Compassion
December 11: Continue
December 12: Habit of Praise
December 13: Fully Free
December 14: Nothing Impossible
December 15: Gracious Giving
December 16: Extravagant Love
December 17: Light of Life
December 18: It Will Be Clear
December 19: Help for Today
December 20: Uncontainable
December 21: Woven into Purpose
December 22: Better Way
December 23: Good Father
December 24: Liberated
December 25: Wonderful Leader
December 26: Declare His Goodness
December 27: Peace and Gratitude
December 28: Cheerful Giving
December 29: His Provision
December 30: Restoration Is Coming
December 31: Have Courage
Introduction
In a world where negativity can easily take root, the power of gratitude has the ability to shift your perspective, heal your heart, and transform your relationships. Too Grateful to Be Hateful invites you to explore the life-changing practice of gratitude through daily reflections, Scripture, and practical insights.
Each entry will guide you to discover how focusing on the blessings in your life can displace bitterness, anger, and resentment, filling your heart with peace, joy, and compassion. Practicing gratitude not only enhances your relationships, but it also improves your mental and physical health. Whether you’re navigating difficult circumstances or simply seeking to strengthen your daily spiritual practices, this devotional will inspire you to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness that will make every moment brighter.
Embrace the beauty of gratitude and find yourself too filled with thanks to hold onto hate.
January
Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
EPHESIANS 5:20 NLT
JANUARY 1
Sing a New Song
Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; Let this be known throughout the earth.
ISAIAH 12:5 NASB
God has done glorious things for us. His goodness is unmatched, and his mercy never ends. It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have or the goals we haven’t reached yet. We can be fickle and flighty about God’s blessings when we should be deliberately thankful.
Taking the time to thank God for everything he’s done can shift your attitude from dissatisfaction to contentment. Instead of constantly searching for more, you’ll find a sense of steadiness that can only come from knowing you are fully taken care of. Praise God for his mighty work in your life and let your heart be transformed in his presence.
Sing a song of gratitude to the Lord today, recognizing his goodness toward you.
JANUARY 2
Mercy Alone
It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
ROMANS 9:16 ESV
God’s mercy covers a multitude of weaknesses and limitations. His ability to redeem us has nothing to do with what we bring to the table. As we surrender to him, he does the miraculous work of transforming our hearts and setting our feet on solid ground. There aren’t any habits or skills that we must master in order for God to save us.
Humility toward God’s character and sovereignty is all that’s required of you. As you recognize his greatness, he intervenes on your behalf. As you surrender to his ways, he directs your steps. You don’t have a greater or lesser ability to follow God than anyone else. Depend on his mercy and he will do the rest.
Instead of trying harder today, trust that God is bigger than your abilities.
JANUARY 3
Acknowledge Weakness
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
MARK 9:24 NIV
Scripture offers a multitude of grace for our humanity. This story in Mark reminds us that God is faithful despite our weaknesses. We can acknowledge where we come up short and trust him to compensate for our limitations. In fact, the presence of a weakness is simply an opportunity for God to be further glorified.
Don’t give up on the areas of your life that don’t quite measure up. If you struggle to be grateful, don’t quit trying. Put your struggles in God’s hands and allow him to transform your heart. Acknowledge that you are missing the mark and express your desire for God to move anyway. As you humbly admit your limitations, you make space for God to intervene. He is capable of being faithful in the midst of your greatest flaws.
Ask God for help in believing his truth.
JANUARY 4
Training Ground
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 CORINTHIANS 9:25 NIV
If we spend time disciplining our minds and bodies for a goal, how much more should we train our spirits? Living with intention requires being cognizant of how we use our time and where we direct our attention. May we be people of integrity who use our freedom in Christ to transform into his loving image.
Wherever this finds you today, this is your training ground. It’s time to take charge and press into the transformative process of focused growth. Look to the Lord and ask him for direction. Trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit and confidently move forward on the path he’s given you. Remember that every bit of strength you gain will last forever. Nothing goes to waste in the kingdom of God.
Make a list of three things you can do this week to train your spirit.
JANUARY 5
Gracious God
In Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; For You are God, gracious and merciful.
NEHEMIAH 9:31 NKJV
Though God is able to create and destroy, his mercy moves him to be patient with us. He is strong to save us from every pit and peril. He does not leave us to waste away in our sin even when we make the wrong choice. He is always close, willing to help us, and full of love that covers our iniquities.
