DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Introduction
We at Food for the Hungry strive to end all forms of human poverty by
living in healthy relationship with God and his creation. We’ve created
this year-long devotional to help you nurture and feed your spirit with
God’s Word.

We hope you enjoy the thoughts we’ve put together about how you
can have a closer and richer relationship with God! May your year be
filled with the blessings that only God can bring.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses come from the New International
Version (NIV).

© 2016 Food for the Hungry

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JAN01 Fresh Beginnings (Start the Year Right)
With the New Year here, everyone is looking for a chance at a fresh
beginning. For some of us, last year was difficult. Losses, serious
illnesses, divorces and financial troubles impact us all. If this was your
year to experience some of these trials, you probably need a new
beginning more than ever.

Psalm 77:13 offers a way to get that fresh beginning. It reminds us

who is in charge—the sovereign God of the universe. Additionally, this
verse reminds us that although there are many gods people worship,
none is like ours. Our God gave up Heaven and took on human form so
He could relate to us and live as we do. He knows exactly what it’s like
to experience pain, disappointment, frustration and sadness. The Bible
tells us Jesus’ ministry lasted only three years, and in that time, He
mourned over Israel’s lack of faith in Him more than once.

If you need a new beginning this year, pray. Ask God to help you
deal with the pain of the past so you can start over. That could mean
focusing on good memories of a lost loved one or seeking counseling to
deal with a deep hurt. It might mean reaching out to your doctors after
your cancer goes into remission and asking them how to deal with your
new normal. Whatever you need, remember that God is beside you and
will help you find it. In His sovereignty, He knows what will help you
most. Seek His direction throughout the year. No matter what the paths

Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as

good as our God?
—Pslam 77:13

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JAN02 God of Hope
Hope is a familiar word for Christians, but most of us don’t know

May the God of exactly what it means. Sometimes we equate hope with wishful
thinking, as in “I hope I get the job I applied for” or “I hope I get
hope fill you with married someday.” In this verse, Paul wants to remind us that hope
all joy and peace is more than wishing for what we want. We’re meant to overflow
with hope, as the Holy Spirit gives it to us.
as you trust in him,
so that you may What does to overflow with hope mean? Not all circumstances are
hopeful, and not all situations end in a hopeful manner. There’s a
overflow with hope clue in the first part of this verse. Paul tells the Romans that he prays
by the power of that the God of hope also fills them with peace and joy. These are

the Holy Spirit. fruits of the Spirit available to every Christian. If you don’t feel
peace or joy in your current situation, ask God for an extra
measure. Peace and joy will often naturally lead to hope.
—Romans 15:13
Remember that hope isn’t happiness. Cancer treatments, painful
divorces and other such situations are never happy. However, you
can find hope in the midst of them. Hope comes from knowing who
your God is and what He can do. God promises to bring good out
of all situations for those who love Him. Additionally, He promises
comfort to broken or hurting people many times in the Bible. Ask
God to remind you who He is and what He can do in your
situation. You may not receive the answers you thought you wanted,
but often God shows us a better solution – one we weren’t expecting.
Place your hope in the person of God and the path He will show
you.

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JAN03 My Hope Is in God
As Christians, we know the Holy Spirit can make us overflow with

But now, Lord, hope. We’re meant to share that hope with others. However,
knowing exactly how to do that can be difficult. Most of us
what do I look for? regularly encounter people who seem to have no hope. Some of
My hope is in you. them may not be Christians, so they don’t know the God we
worship or the joy He longs to give them. Yet some of these people
may be Christians. They’re simply bogged down in difficult
—Psalm 39:7 circumstances or struggling with inner conflicts, such as depression
or mental illness.

When you encounter someone who needs hope, you can and should
ask God to show you specifically what that person needs to hear or
see from you. For example, a single mom with two kids may get hope
from someone offering to babysit so she can spend time with friends.
However, prayer is only the first step in sharing hope. Here are a few
other ways to spread hope this month:

 Write an encouraging note or letter. Highlight specific

traits you love in a person, such as generosity, humor or a
talent in a specific area.
 Go to the person and ask what they need to talk
about. No matter how difficult the topic, listen and show
empathy.
 As with the babysitting example, ask the person if
you can fi ll a physical need. This could include
cooking a meal, fixing something in their house or
walking a pet.
 Invite the person out. Some of the people who most
need hope are fully or partially housebound because of age
or disabilities. They may feel unnoticed. Ask what their
favorite activity or place to go is, and participate with
them.
 Laugh. Proverbs says a cheerful heart is good medicine.
Maybe the person you’re thinking of needs to focus on
lighthearted things for a while. Bring him or her some light
reading or a DVD of a Christian comedian. Share funny

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memories or
go to a funny
movie
together.

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JAN04 God Is Love
“God is love” is a familiar axiom among Christians. It’s one of the

Whoever does not first lessons we learn in Sunday school classes meant for the
smallest children. But what does this mean, and how can we imitate
love does not God’s love? Today’s verse tells us that if you don’t love, you don’t
know God, truly know God. Does this mean if you don’t feel loving toward
everyone all the time, you aren’t really a Christian?
because God is
love. Actually, this verse means something much different. It reminds us
that God is love. We usually talk about love as something we have or

—1 John 4:8 feel toward a person, place or thing. Yet God in His perfection
takes love to a whole new level. He embodies love in the deepest
way possible, toward everyone at all times. He can love a devout nun
or missionary with great passion, but He extends that same depth
and passion to the mass murderer who doesn’t know Him or care
who He is.

How can this be? Our finite minds will probably never comprehend
this. However, that’s why John encourages us to love and tells us
that those who don’t love don’t know God. He isn’t saying you have
to feel warm and fuzzy toward everyone all the time or love with
deep passion you can’t always feel. If you could do that, you
would be God.

This verse simply tells us to imitate the love God has for us—to love
as unconditionally as possible and show love in as many ways as we
can. That looks different for every person and situation, but if you
reach out to God and ask to be filled with His love, He will teach
you how.

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JAN05 Your Heart Condition
If you’ve ever looked into a calm body of water, you’ve probably
As water reflects seen your face there. Water can give us physical reflections, but as
today’s verse says, we need to look deeper to see the reflections of
the face, so one’s our hearts. If you spend your life looking at and meditating on
life reflects the negative things, it’s likely your heart is bitter. If you spend your life

heart. looking for opportunities to give and share, you’re cultivating

generosity.

—Proverbs 27:19 God loves a generous heart, as many familiar Bible stories and
verses prove. However, a generous heart must be cultivated early.
If you want to develop generous hearts in your kids this year, here
are a few ideas your whole family can use:

Donate often. For kids, this usually means donating old toys and
books. After Christmas is a great time to do so. Make sure
everything is in good condition. Adults, set an example and donate
your own possessions.

Choose a family charity project. You might sponsor a child through a

service such as Compassion International or collect items for
Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes throughout the year.

Practice small instances of generosity. Encourage siblings to split

that last cookie or take turns choosing the DVD on movie night.
Offer to help your spouse with household tasks or make their
favorite meal.

Teach young children the importance of taking turns. Part of being

generous is knowing you can’t always be first and that you must
wait patiently for your chance at an activity.

Visit people who need it. One of the best ways to be generous
is giving someone your time. This could mean visiting a grandparent
in a nursing home or a neighbor whose family lives far away.

Encourage pet care, especially playing and stroking. Generosity

extends to those who can’t speak for themselves or tell us what they
want, and for young children, pets can be a good example.

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JAN06 You Bring God Joy
Did you know you bring God joy? Many people, even Christians, doubt

For the Lord takes this or claim it isn’t true. Unfortunately, even in the church, myth
persists that God is a cosmic cop. Many Christians think He barely
delight in His tolerates them, allowing them into Heaven because of Jesus’
people; He crowns sacrifice but waiting to punish their mistakes and failures on Earth.
God’s true heart toward you is a heart of deep love and pride.
the humble with
victory. It’s true that God can’t tolerate sin and expects us to repent and
turn away from it. However, a plethora of Bible verses, including

—Psalm 149:4 today’s, show us a different picture of God than we might be used
to. God delights in you. You make Him smile. He created you, and
He looks on you with joy and pride.
When you do sin or fail, He doesn’t take pleasure in your pain. He
says, “Come back to me. We’ll handle this together.” A pastor once
said that if God had a refrigerator, all our pictures would be on it.

Knowing you’re God’s beloved child and that you bring Him joy
will bring more joy to your life, too. Your circumstances may not be
the best, but knowing God is rooting for you in the midst of them
can make them easier to handle. Additionally, you’ll be eager to
share God’s joy with others. You may find yourself doing more kind
and generous deeds throughout the year or praising God more. If
you need a reminder of how God thinks of you, pray to be shown His
joy. Then revel in it, because that will bring Him the most joy of all.

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JAN07 Finding God’s Joy in Your Life
Today’s verse overflows with joy. You can almost hear the angels and

You are worthy, the saints praising God in Heaven, reminding Him how worthy He is
of our honor and love. Reading verses like this often fills us with joy
our Lord and God and inspires us to look for God’s presence around us. God rejoices
to receive glory when we take such delight in His word.

and honor and However, sometimes finding joy is difficult or impossible, no matter
power, for you what verses we read. Since our world is filled with sin, it often feels
like a dim and hopeless place. Christians aren’t immune to a lack of
created all things, joy, particularly if circumstances don’t lend themselves to it.
and by your will
they were created At one time or another, we’ll all find ourselves in serious situations
that seem to lack God’s joy. This could be an unsaved loved one
and have their whose behavior is destructive, a devastating diagnosis, a
being. miscarriage, a disability or any number of other circumstances.
However, God wants us to cling to Him in these times and find His
joy. Here are a few ways to experience this:
—Revalation 4:11
 Worship. Most people equate worship with singing, which
you can do. Yet you can use any other talent, such as
writing, cooking or painting to worship God. Hebrews talk
about bringing a sacrifice of praise to Him. Do so, and
meditate on joyful verses as you do.
 Reach out. Find a trusted friend or clergy member to
share your burdens and offer to share those of others.
Help someone in a physical way—write a letter or give a
hug.
 Get some fresh air. Sometimes joy can be hard to find if
you’re cooped up inside. Take a walk or a drive and notice
the beauty of God’s creation.
 Spend time with family and fr iends, doing
lighthearted activities. Isolation brings loneliness, but
socializing can increase joy.

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JAN08 God Is Our Peace
Peace is a well-known fruit of the Spirit, but many Christians

For He Himself is struggle to find it in everyday life. When most people think of peace,
they think of a warm, calm feeling in the chest or a feeling that
our peace. trouble can’t touch them. They equate lack of feelings with a lack
of peace.
—Ephesians
2:14a In today’s verse, Paul reminds us our peace is a person, not a
feeling. Christ himself is our peace. In other words, no matter how
chaotic life seems, focusing on Christ will help us find peace again.
We may not feel it, but it will be there.

How can you make Christ your peace? Start by studying verses like
today’s or the stories of biblical characters such as Mary, who trusted
the Lord despite questions about their circumstances. You can also
assess how chaotic your life truly is. Although you can’t control all
circumstances, you can and should control others. For example, if
you spend your entire day on the phone or computer or with the
television on, unplugging for a while can help to quiet your life. If
you’re overloaded with commitments, take a step back. Pray, asking
God to show you what He wants you to do and what activities you
should let go.

If circumstances are beyond your control, find small ways to inject

peace into your daily life. Read the Bible or a Christian novel during
chemo treatments. Listen to soothing music or meditations on the
way to court proceedings. If family life has you stressed, ask a spouse
or friend to take over chores or kid- related duties so you can have
time to decompress. Finally, remember to pray often, seeking the
source of your peace and sharing needs and praise.

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JAN09 Enjoy God’s Peace
Jesus made sure to speak to His disciples about peace, so He clearly

Peace I leave with wanted us to experience it, too. In fact, references to peace are
all over the New Testament. It’s even included as one of the first
you; my peace I three fruits of the Spirit.
give you. I do not However, Jesus knew peace would be hard to find. He tells us not to
have troubled hearts or be afraid, which acknowledges these
give to you as the conditions exist.
world gives. Do not
These days, not letting your heart be troubled might seem
let your hearts be impossible. Watching the news for 30 minutes is enough to depress
troubled, and do the most optimistic soul. However, it’s possible to find and hang onto

not be afraid. peace despite all that. If you’re having trouble staying peaceful right
now, there are a few things you can do to help yourself:

—John 14:27  Meditate on what is good. Philippians 4:8 specifically

tells us to think of what is true, noble, right and pure. This
doesn’t mean ignoring what’s going on in the world, but it
does mean reminding ourselves who God is and that He is
in control. Memorize scripture or fill your mind with
uplifting messages of Christian books and music.
 Get quiet. Turn off the TV and computer, and follow
Jesus’ example of going into a private room and closing the
door to pray or read your Bible.
 Use your talents and passions to worship God and
serve others. Focusing on what you’re good at and how
it helps God’s kingdom can bring you peace, as can serving
others and making a difference, no matter how small.

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JAN10 God Is Truth
We live in a relativist world. Many people have their own religion

Jesus answered, “I or philosophy, and each claims that his or hers is the one that holds
truth. At the same time, our world’s pervasive attitude is, “If it’s true
am the way, the for you, fine; but it’s not true for me.” How can we be sure our God,
truth, and the life. Jesus Christ, really is truth in the face of such an open, uncommitted
attitude toward faith?
No one comes to
the Father except Jesus knew we would face this challenge, so He is explicit in how He
addresses it. In today’s verse, He states without ambiguity that He is
through me. If you our way, truth and life. Everything He tells us is true, and He is
really know me, the only way to gain both eternal life and a fulfilled life on Earth.

you will know my He doesn’t leave room for addition or subtraction or say, “I am true
as long as you believe it.” No—He is the full embodiment of truth.
Father as well.
From now on you Other religions or philosophies may have versions of the truths the
Bible gives us. For example, most other religious founders or leaders
do know Him and tell us to love our neighbor, forgive enemies, respect creation and do
have seen Him.” charitable deeds. However, Jesus makes it clear that only His truth is
complete. Through Him, we can know and see God, and as we get to
—John 14:6-7 know Him, we will understand more of His words.

Truth is difficult to pin down at times, especially with so many voices

claiming to have it. If you’re unsure God is truth or if you’re a
Christian but struggling with a particular truth in the Bible, turn to
the source of truth. Ask Him to open your eyes, and use your new
knowledge to spread God’s truth and share the life He wants to
give.

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JAN11 The Courage to Be Truthful
God wants us to speak the truth, but sometimes speaking it requires
much more courage than we anticipated. Esther knew this firsthand.
When this is done, As queen of Persia, she had to hide her Jewish heritage, especially
after King Xerxes’ evil Prime Minister, Haman, decreed that the Jews
I will go to the of Persia should be annihilated.
king, even though
it is against the Esther had one chance to save her people, but it meant revealing her
greatest secret. Moreover, if she went to King Xerxes without an
law. invitation, He could kill her on the spot.
And if I perish, I Hopefully, few of us will be asked to give up our lives for the sake of
perish. truth, but we may be asked to face frightening circumstances. In
many cases, Christians who told the truth about their God or stuck
—Esther 4:16b by the truth of their morals have lost jobs, families, possessions or
prestige. In several foreign countries around the world, Christians are
being beheaded, burned or tortured for their faith.
Standing up for truth might cost you a deep and important friendship
or a financial opportunity you or your family needs. The truth may be
the most difficult words you speak in those situations.

If you’ve been called to speak the truth today, don’t hesitate.

Ask God to reassure you of His plan and fill your heart with courage.
Then speak the words He gives you, whether they’re meant for a
family member or a large group of strangers. It may be difficult and
result in negative consequences, but like Esther, you’ll be rewarded.
Your message will be heard, and perhaps you will plant seeds in
people who need to listen and respond.

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JAN12 God Is Patient
Most people, even Christians, don’t think of God as particularly

To those who were patient. They think of Him as loving but ready to dispense wrath at a
moment’s notice. Most Christians might even say they wouldn’t
disobedient long blame God for impatience, considering the state of today’s world.
ago when God Sin runs rampant, and surely a holy God can only tolerate so
much.
waited patiently in
the days of Today’s verse indicates that God is infinitely more patient than
people think or could hope to be themselves. Peter describes God
Noah while the waiting patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built
ark was being for more people to repent and be saved from coming destruction.

built. In it, only a Elsewhere, Peter specifically describes God as patient and says He
doesn’t want anyone to perish.
few people, eight
in all, were saved God grieves when people don’t listen to His warnings and grieves
more when they perish because they failed to listen. Sometimes
through water. physical perishing doesn’t come right away—in fact, this is rare. God
knows eternal punishment is so awful, so devastating, that He will
—1 Peter 3:20 wait as long as He likes for as many people as possible to come to
Him. He will be incredibly patient with those who doubt, question
or outright reject Him, giving them chance after chance to see His
truth. Only as a last resort does God condemn anyone.

Endeavoring to show His patience is the best way for us to show

people who God truly is. Don’t give up on people who need God,
even if they’re willful and destructive toward themselves and others.
Continue to show patience and love, and let God draw people
toward Himself.

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JAN13 Teaching Your Child Patience
Someone once said to be careful about praying for patience, because

A hot-tempered you’ll get what you ask for—in the form of situations that test the
patience you already have. In all seriousness, patience is often one
person must pay of the most difficult fruits of the Spirit to cultivate. We want what
the penalty; rescue we want the moment we ask for it, and we aren’t about to tolerate
people who try our patience. This is especially true for young
them and you will children. Children naturally expect the world to revolve around them,
have to do it so they must learn patience and the lessons must be repeated often.

again. How you teach patience will depend heavily on your child. Some
children’s temperaments allow them to be more patient than others.
—Proverbs 19:19 If your child is already competing with siblings or other family
members for attention, he or she might show more patience than is
typical for someone his or her age.
However, a few key tips can help you teach this virtue to any child in
almost any situation:

 Set an example. If you’re always yelling in traffic or

tapping your foot in line, your child will learn that waiting
is a bad thing. Take a deep breath and focus on other
things.

 Watch your own temper. We all have relatives,

coworkers or friends who drive us crazy, but your child
shouldn’t learn that the solution is to badmouth them. If you
must vent, do so away from the kids. Teach your child to
walk away from someone who makes them angry or say
something like, “Please don’t call me names.”

 Take children to places they naturally have to

wait, and teach them to cope. Use things like books,
coloring or games, or talk to them about their days.

 Use “when- then” phrases. For example, on a long car

ride, say, “We’ll be at Grandma’s after six songs.”

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JAN14 God Is Kind
Christians sometimes struggle with how to interpret this verse. If

Consider therefore God is kind, why would He cut off any of His people? Actually, in
this verse, Paul is speaking to Israel. Specifically, His words are
the kindness and directed at Gentile Christians who believe that Jewish “branches” of
sternness of God: their spiritual family tree were cut off so they could be grafted in—
that God no longer accepts Jewish Christians.
Sternness to those
who fell, but In truth, God accepts every person who turns to Him and inclines to
the truth. Your background, past sins, family life and other external
kindness to you, factors don’t matter to God. Additionally, the Bible promises He will
provided that you love you with everlasting love and kindness. He does expect you to
continue in His continue in His kindness—that is, abide in and obey Him. However,
God’s motive is to be kind, not to cut people off from Him at
kindness. will.
Otherwise, you Should Christians worry about losing their salvation or being cut off
also will be cut from God? This verse would seem to indicate so, but again that
off. would be a misinterpretation. Here, Paul seems to apply cutting off
to those who do not abide in God—those who claim to know him
—Romans 11:22 but probably did not to begin with. The Bible tells us true
Christians will show their fruit, and that you don’t have to work to
produce fruit. If the Spirit is inside you, you and others will be able
to tell. If you don’t feel the Spirit working, ask God to show you.
In His kindness, He will help you see and become a stronger, more
confident Christian over time.

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JAN15 Teaching Your Child Kindness
As parents, we all want our children to be kind. It sometimes seems

So in everything, kindness would be an easy virtue to teach, but children learn through
repetition. They also tend to be self-centered, not because they’re
do to others what mean, but because their worlds are still so small. Instilling kindness in
you would have your kids will take patience, repetition and plenty of relatable lessons.

them do to you. Today’s verse is a good place to start. It’s easy for children to
understand and memorize, and relate back to their worlds. For

—Matthew 7:12a example, you could say to your child, “Would you want someone at
preschool to take your toys without asking? You need to ask first.”
Pairing the instruction with this type of question will teach your
children empathy and get them to think critically at an age-
appropriate level.

If you need more tips and object lessons, you might consider doing a
few of these with your kids:

 Take the question above to the next level with role-

playing. Use a situation your child or his teacher might have
told you about.

 Discourage using unkind words. Make it a house rule that

name- calling, swearing and other unkind words will have a
consequence.

 Catch your child being kind, and praise her. Say

something like, “I’m proud of you for sharing with Beth today.
Did that feel good?”

 Read stories, including Bible stories, in which kind and

patient characters are rewarded.

 Do kind acts as a family. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or

animal shelter, or donate toys and books to charity.

 Perform small acts of kindness. For your spouse, relatives

and children, you can do things such as helping with chores,
caring for a pet or doing a favorite activity as part of family
time.

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JAN16 Listen for God’s Gentle Whisper
When reading the Bible, we often run across stories of God’s

After the incredible miracles, especially in the Old Testament. Stories such as
Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, Elijah calling down fire from
earthquake came a Heaven, and the parting of the Red Sea are crucial to the Bible. Yet
fire, but the Lord they can also give us an incorrect view of God and His miracles if
studied on their own without context.
was not in the fire.
And after the fire Many people, especially new Christians, expect God’s presence to be
big and obvious at all times. They can see God in widely reported
came a gentle miracles, such as the healing of terminal cancer or the birth of
whisper. healthy triplets to a woman who was told she’d never conceive.
However, focusing on these can make it harder to hear how God
—1 Kings 19:12 usually speaks – in a gentle whisper.

Just like an earthly parent, God doesn’t like to shout to get our
attention. Tuning in to His whispers shows Him we can hear Him
and will listen to what He says. Gentle whispers won’t be obvious at
first, particularly if you’re a new Christian. With practice though,
you’ll hear them. They often come in the form of a Bible verse
you’ve read before, but that has a greater impact than usual.
Sometimes they come as a nudge to do or pray about something
specific.
Sometimes, God uses other people to tell us something we need to
hear. At other times, a change in circumstance might let you know
God is quietly speaking. For example, a job opportunity in your city
that comes just before you move might be God’s way of telling
you to stay.

Miracles are an important part of God’s work, and we should

never stop looking for them. However, His whispers are what will
guide us the most in our journeys.

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JAN17 Learning to Have a Gentle Spirit
Kindness and gentleness are listed as fruits of the Spirit in Galatians.

To slander no one, Are they the same thing? What does it mean to have a gentle spirit?
This verse lets us know gentleness is a fruit all its own, and that a
be peaceable and gentle spirit can and must be cultivated.
considerate, and Some Christians believe having a gentle spirit means being overly
always be gentle meek and never standing up for yourself. Although meekness is
toward everyone. sometimes a synonym for gentleness, having a gentle spirit doesn’t
mean accepting abuse or never letting yourself be heard. Titus

—Titus 3:2b indicates that gentleness of spirit is considerate toward everyone,

puts others first and avoids slander or gossip.

This is often more difficult to do than it seems. Putting others first

goes against everything the world tells us to do, and gossip or
slander can be as natural as breathing—especially if the other
person has wronged you. As with many other fruits of the Spirit,
developing gentleness requires transcending human nature, which is
impossible without God. If you want to cultivate gentleness, study
verses like today’s. Ask for direction from God, as well as trusted
people like a clergy member. Show gentleness to family and friends,
and work your way up to strangers or even those you don’t
necessarily like. God will reward your faithfulness.

What if people are already taking advantage of your gentleness and

abusing you? Remember that tolerating abuse isn’t the same as
being a gentle person. If the situation is severe, get out as quickly as
possible. Seek help from the appropriate agency, such as Social
Services. You can also seek help from family, friends and clergy. You
may need counseling to learn how to deal with your abuser and
approach him or her with gentleness. Take your time, and seek
God’s guidance in handling this situation.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN18 God Is Self-Controlled
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit we often teach our children

Like a city whose because we don’t want them to be spoiled. However, as adults, we
often rationalize our own lack of this fruit. “I’m an adult,” we say. “I
walls are broken should be able to do, say and have what I want without worrying
through is a about displeasing God.”

person who lacks This line of thinking is wrong and dangerous. God expects adults to
self- control. please Him just like children—perhaps more so, since adults are
more mature and understand His commands better than children

—Proverbs 25:28 would. Additionally, going through life without any self-control often
leads to destruction, which breaks God’s heart and damages your
relationship with Him.

Will God’s heart be broken if you have a glass of wine or an extra

dessert or if you treat yourself to a shopping spree? No. The key
to self-control is knowing what comes first in the Word—self. Self-
control is about considering factors other than your wants and needs.
It’s about knowing your own limits and staying healthy physically,
emotionally and spiritually. One glass of wine might be okay, but
you need to be able to stop there rather than drinking an entire
bottle. Desserts are delicious but can lead to obesity if they become
a staple in your diet. Shopping for pleasure is fun, but confusing
must-have items with what you actually need often leads to debt.

How can you practice self-control without letting denial cross into
legalism? First, know your weak areas and deal with those. If you’re
a shopper, set and stick to a budget with help from a spouse or
other accountability partner when necessary. If you tend to stay up
late watching TV, gradually limit screen time until you don’t need it.
Accountability will keep you on track. Memorize verses like today’s,
and ask God to increase your desire for self-control.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN19 God Gave Us a Spirit of Self-Control
We hear a lot about self-discipline these days. Writers of diet books

For the Spirit and fitness plans tout self-discipline as a way to lose weight and
attain the perfect body. Parents are encouraged to teach kids self-
God gave us discipline so they can succeed in school, athletics and other
does not make us activities. People advise each other to use self-discipline to curb
spending habits.
timid, but gives us
power, love, and But trying to master self-discipline on our own leads to disaster.
Hyper- focusing on self-discipline can cause legalism, or a tendency
self- discipline. to exaggerate our own righteous deeds and not show mercy toward
those who are struggling. It can also cause an emotional backlash,
—2 Timothy 1:7 since constantly denying ourselves the things God approves of makes
us miserable, bitter and prone to taking out our feelings on others.
We must rely on God to give us true, balanced self- discipline.

Most Christians are familiar with the concept of relying on God

but struggle with how to do it. Does relying on God mean sitting
back and waiting for Him to fix all our self-control problems? No.
Actually, relying on God means being honest. Tell Him where you are
struggling and how self-discipline makes you feel. Ask Him for a
greater desire for discipline and to see discipline God’s way, not as
a punishment but as a way to grow.

Start new disciplines slowly, and give yourself grace if you mess up.
God wants you to succeed in building all fruits of the Spirit, including
self-discipline. If you rely on Him, success will be yours. Your body
and mind may never be perfect, but you’ll be in a better place
than you were when you began.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN20 Suffering Isn’t Permanent
Today’s verse is one Christians like to pull out when suffering

I consider that our comes, along with Romans 8:28, which promises that all things
work together for the good of those who love God. These verses are
present sufferings true and valuable.
are not worth If you or someone you love is suffering, what do you most need to
comparing with the hear? Perhaps one of the most common responses is, “I need to hear
glory that will be this suffering will end.” Today’s verse indicates suffering is not
permanent. In fact, Paul promises here that suffering leads to glory.
revealed in us. He’s not referring to our own glory, but the glory of Christ.

—Romans 8:18 As Paul writes earlier in Romans, suffering makes us more like Christ,
imbuing us with His patience, gentleness, kindness and other
wonderful fruits. Our world is fallen, so suffering is a given. Yet,
when we return to Heaven to be with Christ, we’ll see its ultimate
positive results.

Of course, future glory in Heaven can feel like cold comfort when
suffering is happening. Unfortunately, God doesn’t promise to fix all
our suffering when we want it fixed or give us the solutions we
expected. He does, however, promise to rescue the brokenhearted.
He promises to comfort us with an ease beyond what people can
give and to make us strong through our suffering.

If you’re suffering, open your heart to God. Tell Him how you feel,
even if you’re angry, frustrated or doubt He is real. Ask Him to make
Himself real to you and show you some things that can make your
suffering easier. Having a serious illness can impact all areas of your
life, but focusing on favorite activities and positive meditations can
help. Hold onto the truth of who God is and what He can do for you.
Your suffering will begin to seem easier.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN21 Taking a Risk in Faith
John 3 is probably best known as the chapter where Jesus tells us that

Now there was a God sent Him to save the world (John 3:16-17). Most Christians
know these verses but forget to whom Jesus spoke them. Today, let’s
Pharisee, a man look more closely at Jesus’ student Nicodemus.
Nicodemus who Nicodemus was a Pharisee—a highly religious teacher who was well-
was a member of respected in most Jewish circles. He would have been wealthy and
the Jewish ruling sought out as a wise man. Additionally, Nicodemus was one of the
most important people in his synagogue. Coming to Jesus and
council. He came admitting He was from God could have gotten Nicodemus
to Jesus at night excommunicated. He stood to lose everythingand so he came to

and said, “Rabbi, Jesus at night for answers to his questions.

we know that you Some people might scoff at Nicodemus for sneaking to see Jesus at
are a teacher who night. Didn’t he know following Jesus was more important than any
synagogue seat or material wealth? The truth is that Nicodemus
has come from didn’t know. He had to find out for himself and was willing to take
God. For no one that risk. Moreover, his risk was rewarded. He acknowledged Jesus
was from God, got to know Himand went away fulfilled.
could perform the
signs you are Many prospective Christians take similar risks today. Christianity is
doing if God were illegal in several countriesand becoming a Christian can mean
death. At the least, it can mean loss of jobs, property and children
not with him.” as well as long-term imprisonment. Because of these penalties,
millions of Christians meet underground and must hide their faith in
—John 3:1-2 public. Still, they take the risk.

When was the last time you took a risk in faith? Maybe you won’t
face death or prison, but you could lose a friend, a job or respect
and connections you need. If that’s the case, follow Nicodemus’
example. Ask Jesus for boldnessand then follow His lead—24 hours
a day.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN22 Don’t Give Up
Many of today’s Americans are in dire straits. The widow described

Elisha said, “Go here knew what that felt like. Creditors were going to seize her two
sons as slaves, and she couldn’t stop them. She had only a tiny bit of
around and ask oil to her name. Why would Elisha ask her for empty jars? Prophet or
all your neighbors not, didn’t he know he was being foolish? Why didn’t he just give
her oil, or food or money to pay her debt?
for empty jars.
Don’t ask for just The widow’s trust seems strange, but notice what happened after she
retrieved all those jars. She “kept pouring,” over and over. Her little
a few. Then go bit suddenly became more than she needed—enough to sell to pay
inside and shut the her impossible debt.

door behind you We often find ourselves in situations similar to this widow’s. Physically,
and your sons. mentally or emotionally, we’ll be depleted. We’ll be tempted to give
Pour oil into all the up and let life take more than it’s already sapped from us. You might
be there right now. You might think you can’t stand one more chemo
jars, and as each treatment, one more fight with your destructive loved one, or one
is filled, put it to more night wondering where your next paycheck is coming from.

one side”… She You might even be tempted to take your own life.

left him and shut In these circumstances, dredging up trust can feel impossible. Ask
the door behind God to help you find a tiny measure of your own oil: trust. Use your
talents one more time. Reach out to one more person who needs
her and her sons. help. Make a phone call and ask for help yourself. God will find a way
They brought the to use what you have and reward your faith.

jars to her and

she kept pouring.
—2 Kings 4:3-5

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JAN23 Just Ask
We don’t know this woman’s name. Many Bible translations simply

And a woman was call her “the woman with a blood disease” or “a sick woman.” People
likely knew her this way, too. They probably knew her name, but
there who had thought of her disease first. Some probably forgot her name as years
been subject to went by, seeing but not acknowledging her. Ancient Jewish law
declared the woman unclean, so she couldn’t worship at the temple
bleeding for twelve or associate with others.
years, but no one
The woman was probably depressed and a little bitter. Maybe she
could heal her. felt God had given up on her or feared she’d committed a serious sin
She came up that couldn’t be forgiven. She’d spent all she had on doctors and

behind Him and treatments, and still she bled. In light of that, it must’ve taken
immense courage to approach Jesus. Notice she doesn’t interact with
touched the edge Him—she simply touches His cloak and tries to drop out of sight.
of His cloak, and Jesus noticed her, but not to call her unclean or accuse her of
immediately her disrupting Him. Instead, He instantly heals her without turning
bleeding around. Then He does something the woman must’ve found more

stopped… Then incredible. He calls her “daughter” and tells her to go in peace
because she’s well. How long had it been since someone called this
He said to her, woman “daughter”? Who last acknowledged her existence, much
“Daughter, your less claimed such a close tie? Jesus did what doctors couldn’t. Yes, He
healed her blood disease—but He also touched her soul.
faith has healed
you. Go in peace.” Jesus still heals people physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Sometimes we must wait until Heaven for complete physical or

—Luke 8:43-44, emotional healing. Yet spiritual healing that goes soul-deep is
instantaneous. If you need it today, ask. Jesus will acknowledge you
48 as His son or daughter and give it. All it takes is one small touch.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN24 Your Story Can Help Others
This story highlights one of Jesus’ more dramatic healings. The man

The man from described in Luke 8:26-39 had not only one demon, but a legion of
them. They identify themselves to Jesus this way, stating “because
whom the demons we are many.” This man is described as living among the tombs,
had gone out isolated and chained. He’s tormented constantly, so much that he
breaks free and terrifies those around him. The tombs would’ve
begged to go with been an appropriate place for him to live because, to the people of
Him, but Jesus sent Jesus’ Israel, this man probably received no more thought or
consideration than a corpse.
him away, saying,
“Return home and The man’s reaction to Jesus’ healing is understandable. Of course,

tell how much God he would want to show gratitude to the Person who changed his
life. The most obvious way was to follow Him as a disciple. Jesus,
has done for you.” though, says something that sounds strange. He tells the man to
So the man went go back home.

away and told all Sometimes, we have the same reaction. We meet Jesus for the first
over town how time or have a fresh encounter with Him. We want to show our love
and gratitude, so we seek something big to do in return. Maybe we
much Jesus had want to become long-term foreign missionaries or sell everything we
done for him. own to start a non-profit for the homeless or addicts. Jesus does call
some people to minister this way. Yet for many of us, He has another
—Luke 8:38-39 request. He simply wants us to tell how much God has done for us.

Maybe Jesus has asked you to tell your story, and maybe you’re
hesitant. You might say, “My testimony is boring” or “God did more
for John or forgave Beth for more.” Don’t give in to these thoughts.
Jesus gives everyone a unique story, and they all point to Him. Let
yours help someone find Him today.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN25 Waiting on God
It is said God has three answers for prayer: “no,” “yes,” and “wait.”

Now Sarai, “Wait” can be the hardest answer of all, especially because it
sometimes means standing by for years or even decades. Sarai, later
Abraham’s wife, called Sarah, knew how this felt.
had borne no God had promised Abraham she would bear a child so a nation could
be built through her line. Decades passed, though, and Sarah still
children. But she didn’t get pregnant. Menopause came and went, and she lost hope.
had an Egyptian After all, she hadn’t heard God’s promise like Abraham did. Could her
husband be mistaken?
slave named
Hagar; so she said In her doubt, Sarah did what many of us do in similar situations. She

to Abraham, “The concluded she needed to “help” God. In Sarah’s time, it wasn’t
unusual for a childless woman to give her husband a handmaid. The
Lord has kept me handmaid’s children would be born on the wife’s knees and raised as
from having adopted sons and heirs.
Sarah followed her customs and persuaded Abraham to sleep with
children. Go, sleep Hagar, thinking the promise might come through her child. Maybe
with my slave; both God and Abraham were mistaken, or maybe God didn’t mean
“biological child.”
perhaps I can
build a family The rest of Genesis 16 explains Hagar did have a son, Ishmael.

through her.” However, strife ensued between Sarah and Hagar and between
Ishmael and Isaac. Centuries later, war raged between Judaism and
Islam—the two nations Abraham’s sons fathered. God did give Sarah
—Genesis 16:1-2 the promised son, but we’re left to wonder: would things have been
easier if she waited for His timing?

Waiting for an answered prayer is often difficult and painful. God

understands, and He wants us to express our longing. Sometimes He
will set us on a path that will eventually lead to answers. However,
Sarah’s story cautions against “helping” God or following what makes
sense without peace in our hearts. It’s much better to seek God and
handle waiting periods as He wants us to.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN26 The Servant’s Heart
Then he prayed, Rebekah is a somewhat minor character in Genesis. Most people

“Lord God… May remember her as Isaac’s wife and as a deceiver. Indeed, Rebekah
did deceive Isaac many years later, manipulating his lack of sight so
it be that when I her favorite son Jacob would get his father’s blessing rather than
say to a young Esau (Genesis 27). However, let’s look at another portrait of
Rebekah today.
woman, ‘Please let
down your jar that I Abraham had sent his servant to find the perfect wife for Isaac,
may have a drink,’ and the servant responded well. He asked God for guidance with a
specific request. The woman he would choose would have to offer
and she says, him a drink, and she would have to water all his camels.
‘Drink, and I’ll
This was neither an easy nor safe task. In ancient Israel, wells were
water your camels, often located underground at the foot of slippery, steep stairs cut
too – let her be into stone. Moreover, carrying several heavy jars of water as
the one you have Rebekah did here would exhaust anyone, let alone a young woman.
Yet Rebekah offered without hesitation. In doing so, she showed
chosen for your three key traits of a godly woman. She had compassion on a servant
servant Isaac…” who was likely tired, dirty and thirsty from long travels. She showed

Before he had generosity, offering to complete a difficult task over and over for a
stranger. Finally, she asked nothing for herself in return, emulating
finished, Rebekah the attitude of a true servant.
came out… “Drink, Sometimes God will ask us to do things that feel as hard as
my lord…I’ll draw carrying water jars up steep stairs again and again. Sometimes serving
water for your others, whether they’re strangers or those we love, will be difficult.

camels, too.” Rebekah’s story can inspire us to do it and show the world the
generous God we have.

—Genesis 24:12-
19a

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JAN27 God’s Justice
“It’s not fair!” We say this a lot as kids, whether it’s about our sibling

And the Lord said, getting a bigger cookie than we did or our teacher giving us a lower
grade than we feel we deserve. When we grow older, we may not say
“… And will not the words anymore, but we still feel injustice.
God bring about In fact, the discriminations adults encounter are usually bigger and
justice for His more painful than childhood unfairness. A beloved parent or
chosen ones, who grandparent dies of cancer. A baby is born with a disability. An
innocent person is killed, or financial problems result in foreclosure.
cry out to Him day These things can happen for a number of reasons, but often, it’s no
and night? I tell one’s fault. Injustice is a product of sin in the world, but that

you, He will see doesn’t lessen the pain.

that they get Through the persistent widow, Jesus offers a solution to the pain of
justice, and injustice. Don’t bottle it up or lash out in anger. Instead, turn to
God. Pour out your feelings—sadness, anger, confusion and
quickly.” whatever else they may be. God promises to hear and comfort you,
holding you close like a beloved child.
—Luke 18:6-8 Unlike the unrighteous judge in Jesus’ parable, God won’t consider
you a bother or only answer your request to avoid repercussions.
The truth is He empathizes with you.

In this parable, Jesus also promises God will see you get justice –
“and quickly.” Keep in mind that His timing is not ours; it may seem
slow or nonexistent. However, God keeps all His promises. You can
count on Him to deal with your adversary and help you understand
why the injustice occurred. In the meantime, keep praying and
asking Him for what you need. Don’t give up; He will honor your
faith and persistence.

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN28 Radical Obedience
When most of us think of Jesus’ birth, we think of Mary. We know her

I am the Lord’s as the mother of Jesus, a woman who is called “blessed among
women.” Yet we often don’t think of Mary in terms of her sacrifice.
servant. May your
word to me be When the angel of the Lord visited Mary, she was already engaged to
Joseph. If she agreed to bear Jesus, her pregnancy would show in a
fulfilled. matter of months and everyone would believe she’d broken her
betrothal vows. Joseph would surely divorce her, and she could well
—Luke 1:38 be stoned to death under Jewish law.
Her life would be ruined and probably taken from her.

Despite this, Mary didn’t question the angel or voice any worries she
had. Instead, she simply asked, “How will this be, since I am a
virgin?” When the angel explained the Holy Spirit would come upon
her and make the pregnancy possible, Mary trusted his word. Not
only that, she immediately responded: “I am the Lord’s servant.
May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Only one woman was ever chosen to carry and mother God’s Son, but
God asks us to make sacrifices or do things we think are impossible
every day.
Sometimes His requests carry risks for us. We might be laughed at or
lose something or someone important to us, like a job or a spouse.
Yet God promises that His servants’ obedience will be rewarded many
times in the Bible and that He’ll be with us through trials.

Will you follow Mary’s example and obey God in a new, maybe radical
way today?

1224 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 403-998-3100 | [Link]

JAN29 Treating Others With Respect
Have you ever known someone who makes you think, “That person

“Who are you, could never be a Christian?” Perhaps you yourself have been that
person. Maybe you’ve said or done things in your past you think are
Lord?” Saul asked. so terrible that God could never forgive and accept you.

“I am Jesus, whom Saul could relate to that. He called himself the “worst of sinners,”

you are and he probably ranked high on ancient Christians’ lists. Acts tell us
Saul regularly arrested, tortured and killed innocent Christians. As a
persecuting,” He highly trained Pharisee, he believed he was doing God’s work—
replied. “Now get that God applauded what he did. Saul was even present at the
stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. According to Acts 7,
up and go into the he stood in the background the entire time, doing nothing as
city and you will be witnesses laid their coats at his feet in tacit approval. Surely, Saul
could never become a Christian.
told what you must
do…” Immediately, Isn’t it amazing that the Bible says this is exactly what happened? In
something like fact, Saul had a dramatic conversion. He became blind for three
days, perhaps because God used physical blindness to highlight his
scales fell from spiritual condition. After those three days, though, the scales fell
Saul’s eyes…He from Saul’s eyes—literally. God gave him a new name. From then on,
Saul the persecutor became Paul. Paul went on to worship Christ
got up and was more fervently and boldly than almost any other biblical figure. He
baptized. also wrote several of our Bible’s books and ultimately died for Christ.

—Acts 9:5-6, 18 As difficult as it may be, don’t give up on the person you think could
never embrace Christ. Pray for him or her, and continue offering a
chance at faith. If you think you’re the one beyond God’s reach,
don’t give up on yourself. Cry out to Him, and tell Him you want to
believe. He will be there, and He will open your eyes.

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JAN30 Trust God
In this passage, Joseph uses two words that, when put together, can

But Joseph said, become two of the most hopeful in the Bible. It’s tempting to
glance over the phrase “but God,” or ignore it altogether. After
“Don’t be afraid… all, we know God can turn bad experiences around for good, right?
You intended to We know He can do the impossible. Most of us have heard stories like
Joseph’s several times, maybe even all our lives.
harm me, but God Yet do we truly understand what “but God” means? Do we believe He
intended it for can make good come out of horrible circumstances?

good, to Joseph knew something about horrible circumstances. His own

accomplish what is brothers sold him into slavery in a foreign land. He was jailed for a

now being done, crime he didn’t commit. Surely he wondered where God was. What
happened to all the grand dreams He sent him? Was Joseph
the saving of many supposed to die forgotten in prison?
lives.” God said “no.” In fact, He made Joseph successful in all he did so

—Genesis 50:19- that he became second in command to Pharaoh. When Joseph’s

brothers came to Egypt, he had every right to punish or kill them.
20 Instead, Joseph reassured his kin they were forgiven and that God
used what they had done for good.

It’s easy to agree with this truth when we see it in Joseph’s story
because we already know the ending. But what about our own
situations? It can be difficult—heart-wrenching—to trust God with
our own circumstances. Maybe you’re facing foreclosure. Maybe the
spouse you loved just walked out or cheated. Maybe you’ve been
handed a devastating diagnosis or lost a loved person or pet. Can
anything good come out of this?

God promises it can (Romans 8:28). He also vows to comfort us and

give us wisdom if we ask. Tell Him how you feel, and ask Him to
show you His plans. If you can’t see past the circumstances, ask Him
to help you. He will do it and will rejoice with you when you see His
good intentions.

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JAN31 The Sword of the Spirit
In the last part of Ephesians 6, Paul discusses the armor of God. He

Take the … sword gives names and functions to each piece and extols Christians to wear
them at all times, so they can stand strong. The last part of the armor
of the Spirit, though, is a sword. The sword represents the Word, or the Bible, and
which is the is our only defensive weapon against Satan.

Word of God. Most Christians understand the Bible is important, but some of them
have trouble proving it in their lives. Some don’t even read the Bible
—Ephesians 6:17 regularly. As someone once said, this is the equivalent of standing in
front of a snake with an unloaded gun and shouting, “Bang, bang!”
You’ll make noise, but the snake won’t budge and will likely bite you.
Without a scriptural foundation, you may be okay for a while, but
you’ll be vulnerable to attack.

Of course, making time for Bible reading and study can be difficult in
our busy world. If you find Scripture study hard, boring, or time-
consuming, try these tips to find joy and knowledge in it:

 Use a Bible you understand. Too many Christians get

bogged down because they try to study using a Bible that
employs archaic language.
 Choose a Bible study you’d li ke to attend.
Studying Scripture with other Christians gives you fresh
perspectives. Focusing on particular topics also makes Bible
reading seem less daunting.
 Make realistic goals for yourself, such as reading the
Psalms in 3-4 months or the whole Bible in a year. Reward
yourself as you make progress.
 Memorize and quote verses, both favorites and less
familiar ones. Setting them to a tune or rhythm can
help.
 Shake up devotional time. Have it at a coffee shop or
go out in nature instead of closed in a bedroom.

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FEB01 The New Creation
The start of a new month often brings hope, but for some of us, each new
month feels like an extension of the old one, with the same burdensome
problems as before. Those problems could be any number of things.
Maybe you started the new year determined to lose 10 pounds, only to
find you’ve lost two in the past four weeks or, worse yet, none at all.
You may have resolved to give up a destructive habit like smoking,
drinking or gambling, but instead you find yourself lighting up, pouring a
drink or sitting at a card table.

Paul’s encouragement from 1 Corinthians is meant to give us a much-

needed shot of hope. Jesus Christ does not look at us and see failures,
endlessly spinning our wheels. In fact, Scripture tells Christ, along with
the angels in Heaven, to rejoice. Moreover, when we do fail, He is there
to pick us up and say, “That’s okay. Let’s try again, together.”

Together is the key. You cannot and will not change the negative or
destructive parts of your life without Christ’s help. He is willing and
eager to give it, but He will never force His help on you. If you have
failed to change after months, or even years, of trying, you might feel
like giving up and hiding from Christ’s keen eyes.
Resist the temptation to hide and come to Him instead.

In your prayers, tell Him how hard you have tried and how difficult it
is to make permanent change. Ask what He wants you to do; maybe
you need wise counsel, an accountability partner or a new approach to
your goal. With Him at your side, you can enjoy life as a new creation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new

creation has come: The old is gone, the
new is here!
—1 Corinthians 5:17

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FEB02 Thanks Be to God
Many people believe that once you become a Christian, the desire to

Wretched man sin naturally disappears or that temptation to commit sin will only
rarely trouble you. Nothing could be further from the truth. As Jesus
that I am! Who will warned in Matthew, our spirits are willing, but our flesh is weak.
rescue me from this Perhaps we expect daily struggles, but what happens if you have one
specific sin you can’t seem to shake?
body that is subject
to death? Thanks This happens to more Christians than you might think. Some come
to the faith with serious addictions, whether to drugs, alcohol, sex or
be to God, who food. Others have less obvious sins that are just as dangerous, such
delivers me through as a tendency to blow up in anger when frustrated. Still others

Jesus Christ our develop small issues over time— “just one time” becomes a craving
for sinful behavior. Most Christians will try to solve the problem on
Lord! their own, usually through legalistic behavior, and end up
miserable.
—Romans 7:24-
Paul understood this trouble well. In Romans 7, he explains that he
25 constantly does what he knows is wrong, even though he strives not
to. He cries out for rescue, just as we should. If you have a
longstanding addiction or other form of sin you can’t get rid of,
drawing close to God is your best hope.

However, drawing close to God does not simply mean reading the
Bible, praying more and participating in more church activities. In
fact, that strategy often turns into checking things off a list. God
never meant for you to battle a sinful nature alone. Some people
need counseling, church support or simply a plan of action, written
down, to hold themselves accountable. Finally, go to your prayer
closet for some self-inspection.

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FEB03 Dwell in Unity
Jesus made it clear that He wants believers to dwell together in unity

Some time later, and live peacefully with all people. While that should be the Christian
ideal, different personalities, opinions and priorities get in the way,
Paul said to as they did in today’s passage. Paul and Barnabas had been dear
Barnabas, “Let us friends – in fact, Barnabas was the first disciple to accept Paul after
his dramatic conversion. They may have retained that close
go back and visit the friendship after this passage, but the verses tell us they parted
believers … and see company, deciding not to work with each other any longer.
how they are doing.”
Sometimes in life, we will be led to part company with a friend or
Barnabas wanted to even a family member we love. Determining if it is time to do so can
take John, also be hard, so you must pray diligently and seek guidance from the
called Mark, with Bible and from other trusted people. If you’re still not sure, ask
yourself these questions:
them, but Paul did
 Does this person build me up or tear me down?
not think it wise Friendships don’t exist to stroke egos, but if this person
… because he had continually discourages you, consciously or not, he or she
deserted them in may not be good for you.

Pamphylia and had  Is this person taking advantage of me? Some people
will try to feed off you, overburdening you with their needs
not continued with or expecting you to solve all their problems. You are a
them in the work. friend, not a therapist or a pastor.
They had such a  Is destructive behavior involved? If your friend is
sharp disagreement continually and unrepentantly sinning, or trying to draw
you into bad behavior patterns, you need to get away
that they parted quickly.
company.  Can this person “agree to disagree”? If your friend is
always right, can’t listen and can’t be held accountable, he
—Acts 15:46-39 or she may become a stumbling block for you.

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FEB04 In Our Image, In Our Likeness
When most Christians tell the salvation story, they start around

Then God said, Genesis 3, the chapter in which Adam and Eve sinned and caused the
fall of humanity. That’s not a bad place to begin witnessing; after all,
“Let us make it is true that we are all sinners and in need of a savior. The
mankind in our unfortunate truth is that starting with sin may mean losing
listeners.
image, in our
likeness.” Jefferson Bethke, author of Jesus > Religion and It’s Not What You Think,
explained it this way: Approaching non-Christians and telling them

—Genesis 1:26 right away that they are horrible and have no hope often drives them
away. Though that’s not what we mean to say, it’s often how others
interpret the message. In most cases, we would be better off
pointing non-Christians to Genesis 1.

In Genesis 1, we see the vast complexity and beauty of creation. We

see the tenderness and thought that God put into each of His
creations, especially man and woman. Of the thousands of creatures
on Earth, we are the only ones made in God’s image. Focus on that
for a minute. We are made in God’s image, and because God is
wholly good, that means we were made as wholly good creations,
too.

Sin did damage the nature of man and fracture our perfect
relationship with God. Non-Christians and Christians alike need to
know this to appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice fully. However, God never
looks at us and sees damaged people. He sees us as beautiful, good,
original creations, each one unique and with a purpose in His
kingdom. That’s the message we all need to hear, every day.

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FEB05 Questioning and Trusting God
The Bible is a precious and holy book, but some passages can be

Then Joshua, troubling for the modern Christian. Today’s passage is one of these.
After the initial attack on Ai, Achan coveted several of the city’s
together with all possessions. Against the Lord’s command, he took them, causing
Israel, took Achan, Israel’s sound defeat in Ai and the loss of several soldiers. Because of
his sin, Achan was stoned.
son of Zerah …
and all that he If the passage stopped there, it might not be as troublesome. Our
world tells us that sinners should pay the consequences of their
had, to the valley actions. Yet, we are told that Achan’s family was killed with him and
of Achor. … Then all his possessions were burned. We may question how this is fair.

all Israel stoned Does it show that God is vengeful, eager to wipe out anyone who
breaks the smallest commandment?
him, and after they
had stoned the The simple answer to the last question is “no.” Studying this passage
is a great exercise in learning to trust God when we don’t understand
rest, they burned what He does or why. The Bible doesn’t tell us why Achan’s family
them. suffered with him. However, the passage does give us an example of
the innocent suffering for the guilty— just as Christ did for us. There
—Joshua 7:24 & is hope here and a hidden gem of God’s mercy.

25b God is neither vengeful nor petty. Everything He does leads us closer
to Him. If His actions seem harsh or hard to understand, He allows us
to ask questions. Actually, God encourages questions. He knows the
world around us doesn’t think the way He does, nor does it teach us
to trust Him. Sometimes, the only answer we will get when we ask
hard questions is, “Trust me.” Yet, if we continue in the faith,
studying His word and seeking Him in prayer, we will build up trust
and learn more about God’s true character of love.

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FEB06 The Least in My Family
God gives us plenty of characters to relate to in the Bible, especially

“Pardon me, Lord,” the Old Testament. Gideon is perhaps one of the most relatable. Here,
God has called him to save Israel from the Midianites, but he has an
Gideon replied, understandable, common reaction. Gideon focuses on his weaknesses
“but how can I and asks God how he could be used for such a task as saving his
whole nation.
save Israel? My
clan is the weakest Most of us aren’t called to save nations, but we all have “Gideon
moments” from time to time. The world tells us our weaknesses are
in Manasseh, and I bad and that they make us lesser people. Therefore, when God wants
am the least in my to use us, we tend to focus on our weaknesses and put ourselves

family.” The Lord down. We say things like, “How can I teach elementary kids, Lord?
I’m too shy.” “Lord, how can I raise a baby? I have a disability.”
answered, “I will be “Lord, why are you asking me to donate food to the food bank
with you, and you when I can barely feed my family?”

will strike down all God understands these concerns and does not condemn us for them.
the Midianites, How could He, when He made us as we are? God gives us those
weaknesses, or places us in particularly hard situations, so we can
leaving none alive.” learn to lean on Him more. As we learn to rely on Him, we gain the
strength to do the divinely appointed tasks He has given us. Better
—Judges 6:15 than that, we’re often more successful than we imagined we could
be.

Gideon certainly was strong enough—as God promised, he and just

300 men struck down the Midianites and saved Israel. If you are
facing a monumental task today, take heart from Gideon’s story. Go
to God with your weaknesses and let Him make you strong, for you
are a warrior in His eyes.

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FEB07 Praise the Lord
The biblical story of Leah is often overlooked. She’s usually talked

She conceived about in conjunction with her beautiful sister Rachel, the one Jacob
loved even though he was married to both women. She is known for
again, and when having “weak eyes” and being party to Laban’s deception of Jacob.
she gave birth to a It’s easy to read Genesis 29 and assume Leah got a raw deal or
son, she said, “This that she should be held up as an example of what not to be.
time I will praise Today’s verse, though, gives us great insight into who Leah
really was.
the Lord.” So she
named him Judah. God did see Leah and have compassion for her. He understood her
longing for love, and so He allowed her to have children. Pay
—Genesis 29:35 attention to what Leah named these children. Her oldest, Reuben,
she named because “The Lord has seen my misery.” Likewise, she
gave Simeon and Levi names that mean “the Lord hears” and
“attached,” hoping that Jacob would hear and understand her desire
for love, or at least become attached to her. Leah was a
desperate woman, and it’s hard not to pity her.

However, Leah did not wallow in pity. Notice what she says in today’s
verse after birthing her fourth son. “This time I will praise the Lord.”
The Bible doesn’t say she gave up on Jacob’s love, but she does
show great strength here. Leah is determined to be thankful for
what she has and give credit to God.
Therefore, she names her fourth son Judah, or “praise.”

Praising God when we don’t feel like it, or when circumstances are
hard, can be one of the most difficult and painful things about
being a Christian. Yet when we choose to praise Him, God will
be pleased.

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FEB08 Justified
If you’ve been a Christian a long time, you’re probably familiar

But the tax with the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. You may even
roll your eyes in disgust when you read the Pharisee’s prayer—
collector … would “Thank you that I am not like these evildoers. …” By the time the
not even look up to Pharisee starts listing all his good deeds, you might be ready to
throttle him. Doesn’t he know how self-righteous he is? Doesn’t he
heaven, but beat know that God is more pleased with people like the tax collector?
his breast and
These are natural reactions, but maybe we ought to slow down
said, “God, have before berating the Pharisee too much. Most Christians try to be as
mercy on me, a humble, kind, and generous as possible. Most of us also acknowledge

sinner.” I tell you our sins, because they are what we count on Jesus to save us from.
That said, we all have self-righteous moments, don’t we? It’s easy to
that this man, look at the “tax collectors” in our lives and think, “Okay, I sin, but at
rather than the least I don’t do that.”

other, went home This parable reminds us that no one sin is greater than the other in
justified before Jesus’ eyes, and sometimes sin can masquerade as goodness or religion.

God. Jesus also tells this parable to remind us that the person who is honest
about his or her faults and approaches God with a contrite heart is
the one who goes home forgiven. The good news is, anyone can be
—Luke 18:13b- this person. Even if you were a “Pharisee” before meeting Christ or
14 have self-righteous tendencies, you can always ask for mercy. Better
than that, God is always ready to give it.

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FEB09 The Kingdom of God
“Enter the kingdom of God as a little child” and “Have

People were also childlike faith” are popular phrases among Christians, but what do
they mean? These phrases are so much a part of Christianity that
bringing babies to many Christians, especially adults, have forgotten why they are
Jesus for him to place important. Does Jesus mean we should perpetually act like
children? Does He mean we shouldn’t think, speak and reason
his hands on them. like adults, or make adult decisions?
When the disciples
saw this, they rebuked No. In fact, Paul talks about putting away childish things later in
the New Testament. However, neither Paul nor Jesus said to lose
them. But Jesus called the capacity for childlike faith. Here, childlike faith means putting
the children to him absolute trust in God— trust to take care of us, trust to do what’s
and said, “Let the best for us, and trust to give us the good things He promises.

little children come to This level of trust is not unlike what a young child has for a parent.
me, and do not When a little kid looks at Mommy or Daddy, they don’t see a big,
hinder them, for the powerful adult who’s smarter and stronger than they are. Though
Mommy and Daddy represent these things, to children they are
kingdom of God loving, caring figures who make their world safe.
belongs to such as
these. Truly I tell you, Adults usually don’t come to Jesus with this kind of attitude. We
think He’s too busy solving wars, world hunger and other global-
anyone who will not scale problems to bother taking us on His lap and nurturing us. We
receive the kingdom might even think He’s more eager to punish us than treat us like

of God like a little precious children. Yet, as 1 John says, precious children is exactly
what we are. Jesus wants us to come to Him every day. He is
child will never enter never too busy, and His heart is always open to His children.
it.”
—Luke 18:15-17

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FEB10 Inquire of God
Reading horoscopes and following astrology is a popular pastime,

When someone even among Christians. Many Christians say, “I don’t take this
seriously; it’s just for fun.” Indeed, it might be difficult to find a true
tells you to consult Christian who actually plans his or her day according to astrological
mediums and charts, psychic predictions or tarot readings. However, today’s verse
reminds us these activities are not “just for fun.” They are both sinful
spiritualists, who and dangerous.
whisper and mutter,
Many Christians might consider this harsh, or say that the Old
should not a Testament takes too hard a line against people whose beliefs are
people inquire of different. However, in telling Isaiah this, God’s goal was not to be

their God? Why intolerant. Instead, He was warning Isaiah that it’s unwise to trust
anyone who relies on anything other than God. In today’s verse,
consult the dead mediums and people like them are described as “whispering and
on behalf of the muttering,” not engaging in real communication. God goes on to ask
why anyone would consult the dead on behalf of the living, when
living? the dead no longer have anything to do with what goes on in our
world.
—Isaiah 8:19
Not knowing the future is sometimes scary, and it can be tempting
to go to a psychic or have your cards read “just this once.” Resist
this temptation—run from it if you have to. It can lead to occult
activities, and more importantly, it hurts God’s heart. God is all-
knowing and the definition of love and wisdom. He wants us to
inquire of Him about the future, as well as the past and present.
His words are not predictions; they are always true and spoken with
your best interest at heart.

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FEB11 Dealing With Anger Issues
Anger is probably the toughest emotion to control. How can we obey the

Everyone should be instructions of today’s verse and set an example for our kids when listening
carefully and thinking before speaking doesn’t come naturally? Here are
quick to listen, slow some ways to do so in your own life and show your children how to do it,
to speak, and slow too.

to become angry.  Set an example. If your kids see you raging over little things,
they’ll learn this is a proper response.
—James 1:19  Know your tr iggers. Understand what sets you off and work on
dealing with it.
 Watch your mouth. Avoid cursing or using slurs when angry.
If you do, apologize immediately if your kids hear you.
 Confront the real problem. Are you really angry at the
situation or person, or is something else bothering you?
 If your words or actions hurt someone, be willing to apologize
and ask forgiveness
 Avoid perpetually angry people. Try responding
positively. If that doesn’t work, walk away.
 Journal about what makes you angry. Often, writing
down your feelings diffuses them.
 Designate “safe people” to talk to about anger. For a
child, this could be a parent, teacher, Sunday school leader or
pastor.
 Study what “righteous anger” means. Teach yourself and your
children situations when it’s okay to be angry.
 Control your actions. Never allow yourself or your child to hit
or hurt another person or a pet in anger
 Watch caffeine and junk food. They can release hormones
that can play havoc with emotions.
 Sleep well. Angry outbursts often happen when we’re tired or cranky.
 Teach children good ways to express anger. These can
include writing down letters, going to a protest or boycotting
a product.
 Exercise regularly. It clears your head and releases endorphins.
 Designate a “chill-out area.” Visit this place when the need to
cool down comes, and teach your children to do the same.

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 Pray. God listens
better than anyone
else does, and He
can help you find
lasting solutions.

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FEB12 Do
Sometimes, listening to sermons and reading what the Bible says is

Do not merely the easy part. Implementing what the Bible says, on the other hand,
can be much more challenging.
listen to the word
and so deceive Some readers interpret this verse to mean that if you memorize
Scripture, you will always be able to do what the Bible says, because
yourselves. Do you will have its words in your brain permanently. Memorizing
what it says. Scripture is, in fact, a great way to become a “doer of the Word,”
but don’t let your efforts stop there. Actions speak louder than
Anyone who listens words, especially to non-Christians. If you aren’t sure how to become
to the word but a doer of the Word, these tips may help:

does not do what  Ask yourself, God and others what your gifts

it says is like are. Understanding your spiritual gifts can point you to
specific tasks. Is your gift teaching? Ask to lead or co-
someone who looks facilitate a Bible study. Is it serving? Maybe the church
at his face in a kitchen staff needs help preparing the potluck dinner for
next month.
mirror and, after  Always be ready to give. This doesn’t have to mean
looking at himself, money to charities like Food for the Hungry; you could
goes away and donate clothing and possessions to charities like Goodwill.
Is there a talent you could give to help your church family?
immediately forgets
what he looks like.  Be an encourager. Give the people around you specific
praise (e.g., “You did a great job on that project; I admire
your skill with finances.”)
—James 1:22-24  Branch out in your devotional time. Find a Bible
study that captures your interest, use an audio Bible or
play praise music while praying.
 Practice forgiveness for those who wrong you.
If the situation is ongoing or serious, seek help from a
pastor, counselor, trusted family member or friend.

