"Prayer Changes Everything" Devotion for Today

May 23, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Will Bring You Out"

Ruth 1:20-21

New International Version

20 “Don’t call me Naomi,[a]” she told them. “Call me Mara,[b] because the Almighty[c] has made my life very bitter. 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted[d] me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

In what circumstance are you experiencing pain, bitterness, and anguish? God does not promise us pain-free lives, but He does promise that every hurt and every loss is for His purpose. We must be willing to surrender our plans, our desires, and our expectations to the will of God, even when we may not understand the reason why.

May 22, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Keep Moving Forward"

2 Corinthians 4:15-18

New International Version

15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

There are many things in our lives that can cause us to feel shame. Shame can be a cruel and oppressive master. But our God is greater. We have been freed and are no longer slaves to sin and shame. Though we will still fail and fall, His righteousness covers us, continually working in us to make us more like Himself. We may feel weighed down and confused but, because the Lord holds us, we will never be crushed or destroyed. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is the same power that lives in you. You can fight and win. You can run the race and not give up. You can get up, repent, and keep moving forward.

The power that lives in you is infinitely stronger than any sin that comes against you or any shame that tries to overpower and control you.

May 21, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"A New Heart"

2 Corinthians 5:17

New International Version

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: [a] The old has gone, the new is here!

The old you, the one who loved sin and hated God is no longer there. You have been given a new heart: a heart that is frustrated with sin, a heart that loves God, and a heart that desires to be more like Christ. When we place our faith in Christ, God removes our old selves and replaces it with His righteousness. While we will continue to fall short of His holiness, He continues to redeem us and walk with us, continually making us into a new creation.

Our salvation is beyond amazing. Jesus truly does it all! He forgives us, He gives us a new heart, He changes us, He loves us when we fail, He is patient with us, He protects us, and He comforts us. He is an amazing Savior. He is our Shame Breaker.

May 20, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"The Lord is with You”

Judges 6:12

New International Version

12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

God promised to be with Gideon, and He promises the same for us. He is with us to give us strength when we feel weary, to give us wisdom when we do not know what we should do. He is close so we can cry out to Him, praise Him, and express our confusion. He is always there, always ready to help and always ready to comfort.

May 19, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Shame Breaker"

Ephesians 1:7-8

New International Version

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,

There is no one who is righteous. Some of our sins may be more hidden, like lust, covetousness, evil thoughts, or a discontented heart. Perhaps some of our sins are more noticeable like gossip, lying, or hateful speech. There are some sins that do not seem to affect anyone, and there are sins that devastate others. It does not matter what the sin is, all of them deserve death.

God gave us grace instead. Because He is a generous God, He poured grace upon grace on us and forgives us of all our sins. The small and the large, the hidden and the ones that are visible. We are forgiven because of Jesus. We have full, complete redemption through Christ. He forgives all our offenses, covering us with His immeasurable grace.

When shame seeks to destroy us, we can believe our Shame Breaker, who not only sets us free from sin, but from shame and guilt as well. We are freed from death and shame and suffering because of His sacrifice. Praise be to God.

May 18, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Is Always at Work"

Jeremiah 31:3-4

New International Version

3 The Lord appeared to us in the past,[a] saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 4 I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrel and go out to dance with the joyful.

Naomi had a past filled with loss. Her past was hard; her husband and her sons died at a young age and she was left alone. Her life, once full, was empty. She returned to her hometown with Ruth, her daughter-in-law and only companion. Jeremiah’s words remind us that even when we feel far from God, when it feels as if He has abandoned us or allowed harm to befall us, He is still working. He is always loving us, always seeking our hearts in an effort to bring us back to Himself. He is a God who restores, rebuilds, and redeems, no matter our circumstances. God is always at work, especially in the lives of believers, using events, people, losses, failures, and other hardships for their good. Even though it took her some time to see it, God showered Naomi with His goodness. His grace covered her shame, redeeming her life and giving her more than she could have imagined.