May you be gracious as God is gracious. May you look for ways to extend mercy to others even when they are in situations of their own making. Treat others with the same compassion God bestows upon you. Remember God’s great mercy when you are tempted to forsake someone else.
Display God’s graciousness by reaching out to a friend to encourage them.
JANUARY 6
Drenched with Thanksgiving
Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
PSALM 116:7 NIV
When life is chaotic our souls can get caught up in the frenzied pace. In these times, we are not helpless. We can remind ourselves of the peace of God that is available to us here and now. When we are tempted to let worry dictate the confidence of our trust, let’s remind our hearts of God’s faithful goodness.
You can echo the psalmist’s prayer and command your soul to rest. No matter what upsets the calmness of your heart, you can speak peace over yourself. As your heart begins to quiet down you can deliberately recall God’s goodness in your life. You can relax and turn toward him with thanksgiving and praise.
Speak peace over the areas of your heart that are struggling to trust God.
JANUARY 7
Fearless Confidence
The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.
PROVERBS 10:9 CSB
When we live with integrity, there is no need to fear being found out. When we are honest about ourselves and our intentions, there is nothing to hide. Fearless confidence accompanies those who live without deception. Though we are not perfect, there is grace to cover our weaknesses.
Have you ever felt like you needed to hide something about yourself in order to be accepted? The Lord welcomes you with open arms, and he sees your heart clearly. The Father is full of mercy. May you live with honesty and transparency before the Lord and others. You are fully known and fully loved.
Be true to your word and follow through on something you have been putting off.
JANUARY 8
Never Helpless
No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 NASB
If we are following Jesus, there is no area in our lives where we are helpless. There is nothing about us that is outside of God’s ability to redeem and restore us. Believing that certain sins are inevitable shows that we don’t have a full understanding of God’s character or mercy. He knows what our weaknesses are, and he gives us what we need to overcome them.
Don’t give in to the worldly belief that people cannot change. You are not stuck in destructive patterns or incorrect ways of thinking. God is fully capable of changing your heart and equipping you to follow his ways. If you trust his gentle and kind guidance, he will strengthen you to stand strong no matter what your weaknesses are.
Look to Jesus for help to overcome temptation.
JANUARY 9
Whatever You Do
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 NKJV
There is a tendency within Christian culture to elevate certain expressions of worship. We idolize those who speak to large crowds, perform miracles, write books, or live on the mission field. The glorification of certain practices of ministry over others isn’t validated in Scripture. Instead, the Word teaches us that everything offered with humility unto God is meaningful.
The life you have right now is incredibly valuable. The way you speak, treat others, and manage your time can be done in the name of God and unto his glory. There is nothing unimportant or insignificant about your life. Every moment of your day is worthy of offering to the Lord.
Worship God with your choices today.
JANUARY 10
Ask Confidently
“Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened.”
LUKE 11:10 NCV
God has everything we need, and he is always willing to share the abundance of his kingdom. We can look to him with incredible gratitude because of his joyful provision. We can bring our requests to him with confidence, knowing that he is accessible and generous. He does not turn away anyone who calls on his name.
There is nothing standing between you and God. If you want to be closer to him, there is nothing stopping you. He promises that if you look for him, you will find him. If you knock on the door, he will answer it. His answers to your prayers may not always look how you expect, but he will faithfully do what is best for you. Praise him today for he is reliable and generous.
Bring your requests to God with confidence today.
JANUARY 11
Healed Hearts
“I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.”
EZEKIEL 11:19 NASB
God alone can soften, mend, and redeem our hard and broken hearts. He does this miraculous work because he loves us, and he knows what is best for us. When we give him our rocky and unfruitful ground, he transforms it into rich soil that produces new life. He transforms us in his presence for his glory and our good.
Everything changes when you consistently allow God to cultivate his love into your life. He will faithfully lead you down a path that produces godly character and endurance. He will give you the tools you need to honor him, and he will give you compassion for the people around you. When God’s love shapes who you are, there isn’t room for hatred, jealousy, frustration, and anxiety.
How have you experienced your heart being softened by God?
JANUARY 12
Reliable Promise
“I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
MARK 11:24 ESV
A promise is only as good as the one who delivers it. When we know someone doesn’t keep their word, we don’t put stake in what they say. The words they speak don’t matter nearly as much as the reliability of their character. In contrast, we can trust what God says because he has proven himself faithful. His promises to fulfill our needs are validated by the way he has intervened on behalf of his children for thousands of years.