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FEB13 Wisdom, Patience
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, but it is one of the hardest ones to

A person’s wisdom cultivate. Christians are taught to love others, and on most days,
we like to think we do a pretty good job. However, most of us also
yields patience; it is have one or two people in our lives who try our patience like no
to one’s glory to one else can.

overlook an Difficult people can take many forms. For some, it’s the fellow
offense. church member who perpetually complains and criticizes.
Sometimes it’s the grandparent or elderly neighbor who seems

—Proverbs 19:11 fixated on how horrible the world is today. Sometimes it’s the child
in your life who constantly throws tantrums or sulks, no matter
what you do. Unfortunately, over time, these offenses toward us
build until we can’t look at them without seeing a list of
wrongdoings and shortcomings.

Today’s verse challenges us to go against human nature and forgive

those offenses. In fact, the Word specifically states it is “to our
glory” to overlook them. In other words, the more patient we are,
the more Christ-like we become. The more Christ-like we become,
the more we share in His glory on Earth and eventually in Heaven.
Overlooking offenses is difficult, especially if the person needles you
over and over. Yet, it is not impossible if you use the tools at your
disposal.
 Pray. Do it silently and quickly the minute the difficult
person in your life starts needling you again. Pray
specifically for patience, love and a change in both your
hearts when you have more time.
 Remind yourself and the other person of his or
her good traits. This will help take your focus from
offenses.
 Ask the person if he or she has a prayer need.
Sometimes difficult people act as they do because life
isn’t going well.

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FEB14 A Selfless Love (The Story of Ruth and
Naomi)
But Ruth replied, February often brings love to mind, especially on Valentine’s Day.
“Where you go I Today, let’s examine one of the most poignant stories of selfless love

will go, and where in the Bible. The story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi is
probably familiar, but it bears close examination.
you stay I will stay.
Your people will be Many Christians aren’t fully aware of what Ruth was asking to do in
this verse. Ruth was a young widow and a Moabite woman. If she
my people and returned to Israel with Naomi, she would know no one and be totally
your God will be alone except for her mother-in- law, who the chapter also tells us was
already bitter because of her own widowhood and the deaths of her
my God.” sons.

—Ruth 1:16 Worse, Ruth would be considered a foreigner and an outsider

because the Moabites worshiped different gods. One of these gods
was Chemosh, a destroyer god and “abomination to Israel,” who
required child sacrifice. Ruth could be shunned just for association
with this god, never mind whether she actively practiced his rites.

Despite all this, Ruth chose to go to Israel with Naomi. The story
doesn’t spell it out, but we can infer she had a deep, sacrificial love
for her mother-in-law. Ruth proved this love with her promise to
make Israel her people and their God hers, embracing a whole new
way of life and religion. Her strength, courage and good heart
have been lauded for centuries.

Most of us will not be asked to travel to a new nation to show

sacrificial love. Yet we can all show it in small ways on Valentine’s
Day and every day. Ask God how He would have you show love
today.

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FEB15 Praying for Our Leaders
In today’s verse, Paul tells us that all leaders, from national to local, need

I urge, then, first of our prayers. Prayer may not change their decisions or hearts, but it does
please God, who is our ultimate leader and ruler.
all, that petitions,
prayers, Praying for leaders can be a daunting task, since they have so many
duties and affect so many people. These things to pray over leaders can
intercession and help you gain a new perspective on them and what they do.
thanksgiving be
 Pray for their minds. Leaders have tons of things to think –
made for all pray for their clarity and focus in decision-making.
people—for kings  Pray for their feet, that your leaders will be safe wherever they go.

and all those in  Pray for their arms, that they will be strong enough to hold
burdens and gentle enough to reach out to people around
authority, that we them.
may live peaceful  Pray for their souls. Ask that non-Christian leaders come
to know Jesus, and that Christian ones remain strong in faith.
and quiet lives in  Pray for their health, that all your leaders remain active, vital
all godliness and and able to complete the tasks before them.
 Pray for their families. Leaders sacrifice time with their
holiness. This is spouses, children and other family members to serve you
good, and pleases every day.

God our savior.  Pray for their coworkers. Leaders need patience,
especially when confronted with personalities, priorities or
policies they don’t agree with.
—1 Timothy 2:1-3  Pray for leaders’ speech, that it will be gracious,
truthful and meaningful.
 Pray against oppression, that anyone under an oppressive
leader will find strength and hope in God and that the leader’s
heart will be changed.
 Pray against disagreements, that disagreements between
leaders and their people can happen without rage, violence or
slander.
 Pray for impartiality, that all leaders will be impartial,
showing no favoritism.
 Pray for humility, that your leaders will be humble enough to
admit and try to rectify mistakes.

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 Pray for peace
in your country,
that your leaders
won’t have to
face the
devastation of
war.

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FEB16 The Story of Martha
Martha is another biblical character who often gets a bad

As Jesus and reputation. Most retellings of her story skim over this verse and go
straight to the part everyone remembers—Martha being worried
His disciples and distracted because of all the preparations involved in having
were on their Jesus visit. People often think of Martha as shrewish, demanding
Jesus make Mary help her.
way, He came to
a village where a Martha’s character goes much deeper than that, though. Focus on
the last part of today’s verse. Martha opened her home to Jesus. She
woman named was the house owner, and as such, it was her responsibility to show
Martha opened hospitality. Furthermore, her actions show she knew who Jesus was and
her home to him. loved Him dearly. Thus, she put her best efforts into preparing the
house for Him and cooking a delicious meal. Yes, Martha was easily
worried and distracted, but she was also a hard worker with a
—Luke 10:38 generous heart who gave her best effort to everything she did.

Like Martha, we can sometimes feel as if our character is being

summed up into one or two words, or that we’re being judged
because of one incident where we didn’t act our best. We might
even feel, as some Christians do, that Jesus loves us less because of
it—that He openly favors the “Marys” of our world.

If you are more a “Martha” than a “Mary,” embrace this truth

today. God made you to serve diligently and give generously, and
He does not love you any less for being worried and distracted at
times. Furthermore, He doesn’t love others any less because of their
faults or judge their entire character based on one incident. Jesus
sees and loves the whole person, just as we should.

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FEB1 Thoughts and Focus

7
Part of being a Christian involves watching and sometimes changing
the things we think about and the way we think about them. This
doesn’t mean policing our thoughts nonstop. Rather, it means
focusing on the things that today’s verse says we should. At times,
this simple call can be quite difficult. Our world is full of negative
Finally, brothers, events, hard-hearted people and actions that are neither lovely nor
praiseworthy. How can we realistically keep our thoughts positive
whatever is true, and pleasing to God while still dealing effectively with life?
whatever is noble,
whatever is right, Sometimes, the answer can be as simple as refocusing your
thoughts. For example, if you find your thoughts racing with worry as
whatever is pure, you lie in bed at night, try praying or repeating favorite Scriptures
whatever is lovely, silently to calm down. If the first thought you have when you see a
certain coworker is negative, send up a quick, general prayer for that
whatever is person, and continue to pray throughout the day as he or she comes
admirable—if to mind.

anything is Many Christians, however, deal with ongoing negative or sinful

excellent or thoughts in one or two particular areas. If you were addicted to

praiseworthy, think pornography before accepting Christ, you may still have lustful
thoughts or the desire to visit certain websites. If you are living with
about such things. a chronic disease or disability, you may continually struggle with the
thought that your life matters less than everyone else’s life.
—Philippians 4:8
In the case of ongoing thoughts, accountability and counseling may
help. Fall back on certain calming activities when these thoughts
arise. Try journaling, turning on praise music, going for a walk or
watching an uplifting movie or TV show. As time progresses, you will
be more able to focus on praiseworthy things.

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FEB18 Work and Commitment
The Christian life is often compared to a marathon, training for the

[I am] confident of Olympics, or some other difficult athletic challenge. In fact, Paul
talks often about fighting the good fight and racing to win the
this, that He who eternal prize of Heaven and Jesus’ approval. Everyone’s race looks
began a good different, but they all can seem long and arduous at times. That’s why
today’s promise is so vital.
work in you will
carry it on to Have you ever started a project with great intentions, especially
around the beginning of the year, but forgot to finish it? Maybe you
completion until the promised yourself you’d finally write that novel, or maybe you
day of Christ Jesus. wanted to make your own bookcases for a private study. For
whatever reason though, many of these projects tend to be
—Philippians 1:6 forgotten in a short time. Then they lie around the house unfinished.

Jesus is not at all like us in this regard. He never starts something He

doesn’t finish, and this is especially true of people. From the time
you are born, Jesus uses people and events to draw you toward
Him. Once you become a Christian, He works inside you so you
become more like Him. He doesn’t stop until He is satisfied with the
results and knows you have embraced the person He made you to
be.

If your road to completion in anything, especially spiritual matters,

seems long today, express that to Jesus. Ask Him to help you trust in
His timing and process and to show you His love. You will see
progress, and you will know who and what you were created to be.
That progress will lead you on a journey where God uses you to
further His kingdom every day.

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FEB19 Gratification
We live in a society of instant gratification. No matter how much
Jacob replied, “First we try to control or hide it, we want what we want, and we want it
right now. Perhaps no one knew this better than Esau. In this
sell me your famous Genesis passage, we see him selling his birthright and
birthright.” blessing for a simple bowl of stew.

“Look, I am about to It’s easy to read this story and scoff at Esau, telling ourselves how
die,” Esau said. stupid he was and that we’d never do something like that. Truthfully,
most of us probably wouldn’t sign away our families, careers, faith or
“What good is the other vital parts of our lives for a meal. Still, how many times do
birthright to me?” But we give in to the temptation of cheap thrills and instant
Jacob said, “Swear gratification on a daily basis? We’ve had a hard day at work, so
to me first” So he we binge-watch a TV show instead of helping a spouse with chores.
We want something sugary or fattening, so we eat that instead of the
swore an oath to him, healthy foods our body needs. We buy our children toys whenever
selling his birthright they ask, because we feel guilty about leaving them with babysitters
to Jacob. while we work.

Then Jacob gave If we insist on instant gratification all the time, we will end up
Esau some bread physically, emotionally and spiritually miserable, and potentially set a
bad example for our children and other, less-experienced Christians.
and some lentil stew. Today, ask yourself if you often give in to the pull of instant
He ate and drank, gratification and if so, in what areas. What triggers your lapses in
and then got up and judgment in these areas? Once you know, ask God to show you how
to change. Write down a plan or some realistic goals, and ask for
left. So Esau accountability from a family member or friend.
despised his birthright.
—Genesis
[Link]-34

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FEB20 Social Justice
Social justice is a hot topic among many Christians, as we

Do not go over debate what it means in a modern context. Some Christians accuse
others of not caring for the poor and needy enough, focusing too
your vineyard a much on social issues such as gay marriage, abortion and fiscal
second time or pick responsibility. Christians in this group, in turn, accuse their fellow
believers of not being discerning enough, not being fair to life inside
up the grapes that the womb, and contributing to the decline of values by accepting
have fallen. Leave lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lifestyles. Whatever
Christian camp you fall into, neither of these attitudes reflect true
them for the poor social justice.
and the foreigner. I
am the Lord your What then, is true social justice? Today’s verses give us a clue. God
simply says to leave part of what you have for the poor and the
God. foreigner, which today could mean anyone who is less fortunate
than you. God does not specify whether this person is a Democrat
—Leviticus 19:9- or Republican, what his or her orientation is, or whether he or she is
a vegetarian, abstains from alcohol, or eats only kosher food. In
10 several other verses throughout the Bible, Jesus indicates that our
primary responsibility to needy people is kindness and generosity.

Additionally, God expects our generous hearts to be sincere and as

open as possible. This verse uses the word “leave” in the context of
giving to the poor and needy. In other words, letting them have their
share. It does not, however, mean that poor people should get
only what we do not want. When you donate to charity, be sure
you’re giving possessions in good condition. Give out of the best of
what you have, and you will be rewarded.

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FEB21 Doubt and Belief
When most Christians read the story surrounding today’s verse, they

But [Thomas] said do it with the goal of teaching listeners not to be a “doubting
Thomas.” A close reading of the text, however, reveals Jesus did not
to them, “Unless I condemn Thomas’ doubts. He simply asked him to stop doubting and
see the nail marks believe. Thomas was blessed for his belief, and his name is still
popular among Christians today. He shares it with such paragons as
in His hands and philosopher Thomas Aquinas.
put my finger
If the point of Thomas’ story isn’t, “Don’t be like this person,” then
where the nails what is it? Jesus’ willingness to let Thomas see physical evidence of His
were, and put my crucifixion, as well as His admonition not to be afraid, can show us

hand into His the answer.

side, I will not Christians are asked to accept many things on faith—that Jesus was
believe.” a real person, that He died and rose again, and that He is present in
everyday life. Sometimes though, we need evidence of Him that we

—John 20:24b can see and touch.

Sometimes we condemn non-Christians because they ask for evidence
like this, forgetting that at one time we had no more faith than
they do.

Remember that every person is different, so every potential

Christian is different. Some will gladly accept your testimony on faith
alone. Others, like Thomas, are of a more practical and intellectual
bent. They will want practical evidence.

You can’t physically show them Jesus’ scars, but you can and should
tell them what He has done in your life. If you have physical evidence
that aligns with any of your stories, show this as well. If you allow
people to see, they are more likely to believe and rejoice.

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FEB22 Andrew’s Gifts
When Christians are asked to name Jesus’ disciples, Simon (also

The first thing known as Peter) is probably the first they choose. Afterward, they
might name disciples Matthew, James or John. Andrew is rarely in the
Andrew did was to top five or even top 10 list of familiar disciples. Even in the Bible,
find his brother Andrew is commonly referred to as “Simon Peter’s brother,” almost
as if he were an extension of his name.
Simon and tell him,
“We have found Perhaps you sometimes feel like Andrew might have felt when
compared to Simon. Maybe you’re a devoted Christian, but someone
the Messiah” (that else in your family, friend group or church always seems to outshine
is the Christ). And you. Maybe you love attending Bible study but rarely speak because

he brought him to the extroverts in the room always seem to voice your thoughts
before you can.
Jesus.
This can get discouraging, but focus on one key thing about Andrew.
—John 1:41-42 Today’s verses tell us that Andrew, not Peter, was the first in his
family to believe and follow Jesus. Andrew actually brought Peter to
Jesus; without his brother, Peter may not have become the disciple
he’s known as today.

If you are more like Andrew than Peter, rejoice in your unique
personality and gifts. You may not have the flashiest testimony, but
you may have the depth of faith someone needs to believe in Jesus.
Even if others forget what you’ve done or don’t acknowledge you as
often as you’d like, Jesus remembers.
Moreover, He is pleased with you just as you are. Keep doing what
He calls you to do, and don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold.
Yours is perfect.

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FEB23 Dieting
Does God care about what we eat? Today’s verses seem to

At the end of the indicate He does. Many Christians, and one author in particular, have
used these verses as the foundation for a diet called the Daniel Plan,
10 days, they which is heavy on vegetables, water and other healthy foods.
looked healthier Healthy foods are a crucial part of a fulfilling lifestyle, and they can
improve our physical, emotional and spiritual outlook.
and better Yet, studying Daniel 1 will reveal that God had more on His mind than
nourished than any what is on our plates.

of the young men Before this interaction with a Babylonian palace guard, Daniel and
who ate the royal his three friends were offered rich local food the royals ate. Even

food. So the guard though the Bible doesn’t tell us what these foods were, they were
probably a great temptation to young men who, it seems, were
took away their raised on plenty of vegetables. Yet, all four of these young men
choice food and freely offered to give up this royal treatment to be tested with
healthier, but less appealing foods. At the end of 10 days, they
the wine they were were actually healthier than the other captives with them.
to drink and gave
Can you relate to Daniel? Have you ever been offered
them vegetables something “rich” or “royal” that, while not sinful, would not be
instead. healthy for you? It could be food— perhaps you’ve just committed to
a diet, and after a few weeks, your friends implore you to eat a
—Daniel 1:15-16 meal of fried foods and sweets with them. It could be extra time
off from work; your boss approves, but you know you should really
come in to help a coworker who’s trying to care for a baby.

No matter what, the test can be extremely hard. When facing a test
like this, pray and seek wise counsel. Weigh the pros and cons, and
ask yourself how you’ll feel later.

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FEB2 God’s Honor Roll

4
Being a Christian is perhaps the best decision you can make. Eternal
life is guaranteed, and blessings in this life are promised to those
who obey God. That being said, being a Christian is fraught with
hardship. Most Christians face myriad temptations, whether they’re
small or huge. It’s easy to become worn down from refusing or
A scroll of running from temptation. This is especially true if Satan confronts

remembrance was you with the same temptation over and over, which he will do to
attack you.
written in His
presence Today’s verse offers renewed hope and an extra dose of spiritual
strength. Some pastors and writers refer to this scroll of
concerning those remembrance as “God’s honor roll.” This phrase doesn’t mean God
who feared the plays favorites. He adores all His children and wants to bless them
all, but particular strength in the face of adversity does warrant
Lord and honored extra attention.
His name.
In James, we are told that even enduring Christians will receive a
—Malachi 3:16 special crown in Heaven to commemorate their faith. Being on this
honor roll is a bit like being on the dean’s list—not a necessity for
recognition, but a reward for special effort.

The good news is that to God, every effort is “special effort.” All
who are called will be on a scroll of remembrance in Heaven one
day. Some may have bigger crowns and more rewards than others,
but we will all be praised. That said, if you want to increase your
rewards, ask God how to do so. Ask Him for pure motives and a
sincere heart, as well as the strength to stand up under adversity. He
will answer with an immediate, absolute “yes.”

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

FEB25 Sacrifice
Sometimes, God will ask us to sacrifice someone or something that

Then his sister is dear to us in order to grow our faith. This doesn’t always mean
the person dies or that we never see the person or thing again.
asked Pharaoh’s However, it often signals a painful separation. This was certainly
daughter, “Shall I the case for Jocheved. This young Hebrew mother knew she had to
save her baby, Moses, from being killed because of Pharaoh’s edict
go and get one of against Hebrew baby boys. She knew saving her baby would mean
the Hebrew giving him up.

women to nurse Almost as if adding insult to injury, God ordained that Pharaoh’s
the baby for you?” daughter would find Moses and he would be raised as an Egyptian

“Yes, go,” she prince. Remember though, that God is not cruel or selfish. He
understands exactly what He’s doing when He asks his children for
answered. So the sacrifices. He knows what it costs them and shares in their pain.
girl went and got Because of this, He sometimes allows a gift along with the
sacrifice.
the baby’s mother.
For Jocheved, that gift was becoming Moses’ wet nurse. It wasn’t
—Exodus 2:7-8 the same as raising the baby herself, but she would be an integral
part of his life. She would be present to watch him grow up and
to tell him of the wondrous works of the Israelites’ God.

If you have been asked to sacrifice a beloved person, pet or

other part of your life, let Jocheved’s story give you hope. God will
not always give back or wholly replace what you have lost. Whether
He does depends on what is best for you in the long run. However,
He always rewards sacrifice in some way. He may send you a gift
related to your sacrifice, or He may point you toward something
better that you never imagined. Express your emotions and pain,
but then praise Him for the opportunity to grow, and look for the
gift.

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FEB26 Following Your Heart
“Follow your heart” is a popular phrase in today’s culture,

The heart is especially when it comes to romance. People are urged to follow
their hearts when making all kinds of choices, but today’s verse
deceitful above all cautions against it. According to Jeremiah, the heart easily and
things and beyond constantly lies to us. Some translations call the heart
“desperately wicked” as well.
cure. Who can
understand it? This may seem harsh, but the human heart is inclined toward sin
and wrong decisions. That’s why we must ask Jesus to change our

—Jeremiah 17:9 hearts, not our behavior. When He convicts us of something we

need to change, our first instinct is often to try modifying our
behavior as much as possible. For example, if convicted of a
tendency toward anger, you may make up your mind to be as
peaceful and calm as possible. That’s fine, but it will likely backfire.
You’ll end up bottling your emotions until you explode over a trivial
matter, and the guilt cycle will begin all over again.

Throughout Jeremiah, God uses the Old Testament prophet to

teach us that heart changes are better and more permanent than
behavioral modifications. What’s the difference? Behavioral
changes work from the outside in and depend on human strength.
Heart changes come from the inside and are dependent on
God’s strength.

Has God convicted you of something in your heart that needs to

change? Today is a great day to repent, acknowledge your
need and ask for help. Acknowledge that behavior changes don’t
last and often leave you in worse shape than before. Then trust
God to heal your heart, which will ultimately show in your
actions.

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FEB27 (Subtle) Disobedience
Christians, and even most non-Christians, recognize Satan as a

[The serpent] said tempter and a liar. However, Satan is also crafty. As today’s verse
proves, rarely does he try to make us disobey God outright.
to the woman, “Did Christians are particularly vulnerable to this trick because Satan
God really say, knows they already believe in and love God.
Instead of trying to push them into disobedience, he tends to
‘You must not eat wrap its tentacles around them slowly.
from any tree in
Eve was the first such person to get caught in those tentacles,
the garden?’” and it all started with one simple question. “Did God really say
… ?” Satan often does not want us to dispute what God says;
—Genesis 3:1b he wants us to question whether God truly meant what He said,
or meant it the way we know He did.

This sort of deception pops up all the time, especially among the
faithful. Many people, even some claiming to be Christian, twist
Scripture to mean what they think it should, sometimes innocently
and sometimes with malicious intent. As a result, people get hurt
and some walk away from Christianity altogether.

If you suspect someone is twisting Scripture, or if Satan is attacking

you by twisting Scripture in your own mind, cry out to God
immediately. Ask Him, “What did you really say?” Study Scripture
diligently and ask for discernment.

If a certain question proves hard for you, go to a pastor or Sunday

school leader you trust. Memorize Scripture so you can arm yourself
and say, “I am confident that God said this about X situation, and
His words are true.” Satan cannot speak anything but lies. God, on
the other hand, is truth personified and will always stand with you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

FEB28 First Love
Jesus speaks today’s verse to the church in Ephesus. It seems like a

Yet I hold this simple message, but what does He mean? Just a few verses before,
He praises the Ephesus church for its perseverance, good deeds
against you: you and discernment. Why, then, does He admonish the members here
have forsaken the —and why does He say they’ve forsaken their first love? Shouldn’t
Ephesus’ deeds prove this church loves Jesus?
love you had at
first. The answer to this question is a bit complicated, but it’s simpler
than it looks. Jesus does expect His people to bear fruit and is

—Revelation 2:4 pleased when we do. Throughout the Bible, though, Jesus (as well
as the writers He inspired) warns us that works aren’t enough to
advance our faith. We must focus on the Person of Christ. Unlike
other religions, Christianity isn’t about what we do for God. It’s
about what God has done and continues to do for us.

Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He spoke to Ephesus. The

church members had plenty of evidence that they loved Him, but
their focus strayed. Maybe the members were so caught up in
activity and religion that they forgot to appreciate who Jesus is.
Maybe you’re experiencing something similar as you struggle to
be the perfect Christian.

Jesus urges you to stop striving so hard. Instead, go back to “the

love you had at first.” Ask yourself when you last prayed and
thanked Jesus for some of His specific traits or anything specific He
has done for you. If it’s been a while, do so now. Ask Jesus to
restore your first love and the joy of your salvation.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

MAR01 Spring Cleaning for the Soul
As March begins, many of us look forward to spring cleaning. Spring
cleaning is sometimes difficult, but always brings relief. As we air out
our houses, get rid of clutter and dust or vacuum, we often sense that
winter’s heaviness has been lifted from our homes, bodies and hearts.
Somehow, when spring cleaning is done, every part of our lives feels
much less cluttered. We can then focus on important goals and
personal growth.

Our souls can benefit from spring cleaning, too. The soul’s version
looks much different from the physical one but is even more important
than cleaning our homes. This March, take time to consider the areas
where your soul might need cleaning. Has cold weather kept you
inside, depending on television and movies for entertainment? Have
you given in to the temptation to sleep in instead of attending
church? Maybe you’ve gotten bored with Bible reading.

No matter what, don’t get overwhelmed at the prospect of spring

cleaning. Pray and meditate to determine how God wants you to
handle each area. Ask Him if you can tackle something with baby
steps or if He wants you to completely change something right
away. If this area has needed cleansing for a long time, you might
benefit from accountability partners in a Sunday school class or Bible

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind.
—Romans 12:2

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MAR0 Learning to Wait on God

2
Waiting often feels like the hardest thing we’re asked to do. It
makes us feel anxious and impatient because while we’re waiting,
we don’t feel like we’re doing anything truly productive. Since
waiting periods can be long, they can drain our hope. We can give
up on the idea that the event we’re anticipating will ever happen.
Wait for the Lord;
Many people in the Bible knew exactly how waiting felt. Sarah and
be strong and take Abraham waited decades to have a child; both were elderly when it
heart, and wait for finally happened. The Israelites waited generations to be delivered

the Lord. from slavery in Egypt. Israel’s judges waited, seemingly in vain, for
an end to Canaanite oppression.
Christians continue to wait for Jesus’ second coming.
—Psalm 27:14
Perhaps you, too, have waited a long time for God to answer your
prayers or give you direction. You might feel foolish for waiting,
especially if the people in your life have been telling you to get up
and do something. Of course, sometimes God asks us to take steps
to get what we want. You should always ask Him if there are specific
things you should do during your waiting period. However, if God
does not show you anything, be as patient as possible. Keep waiting
for Him and don’t let others dissuade you. Find people who will
encourage and strengthen you in your waiting, and seek new ways
to draw closer to God during this time. That could mean worshipping
in a new way, starting a new Bible translation, or taking up a new
ministry. Your waiting will be rewarded; don’t give up.

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MAR0 Noah’s Courageous Act of Obedience

3
The story of Noah’s ark is a familiar one. In fact, most of us
focus our attention on the ark without giving much of it to Noah.
Noah only appears in a small section of Genesis, but he is one of
the most important and courageous figures in the Bible.

God saw how Genesis 7 tells us that Noah was six hundred years old when God
corrupt the earth fulfilled His promise to destroy the earth. Before then, he spent years
building the ark. The Bible doesn’t explicitly say so, but we can infer
had become, for all that Noah’s contemporaries wondered what he was doing. Many
the people on earth people probably laughed at him and called him foolish. They

had corrupted their probably scoffed at the idea that God would really destroy the earth.
After all, He had tolerated their wickedness for decades— perhaps
ways. So God said centuries. He’d have no reason to destroy them now after all those
to Noah … “I am generations.

surely going to Noah had every reason not to obey God. He didn’t see immediate
destroy both them fulfillment of what God said, and the evidence before him indicated
and the earth. So he was a fool. Most Christians have felt this way at some time in
their spiritual walks. God has promised them something or asked
make for yourself an them to do something, yet their obedience only seems to bring
ark of cypress trouble.
wood; make rooms If you’re experiencing something like this now, study Noah’s
in it and coat it example. He obeyed God despite evidence. Twice, we’re told he
with pitch inside did “all that the Lord commanded him,” not missing a single detail.
and out.” Because of his commitment, he and his family were saved, and Noah
was remembered as an important biblical figure. It may be slow in
coming, but your obedience will be rewarded.
—Genesis 6:12-
15

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MAR0 The Value of Diligence

4
Work is part of life. It’s so normal that most of us do it without
thinking much. Tasks must be completed so homes and businesses
can run smoothly.
Sometimes, though, our work can seem especially hard—even
oppressive. Our workloads don’t get any smaller. Our houses never
But as for you, be seem clean enough, our children and spouses never seem content

strong and do not enough, and our ministries often feel more like burdens than
blessings.
give up, for your
work will be King Asa of 2 Chronicles could probably identify with the strain of
hard work. He became king of Israel at a time when the nation
rewarded. had been “without the true God, without a priest, and without
the law.” Instead, idols and pagan practices replaced God, and
—2 Chronicles Israel found itself crushed and oppressed. The Bible tells us Asa

15:7 made many significant reforms, but he was possibly overwhelmed at

the scope of them. He probably became discouraged at what they
entailed; 2 Chronicles 15 reveals he had to depose his own
grandmother from her position as queen mother because she
worshipped Asherah.

You may not be dealing with idol worship at work or in your

home, but your tasks may seem as huge and impossible as Asa’s. If
that’s the case, give yourself permission to rest. Pray about your
work, asking God which tasks are important and which can be
delegated. Additionally, ask God for new joy in your work. Once
you’ve had quality rest, return to your tasks with a new heart and
new strength. You’ll complete tasks more effectively. You’ll also see
yourself and others grow and change for the better.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

MAR0 What Are Your Idols?

5
In ancient Israel, it was not uncommon for people to make literal
idols. These were often statues of wood, stone or metal
representing gods and goddesses of the day. Baal, Asherah and
similar deities were especially popular, since they were associated
with fertility and prosperity. God knew the idols were part of the
Therefore, watch surrounding culture, but in His love and holy jealousy, He forbade

yourselves very Israel to worship them or have anything to do with them.

carefully, so that Today, it’s rare to see an actual idol in anyone’s home or church. In

you do not fact, some Christians assume they’re safe from idolatry if they don’t
sacrifice to statues or participate in other religions’ worship. Actually,
become corrupt idolatry is far more insidious now than it was in ancient Israel.
and make for Today’s idols can be almost anything. You can make an idol of your
career, money, family, hobbies, or possessions. The Bible explains
yourselves an idol, many times how serious idolatry is, so you must avoid it.
an image of any
shape. But how do you know when something you enjoy or need has
become an idol? You’ll likely feel a check in your spirit. Ask God to
show you where it comes from and how to handle it. You might
—Deuteronomy also notice a deeper than normal emotional connection to the idol.
4:15b-16a Ask yourself how you would react if you lost it. If you can’t imagine
living a fulfilling life without that person or thing, you may have
an idol in your heart.

Fortunately, idolatry is forgivable and repairable. Once you know an

idol exists, repent of your attitude. Ask God how to stop idolizing
anything but Him and where the root of your idolatry lies. For
example, if you idolize family members because you fear something
bad will happen to them, place them in God’s hands. Ask for
deeper trust in His ability to care for your family.

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MAR0 Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

6
Hunger and thirst are two of the most basic human needs—two that
demand to be fulfilled several times daily. If you’ve ever gone
without food or water for a time, you know how miserable it can
feel. Your stomach growls and twists. Your throat feels dry. Talking
takes too much energy, so you don’t use your voice. If you remain
Blessed are those hungry and thirsty for a significant period, you may become

who hunger and malnourished. Your body may become distended, your lips dry, and
your hair and nails brittle.
thirst for
righteousness, for Most of us would never allow our bodies to deteriorate on this level.
However, many of us (even Christians) don’t fulfill our needs for
they will be filled. righteousness the way we do our needs for food and drink. Over
time, we stop craving God. Instead, we fill our minds and lives with
—Matthew 5:6 empty entertainment and negativity. We avoid church, ministry and
Christians because they make us thirsty. We don’t know how to be
filled again. We become prone to gossiping, criticizing, complaining
and judging.

If you’re hungry or thirsty physically, reach out for food and drink.
The same is true for righteousness. If you experience symptoms of a
lack of righteousness, ask Jesus to fill you. Determine why you have
gone so long without feeding your soul. If it’s sin, don’t hide from
God. Confess and receive His mercy. If you’re bored with prayer and
Bible reading, shake up your routine. Seek Christian friends who will
feed their souls with you and make sure you stay satisfied. Fill your
mind with uplifting thoughts and activities.

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MAR0 Filling Physical Needs

7
James, Jesus’ brother and a devout believer, had no problem stepping
on Christians’ toes to share his message. Today’s verse is a perfect
example. It challenges Christians on a pressing issue within the
church and our personal circles. We often commit to praying for
others. We wish them peace and blessings. Yet we aren’t as attentive
If one of you says as we could be to physical needs. In some cases, Christians become

to them, “Go in so concerned about others’ souls that they completely ignore
tangible needs.
peace; keep warm
and well fed,” but This is a sin, but an easy one to fall into. Jesus speaks often about
Heaven, hell and eternal life in the Gospels. Heaven is such a
does nothing about wonderful hope for Christians and hell is so horrific that we should be
their physical concerned about others’ salvation. If the person you share the
Gospel with is impoverished, sick or hurting, though, he or she is far
needs, what good less likely to hear and respond to your message.
is it?
When ministering to someone, balance your response to his or her
—James 2:16 physical and spiritual needs. Whenever possible, meet the physical
needs first. If you know your neighbor’s kids need warm coats for
school, supply them from a charity, local store or your own closet.
When visiting a sick friend in the hospital, ask what you can do to
help him or her feel better. Maybe you can bring a favorite food,
read to them or help them shower or bathe. Once you meet
physical needs, you can offer to pray or open a conversation about
God. The person will probably be more receptive, and both of you
will walk away blessed.

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MAR0 Powerful Women of the Bible

8
Being a Christian woman can sometimes feel like a difficult job. In today’s
verse, women are encouraged to be reverent, loving, pure, productive, self-
controlled and kind. It almost seems as though biblical women were expected
to be perfect and that today’s are still held to that impossible expectation.

Likewise, teach the God does not expect any of us, men or women, to be sinless. He knows we
older women to be are human, and so He gives us plenty of grace and mercy. God also knows
we’re capable of being kind, self-controlled, reverent and powerful, so He
reverent in the way gives us examples to follow.
they live, not to be
slanderers or Women especially should seek out these examples and ask God for help
addicted to much emulating them. Knowing about the influential women in the Bible can
increase faith, diligence and many other virtues. It can also help women feel
wine, but to teach more confident and able to complete the tasks God sets before them. This
what is good. Then month, commit to studying and imitating some of these individuals.
they can urge the  Mary. Declare you are the Lord’s servant, obeying what He asks
younger women to you to do despite risks.
love their husbands  Anna. Pray diligently, “asking, seeking, and knocking.” Rejoice
and children, to be when He answers your prayers.

self-controlled and  Esther. Stand up for those in your life who can’t speak for
pure, to be busy at themselves. Ally yourself with those who need you—even if it
seems frightening.
home, to be kind,
and to be subject to  Sarah. Wait patiently for God to answer your prayers and
show you direction.
their husbands, so
 Ruth. Nurture your family and spouse with compassion and
that no one will unconditional love.
malign the word of  Martha. Work diligently at your tasks, and don’t be afraid to ask
God. the Lord and others for help when you need it.

—Titus 2:3-5  Deborah. Solve problems using Godly wisdom, and hold
yourself accountable in your spiritual life.

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MAR0 Love Your Enemies

9
This is one of Jesus’ most pointed commands. Unfortunately, it’s also
one that gets ignored frequently, especially among Christians. Most
Christians agree that loving an enemy is hard—perhaps too hard for
Jesus to truly expect of us. We assume that if Jesus knew how trying
our enemies were, He wouldn’t ask us to love them. Although we
But I tell you, love might try to love our enemies, we’re often stumped as to how that
can be done.
your enemies and
pray for those who The truth is, Jesus does know each of our enemies. Furthermore, He

persecute you, knows exactly what they’ve done to us. He understands our pain,
anger and fear where enemies are concerned because He has been
that you may be through it. He was crucified despite being sinless. For our sins and
children of your our forgiveness, He endured one of the most painful and humiliating
deaths humanity has ever conceived. Despite that, He forgave those
Father in Heaven. who crucified Him. He explicitly asked for God to forgive them while
hanging on the cross.
—Matthew 5:44-
45 It’s easy to say if Jesus can do that, we should be able to love
those who wrong us. We aren’t Jesus, and some of those wrongs are
very serious— physical and verbal abuse, molestation, accusations of
crimes we didn’t commit and more. However, we can find the ability
to love our enemies in some small ways.
 Praying for love. If you have no love for your enemy, ask
God to give you His.
 Performing small gestures. You don’t have to trust this
enemy, but if it’s safe to do so, send him or her an
encouraging letter or small gift.
 Talking through the problem. Again, if it’s safe,
approach your enemy and ask what you can do to restore
your relationship or find some form of peace.

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MAR10 A Man of Unclean Lips
When the prophet Isaiah said he was a man of unclean lips, he

“Woe to me!” I wasn’t just talking about a propensity to say a four-letter word now
and then. In today’s verse, he tells God he lives among a people of
cried. “I am ruined! unclean lips and has become one of them. He’s referring to
For I am a man of ancient Israel, a nation that had fallen away from God and
turned to idol worship and all forms of wickedness. We can infer
unclean lips, and I this included their language. They probably gossiped, slandered,
live among a lied, criticized and complained.

people of unclean How many of us are guilty of the same sins? We often don’t think of
lips, and my eyes them as sins, because we often don’t think before we speak. We

have seen the King, figure words can’t truly hurt anyone—but they can and do. Wicked
language of any kind also breaks God’s heart and leaves our lips and
the Lord Almighty.” hearts unclean. Worse, once you form a habit of using unclean
lips, it’s difficult to break.
—Isaiah 6:5
God gives us hope for this issue, though. As soon as Isaiah
lamented his unclean lips, God touched his mouth with a burning
coal. This allowed Isaiah to speak the words God gave him and
worship more effectively.

You don’t need to burn your lips every time you say something you
shouldn’t. However, you should confess it to God and ask Him to
make your words more gracious and pleasing to Him. You can also
practice speaking with clean lips in many ways.
 Find at least one positive thing to say to each person you
encounter every day.
 Begin your prayers by praising God for specific things He has done.

 Sing and listen to uplifting songs. Read uplifting texts.

 Practice deep breathing and Scripture meditation.

 Seek out entertainment that lacks foul language.

 Resist the urge to gossip about others.

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MAR1 God Does Know

1
At first glance, this verse seems too nonchalant for the situation.
God was “concerned about” the Israelites at this time, but they had
already been in slavery almost 400 years. Many Christians, even
veteran Bible readers, might look at this verse and think, “Why was
God only concerned at this point? Why does God often not respond
God heard their to us until it is too late, or almost too late, to change our
situations?”
groaning, and He
remembered His This, like a plethora of other Bible verses, is one of the most

covenant with frustrating to digest. Knowing exactly what the words mean can
make it easier. Here, “concerned about” denotes deep compassion
Abraham, with and omniscient knowledge. When people use this phrase, they
Isaac, and with often mean, “I’m worried but may or may not do anything about it.”
When God uses the same phrase, He means, “This is of great
Jacob. So God concern to Me, and I will act on behalf of this person or people.”
looked on the
Israelites and was The question still remains—why didn’t God act sooner? We can’t
answer this, but we can draw strength from who we know God is.
concerned about He is the embodiment of love. He sees and knows all, and He acts in
them. ways that are best for us. If He seems to delay, it’s not because He
wants His people to stay enslaved or oppressed. It may be because
He wants us to grow or because He is preparing certain people
—Exodus 2:24- for acts of obedience, as He prepared Moses to deliver the
25 Israelites.

You may be in a difficult situation right now and wondering why

God doesn’t deliver you right away, especially if you’ve prayed
about it a long time. Never give up asking for deliverance; ask more
persistently. God sees and is concerned about you, and He will
never forget you.

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MAR1 Resist the Devil

2
Submitting to God and resisting the devil sounds easy. As Christians,
we align ourselves with God and want to be close to Him, right?
Perhaps in theory, but in everyday life, temptation is harder to resist
than we bargain for. Most of us avoid what we consider “big” sins
like drug addiction, pornography, murder and stealing. Yet what
Submit yourselves about worry, complaining, laziness and other small temptations that
creep into our lives unannounced?
then, to God.
Resist the devil and Satan knows exactly which buttons to push to make each Christian

he will flee from sin. He will take advantage of their emotions and coping
mechanisms, as well. For example, if you binge eat when upset,
you. Satan might whisper, “One brownie is not a binge. You deserve
this. You need to feel better.”
—James 4:7
When faced with such lies, many of which are twisted truths, you
may wonder how to resist. Prayer is always your first line of
defense. Cry out to God, naming the temptation in front of you
and telling Him why this one in particular is hard. Physically get
away if you can; if you can’t, try to refocus your thoughts. A
temptation to binge eat could be refocused into, “I will feel better
and healthier if I resist.”

If you struggle often with the same types of temptations, write them
down. Try to determine what lie is at the root of each temptation.
For instance, do you judge others out of fear that they’re also
judging you? Once you find the lie, replace it with biblical truth. For
example, you might memorize verses about your identity in Christ
and His love for you.

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MAR1 Sacrifice of Praise

3
In ancient Israel, before Christ’s birth, people would offer animal
sacrifices at the local temples to atone for their sins. God often
asked for unblemished lambs, innocent animals who did not
deserve to be sacrificed, to emphasize the seriousness of sin and
the need for forgiveness.
Through Jesus,
These sacrifices were painful for the people and animals involved, but
therefore, let us praise isn’t generally associated with pain. Why, then, does the
continually offer to author of Hebrews talk about a sacrifice of praise? Most Christians
God a sacrifice of associate this verse with what they should do in times when they
don’t feel like praising God. Indeed, a “sacrifice of praise” can be
praise—the fruit of your effort to praise and worship God when your emotions want to
lips that openly do the opposite. When you sincerely praise God in the midst of
sadness, confusion or anger, He sees and rewards it. Additionally,
profess His name. these sacrifices of praise will help you grow spiritually as your faith in
God’s goodness becomes stronger.
—Hebrews 13:15
Another way to look at a sacrifice of praise is as a freewill
offering. The Israelites often made these to God in praise for His
deeds or in thanks for favor He had shown them. You can do the
same in your own time with God. Sing hymns or praise songs, or
dance in praise. Write a story, poem or psalm that glorifies God and
extols what He’s done for you as well as His wonderful traits. Go to
a favorite outdoor place, and thank God for His creations. No
matter what your sacrifice looks like, it will please God.

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MAR14 Response to the Fire
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego gives us a fantastic

Shadrach, Meshach, look at how to respond to persecution and the different fires in our
lives. In today’s passage, these three men were about to be burned
and Abednego replied in a literal fire. They express unwavering faith in God to deliver
to him, “King them, and it is true that He can deliver His people from trials.
Nebuchadnezzar, we Notice, though, how the last sentence begins: “If he does not.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego make clear that they will trust
do not need to defend and obey God even if they die in the blazing furnace.
ourselves before you in
this matter. If we are Sometimes, God will deliver us from trials the way we want Him
thrown into the blazing to. Other times, He will choose another path. Bible study leader
and speaker Beth Moore explains it this way: when faced with trials,
furnace, the God we God will always deliver us in one of three ways.
serve is able to deliver  Out of the fi re. God will spare us completely from the
us from it, and He will trial before us. An example would be getting a tumor
deliver us from Your diagnosis only to discover it’s benign.
Majesty’s hand. But  Through the fi re. God will allow us to survive our trial but
even if He does not, requires we go through it. Example: being delivered from
a bad financial situation only after filing bankruptcy and
we want you to know, losing your home.
Your Majesty, that we  By the fi re. God uses the fire, which can be any fatal
will not serve your gods experience, to bring us home.
or worship the image of
gold you have set up.” Of course, the first option is always the one we want, but God
may have incredible plans through the second option or may seek to
—Daniel 3:1618 end terrible suffering through the third. Seek His will for your trials,
and trust Him no matter which option He chooses for you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

MAR1 Beauty for Ashes

5
March 15 will mark the anniversary of the live action version of
Disney’s Cinderella premiere in theaters. We’re all familiar with the
story; it’s a favorite among legions of children and adults. Additionally,
as some Bible scholars have found, the story of Cinderella contains
many elements that can be tied to Christianity.
He has sent
The way Cinderella dresses is one of these elements. Throughout most
me…to proclaim of her story, she is a servant, compelled to dress in ragged clothing.
the year of the Her work, especially cleaning the fireplace, makes her dirty with ashes

Lord’s favor…to and cinders. Many scholars have equated this with Cinderella’s
mourning for her dead parents.
comfort all who They also compare it to biblical mourning, in which the grieving
mourn…to bestow would wear sackcloth and ashes in public.

on them a crown However, Cinderella’s story has a hopeful ending. Her rags are
of beauty instead exchanged for a beautiful ball gown, and later, a pristine wedding

of ashes. dress as she marries her prince. Today’s verses indicate that
Christians have a similar hope. God knows that because of our sins
and trials, we often live covered in figurative ashes.
—Isaiah 61:1b-3 That’s why He sent Jesus to exchange those ashes for beauty—not
only physically, but the beauty of grace, mercy and clean, new
lives. We are the bride of Christ, and He sees us as spotless and
pure. As Christians, we often don’t take advantage of this. We see
ourselves as unworthy, but God wants us to revel in the fact that
we are royalty in Him.

The next time you pick up Cinderella to read or watch with your
children (or even by yourself), remember these verses. Meditate on
your beauty in God’s eyes, and rejoice in it.

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MAR1 Hope and a Future

6
Today’s verse is a popular one in Christian culture. Most Christians
cling to it in times when they need hope, citing it as a reason their
future will be good and prosperous. This isn’t wrong; God wants us
to have hope and anticipate our future. However, like many verses,
this can easily be taken out of context.
“For I know the
It’s important to know where Jeremiah 29:11 comes from. It is part
plans I have for of a letter Jeremiah wrote to the Israelite exiles, whom Babylon had
you,” declares the taken into captivity. Jeremiah wrote this letter to encourage His

Lord, “plans to people, assuring them God knew their plight and would bless them
again. However, this would only happen after seventy years of
prosper you and captivity in Babylon, the consequence God had set for Israel’s
not to harm you, unrepentant sinning.

plans to give you Our lives sometimes work the same way. Not every difficult
hope and a future.” circumstance is a consequence of sin. In fact, most can be chalked
up to the fact we live in a fallen world. Yet sometimes God allows
—Jeremiah 29:11 difficult circumstances to go on longer than we would like so we can
grow in Him, learning to love and trust Him more. We shouldn’t
interpret Jeremiah 29:11 and similar verses as evidence that God
always wants us to be happy, rich and without trouble.

Instead, we should interpret verses like today’s as what they are:

evidence of God’s heart toward us. He does not want to harm His
followers. He wants to bless us as much as possible, beyond what
we can imagine. To obtain such blessings, we must draw close to
Him and obey Him every day.

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MAR1 The Real Story of St. Patrick

7
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, with a shamrock as his
symbol, but that’s the extent of what most Christians know about
him—except that he reportedly drove snakes from Ireland. The real
St. Patrick was much more complex.

For those who are Patrick was not Irish by birth. He was born in Britain and taken to
Ireland as a slave when Irish pirates raided his hometown. At the
led by the Spirit of time, Ireland was made up primarily of Druids and pagans. Patrick,
God are the though, converted to Christianity.

children of God. During captivity, he wrote his memoir: The Confession.

Patrick was held captive until he was 20 years old, but through
—Romans 8:14 visions and dreams from God, he was prompted to study for the
priesthood and return to Ireland. In one such vision, Patrick saw a
man named Victorious who gave him one of the many letters he
carried. The letter’s heading read “The Voice of the Irish.” As Patrick
read the letter, he heard the people of Ireland pleading for him to
come and “walk among [them].”

Patrick arrived in March of 433 and converted many Irish people.

One legend claims he converted the chieftain of a Druidic tribe
who tried to kill him. He also built churches across Ireland. Patrick
is known for converting entire Irish kingdoms to Christianity, often
using the shamrock to explain the Trinity. He is also known for
preaching and working miracles. His saint’s day, March 17, 461, was
also the date of his death. He is well known in the Catholic Church
(and some Protestant denominations) for the Lorica of St. Patrick.

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MAR1 Unconditional Love

8
Unconditional love is a concept many Christians are familiar with, but
it’s difficult to enact. Perhaps this is because we come across so few
examples in our own lives. Although we may have the most stable
and loving families in the world, our society conditions us to absorb
the message that as children, we’re loved based on good behavior.
If I speak in the As adults, we learn we’re loved or favored based on our

tongues of men performance at work or school or what we do for others.

and angels, but do Jesus is the epitome of unconditional love. He first showed this when

not have love, I He gave up Heaven to come to Earth in human form and again in
His death on the cross. Today, His gentle whispers and involvement
am only a in believers’ lives show unconditional love every day. However, most
resounding gong Christians still struggle with the idea that Jesus’ love is permanent
and unchanging. They would never admit this, but they secretly
or a clanging believe Jesus will only love and favor them based on what they do
cymbal. for Him.

—1 Corinthians It is impossible to fully understand the depth of Jesus’ love for us, but
if we can grasp just a bit of it, we’ll have an easier time showing
13:1 unconditional love to ourselves and others. Practice this in your daily
life. When you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up. Say, “Okay,
now I know better and can try again.” Make the effort to notice
positive traits in people difficult to love. Ask that God would pour
His love on you so you can emulate Him better in everything you do.

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MAR19 True Fasting
Lent will be drawing to a close soon, but Catholics and many

Is this not the kind Protestants may still be fasting in preparation for Easter. In ancient
Israel, fasting usually meant giving up food. Today, many Christians
of fasting I have still fast this way, but you can give up other things. It’s common, for
chosen, to loose example, to forego sweets, television and other pleasures during
Lent.
the chains of
injustice … to set While most of us try to enter Lent with a humble and expectant
attitude, some of us use it as a way to monitor our behavior. This
the oppressed free isn’t wrong in itself, but too much focus on behavioral modification
… to share your can lead to self-righteousness and self- focus. That is, fasting the

food with the wrong things can make you focus on what you’re missing rather
than on what God can show you through the act.
hungry and provide
the poor wanderer This may be why God gave today’s message to Isaiah. Again, He
doesn’t condemn traditional fasting. Instead, he rebukes Israel for
with shelter? dwelling so much on outward signs of religion that they forget their
fellow man. God exhorts His people, both ancient Israel and
—Isaiah 58:6-7a contemporary society, that true fasting isn’t about what we give up
for our own benefit. Rather, it’s about the sacrifices we make to show
God’s love to others.

Think about how you can participate in true fasting this month.
Maybe it involves volunteering at a food bank or soup kitchen or
opening your home to someone who needs a place to stay. You can
raise awareness of a social issue, such as human trafficking, in the
effort to end oppression. Whatever you choose, your sacrifice of time
and resources will be counted as a true fast.

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MAR2 Palm Sunday

0
Palm Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian
calendar— second only to Christmas and Easter. It celebrates Jesus’
triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the last time people would praise Him
or show any belief in Him before the trial and crucifixion.

They took palm Knowing this, most Christians go into Palm Sunday with
understandably mixed emotions. They’re excited because Easter is
branches and went approaching but can’t help feeling somber since Good Friday is on
out to meet Him, the horizon. It can also be difficult to determine how to approach

shouting, Palm Sunday. Should you celebrate, or should you focus on the
more serious aspects of the day?
“Hosanna! Blessed
is he who comes Both are correct approaches. On Palm Sunday, take your cue from
the people of Jerusalem. Praise Jesus for what He has done and who
in the name of the He is in and outside of church. You and your family can put on praise
Lord! Blessed is the music, make crafts (such as palm branches and palm crosses) or

king of Israel!” write down your praises. To add to the symbolism, consider writing
praises on paper palm leaves and using them as Easter décor.

—John 12:13 Your praise can and should also incorporate the somber part of the
day. Meditate on Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. If you don’t
know much about crucifixion, read up on it and share with your
family (be cognizant of appropriateness for young children). This
can help you fully appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice. In the same way,
meditation on the resurrection can remind you of the hope He
brought to ancient Israel, the hope He gives today’s Christians, and
the anticipation of His second coming.

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MAR2 Stewardship of the Environment

1
The Bible clearly states that man and woman are the only creations
made in God’s image. However, today’s verse indicates that His
other creations are also important. Before sin entered the world,
Adam was placed in the beautiful Garden of Eden and charged with
its care. Although God could have made the garden self-
The Lord God sustaining, He allowed Adam to tend and enjoy it.

took the man and God wants us to do the same thing with our environment. Some
put him in the Christians aren’t fully aware of this. They reason that because the

Garden of Eden Bible also says the earth will pass away one day, they can treat it as
they wish. This reasoning actually dishonors God because it doesn’t
to work it and respect His original plan. God doesn’t want us to worship His
take care of it. creation, but He expects us to be good stewards of it.

—Genesis 2:15 Today, pray and thank God for the many beautiful and useful things
He has created. It may help to take a walk in nature and focus
prayers on what you observe. After that, think about how you can
be a good steward of the creation around you. This could be
anything from recycling and saving energy to tending your own
garden. You could also consider joining a group that cleans up
local parks or green spaces, raises awareness of animal welfare or
teaches people how to grow their own food. While participating
in these activities, remember God’s original plan for nature. Thank
Him that you get to enjoy its beauty and bounty.

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MAR2 Living Water

2
Have you ever thought about how much water you use? Over 50
percent of the human body is made up of water, making it essential
for life. That’s why physicians encourage us to drink so much of it: to
replenish the fluids we lose going through everyday activities. Of all
the drinks from which we can choose, water is the only one that
Jesus answered, quenches our thirst for significant periods. Juices, sodas and other

“Everyone who drinks taste good but leave us thirstier than we were before
drinking.
drinks this water
will be thirsty Water is also an essential substance for animals, plants and the
earth in general. It’s the first thing God created after the
again, but whoever heavens, and a plethora of Bible verses mention it, including
drinks the water I today’s. Of course, in this verse, Jesus was referring to spiritual
water. He calls Himself living water because He is the provider of
give them will eternal life and because belief in Him will quench our inner thirst for
never thirst. love, success, appreciation and confidence. However, physical water

Indeed, the water I is just as important to God.

give them will Without a steady supply of clean physical water, you can’t live.
become in them a That’s why it’s crucial to appreciate the water around you and be
a good steward of it.
spring of water Today, meditate on water when you use it. You can start with this
welling up to verse and search for other biblical references to water. You’ll find
several stories of how water helped people physically, emotionally,
eternal life.” and spiritually.

—John 4:13-14 Thank God for His provision of water and all it does for you.
Make water an essential part of your prayers and devotional time
today. Drink it, or hold your devotional time near a brook or pond.
In addition, find ways to show appreciation for water today. Turn
off faucets when they aren’t in use. Filter your water to ensure it’s
clean, and share some with friends and neighbors.

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MAR2 Don’t Look Back

3
Lot’s wife is a minor biblical character, usually remembered only for
her final sin against God. Her direct disobedience cost her
everything, and it only took a tragic moment for her to lose her life
and family. Today, let’s look beyond that final moment to discover
what drove Lot’s wife to disobedience and what we can learn from
But Lot’s wife her.

looked back, and God hasn’t turned people into salt statues since then, but He warns
she became a strongly against continued disobedience. Moreover, disobedience

pillar of salt. isn’t always what we think it is. As Christians, we strive to avoid
obvious sins such as those listed in the Ten Commandments or those
explored at length in Bible stories. However, we often let ourselves
—Genesis 19:26 get away with what we deem small, insignificant sins.

Lot’s wife fell into this trap. God asked Lot and his family not to look
back as they fled Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s wife probably
intended to obey, but possibly figured one quick look back could do
no harm. She may have built a good life in her home, feared for
friends and family members or simply been afraid of what awaited
her in a new land. We can sympathize with her reasons, but
whatever they were, they drove her to sin.

We often have the same problems—especially when it comes to

looking back. God admonishes us to focus on what’s ahead rather
than behind, in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s because He
knows looking back too much can lead us into insidious sins such as
worry, fear and fretting. We won’t become literal pillars of salt, but as
we do these things, we’ll become paralyzed, unable to worship and
serve God effectively.

God wants better for His children. If you’re struggling with looking
back or any of the sins it can lead to, be honest with Him today. Ask
Him to help you look forward again.

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MAR2 The Lord Is My Shepherd

4
Psalm 23 is one of the most famous passages of the entire Bible.
Christians turn to it for comfort, peace and refreshment. It’s often
quoted at funerals to help the grieving focus on the fact that
their loved ones are at peace. It’s been made into song
arrangements that choirs and praise teams sing in churches all
The Lord is my over the world.

shepherd, I lack But what does it mean that the Lord is our shepherd? Why did
nothing … he David choose to compare God to this particular type of person?

refreshes my soul. It might have been because David, himself, was a shepherd, but
there’s deeper meaning here.
Read today’s verse again, and think about what a shepherd actually
—Psalm 23:1 & does. He or she watches over a flock of sheep, sitting quietly with
3b them all day. The shepherd makes sure the sheep are comfortable
and protected, often putting him or herself in harm’s way to shield
them from predators.

The shepherd also leads, guides and directs the sheep. He or she
makes sure the sheep stay on a prescribed path, and when they
don’t, uses a crook to nudge them back, sometimes forcefully. When a
sheep strays, the shepherd will go after it, and if the sheep is
wounded, the shepherd will carry it home in his or her arms.

God does all this for us and more because we’re His sheep. He
knows we’re fragile and prone to stray, so He’s as gentle and firm
with us as necessary to keep us on the right path. We should praise
Him for this, because it’s a remarkably unique quality. Today, read
the whole 23rd Psalm again. As you do, meditate on and thank
God for His role as the good shepherd.

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MAR25 Good Friday
It seems strange to call a day Good Friday, doesn’t it? That day

Carrying His own marks one of the most tragic days in Christian history: when Jesus
was crucified. It’s tragic on many levels. First, a sinless person was
cross, He went out crucified for all the sins of humanity. Secondly, His death was the most
to the Place of the painful and shameful first-century Israel and Rome could ever devise.
Finally, because our holy God can’t look at sin, Jesus was forsaken in
Skull (which is the last moments of His human life.
called Golgotha).
How could anything good come out of this? That was surely the
There they crucified question on the disciples’ and other believers’ minds that day. It’s
Him. often a question for today’s Christians, too, even though we know
the end of the crucifixion story. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection
—John 19:17b- are meant to bring us hope. Often, though, we can’t help feeling
stuck in the dark parts of our circumstances. It’s easy to focus on
18a them and wonder how God can redeem what we’re experiencing.

Be aware that there is an appropriate time to mourn. Solomon, who

wrote Ecclesiastes, tells us so. Jesus’ disciples may have turned to
those words for comfort after He was placed in the tomb. If you’re in
a period of mourning, give yourself that time; it’s normal and
healthy.

However, don’t forget to give God a chance to redeem what you

think is lost. Three days from the events of today’s verse, God
redeemed the horror of Jesus’ death in a glorious way. In His time,
He’ll do the same for your situation. Ask Him for deeper trust and
faith as you wait. Try to go about life as normally as possible, and
find small joyous moments. Above all, keep your eyes on the “Easter
Sunday” that will come when the day is over. Once it arrives, you
may be able to look back and see that your Friday was truly
good.

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MAR2 Name Change

6
Today’s verse comes at the end of the famous scene where Jacob
wrestled with God. Some Christians read this story and wonder why
Jacob bothered struggling with the Almighty. After all, God would
automatically win. He could have subdued Jacob with little effort.
Yet He chose to wrestle with Jacob, perhaps because He knew this
Then the man said, child needed to struggle against Him more than any other.

“Your name will no Jacob certainly knew what it was like to struggle at this point in
longer be Jacob, his life. His mother Rebekah favored him, but his father Isaac

but Israel, because preferred Esau. For a son (and a younger one at that), this had to
be particularly difficult. The Bible reveals Jacob also paid harsh
you have struggled consequences after he participated in Rebekah’s deception. He got
with God and with the birthright and blessing that should have gone to Esau, but he had
to flee his homeland because Esau wanted to kill him. In so doing,
humans and have Jacob lost everyone and everything dear to him.
overcome.”
Perhaps most significantly, Jacob wrestled with his own sin. His name
—Genesis 32:28 means “he grasps the heel” or “he deceives.” Jacob was given this
name because when he was born, he came out grasping Esau’s heel.
Yet he also lived up to the figurative meaning of his name. Earlier in
today’s passage, the angel of the Lord asked Jacob for his name.
When Jacob replies, the angel knows what the name means. He
knows Jacob is essentially saying, “My name is Deceiver.”

Maybe this is why God gives Jacob a new name at the end of this
account. He doesn’t want Jacob to focus on sins or regrets. Instead,
the new name Israel communicates that God sees Jacob’s strength
and triumph. Additionally, it communicates an expectation that Jacob
will function in strength from this point forward.

You might feel like Jacob today. Your name may not be tied to a
specific sin, but maybe struggles and regret weigh you down. If so,
you might not be able to change your name—but you can ask God to
change how you see yourself. Ask Him to reveal your strengths and
show you how they can honor Him.

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MAR27 Easter Sunday
Easter is the most joyous occasion on the Christian calendar. It

Jesus said to her, marks the day Jesus fulfilled His promise and rose from the tomb
after dying for our sins. He’s the only God to conquer death.
“I am the Moreover, He’s the only God to lower himself to human status and
resurrection and die for His people. These actions are so wonderful and incredible that
they’ve inspired millions of people to become Christians and commit
the life. The one their lives to Jesus.
who believes in me
If you’re a Christian, you have every reason to rejoice. Your Savior is
will live, even waiting for you in Heaven and will return for you one day. When He
though they die; does, you’ll have eternal life. Pain and sorrow will be things of the

and whoever lives past, and you’ll live in perfect communion with God as He intended
before sin entered the world.
by believing in me
will never die.” But what if you aren’t sure you’re a Christian? You aren’t alone.
Plenty of Christians find they need assurance in their lifetimes. It’s

—John 11:25- vital to be certain of your salvation because so much is at stake.

Feeling uncertain can be frightening and lonely. If you’ve ever been
26a in this position, you’ve probably heard people tell you to trust God
with your salvation. This can be difficult to do, though, when one
considers that, ultimately, God is the one who knows who’s saved.

If you’re struggling with assurance, don’t settle for pat answers.

Instead, use Easter Sunday as an opportunity to reaffirm your
standing with God and renew your joy. Find verses that speak to
assurance of salvation, like today’s. Ask God to give you peace
about where you stand. When He does, rejoice that you’re His.

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MAR2 Secrets Entrusted to Servants

8
Today’s verse highlights Jesus’ first miracle, changing water to wine
at the wedding in Cana. When most people read this story, they
focus on the miracle, skimming over small details like this one. Yet
God often hides important information for His children to discover.
Today’s verse is a prime example.
He did not realize
Read it again, and focus on who does and doesn’t have information.
where it had come The master doesn’t know where the water to provide the new wine
from, though the has come from. He knows Jesus has provided the wine because he

servants who had can see Him performing the miracle. Yet the master of the house
doesn’t know Jesus requested the water. Only the servants who
drawn the water had drawn the water know this.
knew. Why is that significant? A careful reading shows us at least two

—John 2:9b reasons. First and perhaps most obvious, servants aren’t often trusted
with exclusive knowledge. They’re seen as quiet workers, not
confidants. In asking the servants to draw water He uses for the
miracle, Jesus takes them into His inner circle—if only for a moment.