May 17, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"In Jesus We Are More Than Enough"

Psalm 103:7-9

New International Version

7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

Who knows our limitations? Who knows our strengths and our weaknesses? God knows all these things more deeply than we can ever comprehend. Not only is His knowledge of us deep, He has also promised He will never leave us, and He will give us the strength we need to do His will.

We can rest assured He will be with us to help and guide us, to give us strength and wisdom, and to comfort us and to give us joy. We do not need to feel the shame of not being enough because in Jesus we are more than enough.

May 16, 2024

Daily Devotion:

“Fear Not"

Isaiah 54:4

New Living Translation

Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood.

It is okay to cry for that which you longed to have but have not yet received. For some it may be the life you planned, or maybe it is a longing for a home full of children or a friend to know the Lord. It is okay to cry for these things. But even in our longing, we can rejoice and praise the Lord for what He has given us. This life is hard. It is filled with disappointment, loss, hardship, and sadness. But our God is the God who redeems. He redeems our disappointments and our shame. There will come a day when all will be made right, when the faithful will be rewarded, when God’s children will be covered in a blanket of peace and rest. Our shame will not win in the end. We serve a God who redeems.

May 15, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Trust His Character"

Genesis 16:1-2

New International Version

16 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 2 so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”

When we are overwhelmed by shame, it can cause us to lose faith in God’s promises. When we desire something from God (a spouse, a child, a job, a healthy body) and we don’t see Him answer, we can quickly grow discouraged and afraid He will never give us what we desperately want. Instead of letting shame or fear take control, let’s choose to believe God’s promises. He may not have promised to give us exactly what we’re asking for, but He has promised He will be with us, He will provide for us, and He will comfort us in all of our affliction. We can trust His character.

May 14, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Our Debt was Paid"

Psalm 103:12-13

New International Version

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Do you ever struggle with believing that God has truly forgiven you? Perhaps you struggle to believe that God does not hold past sins over your head. Thankfully, God addresses this in Psalm 103. When God forgives us, it is as if those sins are as far away from us as the east is from the west. It is not that God is suddenly forgetful, but He does not hold those sins against us. He died for us, His wrath was satisfied, and our debt was paid—permanently. God will not hold those sins out in front of us and demand payment.

May 13, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Way Back Through Jesus"

John 10:10

New International Version

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

With sin comes shame. Shame makes us feel bad about ourselves. It makes us want to cover our mistakes, which often leads to us engaging in more sin. The worst part is that the shame of sin often keeps us from God. We do not pray as much, we do not read His Word like we should, we do not repent, and maybe, we even ignore gathering with other believers. Shame is strong. There are days when it can feel as though we will never escape its clutches. When you feel the crushing weight of shame, remember: God is stronger. He has prepared a way back through Jesus and is ready to welcome you home.

May 12, 2024

Daily Devotion:

“Praise His Holy Name Forever”

 Psalm 145:2-3

New International Version

2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise his greatness no one can fathom.

What has God done for you? In what specific ways have you seen His faithfulness? Praise Him for these things. Believe He will continue to show His faithfulness to you in the future. As we conclude our study, remember that lament is a practice. It is something we will continue to develop and discover throughout our lives of faith. Pouring out our hearts to God is an act of faith. Trusting Him turns our eyes back to His power and loving character. And declaring His praise is how we set our hearts at rest, believing that no matter what we face on earth, nothing can compare to the glory that is to come when we are with Him in eternity. Let all who live praise His holy name forever!

May 11, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Nothing Can Separate Us"

Romans 8:38-39

New International Version

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Seasons of pain will come and go throughout our lives. When we arm ourselves with truth, we can proclaim our trust in God as we lament in these difficult seasons. Without trust, our lament is hopeless. Without believing that our God is for us, the pain can be debilitating. But when we are convinced that nothing can separate us from His love, our lament becomes praise. Our declarations of trust bring glory to God no matter how dark or desperate our circumstances are.