When God says you can ask him anything, trust him. When he says he will take care of you, believe what he says. He will not let you down. His love for you is unending, and he is kind and attentive toward you. Step out in faith and ask God for what you need. Don’t be afraid to be honest and vulnerable with the one who made you.
Ask, pray, and believe that the Lord will answer you.
JANUARY 13
Blessed Obedience
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
LUKE 11:28 NIV
God doesn’t give directions without reason. We can trust that his standards are founded in love and wisdom that is higher than our own. When he gives us instructions, there are always rewards for obedience. We are his children, and he loves to bless us. He promises that we will be blessed when we apply his Word to our lives.
God’s blessing in your life might not look exactly how you imagine. Don’t discount the internal blessings that come from following him. Peace, contentment, and a sense of belonging cannot compare to any earthly treasure. Ask God how you can apply his Word to your life and thank him for the way he empowers you to do it.
Respond to God’s Word with your actions today.
JANUARY 14
Greater Dependence
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
MATTHEW 11:29 NLT
Jesus is incredibly kind and welcoming. Following him is not a burden. Walking in his ways is not a prison sentence, and it is not beyond our ability. When we feel weighed down by our faith it’s time to ask ourselves if we are truly following Jesus. It’s possible that we are striving to meet standards that God hasn’t asked us to.
God doesn’t want you to grit your teeth or muster up your own strength. He wants you to lay your burdens at the foot of the cross. When stress, anxiety, and overwhelm begin to grow, let them be a catalyst to greater dependence on God. Lean on him and let him relieve you of your heaviness. Take a deep breath and be transformed by the peace of his presence.
Spend time in the presence of God listening for his voice and waiting on his peace.
JANUARY 15
True Satisfaction
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD God is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation.
ISAIAH 12:2 NASB
As believers we have an unbreakable connection with God. We have access to his peace at all times. We don’t need to search the world for answers or frantically try to appease our fears with temporary solutions. We don’t need to spend our time searching for purpose or wondering what the future might hold. In every situation we can trust him and rely on his strength.
The world will constantly tell you what you need in order to be satisfied. They’ll remind you of what you’re lacking and try to feed you the lie that nothing about you or your life is enough. The ways of the world are quickly revealed as meaningless when God is your strength and your song. He alone gives meaning to your life and provides everything you truly need.
How have you searched for satisfaction apart from God?
JANUARY 16
Bigger Story
The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
PSALM 33:11 NIV
The purposes of God’s heart never change. They are consistent, and he is constantly working on them in our lives and in the world. He is full of mercy and loving kindness that meets us where we are. He moves rightly, and he will not neglect his justice. He has been faithful to his promises from generation to generation.
You are part of a story so much bigger than yourself. God’s mercy is woven into history, and it doesn’t stop with your life. Your life has purpose and meaning. When you recognize that you are an important part of a beautiful masterpiece, your heart will overflow with gratitude. The more you focus on God’s story as opposed to what other people are doing, the more peace and contentment you will find.
How does focusing on God’s story cultivate peace in your life?
JANUARY 17
Abundant Joy
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
ISAIAH 12:3 NLT
There is joy in the salvation of the Lord. There is hope in his promises, and there is peace in his presence. There is abundantly more than we could ever need. His love does not run out, and his power is without limitation. There is always more than enough. Let us leave behind our scarcity mindsets and drink deeply from the bottomless well of Christ’s mercy.
When was the last time you felt joy at the thought of knowing God? When did you last celebrate being found in him? Remember the gratitude, peace, and pure delight you felt in the beginning of your relationship with him. Remember the freedom that you have been given and the overcoming strength you have access to. May the flame of your abundant joy burn brightly, and may the living waters of God’s mercy refresh, restore, and rejuvenate your soul.
Thank God for the gift of his salvation.
JANUARY 18
Godly Family
Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.
PSALM 111:1 NLT
Being part of the family of God is an incredible gift. We are connected through Christ’s sacrifice, and we have the ability to comfort, teach, and help each other. We can spur each other on toward godliness, and we can encourage each other when we are down. Our burdens become lighter when we share them, and we are stronger together than on our own.
Supportive family, faithful friendships, and godly community are reflections of God’s goodness in your life. They are an image of his kindness, and they provide a glimpse of the unity you were created for. Praise the Lord for the gift of healthy relationships.
Reach out and thank a faithful friend.