Secondly, Jesus’ choice shows these servants were both faithful and
trustworthy. They could have revealed their part in the miracle and
out of pride, but they didn’t. Instead, they were content to do as
asked and enjoy Jesus’ miracle with everyone else.

These servants provide a remarkable example for Christians. We’re

Christ’s servants, and as such, we’re privileged to know what our
Master is doing. However, we won’t always get the credit we feel we
deserve or the significant positions other people are afforded. When
this happens, it can be tempting to become prideful or bitter. This
story encourages us to remain faithful, patient and trustworthy
instead, so we can reap great rewards later.

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MAR29 Zacchaeus’ Determination
Most Christian kids grow up with the story of Zacchaeus. Your

He wanted to see Sunday school teacher may have taught you a song about this “wee
little man” to drive home the point. The classic Sunday school lesson
who Jesus was, but focuses on the fact that although Zacchaeus was a tax collector and
because he was sinner, Jesus chose fellowship at his house. Therefore, Zacchaeus was
inspired to make restitution to the people he had wronged and seek
short he could not forgiveness for his sins.
see over the
The fact that he was short usually gets glossed over. However, God
crowd. So he ran never puts a detail in the Bible without a reason. In this story, Luke
ahead and climbed makes sure to tell us Zacchaeus was short. Additionally, we can infer

a sycamore-fig tree he was much shorter than average for a man, since he had to climb
a tree to see over crowds. Why did Luke focus on this detail?
to see him, since Perhaps it was to show us an imitable quality in Zacchaeus: his
Jesus was coming determination.

that way. The Bible doesn’t tell us if Zacchaeus knew who Jesus was at this
point. We don’t know if he knew Jesus was the Son of God or even
—Luke 19:3-4 about His previous healings and miracles. Still, Zacchaeus was
determined to see this man. He was so determined, in fact, that he
climbed one of the tallest trees in existence for a better view. This
was risky and dangerous, but Zacchaeus decided seeing Jesus was
worth it.

When was the last time you took a risk to attain something you really
wanted? More to the point, when was the last time you tried to
get close to God? The hazard doesn’t have to involve climbing a
tree or something physical. It can be as simple as reading your Bible
at work or as complicated as going on a mission trip to the
developing world. If God directs you through, He’ll see and reward
your determination and risk.

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MAR3 What Does It Mean to Be Foolish?

0
April Fool’s Day is a fun time when we enjoy playing pranks on
each other. However, in today’s verse and throughout the Bible,
God makes clear that actually being foolish is a terrible thing. Fools
are described as hating discipline, being a disgrace to those
around them, and displeasing God.
The way of fools
Of course, no one wants to be described this way, but it can be
seems right to hard to determine what being foolish looks like in our world. For
them, but the wise example, you might wonder if God would consider you a fool for

listen to advice. sinning occasionally, or if you are foolish for not holding the same
convictions other Christians do (for example, never drinking vs.
having one glass of wine with dinner).
—Proverbs 12:15
When considering whether you are foolish, the key is to look at your
life and spiritual walk as a whole. A foolish person will not repent of
sin and will consistently make bad decisions, without true intent to
change. Ask yourself if you are guilty of these or any of the
following:

 Not being teachable

 Focusing on sharing your own opinion rather than listening
 Consistently gossiping and slandering others
 Justifying and not apologizing for wrong choices
 Dragging others into sinful behavior
 Consistently allowing emotions to control your actions

If you have engaged in foolish behavior, you can repent and change.
Tell God you know what you are doing is wrong, and ask Him to
help you become wiser. He will be pleased with your choice, and you
will see good results if you continue working and do not give up.

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MAR3 Avoiding the Comparison Trap

1
Christians are told not to compare themselves to others. In fact,
to do so is sinful, because we are effectively saying God’s creation
and His choices for us are not good enough. Yet, the comparison
trap is one we all fall into.
Sometimes envy motivates it—we want the job, the house, the car, or
Each one should the job our neighbors have. Sometimes it’s a matter of low self-

test their own esteem—we think the person next to us is more beautiful, smarter or
more spiritual than we are. If we could just be more like that person,
actions. Then they we would be happy and God would like us better.
can take pride in The truth is, no matter how you feel and what you can or cannot
themselves alone, do, God cannot love you anymore than He already does. He also
without comparing can’t love you any less. He knows you are human and have flaws.
While He wants you to improve upon these, He wants you to do so
themselves to with His help, and not because you’re trying to imitate another
someone else. person. In fact, Paul tells us the only person we should imitate is
Christ.
—Galatians 6:4 Take some time today to ask yourself how much comparing you do.
You probably make comparison statements more than you realize.
Pray to determine what motivates these statements and attitudes,
and ask God how to kick the comparison habit. Search for verses
that affirm your identity in Christ as a perfect heir, a beloved child of
God, and someone worth dying for. Remind yourself of the things
you do well, and look for opportunities to do them. Finally, ask
yourself how you can encourage others. There are probably people
out there who compare themselves to you, and you can show them
how special they are to God as well.

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 The Meaning of Grace
APR01 Grace. It’s such a beautiful word. When we hear “grace,” we think of
fluid dancers or beautiful deer in a forest, or royalty moving through
crowds, showing generosity. We also think of virtue and favor. In
fact, Grace is a popular girls’ name, especially among Christians.

However, what does grace truly mean in the sense of today’s verse?
As Christians, we know about God’s grace and we mention it all the
time—“By the grace of God, we got there safely” or, “By the
grace of God, my cancer was healed.” Yet often, we don’t reap all
the benefits of grace that we could.

Some people say grace is unmerited favor or not getting what we

deserve. To take this a step further, grace means receiving the good
things we don’t deserve. Jesus was the living symbol of grace when
He died for us—we deserved to be crucified, not Him. He continues
to show us His grace today.

Sometimes grace is connected to our human nature, like the way

God continues to love us and bless us even when He knows we will sin.
Sometimes His grace is an unexpected blessing, like the
encouraging phone call you get when you’re sad or the paycheck
bonus you received just when your child outgrew his school shoes.
Grace can even be “tough love,” such as the gentle but firm

For the law was given through Moses; grace

and truth came through Jesus Christ.
—John 1:17

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APR02 Sin Gives Birth to Death
Many Christians find today’s verse confusing and even a bit scary.

Then desire, after it They wonder if it means all their desires are sinful or if someday God
will strike them down because of their sin. Actually, today’s verse
has conceived, means neither of those things. James meant it as a cautionary tale
gives birth to sin, about how sin progresses.

and sin, when it is Notice that James starts out talking about desire. Desire in itself is
full grown, gives not usually sinful. We all desire certain things, and many of them—
such as love, family, health and careers—are good and natural. The
birth to death. problem occurs when Satan, as he likes to do, twists those desires
so they prey on our pride. The desire for love is good, but it is not
—James 1:15 good to say, “I deserve love, so I’m going to have an affair.” The
desire for health is good, but not if you starve yourself at the
expense of your body’s needs.

However, twisted desire does not always immediately lead to the

worst consequences of sin. How can you know when your desire is
giving birth to sin and stop it from giving birth to mental, spiritual
and even physical death? The key is to recognize prideful, sin-driven
tendencies before they start.

Perhaps your desire for a career has become desperate because you
can’t find a job. If you’ve found yourself slipping money out of a
spouse’s wallet or if you are badmouthing job candidates so they
won’t get the position you want, your desire has birthed sin. If you’ve
committed to an exercise regimen and are skipping school, work or
church to work out, that’s newly birthed sin as well.
Run from temptation and straight to God. Tell Him what you’re doing
and ask for help fixing it. An accountability partner or counselor may
help.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR03 Deborah’s Leadership
Deborah was the only female judge in all Israel, and many scholars

[Deborah] sent for have wondered why God chose her without appointing other female
judges. Some Christians read Deborah’s story and conclude that
Barak … and said women are rarely called to lead or should not lead at all. Others
to him, “The Lord, assume that Deborah was chosen to lead only because the men
around her were weak; if they had not been, God would not have
the God of Israel, called on her.
commands you:
In reality, God chose Deborah on purpose, not as an alternative or
Go, take with you substitute. He gave her tremendous gifts, including the ability to
ten thousand men prophesy, and blessed her leadership. All Christians, especially

… I will lead women, can and should look to her as an example. Deborah lived in
a time when it was indeed rare for women to lead or be prophets,
Sisera and so she was probably frightened or confused when God spoke to
… to the Kishon her. She probably doubted her abilities and might have asked God
to choose someone else. Still, she consistently trusted God, obeyed
River and give him His commands, and delivered His messages to others.
into your hands.”
Maybe you can relate to Deborah today, whether you are a man or a

—Judges 4:67 woman. Leadership is difficult, and you may not feel ready. However,
if God has chosen you, it’s because you have the abilities necessary,
and He knows you will obey His commands. Ask Him to teach you
how to lead, and then follow Him in all your decisions. You may not
save a nation as Deborah did, but you will win the respect of the
people under your supervision. You will also help your family, your
company and others around you accomplish great things.

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APR04 Stem the Flow
Despite what today’s verse looks like, it’s not a warning against

Drink water from drinking dirty water. The water is a metaphor for how we speak and
how we live our lives. It’s an admonition to mind our own business
your own cistern, and be careful what we share with others, even fellow believers.
running water from Christian author Karen Ehman recently wrote a book titled Keep it
your own well. Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All. Though
Should your springs geared toward women, the book has something to say to everyone.
Whether we mean to or not, most of us talk too much at some point.
overflow in the We gossip about people or tear them down with negative words
streets, your before we know what we’re doing. We share intimate details of our

streams of water in lives with people who, though friendly, probably should not know
them yet, if at all. Once you say the words, they’re about as easy to
the public get back as spilled water into a cup.
squares? This doesn’t mean to stop talking or sharing, but it does mean to

—Proverbs 5:15- consider whether our words are uplifting and meaningful, or whether
we need to share certain details with certain people. If you aren’t
16 sure whether to say something, it’s probably best left unsaid. If you
haven’t known someone long, resist the urge to tell your life story,
even if that person is a Christian. If what you are going to say is
negative or would hurt the person it refers to, keep your mouth shut.
That will stem the flow of negativity that is common to our world.
Make your own tongue a pleasant cistern from which others can
drink.

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APR05 Caring for Your Temple
Most Christians think of honoring God as a spiritual pursuit. When

Do you not know asked to name things that honor God, they might bring up going
to church, reading their Bibles, participating in charitable activities
that your bodies or avoiding certain sins.
are temples of the However, you can and should honor God with your body as well. It’s
true that your body will pass away one day, but in the meantime,
Holy Spirit, who is God has given it to you to use. He wants you to use it well and
in you, whom you keep it healthy.

have received from How do you honor God with your body? Again, most Christians are
God? You are not familiar with some basics such as eating healthy food and exercising.

your own; you were God approves of these, but remember He’s concerned about your
whole body—limbs, muscles, heart, brain and more. He wants you to
bought with a treat each part as well as you can every day. Here are several key
price. Therefore, ways to honor God with your body.

honor God with  Get enough sleep. Sleep refreshes you so you can enjoy
God’s world and do what He calls you to do.
your bodies.
 Work hard, but take breaks often. Do all things in moderation.

—1 Corinthians  Exercise to feel and look healthy, not to attain

6:19-20 someone else’s attractiveness standard.

 Eat healthy. Indulge in treats occasionally, but do not rely
on them for sustenance.
 Keep yourself sexually pure. Wait for marriage if
you are single. If you have already been active, make a
new purity commitment with your partner.

 Fil l your mind with the things God approves

of. Avoid entertainment that revolves around sinful
behavior.
 When you do get sick, fol low doctors’ orders. Let
medicine, rest, and good food get you healthy again.

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APR06 Passing Through the Valley
“Baka” is a Hebrew word meaning “toil” or “tears.” Christians often

Blessed are those use these words in connection with their “valleys” or periods in their
lives involving difficult circumstances. Perhaps that’s why the writer
whose strength is in of today’s Psalm talked about sojourners of God making a valley of
you, whose hearts tears a place of springs – a cool and refreshing oasis.

are set on No Christian likes the idea of going through valleys. In fact, we plan
pilgrimage; as they ahead as much as we can to avoid them. Unfortunately, valleys and
trials often come before we can do anything, and they are part of our
pass through the journey with Christ. Some trials, such as cancer, a death in our
Valley of Baka, family, or the loss of our home, are not ones we can fix. Often, God

they make it a allows us to walk through a time of tears in order to help us grow
and learn.
place of springs.
Of course, God understands this isn’t easy. Making a valley “a
—Psalm 84:5-6 place of springs” does not mean acting happy when you don’t feel
it or pretending trials don’t exist. Instead, it means leaning on God
and letting Him carry you when you spiritually can’t keep walking. It
means searching for His peace and rejoicing as you find it. Those
who do this, God promises, are blessed.

Are you or someone you know going through a Valley of Baka

today? It may seem small and insignificant to you, but every valley
is a place of growth and blessing for God. Ask Him what He wants
to show you, and request the strength and courage you need to
see it and learn.

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APR07 When Life Isn’t Fair
Job’s story is one of the most famous and complex in the Bible. Many

The Lord said to Christians read this verse and wonder what God was thinking—
why He let Satan torment one of His most faithful saints. They may
Satan, “Very well also wonder if this is a prerequisite for other humans. Does God treat
then, everything us like cosmic playthings, letting Satan take control whenever he
wants?
[Job] has is in your
power, but on the Fortunately, the answer is a resounding “no.” God loves His children
and never lets anything happen to them that He did not permit first.
man himself do not Remember, Satan had to ask God’s permission to test Job, and God
lay a finger.” could have easily said no. The question, then, becomes why He said
yes. For the modern Christian, the question might be where God is
—Job 1:12 when unfair things happen.

Most of us won’t lose everything as Job did, but we will all go through
unfair circumstances. Some of us will endure divorce even though we
thought our marriages were strong. Some of us will watch our
children get sick or struggle with disabilities. Some will fight to stay
above the poverty line while others remain rich and comfortable but
don’t show charity.

When this happens, cry out to God as Job did. Ask if this
circumstance is a test. If so, what you can learn from it. If the
circumstance is not a test, but rather a natural consequence of
our fallen world, ask for the courage to handle it. No matter what,
request an extra measure of God’s mercy and love. He will freely
and gladly give it to you.

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APR08 Jonah’s Anger
When we think of God’s compassion, we normally don’t put anger in

But the Lord said the same thought—unless we’re reading about Jonah. Jonah has an
interesting reaction to God’s ultimate compassion for Nineveh.
… “And should I Instead of thanking God for sparing the city, Jonah is angry at God’s
not have concern compassion. In his mind, Nineveh had no right to a second chance.
Every inch of it should have been wiped out.
for the great city of
Nineveh, in which We don’t know why Jonah felt so angry toward Nineveh. Some
scholars speculate it was because the people of Nineveh had hurt his
there are more own people or even his family. It may also be that Nineveh’s sins so
than a hundred shocked and appalled Jonah that he thought they were unforgivable.

twenty thousand No matter His reason though, God sternly responded to Jonah’s
attitude. There were thousands of people there, God says, as well as
people, who animals who didn’t know what sin was. Shouldn’t He, a merciful
cannot tell their God, decide what to do with them?

right hand from If we’re honest, we’ll all probably admit we have a Nineveh or
their left—and also two in our lives—it could be the nasty coworker who’s always trying
to undermine you in front of the boss. It could be the parent who
many animals?” abused you in childhood, the friend who betrayed you, the spouse
who cheated on you or the church whose hypocritical actions broke
—Jonah 4:10a, your heart. No matter who they are or what they did, a part of you
11 doesn’t want them forgiven. In your mind, these people should get
what they deserve.

Through today’s verse, God warns us to be careful. Even if you are

not guilty of Nineveh-like sins, you are still deserving of wrath. It is
only through God’s mercy and grace that you were spared.
Remember that, and work up the courage to spare someone today,
even if only in your mind.

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APR09 No Fishing Allowed!
A pastor once said that when God forgives and saves you, He tosses

As far as the east all your sins into a deep sea and posts a sign: No Fishing Allowed!
Tongue in cheek though that description may be, it’s apt for almost
is from the west, so all Christians. That is, we know we’ve been forgiven. We know we
far has He are saved from sin and death and that God will never leave us. We
know He chooses to remember our sins no more. Still, we’re always
removed our picking up our mental fishing poles and dragging up those old,
transgressions from smelly sins as if they were fresh fish.

us. This is a sin in itself, because it communicates that Jesus’ sacrifice

wasn’t enough. Why do we still do it? Often, the answer lies in
—Psalm 103:12 perspective. We know God sees us as righteous, but the tough
reality is that we have to deal with our human selves every day. We
can’t choose not to remember. Sometimes our sins smack us in the
face. Even worse, sometimes other people bring up past sins to
make us feel guilty.

Maybe you’ve gone fishing lately, but you want to stop. First, get
alone with God and ask Him to show you that you are forgiven,
once and for all. Pray openly about how those sins made you feel.
Ask Him to help you remember only what is important—that you were
rescued from them. If others constantly bring up your past, set
boundaries. Explain that their reminders are making change hard,
and you would appreciate more support. It may be necessary to get
those people out of your life for a while. In that case, you may
need a pastor or counselor’s help. Whatever you decide to do,
remember one rule: No fishing!

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APR10 Planning and Trusting
“Trust the Lord.” Christians often say this to each other and to

The horse is made nonbelievers, and they are right to do so. God asks us to trust Him,
because He is the only one with ultimate control over our lives and
ready for the day because He loves us so much.
of battle, but However, some Christians believe that trust means you should not
plan or prepare for the circumstances that arise in daily life. This is
victory rests with incorrect and can be dangerous if taken too far.
the Lord.
God does want us to give Him control, but He also gave us minds

—Proverbs 21:31 capable of anticipating what is coming and planning accordingly.

If you know a performance review is approaching, you should do
your best work and prepare intelligent questions for your supervisor.
If you want to move out of your parents’ house, start saving money
early.

Of course, there are many circumstances where we don’t have any

control or influence. This is where true trust in God kicks in. When
you’ve studied as much as you can for a test, it is up to God to
provide calmness of spirit and accurate recall. If you’ve searched for
a new job for weeks or months with no success, turn to prayer and
relinquish your job to God.

The important thing is to strike a balance between expecting God to

do what you can do yourself and planning realistically. It can take
time to find this balance, so pray about it and seek help from
accountability partners. God will reward your trust and guide you
through His plans.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR11 Power for Everyone
What do you think of when you hear “power of the Holy Spirit?”

But you will Most Christians think of the Holy Spirit’s power as some nebulous
force that existed in the early church but is not needed or relevant
receive power now. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the Holy Spirit is
when the Holy relevant for every era and generation, and His power is not elusive.

Spirit comes on When Jesus came, He made God’s power available to anyone who
you; and you will sincerely sought Him. No matter your ancestry, past sins or current
trials, you can access the power of the Holy Spirit, and it will
be my witnesses positively influence your life. The Holy Spirit helps us understand
in Jerusalem, and our unique spiritual gifts and encourages us to share those gifts

in all Judea and with the church as a whole.

Samaria, and to The power of the Holy Spirit will look different for everyone. You
the ends of the may not speak in tongues or have miraculous abilities, but the Holy
Spirit will still be there. You may feel Him when it becomes easy to
earth. witness to a friend. You may sense Him telling you to give money or
food to a homeless person, or filling your church during a service.
—Acts 1:8
If you aren’t sure how to recognize Him, ask Him to open your
spiritual eyes. God is only too eager to give you His power and
courage. Over time, you will learn to recognize and respond to the
Spirit’s presence. This will empower you spiritually and draw
nonbelievers’ attention to you, so they may ask to know more about
your God.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR12 Watch the Signs
Today’s verse comes from a controversial passage; some Bible

In my name they translations don’t even have it as part of the book. Perhaps that is
because most Christians don’t know how to read it. Some
will drive out denominations exist that take these signs literally. Just because
demons … they there are differing interpretations of a Scripture, though, doesn’t
mean we should undervalue its significance.
will pick up snakes
with their hands; At times, Jesus spoke figuratively to His disciples, and this could be
one of those times. There is a theory that the snakes and poison
and when they discussed in Mark 16 refer to sin and the dangers of a fallen
drink deadly world. A Christian who is able to “handle a snake” may be

poison, it will not someone who can be exposed to sin regularly—such as gossip on
the job—and not be affected. The “poison” may refer to everyday
hurt them at all. encounters with sin, such as when a Christian college student is
required to read material that glorifies sinful behavior. We all
—Mark 16:17- face metaphorical snakes and poisons in our lives, and we must pray
that God keeps us strong enough not to be hurt by them.
18b
No matter how you interpret this passage, be careful when you
face frightening situations. Do not put yourself in danger in God’s
name, and do not “test” God to see how much sin you can handle.
Instead, pray and study the Bible when the “poison” comes to you.
Jesus will give you as much immunity as you need for the situation,
and you will triumph. This verse explains the incredible power
Christians have in the face of adversity—power you should know is
yours as a child of Christ.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR13 The Lion of Judah
If you grew up in church, you’re probably used to hearing about

Then one of the “Jesus, meek and mild.” You may have sung songs that described
Him this way or seen pictures of a smiling, bearded Jesus wearing
elders said to me, white robes in Sunday school.
“Do not weep! Your early spiritual curriculum probably focused on Jesus’ mercy—His
healings, His holding of little children and His gentle leadership.
See, the Lion of
the tribe of Judah, Jesus is gentle and merciful, but we sometimes focus so much on His
mildness that we forget about His power. As C.S. Lewis said of
the Root of David, Aslan, the Christ-like Lion in The Chronicles of Narnia, Jesus is good,
has triumphed”. but not “safe.” He is a Lion, capable of the greatest power and might.
People, angels and demons all tremble at His feet, and His actions
—Revelation 5:5a and words shock and amaze all who come in contact with them.
Jesus is able to command everyone and everything on Earth in a
way no other leader could.

Take time to get to know Jesus as a Lion today, especially if you feel
powerless. Call on His courage and strength to fill you as you go
about life or face difficult circumstances. Ask Him to stand up for
you when you cannot do it yourself and to protect you from
people and things that want to hurt you.
An earthly lion is a predator, but Jesus protects His lambs from
becoming the world’s prey. As Susan and Lucy did in the Narnia
books, climb up onto Jesus, hold onto Him and experience the
glory of His might for yourself.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR14 Little, But Mighty
Today’s verse was written to one of the seven churches, the church

I know that you in Philadelphia. The Philadelphian church is one of the only two for
which Jesus had only praise (Smyrna is the other). At first, this might
have little strength, seem confusing. Jesus says Philadelphia has “little strength,” so it
but you have kept would make sense for Him to criticize some of what they were doing
or not doing. However, He promises them open doors “that no one
my word and not can shut” and to make their persecutors “come and fall at [their]
denied my name. feet.”

—Revelation 3:8b What did the church of Philadelphia do to merit such praise and
promises? Jesus says they kept His word and did not deny Him. As
simple as that sounds, it was probably highly difficult for the
congregation. Revelation was written in a time of intense
persecution. Thousands of Christians were tortured and killed for
their beliefs. It would have been easy for a small church like the
Philadelphian one to backslide or even disband. Still, these
congregants remained strong and trusted Jesus for their needs.

You may not endure the persecution Philadelphia faced, but you have
likely related to their congregation’s plight. Maybe God has called
you to do something, but you feel too small in spirit to accomplish it.
Maybe people around you ridicule your faith, and it’s difficult for you
to endure. If you are in these or similar circumstances, turn to the
church of Philadelphia for encouragement. Ask Jesus to give you
strength and open new doors for you. Your efforts will be rewarded
greatly.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR15 Lydia’s Faithfulness
This passage is the only place in the Bible where Lydia is mentioned.

One of those Other than her hometown, Thyatira, and her occupation, we know
nothing about her. Why, then, did Luke, the writer of Acts, choose to
listening was a mention her? Many scholars believe it was because she was one of
woman from the Paul’s first converts—perhaps his very first. However, there is more
to learn about Lydia if we look at her more closely.
city of Thyatira
named Lydia, a When learning about Lydia, zero-in on her occupation. She was a
dealer in purple cloth. Purple cloth was a rarity in ancient Israel.
dealer in purple Only royalty and the upper echelons of the upper class could
cloth. … The Lord afford or wear it. In addition, the indigo dye used to make purple

opened her heart cloth was rare in itself. Producing purple was a long and arduous
process that involved working in suffocating, odorous dyeing
to respond to sheds.
Paul’s message. The Bible tells us that Lydia dealt in purple cloth, meaning not only
that she made it, but also that she sold it for money. This signals she
—Acts 16:14 was a wealthy woman and a merchant, which in turn signals that she
was a rare businesswoman in what was very much a man’s world.
She would have every reason to believe she did not need God—
she had already risen far in her world and attained respect women
only dreamed of. Yet, the Bible calls her a worshipper with an open
heart.

Lydia was not only rich in material possessions, but also rich in her
heart. Despite, or perhaps because of, her material blessings, she
knew God mattered most and was willing to be His follower even
though it might have cost her dearly. Perhaps her faithfulness is why
Luke gives her special mention. Meditate on Lydia today, asking
God to grant you her richness in heart.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR16 True Submission
Today’s verse is one of the most controversial and misused in the entire
Bible. Nonbelievers often use it as proof that Paul oppressed women and God
Wives, submit to approved. Some use it as a tool to make women submit to spiritual abuse,
your own husbands and some Christians eschew the verse altogether.

as you do to the God made women with the same care as men, and He expects them to be
Lord. treated with dignity and respect. Jesus made clear that women are neither
sexual objects, nor lesser people to be abused. In fact, some of His most faithful
followers, including Mary Magdalene and Joanna, were women.
—Ephesians 5:22 What, then, should modern women do with this verse? First, they should be
confident in the fact that it does not excuse abuse. However, they should
also seek to embrace a biblical view of submission. This includes:
 Listening to the husband and respecting his opinion
 Keeping disagreements private
 Allowing the husband to function as the home’s spiritual leader
(i.e., leading family devotional time, leading family in prayer)
 Allowing husbands to care for and provide for their families
 Respecting the husband and building him up
 Giving the husband his conjugal rights, as he gives the wife hers

Additionally, both women and men should read and meditate the rest of
Ephesians 5, where men are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved
the church. If men do this well, women should be able to submit with joy,
without feeling trampled. If you and your partner struggle with this, seek
godly counsel and pray to strengthen your marriage.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR17 Anna’s Patience
Many times in the Bible, God says He has a purpose for everyone.

There was also a Sometimes though, do you feel like He forgot yours? Anna may have
felt that way. Luke tells us she was married for just seven years
prophet, Anna. … before her husband died, leaving her a widow for more than 80
She never left the years. At a time when the value of women was connected to
marriage and children, Anna may have felt worthless. She may have
temple but wondered if God had “shelved” her. Despite this, we are told she
worshipped night worshipped God constantly, never even leaving the temple.

and day. … Anna’s extraordinary patience and faithfulness was rewarded when
Coming up to Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple. All that time praying,

them at that very fasting and worshipping gave this prophetess plenty of time to
talk to God about the coming Messiah who would deliver Israel. The
moment, she gave Bible explains many people expected the Messiah to be an earthly
thanks to God king who would deliver them from the Romans. Perhaps Anna
understood better than anyone else that the new kingdom would be
and spoke about spiritual, and this Messiah would deliver His people from sin, the
the child to all enemy within. If Anna hadn’t been so diligent, she wouldn’t have
been able to share her prophecies about Jesus with everyone when
who were looking they needed them most.
forward to the
redemption of Perhaps you are in a situation similar to Anna’s. You see everyone
fulfilling their purposes and wonder what yours is, or think you are
Jerusalem. somehow “less” because your purpose is not as glamorous or
appreciated as others’. Take comfort from Anna today, and rejoice in
—Luke 2:36a-38 the opportunity to learn at Jesus’ feet. You will be called on to share
what you know, and when that happens, God will reward your
patience and diligence.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR18 Generational Blessings
All people want to leave a legacy—something good they will be

Know therefore remembered for when they are gone. In biblical times, and often
today, much of that legacy is wrapped up in our children. Even if you
that the Lord your don’t have biological children, you can and will leave legacies to
God is God; He is adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren or nieces and
nephews. Some of that legacy may be physical, such as talents and
the faithful God, characteristics you pass down. Some may be emotional, such as
keeping His your mannerisms. The most important part of your legacy though,
will be spiritual.
covenant of love to
a thousand God makes clear in the Old Testament that He blesses the

generations of generations who love Him but curses those who curse Him. Because
of Jesus’ new covenant, this no longer means that children can be
those who love punished for their parents’ sins.
Him and keep His However, it means that sin, if allowed to go on for generations, can
make it harder for children to accept, worship and love God. Thus, it
commandments. can be hard for those children to reap divine blessing.

—Deuteronomy Today, ask yourself what you are doing to leave spiritual blessings
7:9 for the next generation. This could involve teaching children to read
Scripture, pray or guiding them down the path of righteousness. It
could involve exposing them to Christian entertainment, teaching
them about missionaries or teaching them how godly values play out
in the modern world. Every time you see a teachable moment, use it
so the young people in your life will understand who God is.

If there is generational sin in your family, you can be the one to

break the cycle. Identify the sin—abuse, alcoholism, gambling, drug
addiction—and call it what it is. Then, with the help of godly counsel,
make a commitment to take steps that remove the sin from your
lifestyle.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR19 Respect for Elders
Today’s senior citizens live much different lives than those in biblical

Gray hair is a times. In ancient Israel, elderly parents and grandparents often lived
under the same roof as adult children and grandchildren. Because
crown of splendor; they lived so much longer than people do today, older people were
it is attained in the considered walking examples of wisdom. They were respected as
family leaders and diligently cared for. They were consulted often,
way of and their opinions held plenty of weight.
righteousness.
Compare that to the way seniors are often treated today. They

—Proverbs 16:31 are seen as irrelevant because their generation has passed. They
are often placed in low- income housing or nursing facilities away
from their families. Some elderly people who do live with families are
not treated as vital members of the circle. Certainly, this is not the
case all the time. Many senior citizens are loved and cherished.
However, it is rare that their gray hair and years of hard-won
wisdom are treated as crowns of glory.

Solomon may have thought about these situations when he wrote

today’s proverb. Here, he admonishes readers to go beyond
“respecting their elders.” In describing gray hair as a crown of
splendor, Solomon indicates that the aged, no matter their physical
and mental condition, are to be revered. Even if they cannot share
their experiences, these are to be learned from. They are to be
cared for and loved, and to participate in family activities as
much as possible.

If you have a senior citizen in your life, such as an aging parent

or a grandparent, visit them today. If you can’t, call or email to say
how much they mean to you. Ask them about their lives and what
they want you to know, and truly listen. Your efforts will be
rewarded when you attain your own gray crown.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR20 A Living Bible
A pastor once said that as Christians, we should live our lives

You show that you carefully because we may be the only Bible some people ever read.
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel … use words if
are a letter from necessary.” While it is good for all people to read Scripture, our lives
Christ, the result of should be the first example nonbelievers turn to when exploring the
Christian life. If others see us acting the way we say Jesus would
our ministry, written have us act, they will be more likely to embrace the Gospel.
not with ink but
Of course, this is easier said than done at times. We are human, so
with the Spirit of we are bound to do something sinful now and then. Additionally,
the living God, not many nonbelievers are hostile toward Christians and use every

on tablets of stone mistake we make as proof that we are not what we say we are. It is
best not to listen to every angry word we hear, but the Bible
but on tablets of teaches self-examination is a good thing.
human hearts. Periodically during your prayer and devotional time, ask God to show

—2 Corinthians you areas where your Christian walk could improve. This does not
mean questioning your salvation or engaging in legalism. It simply
3:3 means opening yourself to the possibility of new growth. If God
does show you an area to work on, ask Him what your first steps
should be. For instance, if negativity is an issue, ask God to teach
you to say positive things to others. If you spend too freely, ask
God to help you make a conscious effort to save or tithe.

No Christian will ever be perfect on Earth, but we do have the

opportunity to be living Bibles. Our actions can make Scripture come
alive for others. As Christianity becomes more relatable, more people
will be eager to learn about and worship our God.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR21 The Right Rules
Paul addressed today’s verse to the church in Colosse. This church

These rules, which sincerely loved Jesus but had gotten caught up in the strictures of
religion. One verse earlier, Paul describes their anxious pursuit of
have to do with perfection. They submitted to human rules that taught, “Do not
things that are all handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” These rules applied to
everything they did and were apparently choking the life from their
destined to perish worship. Paul was trying to explain that the rules were killing their
with use, are worship.

based on merely Rules are generally good things. After all, God gave us the Ten
human Commandments so that we would know how to treat Him and others.

commands and Jesus teaches us to love Him and love our neighbor. However, many
Christians often add to these with the manmade rules of their
teachings. denominations or personal preferences. Recognize what are matters
of faith and what are matters of church doctrine, because the two
—Colossians 2:22 may be different.

Personal conviction is a matter between the individual and God and

should never be judged. Be careful though, that you and the
Christians around you do not place human rules or routines where
God ought to be. If your church is holding you to unbiblical or abusive
standards, get out as soon as possible. If you yourself struggle with
legalism, pray to recognize it and seek godly counsel so you know
what is of God and what you are clinging to for your own religious
satisfaction. As you replace legalism with trust and grace, you will
feel freer, and your worship of God will be deeper and more
authentic.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR22 The Passover Blood
This month, Jews will celebrate Passover. Today, many Christian

The blood will be a denominations—especially Messianic Jewish ones—hold Passover Seders

and ceremonies to show their solidarity with the Jewish people. No
sign for you on matter what denomination you come from, Passover is a time to
the houses where celebrate liberation.

you are, and when The Israelites celebrated their first Passover in recognition of their
I see the blood I physical freedom from slavery in Egypt. They also celebrated that
God spared them and their children from the plagues visited on
will pass over you. Egypt, particularly the tenth plague, which prescribed the death of
No destructive all Egypt’s firstborn. For today’s Jews and Christians, Passover is a
plague will touch remembrance of physical freedom but can also celebrate emotional
and spiritual liberation.
you when I strike
Egypt. Although you may be a veteran Christian, you may have been in
slavery to sin. Jesus liberates us from that slavery, but you have

—Exodus 12:13 probably felt enslaved to something in your life. It might be a difficult
job, a tense family situation, a serious illness or something else.
Sometimes, you will literally be freed from these things. Your
addiction may fall away, your illness may go into remission or your
family member may apologize for hurting you.

However, what if liberation does not seem possible or simply will not
happen on Earth? Passover can still be a time of celebration for you.
Instead of focusing on physical, earthly problems, focus on the
freedom Christ gives you. Ask that He would teach you to walk and
act as a free person, filled with His peace, love and other fruits of
the Spirit. Do not give up hope for physical deliverance, but leave
it in His hands as you increase your trust in Him. Above all, let the
Passover remind you of His sacrifice, which He made so you could be
free indeed from the most evil slave master of all.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR23 You Can Win Against Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is familiar to anyone who grew up

David said to Saul, in church. It’s one of the first stories told in Sunday school. The
message is familiar—no matter how big your adversary, you can win
“Let no one lose with God on your side. Yet as we grow up, that story seems harder to
heart on account believe, almost like a fairytale or a myth about Greek or Roman
heroes.
of this Philistine.
Your servant will God never puts a story in the Bible without a reason, and He never
specifies that certain narratives are only for children. When God
go and fight him.” inspired the writer of 1 Samuel, He knew we would all face Goliaths in
our lives. Sometimes they are people—an unfair boss, a school bully
—1 Samuel or another kind of adversary.
17:32 Sometimes they are the places we are afraid to go or the
circumstances we are afraid to face, like a new city, a disability, a
sickness or simply a new chapter in life. These adversaries are
different “sizes,” but sometimes they all feel too big to defeat. Like
David, we sometimes look at them and feel all we have to fight with
is a few small pebbles.

If you’re facing a Goliath, run back to this familiar Sunday school

story today. Tell God the truth—you don’t feel like David and
you’re afraid to fight. God is truth, so He responds well to it. He will
give you the inner strength you need. He will also equip you with
the right weapons, whether those are the right words, the right
career move or the right decision at a crossroads. Your adversary will
shrink, and you will be able to handle it. Once you have, you can
claim another victory and praise God.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR24 Like Sheep
Sheep are thought of as friendly, cuddly animals. If you have a baby

We all, like or young child, you might have painted lambs on the walls of the
nursery. Bible story pictures often show Jesus or David lovingly
sheep, have gone tending sheep. These images can make Christians forget that sheep
astray, each of us are also notoriously stubborn and somewhat dumb. They stray even
after the shepherd has corrected them. When one goes somewhere
has turned to his dangerous, others follow, even if they can see the peril ahead.
own way; and the Sometimes, the shepherd has to break a sheep’s legs to bring it back
to the fold.
Lord has laid on
Him the iniquity Few of us end up with broken legs when we sin, but we are quite

of us all. similar to sheep. We don’t always rebel openly, but we tend to

want control and our own way. We think we know what is best for
ourselves, so we sometimes make decisions without consulting God.
—Isaiah 53:6 We assume we can’t get hurt, so we do things we know are harmful.
As a result, God has to yank us back to the path. In fact, He offered
His life, the ultimate sacrificial lamb, so our sin would not end in
death.

What kind of sheep are you today? Are you following behind the
Shepherd, or are you being stubborn and seeking control? Perhaps
you’re a new Christian, a lamb in need of guidance. No matter
what your position is, don’t be afraid to come back to the
Shepherd, even if you have strayed. Repent of sin if it exists, and
seek His guidance more. As time progresses, you will be more likely
to follow closely than to stray.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR25 Running a Good Race
If you’ve ever participated in a marathon, race or other athletic

Do you not know event, you know how taxing it can be. For those of us who are
not athletically inclined, our weekly workouts can be a commitment
that in a race, all in themselves. Some of us have other “races,” such as finishing a
the runners run, but college degree, raising children or completing a stint in the military.
No matter what the race looks like, it can require plenty of stamina
only one gets the and get tiring. Sometimes you might wonder if running is even
prize? Run in such worth it.

a way as to get In today’s verse, Paul assures us that every race is worth it and
the prize. encourages us to run in a way that makes us worthy of the prize.
When Paul wrote this verse, scholars speculate he was subtly jabbing
—1 Corinthians Nero, who would award himself medals in athletic games just
because he was emperor. However, he was also talking about the
9:24 self-discipline of life as a Christian and encouraging all believers to do
their physical and spiritual jobs well.

You may not receive medals for raising your children, completing
your degree or living life well in the face of cancer, lupus or a
physical disability. God, however, will know what you’ve done and
be pleased. The Bible says He awards crowns of victory to all
believers at their judgment, and that a “cloud of witnesses” cheers
us on in Heaven each day.

If you are physically, emotionally or spiritually tired today, take a

break. Ask God to remind you of the witnesses cheering you on and
of the people behind you in the Christian race. Those people are
counting on you to lead them.
Pray to be shown how to do that. Above all, keep the end in mind,
because it will be great.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR26 God and Inclusion
At first glance, it seems the Bible has little to say about disabilities.

Do not curse the Jesus healed many disabled people, but with the exception of blind
Bartemeus, they are not named, nor are they seen after their
deaf or put a healings. The Bible also uses terminology that many modern disabled
stumbling block in people and their advocates consider offensive, such as “crippled,”
“lame,” or “dumb” (in reference to those who cannot speak). The
front of the blind, Bible’s writers did not mean to offend. This was simply how disability
but fear your God. was viewed in their day. Does that mean that God sees people with
disabilities as lesser beings?
I am the Lord.
Today’s verse tells us no. In fact, it indicates God deals harshly with
—Leviticus 19:14 those who mistreat or exclude people based on disability. He
specifically references causing the blind to fall and cursing the
deaf, pointing out that this is taking cruel advantage of these
people. We can infer God feels the same way about other disabilities
—that those who have them should be loved and respected as
equals.

Most Christians and churches try to do this as best they can, but
their members with disabilities still sometimes feel segregated. Often,
this is because disabilities make people uncomfortable, or they
aren’t sure how to interact.
Keep today’s verse in mind next time you encounter a person with a
disability. Speak directly to him or her, even if the person can’t
speak back. Show interest in their lives, and communicate that they
are valuable to you and to God. When the opportunity presents
itself, find ways for people with disabilities to participate in your
activities. Instead of causing these people to stumble, you will be
helping them live a full and rich life.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR27 Caring for Animals
These days, there is plenty of conversation and controversy

The righteous care surrounding animals. Many people make a distinction between
animal welfare and animal rights, stating that since animals cannot
for the needs of reason as humans do, they do not have rights. Others are passionate
their animals, but about animal rights. Some refuse to consume meat or all animal
products such as milk and eggs. Some eschew wearing leather or fur.
the kindest acts of Some people have many pets and treat them as children.
the wicked are
The Bible doesn’t say much explicitly about how to treat animals, but
cruel. today’s verse gives us a clue. God calls people who care for animals
“righteous,” indicating that He considers animal cruelty sinful.
—Proverbs 12:10 Elsewhere in the Bible, He carefully creates all animals. In the
Gospels, Jesus tells the Pharisees that a righteous man will pull his
donkey from a well on the Sabbath; therefore, people should be able
to seek healing on the Sabbath as well.

God does not tell us to treat animals the same as humans. Actually,
this would dishonor our position as the only creations made in God’s
image. In some cases, it can cross into animal worship, which God
makes clear is wrong in Exodus 32, the story of the golden calf, and
elsewhere. No person or animal should ever be put in God’s place.

That said, God does expect us to be good stewards of the animals

we have been given, pets and otherwise. If we do choose to eat and
use animal products, we are to do so out of necessity, not sport. We
are to respect and be compassionate toward the animals in our care
and make sure their needs are met.

If you have a pet or simply love animals, spend time with them
today. Thank God for these unique creations and the roles they play
in our lives.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

APR28 He Will Sanctify You
“Sanctification” is one of those complicated “church words” that can

May God Himself, confuse new Christians, and even those of us who have believed for
many years. Being sanctified means that we are perfectly righteous
the God of peace, in God’s sight, although we are still working out our salvation and
sanctify you through growing spiritually on Earth.

and through. … The The concept of sanctification can make being a Christian seem like a
one who calls you great deal of work. In fact, some Christians take sanctification to
mean that they must become as close to perfect as possible,
is faithful, and He constantly policing and modifying their behavior. In reality, this is
will do it. not a fulfilling Christian life. It can lead to mental and spiritual
exhaustion, frustration with self and resentment toward God.
—1 Thessalonians
Perhaps this is why Paul ends 1 Thessalonians on the note that he
5:23a, 24 does. Paul cared for all the churches he visited, and he surely
wanted all of their congregants to grow to be righteous Christians.
Still, he must have known that to do so, the people of Thessalonica—
and all other churches—would need plenty of God’s peace.
Therefore, in today’s verse, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God
ultimately sanctifies the believer. Our efforts to change our behavior
do not make us righteous. Rather, God does as He changes our
hearts. As our hearts become tender toward God, we become more
willing and able to express our faith.

If sanctification feels like work today, do not lose heart. Instead, ask
yourself if you are trying too hard or focusing too much on your
own efforts. If yes, tell God how you feel, and how difficult it can be
to stop relying on yourself. Ask Him to show you how your heart has
changed and direct you to opportunities to find joy in Him.

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APR29 Complete Deliverance
Mary Magdalene is a famous biblical figure, but not a well-known

When Jesus rose one. She appears only a handful of times throughout the Gospels,
and most Christians aren’t sure about her true history. Many Bible
early on the first scholars say she was a prostitute, equating her with the “sinful
day of the week, woman” who wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair in Luke. Whether this is
true or not, we do know Mary Magdalene fought demonic oppression
He appeared first most of her life. This could have been literal demonic possession, or
to Mary it may have been what we know today as psychosis. In either case,
Mary is described as having seven demons Jesus drove out.
Magdalene, out of
whom He had Seven is a significant biblical number. It’s the number of completion

driven seven and comes up often in the Old and New Testaments. For example,
Naaman washed in the Jordan River seven times to be cured of
demons. leprosy. There are seven seals in Revelation. Some scholars believe
Mary Magdalene’s seven demons are a mark of completion, too. In
—Mark 16:9 other words, Mary was completely oppressed.
Outside of Jesus, there was no hope for her.

However, Jesus drove out all seven of Mary Magdalene’s demons

effortlessly. We don’t see her healing, but we are told she
became one of His most devoted followers. Perhaps this was
because she knew, deep in her soul, the joy of complete
deliverance. She placed every ounce of hope in Jesus, knowing that
with Him, she was free of oppression forever.

Oppression is very real and comes in many forms. It may be a sin

you can’t conquer or a lie you believe about yourself. Whatever it is,
take heart that Jesus can and will deliver you. Then, like Mary
Magdalene, follow Him as closely as possible.

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APR30 The Value of Rest
Rest and relaxation always sound good in theory. When we actually

Six days you shall try to rest, we sometimes find ourselves unable to do it. We get
preoccupied thinking about the work we should be doing, or we
labor, but on the find chores and activities to fill up what feels like wasted time.
seventh day you Sometimes, we try to justify this with Scripture, citing verses about
the virtue of diligence.
shall rest; even
during the planting God wants us to be diligent, but He also knows there is a time
and place for everything, as it says in Ecclesiastes. He wants us to
and harvest season do the work set out for us but take time to rest as well. Rest is vital to
you must rest. our physical, mental and spiritual health. It helps our bodies
recuperate, so when the relaxation period is over, we will feel
—Exodus 34:21 energized. It also helps us focus on taking care of our brains and our
hearts.

This month, you may be struggling to find time to rest, or you may
be tempted to use time meant for relaxation to do other things.
Pray, asking God to reassure you that it’s okay not to be busy. Read
verses such as today’s or read from Matthew, where Jesus discusses
His light and easy burdens. Then focus on recreation and relaxation.
You don’t have to sleep, although a long nap may be beneficial. Do
your favorite quiet activities, such as reading or watching an
uplifting movie. Spend quality time with family and friends or
lengthen your devotional time. When the time comes to work again,
you’ll find you are more than ready.

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MAY01 Vashti’s Courage
Queen Vashti is only mentioned in one chapter of the entire Bible. After
this, King Xerxes dethroned her and cast her aside. Despite this, let’s not
gloss over her courage. The king’s seven eunuchs made Vashti out to be
a willful and disobedient queen. They convinced the king that her actions
would corrupt all the women of Persia. However, most Bible scholars
suggest this was not her motive at all.

We can’t be sure why Vashti refused to come before the king. Some
scholars speculate it was because he wanted her to parade naked in
front of the court, wearing nothing except her crown. Others say she
refused to be objectified or that Xerxes’ drunkenness and revelry angered
her. Whatever the reason, Vashti made a gutsy choice here. She placed
her own dignity, modesty and self-respect before a royal command. She
risked being killed immediately.

Few of us will ever be faced with the kind of choice Vashti made. We
should also keep in mind that God does not want us to disobey authority
whenever we feel like it. Sometimes, a person in authority may ask us to
do something we know goes against God. In those cases, we are free to
respectfully disobey. If you ever find yourself in such a position,
remember Vashti and ask God for strength like hers.

Your choice may end badly. You may lose a job, a friend or a coveted
position in an activity or ministry. Yet, if your motives are good, God will
be pleased and will honor your decision. You may not see how right away,

… when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he

commanded the seven eunuchs who served him … to
bring before him Queen Vashti… Queen Vashti
refused to come.
–Esther 1:10-12a

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MAY0 Righteous Anger
Everyone gets angry. It is a human emotion and in itself, not sinful.

2 These verses point out that it is what we do with anger that makes it
sinful or not. When we choose to let anger control us, we are more
likely to sin with our words or actions.

In your anger, do However, what about righteous anger? This term is often used in
Christian circles but is unfamiliar to many people. Simply put,
not sin: Do not let righteous anger is hating or becoming angry at the things that
the sun go down anger God. For example, you could experience righteous anger at
a person who abuses a child or an animal or someone who takes
while you are still advantage of the disabled or elderly. You’re might experience it
angry, and do not when you become angry at what terrorists do to innocent

give the devil a persons across the world or when you react to news of murder or
rape.
foothold.
God understands our anger in all situations, but He wants us to
—Ephesians 4:26- express it in constructive ways, especially when it is righteous.
Whenever you are angry, think as carefully as you can about the
27 best way to express it. God might lead you to write a letter to
someone in power about your grievances or participate in a
protest. He may ask you to stand up for an abused or
marginalized person. You may simply be led to pray for the
situation and the people in it, that their hearts will turn toward
God.

Whatever you are led to do, do it faithfully. Let God help you
deal with your anger and be ready when it’s time to let the
anger go. Once you’ve worked through the emotion, you’ll be
better able to do the next thing God has in store for you and show
compassion to the people you encounter.

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MAY0 Hallelujah!

3
Did you know “hallelujah” is the only word that’s the same in
every language across the world? Perhaps God planned it this
way so anyone who wanted to praise Him, no matter their
national origin, could do so with all brothers and sisters in
Christ at any time.
Hallelujah! For our
Lord God Almighty We know we are meant to praise God, and He is worthy of our
praise and worship. However, how often do we truly consider how
reigns. Let us much our praise means to Him? He doesn’t need it; God is God
rejoice and be glad all by Himself and is fully aware of His power and
accomplishments. Yet He chooses to request and require our
and give Him praise, not because He has a big ego but because He loves us.
glory! God sees how much joy it gives us to praise Him and how it can
lift us up in trying circumstances.

—Revelation You may not feel comfortable shouting “hallelujah,” and that’s
19:6-7 okay. Your hallelujahs can be as quiet as whispers. They don’t
even require words.
God gave each Christian unique gifts and talents that they can
turn into worship. If you are a dancer, dance in praise. If you
are a writer, write your own psalm or create a story or poem with
God at the center. Labor such as washing dishes or doing janitorial
work is a form of praise if done with a glad heart.

What about the times you don’t feel like praising? Be honest;
tell God your heart doesn’t have a “hallelujah” in it right now.
Then, ask Him for the strength to focus on praiseworthy things,
such as the death and resurrection of Christ or the beautiful
creation around you. No matter what form it takes or what
language you are speaking, God knows how to interpret your
praise. It is always “hallelujah” to Him.

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MAY0 The Importance of Prayer

4
In the U.S., the National Day of Prayer is a time when Christians
and other faithful people go to their churches or sacred sites to pray
or take time to pray while going about daily tasks. That day isn’t
more special than any other day. God hears and answers prayer all
the time. Today, let’s focus on why it’s so important to pray.
Rejoice always. Pray
In verse 17 of today’s passage, Paul tells the Thessalonians to pray
continually. Give continually. Some translations say, “Pray without ceasing.” Did he
thanks in all mean, spend copious amounts of time in a closed room on your
circumstances; for knees? You can do this if led, but praying without ceasing is much
easier if you do it in frequent small increments throughout your day.
this is God’s will Your prayers don’t need to be long or eloquent. They can be only a
for you in Jesus few words. If you are learning to pray without ceasing, or need a
guide, consider the following prompts:
Christ.  Pray on a small to large scale. Start with needs in
—1 Thessalonians your hometown or region, then your state, your country, and
finally the world. Pray for the Fruits of the Spirit to be present
5:16-18 in every Christian and for nonbelievers to know Christ.
 Pray for the people you see each day. These can
include your coworkers and boss to the coffee barista or
janitor. Ask names if you don’t know them, so you can pray
for them by name.
 Pray about your spiritual gifts. Ask God what they are
and for opportunities to use them.
 Pray for leaders, that local, state, country and world
leaderswill make wise decisions.
 Pray for greater love of God and people around the world.

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MAY0 A Time of Sifting

5
These verses are probably familiar. They take place during the Last
Supper, when Jesus warns Peter of his impending denial. When most
Christians read them, they focus on how Peter must have felt upon
hearing this news. Yet, most of us skim over an important part of this
story—that Satan had asked to sift Peter, and Jesus had already
Simon, Simon, prayed for this precious disciple.

Satan has asked to Sometimes, Satan will want to sift us as He did Peter. There are
sift you as wheat. several reasons for a metaphorical sifting. It might happen because
But I have prayed you’ve been sinning habitually and God wants to bring you back into
a right relationship. It may be that God will use a sifting time to
for you, Simon, that help you grow and prepare you for a new assignment in Him.
your faith may not Sometimes, sifting happens because Satan sees you as a threat to
his work.
fail. And when you
have turned back, No matter what the reason, take heart in knowing that Jesus is never

strengthen your surprised. He never allows Satan to do anything He didn’t approve

first, and He will never let Satan harm you beyond what you can
brothers. bear. Be encouraged, also, because Jesus prays for you when sifting
time comes. He wants you to triumph, and in His strength, you will. If
—Luke 22:31-32 you sense sifting is coming or that you are already in the midst of it,
ask Him to show it to you. Then ask for more of Jesus’ prayers. When
Jesus prays, all the saints and angels in Heaven join Him. You have a
huge crowd of supporters on your side.

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MAY0 Waiting Tables for Christ

6
At first glance, it might seem the disciples were a bit arrogant in
today’s verses. Some people read these verses and wonder if the
apostles thought waiting on tables and other menial tasks were too
good for them. In reality, it seems the disciples were expressing their
concern for how both tasks—serving people and preaching the
So the Twelve Word of God—would get done. The verses indicate they chose

gathered all the only those “full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” like Stephen, to
complete the task of serving overlooked people like widows.
disciples together
and said, “It would It’s human nature to eschew these tasks in favor of ones that will put
us in the spotlight. It’s also tempting to be angry or frustrated when
not be right for us we are relegated to serving food, stacking chairs or cleaning up after
to neglect the others rather than, say, singing special music or leading Bible study.

ministry of the God has a place for all work, whether it’s showy or behind the
Word of God in scenes. He also doesn’t want Christians who perform behind-the-

order to wait on scenes tasks to feel inferior to others. In fact, the work nobody sees
is often the most important of all. For example, a special church
tables.”… They dinner won’t go over well if enough food isn’t cooked and served.
chose Stephen, a No one wants to drop off his or her children in a dirty or
understaffed church nursery.
man full of faith
and the Holy Spirit. If you have been led to “wait tables” in your church, at work or
as part of a ministry that you serve, accept your assignment. Ask
—Acts 6:2, 5a God to help you do it cheerfully and diligently. If others are acting
superior toward you, pray they will see your work’s value and show
more compassion. Above all, remember you are working for the Lord,
and He is pleased and proud of what you are doing for His kingdom.

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MAY0 Well-Seasoned Conversation

7
The Bible tells us to speak graciously, but that is often more difficult
than it looks. Gossip or hurtful words often slip out when we don’t
mean them to or because we’re upset with someone else. Many
Christians struggle with cursing or other language that tears others
down instead of building them up. Perhaps this is why so many
Let your verses, including today’s, admonish us to speak with grace and truth.

conversation be What does it mean to have grace-filled conversations that are

always full of “seasoned with salt?” Here, salt is a metaphor for the truth of Christ. It

grace, seasoned hearkens back to Jesus charging His disciples to be salt and light on
Earth. If your conversation is “seasoned” yet gracious, you will not use
with salt, so that Christ as a tool to bludgeon others verbally. Instead, you will speak the
you may know how truth in love.

to answer Gracious conversation also means making sure your words are as
everyone. positive as possible. Instead of gossiping about a coworker you don’t
like, make the effort to compliment something about him or her.
—Colossians 4:6 Instead of flinging hurtful words at a spouse when they make you
angry, take time to cool off, and then be willing to apologize and
work out the problem. If you must share a painful truth with
someone, do so gently, and make clear you have the other person’s
best interests in mind.

What if God leads you to have a seasoned, gracious

conversation with someone whose faith is different from yours?
This may be one of the hardest things you are asked to do, but God
will give you the power. Approach the person kindly and ask him or
her for their story. Why do they believe as they do? Why are these
beliefs important to them? Work to find common ground as you
prepare to introduce the other person to Jesus.

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MAY0 Mother’s Day

8
During the month of May, we honor our mothers. God is the Father of
us all, but He also gave us mothers to nurture and instruct us in a
different way than fathers do. Mothers are the parents who
physically grow children inside them. A mother is the first person a
child sees and bonds to when he or she is born. If cultivated
She speaks with carefully, the relationship between a mother and child will become

wisdom, and one of the strongest and most important in the lives of both parties.

faithful instruction is There are many ways to honor your mother this month. You might

on her tongue. She take her out for a favorite meal or complete chores for her so she
can rest. You might buy her gifts or take her on a special outing to
watches over the a movie, concert, or some other activity. If you need fresh ideas,
affairs of her try a few of these:

household and  Write a poem or an acrostic using the word MOTHER,

expressing love and appreciation.
does not eat the
 Gather some favorite photos of yourself and your mother,
bread of idleness. and put them in a scrapbook or slide show.

—Proverbs 31:26-  Make a card featuring Mom’s favorite Bible verses.

27  Make a “favor coupon book.” Your mom can cash in

different coupons at any time.
 Offer your mom a massage or spa day, or simply a big hug.

What if your mother is not alive or you had a difficult

relationship? Pour out your pain to God. He knows the grief of
losing someone precious to Him and will comfort you. Honor your
mother in the best ways you know how, such as visiting a grave or
speaking positive words. If necessary, seek help and godly counsel,
and give your mother all the love you can.

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MAY0 Justice and Honor

9
We all probably know at least one person who is arrogant and craves
honor and power, like Haman. This person may be morally bankrupt
and out to hurt those who do the right thing, and yet they receive
and expect praise and special privileges from the people in charge.
Whether this person is a coworker, a teacher, an activity leader or
Now Haman someone else, dealing with them can be extremely frustrating.

thought to himself, In this passage, God reminds us there will be honor and justice for
“Who is there that those who honor Him and do what is right. Haman was a conniving
the king would and manipulative person. He even manipulated King Xerxes into
agreeing to exterminate the Jewish nation because of petty anger at
rather honor than Mordecai. However, Haman was ultimately not the one the king
me?” So he delighted to honor. That privilege went to Mordecai, who not only
answered. … “Have saved King Xerxes’ life, but also expected no recognition in return.

them bring up a Mordecai is a great example for Christians to follow. If you

royal robe the king receive an opportunity like his, don’t boast about it or demand
has worn and a recognition. Instead, do what you are asked or led to do quietly,
because you know it is right. Wait for recognition to be offered or
horse the king has for someone else to bring up your good work.
ridden. … Let them
robe the man the If a person like Haman is getting honor and privileges he or she
doesn’t deserve, or you are being treated unjustly at their hands,
king delights to remember this story. Eventually, Mordecai was paraded through the
honor, and lead him streets like royalty, while Haman was hanged on the gallows he

on the horse built for Mordecai. You may not be treated like royalty, and your
adversary probably won’t be killed. However, God will honor your
through the city commitment and see your tormentor is made to answer.
streets.”
—Esther 6:6a-9b

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MAY1 A Hiding Place

0
Athaliah is remembered in history as one of Israel’s most wicked
queens. She was so anxious to be crowned queen that she was
willing to kill all the royal princes—her own grandchildren. This put
Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, in grave danger. Fortunately,
his Aunt Jehosheba also is remembered, for her courage and
But Jehosheba, the compassion in hiding Joash and his nurse for six years.
daughter of King Like Joash, all Christians will need a hiding place at some point. Many
Jehoram and sister of Christians, such as the ones under siege from some terrorist groups,
Ahaziah, took Joash need physical hiding places to keep from being killed. Sometimes.

son of Ahaziah and hiding places also protect us from physically, verbally or mentally
abusive people, or from dangerous situations such as natural
stole him away from disasters.
the royal princes,
Many times though, we find ourselves in need of an emotional or
who were about to spiritual hiding place. This can happen at any time for a variety of
be murdered. She reasons. Maybe you or a family member is seriously ill and needs
put him and his nurse healing or provisions for medical costs. Maybe you are a veteran
seeking refuge from mental and physical trauma. Perhaps your job
in a bedroom to hide has become overwhelming or someone you work with is trying to
them from Athaliah; sabotage you.
so he was not killed. In all these cases and a plethora of others, God offers Himself as our
He remained hidden ultimate hiding place. In the New Testament, Jesus expresses how
with his nurse at the much He wants to take Israel under His wings as a mother hen does
temple of the Lord for to her chicks. He feels the same about us. Many Bible verses speak
of God’s ability to protect, nurture and comfort us. If you need a
six years while hiding place today, seek God first. If your hiding place needs to be
Athaliah ruled the physical, reach out to family and trusted friends who will help you

land. find one and protect you from people and things who would try
to hurt you.

—2 Kings 11:2-3

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MAY1 No Stain Too Deep

1
Paul has plenty of negative descriptors for himself in today’s verse,
and it’s not likely any Christians in his era would contradict him. Paul
was guilty of all the things he says he is, and he says he “acted in
ignorance.” Essentially, he calls himself stupid for persecuting and
killing Christians.
Even though I was
To the human eye, Paul does not look like the kind of person Jesus
once a would use to spread the Gospel and further His kingdom. Yet, Paul
blasphemer and a was the exact person He chose, despite Paul’s past. Paul’s story can

persecutor and a offer hope to any Christian who has a particularly sinful past, as well
as one who doesn’t but feels he or she can’t be used by God for
violent man, I was whatever reason.
shown mercy Bible teacher Lisa Harper describes Paul’s history with Christians as
because I acted in a “stain” on his resume. She goes on to say we all have these,
ignorance and whether they are significant sins, small ones or simply embarrassing

unbelief. moments or things we don’t like about ourselves. Any of these can
make us feel disqualified. Again and again, God chooses people who
seem the least qualified to do His work. He lifts them up, shows
—1 Timothy 1:13 them the depth of His love, and equips them to do what they
thought they could not.

Today, think about the “stains” or disqualifications on your

spiritual resume. Bring them before God and tell Him how they
impact you. Then be still and listen as He reassures you of His
love and your potential. He will use everything on your resume—
the stains and the accomplishments—to grow you into the
person He wants you to be.

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MAY1 Not Left as Orphans

2
Orphans are popular characters in literature and movies. From Little
Orphan Annie to Harry Potter, it seems that many major protagonists
of the stories we loved as children are orphans. Characters in adult
stories fit this description, too. Orphan status is a device writers
often use to force their characters to be smarter, stronger and more
I will not leave you courageous.

as orphans; I will However, being an orphan in real life is nowhere near as

come to you. romanticized or adventurous as it is in stories. Furthermore,
everyone has felt like an orphan at some point, even if they have
—John 14:18 living parents. You can feel like an orphan if you don’t have many
friends nearby, if no one seems to understand your situation, or if
any family member is absent or has died. Orphan status is one of the
loneliest and frustrating in the world.

It’s no coincidence that Jesus reassures His disciples and us that we

won’t be left as orphans. We can’t see Him or physically interact
with Him, just as the disciples couldn’t once He ascended to Heaven.
Jesus was prepared for this, and so He sent the Holy Spirit. This third
member of the Trinity nurtures and guides us like an inner parent.
He comforts us when we’re lonely or sad, and He clears our minds
when we’re confused.

Today, if you’re in a situation that makes you feel like an orphan,

meditate on this verse. Thank God for choosing to live in you
through the Holy Spirit, and ask for an outpouring of that Spirit on
your daily life. You may be physically alone sometimes, but God is
always with you.