May 10, 2024

Daily Devotion:

“More Than Conquerors”

Romans 8:31

New International Version

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

In seasons of darkness, pain, loss, grief, oppression, and sickness it can be easy to lose our hope. It can be easy to choose not to trust God but to trust instead in ourselves or in earthly comforts. But God is the only One who has given everything for us. If you are in Christ, He is never against you, even when it may feel that way. He is always present. His Holy Spirit is always praying for you. He is always working for your good. He is continually conforming you to the likeness of Christ. He has justified you, and nothing can change that. And Christ Himself continually interceding on your behalf. He is for you.

May 09, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Spiritual Battle"

Lamentations 2:11

New International Version

11 My eyes fail from weeping I am in torment within; my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city.

We are in a spiritual battle every single day. By God’s grace, those who are in Jesus Christ get to fight on His victorious side for all things good, while the devil and his army attack and steal and destroy. We get to participate in this battle and stand firm in our faith by activating every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms available to us in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)

Don’t forget or ignore this battle. It is the battle of life and death. We may not see the consequences right away, and hopefully, we will never see the horrendous scenes, but we need to stay alert, ready to fight the devil and the sin of the flesh, stand firm in our faith, and walk humbly with our God.

You are not alone in this. Stay faithful, walk in obedience, and remember what you know to be true, no matter your circumstances. Repent daily, love God deeply, and stay rooted in His Word.

May 08, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"The Beginning of Knowledge"

Proverbs 1:7

New International Version

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools[a] despise wisdom and instruction.

Our God is just and holy. He cannot and will not tolerate sin. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” says Proverbs 1:7. God “burns with anger”. But those who follow and trust in Him can live with confidence that He does see their suffering, He is near, and He will comfort them with His love.

The passage we are studying today can teach us two main things. First, what happens to those who do not put their trust in the Lord Jesus but walk in their own path of darkness. Second, it should give us great confidence to stand up and tell others about His great love, so they, too, can experience the abundance, freedom, and life He offers through salvation!

May 07, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"One Heart, One Mind"

Acts 4:32

New International Version

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

Another reason the early Christians didn’t consider their possessions to be their own was that they realized that we use our possessions only for a short time. What we possess now must be viewed from the perspective of our eternal glory of heaven. Our lives here and now are only a short step in our unending journey. Everything comes from God, and he has even better things, even more valuable things, in store for us. Heaven awaits. This fact teaches us to place the right amount of value on what God has given us to use here on earth.

May 06, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God's Unfailing Love"

Psalm 13:5

New International Version

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

God character never changes and His love for you, His child, runs deep. If you are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation for you (Romans 8:1). When you experience a season of suffering, injustice, or pain, don’t avoid talking to God because you don’t know how to voice some of your questions. Pray to Him as you would talk to a loving Father, use His words if you need to, and believe He will remain faithful. Go to Him today in freedom, knowing you can tell the Lord of your unspeakable pain and trust Him for all He is and all He has done at the very same time.

May 05, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"The Heart That Rejoices"

Psalm 13:5

New International Version

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

What will our response be? What will your response be? And how will we respond in the face of inevitable suffering? Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).

His character never changes and His love for you, His child, runs deep. If you are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation for you (Romans 8:1). When you experience a season of suffering, injustice, or pain, don’t avoid talking to God because you don’t know how to voice some of your questions. Pray to Him as you would talk to a loving Father.

May 04,2024

Daily Devotion:

"A Heart Seeking Truth"

Psalm 51:17

New International Version

17 My sacrifice, O God, is[a] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

We can all feel like our heart is broken at times. These are the moments when the book of Psalms becomes a great comfort to us, offering us a language for our own pain and brokenness. Whether it’s a form of injustice we experienced personally, continuous suffering we see happening on the other side of the world, or lament over our own sin, we can feel broken and humbled to the point of hopelessness. But Psalm 51 reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus when we submit our requests and hearts to the Lord. Christ never promised an easy life but He does promise His presence and help as we walk through trials. God will never reject a heart seeking truth, a humble spirit looking for answers, and a repentant heart in need of forgiveness.