JANUARY 19
Different Ways
God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:6 NLT
The Lord is the same God he has always been. He is so much greater than our humanity and our understanding. He cannot be relegated to the categories we use for each other. He extends beyond them all. What is created cannot contain the Creator. He is more than the sum of all things.
The diversity of creation reveals the creativity of God. Learning to celebrate the unique expressions of divine love in each other’s lives is a blessing! God works in a wonderful variety of ways and limiting him just prevents you from seeing the full picture of his love. Seek to expand your understanding and continually discover how vast he is.
Remember that our differences aren’t what’s most important about us.
JANUARY 20
Loving Correction
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
1 JOHN 4:18 NLT
The love of God is more powerful than any other force in this world. It is greater than fear, more potent than hate, and it is constantly pushing back the boundaries of our limited understanding. When we are afraid, it is not because of the Lord.
When you are awaiting punishment for your slip-ups and failures, you cannot move in the true freedom of God’s love. He sets you free to transform and grow in his wisdom without fear of failure. He will correct you, but even his correction builds up rather than tearing down. He sees you perfectly, and he knows what is best.
Do you fear correction from God?
JANUARY 21
Common Good
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:7 ESV
God does not overlook his children. He does not withhold his Spirit from some and give freely to others. We all receive from the same abundance. His power is equally accessible, and he gives out mercy and grace without limitation. It simply looks different in each of our lives.
God’s love for you is the overarching reason for everything he does. When you are tempted to compare your life to others, remember that God is sovereign and perfectly wise. You can trust his plans even when things look different than how you might prefer.
How have you seen the manifestation of the Spirit in your own life?
JANUARY 22
Nothing Hidden
“Your Father, whom you cannot see, will see you. Your Father sees what is done in secret, and he will reward you.”
MATTHEW 6:18 NCV
Our unseen actions matter. Our hearts are revealed by the things we do when we think no one is looking. God sees every sacrifice and act of love. What is done in secret is plain to him, and he will not fail to reward us for the integrity we choose.
Don’t give in to the idea that the small things in life don’t matter. How you choose to live when no one is watching is as important as how you present yourself to others. When your hidden life matches what is seen, contentment and confidence are born. Authenticity allows you to remain open and humble before the Lord and others.
How can you cultivate authenticity in your everyday life?
JANUARY 23
Unique and Free
The body does not consist of one member but of many.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:14 ESV
We are each unique reflections of God’s image. He does not expect us all to look the same. His vast nature is displayed in the diversity of the universe. He is endlessly creative, and that applies as much to us as it does to the details of the earth. We were each thoughtfully and wonderfully made.
Have you been striving to become like others, denying parts of yourself in the process? God wants you to experience the freedom that comes from embracing who he made you to be. You are not meant to conform to the patterns of this world, and that includes blending into systems, communities, and friend groups where you have to hide who you are. Ask God for his perspective on your life.
Embrace God’s definition of who you are and allow others to freely be themselves.
JANUARY 24
Stay the Course
Do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
1 SAMUEL 12:21 NKJV
Goals and visions keep us moving. When we are working toward something, we are constantly motivated by the desire to complete our goal. Even when challenges arise, we choose to persevere when the goal is more important than the struggles we might face. Scripture says that people perish without vision.
If you feel lost at sea in this season of your life, having no clear vision for the future, rest in God’s presence and ask him for his perspective. The goal you move toward doesn’t need to be lofty or wild. Getting through the day might be enough. Learning how to lean on the Lord in a deeper way might be enough. No matter what God puts before you, stay the course and trust his leadership.
Keep turning your thoughts to Jesus throughout your day.
JANUARY 25
People of God
The LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.
1 SAMUEL 12:22 NASB
The Lord promises to never abandon his people. He vows to always be with us. His kingdom is inclusive, and he welcomes all with the same powerful love. It is his delight to make us a people for himself. He draws us in with kindness, and he calls us his own.
Have you submitted your life to the love of Jesus? Then you are his! He is close when you are broken-hearted, and he is near when you rejoice in celebration. What a wonderful kingdom you have been ushered into. There is more to discover in his great love!
Praise God for calling you his own.
JANUARY 26
All Your Heart
“Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”
1 SAMUEL 12:24 ESV
Where your heart is, there will be your treasure. Jesus’ words resound with truth. They are as applicable today as they were when he first spoke them. When we give God access to our whole hearts, leaning into the fellowship we have with his Spirit through Christ, we are transformed by his living love.