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MAY1 Given What to Say

3
Christians around the world are regularly arrested, imprisoned,
tortured and killed for their faith. To own a Bible is illegal in at least
51 countries. The Voice of the Martyrs recently published a book
titled I Am N, the collected testimonies of persecuted Christians
across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Today’s verse is likely dear to
But when they those believers.

arrest you, do not In the West, it is unlikely any of us will be arrested for our faith, let
worry about what alone killed. However, Jesus never inspired anything to be put in the

to say or how to Bible without a reason. He knew His disciples would face this
challenge and that other Christians would too, for centuries. Jesus
say it. At that time also knew that persecution doesn’t have to take the form of
you will be given imprisonment and torture.

what to say, for it American Christians are more likely to experience verbal or
will not be you psychological persecution. They may be falsely accused or lose their

speaking, but the jobs for living out their faith. They may face verbal abuse that can
turn into physical aggression or violence.
Spirit of your
Father speaking Today’s verse applies to all forms of persecution. Jesus wants to assure
us that we need not be worried about challenges to our faith. He
through you. promises to give us what to say and do when we need it, as well
as the strength and grace to endure. Persecution is not right, and if
—Matthew you can seek justice, you should do so. However, do not be afraid to

10:19-20 submit to persecution as Jesus did. Jesus sees your suffering and
empathizes—He did no less when crucified. He is proud of your
stand and will honor it.

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MAY1 Doing the Impossible With God

4
Daniel is one of the Old Testament figures who scholars speculate
experienced the Holy Spirit before Christ’s ministry. Certainly,
today’s verse indicates his intelligence went beyond being smart or
perceptive. He was able to discern and interpret things the most
educated Babylonians could not.
There is a man in Twice before the events of today’s passage, he had interpreted the
dreams of Nebuchadnezzar without being told beforehand what those
your kingdom who dreams were.
has the spirit of
the holy gods in Few of us will be asked to interpret dreams or show a supernatural
level of knowledge. If you are a Christian, however, the Holy Spirit
him. In the time of lives inside you. The Holy Spirit can, whenever He chooses, use your
your father, he gifts in ways you never thought possible. Through Him, you may be
able to do what you thought you couldn’t before.
was found to
have insight and Additionally, God gives His children measures of virtues like wisdom,

intelligence and diligence, faith and charity. Again, He may not lead you to use them
in supernatural ways, but you may find yourself drawn to expressing
wisdom like that of one or two virtues over others. Study the Christian virtues so you’ll
the gods. be familiar with them, and ask God to show you which ones are
strongest in your life. Then use them to further His work. For
example, if your virtue is charity, you can give, monetarily and
—Daniel 5:11a otherwise, to causes in need. If your virtue is diligence, set an
example to people in your workplace by finishing assignments on
time or offering to help a coworker who is ill. The more you look for
the Holy Spirit in your life, the more He will reveal Himself to you,
and the stronger your faith will grow.

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MAY15 Pentecost This month marks the beginning of Pentecost, or the end of the 40-

When the day of day period between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Some Christian
denominations are more familiar with this holiday than others are, but
Pentecost came, they it remains an important one on the Christian calendar because it
were all together in signals the coming of the Holy Spirit.

one place. Suddenly a The Holy Spirit enables believers to be blessed with specific spiritual
sound like the blowing gifts, all as individual as the believer. He does much more than that,
of a violent wind came though. Christians can rejoice on Pentecost and every day because
the presence of the Holy Spirit means God actively lives inside and
from Heaven and filled guides them.
the whole house where
they were sitting. They This was not always the case for those who believed in Yahweh, as
God is called in the Old Testament. Back then, some believers, such
saw what seemed to as David and Daniel, were said to have the Holy Spirit, but His
be tongues of fire that presence was much rarer. The only people who are referenced this
separated and came way are those who God chose for a specific mission or, in the case
of David, saw as “a [person] after His own heart.”
to rest on each of
them. All of them were Jesus wanted to be accessible to all of us, to restore the perfect

filled with the Holy relationship sin destroyed. This is why He returned to Heaven rather
than staying on Earth indefinitely. In His wisdom, He knew we would
Spirit and began to need Him with us every minute of every day to live the life He called
speak in other tongues us to live. Furthermore, Jesus allows the Holy Spirit to speak to each

as the Spirit enabled Christian in unique ways. The Spirit might lead one person to
become a full-time missionary, for example, and another to be His
them. witness to neighbors and local people.

—Acts 2:1-4 Thank God for the never-ending presence of the Holy Spirit for you
and for everyone today. Ask Him to lead you through His Spirit
and give you the grace to obey.

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MAY1 Be Utterly Amazed

6
Today’s verse comes from the book of Habakkuk, a minor prophet
with a big problem. He wrote his book during one of the most
chaotic times in Israel, when sin ran rampant and the wicked
seemed to prosper, never being punished for their evil deeds.
Naturally, Habakkuk turned to God and asked why this was
Look at the nations happening. Did God ever intend to stop it? Would there be

and watch, and be justice for Israel’s faithful?

utterly amazed. God’s answer not only gave Habakkuk hope, it can impart hope to us

For I am going to as well. Although He does not always exact justice the way we
would like, He does enact it, and blesses those who obey Him.
do something in Writer Jennifer Rothschild puts it this way—God is not fair, as
your days that you humans think of fairness. Yet He is perfectly just. If He allows
something “unfair,” He does it because He can see the big
would not believe picture. He knows how every event fits into His plan even when we
even if you were do not.

told. Today’s verse can also bring hope to people in situations that look
hopeless. Maybe you were in remission from cancer or MS, but the
—Habakkuk 1:5 disease has returned multiple times. Maybe you have a disability
keeping you from getting a job or living the independent life you
want. Perhaps you’re a woman longing for a baby, but have been
unable to conceive for months or years. God doesn’t promise to
answer our prayers or questions exactly as we want. However, He
does promise we will be “amazed” at what He does—so amazed we
wouldn’t believe it if we knew ahead of time.

Perhaps sinful people around you are prospering or your situation

seems hopeless. Meditate on this verse, and thank God in advance for
His amazing plans.

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MAY1 Avoiding Complaining

7
Here, as in other Bible verses, God cautions His people against
complaining. Yet, how easy is it to complain? If we aren’t careful, we
can find ourselves grumbling and complaining about everything from
our jobs to how our kids behave to the food we eat or the traffic we
have to sit in. Over time, complaining can wear on our nerves and
The Lord said to annoy the people around us, pushing them away. It also displeases

Moses and Aaron, God.

“How long will this God will not “smite” you or punish you for complaining. Because of

wicked community Jesus’ sacrifice, all sin, including this one, is covered. Complaining is
still a sin, and one to watch out for. Before you complain, think about
grumble against whether what you are saying is legitimate. That is, are you upset
Me?” about something that would upset God, such as the abuse of an
innocent person or wanton destruction of the environment? Or are

—Numbers you instead upset at a temporary situation? If the latter is true,

pray about it and make an effort to meditate on positive things
14:26-27a instead.

Of course, everyday situations can get on our nerves, too. God

doesn’t expect us never to voice what we don’t like. The key is in how
we do it. For example, instead of snapping at your children for
being too loud, find a place for them to burn their energy and be
loud. Instead of griping about a coworker who is lazy, ask him or
her if you can help with certain tasks. Whenever possible, turn your
complaints into positive comments or find a workable solution for
them.

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MAY1 The Good Samaritan

8
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a familiar Sunday school
story. Most Christians who’ve grown up in church have heard it
several times and try to take Jesus’ lesson about loving one’s
neighbor to heart, no matter who that neighbor is. It’s common to
skim over the identity of the one who showed neighborly mercy
But a Samaritan, in the first place.

as he traveled, Jesus’ main audience for this parable was Jewish. Most Jews in His
came where the time disliked or outright hated Samaritans. They were considered

man was; and ethnically inferior or “half-breeds” because they had intermarried
with Israelites against God’s command. Therefore, they were not
when he saw him, allowed to enter the temple or worship as the Jews did. This makes
he took pity on the identity of the one who showed mercy on the robbed man all
the more significant.
him.
Look again at the scripture before today’s verse. Jesus points out a
—Luke 10:33 priest and a Levite saw the injured man and walked away, ignoring
him. Jesus doesn’t explain why. Perhaps these men were hard-
hearted or simply didn’t want to get involved. Perhaps they were in
a hurry or thought helping the man was not part of God’s agenda.
The key is that these were two of Israel’s religious leaders. They, not
the Samaritan, would be the ones expected to stop and show
mercy.

Christians can learn much from today’s verse. Namely, do not be

quick to judge unbelievers as unable to show mercy and other
virtues. Sometimes, nonbelievers think to do things Christians
don’t. Today, pray about the nonbelievers you regularly
encounter. Ask God to show you how you can cooperate with
them to serve others and show God’s love.

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MAY1 Son of My Right Hand

9
Names are often significant in the Bible. Most Bibles have footnotes
explaining what certain names mean, and those names often greatly
influence the individual’s life. That influence increases and becomes
more positive when God chooses to change someone’s name. For
example, He changed Benjamin’s father’s name from Jacob, which
As she breathed can mean “deceiver,” to Israel, which means, “May God prevail.”

her last—for she Perhaps because of his own name change, Jacob steps in to change
was dying—she his youngest son’s name in today’s verse. His mother Rachel named him

named her son Ben-Oni, which means “son of my trouble.” Most likely, she was
referring to her difficult childbirth. Maybe, though, Jacob thought
Ben-Oni. But his seriously about the name and predicted such a moniker would have

father named negative consequences. Thus, he chose Benjamin, meaning “son of

my right hand,” for this last son of his favorite wife.
him Benjamin.
In this passage, Jacob acts much like our heavenly Father. Not many
—Genesis 35:18 of us change our names, but we often feel as if our sin or trouble
influences who we are. If we allow troubles to define us, negative
consequences will follow. We will be rendered ineffective as
Christians and may waver in our faith.

God wants us to remember we are sons and daughters of His right

hand. In biblical times, the right hand was the place of honor, which
we all occupy as co-heirs with Jesus Christ. If you are struggling with
sin or other negative events in your life, lift up your troubles to God.
Tell Him how much they affect you and ask to be lifted up. God will
faithfully remind you of your place of honor so you can go out with
confidence and do His will with full knowledge that your Father
loves you.

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MAY2 Who’s Your Daddy?

0
As co-heirs with Christ, we are heavenly royalty. On Earth, we
are able to walk and act with grace, dignity and confidence
because we are God’s special possession. Despite this, the
everyday grind and troubling circumstances that go with being
human can make us forget our true status. The most devout
But you are a Christian can struggle with his or her identity as chosen and perfect

chosen people, a in God’s eyes.

royal priesthood … For every Christian, there are different reasons for this struggle. You

God’s special might have sin in your past that makes you wonder why God would
choose you. Maybe your struggles come from an abusive home
possession, that where you were treated as anything but a special possession.
you may declare Insecurities related to body image, academic hardships or handicaps
might be at the root of your identity crisis.
the praises of Him
who called you out Whatever those roots are, God is ready to help you dig them up and

of darkness into dispose of them. He is used to identity crises, even among His
chosen children, because He made us human. He knows in a fallen
His wonderful light. world, it’s tough to remember who we are meant to be. That’s why
He offers verses like today’s, among many others, to tell us how
—1 Peter 2:9 much He loves us. His Word also gives us plenty of true stories
about people who didn’t think they mattered to God, but were used
mightily.

If your identity in Christ is a sticking point, ask God to show you

the truth behind what He says about you today. Remind yourself who
your heavenly Father is and what He can do. If He says you are
worthy and chosen, no one and nothing can contradict Him. Walk in
confidence as a royal child because your Father is the King of Kings.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

MAY2 True Beauty

1
These days, the media is full of advice to men and women on how to
look and feel more beautiful. Makeup and perfume counters overflow
at department stores. Diets, gym machines and body wraps all
promise a perfectly proportioned, impossibly thin body. Mannequins
are draped with trendy fashions that promise to make anyone look
Charm is young, confident and glamorous.

deceptive, and In itself, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel beautiful. Losing
beauty is fleeting; weight to be healthy or putting on makeup to enhance one’s best

but a woman who features isn’t sinful.

Today’s verse cautions that a dependence on these things makes
fears the Lord is to them harmful. A man or woman can look and act charming but
be praised. be hateful and manipulative on the inside. Someone may maintain
physical beauty for a while, but age and time will make it fade. God

—Proverbs 31:30 wants us to take care of our temples, but the pursuit of physical
perfection is not the Christian’s ultimate goal.

Today’s verse reminds us the true way to be beautiful is to fear the

Lord. In other words, put God first in your life. Spend regular time
with Him, praying and studying the Bible, and seek what He wants
you to know each day. Love yourself and your neighbor, and do
things to show His love, such as helping someone with a task or
serving in a ministry you enjoy.

Perhaps you regularly struggle with your body image and physical
appearance. Find out why, seeking godly counsel from trusted friends
or a counselor. Eat well, exercise in moderation and dress in stylish
yet tasteful ways. However, remember your confidence comes from
the God who resides in you, who loves you unconditionally.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

MAY2 Philip and the Ethiopian

2
Philip is one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, but this is the only passage that
spotlights him specifically. Still, it is an important one from which
Christians can glean much. It is often cited as a passage that explains
a good way to witness to others.

“Do you There are at least three valuable lessons in today’s passage. First,

understand what let’s zero-in on who was with Philip and the Ethiopian—or rather, who
was not. Philip was simply walking along the road when he
you are reading?” encountered the Ethiopian and shared Jesus with him one-on-one.
Philip asked. Some Christians may believe the best way to witness is to a group of
people. However, if your comfort zone is just a few, or even one

“How can I unless person, that’s absolutely okay. Sharing Christ one-on-one may give
you time to develop deeper relationships with people, too.
someone explains it
to me?” So he Secondly, notice Philip wanted to know if the Ethiopian understood
what he was reading. Often, nonbelievers will be curious about
invited Philip to Jesus but may not understand everything about what we believe.
come up and sit When witnessing, ask others what they know and what they think
about it. If they get something wrong, don’t jump to correct it
with him. immediately. Instead, explain patiently.

—Acts 8:30-31 Finally, remember witnessing opportunities can happen any time.
Philip probably wasn’t expecting to encounter someone in need of
Christ. Don’t wait for a church service or another opportunity where
the Gospel might “naturally” be shared. Get to know people and their
stories. Express your beliefs in everyday conversation, without
pressing for a decision right away. The more genuine and open you
are, the more attracted to your faith others will be.

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MAY2 Ananias and Sapphira

3
This is one of the Bible’s most troubling stories. Mst Christians skim
over or ignore it because they don’t know what to do with it. They
worry Ananias and Sapphira’s story suggests sin will cause God to
strike them dead or otherwise severely punish them. Because of the
new covenant, God does not discipline Christians out of His wrath,
With his wife’s full but there must be a particular reason this story was kept in the

knowledge, he canon.

kept back part of Scholars suggest the story is significant because of Ananias and
the money for Sapphira’s specific sin. As Peter implies, the problem is not that they
kept back money from the sale of their property. In verse 4, he
himself, but points out that the money was already theirs before the land was
brought the rest sold. The issue is that they lied to the apostles and, by extension,
the Holy Spirit.
and put it at the
apostles’ feet. This, however, brings up another question. How can God be lied
to if He already knows everything? Scholars speculate this is part of
Then Peter said, why He allowed the couple’s deaths. After all, if God already knows
“Ananias, how is it everything, He knows when He is being lied to. He also abhors sin
that Satan has so and hypocrisy, two activities Ananias and Sapphira engaged in with
full knowledge. That knowledge may suggest unrepentance, which
filled your heart adds to the seriousness of their crime.
that you have lied What can Christians learn from this story? Again, the lesson is not
to the Holy Spirit that God will strike dead anyone who sins. Rather, the lesson is to
and kept back avoid hypocrisy because it is lying to ourselves and God. The story

some of the also cautions us to repent when we sin, understand the seriousness
of the sin and avoid it in the future.
money you
received for the
land?”
—Acts 5:2-3

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MAY2 Come out of Hiding

4
Today’s verse is one of the most oft-quoted parts of Genesis 3. The
chapter explains the entrance of sin into the world and the downfall of
humanity. Be careful not to rush past the dialogue between Adam
and God. God seeks Adam out in the Garden of Eden to spend time
with him, but Adam’s sin has made him afraid of God.
He answered, “I
How awful must Adam have felt at that moment? We know up to
heard you in the then he and Eve enjoyed a perfect relationship with their Creator.
garden, and I was It’s joyous to picture the three of them walking and talking in Eden

afraid because I together, and it’s amazing to think these first two people had full
access to God every day. They could talk to Him about anything
was naked, so I and ask any question. Yet their sin shattered that intimacy,
hid.” partially because it made them afraid to approach God.

—Genesis 3:10 Often, we do the same thing. Because of Jesus’ death and
resurrection, we know, unlike Adam and Eve, our sins are already
forgiven. There is nothing we can do that would make God love us
any less or turn away from us. Still, we hide from Him when we sin.
This isn’t physical hiding. God’s eyes are everywhere. Our hiding may
look like avoiding prayer or Bible study, not going to church or simply
putting thoughts of God from our minds because of our shame.

God does not want us to drown in shame. He wants to cover our

shame with forgiveness, as He covered Adam and Eve with the first
clothing. Whenever you sin, run straight to God instead of away from
him. Repent and enjoy forgiveness.

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MAY2 Miriam the Prophetess

5
When most people think of Miriam, they think of the young girl
who helped save her baby brother Moses, keeping watch over his
basket as it floated down the Nile. They may also think of her as
the one who brought Moses’ biological mother to Pharaoh’s
daughter as a nurse for Moses. Not many people know she was
Then Miriam the Israel’s first prophetess.

prophet, Aaron’s As a prophetess, Miriam would have enjoyed a deep and intimate
sister, took a relationship with God. Some Bible scholars and writers of biblical
timbrel in her hand fiction suggest God showed Miriam dreams and visions. Some of
these may have been of the 10 plagues unleashed on Egypt before
and all the women the exodus. Whatever her function as a prophetess, Miriam was
followed her with considered a leader in Israel. Here, she leads the women in
celebration of the Hebrews’ new freedom, singing and dancing to
timbrels and the Lord.
dancing.
Miriam’s story and place in Israel is significant for today’s Christians,
—Exodus 15:26 especially women. Your church and denomination may have different
views on how and when women can lead. However, nothing in the
Bible suggests God never wants women to be leaders. He has called
on them for centuries, and they have gladly fulfilled their duties to
Him. Miriam is only one such woman.
Others such as Deborah and Esther are other popular examples.

If you are a woman who feels called to a leadership role, you

might experience anxiety and uncertainty. If you are a man, and a
woman in your life has expressed leadership potential, you may feel
uncertain as well. Let Miriam’s story quiet your anxiety and
uncertainty. Pray about what your leadership role should be and how
you should enact it. Finally, never be afraid to praise the Lord for
His gift to you.

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MAY2 Treasures in Heaven

6
All of us can name what our earthly treasures are. For some of us, our
treasures include a spouse or children. Others consider pets as
special treasures. Still others make treasures of their careers, money
or hobbies. There is nothing wrong with having and enjoying these
things. That is often why God gives them to us. Yet today’s verse
But store up for indicates there is a better place to store up treasures: Heaven.

yourselves What do heavenly treasures look like? Parts of today’s passage give
treasures in us a clue. Heaven’s treasures cannot be stolen or destroyed. They

Heaven, where won’t wear out with use, and we won’t get tired of them and
eventually put them in a garage sale or send them to Goodwill.
moths and vermin Heavenly treasures are permanent, and their value only increases
do not destroy, with time. Therefore, we must look for them and cultivate them.

and where thieves A heavenly treasure is generally not something you can hold, touch
do not break in or experience with your senses. Rather, it’s often what you do in

and steal. For response to Christ’s living in you. For example, your praise and
worship time with God is a heavenly treasure. You cultivate heavenly
where your treasure when you visit a grandparent in a nursing home, care
treasure is, there lovingly for children, spouses and pets, or stand up for those who
can’t do so themselves.
your heart will be
also. Additionally, other earthly treasures can become heavenly ones if we
are good stewards of them. Let’s say one of your hobbies is reading.

—Matthew If you continually read books that glorify sin and hatred, you are
not glorifying God, and that would not be a heavenly treasure. If
16:19-21 instead you read uplifting books and share the joy of reading with
others, perhaps by offering reading tutoring, you have cultivated a
treasure. Ask God to show you how to cultivate those treasures
today.

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MAY2 The Victor’s Crown

7
Persecution of Christians has been rampant in almost all nations
throughout the centuries. Roman emperors burned thousands of
Christians or fed them to lions for refusing to treat the emperors as
gods. Christians who spoke against dictatorial regimes such as
Hitler’s were tortured and killed. Today, Christians across Africa, Asia,
Be faithful, even to the Middle East and some parts of Europe flee their homes to avoid

the point of death, persecution. Yet all these people are assured of a victor’s crown in
Heaven because they have endured and remained faithful to Christ.
and I will give you
life as your victor’s Christians in protected areas can be assured of victor’s crowns as
well, though our persecution may look different from what is leveled
crown. against believers in other lands. When you hear of persecuted
Christians, do not feel guilty or assume your faith is weaker than
—Revelation 2:10 theirs. Remember, every time you stand for Jesus despite what
others say, you are proving faithful.

Proving faithful looks different for each individual. Consider what

being faithful means to you, and how God is calling you to separate
yourself from the world around you. Despite the consequences, be
strong in your beliefs and stand by them, even if the world disagrees
with you. We are called to be in the world, but not a part of it.

When persecution wears you down, remember a great reward is in

store for you. In addition, remember who wears the original victor’s
crown. A popular praise chorus names Jesus as the wearer and tells
us He is the ultimate overcomer. Turn to Him and request strength.
He will gladly give it.

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MAY2 Poor but Blessed

8
Christians who go on mission trips to impoverished places often
report the believers they meet there are some of the most grateful
and joyful in the world. They marvel at this, since those believers
have so little. Some of our brothers and sisters around the world live
in abject poverty on pennies per day.
Blessed are the Sanitation, satisfying meals and adequate clothing may be foreign concepts.

poor in spirit, for Some Western Christians think of this and feel guilty or bitter. They
theirs is the assume Jesus chastises them for having more than poor people, or

kingdom of that He naturally loves and blesses the poor more. Today’s verse
offers a different perspective on poverty. When Jesus spoke of the
Heaven. poor in spirit, He wasn’t only talking about material things,
although some of His audience might have been impoverished. He
—Matthew 5:3 was talking about the state of the spirit.

To be “poor in spirit” means to understand, no matter how much or

how little you have, material possessions are not what make you
important to God.
Money and things may help you reach your goals in this world, but
they mean nothing in Heaven. What does mean something is your
ability to abide in and obey the Lord. Love, joy, patience and other
fruits of the Spirit are what make you rich in Christ.

If you are comfortable from an earthly standpoint, don’t feel guilty or

assume you must be poor to be blessed. Instead, thank God for your
abundance and seek opportunities to share it. Learn about
impoverished Christians around the world. Pray for them, and when
you hear of their joy, do your best to emulate it in your own life. You
may grow poorer materially, but your spirit will be rich.

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MAY2 Memorial Day

9
Gideon probably didn’t feel like a mighty warrior when the angel
of the Lord appeared and told him he was going to lead Israel in
defeating the Midianites. Today, we don’t face Midianites, but
enemies are still present at home and abroad. As the Israelites relied
on Gideon and his men, we rely on our troops to keep us safe from
When the angel of those enemies. Countless numbers of them have died protecting us,

the Lord appeared and we celebrate their lives this month.

to Gideon, he said, Today, many of our veterans are expected to be mighty warriors, but

“The Lord is with it’s likely they don’t feel that way all the time. Statistics tell us
thousands, perhaps millions, of veterans deal with post traumatic
you, mighty stress disorder. Others have sustained permanent disabilities or
warrior.” deformities. They have lost limbs, hearing or eyesight, or their faces
have been burned or shot through. Every day, these men and

—Judges 6:12 women fight to stay alive.

As Christians, we should pray for the troops who protect us. There
are many ways to support them and make them feel like the
warriors they are. Consider writing an encouraging letter to a
soldier or sending cards to troops on holidays like Memorial Day.
Volunteer at a local VFW organization or veterans’ hospital.
Donate to organizations that provide wounded veterans with the
services and modifications they need.

If you are a Christian serving in the military, take heart from the
story of Gideon and other warriors such as David. Read and meditate
on these stories. When you feel fear or anxiety, express it to God,
and ask Him for courage and strength. Respect the authority of
your commanding officers and treat fellow soldiers with dignity and
respect. Finally, always remember you are God’s warrior.

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MAY3 Covenant Friendship

0
David and Jonathan are a wonderful example of friendship. In today’s
world, friendships can change almost as quickly as they are formed.
A teenage girl or boy’s best friend today may be his or her worst
enemy tomorrow. A coworker you thought you could trust might
betray you. You might get offended at something an online friend
And Jonathan says and decide to block him or her. This is not the kind of friendship

made a covenant God designed. His desire is for Christians to form lasting and
covenantal friendships.
with David
because he loved Jonathan’s friendship with David was so strong because he “loved
David as himself.” The Bible tells us how Jonathan took great personal
him as himself. risk to keep his father Saul from killing David. It points out many
times how the two were as close as brothers. In fact, long after David
—1 Samuel 18:3 became king, he sought out living members of Jonathan’s household
to show them honor, perhaps to repay Jonathan for his unwavering
loyalty.

Your friends probably won’t have the opportunity to save you

from being killed. You also probably won’t feel as close to every
friend as David did to Jonathan. However, you can seek out
covenantal friendships and cultivate them. Look for friends who
share your beliefs and values and will help you grow in faith. Seek
people who have the same interests so you can build common
ground.

Additionally, remember that covenantal friendship is meant to last. In

other words, don’t turn your back on a friend if he or she offends you.
Instead, work out the issue together. If your friend is engaging in
sinful behavior, pray diligently and speak to him or her in love. Love
this person as yourself, and allow yourself to be loved in return.

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MAY3 The Importance of Fellow Believers

1
Aquila and Priscilla are minor biblical characters, but they were
clearly important in Paul’s faith journey. One of the things that
bonded the three so strongly was their mutual occupation of tent
making. Like Christians today, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila probably
bonded over the common joys and struggles of their occupation.
After this, Paul left They might have shared tricks of the trade or asked each other’s

Athens and went advice on physical as well as spiritual matters.

to Corinth. There Christians today should endeavor to find like-minded people at

he met a Jew work, school and wherever they go. This does not mean shunning
unbelievers. It simply means building a support system with which
named Aquila, a they can share their deepest beliefs, questions and experiences. In
native of Pontus, Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes about the value of having such a circle,
because “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” The value of
and his wife like-minded friends is extolled in many other passages, too.
Priscilla … and
because he was a A network of fellow believers is absolutely vital to your spiritual
journey. Believers who try to go solo are often vulnerable to Satan’s
tentmaker as they attacks and are more likely to become overwhelmed with
were, he stayed circumstances. As the Bible points out, the purpose of Christian
friendship is to bear one another’s burdens while sharing each
and worked with other’s joys.
them. If you don’t have a network of believers in your life, reach out to

—Acts 18:2-3b find one. Start in your church, or if you don’t have one, pray
about where God would have you attend. Offer to start a voluntary
Bible study or Christian book club at work or school to attract other
believers. Recreational sports teams are also good ways to form
networks. As you find like-minded people, rejoice in your shared
faith together.

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JUN01 God Is Able and Willing
“Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” That’s quite a
promise, isn’t it? Of course, we know intellectually God can do anything
and everything. He is God, far more equipped and able to do anything
people can. Yet, verses like this one continually amaze us. Maybe it’s
because sometimes we pray for God to do something but don’t really
expect an answer. Maybe it’s because while we know God is able to do
what we ask, we wonder if He is willing.

This is a question all Christians face at one time or another. They pray
constantly, but their circumstances don’t change. Instead, they
continue to struggle for physical and emotional survival. Maybe you’ve
been there. Your circumstance might be a church without a pastor, a
grim diagnosis, a prodigal child, or something equally as daunting. No
matter what it is, you may wonder why God doesn’t answer your cries
if He is able to do so.

God’s sovereignty plays a big role in dealing with this question and the
promise of today’s verse. That is, God is able to do anything but in
His love, He allows Himself to do what is best for us. Like any good
parent, He sometimes withholds what we want because He can see a
bigger and better picture.

If God seems slow in answering your pleas for help, tell Him how you
feel; He wants your honesty. Then ask Him to show you the depth of
His sovereignty and love. He’ll give you the strength to deal with what
you must. What seems like a tangled mass of threads will eventually

Now to Him who is able to do

immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to His power that is at
work within us, to Him be glory…
—Ephesians 3:20-21

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JUN0 The Alabaster Jar

2
The woman of Bethany, sometimes called Mary, is mentioned in all
four Gospels. Here, she’s pictured pouring her perfume over Jesus’
head. In Luke, it is said she poured it over His feet and wiped them
with her hair and her tears. There is debate about this woman. Some
scholars say she is Mary Magdalene, while others say she is Mary of
When Jesus was in Bethany, whose brother Lazarus Jesus raised from the dead. Still

Bethany…a others claim she is a sinful woman or prostitute whom Jesus had
forgiven.
woman came to
him with an No matter who this woman was, she did a beautiful thing for Jesus, as
He says a few verses later. She was willing to approach Jesus and
alabaster jar of interact with Him in an intimate way, one most people of her day
very expensive would’ve found scandalous. She was also willing to sacrifice her
expensive perfume, sometimes called “pure nard,” in a selfless act.
perfume, which she Likely, she saved for that perfume for many weeks, even months, and
poured on His had set it aside for the most special of occasions.

head as He was Of course, not everyone appreciated the woman of Bethany’s gift. All
reclining at the four Gospels record someone—Judas Iscariot or a Pharisee—
table. becoming indignant at the “waste” of perfume. Sometimes, this
happens to today’s Christians. We use our gifts in ways that God
shows us, but that other believers and nonbelievers don’t
—Matthew 26:6 understand. We may be called wasteful or foolish. However, that
shouldn’t stop us from using our gifts.

Today, think about what is in your alabaster jar. In other words, what
is your most precious talent or gift? What is it you love to do, that
brings you your greatest joy? Think about it, and ask God for the
opportunity to pour it out freely for Him. When you do, you will
have done a beautiful thing.

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JUN03 Working for the Lord
Most Christians are familiar with the idea that they work primarily for

Whatever you do, the Lord, no matter what their actual occupation is. However, it
can be difficult to determine what that means in daily life. How,
work at it with all exactly, do you show you are working for the Lord when you have a
your heart, as human employer and are working in earthly circumstances?

working for the Today’s verse gives us an important clue. Paul admonished the
Lord, not for Colossians to work at whatever they did with all their hearts. He
wanted them to find passion and joy in their work, and give
human masters. everything their best effort. Of course, this is easier to do on some
days than it is on other days. Christians have times when they dislike
—Colossians their jobs, just like anyone else. They find aspects of work frustrating,
3:23a such as a backbiting workplace culture or a boss who seems to
expect too much.

If this describes your workplace or if you’re struggling to find joy in

your work, take heart. The Lord knows you are human and will
strengthen you to do what you need to do. Although your work
situation may not be ideal, there are still ways for you to set a good
example and show your commitment to Jesus. A few of these ways
are by:
 Show compassion wherever you can. Help a coworker
with a difficult project or take over for one who is sick.
 Abstain from workplace gossip. Endeavor to say
positive things about everyone.
 Show gratitude. Say “thank you” as often as possible.

 Be diligent. Meet your deadlines, come to work on time,

and keep your workspace neat.
 Ask for help when you need it. We all need help on
occasion, as when doing something we haven’t tried before
or when our plates are overloaded.

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JUN0 Patience in Affliction

4
In today’s verse, “affliction” does not mean everyday trouble, like a
washing machine that won’t work or a traffic jam on the freeway.
Here, Paul is referring to ongoing and severe physical and emotional
affliction, the kind that can wear a Christian down over time like
coffee and wine wearing down tooth enamel.
Be joyful in hope,
This type of affliction has been described as feeling pressed or
patient in affliction, crushed, almost claustrophobic. It might be the way you feel when
faithful in prayer. your spouse of 20 years suddenly decides to separate or cheats on
you. You might feel this way when faced with the news your baby has
—Romans 12:12 a severe disability or when someone you love with all your heart
dies. It’s not a pleasant feeling, and it’s not one that will let up
anytime soon.

Arguably, Paul knew this type of affliction better than most believers.
He describes many physical torments he endured for Christ’s sake, such
as being whipped, beaten with rods, stoned and shipwrecked. He
also describes emotional torment via his “thorn in the flesh,” which
never went away despite fervent prayers. Perhaps Paul is the most
qualified to tell us to be patient in affliction. Yet, how do we do it?

Patience of any kind isn’t easy, especially the kind cultivated during
affliction. It must be possible to cultivate this patience, though, or
God wouldn’t have inspired Paul to write about it. If you are in a
season of affliction, pray about how to remain patient and joyful
while it runs its course. Some key ways to do so include:
 Reach out to others. Find a support group or ask for
godly counsel from a pastor or friend.
 Take care of yourself physically. Eat right, exercise
and get enough sleep.
 Stay grounded in the Bible and prayer.

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JUN05 Taste the Lord’s Goodness
“God is great, God is good.” It’s one of the first lessons we learn in

Taste and see that Sunday school. Perhaps you made this into a prayer you said over
food. All over the Bible, we are told the Lord is good and His love
the Lord is good; endures forever. However, today’s verse is one that attaches verbs to
blessed is the one that goodness.

who takes refuge in As another devotional writer put it, “taste” and “see” are experience
Him. words. They refer to two of our five senses, arguably two of the
strongest ones we have. What we see and taste often stays in our

—Psalm 34:8 minds longer than what we touch, smell or hear, because the eyes
and the tongue are such complex organs. Perhaps God designed
them that way so when He invited us to taste and see His goodness,
we would know how deep He wished the experience to be.

Yet, how do you taste and see goodness? Goodness is an abstract

concept; you can’t eat it or examine it like a piece of artwork. More
importantly, we are talking about this God’s goodness. How can we
see His goodness when we cannot see Him?

God gives us many ways to experience who He is and see He is

good. His Word is one. Reading the Bible reveals God’s will for His
people, as well as His all-encompassing, sacrificial love. Prayer and
fellowship are other ways to experience God’s goodness.
Communicating directly with God or talking about Him with fellow
believers brings you closer to Him.

Outside of prayer and the Bible, here are a few more ways to
experience God’s goodness:

 Journal: Write letters to God.

 Read an uplifting book.
 Go on a hike and thank God for His creations.
 Exercise to honor God with your body.
 Sing praise songs to God.

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JUN0 Spiritually Ill

6
You know when you are becoming physically ill. Your symptoms may
vary from illness to illness, but some remain consistent. You feel tired
or rundown. Your body aches. You don’t feel like doing your normal
activities, and everything seems to take much more effort than it
usually does.
On hearing this,
When we become physically ill, we know how to remedy it. A
Jesus said, “It is lingering sickness often signals we need to see a doctor, a
not the healthy professional who can diagnose our specific problems and give us the

who need a tools we need to get well. However, what does it mean to be
spiritually ill? How can we diagnose spiritual illness and what
doctor, but the medicines do we need to eradicate it?
sick. For I have Like physical sickness, spiritual disease looks different for every person.
not come to call A non- Christian may show chronic and obvious symptoms, such as
the righteous, but outright disdain for God, an unusually short temper, or a tendency to

sinners.” speak hurtful or unedifying words. In contrast, a spiritually ill

Christian may be better at hiding his or her symptoms. He or she
may go through the motions in terms of Bible reading, prayer and
—Matthew 9:12 church, but seem numb or disengaged. He or she could also
& 13b participate in ongoing secret sin.

The good news is that no matter your belief status, Jesus has the
cure for all forms of spiritual illness. For the nonbeliever, the cure is
admitting sin, confessing it and turning to Him for a changed life. For
the believer, the cure may involve repentance or a request for a
deeper, more vibrant spiritual life. In addition to prayer, godly
counsel may be needed. Draw strength from the truth that you can
get well.

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JUN07 Never Forgotten
Today’s verse is short, but it packs an emotional punch. By the time

The chief we reach the end of Genesis 40, Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son who had
received God’s promise through many dreams, has already been in
cupbearer, prison for years. He didn’t commit the crime for which he was
however, did not incarcerated and although God had granted him favor with the
prison guard, he surely longed for his freedom. How awful it must
remember Joseph; have felt to hope for that freedom after helping the chief
he forgot him. cupbearer, only to gradually realize he’d been forgotten.

—Genesis 40:23 Have you ever felt God has forgotten you, as Joseph did? Most
Christians can name at least one experience where they felt
forgotten. Although the circumstances may be different, the feeling
and struggle is not. Being forgotten makes you feel empty, unwanted
and alone. You might wonder if God has abandoned you, too busy
dealing with wars, world hunger and terrible diseases to concern
Himself with your problems.

While it’s human to wonder about this and to feel forgotten, God
doesn’t forget any of His children for an instant. Many Bible
passages talk about God remembering someone, but in that context,
remembering means choosing the exactly right time to act. It doesn’t
mean God suddenly recalls someone He pushed to the back of His
mind while taking care of someone else.

If you feel forgotten today, ask God to remember you. Tell Him you
feel alone and ask Him to be with you in a new way, one you can
experience in the depths of your soul. Even if He doesn’t change
things right away, He will be with you and will remember you. Like
Joseph, your trial will end and you will triumph.

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JUN08 Wings Like Eagles
June is graduation season, and today’s verse is a popular one for

But those who graduates. Adults often present Isaiah 40:31 to high school and
college graduates to communicate the hope that these young
hope in the Lord people will soar in life. However, soaring takes much more effort
will renew their than the connotation of the word implies. To soar, you have to be
strong enough to fly—that is, learn new skills, practice them and
strength. They will become adept at them. These skills could be physical, emotional or
soar on wings like spiritual.

eagles; they will run Most learning processes are difficult, and they will leave you weary.
and not grow If you overdo certain things, you might even feel faint. This is an

weary, they will unfortunate side effect of being human in a fallen world. However,
today’s verse promises that if you focus on God, He will let you
walk and not be soar in ways you never anticipated. Fixing your eyes on Jesus, as
faint. Hebrews puts it, gives you strength to do what you never imagined
you could do.

—Isaiah 40:31 What is it you need strength to do today? Where and how do you
most need to soar? Perhaps you’re a student working your way
through tough finals to graduate. Maybe your doctor has said you’re
close to remission but the thought of another arduous treatment
makes you feel faint. Soaring could be as simple as making the
effort to get a strong-willed child dressed for preschool or day
camp today.

Getting up the strength to fly is the hardest part for any bird. They
have to be pushed from the nest and flounder on unsteady wings for
a few minutes. Like birds, people are unsteady, too. You won’t
always feel like soaring. However, when you feel yourself falling,
God will give you the push you need. Pray to feel His gentle push
today and His fatherly voice cheering you on.

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JUN0 Naomi’s Bitterness

9
When most Christians read the story of Ruth, they focus on the
titular character. They glean important lessons, such as how to show
unconditional kindness or how to wait patiently for the partner God
has for them. However, most Christians glance over Naomi’s role in
the story, especially the first chapter of Ruth.
“Don’t call me
As today’s verse says, Naomi was bitter when she returned to
Naomi,” she told Bethlehem from Moab. She had plenty of reasons to be. Her
them. “Call me husband and sons had died, leaving no one to provide for her. As a
Mara, because the widow, she was impoverished and would be considered one of the
lowest members of ancient society. Her only company was a foreign
Almighty has daughter-in-law who worshipped different gods and did not know
made my life very Israel’s customs. Naomi had also had a physically difficult journey.

bitter.” To reflect how she felt, Naomi changed her name from a word
meaning pleasant to one meaning bitter. We aren’t sure how long
—Ruth 1:20 she stayed bitter, but can infer it took her a while to feel like
Naomi again.

Have you ever known a bitter person like Naomi? Have you ever
been that person? Christians are not exempt. Bitterness can creep
into our souls before we know it’s there. In fact, Christians may be
more vulnerable to bitterness, because we are supposed to have joy,
love and peace as evidence of Jesus in our lives. That’s why it’s so
important to recognize and deal with bitterness when we see it.

When you feel bitterness creeping in, identify its source. Find a safe
place to express your feelings, through prayer or to a godly friend or
family member. Ask God to hold you and to replace your
bitterness with joy.

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JUN10 Angels Everywhere
Most Christians are familiar with angels as a concept but aren’t sure

Are not all angels how they fit into the Bible or their overall faith experience. Some
denominations, such as Catholicism, emphasize the role of angels in
ministering spirits Christians’ lives. Others glance over angels or ignore them
sent to serve those altogether. Some Christians see angels as mystical beings and worry
that acknowledging their work could turn into worship.
who will inherit
salvation? The Bible does warn against worshipping angels or giving them more
credit than they deserve. In fact, the Bible teaches Christians will

—Hebrews 1:14 judge angels in Heaven. However, we shouldn’t discount angels and
the roles they can play in our lives. In today’s verse, angels are
described as ministering spirits. Angels from God are created to
watch over us and help draw us closer to Him.

The Bible doesn’t have as much information on angels as we would

like. Most Christians want to know more about angels, because there
aren’t specifics in the Bible, or because they are struggling to
understand God and find angels easier to comprehend. Wanting to
know more about angels is fine, but always remember that Jesus is
your intercessor. Although He may not reveal everything you want
to know about God or Heaven, He can show you what you need
to know when you need it most.

Most of us like the idea of a guardian angel or a host of angels fighting

for us when Satan deigns to attack. Today, thank God for creating
angels and for what they do in your life, even when you cannot see it.
At the same time, thank Him for sending you Jesus, an intercessor who
sent those angels for you.

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JUN11 Under His Wings
The Bible uses several animal, plant and occupation images to get its

He will cover you message across to readers. Jesus often told parables based on
common occupations of the day, such as shepherding, to express
with His feathers, how He wanted His followers to live and interact with each other. In
and under His today’s verse, God is indirectly compared to a bird giving refuge to
its chicks.
wings you shall find
refuge. When a mother hen or goose wants to protect her young, she opens
her wings and immediately gathers them all to her. The chicks form

—Psalm 91:4 a tight-knit group, and the mother is able to hide them from
predators, weather and other dangers under her wings. God has a
more impressive “wingspan” than any mother bird, big enough to
cover every person in the world. He longs for us to find refuge
under His divine wings.

Many Christians struggle to see God as a refuge. They’ve grown up

with the image of a demanding and angry God who swiftly punishes
people who disobey. Other Christians reject God’s refuge because
they want to be independent. They feel like they can and should do
everything themselves.

These attitudes may work for a while, but they eventually will wear
you down. You will come up against an obstacle you cannot
surmount. When that happens, God will be there. However, He won’t
be waiting to say, “I told you so.” He will have His arms open, ready
to enfold you and give you the refuge you need. If you need refuge
today, run to those arms through prayer.
Meditate on today’s verse and thank God for His compassion.

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JUN12 No Other Messiah
It might seem odd for John the Baptist to ask this question. He was

When John, who the forerunner of Jesus and had preached repentance before Jesus
did. More importantly, John had gone about crying, “Hallelujah to the
was in prison, Lamb of God!” He fully believed Jesus was the Messiah and wasn’t
heard about the afraid to express it. Why, then, would he question Jesus now?

deeds of the As with today’s Christians, John’s circumstances had much to do with
Messiah, he sent his questioning. He had been thrown into prison for standing up to
Heroditas, daughter of Herod. In biblical times, prisons were far from
his disciples to ask the fairly comfortable cells we think of now. The worst were holes in
Him, “Are you the the ground, where prisoners were chained to walls. They were fed

one who is to minimally, and many became sick and died. John must have known
there was little chance he would ever see freedom again.
come, or should
we expect Some Bible scholars speculate John was disappointed in God, and
by extension, Jesus. He may have wondered, “If serving the
someone else?” promised Messiah looks like this, what am I doing?” He may have
asked himself, “If Jesus is the Messiah, why doesn’t He free me?”
—Matthew 11:2-
3 We don’t know why Jesus chose not to free John. We do know,
though, that He was faithful. He knew His friend was suffering
greatly and wanted to reassure him. Right after the disciples report
John’s questioning, Jesus reminds them of who He is and what He can
do. He isn’t angry with John. He says no one born of men and women
is greater than John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11).

Has God allowed something that disappointed you today? Ask Him
about it, and ask Him to remind you who He is. He will answer, as
He answered John.

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JUN13 God’s Timetable
God’s timing is not ours. It’s a well-known truth among Christians

“Lord,” Martha and a popular answer Christians give to nonbelievers and each other
when things are not progressing as we’d like them to. Unfortunately,
said to Jesus, “if sometimes the popular answer does not make sense to us. This was
you had been certainly the case for Mary and Martha, whose brother Lazarus was
dead for four days before Jesus reached their home.
here, my
brother would Martha has a natural reaction when Jesus arrives. You could easily
read anger into her statement: “If you had been here, my brother
not have died. would not have died.” If not anger, there was definitely anguish in
But I know that her words—deep sorrow with an undercurrent of confusion as to why

even now God Jesus, who had healed so many others before, didn’t heal Lazarus
before he died.
will give you
whatever you In Martha’s estimation, Jesus arrived too late. The mourners were
already at the house. Lazarus had been in the grave for four days, his
ask.” body already decomposing. She might have wondered why Jesus
would bother to show up now, when an opportunity to perform a
—John 11:21 miraculous healing was gone.

In today’s passage, Jesus proves He can do much more than people

give Him credit for, and that His timing is perfect. Because He arrived
after Lazarus’ death, Jesus was able to raise him from the dead. This
proved Jesus had ultimate power over death, and cemented His
standing as the Son of God.
Perhaps the miracle of Lazarus had a hand in helping people believe in
Jesus’ own resurrection a while later.

If God’s timing seems slow, or if you think He’s too late to do

something, ask what He might be doing while you wait. Consider how
His timing can help you grow, and ask Him to give you
discernment.

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JUN14 A Discerning Heart
Solomon went down in history as the earth’s wisest king. Whether or

So give your not they are from the Judeo-Christian tradition, most people can cite
examples of Solomon’s wisdom, such as when he decided between
servant a two women claiming to be the same baby’s mother. It’s important to
discerning heart to remember, Solomon did not get his wisdom from being naturally
smart or studying hard. His wisdom is directly from God.
govern your people
and to distinguish Solomon’s request pleased the Lord, as all requests for wisdom do.
Wisdom isn’t a fruit of the Spirit, but it is part of God’s will for us
between right and as believers. In Matthew, Jesus says believers should be “wise as
wrong. For who is serpents [and] harmless as doves,” indicating He wants us to be able

able to govern this to judge right and wrong with His guidance. All Christians obtain
greater wisdom as they grow spiritually. Some Christians have the
great people of spiritual gift of discernment, which lets them distinguish “spirits,” or
yours? the true motives of people.

Even if you do not have the gift of discernment, you can and should
—1 Kings 3:9 seek greater wisdom. Reading the Bible is a great way to start. Any
time a moral or ethical question arises, look to see what the Bible
says about it. If the Bible does not give a direct answer, pray, asking
for the ability to distinguish what you should do.

You can gain wisdom from many other sources as well, but be careful
which ones you choose. For example, you might be a science teacher
required to teach your students about evolution. Read up on both
evolution and creation, seeking discerning authors who represent both
sides of the equation fairly. No matter what dilemmas you face,
always seek to be wise in handling them.

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JUN15 The Truth About Singleness
Singleness is often looked upon with pity, skepticism or outright

Now to the scorn in many of today’s churches. Often without meaning to,
married believers send singles the message that because they aren’t
unmarried and the married, there is something wrong with them. Sometimes believers
widows I say: It is cite Paul as the ultimate example of singleness, telling single
believers they have a special “gift of singleness” and are to remain
good for them to single forever. While this is meant as encouragement, it often leaves
stay unmarried, as I the single believer feeling sad and alone.

do. But if they Paul’s lifelong single status seems to indicate that some believers are
cannot control meant to stay single. However, this is rarer than most churches make

themselves, they it out to be. Focus on the latter part of today’s verse—“it is better
to marry than to burn with passion.” God created us with a need for
should marry, for it relationships. For most people, that means marriage. If you have
is better to marry been single for a long time yet want to be married, put the “gift of
singleness” out of your mind. That is not likely your gift.
than to burn with
passion. However, a longing to be married doesn’t mean single Christians
should constantly seek human relationships. It is better for Christian
—1 Corinthians singles to bring their desire to God, pray diligently and use their
single time wisely. If you are a single Christian, ask God how He
7:8-9 wants you to use your time without a spouse. He may lead you to a
new ministry. He may ask you to participate in mission work or to
give yourself a needed mental and emotional rest.

If you are single today, don’t give up hope for a spouse. At the same
time, embrace your singleness and find lasting hope in God.

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JUN1 What Is Heaven Like?

6
Perhaps one of the biggest questions Christians have is, “What is
Heaven like?” We know Heaven exists—we are promised eternal life
there through Jesus Christ. Whenever an elderly believer prepares to
die, it’s common for him or her to talk about the hope of Heaven
and what it will be like. Revelation does provide some descriptions,
However, as it is but they aren’t as specific as most Christians want them to be.

written, “What no Today, curiosity about Heaven is stronger than ever among
eye has seen, what Christians and non-Christians alike. Books such as Heaven is for
no ear has heard, Real and Miracles from Heaven are snatched from bookstore
shelves, and people fill theaters to see movies based on these
and what no stories. Some Heaven stories are hoaxes, which can cause people
human mind has to doubt Heaven’s existence and the promise of eternal life.

conceived, the In today’s verse and many other passages, God promises that
things God has Heaven is indeed real. Unlike modern books, the Bible doesn’t have

prepared for those detailed accounts of the experiences of people who went there
and came back to tell about it.
who love Him.” However, the Bible emphasizes the promise of Heaven again and
again. As Jesus says in John regarding His Father’s house, “If it were
—1 Corinthians not so, I would not have told you.”

2:9 Whenever you are curious about Heaven, go back to the Bible.
Start in Revelation 21 and 22, which give us physical descriptions of
the heavenly city and New Jerusalem, such as gates made of pearls
and buildings made of jewels. Remember most of all, however, that
Heaven will be more than a physical location. It is a place where
God rewards those who love Him, with greater rewards and
greater joy than we could ever conceive.

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JUN17 Washed Clean by God
After a day of hard work or a long, sweaty workout, nothing feels

Cleanse me with better than a hot, cleansing bath. When our bodies are clean, we
naturally feel better about ourselves. We are able to enjoy ourselves
hyssop, and I more and focus on any tasks we need to do. In fact, teachers in any
will be clean. school will tell you children learn best when they are well rested,
well fed and clean.
Wash me, and I
will be whiter As God’s children, we learn best when we are spiritually clean. In
other words, we are able to focus on God and communicate with
than snow. Him more effectively when we have a clear conscience and a pure
heart. We are also able to enjoy His presence more and want to be
—Psalm 51:7 connected to Him. Unfortunately, sin often gets in the way, dirtying
our spirits.

Perhaps no one knew this better than King David did. He was “a
man after God’s own heart,” but he wrote Psalm 51 after committing
a grievous sin. He had had an adulterous affair and had his mistress’
husband murdered. If anyone needed his spirit washed clean, David
qualified. In a great example for modern believers, David sought God
and asked for cleansing.

As hard as we might try, we cannot spiritually cleanse ourselves.

Efforts to do so often lead to legalism, which gives birth to misery.
Misery can actually tempt us to sin more, making the problem
worse. Instead, we need to ask God to cleanse our hearts. God will
not be angry or disappointed. He knows we sin, and He waits
eagerly for us to repent. Once we do, He will gladly wash us clean so
we can enjoy His presence again.

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JUN18 Father’s Day
We celebrate Father’s Day in June. Many pastors pull out the parable

But while he was of the prodigal son on Father’s Day. It’s one of Jesus’ most famous
parables, and one pastors use to encourage nonbelievers to turn to
still a long way off, the God who loves them.
his father saw him This is definitely a correct use of the parable. However, often the
focus is on the son instead of the father.
and was filled with
compassion for him; When most Christians read the prodigal son’s story, they tend to
glance over the father’s role. They know the father forgives his son
he ran to his son, and throws a celebration for him. Yet, they don’t stop to think
threw his arms about how long the father had waited. The Bible doesn’t specify a

around him, and time frame, but we can infer this father loved his son. He may have
watched for him to come home every day, for hours on end.
kissed him.
Bible scholars point out that when the son does come home, the
—Luke 15:20b father runs to greet him. This is no casual homecoming. It is an
emotional embrace from an eager parent who thought he’d never
see his child again. In early Jewish culture, it would have been
undignified for the father to run, but he did not care.

God is like that with us. Believers or not, we are all His prodigal
children. Some of us simply have more prodigal moments than
others. Every day, we have a choice to stay at God’s side spiritually
or go off and do what we want. Too often, we choose the latter. Yet
God doesn’t turn away from us. Instead, He runs to us, welcoming us
back. If you need to be welcomed back today, remember this
parable and come home.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN1 You Are His Beautiful Poem

9
No one obtains salvation through works. As Paul says earlier in
Ephesians, it is by grace alone we are saved. We also don’t have
to work to stay saved.
However, God does prepare us for certain works He wants us to do
while on Earth. These works further the heavenly kingdom and let
For we are God’s everyone know who God is.

handiwork, created Some Christians seem to know what works they are meant for right
in Christ Jesus to away. For example, you might know a man in your church who is
do good works, gifted at cooking. It seems he can take the most random ingredients
in the church fridge and make something delicious in minutes. You
which God might know a woman who works as a nurse or doctor. Her hands
prepared in seem to bring healing with the simplest touches.

advance for us to When faced with these examples, it can be hard to discern what your
do. gifts are and what good works God has prepared for you. Some
Christians figure God has sidelined them because they can’t think of
—Ephesians 2:10 any works worth doing for Him. They see themselves as God’s divine
exception to Ephesians 2:10.

The truth is that God doesn’t make that kind of exception. Every
believer is His handiwork. In Greek, this word is translated poema,
which looks like the word “poem.” You are more than a random
person. You are God’s beautiful poem, and He has a place and a
mission for you. It might not be as showy or glamorous as
someone else’s mission, but it is yours, designed especially for you.

Today, ask God to remind you of your beauty as His workmanship.

Ask for the ability to see yourself through His eyes, and ask Him to
show you what good works He has for you. They can be as big as
going on a mission trip or as small as calling a neighbor to say hello,
but they are there.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN2 Words for an Election Year

0
In election years, believers and nonbelievers alike are anxious about
who will be elected, what he or she will do in office, and what
will happen to our country and world as a result. It’s not
uncommon to hear some believers predict that if X or Y candidate
is elected, the end of the world will soon follow.
I the Lord do not
Christians can and should take comfort in knowing Jesus did not tie
change. So you, the Second Coming to the leadership of a certain president or king.
the descendants of Although He warns the state of the world will be dismal before His

Jacob, are not return, He doesn’t give many specifics. We don’t know what to
expect from which person, group or country. We don’t know the
destroyed. effects certain events will have, or how long we have on Earth.

—Malachi 3:6 What we do know is the truth of Malachi 3:6 and many other
verses like it. The Lord does not change. He is not a political
candidate, trying to win votes with persuasive words. His words have
already been spoken and they will stand forever. Furthermore, He
will protect His people. As believers, we will die because we are
human. Some of us might even be tortured or die for our faith. Yet
because of God, we will not be destroyed.

If an election has you worried today, turn off the news. Disconnect
from the internet and put down the newspaper. Instead, pick up
your Bible and meditate on verses that speak of the constancy and
unconditional love of God. Rest in the knowledge that no matter
who is elected, God is on His throne.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN21 Sing a New Song
The Psalms have plenty to say about singing to the Lord. King David,

Sing to the Lord a who wrote many psalms, was a musician and singer, so it would make
sense for him to mention singing to God often. A classic worship song
new song; sing to says, “I will celebrate/sing to the Lord a new song.” Yet, what does it
the Lord, all the mean to sing a new song to the Lord? What was the old one, and why
should singing a new one make us celebrate?
earth.
Psalm 96 itself doesn’t give an answer, but the Bible as a whole does.
—Psalm 96:1 Throughout the Bible, God’s people were put in positions where if
they sang at all, it was likely a song of mourning. The enslaved
Israelites in Egypt and the Jews taken captive to Babylon are only two
of many examples. Their songs, or the way they lived their lives, were
likely dirges, reflections of hopelessness.

Therefore, singing a new song to the Lord probably reflects a change

not only of circumstances, but also of heart. Singing a new song
indicates we’ve remembered God’s love for us, and trust everything
He does comes from that love. When we sing a new song, we do
want to celebrate because God has renewed our joy in who He is
and who we are in Him.

Perhaps you need to sing a new song today. If so, start by

acknowledging the difficulties that have contributed to your old song.
Journal them, pray about them or talk them through with family,
friends or a counselor. Then meditate on verses, books or other
outlets that remind you of the joy God wants to give you. If so
moved, you can write your own psalm or song and speak it in prayer,
or sing it.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN2 Godly Discipline

2
“Spare the rod, spoil the child” is a familiar axiom among parents,
especially Judeo-Christians. Many Christian parents use this verse as
justification for spanking their children or otherwise disciplining them
physically. There is plenty of debate about whether physical
discipline is okay and what constitutes abuse. However, this verse
Whoever spares makes clear that a parent who loves his or her child will discipline

the rod hates their that child.

children, but the Discipline may be a sign of love, but most parents are at least a bit

one who loves unsure about how to enact it. If you examine the word “discipline,”
you will find the word “disciple,” as in Jesus’ disciples. In Jesus’ day
their children is and today, a disciple was one who sat under a particular rabbi, or
careful to teacher, to learn from them. They were discipled, or disciplined,
until they knew how to obey their teacher’s instructions and live
discipline them. by his teachings.

—Proverbs 13:24 From this, we can conclude true discipline is teaching. It is not done
in anger, as punishment is done. The goal of true biblical discipline is
not abuse or control, or breaking the will of a child. Instead, it is to
teach the child what is right and wrong, and why. A disciplined
child is one who has had a good teacher. A self-disciplined
Christian is one who has learned from God’s teachings and does his
or her best to follow them.

If you are struggling with discipline today, whether it involves

yourself or your child, think about the messages you are sending.
When your child does something wrong, do you react angrily? When
you don’t do something you should, do you berate yourself? If so,
ask God to show you what true discipline means, and how to do
it gently and fairly.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN2 Behind the Mask

3
Have you ever known a Christian trouble doesn’t seem to touch?
Someone who seems happy and optimistic all the time and who
overflows with joy no matter the circumstances? Some Christians are
given the spiritual gift of joy or faith. It is easy for them to trust
that God will work everything out for their good and the good of
Even in laughter, others. However, never make the mistake of thinking a fellow

the heart may believer doesn’t feel all the emotions you feel.

ache, and rejoicing Some believers do, in fact, hide behind masks. For these people, joy

may end in grief. doesn’t come from a spiritual gift. It’s manufactured, produced to keep
others from knowing what’s truly going on inside. There are many
reasons believers hide behind a mask of plastic happiness. Some do it
—Proverbs 14:13 because they were raised to cover emotion. Others hide because they
assume not being happy or joyous means that they don’t have enough
faith. They assume if they show sadness or anger, they will somehow let
down God and He will be disappointed in them.

God wants to reassure us that we never have to put on an act. While

joy is a fruit of the Spirit and evidence of faith, it should never be
manufactured or used to cover real feelings. Let today’s verse give
you permission to feel what you need to. If it is unsafe for you to
express true emotions in one environment, get to one where you can
as quickly as possible. Lean on friends and family who understand
that even though your mouth is smiling, your heart may ache.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN24 The Truth About Vengeance
Revenge is a popular literary theme, in the Bible and a plethora of

Do not take other books. It has been called one of the oldest motives for crime
in the world. When someone has wronged us, it certainly feels good
revenge my dear to think about getting even, although we may not do so. Sometimes,
friends, but leave when people do have the opportunity to get revenge, they take it. It
might be easy to envy those people, but the Bible cautions us not
room for God’s to.
wrath, for it is
Sometimes Christians use, “Vengeance is mine” as a pat answer.
written: “It is mine They don’t want to deal with the fact that a fellow believer is
to avenge, I will angry enough to take revenge, so they try to smooth the emotion

repay,” says the away quickly. A better response would be to acknowledge how the
angry person feels. Let him or her talk through the wrong that was
Lord. done, even if you are anxious or don’t agree with how things were
handled.
—Romans 12:19
Remind a fellow believer or yourself of this verse, not in the context
of God pouring wrath on someone, but in the context of Him showing
perfect justice. Human justice is often flawed. That’s where we get
the concept of revenge in the first place. God’s justice, though, is
always right. He may not enact it the way we want Him to, but He
will enact it both for our good and for the other person’s.

If there is something you feel should be avenged in your life today,

meditate on Romans 12:19. Ask God to give you a new measure of
trust in His justice, and ask Him if He wants you to do something
specific with your feelings. For example, maybe He wants you to
reconcile with the other person. Pray and seek His guidance, and let
your desire for vengeance cool.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN25 The Value of Women
Some people, nonbelievers and Christians alike, wonder if God

But for Adam no approves of oppressing women. They cite teachings such as a wife’s
submission to her husband, and the husband as the head of the
suitable helper was household, to support this idea. They also cite the fact that for
found. … Then the centuries, women have not had equal standing and are still
struggling to obtain it in some societies.
Lord made a
woman from the Many Bible passages show that God loves and values women.
However, this is the first, found in the earliest part of the Bible. God
rib He had taken could have chosen any helper for Adam, such as an animal, a tree or
out of the man, another man. Yet, He chose to make woman, a whole new creation.

and he brought Many Christian writers such as John and Stasi Eldridge posit that God
made Eve, the woman, last, because she was the best thing He
her to the man. ever made.

—Genesis 2:20 & While God doesn’t call Eve His best creation, He is clear about
how He wants women to be treated. Over and over in the Bible, God
22 uses women for His good works. Esther, Ruth, Mary and Deborah are
only four of several examples. He listens to the prayers of women,
as He did for Hannah and Rachel, who could not have children. He
defends women in His commands to care for widows.

Throughout history, women have been a valuable part of God’s

creation, and they continue to be so. If you are a woman who feels
unheard, be encouraged that God wants you to have a place in His
kingdom and will stand up for you, through other people or divine
intervention.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN26 Remembering the Persecuted
Millions of Christians are persecuted for their faith every day.

Who shall According to Christianity Today magazine, there are at least 51

countries in which Christianity is illegal. Several other countries are
separate us from considered “closed” to various degrees—that is, Christianity is legal
the love of Christ? or tolerated, but Christians cannot speak freely of their faith, meet in
public or do other activities Western Christians take for granted.
Shall trouble or
hardship or With the rise of brutal terrorist groups and publication of books such
as I Am N, Westerners’ awareness of Christian persecution around
persecution, or the world has improved. Increasingly, churches are speaking out
famine or about this issue, and Christians are forming groups to pray for

nakedness, or and otherwise reach out to the persecuted. The efforts are
wonderful, but they might leave the individual Christian wondering
danger or sword? what he or she can do to help.