May 03, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Is Our Strength"

Psalm 22:19

New International Version

19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

When the people around us watch us go through times of great pain and suffering and see we are not crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8-10), perhaps God will use our life and faith as an example to them, drawing them to Himself as they desire to know the source of our strength.

May we remain faithful and hopeful even in the direst of circumstances. May we always remember our precious Savior on the cross who turned to the Psalms for comfort in the midst of the most excruciating pain and agony. And may we follow His example and turn to His Words in our own pain, suffering, and questioning.

May 02, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Good and Compassionate God"

Psalm 10:1

New International Version

1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

God is always moving, always working, and never far away. In Exodus 34:6 God describes Himself as, “The Lᴏʀᴅ, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness.” We need to remember this. We need to remember His character, all the things we know to be true, and all the wonderful things He has done, not just in our own lives, but also in the lives of others throughout history and in the lives of those recorded in the Bible.

Reading God’s Word and taking time each day to study it in depth is not just a lovely habit of a Christian. It is the powerful habit of a warrior, like you who live in a broken world but trust a good, loving, and sovereign God. Let’s learn to practice through all the times we feel as if the Lord is silent and far off, trusting all the while what we know to be true: He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loyal love and faithfulness.

May 01, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Take Steps of Faith"

1 Corinthians 12:12

(ESV)

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

God designed you to be a beautiful member of the body of Christ. Without you and your unique gifts, the body of Christ will not function to its fullest potential.

Take time today to list the gifts God has given you and, in prayer, ask Him to reveal where and how He wants you to serve Him with those gifts. Then, be alert to the unique opportunities God provides as you take steps of faith to serve, lead, teach, encourage, and love His people in the way He uniquely designed for you to do.

April 30, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"United in Christ"

Galatians 3:28

New International Version

28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jesus loves you, not because of what you have or what you can offer, but because you are a daughter of God. You are chosen. You are known. You are not a mistake, a failure, or an inconvenience. When you have placed your faith in Christ, you are welcomed fully into the family of God.

All believers are one in Christ, and no one is excluded from the opportunity to accept Him as their Savior. As you seek to encourage others in the body of Christ with your unique gifts, remember that in Christ, we are all welcomed and accepted. His sacrifice breaks down walls the world sets up. All are one in Christ Jesus.

April 29, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"The Lord Will Fulfill His Promises"

Luke 1:45

New International Version

45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

How firm is your faith when the desires of your heart are unmet? What about when your prayers seem to be unanswered for longer than you imagined? When we’re in the middle of barren places, it can feel impossible to imagine that one day our prayers may still be answered. We may never see all the places God is at work.

We may never understand why we’ve had to wait for an answer. But we can choose to remain steadfast in our faith. We can look back at all God has done and praise Him for His faithfulness. When we remember God’s faithfulness and praise Him for His goodness, we set our hope on His ability and willingness to act on our behalf. In Him, nothing is impossible.

April 28, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Hears Our Cries"

Genesis 30:22-24

New International Version

22 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” 24 She named him Joseph, [a] and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.”

God hears our cries, too. Even when we think our way or our timing is best. Even when we act out of fear instead of faith. God has a purpose for our lives, and our attempts at shortcuts and detours will not derail what He has planned. Let us humble ourselves under the hand of the One who hears our cries, handing all our worries over to Him, trusting in His timing and His answer.

April 27, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Is Honored by Our Sacrifice"

Mark 12:43-44

New International Version

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

The widow gave God everything. When we love God greatly we can give Him everything, too. We can honor God by giving Him the best of our time, the best of our talents, and all of our worship and praise. Where we feel small and insignificant but still choose to serve God, He is glorified. While there are many ways to give and serve God, such as volunteering our time or talent, God does ask us to give financially. The widow’s offering shows us that no matter how much we’re able to give, God is honored by our sacrifice. When we give to His kingdom, no matter the amount, we glorify Him and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. Jesus doesn’t care how much you have to give. He cares that you give all you have to Him, joyfully and generously with your whole heart. Like the widow, when we give what we are able to give to the Lord, we can be sure that He sees our gift and will use it for His glory. What you give to the Lord will never be wasted.

April 26, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"He Is Worthy of Great Honor"

Exodus 15:20-21

New Century Version

20 Then Aaron’s sister Miriam, a prophetess, took a tambourine in her hand. All the women followed her, playing tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam told them: “Sing to the Lord, because he is worthy of great honor; he has thrown the horse and its rid into the sea.”

You have a front row seat to the great works God is doing in your life and the lives of your loved ones. When others testify about God’s character and His power, join in! When others lead well and honor God with their gifts, use the gifts God has given you to do the same. Be an example of a life of continual praise to our great God by praising Him not only for what He has done but also for what He will do and, ultimately, for who He is.

April 23, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"The Deeds of the Lord"

Psalms 77:10-11

New International Version

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

The Psalmist in our reading today reminds us that even when we feel like all is lost—even when we feel beyond repair, heartbroken, and deeply wounded by the sin in and around us—we can still remember all the wonderful deeds of the Lord. Actually, we are encouraged to do so. It is important that we remember what God has done in the past because we know He is faithful; if He has done it before, He will do it again. We can remember only if we have stored this knowledge in our minds and hearts first. This is why daily reading God’s Word is such an important discipline in the life of a Christian.

We can lament in faith, knowing that our God never leaves us nor forsakes us, confident that He remains faithful and sovereign over all.

April 22, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Conflicts into Blessings"

Genesis 28:3-4

New International Version

3 May God Almighty[a] bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples. 4 May he give you and your descendants the blessing given to Abraham, so that you may take possession of the land where you now reside as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.”

Even though we sin, God can use us. He can turn our conflicts into blessings and bring peace to shattered relationships. He can redeem and work for good through any act of sin, no matter how grievous it is. He is in the business of restoration. He is in the business of using broken people. The Bible truthfully records even the failures of the “heroes of the faith” so that we can see the merciful character of God. He redeems, restores, and rebuilds even the most shattered of hearts, relationships, communities, and nations. We can trust Him.

April 21, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God's Discipline"

Galatians 6:7-9

New International Version

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

God’s blessing in our lives is two-fold: divine encounters and divine discipline. When God shows us our sin and allows us to repent, it is indeed a blessing. While it may not always feel pleasant or comfortable, God’s discipline is a gift.

May we continue to sow in the Spirit, and accept the discipline of our loving heavenly Father as we reap a harvest for His kingdom.

April 20, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Our Manumitter"

Genesis 32:28

New International Version

28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,[a] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.

It is incredibly gracious of God to rid us of our self-reliance. God will accomplish His purposes by His power alone. He does not need our help to fulfill His plans or keep His promises. No matter the plans we might create, God will make it clear that it is He alone who delivers us, He alone who saves.

April 19, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Choosing to Be at Peace"

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

New International Version

18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We need reconciliation. Because of sin, we need to be reconciled to God, yet there is nothing we can do to bring this about. It is God, by His incredible grace, who reconciles us to Himself. We are reconciled to God when we place our faith in Him. And because of His gift of reconciliation, we too can be reconciled to others. Choosing to be at peace with others is one of the ways we choose the things of God. For He has given us a great message to the world of forgiveness and reconciliation. It is not a normal, human response to conflict, yet, through the ministry of Christ, we can be reconciled to others, relying on God alone to do the work of redeeming even the most broken relationships.

April 18, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Choose Life in Him"

Deuteronomy 30:15-16

New International Version

15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

As we reflect on Jacob’s life, we find one central theme: choosing the things of God over the things of the world. God continually gave Jacob opportunities to choose the things of God and reject the desires of the flesh and the ways of the world. Sometimes, Jacob did choose the things of God. Other times, he turned to his own devices and worldly ways for his deliverance. But like Jacob, we are continually faced with these choices; it is a daily decision. Today, we can set aside idols, false gods, desires of the flesh, and self-reliance and instead choose to follow God, finding blessing, protection, and fulfilled promises in Him.