—Romans 8:35 If you want to help persecuted Christians, you are not alone. Your
desire shows you are ready to help, and you can do so on your own
or in a group. A few ways to help persecuted Christians around the
world include:

 Prayer. This is probably the easiest yet most effective thing

you can do. You can do it anywhere, at any time of day. If
you desire, you can go to a website like Voice of the
Martyrs to learn the prayer needs of specific countries or
groups.
 Speaking. Ask your pastor for the opportunity to share
stories of persecuted Christians with your church. Share news
stories through social media or create a private Facebook
group to discuss these stories.
 Missions. If you’ve never been to a closed country, make
sure you have proper training first. Pray diligently before,
during and after your trip.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN27 No Condemnation
The first chapter of Romans begins with a much-needed message of

Therefore, there is hope. For Jews and Christians in Paul’s era, condemnation was
probably a daily occurrence. Religious groups like the Pharisees and
now no Sadducees constantly burdened their followers with laws impossible
condemnation for to keep, yet condemned them for not keeping every single law.
Considering that the Torah alone contains 613 separate laws,
those who are in obedience was a full-time job at which no one, not even the most
Christ Jesus. righteous Pharisee, could succeed.

—Romans 8:1 Today’s Christians don’t have actual Pharisees in their lives, but
many deal with people who act like the Pharisees of ancient Israel.
These people judge others regularly and hold others to higher
standards than they hold themselves. Modern Pharisees also make
excuses for their own sins and tend to blame sin for everything, even
things that happen because of a fallen world, such as disease.

Attitudes like this often lead to legalism, or a form of religion in which

believers try in their own strength to be perfect. Some believers
do this out of fear for their salvation. Others do it because they
want to feel better than someone else, perhaps a person who hurt
them. As Paul himself could attest, legalism is a miserable way to
live. It often results in anger, bitterness and, in cases like Paul’s, the
delusion that sinful attitudes are godly.

How good it is to have this verse, which promises absolutely no

condemnation for those who are in Christ. If you are a believer, your
past, present and future sins are already forgiven. You do not stand
condemned, and so you need not condemn yourself or anyone else.
Ask God to show you the truth of your freedom and celebrate it
today.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN28 Jesus Loves the Little Ones
If you grew up in Sunday school, you’re probably familiar with the

If anyone causes song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” One of the first Bible stories
you were taught was probably the one about Jesus blessing children
one of these little even though the disciples were indignant and tried to keep the children
ones—those who from bothering Him. Pastors routinely refer to their congregations as
God’s children. Yet, just how highly does Jesus value children, and
believe in me—to whom does He consider a child?
stumble, it would Today’s verse can answer both questions well. Jesus values children highly
be better for them —so highly He will show His full anger in defending them. Bible
to have a large teacher Beth Moore writes about this in her study Breaking Free. She

millstone hung offers hope to readers who have experienced child abuse, molestation
or any other crime, big or small, committed against children. Moore
around their neck points to Jesus as the ultimate defender of the world’s innocents and

and to be drowned invites readers to cast childhood burdens on Him.

in the depths of the However, you don’t have to be a minor for Jesus to consider you a
sea. child. Focus on how He qualifies “little ones”—“those who believe in
me.” Anyone who is a believer in Christ is also His child. As such,

—Matthew 18:6 believers have the privilege of considering Jesus Daddy. He

unconditionally loves, protects, defends and teaches His children,
whether they are physically kids or not.

As an adult, you might feel too old to be considered a child, even

God’s child. It might seem like an inordinately long time since you
called Jesus Daddy or considered Him a benevolent Papa God. Let
yourself be little again today.
Climb into His lap and speak to Him as a beloved Daddy. He will be
glad you did.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN29 Death of an Unsaved Loved One
For Christians, death is not only the end of earthly life, but also the

Blessed are those beginning of eternal life. Most Christians draw hope from the
promise of Heaven and eternal life, even in the throes of deep grief.
who mourn, for However, what if you have lost a loved one who was unsaved or
they shall be know someone who died unsaved? Many Christians wonder if there
is comfort or grace in the death of the unsaved and if yes, where to
comforted. find it.

—Matthew 5:4 The first part of finding comfort in such a death involves
acknowledging the truth of the Bible and the truth of how you feel.
If a loved one dies unsaved, the implication is Christians will not see
them again in eternity. The Bible also implies Heaven is a place
where we will not mourn or weep. Therefore, it can be inferred we
won’t miss our unsaved loved ones.

Most Christians have a hard time wrapping their minds around these
truths. They are difficult, perhaps offensive. How, we wonder, could
we go to Heaven and never miss someone who isn’t there, nor think
about him or her again? If this thought makes you sad or angry, it’s
healthy to acknowledge that. Let God see all your feelings,
including the unpleasant ones. He knows them anyway, but He
wants to hear them from you.

However, remember that one day you will understand the destiny of
your unsaved loved one, as well as your own and why they had to
be different. Until that time, pour out your heart as much as you
need. Ask God to remind you of His goodness, His perfect love and
justice. Trust that when you can’t understand eternity, He does and
will one day reveal everything to you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUN3 New Seasons

0
Summer begins a fresh season. Maybe newness is on your mind. You’ll
notice buds in your garden, cherish baby animals, welcome warm
weather and embrace several other changes. New growth will bud
and flourish in summer and prepare to go dormant in autumn.
Eventually, it will die off in winter so next spring can bring more
There is a time rejuvenation.

for everything, Some people look at this cycle of seasons and feel sad or
and a season for discouraged. They want things to stay as they are for longer so
every activity they can hold on to favorite memories or special parts of each
season. These feelings are natural. They reflect the setting of
under the eternity in everyone’s heart. We sometimes rebel against time
heavens. because deep down, we know good things aren’t supposed to end.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1, Yet today’s verse tells us that as long as we’re on Earth, we’ll
experience time. Moreover, there’s a time for every purpose. You can
NIV allow this verse (and the chapter it comes from) to encourage you.
If you’re in the midst of a difficult season, focus on the promise that
it’ll eventually end to make room for a new one. If you’re in a good
season, don’t fear that difficult ones may be coming. Instead, enjoy
what you have now. Try to look at difficult seasons as opportunities
for growth and change.

Finally, remember that God is with you in every season. He created

the physical seasons and oversees the emotional and spiritual ones in
our lives. Always allow Him to guide you through each of yours.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL01 God’s Sheltering Canopy
Summer brings some of the most extreme weather on the calendar. One
day it might be blisteringly hot, and another day might offer a severe
storm filled with torrential rain and high winds. These ups and downs
wear on our bodies and minds after a while, and we seek shelter in our
homes, where the climate is easier to control.

Like extreme heat and rain, emotional and mental turmoil can make us
run for shelter. A difficult work project, a recent loss, or financial
problems might make you feel oppressed, as if you were stuck in a never-
ending heat wave. A relentless series of small issues might add up to a big
emotional storm. When things like this happen, physical and emotional
shelter is needed.

In today’s verse, God promises to give us His shelter. His emotional,

mental and spiritual canopy won’t stop all storms, but it will give us a
safe place when they come. God’s canopy provides adequate cover for
every problem, no matter how big or small.

If you are facing a storm today, run to that canopy. Go to a private place,
shut the door and pray. Ask for an extra measure of peace and do
things to facilitate it, such as listening to calming music or soaking in
the tub. Meditate on verses or devotionals that focus on fruits of the
Spirit, particularly peace, self-control and joy. Throughout the storm,
periodically take this time for yourself. It will make facing the extreme

It will be a shelter and shade from the heat

of the day, and a refuge and hiding place
from the storm and rain.
—Isaiah 4:6

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JUL02 Prayer for Discipline
In today’s verse, Jeremiah prays for God’s discipline. At first glance, this

Discipline me, Lord, seems like a dangerous prayer, because we often equate
“discipline” with “punishment.” Our parents or guardians may have
but only in due used the terms interchangeably or made well-meant discipline feel
measure—not in like anger-driven punishment.

your anger, or you When reading Jeremiah 10:24 and similar verses, it’s crucial to
will reduce me to remember there’s a difference. Anger tends to drive punishment—

nothing. the punisher takes out his or her feelings on the punished. When this
happens, the one being punished probably learns a lesson. However,
guilt, sadness and resentment may follow.
—Jeremiah 10:24
In contrast, “discipline” comes from a root word meaning “to teach.”
Like punishment, discipline may be painful, but the goal is to teach
the one being disciplined how to do right the next time. This—not
punishment—is God’s ultimate goal for us. He can and does punish,
but only those who wholly reject Him and only as a last resort.

None of us grew up with perfect parents or guardians, but God is the

perfect Father. He knows we need discipline because we are prone to
disobey. He also knows the kinds of discipline that will get
through to each of us.
Therefore, God tailors our discipline not so we feel punished, but so
we can learn from the experience.

Do not be afraid of God’s discipline. Instead, recall how wise and

merciful He is. Ask Him to teach you His ways and correct you when
you sin. The answer to this prayer may not be pleasant, but you will
learn from it and grow closer to your heavenly Father.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL03 Open Spiritual Eyes
Have you ever tried to complete a task while you were only half-

Open my eyes that awake? The results are often not beneficial. You might trip and fall,
stumble or miss important details in class or at work. As we go to
I may see school, work or indulge in our hobbies, it’s crucial to keep our
wonderful things in physical eyes open at all times. That way, we ensure that we miss
nothing. We protect ourselves from getting hurt or making
your law. mistakes.

—Psalm 119:18 God gives us spiritual eyes for the same purpose. They are there to
guide us through His Word and show us how to live strong Christian
lives. However, many Christians stumble through their spiritual lives
as if half awake. They know the basics of the Bible, so they become
complacent about what it says. They rush through prayers to get to
other tasks or miss opportunities to serve others.

The good news is that you can open spiritual eyes any time, just like
physical ones. Today, ask God if you’re “sleeping” in any spiritual
areas. When He answers, ask Him to revive you and open your
eyes. Then respond with clear vision. Read a Bible passage you
haven’t seen in a while, and record what it says to you. Change
your prayer time with music, audiobooks or a nature walk.
Participate in a new ministry.

Once your eyes are open again, ask the Holy Spirit to keep
them open. Search for ways God speaks in your everyday world.
Evidence of Him might be a coworker covering for you when you’re
sick or your child drawing you a special picture. When you find
these times, rejoice because God lets you see them.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL04 True Freedom
Today is Independence Day. Every year on this day, we celebrate our

“I have the right to freedom as a nation and as individuals. Recognizing and appreciating
our freedom is important, because it came at a high price. Because
do anything,” you courageous people were willing to stand up to tyranny and start a
say—but not new nation, modern Americans have rights and liberties they might
not have otherwise. Our country is unique, because it’s one of the few
everything is countries where everyone can worship, work and live as they like,
beneficial. “I have without fear.

the right to do However, with freedom comes responsibility. As Paul explains in 1

anything”—but I Corinthians 6:12, just because you have the right to do anything
will not be doesn’t always mean you should. Today, many Americans need to
remember this truth. Sometimes consciously and sometimes not, we
mastered by abuse our rights and freedoms. We disrespect our fellow people,
anything. engage in sin and don’t live the lives God has called us to live.

—1 Corinthians What life is that, though? What’s true freedom? The Bible teaches that
true freedom doesn’t come from physical independence. It comes
6:12 from knowing we belong to Christ and serve Him first. Some people
believe serving Christ will make them slaves instead of free. However,
Christ’s service is a regimen of love, honesty and acceptance. In
Christ, you’ll be freer than you’ve ever been.

This Independence Day, rejoice in physical freedom. However, be

cognizant of any spiritual yokes that keep you from feeling free
inside. If you have these, ask Christ to lift them and replace them
with His yoke of true independence. Request discernment, and then
you’ll know how to embrace your freedoms without abusing them,
as well as how to love God and others.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL05 Family Faith
Paul’s protégé Timothy did not have to come from a strong faith

I am reminded of background. In fact, it would have been easy for him to be confused
about which faith to follow. Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his
your sincere faith, father was Greek, so Timothy grew up hearing about two separate
which first lived in belief systems. Despite this, Paul indicates Timothy was grounded in
Jesus Christ.
your grandmother
Lois and your Paul credits Timothy’s family for this strong faith. Apparently, Lois

mother Eunice and, and Eunice were diligent in teaching Timothy who Christ was from an
early age. By the time Paul met Timothy, he was ready to be
I am persuaded, mentored. He learned well, eventually becoming Paul’s trusted
now lives in you ministry partner. Paul even dedicates two New Testament letters to
him, asking Timothy to be by his side in the last days of his life.
also.
Any child can become like Timothy if his or her family shows the
—2 Timothy 1:5 same dedication as Lois and Eunice. Additionally, you don’t have to
be a “super Christian” to help the children in your life grow
spiritually strong. Simply show them who Jesus is in your words and
actions. Read and discuss Bible stories with them. Teach them to
pray by doing it together as a family. Tell your children about the
character of God, and give examples of how He is present in their
everyday lives.

What if you’re a new Christian or your family doesn’t have faith as a

legacy? Rejoice, because you can be the one to start a new era. Your
branch of the family can be the first to fully embrace Jesus and raise
faithful children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Seek mentors to
help you and press on— you’ll be rewarded.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL06 Unconditional Love
Some people call 1 Corinthians 13 the Love Chapter. Most pastors

Love is patient, read it at weddings because it’s such a strong, comprehensive

example of how to love another person. Yet even the kindest and
love is kind. … It is most well-meaning Christians find the Love Chapter a challenge.
not proud; it does They wonder if it’s possible to embody everything these verses say
love is.
not dishonor others.
It is not easily If keeping the tenets of 1 Corinthians 13 seems impossible and

angered; it keeps unrealistic, that’s because it is. Our human nature doesn’t allow us to
love perfectly all the time. Despite our best efforts, we aren’t always
no record of kind or patient. We hold grudges against others and act out of pride
wrongs. Love does instead of considering what’s best for someone else. Trying to
achieve perfect love as a human can lead to feelings of failure, guilt
not delight in evil, and discouragement.
but rejoices with
The good news is that it isn’t up to us to embody perfect,
the truth. unconditional love. Only God can do it 100 percent of the time,
and He offers us His strength so we can do it, too. As a believer,
—1 Corinthians you experience God’s unconditional love every day. When you sin,
13:4-6 He doesn’t keep score; He patiently wipes away the mistake and
encourages you to do right next time. He’s unfailingly kind, He won’t
shame or dishonor you and He teaches you truth so you can rejoice
in it.

Meditating on God’s unconditional love for you makes it easier and

more pleasant to love others, including those who aren’t easy to
love. Today, think about a person who needs to know God’s love
through you. Thank God for that love, meditate on it and ask for
strength to love others as He loves you. Then find the person you
thought of, and show him or her love as God leads.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL07 God Feeds Us
We need food to survive. Hunger is one of the most unpleasant

To them I was like feelings a person can experience. Although it’s fairly easy to obtain
food in America, dealing with hunger until you can eat is a challenge.
one who lifts a little Hunger saps energy and concentration. It makes you easily irritated.
child to the cheek, If hunger goes unchecked, it leads to severe physical and emotional
symptoms such as depression, hopelessness, muscle atrophy and
and I bent down to infections.
feed them.
In today’s verse, Israel was hungry and showing symptoms of long-
—Hosea 11:4b term spiritual malnutrition. The nation had turned away from God,
worshipping idols for decades, maybe centuries. Throughout Hosea,
God compares Israel to an unrepentant prostitute, cheating on Him
with other gods. He accuses Israelites of doing detestable acts such
as burning their children at false gods’ altars.
Countless warnings did nothing to make Israel repent.

Despite their sin, God never lost His love for Israel. His motives are
clear in Hosea 11:4. God knows His people are suffering, starving for
Him. He wants to lift them up to His cheeks, like a daddy lifting a
toddler, and feed them what they need. Unlike physical food, God’s
supply never runs out. He has enough for everyone at any time
and aches to share it at His table.

Today, you might be spiritually malnourished. You probably don’t bow

to wood and stone like Israel. However, you may have idols in your
life. These idols give you a false sense of spiritual nutrition. They
aren’t healthy or sustaining food. If you are malnourished, you’ll know
it. You might find yourself more prone to anger or depression, or you
may avoid church, prayer or Bible study.

During prayer time, tell God you’re hungry for Him. Ask Him to help
you “eat” what’s spiritually healthy. He’ll lift you up and serve you a
full plate.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL08 Embracing Strangers
Every day, we all encounter strangers. They could be the people with

Dear friend, you whom you share public transit, the coworker you haven’t yet met or
the person at the next lunch table. A stranger could be someone you
are faithful in what recognize but are hesitant to talk to because you feel you have
you are doing for nothing in common.

the brothers and It’s natural to feel hesitant around people we don’t know. In fact,
sisters, even most of us grew up hearing, “Don’t talk to strangers.” As we grow

though they are older however, a stranger often becomes a new person to whom we
can reach out. In today’s verse, John extols Christians who embraced
strangers to you. new believers in their church— even though these people were
unfamiliar.
—3 John 5 You don’t have to approach every new person to reach out
effectively. Start with one person, perhaps the visitor who sits alone
at church or the classmate who’s struggling with certain parts of
the material. Offer a kind word or a service, such as help studying
or working on an assignment. Ask the other person about him or
herself. Ask about enjoyable activities and thoughts about your
church, school or workplace. As you get to know one person, expand
the friendship and include other new people.

If a stranger is a nonbeliever and you want to tell him or her about

Jesus, strike up a friendship. Don’t try to explain the Gospel in your
first meeting, but bring up faith naturally. Ask what he or she thinks
about God, suffering, good and evil, Jesus and other common faith
issues. If a nonbeliever has a physical need you can meet, don’t
hesitate. Serving him or her physically will open the door to Gospel-
centered discussions.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL09 In the Beginning
The very first verse in the Bible is one many Christians gloss over

In the beginning because it’s so familiar. From the time we enter Sunday school we
learn that one of God’s crucial roles is that of Creator. After all, if
God created the God had not created the heavens and Earth, we wouldn’t have a
heavens and the planet on which to live.

earth. When was the last time you stopped to think about what this actually
means? Earth is a huge planet, and it’s part of a vast solar system
—Genesis 1:1 made up of eight more planets, dozens of moons and countless
galaxies. We have seven huge continents, five major oceans and the
most diverse geography anywhere. For God to make everything, He
would have to be more creative than even the best artist,
carpenter or writer alive. He would have to be a Master Creator
like no other.

Furthermore, God could have stopped at creating the heavens and

Earth. He didn’t have to create people. We’ve proven again and
again our ability to cause Him pain. In Genesis 6, God goes so far as
to say He regrets creating humans. Still, He chose to make us and call
us His masterpieces. We’re the only creations made in God’s image.
We’re the only creations given souls meant to live with Him for
eternity.

Genesis 1:1 is an easy verse to skip or skim, but it’s worth meditating
on. Perhaps more than any other, this verse gives us a glimpse into
both the abilities and heart of God. His heart is to create, mold, teach
and love. He did this from the beginning, lovingly crafting a place we
could live and enjoy communion with Him. Thank Him today.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL10 You Are Worth It
An old L’Oréal ad campaign encouraged people to use their

Don’t be afraid; shampoo and conditioner, “because you’re worth it,” meaning,
worth the effort it takes to cultivate healthy hair. Today, “you’re
you are worth worth it” echoes from ads for things like decadent chocolate, telling
more than us we’re worthy of treating ourselves. However, these messages
compete with subtle lies that tell us we aren’t worth anything. If we
many aren’t good-looking, thin, smart or athletic, we’re worth less than we
sparrows. would be otherwise.

—Luke 12:7b The church gets in on this at times. Through words and actions,
Christians tell each other they’re only worth God’s time if they’re
perfect. A full-time missionary in Africa is considered more worthy
than the church member who serves coffee on Sundays and has
never left the United States. The woman in a fancy dress is
considered more approachable than the single mom who wore a T-
shirt and jeans to church.

God doesn’t want any of His people to feel worthless. That’s why He
created so many of us but didn’t make any two people the same. It’s
why we read so many stories of Jesus reaching out to marginalized
people—shepherds, prostitutes, the sick and the disabled. He
wanted us to know that we’re all worth His crucifixion.

In today’s verse, Jesus reminds the audience that people could sell
sparrows for pennies in their culture. In other words, sparrows
weren’t worth much monetarily or otherwise. If a sparrow fell and
died, no one really noticed. In contrast, Jesus promises that the
Father sees when each sparrow falls—and cares about each one.
Jesus also tells us each of us is worth more than many sparrows.

Today, thank God for counting you worthy of sacrificing His Son. Ask
Him to remind you of your worth and help you rejoice in it. Then
go out and show others they’re worth it to Him too.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL11 Combating Worry
Jesus’ question reminds us how futile worry is. Most Christians believe

Can any one of worry is sinful, because it reflects a lack of trust in God. Yet worrying is
a difficult habit to break. Most of us do it without thinking, and it’s easy
you by worrying to worry about many things at once. Additionally, we sometimes think if
add a single hour we don’t worry about someone or something, it means we don’t care.

to your life? Be careful not to confuse worry with genuine concern. Jesus doesn’t say,
“Don’t be concerned about your loved ones or neighbors.” Many Bible
—Matthew 6:27 passages encourage us to show compassion to others, speak truth to
them in love and carry each other’s burdens. All these attitudes further
God’s kingdom and lift up other people.

Worry, on the other hand, accomplishes nothing. Constantly thinking

about negative things that might happen wastes energy you could be
using to affect change. Excessive worry can lead to physical and emotional
symptoms, such as anxiety attacks.

Some people are natural worriers; if you’re one, there are ways to deal
with it. The next time you catch yourself worrying endlessly, try these
tips:

 Pray specifically, aloud if possible.

 Do something physical related to your worry. Are you worried

about a tough work assignment? Email your supervisor with
questions.

 List three to five things you are grateful for or that bring you joy.

 Sing a praise song, hymn or other positive song. Good lyrics

leave no room for worries.

 If you have full-blown anxiety, seek help from a Christian counselor.

 Go outside. Fresh air helps remind us how big the world is and
how God looks after it all.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL12 Unable but Chosen
God loves to use people who are unlikely choices. Almost every

But they were heroic figure in the Bible was an unlikely one for ancient Israel. God
often chose youngest children over firstborns, women over men, the
childless because childless over the fertile and the disabled over the able-bodied. This
Elizabeth was not was not to make certain groups feel like lesser people, but to prove
no one escaped His notice or love.
able to conceive,
and they were Elizabeth is yet another example. Although she and her husband,

both very old. Zechariah, were both old, the Bible is careful to tell us she wasn’t
able to conceive. Bible teacher Beth Moore says Elizabeth is
described in terms of what she does not have: children. This is a
—Luke 1:7 terrible burden for any woman, but more so in Elizabeth’s culture.
Ancient people often considered Israelite women who couldn’t
conceive cursed, or at least overlooked, by God.

Perhaps you can commiserate with Elizabeth right now. Maybe it

seems like no one notices your talents, focusing instead on the one
thing you can’t do that they value. Perhaps the stigma of an illness or
disability makes others assume you can’t do the activities they can.
Other situations can make you feel lesser and “unable” as well—
financial problems, a divorce, infertility or an abusive past to name a
few.

God had already done many miracles through barren women like
Hannah, Sarah and Rebecca. He saw Elizabeth’s longing. Instead of
saying, “I will leave her unable,” He chose her.

God may not make you able to do everything you want. At the same
time, He won’t leave you feeling cast aside because of inabilities. If
you open yourself to Him, God will choose you to accomplish
what no one else can.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL13 Achieving Contentment
Christians often talk about contentment, but no one seems to know

I have learned the exactly how to live it. Often, this is because most people don’t
know what real contentment means. Does it mean never trying to
secret of being better our lives? Does it mean accepting abuse or other untenable
content in any and circumstances? Does it mean never having or expressing an
opinion?
every situation,
whether well fed or The answer to all these questions should be “no.” Jesus wants His

hungry, whether followers to be kind, gentle and patient, yet He never meant we
should be doormats. If there are ways to escape abuse or other
living in plenty or in dangerous situations, take them. If you have the opportunity to
want. further your education, get a better job through moving or have
another child, you’re free to take that, too. Reaching out for more
or better doesn’t mean you lack contentment.
—Philippians
4:12b Real discontent comes from finding negative aspects of every
situation no matter how good it is. It comes from putting people
down instead of building them up, and focusing so much on
bettering yourself or your situation that you lose sight of what God has
for you right now. True discontent is rooted in your attitude, not your
desires themselves.

As one pastor said, the tent of discontent isn’t a pleasant place

to live, and you’ll know if you’re living there. You’ll catch yourself
complaining about everything, being unusually short-tempered or
withdrawing from people and activities you love. If these symptoms
are severe, a pastor or Christian counselor can help. Here are a few
other ways to practice daily contentment:

 Write down at least one thing each day that makes

you feel gratitude.
 Give your time and resources to others; it shows you how
much you have.
 Do enjoyable activities to increase your positive attitude.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL14 Listening to God
Many Bible passages, including today’s, talk about listening to God’s

My sheep listen to voice. When Christians face dilemmas, they tell each other to ask
God for direction and listen to Him. However, God doesn’t speak
my voice; I know audibly as often as He did in the Old Testament, so it can be hard
them, and they to know if you’re hearing from Him or not.

follow me. People often describe God’s voice as a “still, small voice” that nudges
you in a particular direction. Some people compare it to a
—John 10:27 conscience, showing you the difference between right and wrong,
but it’s more than that. God’s voice not only alerts you to sin, but
gives you the opportunity to influence His kingdom. God’s voice
might compel you to invite someone to church, say something
encouraging, make a purchase or go on a mission trip. Sometimes,
the voice will remind you to spend time with God in prayer and
Bible study.

Like most undertakings, listening to and hearing God takes practice.

Start by building quiet reflection into prayer time. Instead of your
prayer needs, focus on what you think God is teaching you. Go
over attributes of God, such as His power, grace or healing nature.
As you read a Bible passage, ask God what He wants you to learn.

Also, look for opportunities to do what God says, even if you

don’t hear anything specific. God might not tell you specifically
which charity should get your time or money. However, because the
Bible extols charity, you can be confident your decision to invest in a
reputable one is in line with His will.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL15 Abundant Life
Some translations render this verse as, “I have come that they may

I have come that have life … more abundantly.” However, what does it mean to live an
abundant life?
they may have Some people assume it means a prosperous life on Earth, filled with
life, and have it to money, possessions and security. Others think today’s verse talks
only about the promises of life in Heaven for believers.
the full.
Actually, both interpretations are flawed. God never promised we’d
—John 10:10 have easy, secure lives all the time. In reality, the Bible talks often
about suffering— especially for Christians. Yet, neither did God say
our lives would be miserable outside of Heaven. An abundant life
lived God’s way is one that honors Him. Any believer can have an
abundant life; it’s there for the asking.

Perhaps you’d like your life to be abundant but aren’t sure how to
make it happen. Consider why your life doesn’t feel abundant. It may
be because of a physical need, such as a financial problem or the
need to lose or gain weight. You might have an emotional struggle,
like an estranged family member.

You can change some of these things over time, while you must
leave other things entirely in God’s hands. Either way, you should
pray diligently about them. If the obstacle keeping you from
abundance is something you can change, work on it. For instance,
consider going back to school if a lack of education keeps you
from a job you want. If you can’t change the situation, ask God for
an extra measure of strength, gratefulness and joy. He will show you
where abundance already exists and how to make it grow.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL16 The One God
Our verse today is a prayer called the Shema, prayed in Jewish

Hear, O Israel, the synagogues and in some Christian churches. It’s simple but contains
one of the most important and profound truths of Christianity. The
Lord our God, the Lord is our God, and the Lord is one. He’s the Alpha and Omega,
Lord is one. the only God worthy of worship.

—Deuteronomy In every generation, there are people and things that keep us from
seeing God as the only one like Him. In ancient Israel, literal idols
6:4 carved from raw materials were often the problem. These idols
represented gods whose religions required worship the true God
found detestable. It included sexual orgies, human sacrifices and self-
mutilation.

Today, these forms of idol worship are rarer. Modern people, including
Christians, can fall into the trap of worshipping careers, possessions,
money and prestige. Sometimes our family, home and security can
become idols. God never said any of these things are sinful, but they
become so when they take His place.

Since it’s so easy to slip into idolatry, pray often about whether
you’re putting God first. If God shows you an idol, don’t beat
yourself up. Avail yourself of His grace and seek to replace the idol
with the One God. This may take time, and you may have to
dethrone the same idol many times. However, God will always be
patient in helping you. You’ll never defeat idols alone. Each time you
do, you’ll find God more worthy of worship, so it’ll be harder to
turn to idols.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL17 Power in the Blood
Christianity places much emphasis on Jesus’ blood. This emphasis can

This is my blood of turn off nonbelievers and even some believers, who would prefer to
focus on God’s love. God is the ultimate picture of love and mercy,
the covenant, but we can’t discount the importance of Jesus’ blood and sacrifice.
which is poured out Sacrifice is a huge biblical theme. The Old Testament covenant, for
for many for the example, required animal bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins.
forgiveness of sins. Leviticus and Numbers discuss laws based on tenets such as “an
eye for an eye.” Large parts of the Old Testament concern the
—Matthew conquest of Canaan, a bloody endeavor indeed. Unfortunately, this
type of bloodshed meant constant loss of life.
26:28b
When God the Father planned Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, He
intended it to be the last blood sacrifice for sin. Hebrews describes it
as “once and for all,” meant for every person on Earth. Those who
accept Christ are covered symbolically with His blood—guaranteed
eternal life and earthly benefits of salvation because of His
sacrifice.

Bloodshed is never easy to think about or pleasant to discuss. However,

Jesus’ blood and death are unique because they offer eternal hope.
Unlike many examples of violence today, Jesus’ blood wasn’t spilled
senselessly. As an old hymn says, “When He was on the cross, [you]
were on His mind.” Better, because Jesus is God, His death wasn’t
forever. He rose again, making His sacrifice the only one of its kind.

When you’re tired of violence and bloodshed, switch your focus to the
one instance of bloodshed that offers hope. Thank Jesus for the blood
spilled for you. Then celebrate it, sharing the message of His blood
with others.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL18 Why (Not) Me?
The Bible tells us Job never sinned in what he said, despite the

He replied, “You arduous tests God bestowed upon him. However, Job felt sadness,
anger and hopelessness at his plight like any other person. Scripture
are talking like a says he was in so much pain from boils that he scraped himself with
foolish woman. broken pottery. At one point, Job wished he had never been born.

Shall we accept Since our world is fallen, many Christians will face intense testing like
good from God, Job. Maybe you’re one of those Christians. Your test could be a
cancer diagnosis—for your 5-year-old child. It could be
and not trouble?” homelessness, intense persecution at school or work, or false
accusations. A natural disaster or the killing of a loved one might test
—Job 2:10 you. These aren’t average spiritual tests, and they’re likely to leave
you asking, “Why me?”

Perhaps a better question, though, is “Why not me?” In the midst of a

test, it can be difficult to believe God can use your circumstances for
anything good, but He can. Often, the people tested the most find
that God had an incredible plan and testimony in mind for them. You
won’t know what your testimony is right away. It may take months or
years to discover what it is, and after you find out, you might still
say, “Lord, I don’t want it!”

Remember, though, that the human mind is finite. We see only what
we can make sense of, but God sees the big picture. Your recovery
from a natural disaster might encourage others who are struggling on
a smaller scale. Your child’s cancer diagnosis may put you in contact
with the best and most understanding friends you’ve ever had. False
accusations might stir a new passion for godly justice in you.

When terrible circumstances come, it’s okay to ask God why. After
that, ask why not. Ask Him to show you how to handle your situation
with His grace.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL19 Searching for Wisdom
Millions (perhaps billions) of subjects exist for us to study. These

Indeed, if you cry branch out into billions of careers at which we can become experts.
The only One we’ll never completely understand no matter how hard
out for insight … we try is God. We’ll never know everything possible about Him
and search for it as because, unlike God, humans are limited.

hidden treasure, then That said, God wants us to know Him as intimately as we can. He
you will understand withholds some knowledge, because it is “too lofty for [us],” but

the fear of the Lord He invites us to gain wisdom regarding His ways. Today’s verse
tells us how to do it: diligently, as if searching for the most valuable
and find the treasure in the world.
knowledge of God. Although some people use “wisdom” and “knowledge”
interchangeably, don’t confuse the two. Knowledge refers to facts
—Proverbs 2:3-5 we can grasp with the human mind, or truths boiled down to their
essence. You have knowledge of God if you know He is love, or if
you know He can perform miracles. Knowledge is a step toward
wisdom, but it only provides the basics.

Wisdom regarding God’s ways and true understanding of God must

be cultivated over time. Again, you’ll never fully understand God but
will achieve a level of understanding. This will help you love and
trust Him more, and it provides the next step toward wisdom.
Wisdom is the application of your knowledge and understanding.
You prove you’re wise when you know, accept and enact God’s
ways in a given situation.

At any point on your spiritual journey, you glean new knowledge,

understanding and wisdom. You may stay in the “knowledge” phase
for a long time regarding a specific characteristic of God or a
spiritual question. Don’t rush this process. Instead, continue
seeking and asking for wisdom, and enjoy the journey.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL20 Wounds From a Friend
It’s human nature to embrace what we want to hear. We’d all rather

Wounds from a accept a positive comment than criticism. Criticism may be

constructive, but when we hear it, we get defensive. Although we
friend can be might not admit it, the idea we are wrong about something
trusted, but an wounds our pride.

enemy multiplies Proverbs 27:6 reminds us that wounded pride can be a good
kisses. thing if the wounds are inflicted with love. It also reminds us where
this type of wound often comes from: a true friend. This verse’s
—Proverbs 27:6 writer makes a clear distinction between friends who tell us what we
want to hear versus those who express what we need to hear. Those
who consistently stroke our egos are not friends, but enemies.

No one likes constant criticism, so it’s easy to say this

characterization is harsh. Don’t be quick to dismiss it, though.
Although flattery and kindly worded untruths feel good at first, they’ll
harm you in the end. Eventually, you’ll learn the truth, and by then it
may come from someone who wants to use the truth to tear you
down. Worse, by then your heart may be too hardened toward
that particular issue for you to want to change.

When a friend tells you the truth about a wrong you’ve committed,
it’ll hurt at first. You might defend yourself and believe you’re right.
However, if you ask God for discernment, He may have something
valuable to show you. Listening to kindly meant words that hurt can
make you a stronger, more grounded believer.

Is there someone in your life you need to listen to today? What’s he

or she trying to say? Go to this person, and be open to his or her
words.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL21 The Prince on a White Horse
Many people loved fairytales growing up, and we knew when the

I looked, and there prince rode in on the white horse, the day was about to be saved.
Whether you dreamed of being the heroic prince or the princess
before me was a meeting her dashing hero, you unconsciously recognized the white
white horse! Its horse and conqueror as a sign of hope and victory.

rider held a bow As adults, we still wait for a victor on a powerful steed, although
and was given a we may not admit it. Some Bible teachers theorize it’s because we

crown, and he rode know deep down our earthly lives aren’t the end. We know there’s
something more, something better, waiting for us. Yet, we can’t
out as a conqueror attain it on our own because, as with fairy tales, evil forces block
bent on conquest. our way. We need a victor to go before us.

Revelation paints Jesus in this role, the perfect victor/savior. Unlike a

—Revelation 6:2 fairytale prince, He’s real. He saves everyone, not just the beautiful or
outwardly deserving. There’s no chance He’ll fail in His mission; He’ll
rescue us all. We’ll attain victory and the better life awaiting us. We’ll
live that life first as earthly believers, called to live abundantly. Then
we’ll join our Savior in Heaven.

You might have given up on fairy tales long ago. Maybe real life was
harsh toward you, or you simply grew out of your belief in shining
knights, dashing princes and lovely princesses. Fairytales are fantasy,
but they’re a shadow of a glorious reality. You do have a Prince, and
He’s coming for you. In the meantime, He guides you through life
using the Holy Spirit.

Pray and thank God for being your Prince today. Ask Him to show
you your worth and rescue you, either through a prayer for salvation
or one for renewed strength and grace. Rejoice in your position as a
treasure He fights for.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

JUL22 Far Above Rubies
The ruby is July’s birthstone—and a valuable stone at that. The Bible

A wife of noble often compares the ruby favorably with other stones, citing its high
price and preciousness. The ruby is often associated with royalty,
character who can leadership and achievement.
find? She is worth Perhaps the writer of Proverbs 31 had this symbolism in mind when
far more than he described a wife of noble character. Indeed, a godly woman is
rubies. worth far more than any jewel in existence—but so is a godly man.
While most Christians associate Proverbs 31 with women, its verses
—Proverbs 31:10 apply to all believers. We should all cultivate hearts and souls worth
far more than rubies, diamonds or any other precious possession.

Of course, such cultivation isn’t possible on our own strength. We

can try but will end up emotionally and spiritually exhausted. We
must remember that it’s up to God to craft us into His jewels. Our
job is cooperation: a listening heart, willingness to obey His direction
and willingness to trust Him.

How do you know when you’re developing a character worth more

than rubies? Several inner signs will tell you, including:

 You have a greater desire for God’ s Word:

studying, memorizing, and applying it, and sharing
what you learn.

 You enjoy a rich prayer li fe: you’ll easily come to

God with every need.

 You desire to understand God’ s will for your li

fe: you’ll wait patiently for His calling and go where
He leads you.

 You feel greater compassion for others: a deeper

desire to encourage and serve your fellow man and share
the Gospel and your testimony.

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 You
wan
t to
trus
t
God:
you’l
l be
quic
ker
to
put
adve
rse
circu
msta
nces
in
His
hand
s.

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JUL23 Cultivating Heavenly-Mindedness
Pearls are highly unique stones. They’re the only stones that are purely

Again, the kingdom organic and the only ones whose quality can be determined without a
jeweler’s loupe. Many people associate pearls with purity, modesty and
of Heaven is like a of course, Heaven. Jesus makes the same comparison in today’s verse.
merchant looking Jesus’ parables were often confusing to His listeners, but He’s always
for fine pearls. clear about the kingdom of Heaven. He describes it as the ultimate goal
When he found for believers, cautioning them to build up heavenly treasures instead of
focusing on earthly gain. Throughout the New Testament, other authors
one of great value, drive home this truth. For example, Paul reminds us that although
he went away and Heaven is unseen, it’s eternal and worthy of our constant attention.

sold everything he Most Christians want to be heavenly minded, yet find the prospect
had and bought it. daunting. Some wonder if focusing on Heaven means neglecting one’s
earthly life or looking forward to death. While believers do feel
—Matthew “homesick” for Heaven, constantly focusing on death doesn’t lead to

13:45-46 heavenly mindedness. It’s also not necessary to shut out life on Earth.

Heavenly-minded Christians have several key traits. First, they know

that cultivating an eternal perspective takes time. Even longtime
believers will never have this perspective all the time on Earth.
However, heavenly minded Christians seek God every day, asking Him
to teach them more about His will, which ultimately includes Heaven.

Maintaining an eternal perspective also means remembering earthly

circumstances are temporary. Difficult circumstances are a natural part
of living in a fallen world. Similarly, joyous circumstances become more
so when we recall that earthly happiness is only a shadow of the joy
we’ll live out in Heaven.

Ask God to help you become more heavenly minded today. Seek to treat
Heaven as a pearl of great price in your life.

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JUL24 Parents’ Day
This month we celebrate Parents’ Day. After celebrating Mother’s and

Listen, my son, to Father’s Days, this month we honor our parents as a unit. We
acknowledge that they raised us together and that they both
your father’s helped us become who we are as adults. Parents’ Day also honors
instruction and do adoptive parents and parental figures such as grandparents, aunts,
uncles and foster parents who have positively impacted millions of
not forsake your lives.
mother’s teaching.
They are a garland The Bible is clear on how we’re supposed to treat our parents; they
deserve our respect and honor. “Honor your father and mother”
to grace your head is the fifth commandment, the first after four that tell us how to
and a chain to relate to God. As Paul points out, it’s the first commandment with a
promise. Honoring our parents guarantees our lives will be longer
adorn your neck. because we’ll respect and use the wisdom they gave us.

—Proverbs 1:8-9 What if your parent was absent or abusive? You can still find ways to
honor him or her. The first is forgiveness; this is a long process and
may require help from a counselor. Additionally, pray for absent or
abusive parents. Ask God to draw them toward Him and change their
hearts. If it’s safe to do so, consider making efforts to rekindle a
relationship. Seek guidance from the Lord and godly friends when
doing this.

Make a special effort to reach out to your parents or parental

figures. Call to thank them for what they’ve done for you, or write a
letter or email. Invite them to dinner or a favorite activity. Ask what
advice they’d give now that you’re an adult. Then use their advice
just as you did as a child.

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JUL25 The Great Deceiver
Satan glories in all sin, from murder to adultery to thievery.

When he lies, he However, today’s verse suggests he takes special delight in lying.
Lying is “his native language.” He’s incapable of speaking truth or
speaks his native edifying anyone. Deception, it could be argued, which Satan fuels,
language, for he is the root of all sin at one point or another.

is a liar and the Some Bible scholars take this argument further, explaining many lies
father of lies. are twisted truths or perversions of what God calls good. For
example, the desire for love is a godly one. However, if that desire
—John 8:44 leads to adultery, you’ve believed a lie that says you deserve love
at any cost and must take it yourself. The desire to give your family a
prosperous life is good. However, if you steal to facilitate it, you
believe the lie that you can only prosper at others’ expense.

Of course, not all of Satan’s lies are this obvious. He loves to deceive
Christians in subtler ways, such as making them feel unworthy of
God’s love or telling them that they aren’t saved. These lies are
some of the hardest to overcome, because they aren’t tied to a
particular, physical sin. They grow deep roots, sometimes in the span
of years or decades. For example, someone abused as a child may
struggle for years to trust God’s love as an adult.

Taking stock of your words and actions can help you identify any lies
Satan uses against you. If you consistently sin in a certain way or tell
yourself negative things, a particular lie is probably the cause. Ask
God and others to help you identify the lie and its origin. Once you
know, seek godly counsel and methods to rid yourself of it for
good.

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JUL26 This Little Light
People who grew up going to Sunday school are probably familiar

Neither do people with “This Little Light of Mine.” Church members across the nation
sing this song, especially in Sunday school classrooms. It’s an early
light a lamp and lesson on believers’ status as light to the world. It also encourages
put it under a us not to hide our lights. Instead, we’re to speak boldly about Jesus,
His death, resurrection and the way He influences our everyday
bowl. Instead, they lives.
put it on its stand,
and it gives light However, being bold for Christ is more difficult than it looks. Today,
American believers are often ridiculed or persecuted, called
to everyone in the intolerant, hateful and old- fashioned. Others plant doubts in us,
house. saying the Bible is irrelevant or doesn’t mean what we think it
means. Although physical persecution is rarer in the United States
than in some countries, it does happen. All this is enough to wear
—Matthew 5:15 down the hardiest Christian, making him or her want to extinguish
the inner light and hide from the world.

Jesus understands how we feel and wants to comfort us when

sharing Him is hard. Yet, He encourages us to stay strong and keep
sharing. This doesn’t have to be obvious; you aren’t required to
share the Gospel the moment you meet a nonbeliever. It can be as
simple as offering a helping hand or kind word. Sharing Jesus might
mean acknowledging people you don’t generally notice or
sacrificing your time to help with a ministry.

If your light is burning low today, pray. Tell God you need some
“oil” for your lamp. Bible study, praise music, meditation and physical
rest all help with this. Once your light is rejuvenated, go out to
share it again.

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JUL27 Becoming Malleable in God’s Hands
Most Christians know the analogy of God as the potter and ourselves

But the pot he was as clay. It’s a popular one, because clay is such a moldable substance.
If you’ve ever seen kids playing with Play-Doh, you know they can
shaping from the make it into almost anything. In their hands, a shapeless blob
clay was marred in becomes something that captures their imagination and serves great
purposes in pretend play.
his hands; so the
potter formed it Sometimes, though, clay becomes hard. When this happens, molding is

into another pot, difficult. Potters often deal with broken clay, which they must
moisturize and re-shape into new vessels. Christians are similar. We
shaping it as don’t always let God mold us as He’d like. Sometimes, He allows tests
seemed best to to make us more moldable or even break us so He can start from
scratch.
him.
It’s important to remember that God takes no pleasure in
—Jeremiah 18:4 allowing circumstances that break His people’s hearts. When we
hurt, He hurts, and He comforts us. Some people say that God never
wastes a hurt. If He allows something to re-shape you, it’s because
He has a better plan than you can see right now. Sometimes you
need to “re-moisturize,” soaking in His Word and character before
refocusing on the tasks He gives you.

Finally, remember that you’re clay, not the potter. You don’t choose
what kind of vessel you’ll be. God gives us talents and spiritual gifts
that help determine this, but ultimately your destiny is His decision. If
you’re having trouble trusting it, tell Him. Ask Him to make you
malleable and teachable so your spirit can grow. He’ll make you a
beautiful vessel.

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JUL28 He Is Why We Exist
Since ancient times, there has been much debate on how we got

For in Him we here and why we exist. Some people believe humans were a cosmic
accident. Others believe there’s no true reality—only illusions. Still
live and move others understand God created us and loves us, but not that He’s
and have our the reason we exist.

being. Everyone is vulnerable to this line of thinking, even and perhaps

especially Christians. That is, ministries, Bible studies, mission trips
—Acts 17:28 and other forms of service often distract us. We do all this to please
God but forget He doesn’t need us to do anything for Him. He
created us as human beings—not “human doings.” Our primary
purpose is to find joy in Him and get to know Him.

In our busy world, it’s hard to figure out how to do this. Does it mean
shutting yourself in your room and praying 10 hours a day? Does it
mean quitting your job in favor of a long-term missionary
assignment or moving to a monastery? God has certainly led people
to do these things, but they aren’t generally His choice for modern
Christians.

Today, “living and moving and having your being” in Christ means
acknowledging Him in every facet of your life. It means being
diligent and having a good attitude at school or work. It means
teaching your kids to be godly, reaching out to others and spending
plenty of quiet time alone with God.

Getting to know God can take any form you like. Some people go
to a quiet room to complete Bible studies; others prefer to worship
God through dancing and singing. Still others write their own poems
and psalms. Whatever form you choose, always remember your root
purpose: finding joy in God, who created you.

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JUL29 Women and the Word
It’s important for men and women to know and live the Word of

Now, you women; God. However, in today’s verse, Jeremiah specifically speaks to
women. Bible scholars speculate there are several reasons for this.
hear the word of One might be because Jeremiah’s culture didn’t consider women
the Lord; open worthy to study God’s Word.
Perhaps he was encouraging them to receive the Word and take an
your ears to the active role in sharing it with others. Another reason might be
words of His because of women’s domain over child rearing. Although men were

mouth. created to be spiritual leaders, women nurtured children and first

exposed them to God.

—Jeremiah 9:20 Whatever Jeremiah’s reasons, his words are vital for today’s
women. Modern Christian women have more physical and spiritual
freedoms than ancient Israel’s women ever dreamed of. They lead
Sunday school classes and Bible studies; some denominations allow
women to preach. Additionally, today’s women participate in
thousands of ministries outside the church. Their mission field could
be their workplace or their home, a clinic or a classroom, a police
station or a fire station.

With all this freedom comes busyness. Many women are so

overwhelmed with godly responsibilities that they forget to
absorb His Word and character.
That’s why it’s crucial for everyone, but women in particular, to
learn to balance activities and commitments. Don’t be afraid to say
“no.” It frees more time for you to hear and learn from God.

If you’re a woman who feels overwhelmed with all your freedoms

and responsibilities, meditate on today’s verse. Your primary
responsibility is listening to God, not so you can get marching
orders, but so you can enjoy Him. Today, give yourself permission
for some valuable time with Him.

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JUL30 Forgiving Ourselves
Some pastors and teachers teach this psalm as 3-2-1 so their

Blessed is he listeners will remember it. Indeed, it’s one of the verses most worth
remembering in Psalms. Forgiveness is a basic tenet of Christianity
whose and the most valuable thing Jesus offers us. His forgiveness
transgressions are encompasses every sin from our past, present and future. It frees us
as no human forgiveness can.
forgiven, whose sins
are covered. While this concept is familiar, most of us struggle to forgive
ourselves. After all, we’re the ones who have to wake up and look at
—Psalm 32:1 ourselves every day. We know ourselves well, including our flaws,
sins and checkered pasts. Even the most grounded Christian with the
best background can struggle with self- loathing and a lack of
forgiveness.

Pastors often quote the verse where Jesus tells us He won’t forgive
us if we don’t forgive others. They usually use the verse as a
springboard to talk about avoiding grudges. They sometimes forget,
though, that we are all part of “others.” If we can’t forgive ourselves,
we miss the depth of Jesus’ forgiveness. We sacrifice the
opportunity to walk in freedom and extend love to others
because we don’t see past our own mistakes and problems.

As you read this, you might be struggling to forgive yourself for

something. It might be a “small” but persistent sin, such as being
short-tempered and critical toward your spouse or kids. You might
have darker sins in your past such as addiction, sexual sin or a prison
term. Any of these can cause self-loathing, but you can break the
cycle. Today, determine to forgive yourself. Forgive yourself even if
you don’t feel it. In time and with God’s help, your emotions will
catch up.

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JUL31 Christmas in July
July’s arrival signals our calendar is more than halfway to Christmas.

Today in the town Many people celebrate what they call Half-Mas with “Christmas in
July.” Networks like Hallmark play Christmas movies, and keepsake
of David a Savior ornaments appear on store shelves. Some people host Christmas or
has been born to winter-themed parties to take their minds off summer heat,
humidity and bugs. In a struggling economy, many retailers often
you; He is the put out their Christmas decorations much earlier than normal.
Messiah, the Lord.
While a Christmas in July party is fun, you don’t need decorations
—Luke 2:11 and carols to celebrate every day of the year. Sometimes all you
need is a timely reminder such as today’s verse. Most Christians are
so used to hearing about Jesus’ time on Earth that they don’t stop to
think about His humanity. Jesus was fully human. Like all of us, He
started life as a helpless baby. He gave up Heaven to be born in
cramped, smelly conditions—for us.

Outside the Christmas season, Christians often skim over Jesus’ birth.
We want to jump straight to the crucifixion and resurrection, which
we consider the most important parts of the story. However, Jesus,
the best Author in the world, never skimps on details. Since His birth
was included in the Bible, it must be crucial.

The Bible doesn’t give us many details on Jesus’ babyhood or

childhood. Yet what’s there reminds us of a powerful truth. None of
us can accomplish our adult tasks unless we’re born, and we aren’t
born without God’s hand. Today, meditate on Jesus’ birth and how it
changed the world. Then meditate on yours. Thank Jesus that He
was born and allowed your birth. Celebrate Christmas in July and
all the time.

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AUG01 Conquering Our Fear
We frequently hear, “Don’t worry, God is watching over us.” It can be
difficult to be strong and courageous in lieu of today’s ongoing
tragedies, massacres and public strife. No matter how many times we
tell ourselves the Lord is with us, sometimes we need to hear it from
God Himself to truly have faith.

Twice in this chapter and once from Moses, Joshua hears the phrase,
“Be strong and courageous.” The tools of the enemy, the tools of
Satan, work to bring fear, terror and discouragement into Joshua’s life.
Just as Satan made Joshua forget God’s omnipotence, he can make
Christians forget that God is with us wherever we go.

Terror is a tough battle to fight. Faith in God enables us to be evil’s

worst nightmare—invincible soldiers on the battlefield. It takes faith
in God to fight against the evil and frightening things going on in our
world. Every one of us must respond to fear and discouragement with
open, spiritual eyes. Not only are our peers telling us not to fear, God
Himself tells us every day. All things work together in God’s power for
the good. What we perceive as losses are steps forward— battles lost
to win the war.

Today, open your eyes and see what good the Lord has given you. See
past the difficulties in your life and focus on the positive. See with eyes of
faith. Turn off the news, go to a quiet place and reflect with God. He
has everything under control, even when we feel lost and in despair.
Just as Joshua did, we need to let go of our fear and listen when God

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and

courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God will be
with you wherever you go.
—Joshua 1:9

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AUG0 Manna From Heaven

2
Today’s verse references God’s testing of Israel. God sent the
Israelites into the wilderness without food, until the sixteenth day of
the second month of the journey, when He feeds them. They were
left to their own devices for one whole month, and they nearly
starved. Through hardship, the Israelites realized that they needed the
He humbled you, Lord to survive. The wilderness was God’s way of testing what was

causing you to in their hearts, not of making them suffer.

hunger and then God, of course, knew what was in their hearts, but the people of
feeding you with Israel didn’t. God needed to show Israel how proud and faithless
they were through a humbling experience. He could easily have fed
manna, which them sooner, but He waited until they suffered from hunger to teach
neither you nor them an important lesson. Throughout the Bible, we learn that our
life should focus on God’s will, not our own.
your fathers had
known, to teach Christians often foolishly believe we can take care of ourselves and

you that man does depend on our own resources to survive. God puts us through
hardships, through our own wilderness experiences, not to make us
not live on bread suffer but to test what’s in our hearts. The wilderness is meant to
alone but on every remind us that we depend on God for life and for all things—
immediately, entirely and absolutely. God humbles us with suffering
word that comes to remind us that we must depend on His word alone.
from the mouth of
If you’re going through your own wilderness experience today, take
the Lord. faith in the knowledge that it’s God’s way of sustaining you. It
can be difficult to cheerfully serve and trust in the Lord during a
—Deuteronomy tough time, but this is exactly what will end days of starvation.
8:3 God will give you a miraculous supply of food for the soul the
moment you humble yourself and look to Him for sustenance.

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AUG0 Equal in God’s Eyes

3
In this verse, Paul claims that race, social class and gender are
abolished when we come together in Christ. Paul’s audience at the
time in the Greco-Roman world would have looked around them and
observed that this isn’t true, expect in Utopia. These three social
structures did and do exist, at least physically.
There is neither Jew This verse continues the conversation that all Christians are “sons of

nor Gentile, neither God.” When standing before God, we’re all equal.

slave nor free, nor Paul is commenting on the fact that no outward form can secure the
is there male and blessings of the Lord, and that Christ doesn’t put one person on a
pedestal above another. In baptism, we profess to be Christ’s
female, for you are disciples—a new birth that saves all in the same way. While many
all one in Christ Christians accept this as the truth, it can be difficult to think this way
in our daily lives. Social structures do exist in our world, although
Jesus. modern society is taking steps to abolish them.

—Galatians 3:28 Distinctions of race, class and gender are at odds with true
Christianity. While we may see barriers that separate us, God
doesn’t. As Christians, we must see others the way God does and
do our best to erase the lines drawn in the sand. Paul teaches that
everyone becomes Christians in the same terms, with religious
privileges on the same level. God shows no special favor to one over
the other in the matter of salvation.

It can be difficult for us to see people through God’s eyes. For

some of us, it will remain an ongoing struggle. Today, make an
effort to take Paul’s words seriously. Christian fellowship bonds us all
together and lifts us up equally. The Gospel breaks down walls of
separation and crosses all boundaries.

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AUG0 The Power to Do Good

4
St. Paul declares his joy in the refreshment of “the bowels” of the
saints. In Matthew 11:28, the Lord promises to refresh all that
“travail and are heavy laden.” In today’s verse, “refreshed” is the
keyword. Through Christ, the hearts of the saints are refreshed—or
given relief and rest. The term “brother” is given to Philemon here to
For we have great emphasize feelings of affection and friendship. Through Philemon’s

joy and consolation works of charity, the saints found relief from distress.

in your love, Just as Food for the Hungry brings relief and “refreshment” to the
because the hearts of those living in poverty, driven from their homes or suffering
hunger, Philemon’s charitable actions are a source of immense joy.
bowels of the We can impart joy to others and thus to the Lord through charity,
saints are refreshed spreading the love of God through our actions. Philemon’s actions
gave great joy to the saints, who had no need for his comforts. In the
by you, brother. same way, God cherishes our good deeds even though He doesn’t
need them Himself.
—Philemon 1:7
Throughout your life, refresh the hearts, bodies and minds of those
who need your help. Your charitable actions will spread joy and
strengthen your bond with the Lord. Do these acts cheerfully and
spread comfort to others—even to those who don’t need your
charity. Take today’s verse as a reminder that Christ does notice
our actions.

Offer your assistance to those who need it. You have the power to
refresh others with your actions, just as the Lord refreshes you
through Christian fellowship. Be like Christ in your acts of charity,
and know that you’re giving joy and consolation to the Lord
through your love.

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AUG0 John’s Promise

5
Despite what it may sound like, today’s verse isn’t about wheat and
chaff. The Bible often gives metaphors regarding “chaff” as a symbol
of the wicked, ungodly and evil of the world. Luke 3:17 is a
metaphor in which the oppressors, the false-hearted and the selfish
of the world will be separated from the rest (the “wheat”) and
His winnowing fork destroyed. While this may sound harsh, the metaphor is meant to

is in his hand to speak to the antagonism between good and evil— between the
followers and enemies of Christ.
clear his threshing
floor and to gather John the Baptist says that he isn’t Christ, but he confirms that a long-
promised Messiah comes and that He will baptize the people with the
the wheat into his “Holy Ghost and with fire” (Luke 3:16). While John can baptize the
barn, but he will people with water, he humbly assures them that he can’t purify and
cleanse the people as the Messiah can. Christ can baptize the people,
burn up the chaff purifying their hearts as fire clears out the chaff from the threshing
with unquenchable floor.

fire. This verse isn’t meant as a threat, but as a reminder that God alone
has the power to absolve our sins and remove our guilt—just as He
—Luke 3:17 has the power to destroy His enemies. “Unquenchable fire” is the
Holy Ghost, working in the souls of Christians like a fire to purge
them of their sins and corruptions. As a believer, the fire of the
Holy Spirit lives in you.

When you’ve sinned against Christ, go to Him and ask for

repentance. Christ will gather the good in you, the wheat, into His
barn and burn the rest with the fire of the Holy Spirit. God alone has
the power to absolve you of sin. Pray for forgiveness, and He’ll
cleanse you as completely as fire clears chaff in a barn.

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AUG0 Redeeming Rain

6
In many regions, July and August are marked with powerful
thunderstorms and heavy rains. Instead of seeing rain as a sign of
darkness and depression, this verse shows us that rain is meant to
cleanse and nurture. Throughout the Bible, rain and floods are symbols
of wonderful cleansing: the flood that isolated Noah on the arc, the
You heavens rain and wind that slammed against the house on the rock in

above, rain down Matthew 7, and the rain the Lord sent to the wicked in Samuel
12, among others. Rain is a symbol of God’s mightiness, as He is the
my righteousness; only one with the power to make rain and thunder.
let the clouds Rain has multiple meanings throughout the Bible. In many verses,
shower it down. Let it’s proof of God’s awesome power. Rain can cause awesome strife
the earth open and flooding, but it’s also what enables the earth to grow, giving us
food to eat. Rain is a symbol of salvation and righteousness, as God
wide, let salvation has created it. The Lord commands blessings to descend upon His
spring up, let people, and Christians should willingly and gratefully receive them.

righteousness Without rain, the earth can’t flourish. It droops and dies. When
flourish with it; I, showers descend on the earth, they bring forth fruit and plants.
the Lord, have Christians should see rainstorms as a revival of righteousness, just
as it revives the earth. Let the earth become fruitful in producing
created it. salvation from heavenly rain.

—Isaiah 45:8 If you’re feeling down in this rainy season, take heart in the
knowledge that God has created it. Just as rain is a metaphor for
righteousness and salvation in Isaiah 45:8, let the rain be a constant
reminder of the Lord’s presence in your life. Enjoy life-giving rain,
and let righteousness spring up in you like shoots from the ground.

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AUG0 Suffering Is Our Armor

7
Today’s devotional is in honor of our veterans wounded in combat.
Let’s recognize those who suffered for our freedom. Just as Jesus
suffered in His body to cleanse the world of sin, combat-wounded
veterans suffered on civilians’ behalf. Today’s verse doesn’t only refer
to Jesus’ death on the cross, but to His entire life.
Therefore, since
Christ suffered in The life Jesus knew on Earth brought many pains. He lived a higher
life than men, but His higher life was the source of the bitterness He
His body, arm suffered. Jesus’ life is the pattern through which all Christians should
yourselves also with live. Peter hints at the conflict between our personal defenselessness
and the unyielding armor that Christ gives to us. When we take on
the same attitude, the mind of Christ, we can live according to the will of God and
because whoever renounce the sins of men.

suffers in the body Today’s verse is about arming yourself with the attitude of Christ. It
is done with sin. can be difficult to make sense of a great physical pain or loss and
reconcile it with the image of a loving, caring God. You may be
—1 Peter 4:1 tempted to blame God for earthly suffering. However, this verse
teaches disciples of Christ to suffer evils as armor of proof against
your enemies. If a man overcomes fear of torture or death through
Christ, no weaker temptation will come close.

If you’ve suffered a terrible pain or loss in your life or know someone

who has, take heart in the fact that this pain of the flesh will be
rewarded in Heaven. Thank our Purple Heart veterans, today and
every day, for their suffering for our freedom, and know that it’s all
part of God’s larger plan.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG0 God’s Abundant Blessings

8
The highest glory any one of us can strive to aspire to is to be “loved
in God” and “kept for Jesus Christ.” Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ,
calls Christians to higher and better things than those who reject
Christ. God’s mercy is a fountain of all the good we can ever hope
for: a living well of mercy, peace and love. Today’s verse reminds
To those who have us that walking with Christ is the way to obtain God’s love and

been called, who mercy.

are loved in God Christians’ lives can be full of these three things in abundance. Both
the Father and weak and strong believers in God can enjoy the three most important
blessings in the world. Mercy pardons our sins, peace gives us
kept for Jesus acceptance with our fellow men and in our own consciences and love
Christ: mercy, is the vehicle through which all things are possible. Christ multiplies
these things within His believers.
peace and love be
yours in God gives His loving grace to us freely each day. He casts His

abundance. love over all of us and wants us to feel the fullness of His joy.
Look at things God has created on Earth: the grass under our feet
and the stars in the sky. God has a purpose for each and every one
—Jude 1:1-2 of His creations, including you. In our darkest times, we can call
upon the Lord for mercy, peace and love.

If you’re feeling lost, call on God for the blessings He freely gives
you. We often get too caught up in our daily lives and struggles
to feel the mercy, peace and love that’s our right by Jesus Christ.
It’s ours in abundance, whenever we ask for it. Take time today to
focus on the good things God has given us, and appreciate the
endless blessings we have through our faith in Him.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG0 Trusting God

9
In John 2:5, Mary tells the servants to obey Jesus’ commands, even if
they do so without understanding His ultimate plan. The servants
filled the pots with water, failing to understand how it would help
their situation. Jesus had a plan all along and miraculously turned the
water into wine. Today’s verse reminds us to trust in God’s plans.
His mother said to Even if we don’t see the reason behind His commands, we must

the servants, “Do have faith that He knows what’s best for us.

whatever The Lord may have reasons for things in your life beyond what you
can possibly imagine. The Bible teaches us to always have faith in
He tells you.” the ways of the Lord and to trust that He knows what’s best for us. As
Christians, we know this to be true. As humans, it can be difficult
—John 2:5 to “blindly” trust in what God has in store for us. However, we
must humble ourselves and follow His guidance without question.