Every day we have the opportunity to choose the things of God over the things of the world. And no matter how many times we have chosen disobedience, we can still turn back to the God of promise and choose life in Him.

April 17, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Has in Store for You"

Luke 16:10-13

New Living Translation

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

We have no idea what God has planned for us. He may be preparing you now for great responsibilities in the future. He may be shaping your character to put you in a position of authority, whether in a career, in ministry, in your family, or in your church. May we choose to be faithful to Him no matter how small or insignificant our present task seems. We never know what He has in store!

April 16, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Unseen Realm Is Eternal"

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

The Passion Translation

We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.

When we are faithfully serving God, we will face persecution. Those in leadership or positions of authority can be certain that they will face opposition as God’s chosen leaders. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, nothing can nullify God’s purposes. No amount of opposition, persecution, hardship, or suffering can alter God’s plan. He protects His own, and His calling on your life cannot be altered.

April 15, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Blessed Is the One Who Perseveres"

James 1:12-13

New International Version

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

When we are not experiencing a time of testing, we must recognize that God has placed a unique calling on our lives as believers in Christ. We can successfully resist temptation if we have spent time preparing, growing in our faith and relationship with God and developing the conviction that all good things come from Him and not our own efforts. God is faithful to use trials and temptations in our lives as He prepares us for what He has planned. All blessing is from Him, and He is faithful to reward the obedience of His people in His perfect timing.

April 14, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Promise Keeper"

Genesis 46:2-4

New International Version

2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

God had previously appeared to Jacob in dreams at significant moments in his life: at Bethel, confirming His calling on Jacob’s life (Genesis 28:10–22), and in Paddan Aram, when God instructed him to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:1–3). And, once again, God appeared to Jacob in a dream to give him instructions and confirm His promises as he was on his way to Egypt. In Egypt, God would continue to build Jacob’s family into a great nation. He also promised to bring Jacob’s family out of Egypt and back into the land He promised to give them.

God may lead us to places we don’t expect or present us with circumstances we do not understand. In these moments, we can depend on the promise-keeping character of our God. He is the one who makes the promise, and He is the one who is faithful to keep it. May we cling to His promises and trust His timing and His character, no matter what.

April 13, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"A Gift Opens the Way - Wisdom"

Proverbs 18:15-17

New International Version

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. 16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. 17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

God ensured the survival of His chosen family through Joseph’s wisdom. Throughout his life, Joseph continually chose the things of God, acting in wisdom beyond his years. Even from the earliest recorded action regarding his father’s flocks, Joseph acted wisely. God used all of the circumstances in Joseph’s life to develop wisdom in him, His chosen leader. While tending his father’s flocks, managing Potiphar’s house, interpreting dreams, and saving a nation and his own family from extinction, Joseph displayed wisdom. Joseph spent his life seeking wisdom from God, and, when it mattered most, the wisdom he gained helped him save many lives.

Joseph would be a model for kings and leaders to come. His leadership was an example to the nation of Israel of how to lead with God’s wisdom. If God’s chosen people were to survive, their leaders needed to serve and lead with great wisdom.

Today, Joseph’s life still serves as an example for both those in positions of leadership and those submitting to their authority. Leaders must continually seek God’s wisdom and allow Him to direct their steps. Similarly, as God’s people, we must submit to the authorities God has appointed, whether national leaders like Pharaoh, or leaders in our local church. Those who lead with wisdom will indeed find blessing from God, and those who humble themselves before God’s chosen leaders will find life and peace.

April 12, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"He Has Specific Plans and Specific Future"

Psalm 139:16

New International Version

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Joseph received a double portion of blessing, as Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons as his own. The faithfulness of Joseph allowed him to be blessed abundantly by God. In the same way that sinful actions can disqualify people from leadership, God entrusts these positions to those who are praiseworthy and responsible. Even though these words were directed specifically to the sons and descendants of Jacob, we can find much encouragement and instruction in them. We are reminded of the way God knows our past, present, and future and of His intimate involvement in each.