Don’t question the reasonableness of God’s commands. If you feel

your life is spinning out of control, remind yourself that it’s all
happening for a reason.
Even if you can’t foresee the meaning behind your daily trials and
triumphs, know in your heart that God wouldn’t lead you astray. We
must invite Christ through prayer, and do as He pleases. When you
pray for something and don’t get the result you want, realize that
this is for a reason.

In all things, God is in control. We must not question God’s methods,

even when we can’t fathom the reason behind certain events in our
lives. It can be difficult to cope with difficult times and believe it’s for
the best. But we have to have faith that God will turn our water
into wine if we trust in Him.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Prayer in Times of Plenty

0
Today’s verse isn’t about praising God when we need Him the most,
but rather when we feel we’re doing fine on our own. When things
are going well in our lives, we tend to become complacent. We may
pray less or sing praise with less active intentions. We often make
the mistake of only rendering our hearts to God when something bad
Is anyone among happens or when we need guidance. Instead, give your heart to

you in trouble? Let God even when things are going well.

them pray. Is We can all use a little reminder that God desires to be a part of
anyone happy? Let every aspect of our lives. While it’s true that He’s there for us in our
times of need, He’s also there for us in times of plenty. The best time
them sing songs of to consult with and praise God is when we believe we have our lives
praise. under control. This is the ideal opportunity to thank God for His
blessings and hear more clearly the word of the Lord.

—James 5:13 It’s God’s will that we pray continually—not every now and then
when we’re crying out for help. Through success and achievement,
we may become more comfortable in our lives and seek God less
and less. When this happens, we close ourselves to the words of
God. Instead of becoming remiss with your prayers in times of
plenty, turn to God more often, with peace of mind, clarity and
openness to hear Him.

If everything is going well in your life right now, take a moment to

thank God and ask for His words. In your rational state of mind, you’ll
hear more clearly from God to guide your steps with purpose. Honor
God this day with a heart- felt communion, regardless of your
circumstances. Keep in constant communication with the Lord, in
times of poverty and of plenty.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Life-Giving Prayer

1
Psalms offer many words of advice to Christians that we can use in
times of strife. In today’s global atmosphere of hardship, uncertainty
and fear, we need the Word of God more than ever. Today’s verse
reminds us that those who don’t walk with the wicked or sit in the
company of mockers are blessed by God and will be fruitful and
That person is like prosperous.
a tree planted by If we delight in the Word of the Lord during these hard times,
streams of water, meditating on His law day and night, we become like the tree in
which yields its fruit Psalm 1:1-3. This psalm offers blessings to those who trust in the
Lord, even during difficult times.
in season and Today’s world gives us many things to think about: technology,
whose leaf does politics, wars… things that distract us and demand our attention.

not wither— We’re so tired at the end of the day because our leaves have
withered.
whatever they do
prospers. We can find strength and comfort in the Word of God. When we tune
out the sights and sounds of the physical world around us and
meditate on Christ, we’ll find rejuvenation and happiness, like a
—Psalm 1:1-3 well-watered tree. We can bear fruit and remain strong in the face of
adversity. Focusing on Christ is the only way to center your
thoughts and live through the teachings of the Lord.

Consider making a Psalm a day part of your daily devotion. This will
let you see the blessings of God, delight in His word and drown out
the distractions around you. Take time alone to meditate on a Psalm,
and give your undivided attention to Christ. Through focused prayer,
we can enjoy fruitful, prosperous lives.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Teaching the Ten Commandments

2
Children give us a world of opportunity—to grow ourselves as Christians
and teach the Word of the Lord to the next generation. The Lord asks
us to take His Ten Commandments into our hearts, teaching them to our
children and speaking of them frequently. Those who love the Lord must
do everything in their power to engage their children with Him and pass
Impress them on this affection from generation to generation.

your children. Talk Today’s children may not be as willing to hear the Word of the Lord as
about them when previous generations. Children have much more opportunity for distraction
you sit at home and entertainment. We must be diligent in impressing the Commandments
onto our children in a way that will make their meanings clear.
and when you walk
along the road, Today’s verse reminds us that the Lord wants us to instill His lessons on our
children at all times, preserving Christianity in your family. If you’re at a
when you lie down loss as to how to teach the Ten Commandments to your children, try
and when you get these tips:

up.  Daily reminders. Mention one Commandment every day, as a

life lesson or just as a reminder, until your children know them by
—Deuteronomy heart.
6:6-7
 Set an example. Obey the Ten Commandments in your own
daily life, and your children will follow your example.

 Arts and crafts. Turn learning the Commandments into a fun

activity. This is a great memorization tool and makes learning
about the Word of God engaging.

 Relate them to today. The Ten Commandments may seem

irrelevant to today’s children. Make sure they understand the
everlasting power of God’s rules by relating them to your
children’s everyday lives.

Not every commandment will be appropriate for every age—it may be

difficult to explain some to young children. As your kids grow, their ears
will be more ready to hear these lessons.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Listening Fairly

3
Many times throughout our lives, we argue and point the finger of
blame at others. Confiding in our friends and telling our side of the
story may feel like we’re just looking for an open ear to hear our
case. However, when the defense cross-examines us, a different
story is often told. Today’s verse teaches us to listen to all sides of a
In a lawsuit the story instead of jumping to conclusions and to keep an open mind

first to speak and heart.

seems right, until In many cases, when one person tells a story of how he or she was
someone comes wronged, the other person comes forward with an entirely different
story. In other cases, both parties tell the same story, but the reason
forward and cross- for the wrongdoing paints a different picture in the listeners’ minds.
examines. For example, say a storeowner tells the story of a woman who
came into his store and stole a bag of apples. To the listener, this

—Proverbs 18:17 seems like an obvious crime. However, if the woman explains how the
storeowner overcharges her for basic goods, the listener might be
more sympathetic.

Think about a time in your life where you failed to listen to both
sides of story. It may be hearing about an argument between your
children or deciding the fate of an employee under review. Big or
small, it’s important to listen to all sides of a situation. It’s easy to
assume you’re right about something, but the truth may surprise
you. Listen to your neighbors (and your enemies) to appreciate
both sides of every story.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Blessed Are the Meek

4
The Bible gives us plenty of guidelines for how to be better
Christians, if we’re open to hearing them. Today’s verse is a popular
one from Matthew, which tells us to keep our giving a secret. In this
verse, the left hand represents our baser instincts of self-praise and
self-promotion. The right hand represents the higher element in all
But when you give of us—the part of us that seeks acts of true charity.

to the needy, do “True charity” is an act of kindness that doesn’t come from a
not let your left place of selfishness but instead from a place of purer intentions. The
hand know what Lord warns us against outward displays of our goodness and
holiness, and He praises those who perform acts of charity without
your right hand is shouting them out to the public. In other words, the Lord is telling us
doing, so that your that giving in “secret” is more praiseworthy than giving just to
reap a reward.
giving may be in
secret. Today, it can be difficult to keep our good deeds to ourselves. It’s
tempting to publicize our acts of charity through viral internet videos
—Matthew 6:3-4 or status updates praising ourselves for our good deeds. The
competition to be a “better” Christian than our neighbors is exactly
what the Lord warns us against in Matthew 6:3-4. This attitude
doesn’t grant us favor in the eyes of the Lord, no matter how
charitable we are.

Next time you give to a nonprofit like Food for the Hungry or perform
a good deed, consider not telling anyone. Keep your donation
completely anonymous. Don’t even tell your family. Reap the
rewards of doing a truly selfless deed.
Know that God sees everything you do, whether other people do or
not. Your award won’t be here on Earth, but instead in Heaven.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Putting Out Fires

5
It’s all too easy to get caught up in an argument and say things
we don’t mean. When tempers flare, we can speak harsh words we
can’t take back. Harsh words hurt the ones we love, and they
facilitate a harsh response— escalating an argument that may
never have gotten so out of hand with a gentle response. Today’s
A gentle answer verse reminds us to speak not out of anger, but from our hearts,

turns away wrath, even in times of trouble.

but a harsh word A gentle answer has more power than we realize. In the worst of
stirs up anger. times, it can be nearly impossible to reply to someone else’s scathing
tones in loving, gentle tones of our own. However, this is the only
way to defuse a situation and put out a fire before it consumes us.
—Proverbs 15:1 Be the bigger person and end a pointless argument by replying in
mild, yielding answers. A gentle reply is water on the flames, while
harsh words are kindling.

Throughout the Bible, we often see the damage harsh words cause.
Examples include the words of Jephthah to the Ephraimites, the
Ephraimites to the Gileadites and Nabal to David’s servants. In every
case, rough answers stir up anger and negative consequences. Harsh
words often feel like accusations or a means of cutting your
opponent down. Mild words, on the other hand, stir feelings of
compassion instead of resentment.

The takeaway from this devotional is to endeavor to soften the

matter for the sake of tranquility. These wise words from Proverbs are
easier said than done. Remind yourself of this devotional any time
you get into a heated argument with a loved one. Probe the source
of the problem with kind, gentle responses instead of fighting fire
with fire. Sharp, contemptuous words will only make a situation
worse.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Speaking Like Christ

6
In the Bible, God states repeatedly that the meek will inherit the
earth. A person who is God-fearing, righteous and slow to anger who
contemplates His words before speaking will have a much more
peaceful life than those who “gush evil.” Today’s verse gives us a
lesson on thinking and acting more righteously through our words.
The heart of the
righteous weighs its A wise person doesn’t say everything on his or her mind without
thinking of the consequences. Instead, the righteous understand the
answers, but the process of cultivating small thoughts. The more power and attention
mouth of the you give to the wicked, the more they grow. Eventually, their
negative thoughts will turn into actions, leading to temptation and
wicked gushes evil. sin. Those who speak all the negative or evil thoughts in their minds
spread wickedness throughout the world.
—Proverbs 15:28
Have you ever been in a conversation where a person is extremely
quick to spout judgment and negativity? Proverbs 15:28 teaches us
to listen more and speak less. The more you listen to others, the
more you can learn. It’s impossible to learn if you’re doing all the
talking. Thinking bad thoughts in itself isn’t necessarily a sin. We all
have moments where we fall prey to the negative thoughts within
our minds. However, acting on these thoughts is where the line is
drawn.

Nobody is perfect. There are everyday frustrations in every person’s

mind—it’s what makes us human. However, you can lessen the
negative feelings in your heart through prayer. Today, choose to
actively reject the evils others may be speaking around you and the
evils you may be tempted to speak yourself.
When temptation rears it’s ugly head, be ready with a prayer
instead. Smile and say something nice—or say nothing at all and
turn the other direction.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 You Are Justified

7
We’ve all enjoyed times when our beliefs or actions are justified.
Whether a statistic supporting our beliefs comes out or someone else
takes our side, feeling justified can bring a sense of peace and
righteousness. Justification can be the saving grace we need to feel
confident in our beliefs. Justification brings peace, and faith brings
Therefore, since we justification. Today’s verse implies that through the mediation of

have been justified Jesus, Christians secure a state of grace through faith.

through faith, we The crucifixion of Jesus assures us a never-ending, justifying love. His
have peace with death was for our offenses, and His rising from the dead was for our
justification. The idea of justification through Christ means we have
God through our the right to look forward to a glorious future. Reconciliation with God
Lord Jesus Christ gives us a blissful sense of serenity, composure and peace. No
matter what we encounter throughout our lives, our faith enables us

—Romans 5:1 to look forward to the future.

It’s important to note that Paul includes himself in his statement. He

puts himself in the same class as the people he is exhorting as an
example for us to do the same. Today, we must embrace the
justification of the Lord from a place of humbleness and equality.
While our faith gives us serenity, we must remember to use this
advantage to help others, not to ridicule or talk down to people.

Take today’s devotional as an excuse to relax and find peace in

your faith. The happy effects of justification through faith reconcile
us, and the grace of God gives us power. When we become true
believers, we undergo a blessed change and enjoy peace through
the absolution of sin. Enjoy justification through your faith today—as
a pardoned sinner and beloved child of Christ.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 Do Good Works

8
You are God’s handiwork. Take a moment and let that sink in. Too
often, we dismiss ourselves as weak, inferior or less-than. In a
competitive world, it’s easy to feel useless or unimportant. Never
forget the remarkable truth of what we are. We are first, foremost
and forever the work of God’s hands. His presence shines in
For we are God’s everything we do. He created us to do good in our time on Earth and

handiwork, created to be Christ-like in our actions.

in Christ Jesus to If doing good works feels like a tall order to fill, it’s because it is. God
do good works, expects a lot from us, but He also knows how much we can bear.
We can’t be ideal disciples at all times, no matter how hard we try.
which God God understands this and wants us to do our best. We work
prepared in downwards from salvation because we already have it. We don’t
work up toward salvation. The “good works” we do are the
advance for us to consequence of salvation, not the cause.
do.
Our thoughts form the basis of our behaviors. Thus, we must begin
—Ephesians 2:10 our good works starting with our own minds, focusing our thoughts on
the truths of Scripture. We receive new life to do everything that is
“lovely and of good report,” in the words of the Apostle Paul. Take
today’s verse as a reminder that God created us in His image and
expects us to honor Him through good works.

If you don’t know where to begin to do good works, start with a

local nonprofit organization. Nonprofits work to feed the hungry,
cloth the naked and uplift those in desperate need of assistance.
Take pride in being God’s handiwork, and show Him your devotion
by doing the good things He created you to do.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG1 You Are the Light of the World

9
This verse is popular, especially for use in hymns and Christian music.
However, many people don’t fully understand its meaning. The
metaphor of light versus darkness crops up often in Scripture to
portray Christ’s goodness and leadership. If Christ is our light shining
through the darkness, and He made us in His image, isn’t it logical
You are the light of that we should be a light for others?

the world. A town Today’s verse is an important metaphor for our purpose here on
built on a hill Earth. We must strive to be like the “town built on a hill”—shining
cannot be hidden. brightly for all to see. If we don’t hide our light, but make it so
clear and resplendent as not to be missed, we fulfill God’s wishes.
In times of trouble, you may not feel like the light of the world. But
—Matthew 5:14 to God, we are each beacons with the power to shed light on
dark places.

Christ refers to us as enlightening in contrast to sin, darkness and

ignorance. Sin’s corruptive power can’t overtake a light that twinkles
merrily on a hillside, but it can corrupt those who hide their lights.
He doesn’t refer to us as the light of the Earth for a reason—our
light goes beyond the limitations of this Earth and into the realm of
the entire solar system. God’s faith in us is that great.

Never forget that you are the light of the world. Remind yourself of
this truth by listing 10 positive things about yourself today. It’s easy
to hide your light and believe falsehoods about yourself. It’s not as
easy to embrace your good qualities and see yourself through
Christ’s eyes: a town that can’t be hidden.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 Nobody Is Perfect

0
One of the most essential things to learn as a Christian is that
we’re all sinners. Romans 3:23 and 3:10 tell us that no one is
righteous except for God. Nobody on Earth can come close to the
glory of God—and He doesn’t expect us too. God sent Jesus down to
Earth to save us from our sins. He recognizes the baser human
For all have instincts we all have to sin and has room in His heart to forgive.

sinned and fall In today’s verse, the fact of a universal experience is portrayed both
short of the glory positively and negatively. That all have sinned is a positive assertion,
of God. but “falling short” is negative. This verse is meant to show us that we
all have human hearts and universal sinfulness, and we’ll never
attain the glory of God. Instead of seeing this as a bad thing, we
—Romans 3:23 need to accept this as a truth and proof of God’s almightiness.

Once we accept that we’re all sinners, we can begin to live more
full lives in Christ. We must recognize that God doesn’t compare us
with others, but with Himself—and we’ll always fall short. Comparing
ourselves to others will only distract us from our true purpose and
harden our hearts against our neighbors.

If you’re someone who often compares yourself to people you know,

give yourself a much-needed break from scrutiny today. We’re all
sinners, without exception. The Lord expects us to make mistakes
and repent for our sins. He doesn’t expect His disciples to be perfect
or godlike, but to exist on Earth as flawed beings. Go a little easier
on yourself today. Know that when God forgives, He forgives
completely.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 Active Worship

1
Today’s verse comes from a heated conversation between Jesus, the
scribes and the Pharisees. These religious leaders believed they were
saved because of their royal bloodline and because of the traditions
they followed. They mistakenly believed their traditions made God
their Father, when in reality they had lost the true meaning of relying
Why is my on God. Jesus says this verse to them to show them the importance

language not clear of true worship.

to you? Because Many people today believe the same thing as the Pharisees did.
you are unable to Many Christians are raised to attend church regularly, read the Bible
and observe religious holidays—yet they don’t have a personal
hear what I say. relationship with God. While these religious traditions help Christians
express their love for the Lord and become closer with Him, they
—John 8:43 aren’t what make a person a child of God.

For Jesus’ language to be clear to you, you must receive Him and
believe in Him. You must actively engage your mind and heart with
the Lord, not just your physical person. A childhood steeped in
religion is certainly a positive thing, but one can’t simply go through
the motions without truly having faith. In the Pharisees’ case, if God
had been their father, they would have understood Jesus’ meaning.
Similarly, we can only understand God’s meaning if we embrace
Him fully.

Each day, make an effort to hear and understand what God tells
you. Don’t let the monotony of everyday life dull your
spirituality. No one can have a relationship with God on your
behalf. Take charge of your own relationship with Christ, and go
beyond the daily tasks you’ve been brought up to do. Find and
define your own love of God.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 Lay Down Your Burdens

2
We all feel overcome with our personal burdens sometimes. Bearing
the hardships of our emotional, physical and financial battles can
prove too great for even the strongest of God’s children. Today’s
verse offers us a beacon of hope: a promise of rest at the feet of
the Lord. The “weary and burdened” encompasses every form of
Come to me, all human sorrow and sin. God gives what no one else can: total,

you who are weary absolute rest from our burdens.

and burdened, and The burden of sin is perhaps the worst weight we can take on. Guilt
I will give you rest. can take a toll on you and make everything else around you appear
dull. Instead of suffering under the weight of our sin, go to God
and lay it at His feet. Jesus can look into our lives and see the
—Matthew 11:28 innermost depths of our hearts. He sees the toils we suffer and the
sorrows that weigh on us every day. The only way to lighten our
load and remove our sins is to confide in the Lord.

How do we allow God to take our burdens off our shoulders? The
answer is through prayer. Asking God to remove your troubles is the
only way to find rest at His feet. If something is weighing on your
mind today, give it up to God. Say a simple prayer such as, “Let
thy will, not my will, be done.” This prayer serves as a reminder that
we aren’t in control, even if we think we are. Allow God to work in
your life, and find relief in the fact that He alone can remove our
burdens.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 Jesus’ Promise to Us

3
Dealing with the death of a loved one is a terrible hardship. As
Christians, we can find a sense of comfort and closure in the promise
Jesus gives to us: everlasting life in Heaven.

Revelation 14:13 proclaims a blessing on those who die in the Lord.

Blessed are the The blessing promises a happy union with Him, rest from earthly

dead who die in toils, and rewards for their faith and labors of love. This verse can go
great lengths to console mourners after a death, as it promises it’s
the Lord from now not farewell forever. Many times throughout the Scripture, God
on… They will rest promises us a life after death. We can take heart in the
knowledge that our loved ones’ good works weren’t in vain and that
from their labor, for they live happily alongside the Lord.
their deeds will
Although we may lose our earthly possessions when we die, the Lord
follow them. assures us that we don’t lose our good deeds. This verse reminds us
that our lives aren’t about how much wealth we can acquire but
—Revelation about the legacy we create through our actions. The Bible tells us
14:13 that those who give only to be honored by others have reaped their
full reward on Earth, but those who give in secret will find their
reward in Heaven.

If you’ve lost a loved one recently, know without a shadow of a doubt

that the Lord embraced him or her with love. Say a prayer for your
loved ones, that the Lord may recognize the good works of their
lifetime and reward them in His Kingdom: “Give [Name] eternal
rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him/her forever.”

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 Judging Others

4
Contrary to what many non-believers think, the Bible doesn’t teach
Christians to judge thy neighbor or take on a “holier than thou”
attitude. Rather than tearing our neighbors down for their
misdeeds and sins, we should focus on our own shortcomings. Just
as John 8:7 tells those without sin to cast the first stone on sinners,
There is only one James 4:12 reminds us that nobody is perfect. Our purpose on Earth

Lawgiver and isn’t to compete with our neighbors, but to let God be the Almighty
Judge.
Judge, the one
who is able to save The ultimate source of law is God. All judgment is delegated by Him,
not the people of the Earth. While our nation’s laws are necessary to
and destroy. But keep the peace, they’re only placeholders for the real thing: the laws
you— who are of Christ. It isn’t our duty to judge others, as we can’t carry out their
“sentence.” There are many verses in the Bible that tell us not to
you to judge your judge others, but this verse is especially poignant because of its
neighbor? powerful verbiage.

—James 4:12 This verse intentionally uses the words “save” and “destroy” to
remind us that the Lord is all-powerful. The contradicting thoughts of
annihilation and safety serve as a lesson in God’s omnipotence. No
judge on Earth has the power to see into men’s consciences or save
or destroy men’s souls (or their lives, for that matter). If we aren’t
the one Lawgiver or Judge, why do we waste our time judging
others?

While it’s human nature to compare yourself to others, try to resist

the urge to make judgments. Condemning your fellow people makes
you appear like a false god—the last thing the Lord wants from you.
Every time you notice yourself judging others, bring to mind one
thing about yourself that’s flawed. A little humbleness goes a long
way.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 Jesus’ Many Names

5
The Bible gives over 200 names to Jesus: Christ, Son of God, Lamb of
God, Messiah, Emmanuel, King of Kings… the list goes on. Today’s
verse is the announcement of Jesus’ birth where we’re given four of
His many names. The more we understand about each of His names,
the better we can get to know who Jesus really is.
For to us a child is
born, to us a son is Some interpretations take these four names as four elements of the
same name. Jesus is one being, with many different elements. His
given… And he will different names don’t symbolize different people or different
be called personalities. Since it was customary for people of this time to call
children by a name that meant something, we can infer that each
Wonderful name suggests a different quality of Christ.
Counselor, Mighty
“Wonderful Counselor” takes on a few different meanings. It can
God, Everlasting mean “a wonder of a Counselor,” “one who counsels wonderful
Father, Prince of things,” or “wonderful in counsel.” This name embodies the wisdom

Peace. of the future Messiah. “Mighty God” is significant in that it means an

absolute deity. “Everlasting Father” or the Father of Eternity,
purposefully uses the word “Father” to represent Jesus’ love and
—Isaiah 9:6 protection. “Prince of Peace” represents the Prophet clinging to the
idea that Jesus represents peace, not war.

Why does Jesus have so many names? It’s not to confuse us. Each
name the Scripture gives to Jesus represents a different one of His
purposes: what He did in His short time on Earth and what He’s doing
now. Recognizing the many names of Jesus helps us understand Him
and grow closer to Him as Christians. Use one, two or many of His
names during prayer, depending on your need.

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AUG2 Alcohol in the Bible

6
Many Christians today ponder the subject of alcohol. Those who
enjoy drinking often use Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine as
reasoning for its appropriateness, while others reference the
damages and “evils” of alcohol to use against it. Alcohol has broken
homes and marriages, and its use is connected to significant health
Wine is a mocker problems and death. Understanding what the Bible says about

and beer a alcohol can help us grow as Christians.

brawler; whoever is People still debate if the said “wine” in the Bible even represents an
led astray by them alcoholic beverage. Many believe it’s just a juice made of grapes
from the vineyard. The Bible states that drunkards won’t inherit
is not wise. the kingdom of God and that moderation is key to life (1
Corinthians 6:10). Even dining to the point of gluttony is a sin.
—Proverbs 20:1 However, the Bible also states that sin is in the heart of man, and
not in any object (Matthew 15:19). If drinking feels sinful to you,
it becomes a sin for you. The alcohol itself isn’t the sin, therefore, but
a means to sin.

Not everyone will find alcohol a stumbling block to their faith. For
those who do, stop. For those who don’t, be considerate of others for
whom alcohol represents danger.

The main takeaway from today’s verse is that God didn’t put us here
to judge others. The Lord is the only Judge. Loving thy neighbor
regardless of their sins is a timeless lesson that our Lord wants us to
understand. Offer up a prayer today for those with alcohol troubles
so that they may find peace in God and practice moderation.

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AUG2 Hezekiah’s Words

7
After King Solomon’s death, Israel was divided into two kingdoms.
King Ahaz, a ruthless and wicked king, cut the articles from the
temple in two, set up idolatrous altars and offered his children as
sacrifices. King Ahaz’s actions brought the wrath of the Lord down
on the people. Ahaz’s son, Hezekiah, became king and followed the
My sons, do not be Lord. Today’s verse reflects Hezekiah’s words to his people once

negligent now, for they worshiped the one true God again.

the Lord has Too often, we’re negligent in our worship of the Lord. Modern
chosen you to Christians in today’s world have a lot on their plates. The world
demands more of us than in the past, expecting us to do more,
stand before him better, faster. In an atmosphere of constant motion, it can be difficult
and serve him, to to spend the necessary time on our God. One small step away can
lead to more and more steps, until we find ourselves far away from
minister before him the Lord’s teachings.
and to burn
incense. Regardless of how often we attend church, pray and read the Bible,
we may be guilty of being negligent Christians. It’s easy to get
engrossed in sins or distractions, becoming like the Israelites under
—2 Chronicles King Ahaz. However, we must actively resist this temptation and
29:11 offer our hearts to Christ through genuine worship.

If you find yourself getting farther away from God, seize the day
to make a change. Repent your sins, ask for forgiveness and serve the
Lord in every way you can. Know that God has chosen you for His
own, and take heart in the mercy of a God who will always take
you back into His arms.

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AUG2 What Would Jesus Do?

8
Time and time again, modern society sees celebrities and fantasizes
about how great our own lives would be if that were to magically
happen to us. Fame, fortune, beauty, glamour—these things have one
common denominator: friends. Proverbs 19:4 teaches us an important
lesson about money.
Wealth attracts
many friends, but The more money and recognition you have, the more other people
want to be around you, talk to you and do things with you. To a
even the closest selfish person, the idea of many people loving him or her can bring
friend of the poor on feelings and behaviors of greed.
Thus, they build relationships based on selfishness. People want to
person deserts be around those with immense wealth because of the possibility that
them. something great will happen to themselves. Perhaps they can win
favors from these people or become popular themselves. Sadly, the

—Proverbs 19:4 wealthy tend to have more “friends” than the poor, even if these
friends aren’t real.

On the other end of the spectrum is the poor person. The homeless,
poor and impoverished have historically been ignored—or even
shunned—by most, even if they have the purest of hearts. Most
people believe they have nothing to gain from a homeless man,
and they avoid contact altogether. Even if you don’t consciously
realize this, it happens every day.

Next time you see someone on the streets or begging for change,
remember to be like Jesus. The Lord loves us equally, whether we
live lavishly or on the sidewalk. Jesus loves us even when we’re the
man or woman in the gutter with nothing to offer. He’ll always be
our friend and ally, just as we should be to those in need.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG2 You Are New in Christ

9
To be with Christ means to be united with him in faith and by
baptism. In such a case, Christians are born again—born as a new
creation. Today’s verse reflects on the idea that we’re new in Christ’s
eyes upon baptism, completely washed of our old lives and old sins.
Paul, who had known the power of Christ to transform a life, wrote
And now what are this verse with confidence, to tell others of the incredible

you waiting for? restorative power of the Holy Spirit.

Get up, be It may feel like reformation is a rare occurrence in the 21st century.
baptized and wash It feels as though everyone is stuck in their ways and that true
change may never happen—especially on a national or global scale.
your sins away, It’s easy to forget the overwhelming power of the Lord to
calling on his name. revolutionize lives, abolish old habits and open people’s eyes to
change. We must find faith in the idea of “new creation” by siding

—Acts 22:16 with Christ.

If any man be in Christ, he or she is rendered a new creature. This

doesn’t mean the evils of a past life will cease to tempt you. If
you follow God as a means of escaping alcoholism, for example, old
scars will still exist. The consequences of your actions will remain
with you. However, walking with Christ changes the center of your
existence, giving you a new love that expels old ones.

If you want to feel new again, consider revitalizing your walk with
Christ through daily devotionals, more focused prayer and another
baptism. If you’re a new Christian who has yet to be baptized,
understand that being in Christ makes you a brand new creation.
Today, embrace “out with the old, in with the new,” and see what
God has in store for your new life.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

AUG3 Money’s False Promise

0
Today’s verse is about the decision to choose righteousness instead of
injustice regardless of the returns we will get. Truly righteous people
understand that money isn’t more important than doing the right
thing. The potential for personal gains should never get in the way
of God. Unfortunately, many people spend their entire lives in the
Better a little with pursuit of fortune and fame.

righteousness than For every Christian, God should be the most important thing in life.
much gain with Spending our resources and energy chasing money not only makes
injustice. us guilty of sins of greed, but it also breaks the Commandment of
worshiping a false God.
Choosing money over God is the same as paying worship to a false
—Proverbs 16:8 idol—a sin none of us wants to be guilty of.

When you pray, God is there for you. Everyone in the Christian
fellowship can dip into the well of riches that God has for us,
whenever we want. When monetary needs arise, God is there to
help us in ways we can’t foresee. We should never ask for more than
what’s required for a happy, simple life.
Recognizing that there are far more valuable things than money can
open the doors for a carefree, righteous life.

Being close to God has nothing to do with how much money you
have. In fact, the Bible states that it’s easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). Take today’s devotional as a
reminder to let go of your financial troubles. It’s always better to
gain a little and be on God’s side than to gain a lot and be on the
side of the wicked and unjust.

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AUG3 The Widow’s Offering

1
Today’s verse is an excerpt from the well-known Bible story of the
widow’s offering. In this parable, Jesus watches a crowd give money
into the temple treasury. Many rich people donated large amounts,
but a poor widow came and only deposited two “mites,” something
near the value of pennies. Jesus said to His disciples that the widow
They all gave out had given more to the treasure than all the others.

of their wealth; but It’s easy to feel more pious than our neighbors when we put more in
she, out of her the collection box than those sitting on the pew next to us or when
poverty, put in we donate more generously to a community bake sale. Whatever
the situation, it’s important to keep in mind that the Lord doesn’t
everything—all she judge us on how much we give. Rather, He makes His judgments on
had to live on. what the donation meant to us individually.

—Mark 12:44 The widow clearly gave much less money than other people. But
since she gave every cent she had to the Treasury, and the others
donated mere portions of their large estates, her donation was
worth more in Jesus’ eyes. Jesus saw the situation differently than
the disciples who were also watching. The wealthy patrons made
sure to jingle the coins and make a show of their large donations,
but the poor widow made a humble gift. Hers was the one worth
mentioning.

Today’s verse isn’t to say that the rich are automatically less pious
than the poor. It’s meant as a lesson in humbleness and sacrifice.
Having a giving heart is more important than the amount we give.
Become a more cheerful giver, and do as much as you can in the
spirit of true generosity.

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SEP01 Starting September With Hope
The beginning of a new month offers us a fresh start. It gives us the
chance to make new promises, both to ourselves and our heavenly
Father. Each time we move to a new chapter in our lives, we must
carry hope along with us and be confident that our future is secure.
But it’s just as important that we choose the right target for this
hope.

David was one of the greatest kings in the Bible. He led Israel to
growth and prosperity, enjoying both necessities and luxuries along the
way. But things were not easy for him. Saul wanted him dead. Rival
nations wanted his country. His close associates wanted his throne.
Psalm 31 was born from an attempted mutiny, as David was crying to
God to help him. He knew the Lord had put him in his position for a
reason, and he hoped God would protect him. David leaned on his faith,
knowing he would continue to trust God, no matter the outcome.

With the current state of our nation, it’s easy to want to put our
hope in other things—whether it’s in a new job, political leader or
ourselves. To face September with the best mindset, however, our hope
must be placed in God. Know that regardless of the issues you’re facing,
He can rescue you. There are no financial burdens too large and no
emotional scars too deep. Today, be strong, take heart and face this
new month with the knowledge that there is a divine plan just for

Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord

preserves those who are true to him, but the proud
he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all
you who hope in the Lord.
—Psalm 31:23-24

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SEP02 Facing Each Day with Humility
Our world is one of constant competition. People race to have

Has he shown the newest technology, the best house and the most impressive job.
We aspire to be better than our neighbors, better than our friends
you, O mortal, and family. We chase possessions and envy the accomplishments we
what is good. see from others. Jealousy fuels pride; pride pushes us farther away from
our brothers and sisters in Christ. This makes it harder to reach out
And what does to sinners—harder to spread the Gospel and show people the
the Lord require of true love of Jesus.

you? To act justly This is why the Lord teaches us to be humble. In Micah, God is angry
and to love with the Israelites for their lack of honesty and justice. He led them
mercy and to safely from Egypt with prosperity in mind, and yet they turned their
backs on Him. You see, Israel became preoccupied by the things that
walk humbly with did not matter—temporary pleasures. They abandoned their
your God. humility.

—Micah 6:7-8 When we are born again through Jesus Christ, our lives are no longer
about us. In exchange for eternity, we pledge our lives to the service
of the Lord. When we become boastful and proud of our earthly
possessions and accomplishments, we’re putting them above God.
His love and His grace far surpass anything of this world, and they
should be the things for which we are most grateful. Today, take
time to be thankful for what you have been given instead of being
boastful. Do not compare your life to others; signs of wealth do not
show richness of spirit. Instead, offer love and compassion as you
walk each day.

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SEP03 Making Every Moment Count
Hunters often use decoys to attract their game. Some set up fake

Be very careful, deer and use antler rattling to simulate the sounds of a battle. The
dominant deer will quickly come to investigate the potential
then, how you live threat. After all, he has a group of females to protect if he is to
—not as unwise but create a new generation.

as wise, making the Once he sees the decoy, the buck will begin showing signs of
most of every dominance. He’ll stomp his hooves and snort. He’ll puff out his chest

opportunity, and hold his head high, showing off the size of his antlers.
Unfortunately for the deer, this does two things: it wastes precious
because the days energy and puts him in danger.
are evil. Therefore Sometimes, as Christians, we live our lives like this buck. Insignificant
do not be foolish, matters (that sometimes aren’t even real) make us upset. We lash
but understand out with emotion and sometimes even say or do things we regret.
Likewise, reacting to little situations can put us in danger of
what the Lord’s will damaging our testimony or pushing people away from Christ.
is.
Instead of reacting to little issues, save your energy for the ones
—Ephesians 5:15- that matter. Instead of spending 15 minutes arguing over a social
media post, check in with a relative or friend and pray with him or
17 her. Today, pray for guidance and discernment for situations like
these. Spend each moment that you can making a difference.

Concern yourself with the issues that God wants you to and leave
the rest to someone else. The time the Lord has given us here on
Earth is short. To use it unwisely is to be ungrateful for the gift of
the sun rising and the moon setting. Embrace each morning with
renewed hope and faith in Christ.

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SEP04 We All Need Rest
In the modern day, we deal with a lot of stress. There’s always

Come to me, all pressure coming from somewhere, whether it’s work, school, family
or friends.
you who are weary Sometimes, it’s easy to stay strong and persevere. In other situations,
and burdened, and we’re only wearing ourselves out. It’s important to take the time
to regather our thoughts when we are burdened.
I will give you rest.
Take my yoke Unfortunately, many people choose to bottle up their feelings

upon you and learn instead. In this modern age, we have a habit of pushing ourselves
too far. A lot of the time we’re under the impression that working
from me, for I am harder will put us ahead—and it might. But what good is being
gentle and humble ahead at work if you’ve left your family behind? If you’re not
balancing your own needs and that of your family, you’re simply
in heart, and you driving yourself into the ground.
will find rest for
Today is a great opportunity for you to lean on the Father and
your souls. For my refresh yourself. In this verse, the Lord was addressing the nation of
yoke is easy and Israel. These people were downtrodden—worn thin by the demands

my burden is light. of the Pharisees and left with little energy to continue. If you’re
feeling the same, do what God instructed: go to Him. Reach out to
our Father in prayer and ask for a revival of mind and body.
—Matthew
11:28-30 Today, try to clear your schedule of any non-essential tasks. Surround
yourself with positivity. Spend extra time talking with God, and
worry not for the past, present or future. The world tires us with
troubles, but the Lord promises rest. And our heavenly Father never
breaks his promises.

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SEP05 A Labor of Love
Labor Day is a holiday designed to celebrate a time when people
came together to make working environments better for all. We use

For it is by grace this occasion to take a break from our toil and appreciate everything
we have earned through it. One thing we cannot earn just so
you have been happens to be the greatest gift this life has to offer: Salvation.
saved, through The privilege of going to Heaven is not something people can earn
faith—and this is on their own. It doesn’t matter how many good works you’ve
not from yourselves, completed or what the church thinks of you. The price of our sins is

it is the gift of death. It always has been, and it always will be. Jesus sacrificing His
perfect life is the only thing that could leverage such a heavy
God— not by sentence. We do not, and cannot, deserve grace—yet we can gain
works, so that no it.

one can boast. It is good to honor the workers of our country. Through our
struggles to make a living, we face a lot of challenges. But we
—Ephesians 2:6-9 should also take the opportunity to give Jesus the recognition He
deserves. Can you imagine trying to redeem yourself for all of your
transgressions without His sacrifice? Each slip of the tongue or
hateful thought would have to be accounted for. Frankly, it would
be impossible, no matter how dedicated of a worker you are, to
deserve salvation.

Today, remember that we serve a greater purpose than ourselves. This

means that the things we’re working toward pale in comparison
to the King of the Universe. Give appreciation to the nation’s
people (including yourself), but save the glory for God.

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SEP06 Goodwill, Not Gossip
Psychologically, people are compelled to try to feel better about

No rotten talk themselves. Unfortunately, the most common way to do this is to

put others down. That may seem like an easy thing to avoid, but
should come from slander can be very sneaky. More importantly, it can be
your mouth, but dangerously comfortable.

only what is good One of the biggest problems with gossip is that we like to label it
for the building up as something else. “Letting off steam” or “voicing our concerns” are

of someone in two ways we cover up the truth. Sometimes we’ll give unnecessary
information during prayer requests or by “telling it like it is.” Giving it
need, in order to a title that seems more acceptable, however, is nothing but an
give grace to those invitation for trouble.

who hear. Throughout the Bible, there are nearly 15 different mentions of
gossip. None of them are positive. Gossip is generally listed
—Ephesians 4:29 alongside sins we tend to see as more serious, such as greed and
murder. And yet we continue to spread tales and tear each other
down. Remember that when someone gossips it is detrimental to his
or her spirit, too.

Whenever you’re talking with other people today, stop and think
before you speak. Ask if the information pertains to you at all or if
you’re simply sharing it to make conversation. Even if it’s a matter
that you’re involved in personally, consider how it could change the
other person’s view of someone else. Be cautious in what you say,
and turn to a positive topic instead when you have the urge to
gossip. The best way to build a kingdom in Christ is to build up
each other and exemplify His perfect love.

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SEP07 Staying Strong With Forgiveness
Forgiving someone else can be difficult, especially when they have

Then Peter came harmed you personally and your feelings are hurt. It seems, however,
that the more you have to forgive someone, the more miserable it
to Jesus and asked, makes you. So how can we expect to keep absolving hurtful or
“Lord, how many malicious behavior? We must think like Jesus.

times shall I forgive As you can see, even the disciples struggled with forgiveness
my brother when sometimes. Humans are emotionally-charged creatures, and

he sins against me? whenever our feelings are hurt, it can be difficult to let go. In fact,
it can even seem unfair to us. We’re left suffering with anger or
Up to seven pain, and in most cases, the one who hurt us walks away without a
times?” Jesus second thought. In truth, withholding forgiveness is a form of
revenge … but it only hurts us.
answered, “I tell
you, not seven Holding onto negative feelings takes up room in our hearts, room
that could be occupied by the love of Jesus. If you remain bitter
times, but seventy- for too long, the sour feelings can spoil positive emotions, like an
seven times. infection of blame and resentment. When you consider our purpose,
however, it may be easier to let those negative emotions go.
—Matthew If you’ve been born again, you’ve chosen to give your life to Christ
18:21-22 and live it, to the best of your abilities, just like He did. And Jesus,
above all, forgives. He sacrificed His life for things that people like us
hadn’t even done yet. And even when we stray today, He offers us
exoneration. If we want to show His grace, we must do our best to
live it. Today, let go of any ill feelings you have. Free yourself of
your grudges and make room for love.

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SEP08 Patient and Persistent Prayer
The Bible offers guidance and persistence in your prayers. It may

Lord, you are the seem as though asking for the same thing repeatedly is a sign that
we don’t trust God or perhaps that we’re not satisfied with the
God who saves answers He’s given us. In truth, it is this consistent presentation of
me; day and night requests that pleases the Lord and could make it more likely that
our requests be granted.
I cry out to you.
May my prayer Luke 11:5-13 discusses a parable of two friends. One man keeps
knocking on another’s door, asking repeatedly for bread. In the story,
come before you; the homeowner gives the other man bread because he kept asking.
turn your ear to my The verse also says that those who seek are the ones who will

cry. receive.

Other portions of the Bible show the power of persistent prayer,

—Psalm 88:1 rather than telling about it. Paul pled three times before he was
answered. David regularly addresses the same requests throughout
the book of Psalms. Jesus himself prayed multiple times before His
crucifixion, each time asking the same thing.

Taking our pleas to God delights Him. It may be hard for some
people to understand that, since for humans it can be irritating
when someone asks for something again and again without respite.
From the Lord’s point of view, however, things are different. Each
time we present a request, we’re acknowledging that it is only by
His power that it can be done. We’re affirming His magnitude, but
also our own faith—both of which are beautiful things. Today, do not
give up on your requests because they are yet unanswered. Instead
pray diligently, and always give glory to God.

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SEP09 Separating Our Conscience From the Holy
Spirit
This is how we Some Christians have been taught that their conscience and the
know that we Holy Spirit are one and the same. Whenever they are uncertain

belong to the truth about an activity, they believe it’s a translation of God’s concerns
about it. This is because the Holy Spirit certainly does speak to us if
and how we set we will listen, guiding us with gentle nudges and warnings. But our
our hearts at rest in consciences have not been replaced by the Spirit of God.

his presence: If our As born-again Christians, we change on a spiritual level, but our
hearts condemn us, flesh is still alive and active. The conscience, despite how divine it
may feel, is still a piece of the flesh. As we know, the flesh is
we know that God naturally set against the Spirit. It is developed in a world of sin, over
is greater than our time, through input from other people, and it does not go away
hearts, and he after we receive the gift of grace.

knows everything. As a remnant of your old self, the conscience will still be functioning
as your inner voice, but it may be based on a sinful version of
—John 3:19-20 yourself instead of the new you made in Jesus. Sometimes it may be
right, but we cannot rely solely on our conscience. Instead, we must
turn to Lord for guidance. When we pray for wisdom over an
activity or subject, He will give us the answer that truly matters –
the one from His commands.

Today, take time to consider if you’ve been following your

conscience blindly. Remember that the flesh and the spirit, like water
and oil, are not made to mix. Ask our heavenly Father to guide you in
your pursuits and show you answers to your questions. His response
may even surprise you.

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SEP10 Everyday Faith
For many people, it’s comfortable to separate their lives into

These compartments. We divide our week accordingly, and in the process,

we may use different aspects of ourselves and our personality to
commandments match with the occasion. As a Christian, this can be a mistake.
that I give you We’re all guilty of making small blunders, such as letting our
today are to be on thoughts wander during a sermon. “What am I going to have for
your hearts. lunch when I leave?” is an all too common thought. Thinking of our
next meal is only human, but it’s also taking away from time that
Impress them on belongs to the Father. Unfortunately, sometimes the hour-long visit
your children. Talk on Sunday morning is the only time God takes precedence.

about them when Everyday faith is something that is very important to have. By
you sit at home constantly placing our emphasis on God, we’ll be able to expand and
and when you walk modify our faith to new levels. In addition, this light to the world may
be the only example of God’s love that some people will see. As
along the road, Christians, we want to expand the Kingdom of our Father and teach
when you lie down others about the true meaning of love. That is certainly hard to do

and when you get if you don’t show the touch of the Spirit in your everyday life.

up. Today, pray for immersion from the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re at
school, work or home, use the same attitude and joy you have on
—Deuteronomy Sunday morning and let others see the light that shines from you; it is
the everyday faith that builds us up the strongest. Be a beacon of
6:6-7 light every day of the week, not just on Sunday.

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SEP11 The Cycles of Life and Death
Today marks the anniversary of one of the worst, most devastating

A time to tear events in the history of our nation. Although not a federally
recognized holiday, Patriot Day is devoted to honoring the nearly
apart and a time 3,000 men and women who were lost in the 9/11 terror attacks.
to sew together; A The assault rocked our nation to its core, sending waves of
time to be silent confusion, vulnerability, shock and finally anger through the citizens of
and a time to America. Terrorism, which had once been a distant issue for other

speak. A time to countries, arrived on our doorstep. Since that day, the very core of
our beliefs has changed. From security in airports to international
love and a time relations, we’ll never be the same.
to hate; A time Anytime we’re faced with a tragedy, especially one of such
for war and a time magnitude, it’s easy to lose sight of the truth. We let our emotions
for peace. guide us and find ourselves in pain, discouraged and entirely
overwhelmed. Although it is difficult, we must remember that God is

—Ecclesiastes 3:7- always good. He is in control through every moment, no matter how
terrible it is. Someday, we will inhabit Heaven and never experience
8 a negative feeling again. For now, we must hold tight to the Lord.

Today, take time to pray in remembrance. In your time of prayer,

trade anger for love, as Christ asks us to do. Honor those who have
fallen and those who serve to protect our nation every day. Pray for
safety, for peace and most of all, for love. Also remember to give
glory to God because even in the darkest of times He is, has been,
and will always be the source of our light.

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SEP12 How to Pray
If you’re wondering how God wants us to pray, you’re not alone. Even

One day Jesus the disciples asked Jesus to teach them so they could best
communicate with God. Perhaps it does not come naturally to us
was praying in a because we are impure beings or maybe we are overwhelmed at the
certain place. glory of God. Either way, we must learn to reach out to God
through prayer.
When he finished,
one of his disciples Elijah, the apostle Paul, and Jesus all give examples and directions on
how to pray. Prayer should be close to us always. King David and
said to him, “Lord, Daniel both spoke to God three times per day: in the morning, at
teach us to pray, noon and the evening. Paul said to pray “without ceasing.” We must

just as John taught remember to come to the Father daily, and not only when things
are difficult.
his disciples.”
It may be easier to consider prayer a state of being rather than a
—Luke 11:1 separate activity. With praise for others, we are exalting and
engaging in a kind of prayer. When we lift our voice in song, we are
praying. And when we close the door to our prayer closets, our prayer
becomes more personal.

During that time alone, focus less on how long that prayer should be
and more on what you need to say. Jesus spent the entire night
praying when He was choosing disciples, but many other examples
contain only a handful of words. Pray until the burden on your heart
has been given to God.

Other people are hesitant about what to pray for. God wants to
build a relationship with us, so pray for everything. He will never tire
of hearing from you. Today, find some quiet time and simply talk to
God. When your heart and spirit are in the right place, there’s no
wrong way to pray.

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SEP13 Facing Hard Choices
Life is full of decisions. Every single day, we face a barrage of

But Daniel choices: what we should eat, how to use our time, whether to work
out or watch television. Years of making these small, regular
resolved not to decisions form habits. We don’t often give them much thought, and if
defile himself with they were founded on Godly guidance, there’s no reason to worry.

the royal food and If they are poor decisions, however, they can come together to
wine, and he create very terrible habits. What began as eating out on weekends,

asked the chief for example, can lead us to do so every day and potentially develop
an unhealthy lifestyle. But if such a small choice can snowball and
official for affect our entire bodies and wellbeing, what about the larger issues
permission not to we sometimes face?

defile himself this We are bound to stumble across these big selections. Will we cheat
way. on our spouse? On our taxes? Will we fall into a cycle of telling
lies? No matter which options you face, you can turn to God for

—Daniel 1:8 guidance and wisdom.

Our heavenly Father is very pleased when we pray to Him, and asking
for help when making choices further shows our devotion and
acceptance of the fact that we can do nothing without Him. Asking
God directly should always be the first step when you’re making an
important decision.

Turning to the Word is also essential. The Bible can show us

examples and give us guidance through all situations, no matter the
gravity. Today, take time to examine your habits, both new and old.
Search your heart and ask our Father for wisdom to face the
decisions of each new day.

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SEP14 Leading by Example
The greatest teacher this world has ever known is Jesus Christ. He

Now that I, your demonstrated miracles and insurmountable wisdom to His followers
and even non-believers. One of the things that made Him such an
Lord and Teacher, effective guide was His willingness to lead by example.
have washed your In the verse above, Jesus had just finished washing His disciples’ feet,
feet, you also offering the ultimate example of being a servant. Even Judas, who
should wash one would betray Him multiple times, was treated with the same

another’s feet. I humble favor. In that age, it was usually only the lowest of servants
who did such a thing. And yet the Son of God demonstrated love
have set you an for one another by doing it anyway.
example that you As a Christian, it is more important that you show your faith than
should do as I simply tell about it. Going to church on Sundays but being foul to
have done for you. your coworkers is certainly not a way to display the love of
Christ. People will base their opinions instead on your actions.

—John 13:14-16 When you are trying to reach out to others and expand the kingdom
of God, it’s important that your impression is a good one.

Lots of people can recite Bible verses and information about God,
but you’ll be most successful as a servant of the Lord if you can
interpret that Word into action that others can see. Do not simply
talk about love, but live it every day. Reach out unto others, no
matter their background or situation. Today, ask God to show you
how to provide a good example—how you can show the world
your love of Christ instead of just telling about it.

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SEP15 When Honesty Is Difficult
Many people say that they want an “honest opinion,” but how

Therefore each of many are actually prepared to accept it if the feedback is different
from what they wanted? How many times do we hold in our feelings
you must put off around our loved ones so we do not hurt them? When you’re facing
falsehood and difficult truths, it can be hard to offer true honesty.

speak truthfully to Knowing how to be kind is crucial to being honesty. Christ doesn’t
your neighbor, for condone hateful words, even if the one saying it is simply

we are all members purporting to be telling the truth. When you are faced with a
situation that requires a painful truth, ask Christ to guide your
of one body. words.

—Ephesians 4:25 These truths can be about ourselves or about other people. When
it’s an internal matter, we’re reluctant to admit that we’re in the
wrong. It’s also hard to apologize sometimes, and many instances
will expose us to disapproval or anger from another person. If the
truths are centered on someone else, we often want to hold them
back so the other person does not become upset.
Honesty can be tough sometimes, but it’s also essential.

Bottling up our true feelings is not beneficial to anyone. The longer

we allow others to live under a guise of our emotions, the harder it
is to explain the truth. Likewise, the more we cover for our own
transgressions, the more comfortable it becomes to simply let it
continue.

Being honest is like removing a bandage. It may hurt briefly, but it

opens up for healing and new growth. Today, pray for the
strength to be honest with yourself and others. Offer the truth to
your friends and family and acknowledge your own failures. True,
Christ-like, unconditional love begins by caring enough to always
share the truth.

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SEP16 Not Knowing All of the Answers
Many Christians will avoid potentially difficult interactions because

Trust in the Lord they are afraid of being asked questions they cannot answer. As
humans, it is natural to fear the feeling of rejection and potential
with all your heart embarrassment that might come along with such an occurrence. As
and lean not on Christians, however, we do not have to be afraid.

your own There is no way our minds can comprehend the true vastness and
understanding; in power of God. He created the entire universe, from the largest

all your ways galaxies down to the tiniest functions within our cells. Because God
knows the heart and mind of every person on Earth, people will
submit to him, sometimes expect His followers to have an abundance of answers,
and he will make too. This is not always the case.

your paths We cannot memorize every detail of the Word or of our heavenly
straight. Father—but we’re not expected to. Our entire Christian lives are
filled with growth and development. So how do we face difficult

—Proverbs 3:5-6 questions? With a bit of preparation and a smile.

Instead of trying to commit the entire Bible to memory, be prepared

to dive in for answers. If someone asks you a question you don’t
know the answer to, tell them that. “I’m not sure. That’s a great
question, actually. Let’s look it up together.” In one moment, you
have admitted your imperfection, turned to God for guidance through
the Word and invited someone else to share it with you.

Today, realize that it’s okay that you don’t have all the answers.
But don’t forget you can pray for guidance at any time, and that
the Bible is always ready to show you the way.

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SEP17 Visitors to This World
When we visit family or friends, we act according to their family

We are foreigners rules and culture, respecting their home and property. We respect
and honor those who host us. We enjoy our time together and are
and strangers in often left feeling a bit sad and empty when we leave. This
your sight, as were translates well to our lives as Christians.

all our ancestors. Our existence here on Earth is purely temporary. It is not our home
Our days on earth but simply somewhere that we are visiting. Our flesh will end and our
spirits will return to God one day in Heaven. Often, however, we
are like a shadow, forget that our purpose is higher than the world. We strive for
without hope. earthly accomplishments, reaching the peak of our careers or
collecting the most valuable possessions. All of these actions are
—1 Chronicles performed in search of fulfillment for our lives, but none of them can
compare to our true purpose.
29:15
As Christians, we need to focus on the impression our visit leaves
behind, not on furthering ourselves in the games of this world. We
are the example of Christ and what you show can alter people’s
vision and opinion of God. To make the most of your visit, remain
humble. Keep a servant’s heart and offer yourself to the needs of
others. Leave an impression of love and kindness and the people of
the world will long for you once you’re gone. In fact, they may
choose to come with us and find the Kingdom of God through
salvation.
Today, remember that the tribulations and triumphs of this world are
only temporary and that your home in Heaven is being prepared.

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SEP18 Wearing Armor
Every day of our lives, we are at war. Fear and doubt are our

He put on adversaries, and when we give them too much power, they can
damage our relationship with God. So how do we protect ourselves
righteousness as from damage and find the strength to push through even the
his breastplate, toughest of situations? We put on the full armor of God.

and the helmet of In biblical times, the Roman army was a force to be reckoned with.
salvation on his They were well trained in the details of combat and self-defense.

head; he put on They were also heavily equipped. Spears and swords helped them
cut through their enemies. The combination of metal and hide that
the garments of they wrapped themselves in kept them safe from harm and made
vengeance and them truly formidable. In the same way, we can push through the
most difficult periods of our lives when we don the Armor of God.
wrapped himself in
zeal as in a cloak. There are several items mentioned in this passage, including a belt,
breastplate, footwear, shield, helmet and sword. Each one serves a

—Isaiah 59:17 different purpose and relates to an aspect of Christianity. The only
offensive weapon, for example, is the sword of the Word of God. It
is described as living and powerful beyond any other weapon.
Whereas the Roman soldiers would cut through their enemies, we can
slice through the lies of this world.

With the complete armor, we are protected from the anxieties and
oppressions of the world, but we’re also able to go further than
that and attack his plans. Each time we don our outfit in Christ
and spread the Gospel, the tides of battle turn a little more in our
favor… even though the winner has already been decided. Today,
remember to cloak yourself in the strength of the Word and the
power of Christianity.

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SEP19 “Charging” for Christ
In today’s world, we depend on the power of technology for almost

For this reason I everything. Our cellphones put an immeasurable amount of data
directly at our fingertips. We can call out to our friends and family
kneel before the and even get directions on the go.
Father, from whom As impressive as these functions are, however, they are nothing
without a battery that is charged.
every family in
heaven and on Electricity is required to power most of our appliances and gadgets.

earth derives its Without it, they lose all of their value and do nothing but take up
space. Likewise, we Christians must take care to charge ourselves
name. I pray that spiritually to make sure we can work for the Lord.
out of his glorious There are several ways we can restore the energy within ourselves
riches he may through the Spirit. For one, we can take time to reconnect with the
strengthen you people we love and depend on. God never intended for us to do
things alone and as the body of Christ, we depend on each other to
with power function and reach out. As David says in Proverbs, like iron sharpens
through his Spirit iron, so we sharpen one another (27:17). Don’t be afraid to turn to

in your inner brothers and sisters of the Lord for advice and encouragement.

being. It’s also important to pay attention to your health. Proper diet,
exercise and sleep cycles will give you more vigor and refresh your
—Ephesians 3:14- passion. Take time to rest yourself mentally and emotionally, too,
and you’ll be much better prepared to take on the challenges of the
16 world. Today, give yourself the opportunity to recharge. Closely
examine how you’re feeling and nurture your needs accordingly.

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SEP20 Envisioning Heaven
No one on Earth is certain what Heaven is like, but there’s no

At once I was in the denying that it’s a thrilling and wonderful place. The verses that
describe it can only hint at the glory that’s in store for us. This place
Spirit, and there is not only where God dwells (Psalm 33:13), but where Christ is
before me was a today (Acts 1:11), and where Christians will go when they die.

throne in heaven Although we can’t hope to truly comprehend the glory of such a
with someone sitting place, we can examine the scriptures and get some vague ideas

on it. And the one about what it will look like. In Revelation, we read that the very
streets are paved with gold. Walls are created from jewels and the
who sat there had gates themselves are crafted from pearl. Since it is a city built by
the appearance of God and not man, we can also imagine how absolutely perfect it
would be. Envision a city with no crime. No pollution or potholes
jasper and ruby. A or trash in the street. Because we only know of the tarnished cities
rainbow that shone that humans build, it’s almost impossible to imagine the pristine
condition of Heaven.
like an emerald
encircled the throne. Even more important than the physical appearance is how our lives
will be once we’re admitted. There will never again be reason for
—Revelation 4:2-3 tears or suffering. After all, in a perfect world, there is no pain. We
will not have to deal with sorrow or regret. We’ll also be free from
all the physical agony this life can bring us. No cancer or heart
attacks or Alzheimer’s disease. Only happiness and the love of
Christ.

Today, take some time to think about what Heaven has waiting for
us. Spend moments in prayer and allow yourself to get excited about
what your future holds when you enter the Kingdom of the Lord.
Consider how you can share that eagerness with those around
you, too.

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SEP21 The Truth of Peace
Peace is a familiar subject for Christians. It is important to be as kind

Peace I leave with and forgiving to one another as possible.

you; my peace I Over and over again in the Bible, we’re taught the importance of
give you. I do not embracing peace. We’re taught to forgive seventy times seven and
to turn the other cheek. The important thing to remember is that our
give to you as the purpose on Earth is no longer our own. Even when someone has
world gives. Do not angered us or wronged us, we should be willing to forgive them

let your hearts be because it is what Jesus would do. Our venture as Christians is to
become as much like Christ as possible, and that includes letting go
troubled and do of ill will.
not be afraid. However, the Bible also recognizes that it is not always going to
happen. Romans 12:18 says: “If it is possible, as far as it depends
—John 14:27 on you, live at peace with everyone.” Sometimes people simply will
not allow you to be peaceful. For a Christian, this holiday should
honor the times that you can let go.

Today, pray for the areas of the world that are torn by violence
and for the negative feelings about others that you experience in
your own life. Remember that God wants us to carry this mentality
into other aspects of our lives.

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SEP22 Being Salt to the World
As Christians, our lives are meant to enhance and provide meaning

You are the salt of for our time on Earth. Before salvation, we can be likened to a piece
of dirt or gain of sand. We were lost amongst countless others and
the earth. But if the did not have an effect on the things around us. After rebirth, we are
salt loses its called salt of the earth because we change things for the better.

saltiness, how can Salt is highly versatile, another reason why we are compared to it.
it be made salty It is used for preservations of meats but also to give flavor and a

again? It is no new desire to use to all sorts of foods. Just as your steak or potato
would be very bland and hard to eat without salt, so this world
longer good for would be intolerable without the positive influence of Jesus and
anything, except to His followers.

be thrown out and In this verse, Jesus talks about how useless salt would be without its
trampled underfoot. flavor. It would be practically indistinguishable from sand and only
good to be walked on. The analogy is clear: when we lose our

—Matthew 5:13 passion and energy for Christ, we’re barely any different from how
we were before we were saved.

Today, think about how you can provide a positive impression for
people you know or for the community. Can you minister to them by
inviting them to church or perhaps by volunteering somewhere? As
Christians, we bring zest to the world around us, a world that is often
covered in darkness and despair.
When we are energized through Christ, those around us can see it
and joy is spread tenfold.

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SEP23 Building Trust With Consistency
To be considered trustworthy is one of the highest praises a person

Simply let your can receive. All relationships, whether with business partners,
friends, family or romantic interests, are built on a foundation of
“Yes” be “Yes,” and trust. The reason we value trust so much is that it is not immediately
your “No,” “No”; given. Under certain circumstances, a connection may begin with a
bit of a head start (such as meeting through mutual friends), but
anything beyond even this can only go so far. There comes a point when any
this comes from the progression toward trust must be earned.

evil one. Even once it is established, trust is not guaranteed. It is durable,

yes, but a single moment of betrayal can cause it all to crumble.
—Matthew 5:37 One mistake is all it takes. After trust is betrayed, it can take an
immense amount of time and effort to rebuild. In some cases, there
is no recovering from broken trust.

That is why it is so important to stand by your word and your

decisions, especially as a Christian. We’re called to lead lives like
Jesus, and that certainly doesn’t involve telling lies or betraying
those who count on us. To make it easier to support your own
decisions, make sure you give prayer in every question. Choose
based on what God wants you to do, especially if it’s contradicting
your own feelings.

Today, remember that trust is more precious than gold or silver. It

cannot be bought, only earned with time and dedication. God
always keeps His word, and if we wish to be like Him and bring
people to Christ, then we must do the same.

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SEP24 A Personal Solar System
Our solar system is dependent on the sun. Because of the sun’s

“For my thoughts gravity, the planets stay in orbit, circling around it dutifully without
wavering. The sun also provides the light and heat we need to
are not your sustain life. There is a very specific order of the planets, but the sun
thoughts, neither will never move from the center. Likewise, our personal solar system
must put God as the center and the sun.
are your ways my
ways,” declares the In our spiritual version of the solar system, the planets can be

Lord. “As the compared to different aspects of our lives. One planet could be how
we use our time. Other planets might symbolize relationships and
heavens are higher spending habits. After all, it’s often said that the way people
than the earth, so distribute their money shows their priorities, at least in part. Of
course there are necessities to pay for, but in principle it is fairly
are my ways accurate.
higher than your Though God wants us to enjoy our time on Earth, it’s important to
ways and my remember that we cannot take our houses or cars or jewelry with us.
thoughts than Too much care for material elements will merely skew your

your thoughts.” priorities. A life after salvation is a life that has been wholly
dedicated to Jesus and ministering to others. Clinging to the ways of
the world will upset the balance of your life.
—Isaiah 55:8-9
Today, examine the way your solar system is set up. Are your
‘planets’ orbiting dutifully around God, as they should? Or are they
breaking paths and forming clusters within themselves? If you find
there are some organizational issues, take the time to pray for
guidance and assistance getting them back on track.

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SEP25 A Home Made of Rock
When you’re preparing to build a home, the most important thing is

The Lord is my having a proper location. The ground cannot be too soft or your
dwelling will sink into the ground. If there is too much water, you’ll
rock, my fortress have issues with mold and other damage. Without the right
and my deliverer; foundation, you might not even be able to build a house. Even if
you do manage to construct it, it’s very likely to fail and
my God is my crumble.
rock, in whom I
take refuge, my Building up your life is the same way. You must have a strong,
dependable base through Jesus Christ or you simply put yourself at
shield and the horn risk for failure down the road. To create this base, it’s vital you have
of my salvation, an intimate and evolving relationship with God. It’s not enough to
pray occasionally or only during times in trouble. You must develop
my stronghold. closeness.

—Psalm 18:2 Once your foundation is established through your personal

connection with the Lord, it’s important to also build your walls
correctly. You must do more than simply pray. As Christians, we
should always want to see others enter the Kingdom of God. Live for
Him with your actions as well as your words and you’ll be able to
demonstrate the true definition of love and what it means to be a
Christian.

With a reliable foundation and walls, the roof is included. We’re

always covered by grace, no matter which mistakes we make in our
lives. That means everything you have inside is kept safe and dry.
Today, take a look at the spiritual house you inhabit. Is it made to
last, or are some renovations due?

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SEP26 Patience Is a Virtue
Patience is something that can be hard to learn just by reading

For this very about it. It’s easy in concept, but putting it into practice can prove
very difficult for some people. Even when you’re inherently good
reason, make every with it, lots of practice is still required for mastery. Like most
effort to add to things, even gifts of the spirit, we must the practice patience as
part of our daily lives.
your faith
goodness; and to It’s worth mentioning again that this passage puts special and

goodness, specific emphasis on “without murmuring.” You see, patience isn’t

simply about being able to wait for something. It’s about holding
knowledge; and to tight for as long as it takes without complaint. This lack of protest is
knowledge, self- important because it’s a demonstration of faith. As Christians, we
are taught to rely on God for all of our needs. When we’re showing
control; and to self- patience, we’re saying “I know you will take care of this, Lord, and I
control, will wait.” It is the duty and joy of a Christian to submit to God’s
divine will, so despite the difficulty, we must practice patience and
perseverance; and positivity in our speech and attitude.
to perseverance,
godliness; and to We are not at liberty to make decisions for, or demand action
from, God. It should give us some comfort to know that His timing
godliness, mutual is perfect. Christian patience involves asking with faith and sincerity
affection; and to and knowing we will continue to devote our lives to Christ no matter
what the end result of our request is. Today, remember to be
mutual affection, patient about the things that you’re after and know that nothing is
love. guaranteed except for the love of God.

—2 Peter 1:5-7

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SEP27 Asking for Help
There are many different crises and hard situations we face,

Hear my prayer, sometimes on a daily basis. We experience job losses, relationship

problems, health issues, family disagreements and so much more.
Lord; let my cry for Although many people feel like asking for help is a sign of weakness,
help come to you. it’s important to remember that we always have people to turn to.

Do not hide your The first direction you should always turn when you need help is
face from me when towards God. He wants nothing more than to build relationships with

I am in distress. us and to continue to demonstrate His insurmountable love. As a

Christian, you should turn to prayer when you are facing a difficult
situation. Do not forget, however, that you should be reaching for
—Psalm 102:1-2 God every day, and not just when there is an issue.
Closeness helps to build faith and make the toughest circumstances
easier to weather.

Another way to find the support of our heavenly Father is through

reading the Bible. His Word is a living tool that is designed to offer
direction and guidance. There are many lessons to be had, and
spending time within the pages is a marvelous way to overcome
tribulations while also strengthening your faith.

Of course, there is a support network of others, too. Friends, family

members and brothers and sisters of Christ are resources that should
never be downplayed. Sometimes, God will use interaction between
His children to help one another and build closer bonds.

Today, do not be afraid to ask for help. No one can do it all alone,
and our heavenly Father does not expect you to. There is no shame
in reaching out to others.

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SEP28 Action of Faith
One of the most important parts of being a Christian is our

We continually personal relationship with God. We’re instructed to pray diligently

and spend time studying the Bible. Each day we should reach out to
remember, before our Father and work on making our relationship more personal and
our God and intimate. No matter how strong we are as Christians within our
hearts and spirits, we’re also called to put our faith into action.
Father, your work
produced by faith, Christians are the body of Christ. We are left here on Earth in His

your labor place so we can minister to the lost and help spread the messages of
Jesus’s sacrifice and the hope for salvation. It’s impossible to do that,
prompted by love, however, without putting some effort into the world around you.
and your Ministering to others can be fun and very rewarding. To begin
endurance inspired reaching out, however, we cannot be ashamed. Anyone who works
by hope in our with you or knows you in the neighborhood should be able to tell that
you’re a Christian. Many people hide it in fear of some sort of
Lord Jesus Christ. backlash. No human reaction, however, can compare to that of Jesus.
In Matthew 10:33, Christ reminds us “But whoever disowns me before
—1 Thessalonians others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
1:3 Volunteering and donating are fantastic ways to serve, but there are
plenty of other ways, as well. Today, ask someone you know if you
can pray for them, for any reason. Show the world that you are in no
way ashamed, and that you want to help others. Don’t just have
theoretical faith but have faith in action.

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SEP29 Dealing With Rejection
Everyone has dreams and ambitions. While we should put our main

For we did not focus on following Christ, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing to
pursue goals of our own—especially if they can somehow help your
follow cleverly ministry. For example, lots of Christians dream about publishing a
devised stories book. Unfortunately, lots of these people are also misguided. They
think that if God is the focus of their story then He will help them
when we told you get published. Since we can’t know the future of the will of God,
about the coming we can’t discern the truth of such a situation.

of our Lord Jesus It’s important to understand that God and man are two very
Christ in power, different things. God is the epitome of love, perfection and fairness,
but we were and obviously the two are naturally at odds. People, on the other
hand, are imperfect. You must remember that rejection from man is a
eyewitnesses of very different thing than rejection from God.
his majesty.
Just because some stranger at the helm of a company doesn’t think

—2 Peter 1:16 your material is worth publishing, it does not mean that’s true. Your
value is not determined by man. It is determined by our heavenly
Father, and He values you enough that He sent His Son to die for us.
That kind of love is greater than any earthly accomplishment.

Still, rejection stings. It is unpleasant to bear and will often

discourage people from trying again. If you’re dealing with
rejection, pray about the path God wants you to take. Sometimes it
only takes a bit more perseverance to get the results you want. Other
times, projects are better left alone. Today, take the time to ask the
Lord for guidance and strength to deal with whatever the future
holds.

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SEP30 Leaving Fear Behind
Experiencing fear is, unfortunately, part of the human experience.

There is no fear in There are small discomforts and paralyzing terrors and everything in
between. Whether or not we will face fear is not determined by our
love. But perfect association with Christ. How we react to it and overcome it,
love drives out however, is.

fear, because fear Fear can be paralyzing. It can make us miserable, creating chaos
has to do with and pain. Unfortunately, it can be destructive for many. These

punishment. The feelings begin as small thoughts or notions and quickly bloom into
intense feelings that bring an undesired reaction. Sometimes the
one who fears is reaction is acting out foolishly and damaging our reputation.
not made perfect Sometimes it’s avoiding opportunities to make a difference for the
Lord. Either way, we should be aware of the power of fear and work
in love. toward not letting it separate us from Christ.

—1 John 4:18 No matter how severe your fears are, they can be overcome. The
same God who hung the stars gave His Son to die for you, and with
that kind of power anything is possible. The first step to conquering
your apprehension is turning to the Lord in prayer. Build a
relationship with Him and study his Word. Learn of His devotion to
you, and you’ll know you never have to face your fears alone. He
will carry them for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask a Christian friend for help. The network of

brothers and sisters in Christ is your best resource aside from
prayers and time meditating in the Word. They will be able to offer
advice, but you’ll also have the chance to expand your relationship
with them and grow together under God.

Today, cast your fears on God and no longer be a prisoner to fear.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT01 We Are Not Citizens of the Earth
It’s no secret that this planet is beautiful. We travel all across the
world to see new views from the highest peaks and tallest cities. We
reach out into the depths of the sea and the forest to find answers
about the Earth and what it has to offer. The magnificence of this
planet is nothing compared to the Kingdom of God. As Christians,
Heaven is our home and our future—not this world of man.

A citizen is a legally recognized subject of a state or nation.

Citizens can be native or naturalized. Once we are saved, we lose our
citizenship to this world. Our souls are born again into the Kingdom of
Jesus. Even though we keep our temporary residency, we’re not at
home here. It can be easy to lose sight of our destiny and become
wrapped up in this world, but our futures are better than the greatest
earthly glories.

It can be sad to think that we’re living in a world where we don’t

belong, but there’s a bit of Heaven inside each of us. When we
lean on the Lord, we experience a sense of peace and love unlike
anything that man can offer. This sensation is a preview of eternity in
the presence of the Father.

Do not become discouraged by life’s troubles. Work and bills are

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their

stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind
is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in
Heaven.
—Philippians 3:19-20

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OCT0 Spiritual Battles Within Ourselves

2
We live in a supremely troubled time. There is murder, rape, hatred
for one another and disregard for the law. Many Christians think the
nation is spiraling out of control. Unfortunately, as we spend more
time in the world, it becomes easier for these corruptions to influence
our thinking and behaviors. We can take a closer look and see that
Let the peace of most of the evils we deal with come from problems within our

Christ rule in own hearts.

your hearts … There is a natural, dark tendency that comes with the flesh. Human
nature is sinful, selfish and vile, and though our souls have been re-
—Colossians 3:15 created, we still are vulnerable to societal pressure. We’re steered
by feelings of greed, anger and jealousy. We instinctively try to
compete with the world, even though we are given eternity. It’s easy
to fall into these habits, but it’s also easy to recover from them.

As Christians, we must (as the verse says) let Christ rule within our
hearts. Our duty is to love and accept those around us—even when
we feel jealousy toward them—even when they’ve hurt our feelings
or we disagree with their opinions. To find peace in this world, you
have to allow Jesus to steer your thoughts and emotions in the
right direction.

Today, be a spiritual victor through battles within yourself. Make

sure that loving others is your top priority and pray for guidance
over anything that is bothering you. There are lots of challenges to
face in this world, but when we place our faith in the Father, we
always will be in His care.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 God Knows the Truth in Your Heart

3
It can be very frustrating to clean a dog. First, you spend money on
grooming supplies, such as shampoos and specialized brushes. Then
you’ve got to get Fido into the shower or washtub. This can be an
exercise in itself if Fido is large. Once he or she is restrained, you’re
still faced with bathing, rinsing, drying and brushing them before
His eyes are on the your work is done. The worst part, though, is when you open the

ways of mortals; he back door and your dog sails right into the first mud puddle or
pile of dirt he can find. Why do dogs do this? Because it’s in their
sees their every nature.
step. There is no Dogs love smelly things and rolling around outside. It simply is a part
deep shadow, no of their species. Likewise, people will revert to their true natures at
utter darkness, the earliest convenience. It doesn’t matter if you clean up every
Sunday and take your spot in the front row. What matters are the
where evildoers true feelings within your heart. Our entire nature is rerouted when
can hide. God has we’re born again through Jesus Christ. Our souls yearn for more

no need to interaction with God and to be more like Him. The flesh, on the other
hand, wants nothing more than to return to the ways of the world.
examine people
further, that they It can be easy to revert to our old selves, but it is not good. The
only way to reach others is to follow Christ to the best of our abilities
should come and let his guidance make those big changes in our lives. Look at your
before him for nature. Would someone who met you on Friday night know you
were a Christian? What about your coworkers? People will take
judgment. notice of the true feelings in your heart, so make sure that they are
pulling you in the right direction.
—Job 34:19-22

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 Fighting Through Discouragement

4
Life can be discouraging. There’s no simpler way to put it. There are
countless things that can let us down every single day. Some of
them are minor, such as missing a favorite food item at the
grocery store. Other events can take a serious toll on our self-
esteem and mental state. This kind of incident could be anything
I remain confident from not getting the job you wanted to having a miscarriage. No

of this: I will see matter what this world throws at you, God is there through
discouragement.
the goodness of
the Lord in the It’s especially important for Christians to resist feeling disheartened.
You’re less likely to reach out to others for Christ when you’re
land of the living. disappointed. This poses an issue, since we’re the hands and feet
Wait for the Lord; that are meant to minister to the world. This is in addition to the
fact that God does not want us to feel sad.
be strong and take
heart. Being discouraged also can leave your faith feeling a bit strained. It’s
easy to think that God isn’t listening when things don’t go your
—Psalm 27:13- way. It’s important to remember, though, that He always has a plan
for us. What may be a painful “no” at the time likely is a blessing in
14 disguise. We have to trust in the future and understand that our Father
knows best. Discouragement, essentially, is the opposite of faith.

Today, do not dwell on the events that feel like lost opportunities.
Instead, think about the wonderful things God has in store for you.
Whenever He shuts a window, He certainly will open a door.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 City in the Clouds? Where Is Heaven?

5
You must be fully prepared when moving to a new home. You have
to know your new address and how to get there from your current
home. It would be impossible to arrive safely if you didn’t know the
location of your new house, but that’s precisely what Christians
deal with when considering their future in Heaven.
But small is the
gate and narrow Believers face the question every day: “Where is Heaven?” Some
people point to Scripture, like Psalm 48:2. In previous versions of the
the road that leads Bible, it has been translated with the phrase, “the joy of the whole
to life, and only a Earth is … on the sides of the north.” Could this be a sign about
Heaven’s location? Possibly. The Word doesn’t specify exactly where
few find it. this Kingdom lies. Many Christians also argue whether or not Heaven
is a physical location in the world. Enoch and Elijah, for example,
—Matthew 7:14 ascended in literal bodies to a new place that’s no less real than your
own hometown. It’s exciting to think about what Heaven has in store
for us—even if we’re not certain about the specifics.

Regardless of where it is, the city is full of God’s glory. Jesus has
gone to prepare it for us and ready all the wonders mentioned in the
Scripture. We’ll have understanding and knowledge beyond our
current comprehension. We’ll become closer to Christ than ever
before and live without sorrow, pain or regret. Today, remember to
thank Jesus for the home that you’re inheriting in the afterlife. He
gave his life on the cross so that we could become citizens of this
utopia … wherever it may be.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 God Is the Only Way to Thrive

6
Anyone who has gardened or owned houseplants knows that there is
a big difference between surviving and thriving. It takes a
combination of sunlight, water, proper soil and nutrients for the
plants to grow strong. They’re able to get by on much less, but you
won’t see the same amount of flowers, leaves, etc. We Christians are
To them God has just like these plants, in the sense that we require special

chosen to make nourishment through God to flourish.

known among the The soil into which you’re planted is your faith. It serves as a reliable
gentiles the glorious and stable foundation upon which the rest you build the rest of your
life. To keep this soil moist and conducive to life, you’ve got to add
riches of this water, or in this case, prayer. Speaking to God refreshes and
mystery, which is satisfies us. Without routine contact with the Lord, you’ll begin to
wither.
Christ in you, the
hope of glory. The Word of God serves as the nutrients in the soil. Reading your
Bible adds strength and allows you to absorb important information.
—Colossians 1:27 The sunshine represents the love of God. It is omnipresent (even
when we can’t see it for the clouds). His love gives you the
energy you need to get through the toughest times in life.

Today, make sure that you have everything you need to bloom. If
the Spirit tells you that you need more time in prayer or reading
your Bible, spend a few minutes today catching up. We have to
take proper care of ourselves if we want to thrive. The only way to
do that is through a healthy relationship with Christ.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 Finding Joy Even Through Pain

7
There will be several points in our lives where we feel sorrow. It is an
unfortunate reality and a side effect of the sinful world in which
we live. No one is exempt from this emotion, and there are several
instances in the Bible where such sadness is mentioned. When Lazarus
died, for example, Mary and Martha were very upset. Before Jesus
When I called, you came to them, they were suffering on their own. The shortest verse

answered me; you in the Bible mentions the sorrow that Christ himself felt. It says,
“Jesus wept” at the tomb of Lazarus. He felt their pain.
greatly
emboldened me. There never has been a promise that our Christian lives would be
exempt from pain and sorrow. Instead, the promise is that we shall
not bear it alone. Jesus feels compassion greater than we can
—Psalm 138:3 comprehend, and when we are saddened, He feels great sympathy
for us. Remember to lean on this relationship in times of tribulation.
The son of God lives within you, and His strength is always there to
guide you. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll find that there is a
specific and very strong joy to be found. There is unconditional love
for each of us, even during the toughest times in life.

Today, take the time to find the joy that lies within your heart.
Whatever you’re dealing with is only temporary, no matter how
badly it may hurt now. Instead, lean on your relationship with Christ
and the knowledge that you’re destined for a kingdom where you’ll
never experience sadness or hurt again.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 The God of Everlasting Love

8
There is one aspect of God that appears over and over in the Bible.
It is His most dominant attribute and the reason that Jesus was sent
to pay for our sins: love. Love is a common theme throughout a
huge portion of the stories that the Word teaches us. In fact, the
New International Version mentions the word an astonishing 551
The Lord appeared times.

to us in the past, There are many different types of love mentioned throughout the
[a] saying: “I have Bible. We see affection between parents and children, spouses,
loved you with an siblings, even strangers. None of these human emotions can
compare, however, to the love that God has for us. It is more pure
everlasting love; I than we could ever imagine. His love is far beyond the realms of our
have drawn you comprehension. Even when we’re feeling his affection through our
blessings and experiences, it’s only a tiny sample of what is in store
with unfailing for us.
kindness.”
The circumstances in your life will always change. Sometimes they’re
—Jeremiah 31:3 for the better, and sometimes they’re difficult. No matter what you’re
dealing with or facing, remember that God’s love is unchanging. We
can rely on the feeling of acceptance and support in every endeavor.
His love endures through all our mistakes and shortcomings.

Today, take the time to thank our heavenly Father for his love;
without it, we would have no future. The wages of sin are death, but
He cares so much that He sacrificed His son, the purest lamb, just for
you. Remember that He is there for you regardless of the situation,
and that He will never waver or change.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT0 Our Daily Bread, the Bread of Life

9
Jesus compares Himself to bread in several instances. While He was on
Earth, bread was vital for survival. Many poorer families didn’t have
access to meats or an abundance of vegetables. Ground flour
was easy to store and work with, and so it was a staple for every
meal. It was especially important for children, because they
Jesus said to require more food to grow at a healthy rate.

them, “Very truly I In this chapter, Jesus performs a miracle by feeding 5,000 people
tell you, it is not with only two fish and two loaves of bread. There was so much food,
Moses who has in fact, that much of it was left over. This feat is one of the most
astounding in the Bible and is a perfect example of the power of
given you the God. Beyond the immediate effect of this miracle is the
bread from importance of its symbolism. Bread represents spiritual life and
nourishment throughout Scripture.
Heaven, but it is
my Father who Humans have a natural hunger for something beyond themselves.

gives you the true We’re innately drawn to God, and nothing less than his peace can
satisfy our yearning. In this way, Jesus is the bread of our spirits. It is
bread from only through daily servings of his grace that we can be wholly
Heaven. For the satisfied. Our hunger will grow without nourishment in prayer and
reading our Bible.
bread of God is
the bread that Today, take time to feed your spirit. Give glory to God by setting
aside a few minutes to pray and come closer to Him. Devote some
comes down from time to the Word, too, since it is a staple for our souls. When you
Heaven and gives nourish yourself properly, your spirit will grow strong in the Lord.

life to the world.”

—John 6:32-33

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Turning From Prejudice

0
It is human nature to be more critical of others than we are of
ourselves. Psychologists have proved that we blame outside
circumstances for our own shortcomings, but attribute the same
mistakes to personal ineptitude when seen in our peers. Just because
it is easy to judge someone, doesn’t mean that we should do it.
Do not judge or
you too will be To be prejudiced means to form an “estimate of others without
knowing the facts.” Unfortunately, that is easier than ever in this
judged. For in the digital age. Many of us see stories all over social media and believe
same way you them without hesitation. We form opinions about others in seconds,
often without taking the time to consider their point of view or
judge others, you whether we’re seeing the full story.
will be judged, and
Being prejudiced can be a very serious flaw for a Christian. Jesus
with the measure loves us all equally. He does not see a person’s sins as greater than
you use, it will be yours. We must learn to care for one another and leave the judgment

measured to you. up to God, in order to be like Christ and spread the Gospel. It is not
our place to condemn the shortcomings of our peers; we are meant
only to love them.
—Matthew 7:1-2
Today, focus on ridding yourself of your prejudices. Do not value
people based on their political beliefs, sexual orientation,
occupation, or hobbies. Their past mistakes and personal choices are
between them and God, and we should trust that He will sort out
everything accordingly. Focus instead on the fact that they are
another creation of our Father and that we should love them as
He does.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Recognizing Love, Part 1
The divorce rate in our country is astonishingly high. Thousands of

1
couples, especially those who are young, end up divorced because
they enter marriage not knowing the true meaning of love. Our
world is full of sinful things that movies and television portray as
love, and some may base their own lives on these outlets. People
learn that sleeping together before marriage is not only is
Love is patient, acceptable, but normal. They see romanticized abuse or harmful

love is kind. habits, such as possessiveness and anger. It seems that many people
have lost sight of the true definition of love and have filled in the
gaps with things they see in the world.
—1 Corinthians
13:4 This chapter is quoted very often, but not many people take the time
to fully understand it. We begin this miniseries by breaking down a
couple of the aspects listed in this famous verse. First, love is
patient. It is taking the time to get to know one another without
trying to rush toward physical pleasure. It also means that we
should be slow to anger with the ones we care for.
Everyone makes mistakes, and we must remember our feelings for
them even when we are frustrated. Love is kind. When you are in
love, you feel the urge to help one another, with no regard for
your personal gain.

Today, evaluate the love in your relationships. Is patience and kindness

shown on both sides? If not, spend time praying today for
guidance and approach your significant other, too. Even if you’ve
fallen away from these qualities, working together through God can
help restore and improve the love you show one another.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Recognizing Love, Part 2

2
In today’s installment on recognizing love, we’re going to look at
more of the outline laid out in 1 Corinthians to teach us about the
kind of love that the Lord wants us to have with others. It is written
that love does not envy. This is especially important for Christians.
When we let envy into our hearts, it is showing God that we are not
It does not envy, it satisfied with what He has given us. Being jealous of the other

does not boast, it is person in your relationship can be very damaging, too. We are made
to support one another, not to compare our possessions. The
not proud. It does affection that draws us together should not be based on material
not dishonor others things.

… Similarly, you should not brag to the ones for whom you care. Love
does not boast and it will not show pride. When we draw attention to
—1 Corinthians ourselves, we are stealing glory from God. As Christians, our lives are

13:4-5 not just ours anymore, and should be used to spread the Gospel
and give credit to our Father. Being prideful places your own value
above the Lord’s and can foster ill feelings in your significant other.

Love does not dishonor others. Each soul on Earth has value to God,
and it is not our place to discount that worth. When you are having a
disagreement, you should not slander your significant other, even to
friends. This is especially true if you are husband and wife.
Marriage is a holy union that bonds two souls together. If you
cannot depend on your spouse to honor you, who will?

Today, show love to your other half. Ask God to remove envy and
pride from your heart and always remember to value and honor one
another.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Recognizing Love, Part 3

3
This installment in Recognizing Love is particularly relevant for
today. The culture of instant gratification and selfishness in which we
live opens the door for self-serving and petty behaviors. True love,
however, is not self-seeking. In fact, it is considerate and altruistic.
We should be willing to make sacrifices for our loved ones at the
… It is not self- cost of our personal agendas.

seeking, it is not Love is not easily angered. Human nature is grossly flawed, and it’s
easily angered, it very easy to become frustrated with one another. God tells us to
keeps no record of protect our spouse and be compassionate. The more quickly we
become angry, the more likely it is that we will dishonor or hurt
wrongs. our significant other.

—1 Corinthians Perhaps the most pertinent part of this section is that love keeps no

13:5 record of wrongs. It is our instinct to keep count of any time our
spouse hurts our feelings or does wrong by us. Rather than letting
go of our building grudge, we throw these instances at our spouses
during arguments or when we’re trying to get our way. A reaction
like this is very frustrating and likely will lead to strong negative
feelings. This is even more important for Christians, because the entire
premise of our faith is love and forgiveness. If you’re keeping a
record of wrongs, you’re going against what Jesus taught us and the
reason He died.

Today, let go of any transgressions you might be holding onto. Let

them fall into the past, and remember instead how much you care
for your spouse. Pray that God will open your heart for selfless
means and that He will help you keep anger out of your
relationship.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Recognizing Love, Part 4

4
The last installment in Recognizing Love finishes this incredibly
popular section of Scripture to help us understand the love that God
intends for us. A healthy, godly relationship will not delight in evil.
This can be anything from explicit music to lying. It’s a broad
statement, but it shows that love is something the Lord created for
Love does not us, and that it is a good thing when it is real.

delight in evil but Love also rejoices in the truth. This could mean simple and worldly
rejoices with the truths, but also refers to the truth about Jesus being the son of God.
truth. It always A foundation in faith is important for a successful Christian
relationship. You should spend ample time praying and studying the
protects, always Word together. When God becomes the focus of your relationship,
trusts, always you’re able to experience a pure love between one another and
with the Lord.
hopes, always
perseveres. Love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. Most of the time, it’s
easier (and cheaper) simply to replace a broken item than to try
—1 Corinthians to fix it. Unfortunately, this attitude about possessions translates into
many people’s relationships. It’s easy to be intimidated by the
13:5 effort that it takes to maintain and repair a healthy love. We’re
often inclined to turn away and find something new, but this is not
what God wants. He will give us trials that we are capable of
handling—with his assistance. Just as His love never fails, our own
affection should not give up so easily.

Today, examine your love. Does it meet the requirements of the past
four days or could it use some work? Ask the Lord for guidance and
support, but don’t forget to communicate with your spouse.
Persevere, protect and you will prosper.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Everyone Sins

5
The Bible teaches us that man is inherently impure. We are tainted
both by the sin of our hearts and the world in which that we live.
Because of this, we do not deserve a place in Heaven. In Romans
3:23, Paul the apostle noted, “All have sinned and come short of the
glory of God.” Even non-Christian sources have documented the
For we maintain wicked ways of the human race. The ancient Greeks, for example,

that a person is recognized our shortcomings when Aristotle wrote that there was “no
good in mankind.” Our tarnished nature can be traced back to a
justified by faith single mistake in the Garden of Eden and the first example of the
apart from the devil’s trickery.

works of the law. Once Adam and Eve ate the apple, they were removed from the
Garden. At the same time, they fell from God’s grace. From that
—Romans 3:28 moment forward, it should have been impossible for people to earn
a place in Heaven. An eternal home still is unobtainable without the
help of Jesus Christ. The only reason that he had to sacrifice his
perfect life was so imperfect beings like us could earn grace. As
Christians know, it is only through accepting his oblation that we
become destined for eternity.

Still, many people in the church seem to think that our deeds
increase our favor with the Lord. They don’t. We could never
perform enough service to undo our own sins. It is important to
reach out and contribute within our communities, but it is not
enough.

Today, make sure you’re not neglecting your personal relationship

with God through your deeds. Our first priority must be loving and
serving Him. Helping others is a great thing to do, but only if your
motivations are for His glory and not your own.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Being Peacekeepers

6
This world and the world of Heaven are incompatible. Yes, our God
created Earth, but it has become tainted with sin. Conflicts rage
across nations and within them. This country is arguably more
divided now that it has ever been. The downward trend of
Christianity is likely to blame. As more people turn away from the
In peace I will lie Lord, they make room for hatred and intolerance to tear us

down and sleep, apart.

for you alone, As a Christian, part of your duty is to be peaceful (though

Lord, make me complacent) with your fellow man. Even when you strongly
disagreeing with someone, you should be able to respect their
dwell in safety. difference in opinion and realize that God loves them just as
much as He loves you. We are the hands and feet of his mission, so
—Psalm 4:8 it is important that we represent the glory of Christ in all that we
do. That is why remaining peaceful is crucial whenever possible.

But how can we find peace with one another when their opinions or
beliefs are so different from ours? Only God can help with that. We
must realize that we were in disagreement with Him before we were
saved. Humans are cloaked in sin and He is righteous perfection.
And yet, Jesus loved us enough to sacrifice His life so we could have
an eternity that we do not deserve. That is the peaceful attitude
that we must try to adopt in order to make a difference in the
world.

Today, make peace with God. Reach out to Him and ask Him to
purify your thoughts and your heart so that you may help others.
After all, the only way to keep the peace is to know it intimately.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Persevering Through Temptation

7
We face temptation in our world every single day. There are
instances as small as eating an extra cookie and ones as large as
committing adultery. Some people believe that they should be
exempt from such desires once they are born again, but God never
promised that we would be without temptation.
When tempted, no Even Jesus had to deal with such impulses during His time on Earth. The

one should say, Bible says that He was “tempted in every way, just as we are—and
yet He did not sin.”
“God is tempting
me.” For God We can’t expect to be as sinless as Jesus was. It simply is not
possible for the flesh to change its desires. However, we can spend
cannot be tempted more time within our hearts and minds to train for victory over these
by evil, nor does urges. One of the best ways to prepare to face these challenges is by

he tempt anyone; reading the Bible. It outlines countless situations and decisions a
Christian should make. Studying God’s will can help you remember
but each person what He would want and make the correct decisions.
is tempted when Prayer also is vital to resisting temptation. We strengthen the bond
they are dragged between us when we speak to Jesus. He will offer you guidance for
away by their own your decisions. Plus, the more frequently you communicate with Him,
the more natural it will be to consider His will in your actions. Forming
evil desire and intimacy with God is training.
enticed.
Today, try to call out for help whenever you are feeling tempted.
—James 1:13-14 Pause before you make a decision and think about what the Word of
God says you should do. In most cases, your spirit will know even
before you ask. What’s more, every victory over desire feels so much
better than succumbing to the urge ever could.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Loneliness Hurts, But We Are Never Alone

8
Loneliness is one of the greatest issues people face today. It is a
sharp and cold blade into our emotions and it goes against our very
nature. Feeling alone is the leading cause of suicide in our nation,
and suicide is the third highest killer among students in the United
States. Loneliness ranges in severity for different people, but it is
My soul yearns, not something to be taken lightly.

even faints, for the We deal with several different kinds of loneliness. Most people
courts of the Lord; envision solitude when you talk about being alone, but there are
my heart and my other descriptions. If you’re dealing with an emotional or physical
burden that is not affecting others around you, you’re experiencing the
flesh cry out for the loneliness of suffering. Depression and loss can lead to a loneliness
living God. of sorrow. Guilt, judgment and fear all can create their own
particular feelings of being alone.

—Psalm 84:2 No matter what type (or types) of loneliness you’re dealing with,
remember that it is just an illusion made by the devil. We are
never truly alone. Our Father is beside us every moment regardless
of how painful it may be. As born-again Christians, our souls do not
simply belong to us anymore. Christ becomes a part of us, and we
pledge our lives to His service and teachings. It may be difficult to
keep in mind sometimes, but you are never alone.

Today, have faith in the presence of God and know that He is by

your side. Talk to Him about your feelings and the isolation that is
gripping your heart. He will listen, and He will guide you. He will
even carry you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT1 Purity of the Heart

9
Everyone wants to be happy. The pursuit of peace and contentment
is responsible for countless wars, dollars and journeys. Humans will
go to the ends of the earth while searching for a sense of fulfillment.
Unless these efforts involve God, they are in vain.

Blessed are the Our souls need the presence of God. We’re incomplete without His

pure in heart, for grace. The feeling of emptiness and longing will persist as long as we
are without Him.
they will see God. The only way for us to experience true happiness in this world is by
purifying our hearts and placing our relationships with Christ at the
—Matthew 5:8 top of our priorities. Altering our priorities this way frees us from one
of the strongest emotions: envy. Christ completes our lives and fills
the emptiness for which we try to compensate with material
possessions. After these chains are broken, we no longer feel
jealousy for things of the world.

When we allow Jesus to take control of our lives, it will affect more
than just our personal feelings. When we feel the peace and
grace of God, we’ll be able to offer that same love to our fellow
man. Other people will be able to see the peace within your heart
that comes from a relationship with the Lord.

Today, refocus your pursuits on the things that matter. Ask God to
help you eliminate the unnecessary desires from your heart to make
room for His purposes. Purify yourself from worldly wishes and you’ll
be able to reach more people with the beauty of the Gospel.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 The Dangers of Complacency

0
Jesus said that society would be permissive before He returns, just
as in the days of Noah. The world in which we live is flooded in
immorality unlike anything we’ve seen in centuries. Society has
become wildly hedonistic and vile. Many believe that what we are
seeing is human nature running rampant without the interference
I know your deeds, from and reliance on God.

that you are One reason the conditions of the world have gotten so bad is
neither cold nor because Christians have become complacent. We would rather sit by
hot. I wish you and watch the demise of our fellow man than get our hands dirty or
risk upsetting them. This attitude is the complete opposite of what
were either one or Jesus taught us.
the other! So, The church functions as the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out
because you are into the world to do His work and minister to the world around us.
lukewarm—neither We must remain enthusiastic and passionate if we wish to contribute

hot nor cold—I am properly to God and save others. In Romans 12:11 it says, “Never be
lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
about to spit you
out of my mouth. Complacency also is dangerous, because we’re putting our personal
comfort above the will of God. Ministering may not always be
easy or fun, but He never promised that it would be. The purpose
—Revelation that we serve is far greater than any of our own emotions.
3:14-15
Today, ask God how you can be zealous for Him. If you feel
compelled to reach out and offer advice or to stand up for your
faith, then do so. Do not sink into a sea of complacency.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 The Satisfaction of Righteousness

1
People need food, so God provides rain and sunshine. Grass and
grain begin to grow and are then made into food for livestock or
ground into flour. We cook the flour and meat to make our meals
and satisfy our hunger. People also crave love and acceptance.
Again, God provides the means to fulfill our needs. He connects two
And my God will hearts with affection and they are drawn together in marriage to

meet all your needs form a unified soul that is born of love.

according to the All of our needs will be satisfied once we give our lives to God. After
riches of his glory all, if He ensures that even the tiniest sparrows are taken care of,
imagine the lengths He will go to for the children made in His
in Christ Jesus. image.

—Philippians 4:19 There is satisfaction guaranteed for all who choose to follow Christ.
Things may not always be easy, but no disciple will be left
unprepared for the future. The stories of the Bible fill our hunger for
knowledge. The need for friendship and acceptance is met through
fellowship with others. When you choose a path of righteousness,
God will plan for every aspect of your journey.

It’s important to remember that this adventure will not be a smooth

one. Jesus never said that we wouldn’t suffer, only that we would
be strong enough to endure and that we wouldn’t have to go
through it alone.

Today, find peace in the fact that your future is paid for. Stop
worrying and trust that all of your needs will be met at the right
time. That is the satisfaction of righteousness.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 Growing in Faith by Experience

2
When you’re trying to learn a new skill, where do you begin? Most
people will begin with some form of research. The first step to
horseback riding, for example, may be to read a book about being
around horses and becoming comfortable with them. All the notes in
the world may not fully prepare you to step into the stall of a
My ears had heard 2,000-pound Clydesdale that is more than 7 feet tall. Reading is

of you, but now my helpful in many situations, but offers no comparison to the benefits
of experience. Our journey with Christ is the same.
eyes have seen
you. Reading the Bible is very important for building a relationship with
God, but we still need to experience Him in other ways. It is not
enough to do research through the Word if you are not pursuing
—Job 4:5 personal intimacy. Spending time in prayer is another part of
Christianity that you can’t neglect. It helps you to gain
meaningful guidance about your life and how to live it in accordance
with God’s will. Going to church also provides valuable background
and knowledge to enhance your faith. Simply attending services is
not enough to be saved, but services are fantastic tools to help you
learn about the word of God.

Having experience with the Lord is also vital when you’re trying to
minister to other people. When you have your own testimonies, your
statements will be much more powerful. As you spend more time
growing in your faith, God will give you the stories you need to
spread the Gospel.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 The Purest Joy

3
What makes you joyful? Do you enjoy completing accomplishments
at work? What about spending time with your friends and family? Or
perhaps you feel cheerful when you’re working on your hobbies?
Many things in life bring us happiness and contentment, but they all
pale in comparison to the truest form of joy—a relationship with
Go, eat your food God.

with gladness, and We can find happiness in the world, but it is only in passing. In
drink your wine relation to eternity, our lives are little more than a flash in the
with a joyful heart, pan. When people and activities of the flesh fail you, you can
(and should) turn to Jesus.
for God has
already approved Jesus is the opposite of sadness. He is the destroyer of

what you do. discouragement and mender of broken hearts. He alone is able to
repair the damage that this world does to us and make us whole
again. His love offers the greatest feeling of joy that we can
—Ecclesiastes 9:7 experience.

If you need more joy in your life, turning to God is the only way to
achieve it. Whether you’re suffering from depression and anxiety or
simply feeling a bit stuck, Jesus has the solution. Coming to know Him
and to rely on Him allows you to dispel worry about the future or
regret for the past, while feeling a peace that transcends our very
comprehension.

Today, allow yourself to be joyful. The debt of your sins is paid, and
as a Christian, you have secured a perfect future in eternity. Let go
of your worldly desires and focus on the fact that God loved you
enough to sacrifice His son to save you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 Fixing Boredom in Christianity

4
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing our youth? Sex?
Drugs? Sociologists say that boredom is the greatest problem. A lack
of purpose leads people to making poor decisions—many times, just
because they can.

We do not want The infamous Hampton Beach Riots of 1964, for example, shook
you to become New Hampshire. There were hundreds of arrests and injuries, plus
property damage and social upheaval. A large portion of those
lazy, but to imitate involved offered a rather unsettling answer when asked why they
those who through did it: “Just for the hell of it.”

faith and patience Being bored means not having a purpose or meaning for your time
inherit what has and actions. As a Christian, bored is the last thing we should be. The

been promised. creator of the universe sacrificed His son to save you, because He
dearly loves you. He has orchestrated an intricate plan just for you,
and you have a divine purpose. If you’re feeling bored, it means
—Hebrews 6:12 you’re wasting the potential that He knows you have.

Fixing Christian boredom begins with prayer and supplication. You

need to ask God to show you your purpose and the direction He
wants you to go in to serve Him best. A good way to freshen your
resolve is by abstaining or fasting. Even this small sacrifice for God
can help you get back on track and reorganize your priorities.
Spend time in the word. Oftentimes, Christ will use the Bible to
speak to us and change our situations.

Today, ask yourself if you’re feeling bored with your Christianity. If

the answer is yes, then it may be time to rearrange your life. There
is a way that you can use your idle time to help God—you just
have to find it.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 Learning About the Savior of the World

5
When you want to learn more about God, it’s only natural that you
turn to the Bible. It is, after all, the most extensive collection of
information available about the creation and development of the
universe. The Bible moves from the beginning of the universe to
the end of the world as we know it—and everything in between.
They said to the
woman, “We no Did you know that other sources mention the savior of the world? The
Roman historian Tacitus, for example, mentioned Jesus Christ. He
longer believe just corroborates books in the New Testament on elements of Jesus’
because of what death. These four accurate pieces of knowledge include the Latin
word Christus (used to refer to Jesus and often mistakenly taken as a
you said; now we name instead of a title), the beginning of the Christian movement,
have heard for Jesus’ execution by a Roman governor, and time of his death (during

ourselves, and we Pilate’s governorship).

know that this man Another strong piece of historical evidence comes from Josephus,
really is the Savior who was a Jewish priest. You can find indirect mentions of Jesus in
both of his great works. In Jewish antiquities, however, there are two
of the world.” direct references. Josephus says, “the brother of Jesus-who-is-called-
Messiah,” to identify Christ’s brother, James.
—John 4:42
These two examples are, perhaps, the most prominent, but the world
is riddled with secular historical evidence about the existence of
Jesus Christ, the son of God. If you’re dealing with any sensations
of doubt, simply look at the information available to ease your
uncertainty. Today, take heart knowing that our savior was and is a
real person.

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OCT2 How Christians Should Love

6
Love is a beautiful thing. It is a wonderful sensation and the very
foundation of our relationship with Jesus. The word itself is mentioned
more than 500 times throughout the Bible, so we know how
important it is.

This is my There are a few guidelines for how Christians should love one

command: another. The most important thing to remember is that our purpose is
to be like Christ. His love for us was so great that He endured
Love each incredible torture and sacrificed His own life to save ours. Our human
other. emotions can never compare to this perfect form of love, but when
we love through our relationship with God, it offers the same
transcendental peace.
—John 15:17
God loves us unconditionally. No matter what we have done or said,
He still believes we are perfect and worth saving. He also desires a
personal relationship with each of us. To love as a Christian, you
should always accept and appreciate those are around you. It doesn’t
matter whether they are total strangers or our children. We are
commanded to care for them as He does.

It can be difficult to care for others who have differing opinions or

to whom we cannot relate, but it is crucial that we do so. After all,
didn’t the Lord still love us in our sinfulness? He is the epitome of
grace and glory, and we are machinations of sin and filth. If He can
love us so wholly, we can pass tolerance and affection on to our
neighbors.

Today, tell someone that you love him. Take time to consider where
they are coming from and what they are going through. And
remember, Jesus sees each of us with the same incredible worth.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 Walking With Christ

7
Walking is a wonderful activity. There are health benefits that come
from moving your body—your muscles grow stronger and you burn
calories and fat. As you travel, you’ll also experience new sights, smells
and sounds. It is a useful way to detoxify you from the
overabundance of technology that we see.
Blessed are those When you start walking with friends, those benefits are increased

who hunger and even more. That’s why it’s so important that we spend time walking
with Christ.
thirst for
righteousness, for There is no more thrilling feeling than knowing that the creator of the
universe wants to know you personally. How exciting that the God,
they will be filled. who hung the stars, desires your attention and love. Walking with
Christ is something we should do throughout our Christian lives, and
—Matthew 5:6 it has all sorts of benefits. Our faith is like the strengthening muscles
—it builds through use and personal experiences with the grace of
the Lord. We lose “fat,” which in this case is worldly desires and
thoughts that hold us back. The new scenery that we see represents
the testimony that we will uncover and develop for God.

The most important part is the fact that we’re growing closer to
Jesus. The more time we spend in prayer and living in His word, the
better we will know Him. When He is more involved in our lives, it’ll
be easier to make the right decisions and have faith that our
futures are taken care of.

Today, go on a stroll with God. If it’s been a while, that’s okay.

He appreciates every step that we take toward Him, and walking
close to His side is the best way to change your entire life.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 You Are God’s Harvest

8
Fall brings dropping temperatures, vibrantly colored leaves and a
sudden overwhelming presence of pumpkins. This is when farmers
gather the fruits of their labors and value the results of their work.
They take these vegetables from the ground and feed families
across the nation. In many ways, you, too, are a product of
The land yields its harvest.

harvest; God, Vegetables grow from the ground. Likewise, humans come from a
our God, blesses filthy world of sin and pain. We’re brought up from the bottom of
us. the natural order. On our own, we could never hope to do more
than return to the earth, potentially leaving behind another
generation of crops.
—Psalm 67:6
Jesus comes to us when we are ready, bringing us to grace. He
“harvests us” from our surroundings and provides a new destiny far
greater than anything we could have achieved without Him. But
first, He must wash us clean. Just as potatoes have to be scrubbed of
their grime, our souls must be renewed in His grace and glory before
we can be used. This is our salvation, as we are reborn through the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Our salvation prepares us, and then God’s harvest moves on to help
the world. We can “feed” others the word and spread the good
news. Today, ask yourself if you’re ready to be used, or if you need
to be washed clean again. The Lord is always willing to freshen and
make use of His crops—in this case, His children.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT2 Fighting a Beaten Foe

9
People like to place bets. Humans love to take a chance on gaining
something just for being right, whether it’s horseracing or UFC
fights. The biggest battle in the world is “rigged,” so to speak. We
know that choosing Jesus is choosing the winning team.

For the word of To overcome the devil, we must recognize that he is God’s enemy

God is alive and and that God has already defeated him. The Father sent His son as
a living sacrifice for our salvation. Although the crucifixion of Christ
active. Sharper may have seemed like a win for the devil, Christ’s resurrection
than any double- provided us the ultimate victory. When our Lord bowed His head and
said, “It is finished,” our triumph over Satan was complete.
edged sword, it Ultimately, we have won the war.
penetrates even to
This reassurance should help us as we face the daily battles, the
dividing soul and temptations and struggles. The devil seeks to steal our joy, to
spirit, joints and discourage us, to cause us to question our faith. As Christians, we

marrow; it judges must resist Satan. The Bible says he will flee from us if we do. And
how do we resist this enemy? Our weapon is God’s word. When the
the thoughts and devil tempted Christ, Jesus’ response was to wield scripture like a
attitudes of the “sword.” That is why it is important to study and memorize God’s
word.
heart.
Today, take the time to celebrate that your fate is already won. We
—Hebrews 4:12 can have triumph over the devil, simply by believing in Jesus and
accepting Him as our savior. After all, everyone likes an easy bet.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT3 The Compatibility Between Religion and
Science
0 For some reason, many people believe that there is no way to strike a
balance between science and religion. Christians fear that science is
trying to disprove the existence of a creator. Scientists assert that no
He changes times mind could be behind the processes of this world. In reality, this isn’t
true at all. Science is a way to show the complexities of God’s design
and seasons; he and how His beautiful world works.
deposes kings and
raises up others. The first disagreement between science and religion may have been
due to Galileo. He’s credited as the father of modern science, and in
He gives wisdom the 1600s, he determined that Earth revolved around the sun (not
to the wise and the other way around, as most people believed at the time). There
was a ripple of discomfort and disbelief among the religious leaders.
knowledge to the If we were God’s most prized creation, how could we only be a part
discerning. He of a larger solar system? Further, how could they explain the way
the sun and the moon rise and set in the sky?
reveals deep and
hidden things; he Eventually, everyone reconciled. Galileo’s evidence proved that he

knows what lies in was correct. Religious leaders learned to use the new information as
a means of explanation, instead of resisting it. Since that time,
darkness, and light we’ve seen again and again that science and religion are highly
dwells with him. compatible. You can understand the way that God designed the
human body and how He built this delicately balanced planet,
just for us.
—Daniel 2:22-23
Today, take some time to reflect on the way that our heavenly
Father has engineered this world. He has given consideration to
every detail, from the scales on a butterfly’s wings to the waves of
the ocean. Truly, we live in a world of miracles.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

OCT3 Spooky Things and Spider Webs

1
Halloween is a time when the nation focuses on everything scary.
People dress up like all manner of supernatural entities, from
werewolves to demons and all creatures in between. It can be an
uncomfortable time of the year for many Christians, especially since
some people take things too far or seem to worship the dark side of
For we are God’s life. There are two things to remember, though: We are not alone,

handiwork, created and God is always working.

in Christ Jesus to Even on the darkest of nights, Christ is with us. Things can become
do good works, overwhelming and even terrifying in life, but there’s no reason to
fear. The worst parts of life will pass, just as everyone removes their
which God costumes after Halloween
prepared in
Many people are afraid of spiders, but they’re still another creation
advance for us to from the mind of God. They can be pretty unnerving, but they’re
do. actually beneficial. They trap other, harmful insects such as
mosquitoes so that we don’t have to deal with as many of them. One
—Ephesians 2:10 of the most interesting aspects of spiders is their ability to create a
web. Spiders are small, but they can create surprisingly large and
intricate structures – with the help of our Father. This serves as a
reminder that no matter how many people are against us or how
small we may feel, we can accomplish great things.

This Halloween, take the time to recognize the darkness and

scariness. If we’re never exposed to the worst parts of life, we
can’t fully appreciate the wonderful things that Heaven holds in
store for us.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV01 The Daily Work for Christians
When learning a new skill or habit, it takes a bit of work before
you’re able to implement it fully. Whatever the switch is, you must
consciously decide to make it. Research shows that it takes anywhere
from 21 to 66 days before the new action is fully habitual. Despite what
some people think, this information holds true in our spiritual lives.

You see, some people think being a Christian involves a spiritual

experience (a conversion), and then it’s done. The truth is that yes, the
people are saved, but they are not reaching their full potential. There is
much more to Christianity than that; it is a daily process whereby you
grow to be more and more like Christ.

New Christians are like babies. They must be fed on the simple things of
the Bible to grow in their faith, and they must learn to “walk” in
Christian life. Like an infant, they will stumble, fall and make mistakes, but
they should never stop growing. Sadly, many remain spiritual babes all
their lives.

To mature as a Christian, you must study God’s Word. We are all

commissioned to share the Gospel with others, but how can we do so
if we don’t know the Bible? When we know the Scripture, we can
defend against those who doubt or question our faith.

In addition to studying, we must also pray. Prayer is an important

building block in the life of a Christian. Pray about everything and for
everyone. Pray without ceasing. Today, make sure you spend enough

… Being confident of this, that he who

began a good work in you will carry it
on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus.

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 —Philippians 1:6

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 Relying on His Presence
What is the greatest trademark of a reliable friend? Sound advice?

2
Similar interests? People actually place the highest value on a
friend who is always there for them. This reliability is harder to
come by in this increasingly selfish society. However, there is one
relationship that we can always count on for love, support and
presence: our connection to Jesus Christ.
I want to know
Christ—yes, to In this world, it’s easy for us to let our balance between world and
spirit slip a little … especially when things are going well. Many
know the power of Christians turn to God for help in their hour of need but neglect to
his resurrection and praise Him throughout the mediocre and high points as well. This,
however, does not sit well with the nature of our souls. We depend on
participation in his the presence of Jesus to guide us and support us, and so we must
sufferings, lean on Him in our everyday lives.

becoming like him Fortunately, this is rather easy once we put effort toward
in his death… drawing closer to Him. His presence is always within us and around us.
Even through the smallest actions and circumstances, the Lord does
—Philippians 3:10 not leave us alone. He desires nothing more than to form a bond
with each of us. When we spend time reading the Word and
praying to God, we are actually strengthening a friendship that
no worldly connection can hold a candle to.

Today, take time to notice the constant presence of God. Know that
He loves you more than you can fathom, and He will always be by
your side, ready to offer guidance and support to His children.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 God Is Sufficient

3
We live in a culture of more. We’re trained from an early age not
to be satisfied with anything we have. The media and our social
interactions repeatedly tell us that we’re simply not good enough. It
tells us, instead, that our stomachs should be flatter and our teeth
whiter. We should have perfect hair to match our perfect fashion
For in him all things sense. We’re not validated unless we have sprawling homes and a

were created: garage full of vehicles to show off.

things in Heaven But none of this is true.

and on Earth, The world will always look for ways to steal our joy and
visible and invisible, confidence. It will overwhelm us with goals that are simply
whether thrones or unobtainable. We’ll constantly be compared to other people … and
it’s all okay. The world is wicked, and there is no hope to save it. But
powers or rulers or with a personal relationship with Christ, you’ll find that the
authorities; all requirements of the world are not important.

things have been Our souls are designed to need Jesus. He’s the final piece of the
created through puzzle—one that cannot be replaced by anything else. When you
him and for him. know God, you know the purest and most powerful joy that man can
feel. You also come to know that He is more than sufficient. There is

—Colossians 1:16 no need to compete in the ways of the world when your heart is full
of acceptance and perfect love.

Today, take time to re-prioritize your life. Are you wasting energy
chasing the dreams of this world? It’s the nature of the flesh to do
so, but when you focus on your spirit, you’ll see that you already
have everything you need.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 Enjoying Your Christian Life

4
For some reason, many people associate the Christian life with
boredom. They believe that a life after salvation is one without fun or
enjoyment, but that’s not the case at all. God is the creator of fun,
and He wants His children to have a good time while they’re part of
this world.
May the God of
hope fill you with One of the best ways for us to enjoy ourselves is through fellowship
activities. Many Christian groups take normally secular recreations,
all joy and like zip-lining and paintball, and show others how much more
peace as you enjoyable these activities can be with the peace of God within your
heart. They also use these ventures to grow closer together and
trust in him, so create a more affectionate community.
that you may
There’s a reason why it’s important to have fun as a Christian:
overflow with hope People learn by watching us. This is especially true of young
by the power of children. If your kids or neighbors see you dragging yourself to

the Holy Spirit. church but excitedly planning for the weekend, they’ll think your
salvation doesn’t mean as much to you as worldly things.
They’ll often adopt the same attitude themselves.
—Romans 15:13
We are the hands and feet of Christ, and so we’re called to do
His work in the world. For some people, you may be the only
example of Christianity they ever see. The task of ministering to
them is much harder, however, if our actions teach them something
different from what we say.

Today, take time to enjoy yourself. Let the peace of God fill your
heart and be seen by everyone around you. After all, being a
Christian doesn’t mean you have an aversion to fun.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 All Our Suffering Is Fleeting

5
God never promised that our Christian lives would be without
suffering. In fact, the Word says the opposite and uses verses like
James 1:2-3 to prepare us for the fact that there will be pain. Some
people think it’s not fair that they still have to deal with hurt and
discomfort, but these emotions are important tools for
Consider it pure strengthening your faith.

joy, my brothers Belief and trust that is untested is also unproven. If God does not
and sisters, watch for our reactions during the stormy times, how does He know
whenever you face we will turn to Him? He also uses tribulations to test our response
once the suffering has passed. After all, how can we minister to a
trials of many kinds, lost and dying world if we don’t have our own experience needing
because you know faith?

that the testing of There will be dark times, even for Christians. Sometimes it will seem
your faith produces like the trials never end or that we will never recover from the strain.

perseverance. It’s important to remember that this isn’t true. All our pain in this
world is only temporary. God will likely fix your situation and restore
the balance in your life. Even if He doesn’t, however, you’re still
—James 1:2-3 destined for an eternity without pain or sadness. Our earthly lives
are brief in comparison to eternity … just a quick flash in the pan.

Today, find peace knowing your trials are only temporary. No matter
how hard they may seem, they will pass. And in the meantime, they
serve as fantastic practice to improve your testimony and
demonstrate a living Christian example for those around you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 Abundant Life

6
God wants His children to be happy. He wants to see us prosper and
be filled with joy. If it were not so, would He have sent His son to
our wicked world as a sacrifice for our sins? Of course not. Our
heavenly Father made this plan so we could spend the rest of
eternity by His side in a perfect world without pain.
The thief comes
only to steal and Jesus did not only come to prepare us for our future beyond the
world, however. He died upon the cross so that we could also
kill and destroy; I have life now – and have it abundantly. Christ was the greatest
have come that teacher that humanity has ever seen, and He gave us lessons to help
every single day. Jesus taught us how to have practical faith instead
they may have life, of simply following the patterns of religion. He brought the
and have it to the information we need to deal with the largest of issues and
celebrate our happiest days.
full.
Some Christians mistakenly believe, however, that “abundant life”
—John 10:10 means a surplus of money or worldly possessions. It is true that
some of us will experience better financial situations, but it is not
what Jesus had in mind. Instead, God promises spiritual abundance
for us. Our salvation gives us access to the greatest feelings of love,
acceptance and peace that humans can feel. Only a relationship
with the Lord will fill the empty spaces in our lives, because that’s
precisely how God designed our hearts to work.

Today, remember to thank God. Thank Him for loving you enough to
send His son to be slain. Thank Him for making it possible for us to
have this abundant spiritual life. Thank Him for the supreme love only
He can offer.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 Hesitating in Darkness

7
If you get up in the middle of the night, it can be hard to find
your way. Humans don’t see very well in darkness, and as a result,
we hesitate. Even though we’re familiar with the layout of our
homes, we still stumble through it without the presence of light.
Nowadays, many people use their cellphone flashlights to
In him was life, and illuminate their paths.

that life was the This is true on a much grander scale as well. Our world is one of
light of all terrible darkness and sin. We see corruption and hatred every single
mankind. The light day. In fact, it seems like the darkness of the Earth is getting even
stronger. The planet is plagued by pollution, hunger, war and death.
shines in the In an environment like this, it’s no wonder people hesitate, stumble
darkness, and the and fall. We can’t tell where we’re going or how far we are from our
destination.
darkness has not
overcome it. The only way to see through such turbulent times is by the light
of God. He alone is able to light up our paths and make sense of the
—John 1:4-5 shadows that plague us. When we turn to Him and ask for guidance,
we’ll soon have illumination all our own.

Just like our cellphones, we should keep God at the ready. If every
Christian took Jesus everywhere they went, can you imagine how
much light we could cast into this world? You could stop hesitating
in the darkness and show the way for others when they see the
love of Christ through you.

Today, make sure you have the light of God on hand in this dark
world. Pray and ask Him for guidance and to show you the safest
path through our planet of corruption.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 Preparation for the Soul

8
To bake a cake, you must have the right ingredients. You must
combine them correctly, putt the batter in the pan and place it in the
oven. If you’re any less prepared than that, you’re likely to have a
mess on your hands instead of a dessert. Likewise, we must ready
ourselves for the guidance of God before we can lead successful
Create in me a Christian lives.

pure heart, O Many religious people teach ways of grace to people who are not
God, and renew a equipped to change. What does that mean? It doesn’t matter how
steadfast spirit much time you spend reading the Bible if you don’t have a pure
heart as a platform to accept the benefits. Jesus does not provide
within me. salvation to those who haven’t accepted Him as their Savior and
allowed Him to come into their souls.
—Psalm 51:10
Similarly, the church can teach about purifying motives, actions and
desires for the rest of eternity, but deceitful hearts cannot be
changed. When we accept Jesus, we allow our old selves to die. It’s
vital that we let go of these portions so we can make room for
renewal in Christ. Only after we have the proper equipment (a
purified heart and soul) can we truly take advantage of His
teachings and grace. Once we do this, we’re able to begin reaching
out and ministering to this lost and dying world.

Today, ask yourself if you’re full prepared to broadcast grace. If

you’re not sure, spend some time talking about it with God. It
may be the perfect opportunity for you to re-cleanse your heart and
freshen the priorities for your life.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV0 Having a Spiritual Security System

9
One of the most effective ways to protect your business or home is
to install an electronic security system. A setup like this provides
monitoring for a huge number of problems, from carbon monoxide
poisoning to burglary.

Lord, you alone In reality, our physical being is not the only aspect under attack. Most

are my portion and assaults actually come from the spiritual realm, as the devil tries to
hurt us and steal our joy. If you would buy protection for your home,
my cup; you make why not invest in some security for the most important aspect of
my lot secure. your existence – your soul?

Building a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to prepare

—Psalm 16:5 yourself for the attacks that the enemy is guaranteed to make. This
level of intimacy with the Lord is often enough to scare off the devil,
and in essence eliminate a huge portion of your problems. Even
when the attacks can’t be prevented, having God on hand and close
by is the healthiest and most effective way to get through a hard
time.

Your spiritual security system should also include a support network,

just as home monitoring services can contact authorities. Other
Christians can help guide you through whatever struggles you face.
Depression, pain, guilt, anxiety
… none of these is a match for the love and glory of God and His children.

Today, evaluate your security system. Are you protected from

attacks by the devil? If he does strike at you, do you have the
proper support group and intimacy with God to get through it?
After all, there’s no greater investment than your soul.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 Seeing Satan’s Work

0
“The god of this age…” sounds quite ominous, doesn’t it? When God
cast Satan from Heaven, he took hold in the world. His purpose is
only to hurt us and try to lead us astray, even hide us from the love
of Christ. Unfortunately, he’s rather successful at his job, and we can
see his work throughout our world.
The god of this
age has blinded The entertainment business is one of Satan’s most powerful tools.
Yes, there have been non-harmful and even Christian platforms, but
the minds of this is not the case the majority of the time. Graphic novels are
unbelievers, so that teaching that sex before marriage is both permissible and favorable.
Movies and television glorify violence and disobedience. They show
they cannot see lying as a normal part of life. Music brags on the power of drugs or
the light of the alcohol to have a good time.

Gospel that Political and educational leaders have also been set up in line with
displays the glory the devil’s plan. Sin is becoming more and more permissible … even

of Christ, who is celebrated in many cases. Some professors or other teachers try to
nullify or disprove God’s enduring Word. … And that only
the image of God. scratches the surface.

—2 Corinthians These works of Satan are most harmful to the minds of the young,
especially if they do not have family or friends who are Christians.
4:4 Teenagers are wildly impressionable by nature, but without access to
the love of God, they will fall deeper and deeper into the ways of
sin.

Today, pray that God will protect your mind and the minds of your
loved ones from this sinful assault. Ask Jesus to help you eliminate
Satan’s work in your own life so you may live better and more
easily reach out to others.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 The Costs of Living

1
For everything in this world, there is a cost. Even when we are born-
again Christians and protected by God, we should not expect things
to be easy. He never told us that triumph was guaranteed, but made
sure we have the teachings we need to endure whatever life throws
at us. Our right to practice religion in God’s name is protected by the
Put on the full sacrifices of thousands of former and current members of the

armor of God, so military.

that you can take Today is Veteran’s Day, a day to honor and remember those who
your stand against helped cover the cost of our opportunity and freedom. Many soldiers
have given their lives to keep this country safe, just as Jesus
the devil’s sacrificed His for the security of our spiritual future. Without the
schemes. For our brave legions of souls before us, you might not be reading this
devotional today.
struggle is not
against flesh and The terror attacks of 9/11 cost us more than any tragedy in

blood, but against decades. When the planes hit the World Trade Center towers, more
than 2,000 innocent lives were taken. This blatant assault cost us
the rulers, against peace of mind, a sense of security that we have yet to regain. You
the authorities, see the changes in airports and border patrols as fear continues to
drive us to extreme preventive measures.
against the
powers of this No matter how high the cost of our lives, Jesus is there to support us
through the good and the bad times. Today, spend time honoring the
dark world, and veterans who have served this country. Pray that God will protect
against the spiritual our men and women of service, and thank Him for keeping us under

forces of evil in the His wing throughout such trials.

heavenly realms.
—Ephesians 6:11-
12

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 Triumph and Personal Handicaps

2
Dealing with a physical or mental illness can be very difficult,
especially for a Christian. We often feel that it’s unfair for us to suffer
through a problem like that when we’re under the protection of
God. It is even more disappointing when we pray for healing but
God does not grant our request. Sometimes though, we simply have
Jesus replied, “You to accept the cards we are dealt. As terrible as they can be,

do not realize now afflictions of the flesh are not the worst things that can happen to us.

what I am doing, Attacks on the soul are the most painful and most dangerous, and
but later you will they can cause the worst end result. The devil will try to make us
doubt our God and turn us from Him in retaliation. Sometimes Satan
understand.” uses physical and mental illnesses to attack the soul, but in many
cases, this backfires.
—John 13:7
Even with handicaps, people are capable of great things – especially
when they have the creator of the universe at their side. Handel
composed The Messiah with only one side of his body working. His
right arm was paralyzed. The famous author CS Lewis battled
depression and still managed to write one of the most successful
young adult series of all time. We don’t have to be free from
affliction, but rather we should learn how to triumph in it.