God has specific plans and a specific future designed for each of us. Will we submit our lives, desires, and plans to God, trusting He has the perfect future prepared for us? As we seek to live lives that honor Him, may we begin each day by entrusting our future to the One who has known all our days before any of them came to be.

April 11, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"God Is Sovereign"

Genesis 50:19-20

New Living Translation

19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

In Joseph’s life, God used a great evil to bring about a great good. His brothers had thrown him into a well and sold him into slavery. He was persecuted and falsely accused, thrown into prison without a trial. Even in all this evil, God would bring about His good purpose. Joseph not only allowed God to direct his steps and use his life for His purposes, but He recognized the sovereignty of God in bringing about good from intended harm.

God’s sovereignty remains unchanged. While it may often seem that evil is triumphant in the world, God is always bringing about His good purposes. Nothing is beyond His reach. Nothing goes unnoticed by Him. As we endure an evil world, we can be confident that no matter the circumstances, God is sovereign and is always working out His good purposes for His kingdom, for His people, and for the world.

April 10, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"His Goodness Never Fails"

Habakkuk 1:2-4

New International Version

2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous so that justice is perverted.

The beauty of our faith in Christ is that we can live simultaneously in both; we can accept our pain and the brokenness around us and yet be joyful because we know what is and who is to come. When we acknowledge and accept the brokenness of our world, we are more poised to recognize the gravity of what Christ has done for us.

Habakkuk was a prophet in Israel. He presented his honest questions to God, wanting to know what God was doing and why. He was overwhelmed by the evil around him, and he wanted God to intervene.

Habakkuk cried to God for help, asking God why so much injustice and destruction was taking place around him. He knew the only person he could go to for help was the Lord.

April 09, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Trust The Timing"

Psalm 94:14-15

New International Version

14 For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. 15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

What we desire may be good, whether it be the demise of evil, peace in our nations, restoration of our relationships, or healing for our bodies, but it may not yet be His perfect timing. We may feel like God does not see the wickedness or pain around us; He does. He sees us today just like He saw the oppression the Jews faced in the first century. He is working.

The Psalmist reminds us that God is the one who gives us the knowledge of what is just. We would not recognize injustice if not for the wisdom He gives us. If God reveals to us what injustice is, can we not be confident that He, being perfectly just, will also deal with it rightly? God does not forsake or abandon His people—He intervenes. He helps. He soothes our worry. He protects and shelters us. He destroys the wicked. Let’s trust the timing, the justice, and the power of our God and wait expectantly for Him.

April 08, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Promises of God"

Luke 1:76-79

The Passion Translation

And to you I prophesy, my little son, you will be known as the prophet of the Most High. You will be a forerunner, going before the face of Lord YAHWEH, to prepare hearts to embrace his ways. You will preach to his people the revelation of salvation, the cancellation of all our sins, to bring us back to God. The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. The word from heaven will come to us with dazzling light to shine upon those who live in darkness, near death’s dark shadow. And he will illuminate the path that leads to the way of peace.”

What was promised will surely be fulfilled. Zechariah stopped and praised God when John was born. He saw God’s mighty hand, and He praised Him. When we see God moving in our lives, even if it is not the exact result or outcome we had hoped for, may we be people who will stop and praise Him for what He is doing and how He is working. For He is always with us, and He is always restoring.

April 07, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"The One Who Makes a Way"

Isaiah 35:9-10

New International Version

9 No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there 10 and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Our God is all-powerful. He strengthens His people, and He avenges those who have been wronged. He makes the deaf hear, the blind see, and the lame leap. Our God brings water to a barren wasteland and creates a way for His people to return. He delivers from bondage, He ransoms His people. Our God crowns them with joy and overwhelms them with happiness.

You may not be in a season marked by overwhelming joy. But no matter what, the character of God remains the same. He is still the God who restores, fulfills promises, and crowns you with joy and happiness. You can trust Him, no matter what, we do not need to fear, cower, or hide when we face suffering. By God’s grace, we can live joyfully even in the midst of pain. We can proclaim His goodness even when our world seems to fall apart.

As you conclude your time in God’s Word today, ask Him to fill you with renewed joy. He is with you in whatever you are facing, and He knows exactly what comfort you need. Turn to Him. Seek Him. Ask Him. He is the One who makes a way, and He is making a way for you today. Let Him overwhelm you with joy in this season of waiting.

April 06, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Praise Him Even More"

Psalm 113 :1-2

New International Version

1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. 2 Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.

This psalm was recited by generations of Israelites, reminding and exhorting them to praise the Lord in all circumstances. He is worthy of praise, He is exalted, and nothing can compare to Him. He sits on high, but He bends down to look at the earth, to care for His people. He lifts the poor from the dirt and puts them in places of honor. He turns barrenness to fruitfulness. God is worthy of praise. Whether or not we’ve seen God answer prayers in miraculous ways like Hannah did, or we’re still waiting for God to answer, He is worthy of praise. He pays attention to us, His people. The Redeemer we are waiting on. While we wait, we praise His character, faithfulness, and love.

We praise Him for what He has already done in our lives and rejoice that one day, when all His promises are completely fulfilled, we will praise Him even more.

April 05, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"From Generation to Generation"

Luke 1:46-50

New International Version

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Today, we are still waiting on the coming of the Lord. We still find ourselves in a world with arrogant, prideful people, a world of suffering, war, loss, death, and pain. But even in this, we have joy! We have joy because we know what is coming. We can rest and rejoice in all He has done and all He will do, and we can trust Him to provide what we need. He manifests in the flesh to die for us, and to rescue us from sin and death. And, when He returns, He will reign as King, establishing His justice and removing pain and brokenness from the world once and for all. May our souls exalt the Lord!

April 04, 2024

Daily Devotion:

“He Will Fulfill His Purposes"

Luke 1:25

New International Version

25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

We will see over and over again the deity and humanity of Christ and the way He fulfilled His purposes to bring eternal redemption to His people. And as we do, we will also see how He never overlooks us, even in our darkest, most desperate moments. He goes out of His way to heal, redeem, and restore. As we get to know Jesus better through this study, let’s be expectant of the ways He will show His redeeming and restoring power, even in our own lives and circumstances.

April 03, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Unwavering Faith"

Luke 1:68-71

The Passion Translation

“Praise be to the exalted Lord God of Israel, for he has seen us through eyes of grace, and he comes as our Hero-God to set us free! He appears to us as a mighty Savior, a trumpet of redemption from the house of David, his servant, just as he promised long ago by the words of his holy prophets. They prophesied he would come one day and save us from every one of our enemies and from the power of those who hate us.

We will never be fully free from longings, mistakes, disgrace, or unbelief until we are in heaven But what we see beautifully displayed in Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s lives is the way God not only redeems all these things but also uses them for His glory. Their community knew they had been unable to have a child, and they knew Zechariah had been disciplined for his unbelief. When they saw God’s mercy on this family, they all rejoiced.

God undoubtedly saw Zechariah and Elizabeth in their years of pain and longing. He was merciful despite their mistakes and used both to encourage their community and make His name great. He is the same God today. What might He be working to restore in your life, even in your longing or momentary unbelief?

April 02, 2024

Daily Devotion:

"Our Salvation"

Luke 4:18-19

New International Version

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[a]

The salvation we are given in Christ is astounding. He offers us Good News. He will release us from all bondage, whether spiritual or physical, some of it now, but all of it in heaven. He gives sight to the blind, both the physically and spiritually blind. And He offers freedom to the oppressed—those under physical, systemic, or emotional oppression and those under spiritual oppression from sin. The time of God’s favor is upon us. Jesus has brought full and complete salvation to all those who believe in Him.

We are not limited by our standing, as we proclaim Christ to the world, we must also remember that His salvation extends even to those we may call our enemies. May we proclaim Christ with the same love and generosity He offered us when we were still His enemy.