Today, remember that God is with you throughout your problems. He

knows exactly what you’re feeling, but He also knows the plans He
has for you. Try changing your perspective on your illnesses. Instead
of “look what I’m dealing with,” show everyone “look what I have
accomplished with Christ, despite my ailments.”

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 God IS Love

3
God is the epitome of love. Some people think love is only part of His
nature, but in reality it is the very foundation of His existence and our
relationship with Him. Consider the sacrifice that was made when
Jesus came to Earth. The Father sent His only son to death, just so we
might live. The son came without a moment’s hesitation and carried
Whoever does not out His purpose. He endured immeasurable pain and embarrassment

love does not just to save the souls of sinners like us.

know God, At any moment, He could have called down a legion of angels to
because God is take Him from the cross and wipe out His persecutors … but He
didn’t. He hung beside those two thieves until His last breath faded
love. in His lungs. Only pure love could compel Him to sacrifice His perfect
life to grant eternity to sinners like us.
—1 John 4:8
Because God IS love, God gives love. He covers all who come to
Him with His grace and gives abundant life. However, our human
nature sometimes misconstrues the meaning of love. People are
frequently under the impression that loving someone means doing
everything for them or perhaps going to incredible lengths to
prevent their discomfort. God’s love is much purer than that; God’s
love is fair. It is created in justice and righteousness and not the
selfish ways of man.

He did not promise that our lives would be perfect, but instead that
we would be perfectly loved.

Today, take time to realize just how loved you are. Always know that
Jesus cares enough to die for you, despite your mistakes and
shortcomings.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 The Beauty of Trust

4
Trust can be a hard thing to come by. Humans are selfish by nature,
so you must earn the right to be relied upon. Still, even the ones we
learn to trust can betray us in an instant if they choose. To trust is to
give someone else power over you willingly. It usually only takes one
bad experience for us to shut other people out on a grand scale,
Whoever gives simply because being betrayed hurts so much. A single person can

heed to instruction taint our view of our friends and family and rob us of the ability
to trust anyone else, at least for a while.
prospers, and
blessed is the one People are inherently flawed because of the sinful world we live in. A
great way to become more trustworthy to others is to build a
who trusts in the personal relationship with God. He will guide your heart about
Lord. keeping information safe and secure. Prayer and time in the
Scripture, for example, can help you resist the temptation to gossip.

—Proverbs 16:20 But still, even with the assistance of the Lord, humans are not
perfect. So is there anyone you can truly trust?

Yes: God. He will never betray us. Unlike people, there are no selfish
purposes for the Lord to serve. It’s actually quite the opposite. We
are His children, and He is the very embodiment of love. To break our
trust would go against the very fundamentals of His existence.

Today, even though others may hurt or betray you, know that you
can always trust in the Lord. He is eternal, omniscient and devoted to
each of His children.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 Feeling Compassion

5
Most Christians find it easy to love God. Once you are saved, you are
certain He has a purpose for you. We feel Him tugging at our
hearts and helping to guide our decisions along the right paths. We
sing His praises and come together in large groups just to give Him
glory. Our entire culture as a church is based on honoring our
Dear friends, let us heavenly Father. While it is wonderful and necessary for us to care

love one another, for God this way, it is not our only obligation.

for love comes None of us are worthy of the glory of God. We are all sinners, and
from God. we fall short of our potential every day. Despite that, Jesus
overlooked our shortcomings and sacrificed His life to save us. He
Everyone who knew every person has potential and every person deserves
loves has been compassion. The entire mission of Christianity is to be more Christ-like
to bring people to the Gospel. Love is the very foundation of the
born of God and Lord and if we don’t extend it to others, we are not correctly doing
knows God. … our job.

And he has given There are all sorts of events and tragedies across the globe that call
us this command: for sympathy. We should always have compassion for fellow man.
Anyone who loves This is especially true for those who have views that oppose our own.
We cannot win people to the kingdom of God by pushing them
God must also away; we must draw them nearer with love and understanding.
love their brother
Today, take time to pray that God will give you greater compassion.
and sister. Ask Him to let you see other people of the world as He does –
imperfect, but made in his image and deserving of love.
—1 John 4:7,21

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 God Is More Than Our Savior
We know there is no way for man to earn a place in Heaven on his

6
own. We are simply born unclean and unworthy, and the conditions
of this world serve to push us further and further into sin. Through
Jesus Christ, however, we are granted a spot in a perfect eternity.
This is the fundamental basis of Christianity, of course, but there
is so much more to our God.
… One God and
Father of all, who All Christians should know about the Holy Trinity. There is the
Father, who is the creator of our universe. The son is Jesus, who
is over all and died so we may have salvation. The Holy Spirit is the force that
through all and in works upon our hearts both before and after we give our lives to
Christ. The Father, son and Holy Spirit are all separate platforms,
all. but they are a part of the same God.

—Ephesians 4:6 Each interacts with our life in a different way and time. Together they
meet all our spiritual needs and give us the highest sense of
fulfillment. But God is also meant to be a friend – someone whom we
can build a close relationship with and confide in. He is a guide who
shows us the right path, even when it is too dark to see ourselves. He
is a protector who fights against the advances of Satan and his
attempts to cause us pain. He is a teacher whom we can model our
lives around. He is all these things, but He is more. He is love and
knowledge and compassion beyond our very comprehension.

Today, ask yourself how many of these aspects of our Lord that you
see. Remember that He can provide everything you need for spiritual
fulfillment.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 A Chance to Become New

7
Imagine that you’re sketching out a picture using a pen. You’ve not
been working long when you make a mistake and leave an unsightly
black mark across the page. You could write over it and try to hide
the error, but there is no way to remove the ink. Instead of working
around it, you simply crumple up the page and start over.
Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, Sometimes, we could use a fresh start in life, too. A perfect example
of this new beginning is when we become saved through Jesus
the new creation Christ. We are made fresh and new, with all our past transgressions
has come: The old behind us. He takes out the impurities and places the Holy Spirit
within us so we will always have the presence of God. Each of us
has gone, the new has a chance to begin a brand new life with divine purposes,
is here! instead of merely drifting through a lost and sinful world.

—2 Corinthians Even if you’re already a Christian, Jesus is always ready to provide

renewal. Our flesh remains tainted, although our spirits are cleansed.
5:17 There are still daily battles against temptations and other impure
thoughts. It can be easy for us to slip and fall. Fortunately, God is
there for us no matter what our past deeds include. No acts of
man can gain entry to Heaven, and none can take away our
salvation. The Lord sustains and refreshes us, so long as we believe.

Today, ask yourself if you could use another clean page. If you’ve
fallen short of the glory of God, let that fact stay behind you and
focus on making this day a new beginning, where your first pursuit
is a relationship with Christ.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 Handmade Treasures

8
When you visit county fairs or auctions, do you notice the value
people place on handmade things? Items like quilts and paintings
are much more desirable than articles that are mass produced.
Production lines can actually be very efficient and successful, but
there is something sentimental about owning an object created by
The Spirit of God the hands of another person.

has made me; the Do you know that you have the same wonderful value? You are
breath of the fearfully and wonderfully made, directly by the hands of God. Even
Almighty gives me though there are 7 billion people on the planet, there is no one
quite like you. It can be easy to think of ourselves as insignificant,
life. because the world is so large, but we are precious to Him.

—Job 33:4 Throughout the Bible, God tells us repeatedly of our worth. In
Matthew, we see that He is acutely aware of every sparrow, and He
ensures that each one is cared for. We’re also told that each of us is
far more valuable than many of the little birds and, therefore,
taken better care of.

The maker of the universe knows precisely how many hairs are on
your head. He knows your thoughts and dreams (perhaps even
better than you know them). If you struggle with your sense of self-
worth, know that you are nothing short of a treasure in God’s eyes.

Today, take a moment to appreciate your own value. The struggles

of life make it easy to forget just how important you are. You are
unique, priceless and deserving of happiness.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV1 Listening to Our Conscience

9
God never puts us in situations that we are not prepared to handle
(at least with some assistance from Him). He offers the right
knowledge and spiritual tools to rise up to our challenges, as any
good teacher should. As a Christian, God gives us a special guiding
hand to help steer our daily decisions in the right direction. This
Now this is our inner sense of balance is our conscience.

boast: Our Conscience is defined as “an inner feeling or voice viewed as a guide
conscience testifies to rightness or wrongness.” Everyone has one, and it is programmed
that we have differently, depending on the way we’re raised and what we are
exposed to. Humans are sinful by nature, and the world around us
conducted can increase this. Reading literature, watching movies, and listening
ourselves in the to music can all affect our natural conscience (for better or for
worse).
world, and
especially in our This inner compass changes, however, once we accept the grace of

relations with you, God. He imparts a piece of the Holy Spirit onto us, and it modifies
our conscience for the better. For the first time, can stop and
with integrity and consider how each situation will affect our new lives in Christ. We
godly sincerity. We get to experience a living influence from God in everyday life.

have done so, It’s important for Christians to listen to their consciences. This little
relying not on voice can help you avoid potentially disastrous situations by putting
the will of God first. Today, make sure you pay attention to that
worldly wisdom but guiding feeling in your heart.
on God’s grace. Remember that God speaks to us in gentle nudges, and your
conscience is one of His favorite tools.
—2 Corinthians
1:12

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 He Hears Our Cries

0
There’s an expression people have quoted from the depths of the sea
to the far reaches of outer space for years. It originally comes from
the extraterrestrial monster movie, Alien. The work is strongly
fictional, of course, but the hero says something that rings very true
in the real world: “In space, no one can hear you scream.”
The righteous cry
out, and the Lord Of course, most of us will never visit the depths of the ocean or
the far reaches of outer space, but it’s still just as unnerving. The
hears them; he idea that we could be so grossly isolated and unable to call for
delivers them from help threatens our need for companionship and safety. No matter
how unsettling the phrase may be, it’s not true.
all their troubles.
Our God is always with us. It doesn’t matter if we’re sent into
—Psalm 34:17 orbit or sitting on our living room couch, His ears catch our prayers
in each and every situation. Jesus went to incredible lengths to
secure our place alongside Him in eternity and He will not abandon or
forsake us under any circumstance.

Feeling alone can be scary. You can be truly isolated or feeling

emotionally secluded, but you don’t have to deal with those
feelings alone. When you need support and guidance, our heavenly
Father is only a word away.

Today, take heart in the fact that you have a constant companion. It
doesn’t matter what you’re going through or where your travels take
you, our loving God always makes time for His children and does all
He can to keep us safe.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 A World Driven by Pleasure
The laws of physics determine there must be an energy source to

1
produce motion. Your car, for example, must have electricity or
gasoline to travel. Your body needs proper nourishment before you
can move around. Gunpowder and a fuse propel a cannonball. The
world we inhabit is no different. To feed this spiraling, downward
motion of our society, something must be driving the change.
Dear friends, I
urge you, as Our world is one that is fueled by pleasure. People abandon their
consciences for the now every day. Instead of fighting for a spot
foreigners and alongside God in eternity, they throw away their own value for sexual
exiles, to abstain sins or the physical and emotional high offered by drugs and alcohol.
It seems we can no longer see the repercussions of our actions, and
from sinful desires, instead we make decisions based on the sensations of the current
which wage war moment.

against your soul. This kind of world can be very dangerous to inhabit. Even Christians
are not exempt from the temptation and influence that society offers.
—1 Peter 2:11 Indeed, the devil makes it easy to fall into routine and neglect our
duties to God. Fortunately, Jesus can help us fight through this
world driven by pleasure.

When we’re reborn as new creatures in God, He fills a portion of

our hearts that was previously empty. Humans try many things to fill
that hole, such as drinking or casual sex, but nothing works. This
longing is designed only for God and it presses us to get closer to Him
with each day. Only when we close this gap are we relieved of our
worldly temptations and fueled by love.

Today, see what is driving you. Is God your source of fuel, or are you
trying to use other things to find happiness? If so, ask Jesus to renew
your heart and mind for His purposes.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 Building a Home That Will Last, Part 1

2
There are three basic needs that must be met for our flesh to
survive. We require food, water and shelter. These homes are an
important part of keeping us safe, and are the only way we can
survive spread across all regions of the Earth. We know the right
materials and techniques must be used if we’re to have homes that
So this is what the are sturdy and worth living in. The same is true for our spiritual

Sovereign Lord homes: Without a proper foundation and structure, they are likely to
crumble.
says: “See, I lay a
stone in Zion, a When building a home, the first step is to prepare the foundation.
You must clear away the rocks and trees to reach the level ground.
tested stone, a Then, the surface must be tightly packed to support the weight of
precious the structure. This is the same concept Jesus uses to cleanse our
souls when we are born again. He clears away the broken feelings
cornerstone for a and impure thoughts to dig down to our bare souls. Then He washes
sure foundation; our souls clean and prepares them to hold grace.

the one who relies After all the preparation, the foundation is laid. In homes, this
on it will never be structure is usually concrete or cinder blocks – strong materials that
stricken with panic. do not rot or yield to other forces. In our spiritual lives, the foundation
is the Holy Spirit. It enters our hearts and creates a new desire for
holiness. On this, we build the rest of our soul.
—Isaiah 28:17
Today, check the condition of your spiritual foundation. Are there
weeds and rocks trying to overshadow it? If so, clear away what is
unnecessary, so your basis in God can stand strong.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 Building a Home That Will Last, Part 2

3
Once your foundation is established through the Holy Spirit, what is
the next step in building your spiritual home? You must frame your
walls. This is a very important step for the final look and strength of
a house, and it is vital for your spirit as well. Literal homes use
wooden boards, but you need to shape yourself by reading the
You have been a Scripture.

refuge for the poor, The Bible provides a living word to help us grow. It changes each
a refuge for the time we read it, calling out to us in different ways and offering
needy in their constant guidance. The more you learn about God’s teaching and
the history of Jesus, the easier it is for you to stay strong in your
distress; a shelter faith. When choosing a frame for a physical house, you want to
from the storm and select materials that will last. Likewise, it’s crucial that you remain
diligent and spend time in the Bible to keep your spiritual
a shade from the substructure from deteriorating.
heat. For the
breath of the After the walls comes the roof. For a Christian, we should cover our
lives in prayer. We’re instructed multiple times throughout the Bible
ruthless is like a to pray about everything and to do so without ceasing. When your
storm driving life is formed under the cover of prayer, it is infinitely easier to keep
out the weather, or impure thoughts and behaviors.
against a wall…
Finally, the walls and interior must be finished. We do this by building
—Isaiah 25:4 our testimony and offering an atmosphere of acceptance and love.
You see, our spiritual abodes are not only meant to protect us, but
also to draw other people to the grace of God when they
experience that safety firsthand.

Today, check your frame, roof and walls. Each of them must work
with the others and be maintained through an active relationship
with Christ.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 Giving Thanks
This month is a wonderful time to give glory to God! On

4
Thanksgiving, we celebrate our gratefulness, and there is no one
more deserving of praise than our Lord. Even though we are grossly
undeserving, He made it possible for us to enjoy eternal life
alongside Him in Heaven. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross should take
precedence on this day, but there are so many more things for
Let us come before which to be thankful.

him with We should sing the praises of our Father because He is always with
thanksgiving and us. He guides us, even in the smallest decisions, looking out for our
extol him with happiness and well-being. He makes sure we are never alone,
whether we’re feeling isolated physically or emotionally. Our Father
music and song. created an entire suit of armor for us so we may face our challenges
For the Lord is the without fear. Truly, we are blessed beyond belief and loved beyond
comprehension.
great God, the
great King above And still, there is more for which to be thankful. Although things are

all gods. not always easy, we do not have to worry about the future when we
are children of God. In addition to the spiritual preparations, He
meets our other needs as well.
—Psalm 95:2-3 There are miracles every single day, and He uses them to ensure His
followers have the food and necessities to keep them safe.

We can give praise for our future, too. Once we leave this world,
we’ll have a permanent home in the Kingdom of God. We’ll live in
mansions and be free from pain and sorrow.

This month, give thanks! There are countless reasons why God deserves
our gratitude and love, and Thanksgiving Day is a fantastic time to
praise Him.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 Greed and Possessions

5
SALE! During the holiday season, many people throw their manners
and caution to the wind in favor of savings … savings on possessions
they likely don’t need. It is a day fueled by greed and selfishness.
There is nothing wrong with searching for a bargain, of course, but
we must be extra careful to show restraint on this day.
Whoever loves
money never has Each year, sales are getting earlier and earlier. Greed is poisoning
the holiday devoted to gratefulness.
enough; whoever
loves wealth is If you’re considering going to these sales, take time to pray to
God first. Ask Him what He wants you to do with that time. How
never satisfied with will you influence your family if you forsake time with them in search
their income. This of lower prices? This is especially important to consider when you
have young children, since they are so easily impressionable. Even
too is meaningless. our smallest actions can influence them in big ways, and as a
Christian, Thanksgiving should be properly honored.
—Ecclesiastes
5:10 An alternative is to do your shopping online. You can avoid the angry
crowds and long lines while spending more time at home with your
family and friends. You can even complete your purchases quickly and
quietly—the rest of your family doesn’t have to know you “went
shopping.”

Today, carefully consider the effect your actions have on others. If

you choose to join the shopping crowds, do so responsibly and with
grace.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 Trusting What We Do Not Understand

6
The word “mystery” is used quite often in the Bible. The Apostle
Paul, in fact, used it 21 times, just in his Epistles. It makes such a
frequent appearance in the word of God for a simple reason: Many
of the Lord’s methods and ways are far beyond human
comprehension. Sometimes we can look to science for an
My message and explanation on His machinations, but other times we are left to

my preaching were wonder.

not with wise and For some people, it’s hard to trust things they cannot understand. In
persuasive words, fact, humans have an instinctive fear of the unknown and the
surprises it can offer. Just think about the number of stories and
but with a movies written to speculate the things that live within the ocean or
demonstration of up in space. Even the Bible mentions monsters of the sea, such as
Leviathan. We always assume the worst about what we cannot see
the Spirit’s power, or wrap our minds around.
so that your faith
might not rest on Faith works in an opposite manner. We are instructed time and time
again to put our trust in God and His ways, even though they are
human wisdom, but beyond us. This is a broad direction, and it applies to many aspects
on God’s power. of Christian life (such as the creation of the universe). More often
than not, what is least understood is an unfortunate circumstance.

—1 Corinthians Car accidents, cancer and emotional injuries are experiences we

don’t want to endure and we often question why we need to. These
2:5 same events are part of a specific plan, however, and no matter how
painful they are, we are not at liberty to question. We can’t fully
comprehend His workings.

Today, just trust in God. Let your faith be the guide and hold fast to
his promises, even when you’re hurting.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 Why We Should Be Happy for Tribulations

7
Have you ever experienced true darkness? Not emotional darkness,
but absolute lack of light? When you compare the inside of a cave,
for example, to a starless night, you see the how light “regular
darkness” truly is.

Not only so, but The same is true for our spiritual lives. Unless we experience sadness,

we[c] also glory in pain and disappointment, we will never appreciate what Heaven has
in store for us.
our sufferings, When God gives us tribulations, He isn’t trying to hurt us. He is
because we know preparing us for the future. Each time we come through a trial, we
are stronger emotionally, and we are stronger through our faith.
that suffering When we know from experience that God will deliver us from our
produces problems, it’s easier to face the bigger issues with an even greater
sense of confidence in His promises.
perseverance;
perseverance, It’s almost impossible to be thankful for pain and suffering, illness

character; and and death. Truly, it goes against the nature of our flesh and the
workings of the world. But when you are a Christian, every trial can
character, hope. be an exercise in your commitment to your faith. Each new test only
And hope does not shows that the Lord has incredible plans for you. Remember, to
launch an arrow forward, you must first pull it back.
put us to shame,
because God’s Today, rejoice in the tribulations that our Father has given you. He is
testing you because you are worthy, and because He must give you
love has been the strength and experience to fight your future battles. Pain is
poured out into our uncomfortable, but it is only temporary. Our encounters and

hearts through the resilience through God is forever.

Holy Spirit, who

has been given to
us.
—Romans 5:3-5

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 The Son of God and Man

8
We are taught consistently that this world and the world of God
are incompatible. The Earth is a place of sin and evil, and the Lord is
the epitome of love and perfection. So how is it that Jesus was
the son of God and the son of man? That’s precisely what makes
His sacrifice for us so special.
But Jesus remained
silent and gave no Jesus was born of a virgin chosen by God, bringing Him into this
world in the most perfect way possible as a man. Since He was
answer. Again the conceived through Mary only, His conception was also divine. He
high priest asked is the only one to ever be born of both worlds. Adam and Eve
were created from the dust of the Earth, and the angels were made
him, “Are you the in Heaven. Christ’s unique life was the only one equipped to be of
Messiah, the Son man, but also completely without sin.

of the Blessed There will come a time (or many times) in a Christian’s life when they
One?” will be asked, “What think ye of Christ?” It’s important that we are
prepared to answer, but also that we believe what we say.
“I am,” said Jesus.
Christians, by definition, believe Christ was the true, living son of
“And you will see God and man. They know He was born to this Earth and that He led
the Son of Man a life completely without sin (although not without temptation).

sitting at the right They also know He is still alive, preparing a place for us in Heaven
so we can join Him and the Father after death.
hand of the Mighty
One and coming Today, ask yourself what you truly think of Christ. Do your beliefs line
up with what the Bible tells us? Are you ready to share your thoughts
on the clouds of with others?
heaven.”
—Mark 14:62-63

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV2 The Desire to Live

9
Within each of us is an inherent will to live. Our flesh is programmed
to put self-preservation first in all things. Likewise, the soul has a
desire to continue on. That is why even when people are worn thin
from aches and pains in their old age, they are still not tired of living.
God designed us with this desire for a simple reason: He wants the
For here we do not same thing.

have an enduring We are His children, and just as any good father should, He desires
city, but we are to know us and spend time with us. Salvation and grace are the
looking for the city most wonderful gifts we can receive, because they give us the
chance for our souls to carry on forever in the presence of God.
that is to come.
The reach of our desire is huge. No other creatures want such a
—Hebrews 13:14 thing, and yet we will go to the ends of the Earth in search of
something to supplement the emptiness we are born with. But there
is a reason this demand is so great within us: Nothing but the love
of God can satisfy it.

Even with abundant possessions or money, we are not full. Drugs

and alcohol offer some a temporary bliss, but it is not enough. Our
desire to live and live fully is a brilliant orchestration of the Lord
that ensures we cannot be completely happy without Him.

Today, rejoice in your desires and seek the one who can fulfill them.
Know that your will to live indefinitely will be granted, so long as
you believe in the miracle of Jesus.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

NOV3 The Remedy to Guilt

0
Guilt. It’s an ugly word that describes an even uglier feeling. The
emotion is defined as “the state of having done a wrong or committed
an offense,” and it can be such a powerful adversary to happiness.

Oftentimes our guilt is misplaced. The devil uses our vulnerability to

With it he touched tear us apart and fill us with doubt. Once it’s inside, we tend to

my mouth and said, hide the guilt from others. It weighs us down, eats at our happiness
and even our zest for life. In some cases, people are so overwhelmed
“See, this has with the suffering, they choose to end their own lives rather than
touched your lips; continue to push through.

your guilt is taken Whether it is deserved or not, guilt is a dangerous emotion. It can
away and your sin fester over time and completely change the way we think. Christians,
especially, should be cautious about it. When we suffer through guilt,
atoned for.” we’re in essence denying Jesus’ sacrifice. He died on the cross to
forgive all our wrongdoings. Holding onto a specific mistake or choice
—Isaiah 6:7 means you’re trying to make it greater than His death. But no sin is
greater than the price He paid.

Focusing on guilt also steals the glory from God. The energy we use
to feel sorry could be used instead to minister to those around us
and offer the Lord the praises He deserves. He is much greater than
any of our sins.

Today, remedy your guilt by strengthening your bond with God.

Spend time in the Scripture and learn about the people whom Jesus
chose. None of them was without shortcomings and sins and he does
not expect us to be either.
Accept the grace that is offered, and don’t waste another minute in the past.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC01 Our Giving God
It feels good to give something to another person, doesn’t it? There’s a
satisfaction that lights up our souls when we do right by others. This
affinity to give to others is something that comes with a rebirth in Christ,
and the reason is simple. Our God is a giving God, and we are called
to be more like Him.

There is no force that is more generous than our Father. First, He gave
us life by creating Adam from the dust. Then He gave us the Earth itself,
allowing Adam free reign of the Garden of Eden and the food that
grew within. When He realized that the first man was lonely, He gave
Adam a companion, Eve, designed just for him.

God has a long history of simply giving to us, but the most important
gift is His Son, Jesus. Can you imagine loving someone so much that you
would send your only child to die for him or her? Our heavenly Father
feels that way about us, and He made that sacrifice so that we could
live with Him for eternity.

This month is a wonderful time to practice the art of generosity. There

are many families less fortunate than your own. Taking the time to
reach out to them can change their entire holiday season. Today, give
something away to someone else. It doesn’t matter if it’s something as
small as a compliment or as large as a car. Go forth and give with

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and
gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love
and faithfulness.”

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

 —Exodus 34:6

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 Finding Peace in the Busy Season

2
December is one of the most wonderful months of the year, but it’s
also one of the most hectic. Sales are popping up everywhere. People
are scrambling to finish their gift shopping and to make plans for
Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The roads and sky are bustling with
families traveling to be with one another. It’s a jovial sort of chaos,
The Lord gives but it’s chaos nonetheless.

strength to his It can be easy to get wrapped up in the seasonal pandemonium,

people; the Lord but we should still take time to speak with God. After all, Jesus’ birth
blesses his people is the true reason for the season. It’s a great opportunity for us to
spread generosity and goodwill to our fellow man, but we’re still
with peace. called to honor our Savior.

—Psalm 29:11 The great thing about our relationship with God is that He’s always
with us. At any moment, we can reach out to Him and ask some
clarity and calm in our lives. Even if it’s only a few minutes in prayer,
the Lord can settle the mayhem in our hearts and minds. All that we
must do is surrender to Him and allow Him the power to make
changes within us. It’s especially important to take a step back and
reprioritize in busy times like these.

Today, take the time to create some calm in your life. Reach out to
God and ask Him to pass a soothing hand over your mind and heart.
There’s nothing wrong with getting things done, but our priorities are
clear as Christians: we need to continuously make time for our
relationship with God and His purposes.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 A Cure for Everything (Turn to God With
Troubles of All Sizes)
3 Many video games have health potions that the players can use.
These magical little bottles instantly heal injuries, cure poisoning
and more.
The Lord is good, Characters often keep a stock of them on hand and take a few
gulps when needed. This kind of medicine is steeped in fiction, of
a refuge in times of course, but wouldn’t it be nice if there were an equivalent to treat the
trouble; He cares problems of human nature in the real world?

for those who trust Of course, that would be incredible. But what if this magical
in him… medicine was even stronger than that? Take a moment to imagine a
cure for racism or greed. Picture a remedy that could end violence
—Nahum 1:7 and anger with one swallow. Consider how this same incredible
substance could toss drug addiction into the past. It’s almost
impossible to comprehend the implications that such a cure would
have. Most incredible is the fact that such a cure exists—and we all
have immediate access to it.

The Holy Spirit is ready to come into our hearts and make things
new. A dose of grace is all it takes to flush the negative emotions
and actions from our souls. Frequent dosing will keep the illnesses of
our hearts from coming back. If everyone accepted this treatment,
the world would be a new and wondrous place.

Today, take a dose of the cure if you need it. We all stumble at
some point, and it’s easy to fall into negative behaviors and un-
Christian mindsets. Luckily, it’s just as easy to self-medicate through
a relationship with God.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 Putting Your Hope in the Right Place

4
In this life, we hope for many things. Even when our souls have been
purified in the Lord, our flesh has a natural desire to further itself in
this world. We spend lots of time wishing for things that may be
temporarily beneficial to us but don’t actually matter in the end. Job
promotions, buying a new car, a bonus at work, winning the lottery…
Why, my soul, are all dreams that just about everyone hopes for.

you downcast? When we dump our energy into such daydreams, however, we’re
wasting force that could be better used elsewhere.
Why so disturbed
within me? Put As a Christian, there’s only one place that we need to direct our
hope: God. He has promised to take care of us and to see us
your hope in God, prosper, and that’s all we need. When we daydream about things
for I will yet praise that could happen in our future, we’re essentially telling God that
we know more about what we need than He does—and that’s
him, my Savior never true.
and my God.
There’s nothing wrong with looking for opportunities, so long as you
—Psalm 42:5 do so in moderation and don’t let such pursuits take priority over
your faith. Pray often for guidance in any pursuit, but, more
importantly, trust that God will take care of your future and give
you everything you need.

Today, remember to keep your hope in a prosperous place.

Everything of this world will fade, but God’s love and glory lasts
forever. It’s only through Him that we can have eternal life, and
serving His will should always be our top priority.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 Experiencing Joy Across Realms

5
In our world, it seems that we’re not allowed to be proud of our
relationship with God. People love to celebrate the secular in grand
and disproportionate ways. For example, we often throw
monumental birthday parties when our children turn 16, and yet we
offer no formal celebration if they become saved through Jesus? If
Shout aloud and you do choose to advertise your religion more strongly, people are

sing for joy, people quick to call you an “extremist” and say that you’re taking things
“too far.”
of Zion, for great is
the Holy One of What an unfortunate reality to deal with. Nothing on this planet can
compare to the glory of God, and yet we’re at risk of being
Israel among you. ostracized by family, friends and colleagues if we take our salvation
“too seriously.” This shouldn’t be too surprising, however. Our world
—Isaiah 12:6 is full of evil and sin. Satan uses this to his advantage. He tries to
force ill feelings on us about sharing our faith with others. After
all, the more people that we recruit for Christ, the fewer he gets to
keep for himself.

You should never be afraid to fully display your faith, even when
those around you do not agree with it. At the very least, your
dedication to Jesus will be recognized. In some cases, seeing
another person support Christ so passionately will spark curiosity in
nonbelievers and encourage them to start asking questions.

Today, don’t be afraid to show your joy across realms. The grace of
God that makes your spirit happy can be praised in the flesh too.
Show the world your favor for Christ and He will show his favor for
you in front of the Father.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 Making Time for God

6
The one thing that all Christians have in common is their belief in
God. Even when opinions and backgrounds may differ, they come
together through the Father. Unfortunately, there’s something else
that many of them have in common: a claim that they don’t have
time for God.
Blessed is the one
who always If you ask a Christian how often he or she reads the Bible or prays,
you might not get a straight answer. “When I can” is an answer
trembles before that many people fall back on. This is usually followed by “I’m just
God, but whoever so busy with work” or a similar excuse. We get so wrapped up in
everyday life that we allow the world to start pushing us away
hardens their heart from Christ.
falls into trouble.
It’s dangerous to not make time for God. You see, anything we do

—Proverbs 28:14 when we should be praying and reading the Bible is something we’re
putting ahead of the Lord. Even though it’s almost always
unintentional, we’re still setting up idols.

As a Christian, you must make time for God. Research shows that
you need to do something 21 to 66 days in a row for it to become
habit. So that’s what you’ve got to do with your time for Jesus.
Dedicate a few minutes to prayer and Bible study each day. Even if
you start out with 10 or 15 minutes, it’s an important first step.
Stick with it until it’s a natural thing for you to have time for God.

Today, make time for Him. The next time that you’re absently
scrolling through Facebook or lost in the TV, stop entertaining
yourself with the world and reach out for the Father instead.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 The Truest Justice

7
Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Many people have.
Citations for speeding are common. When these tickets bring us to
court, however, a significant portion end up being thrown out.
Usually the judge simply feels generous or thinks the speed violation
is too small. We rejoice when something like this happens to us, but
When justice is the truth is that it’s inconsistent with justice. No matter how small

done, it brings joy the infraction, we owe something when we sin by breaking a law.
Someone (whether it’s us or another person) must pay the price.
to the righteous but
terror to evildoers. Unfortunately, many people think that relaxing in the context of
justice is showing love. Parents, for example, will let their kid do just
about anything because they don’t want to hurt the child’s feelings
—Psalm 21:15 by disciplining him or her. Although their hearts are in the right
place, this can be a dangerous notion. If a child is taught that there
are no consequences to breaking the rules, then why should he or
she follow them in the first place?

God is an example of true justice. Each time that we sin, we deserve

death. Although He loves us more than we can comprehend, God is
just enough that He will follow through our punishment and give us
what we deserve. However, Jesus came down and paid our fine, in
essence. He covered our mistakes by giving His own perfect life,
and when we choose to give our lives to Him we can escape the
price of our sins in a fair and honest way.

Today, give thanks to our just God. Know that He will always rule
with a firm but gentle hand.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 Overcoming Racial Tension

8
There’s no question that we still face racial tension in our nation.
Often, it’s blown far out of proportion by the media, but it’s important
to know that there are some real instances of this problem. We
Christians should never practice racial ideas, and we should do what
we can to diffuse them when they come from other people.
Hatred stirs up
conflict, but love Being racist goes against the Bible. Jesus didn’t come and die on the
cross to save only a certain group of people. He gave His life so
covers over all that anyone who believes can have eternal life. He loves each and
wrongs. every one of us. No one person can gain more favor in His eyes than
another. God doesn’t play favorites either, and He doesn’t care about
our skin color or accent. Why should He, when He is the one who
—Proverbs 10:12 created our differences?

To combat racial tension, we must first remove it from our own

hearts. We have to accept the fact that we are the same in God’s
eyes and that His grace is designed to fit anyone. Once we purify
our own beliefs, we can begin ministering to others through love.
Even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way.

Today, make sure your heart is clean of any racist feelings. Give
those emotions over to God, and let Him fill the space with love
and acceptance instead. Also, take the time today to love someone
who is a different race. It could be something as simple as a smile in
passing or something more powerful like praying together. Reach
out into the world with an open heart and open arms.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC0 The Age Limits of Grace

9
For some reason, many Christians seem to think there’s an age limit
to grace. Perhaps they feel like the young cannot comprehend the
weight of their decisions or that the elderly have wasted their lives.
God’s salvation is not designed just for one group of people. It is
made to be accessible for anyone and everyone that desires it. In
Don’t let anyone John 3:16, the Bible tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave

look down on you his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.”
because you are
young, but set an Usually, our concerns about age do come from honest intentions,
especially with children. We want to make sure they fully grasp the
example for the magnitude of their decisions and how they will change their lives. If
believers in speech, anything, we should be encouraging to the younger generations who
seek salvation. The sooner they come to God, the more time in
in conduct, in love, their lives they’ll have to offer to His cause. Children can provide
in faith and in a lifetime of service for the Lord.

purity. Ultimately though, it doesn’t matter what we think. God loves each
and every one of us equally, and is just as thrilled for every new soul
—1 Timothy 4:12 that joins Him. It doesn’t matter to Him if they’re a child at vacation
Bible school or a senior on their deathbed.

Today, remember not to place age limits (or any other kind of limit)
on grace. It is designed to reach across all situations and people.
He brought salvation to us as a perfect opportunity for our
imperfect lives.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 Why Some Are Lost

0
Something that nonbelievers question often is how a righteous and
merciful God could allow anyone to remain lost. After all, isn’t He
supposed to be all- loving and fair? The answer is yes. And it’s
because of these traits that some of His children remain lost to the
world.
“In a surge of
anger I hid my God gave us free will so that we would be able to come to Him by
choice. If we served Him without another option, it would just be
face from you for a slavery (and that is the last thing that He wants). He loves us
moment, but with enough that He sacrificed His son for us, but also so much that
He would rather see us walk away than to hold us against our
everlasting will.
kindness, I will have
This isn’t to say that He has not done everything in His power to
compassion on prevent us from turning the other cheek. He sent His son to teach us
you,” says the Lord how we should behave and treat one another. He crafted the

your Redeemer. Bible to function as our daily guide and offer instructions on being
saved. He has made the way clear. We must only follow.

—Isaiah 54:8 One reason why humans have a hard time understanding God’s
actions is that we cannot fully comprehend His nature. He is holy
above all else, and cannot tolerate when sin is in His presence. Even
though He cares for us so greatly, He cannot turn against the
foundation of His being. He is also just. For the same reason, He
cannot forgive us of our sins if we do not ask. Jesus accepted our
debt on the cross, but we must give out lives to Him to receive
this charity.

Today, say a prayer for those who are lost that they make the
decision to come to God. Because following Him by choice is the
only way.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 The Power of His Hearing (How God Can
Process More Than Our Most Advanced
1 Technology)
What’s the most powerful piece of technology you own? For a lot

This is the of us, the answer is our cell phone. It’s able to make calls while
texting, surfing the internet or even browsing Facebook. There’s no
confidence we secret that our intelligence is becoming more and more advanced
have in every day. But even the strongest devices have their limits.

approaching God: Conference calling is when several people are part of a single phone
that if we ask call. It’s a wonderful substitute for in-person meetings, especially

anything according when large distances separate those involved. There is a limit,
however, to how many people can participate. On our cell phones,
to his will, he hears the number is quite low. Usually about five or six total lines can
us. join in a single call. Any more than that and the device or the
network won’t be able to handle the amount of data.

—1 John 5:14 With that in mind, it is almost impossible to imagine the listening and
processing power (so to speak) that God has. He has the capacity to
hear, to understand and to respond to the prayers of every single
person on Earth. Our technology is incredible, yes, but instead of a
handful of conversations, He can manage billions! And in 6,500
different languages! Truly, the power of God is beyond our wildest
imagination.

Today, give praise to our powerful Savior. Know that every prayer
you utter is heard and understood by the creator of our galaxy. It is
hard to comprehend, but His abilities serve as a reminder of the
greatness of the One we serve.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 “Why Me?”

2
This month, we have already discussed how our righteous God can
allow His children to remain lost. Another question that believers
and non-believers ask is, “Why do we (especially those who have
given our love to Christ) suffer?” Some people feel as though a fair
and loving Lord would never allow for a world full of such pain,
Praise be to the particularly for His followers.

God and Father of The biggest thing to understand is that this world is not of God.
our Lord Jesus Yes, He designed it and formed it to keep us alive, but the
Christ, the Father foundation of the planet is different from Him. The world is ravaged
by sin and evil, and it has been since Adam and Eve partook in the
of compassion and forbidden fruit. Our heavenly Father, on the other hand, is the
the God of all epitome of holiness and righteousness. The misfortunes of the world
are not necessarily His will, but a side effect of the tarnished planet
comfort, who that we call home.
comforts us in all
our troubles, so God also allows His children to suffer to make us stronger. He gives
us what we can deal with (with His assistance, of course), and each
that we can time we triumph, it’s experience under our belts. We cannot hope to
comfort those in know the details of His plans for us, but we do know that previous
victories prime us to overcome more in the future and to share our
any trouble with testimonies with others.
the comfort we
ourselves receive Today, do not worry about your suffering. Any pain on this Earth is
only temporary, and God does not wish to hurt us. Once we accept
from God. His son as our Savior, we have a future in eternity without another
ounce of suffering or discomfort.
—2 Corinthians
1:3-4

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 A Finished Work

3
There’s something satisfying about completing a project, isn’t there?
We get to wrap up our hard work and take a look at our finished
accomplishment.
Usually there’s a weight lifted from our shoulders too. Depending on
the size of our task, sometimes we even use the opportunity to
When he had celebrate. However, the most important project that the world has

received the drink, faced has already been completed.

Jesus said, “It is As Jesus hung suffering on the cross, He told us that His work was
finished.” With done. Those words were the last to leave His lips before He died for
our sins. You see, His entire life was a project. He had to grow up
that, he bowed his from a young boy, face temptations and live an entire life without
head and gave up sin. The hardest part of His assignment, however, came at the end.
He was betrayed by His own followers before being tortured and left
his spirit. to die. He fought against the grip of death, but ultimately, He knew
that His purpose had been served and so released His spirit so that
—John 19:30 His flesh could die.

The completion of his work is the single most important thing in our
lives. Without it, we would not be eligible for eternal life. However,
that doesn’t mean that all projects are meant to be finished. God’s
work in our hearts is something that never ceases. He must purify and
guide us every single day as the tarnish of the world tries to take hold
of our minds. Since this work is never done, Jesus will never cease
building us up and refining our spirit.

Today, give thanks to God for all our projects. Rejoice in the finished
ones, like Jesus’ sacrifice, but also those assignments that take
constant care. Know that the Lord will never leave a project undone,
and so never forsake a child of His.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 To Our Neighbors

4
What is your definition of a good neighbor? Is it someone who
lets you borrow his lawnmower? A friend across the street who
greets you as you come home? Maybe you simply want someone
quiet who keeps to herself. Every person has a different ideal type
of neighbor, but Christians should always be the number-one
The second is this: selection.

“Love your The world is full of prejudices, especially against Christianity. Non-
neighbor as believers seem to have a poor view of us and the way we act. It is
yourself.” There is not entirely our fault, but we are partially to blame. For some
reason, we have a tendency to congregate amongst ourselves
no commandment only. When Jesus walked the earth He visited the hurt and the sick.
greater than these. The people that we would probably consider “trash” were the ones
that He knew needed Him the most. God doesn’t discriminate with

—Mark 12:31 His love, but unfortunately, we fall short sometimes.

To be a good neighbor, we must be good to our neighbors. God calls

us to always offer a listening ear to them. We should love them
greatly, no matter how different they may be than us. We should
treat them as family, because we are all children of the Lord. That
can seem like a pretty big task and in truth, it’s impossible to do
on our own. We have to first love God before we can love one
another in the way that He intended.

Today, ask God to show you the ways of a good neighbor. Pray
that He would open your heart to their pleas and that you’ll be
equipped to set aside any differences. And remember, neighbors are
not just people who live in proximity to us. They are also all the souls
that we encounter at work and passing down the street.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 Stability and Steadfastness

5
Have you ever missed a step or stumbled going down the stairs?
It’s a very scary feeling. Your heart usually jumps right into your
throat. Your hands and legs will move wildly, instinctively, as you
try to regain your balance.
Sometimes, you cannot recover from the mishap and end up falling
He will be the sure down entirely. Just the same, there are instances in life that leave us

foundation for your scrambling to keep our footing.

times, a rich store There are many events that can throw us off balance. It could be a
of salvation and car wreck, sudden medical expense or storm damage to your house.
Other problems make us stumble even harder, like a death in the
wisdom and family or going through a divorce. The whole world is an unstable
knowledge; the surface just waiting to make us falter.

fear of the Lord is What if you could always have someone there to catch you when
the key to this you take a misstep? How much more likely would you be to keep

treasure. your footing when you stagger if there was an extended hand
waiting to grab you? For Christians, this isn’t a daydream. It’s a
reality.
—Isaiah 33:6
No matter how rough things gets, the Lord is always there to
catch us. If we stumble, He’ll take us in His arms and keep us
upright. If we fall, He’ll pick us up off the ground and set us back on
our feet. He’ll even tend to the cuts and scrapes we might have
from crashing to the floor.

Today, don’t be afraid if you stumble. Jesus is always there to catch

us and even the worst events of this world are only temporary. His
love and grace is forever.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 A Throne Built from Grace (Compare the
Materials That Man Uses)
6 What do you picture when you hear the word “throne”? Of course,
you see a grand chair, but, in your mind’s eye, what is it made out
of? The oldest throne room that we have discovered comes from
Let us then Turkey. It was made of adobe, which is a building material created
from mixing earth and organic material.
approach God’s
throne of grace Throughout history, man has used a variety of other elements to build

with confidence, these grand seats. Wood was common for centuries, often covered in
gold leaf and cushioned with velvet and jewels. As technology
so that we may advanced, skilled blacksmiths carved thrones out of metal. They were
receive mercy and intricately forged and heavy and made to withstand the test of time
and to show the grandeur of the leader who sat on it.
find grace to help
us in our time of Even the most beautiful of man’s creations, however, cannot
compare to the throne that is in Heaven. We do not know for
need. certain what it looks like, only that the scene is more incredible
than anything we can comprehend. But the throne itself… what is
—Hebrews 4:16 it made of?

Until we join the Lord in Heaven, we won’t know for sure. What we
do know, however, is that regardless of the physical material, the
throne of God is made of grace. It is carved from love, justice and
righteousness like our world has never seen. It is nothing but holy,
nothing but pure and powerful. And thanks to the generous Lord
who sits upon it, we Christians will get to experience it one day.

Today, remember that even the least glorious of God’s possessions is

better than the greatest of this world. However blessed you are
now, it’s merely a sample of what’s to come.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 Dust to Dust (Possessions Mean Nothing)

7
What is your most prized possession? Some people are most proud
of their cars. Others like to show off their houses. Cell phones,
computers and collections of all sorts earn important places in our
hearts. Placing this kind of emphasis on your possessions, however,
is a poor decision.
Do not store up for
yourselves Any time we praise something more than our relationship with God,
that thing becomes an idol. Even though the Lord is righteous and
treasures on earth, loving, He is also jealous with His children. The worldly items that we
where moths and cling to the hardest are the ones that are most likely to be lost as a
result of His ire. We are even warned in the Ten Commandments not
vermin destroy, to make idols for ourselves.
and where thieves
Loving our material things is a waste of time too. The hours that we
break in and spend washing that car or redecorating that house are fine in
steal. moderation. After all, we still are inhabitants of this planet, even if it
is only temporary. It is when we become obsessed with such actions
—Matthew 6:19 and give them priority over our Christian lives that trouble starts. At
that point, we’re taking time we could be using for God and
throwing it into the things of the world.

Today, do not let your focus be wasted on things of man. Everything

that you own, including your body, was raised from the dust of the
earth; and that is where these things shall return. Instead, place
your emphasis on spiritual treasures. Build a relationship with God
and reach out in His name—and then you shall find true riches.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 Bringing our Problems to God

8
Talking to figures of authority can be quite nerve-wracking. Usually
it’s someone like a boss or a principal—someone who has direct
jurisdiction over you and who is entitled to make decisions to change
your life. This sort of power makes them seem intimidating, but it
also changes the way that we interact with them. Many times, we’ll
Cast your cares on hide details or even blatantly lie to them because we fear

the Lord and he repercussions. Ironically, God is the one with the most power and is
still the one that we should trust the most and be the most
will sustain you; he willing to communicate with.
will never let the You see, there is nothing that we cannot come to God with. He
righteous be orchestrates the entire universe, but He also cares for every feather
shaken. on a sparrow. No problem is too big or too small to reach for His help.
There’s also nothing that we can do to make Him lose favor with

—Psalm 55:22 us. He is the very definition of love, and He cares more about His
children than anything else. So long as we believe in Him and in the
sacrifice of His son Jesus, no deeds of the world can cause Him to
stop loving us.

The Lord already knows our most intimate dreams and thoughts. He
is fully aware of the situation, so there’s no need to drum up an
explanation when we are talking to Him. He knows every side and
every detail, even before it plays out in our lives.

Today, don’t be afraid to talk to the “boss.” He wants a relationship

with you. He’s always willing to hear your problems and to help you
solve them.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC1 Truth Is Not Always Pleasant

9
When we think of God, we should think of everything good.
Everlasting love and far-reaching grace are just two of His countless
qualities. Even our pictures of Heaven are filled with perfection.
Many of us imagine fields of flowers and mansions of marble and
gold. It’s no wonder why we associate God with all things pleasant.
Yet a time is However, the things that are best for us are not always easiest.

coming and has Tearing off a bandage hurts. The adhesive tears out our hairs (and
now come when even some skin, depending on the chemicals used). However, the
the true worshipers wound beneath is able to breath better once the Band-Aid is off. The
same is often true for the truth that God gives us: it’s greatly
will worship the beneficial, but not pleasant to endure.
Father in the Spirit
This kind of truth comes in many forms, but most often, He works
and in truth, for through our conscience. We have to be still and listen hard to
they are the kind of catch such a gentle and quiet voice. Because of this, He knows

worshipers the that we are giving Him our full attention just to hear it. However,
the softness of this guidance compels many people to ignore it—
Father seeks. particularly when it comes to relationships and other temptations
of the world.
—John 4:21
Today, take time to listen for the truth, even if it’s not what you want
to hear. The Lord will always have your best interest at heart. It
doesn’t matter if you understand His reasoning or not—you need to
obey God. Ask Him to provide you with veracity and to open your
heart so that you may make the right decisions in His name.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 The Definition of Idolatry

0
This month, we’ve talked a lot about idolatry. That’s because this
time of year is far busier than usual and is often driven by desires for
material things. The combination of these two factors creates a
great opportunity for idols to find their way into our lives.

You shall not Before we can avoid idolatry, we have to understand what it is. It

make for yourself is having anything that comes between you and God. It doesn’t
matter if it’s your family, career or favorite TV show—there is no
an image in the justifying its importance, because nothing matters more than your
form of anything relationship with God and His Son Jesus.

in heaven above When you elevate something of the world ahead of your relationship
or on the earth with our Savior, it’s a slap in the face to Him. Jesus sacrificed His life
so that we would not be held responsible for our sins. He completely
beneath or in the resisted temptation for more than 30 years so that His blood
waters below. would be wholly innocent. Then He endured unimaginable torture.
He was whipped and beaten—disgraced in front of the entire city—
—Exodus 20:4 and yet He did not protest. He fought his way to Golgotha where
He hung in the sun until His last breath faded away. Nothing that
this world can offer has such value.

Today, remember to enter this holiday week with your priorities set
straight. Give all of your love to Jesus first, and He shall purify it
and return it to your family. Be thankful for the gifts that you
receive, but know that they will return to dust in the end. Celebrate
our Savior’s birthday by making sure there are no idols competing
with Him for glory.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 Dealing With a Storm of Anxieties

1
Worry is simply a part of human nature. Once our souls are purified
through Christ, the flesh still remains anxious. It is understandable,
since our world has pressured us immensely. This modern life is full
of one worry after another, without ceasing. Sometimes the fears are
personal, but sometimes they are for our nation. Even beyond that,
I sought the Lord, we fear for the condition and safety of the world. Through this

and he answered storm of anxiety, there’s only one shelter that will work.

me; he delivered God promises that He will give us peace when we need it. We are
me from all my told over and over again that He has an intricate plan for us and
that our futures are secure. The Bible also instructs us not to worry
fears. and gives us the only other option that Christians should consider:
turning to God. We should never try to find peace in the ways of the
—Psalm 34:4 world, because this world is not made for peace.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.” It can be hard to let go of our worries, but this is a guarantee
that they’ll be taken care of.

Today, don’t be afraid of the storm. It does not matter how many
problems you are facing or how big each of your fears is. Our
Savior can calm the raging seas of our anxieties, but He can also
walk on water. Lean on Him, and He will not let you drown.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 Setting Goals

2
We see many social media posts including the word “goals.” It began
as a silly trend among the younger generation, but now millions of
people are comparing their lives to one another to set these goals.
Most of them are harmless and show respectable aims for the future,
such as owning a dog or decorating your first house. Setting goals
So we make it our for this world is a good way to keep us motivated, but we have

goal to please him, much bigger objectives too.

whether we are at As a Christian, our number one goal is to love Jesus. We are meant
home in the body to follow in His footsteps and become an outlet for his works. When
we give Him our full attention and love, we’re able to purify our
or away from it. hearts and souls and become a new creation in His name. We can
achieve this goal through time in the Scripture and by praying
—2 Corinthians frequently and passionately. Each moment with Him makes us

5:9 closer to God.

Another Christian goal is to love one another. This can only be

accomplished with help from Christ. We must experience His great
love and acceptance before we will be properly equipped to offer
that same affection to other people. When we know Him intimately,
He will work through us to touch this lost and dying world.

Today, think about your goals in Christ. If you don’t have any, it’s
time to create some. If you do, ask yourself if you’re meeting your
own expectations. Could you be working harder to grow in your
Christian life? Remember, the only way to reach your goals is
through diligence and hard work.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 The Greatest Giver

3
What’s the most precious thing that anyone has ever given you? If
you’re married, it may be your wedding ring. It could be a family
heirloom that has been passed down for generations or something as
simple as your favorite stuffed animal. In our lives, we experience a
lot of wonderful presents from wonderful people. But there’s one
He who did not giver who is greater than all the rest.

spare his own Son, Our means limit the value of our gifts. Sometimes, cost is the barrier
but gave him up that prevents us from offering the best presents. Other times, we
for us all—how will may not know someone well enough to choose the right item.
Sometimes, we run out of shopping time or aren’t close to any good
he not also, along stores. There are countless reasons why we cannot give perfectly,
with him, graciously even when we’re trying. That’s okay though, because there’s one
who can give superbly every time.
give us all things?
God knows exactly what’s best for us when we call upon Him. In
—Romans 8:32 fact, He knows even better than we do what will benefit us in the
long run. His power and grace are limitless and eternal, and ready for
us to embrace. He hears us when we pray and will grant us blessings
greater than we could even imagine. Trusting in Him is trusting in a
future where we are provided for and endlessly loved.

Today, remember that you don’t have to be the greatest giver,

because you are guided and protected by one beyond our
comprehension. During this holiday season, abundantly give the gift
of prayer. Our Father knows what every soul needs.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 A Miracle Birth

4
It’s always hard to sleep when something big is coming the next
day, isn’t it? Our minds wind up with excitement and end up
spreading tension throughout our entire bodies. We toss and turn
and usually don’t get any rest at all. But even the biggest events of
this world are still entirely insignificant in comparison to what God
This is how the can do. Can you imagine the excitement that must have been

birth of Jesus the flowing through Heaven the day before Christ was born?

Messiah came Angels must have been chattering amongst themselves happily,
about… perhaps leaning to get a view of Mary and Joseph’s journey. The
Father and Holy Spirit were probably busy finishing the final
preparations, like ensuring that there would be room in the stable.
—Matthew 1:18 The mansions and streets of gold must have been electrified with
anticipation for this special birth.

Jesus was conceived unlike anyone before or since. He was created

as the Son of God, but also the Son of Man. His mother, Mary,
was a virgin at the time of His birth. She was like a young lamb,
pure and innocent of the sins of the world. Because of this, she could
give birth to a divine child… one who was human enough to pay for
the sins of mankind yet holy enough to rise from the dead. This
incredible orchestration was God’s most wonderful gift to us.

On this Christmas Eve, give praise! Tomorrow marks the day when
our Savior was born and the course of the entire world was
changed forever.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC25 Digging for the Meaning of “Merry
Christmas”
- Christmas - “Merry Christmas.” It’s a phrase that has been uttered countless times
this month— and especially today. We use it as an expression to wish
others well. The word itself is defined as “cheerful and lively,” and it only
makes sense that it is what we should want for our friends and family on
this holy day. Did you know, though, that the word comes from even
greater meaning?

The word “merry” can be related to another word: “gallant.” These two
terms share a similar Anglo-Saxon heritage. They were related to a much
grander scale than simply to be happy. “Great” and “mighty” are derived
from the same line. So what does this mean? Are we not supposed to
enjoy ourselves on Christmas?

Of course we should rejoice! This was the day that the Savior was born—
the day that led to His death on the cross so that sinful humans could
enjoy a seat in eternity. Today is definitely a day for joy, but it’s also a
day of grand truth. Jesus was the physical embodiment of God, and this is
the day when He debuted in our world, thus proving the promise of God.
This occasion is nothing short of great. It is incredible, beyond our very
comprehension.

Today, tell your friends and family “Merry Christmas.” Tell them that
today is a day of greatness—a day for joy, love and hope. Tell them that

On coming to the house, they saw the child

with his mother Mary, and they bowed
down and worshiped him.
—Matthew 2:11

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 What’s in a Gift?
Lots of people see the gifts as the entire reason for this season, but

6
this is far from the truth. We know, of course, that our focus should
be on Jesus. That is not to say, however, that the practice of gift-
giving is bad. It is actually a great way for us to show our friends
and family members that we care about them. Sometimes, it can
even be a way to minister to the lost with feelings of kindness. The
There are different gifts that we give, however, must be carefully chosen.

kinds of gifts, but It is a delicate balance to find as a Christian. We want to present

the same Spirit our loved ones with something that they will enjoy, but we also
distributes them. do not want to put too much emphasis on material possessions;
after all, even the most luxurious gift of this world can’t last. When

—1 Corinthians choosing a gift, it’s important to meet with God in prayer about it.

12:4 Look for something that’s an expression of love. One of the most
common ways that Christians give to one another is by making
homemade items. Sometimes, it’s something edible—like cookies or
jam. The present could also be something crafted, like a hand-
painted sign or custom coffee table. Works like this are sentimental
and do a wonderful job at conveying your feelings.
They’re also usually less expensive, which leaves more money to be
spread around other ministries, like buying presents for the less
fortunate.

Today, be thankful for the gifts that you have received, whatever
they may be. Also, do not stop giving just because Christmas has
passed—the world can benefit from generosity every day.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 The Bricks of a Broken Home

7
All across this nation, there are broken homes. This crumbling of
families and relationships is one of our greatest social issues. It could
even be argued as the base from which other societal problems have
arisen. It’s something that we have dealt with increasingly, but it
seems as though most people are simply willing to accept the
He will wipe every statistics as the “new norm.”

tear from their Our homes are where we develop the foundation of our beings
eyes. There will be and personality. When we’re raised in the glory of Christ, we know
no more death or His word and will. When we’re raised among sin and hatred,
however, it becomes second nature to us. Children see divorce,
mourning or crying fighting, cursing and drinking—and they assume that it happens in
or pain, for the old every family. They adapt to such habits quickly, and before long,
those habits are deeply ingrained in the child’s attitude. Once they’re
order of things has grown, these damaged and misled adults go out into the world and
passed away. further spread the evil ways of the world.

—Revelation 21:4 The only way to fight against this plague of divorce and
unhealthy relationships is to turn to God. We must study His word
and pray together if we want to learn the errors of our ways. It’s
necessary that we put Him first, even in our marriage, so that He
can show us the right direction. Broken homes make broken lives,
but God is the healer of all things. It is with these new bricks in faith
that the walls of your relationships may be repaired.

Today, check on the condition of your own home. Are your priorities
in order? Do you set a good example for your loved ones? If you
answer no, turn to the Lord for help quickly. He can heal the
damage before it’s too late.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 A World of Requirements

8
The world is absolutely full of requirements. In most cases, we have
to earn a high enough GPA in high school to get into college. From
there, we must work for our degree and present that diploma to get
a job. Sometimes even that’s not enough. Businesses will ask for
experience or special skills too. And that’s just the tip of the
If you declare with iceberg.

your mouth, “Jesus We need the right credit score to buy a house or a car. You’re
is Lord,” and required to get a driver’s license to be on the road, or a permit to
believe in your hunt and fish. There are even restrictions for how short you can be
to ride roller coasters! Everything, it seems, has a long list of
heart that God “musts” before you can take part. The exception to that rule,
raised him from however, is with your salvation.

the dead, you will To make it to Heaven, there are only two things we must do: believe
be saved. For it is in Jesus as our Lord and Son of God who was raised from the dead,

with your heart and profess our faith to others. It’s almost ironic that earning eternal
life (which we can never hope to deserve) is so freely given to those
that you believe who take God into their hearts. Isn’t it amazing how wonderfully
and are justified, blessed we are?

and it is with your Today, don’t worry about the requirements of the world. It can seem
mouth that you pretty intimidating to try to make headway, but God will always
provide for you. If you meet the requirements of salvation, your
profess your faith eternal future is guaranteed and all else becomes insignificant.
and are saved.
—Romans 10:9-
10

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC2 Our Instruction Manual

9
Any time you buy a new appliance or gadget, it comes with an
instruction manual. It’s a good thing too, especially when it’s a
piece of technology that you’re unfamiliar with. Once you review
the directions in the book, you’ll be ready to use your new device
much more smoothly. In the same way, God prepared the Bible for
Listen to advice His children so that they may be ready to function in the world.

and accept It’s important to spend time reading the Bible, especially if you’re a
discipline, and at new Christian. This is the best way to learn not only about God’s
the end you will be expectations for you, but also how He wants you to achieve them.
Reading some Scripture every morning, for example, gives you a
counted among the fresh boost of instruction to prepare you for the day.
wise.
The Bible also functions as a troubleshooting guide. We can learn a

—Proverbs 19:20 lot by simply reading through it, but there are specific verses we can
turn to when a problem in our lives needs fixing. Going over the Word
can give you strength, put your mind at ease, take away fear for the
future and so much more. There isn’t a single trouble for your soul
that can’t be treated by referring to the Word of God.

Today, refer to your instruction manual. Whether you need special

guidance or just a daily touch-up, there’s no better place to find
what you’re looking for than the Bible itself. Read through it, pray
about it and let it work through your heart and out into the world
around you.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC3 Preparing for a New Year, Part 1

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It’s almost time to embrace the new year. As we get older, each new
year seems to go by faster than the one before. Surely this one has
held its fair share of trials and triumphs for you and your family, but
now it’s coming to a close. The best way to prepare yourself for a
new year is to mimic the process that God completed during your
You were taught, salvation. First, you must discard the old and cleanse your soul.

with regard to your Then, you can make room for the new blessings.

former way of life, Ready yourself on this day. Search your heart and identify all the
to put off your old negative feelings hiding within. Find the hatred or guilt or anger that
has built up, and give it all to God. Ask Him to relieve you of it so
self, which is being that the space in your heart can be filled with something greater.
corrupted by its You should also seek to forgive anyone who has wronged you, no
matter how painful it may be. If we are to be like Christ, we must
deceitful desires; to forgive as He does.
be made new in
the attitude of your This is also a good time to realize that the past is the past.
There are important lessons that can stick with us, especially if
minds …. they help to build your testimony, but many of the happenings of
this year should be let go. We cannot make room for new memories
—Ephesians 4:22- if we are not willing to part with the old.

23 Today, complete this first step of preparation so that tomorrow, on

New Year’s Eve, you can be ready to start the new year fresh.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]

DEC3 Preparing for a New Year, Part 2

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Today is the last day of December and this year. Yesterday, we
worked to eliminate the turmoil from this year that had latched onto
our hearts. After all, you must clear a garden before you can plant it.
Now, we are going to focus on planting the seeds of God into our
hearts so that this new year can be fruitful in the spirit.
…and to put on
the new self, The first thing to do is to pray to God. Ask Him to refresh the
Holy Spirit within you and make your spirit and mind ready for His
created to be like purposes. Tell Him to take control over your life and to provide you
God in true with guidance today, tomorrow and for the entirety of the next
year.
righteousness and
holiness. Next, you must spend time in the Word. The best way for us to grow
spiritually is to study the Bible. We find instruction, hope and problem
solving throughout all chapters of the Book. In fact, God uses this to
—Ephesians 4:24 speak to us more often than any other platform. Make an effort to
spend a few minutes reading His Word today, and it will soon
become a habit that you can use every day.

Today, be ready to take on this new year! Know that God will be
with you every step of the way, and that each time you ask, He
will refresh you and cleanse your soul. It is impossible for our flesh
to turn away from thoughts and temptations of the world, but if you
run to Him, He will wipe them away as often as you need. So go
into the new year remembering that you are a new creature in
salvation and face the world with hope and faith.

1224 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480-998-3100 | [Link]