Day 1 - Adam

Genesis 2:15- "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

As we start the new year, our thoughts naturally turn to all of the things that we hope to accomplish in the coming months: goals we have set, weight we hope to lose, money we hope to make. Our society is built upon the idea that every person should work and be able to build a life for himself or herself through his or her hard work. But imagine a different story, a tale in which work isn't a means to an end but is an end to
itself. Even in a perfect world, God created man to work- to enjoy his work and find fulfillment in it. We are meant, by our very design, to bring God glory in our work, whatever work that may be. This is why Paul commands the Colossians to "do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17). When was the last time you gave thanks to God FOR your job? When is the last time you gave thanks to God THROUGH your job by trying to be the best worker you can be, no matter what that work is? Whether you own your own business, work for the government, are a student, or work for a local supermarket, remember that it is more than a job, that you are created to glorify God through that job and by the job you do there. It will change the way you look at going to work each day! -JR

Day 2 - Noah

"By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."- Hebrews 11:7

Noah was the illustration of faith, righteousness, and favor. Genesis says "Noah walked with God. That he was blameless in his generation, a righteous man." The reason he found favor was because of his walk. It should be our goal to pursue righteousness and favor with God by walking with Him daily. When we're doing that, it blesses the Lord. It pleases God to see us walk by faith...to make decisions based on our relationship with Him. Noah was called to action. He demonstrated his first act of obedience when he picked up the ax and hacked down the first tree. Like Noah, he calls us to action for His service. Notice what is says in verse 7. "For the saving of his household". It should be the cry of our hearts and our driving force to fight for the salvation of our households. We can provide every worldly need for our family, such as hitting lessons, hunting trips, nice clothes, you fill in the blank. All this is useless without us providing and pointing our family to Jesus. Today, let me encourage you.....Evaluate your walk, pursue righteousness and favor. He just might be calling you to build an ark for your household. May God bless you and your family today! -CB

Day 3 - Job

Job was a wealthy man, a righteous man, a faithful man, and a blessed man. He had strong conviction’s and commitments to please God. David may have been described as “a man after Gods own heart”, but Job has to be one of the most faithful men in the Bible, described by God as “perfect in his ways.” He was living the best blessed life, when it was all taken from him. He was human, all the emotions of depression, sorrow, loss, fear, confusion along with the physical ailments also, yet he held to that he had done what was required of him and that God still had control, even when he questioned him. “Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.”- Job13:15

There are things we suffer in life sometimes we don’t understand so I’ll leave you with this. Romans 5:3 says “... knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” We grow through our trials, even when we don’t understand them. We can trust the Lord, as did Job, and our hope grows stronger. -JK

Day 4 - Abraham

Genesis 12:1-2- "The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 'I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'"

Have you ever had your plans changed completely? You had something that you were planning on doing or somewhere you were planning on going, and through no fault of your own, your day changed completely? Maybe your plans were bigger, more far-reaching. You had plans to marry someone or move somewhere. You wanted to go to a certain college or get a certain promotion at work, and then poof, everything was taken from you. What was your reaction to that change? Did it make you angry? Did you fight back to try and keep your original plans?

No one likes feeling like their life is out of their control, but as a follower of Christ, that is exactly the type of life we are called to live, a life in which we are not God, but we submit to God, whatever His choices for our life are. That is why Abraham is considered among the righteous in Scripture. When God told Him to pick up and leave his family's homestead, he did. When God told him he would have children, he believed it. When God told him that child would be taken away from him, he humbly obeyed. The reason that Abraham was able to live this way is because he knew his purpose. He knew that God was not created to serve him and give him all the desires of his heart, but the opposite was true. As we all are, he was created to serve God, and whatever route that took him down in life, he was okay with it. He echoed Jesus' words that predicated his path to the cross, "Not my will, but Your will must be done" (Luke 22:42).

Our growth in Christ is, at its core, a gradual realization and acceptance of our ultimate purpose. And when we give ourselves over to that, our attitude changes. And when our attitude is right, God will always build our lives to His world-changing ends. -JR

Day 5 - Moses 

Exodus 32:11-14- But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14 And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.

The book of Exodus tells us the story of Moses. He was rescued from certain death as an infant and raised in the house of the Pharaoh in Egypt even though he was Hebrew. God wanted to use Moses as a young man to deliver the people of Israel from Egypt. But as a young man, Moses was hot-tempered and confrontational. God knew Moses would need great patience to lead the children of Israel, so He waited until Moses was older and more humble and patient. When God knew Moses had developed this patience He sent him back to Egypt to lead His people.

In this passage of Exodus, God is frustrated with the Israelites disobedience and He tells Moses that He is going to destroy them, but Moses, in his patience, intervened on their behalf and convinced God not to destroy them. Had Moses been leading the Israelites when he was younger and less patient, he would have gladly given them over to death!

God knows when we are ready to complete the tasks in which He has called and equipped us. We must trust in His timing. Do we have the patience to complete the calling God has placed on our lives? Are we in a season of waiting? We know God has called and equipped us, but at times we are unsure of what God is doing next. It could be that God is building patience into our lives. Let’s trust God and seek to be patient in our waiting seasons. -RT

Day 6 - Joshua

Joshua 1 (especially v. 9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”)

Several years ago, a friend of mine had an accident at his house that, ultimately, left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a moment, his entire life changed completely, and his family had to learn to live a completely different way of life. Over the next several years before his eventual death, we had several conversations about the accident and why it happened. He and his family showed incredible courage in piecing their life back together and relied on God to give them the strength to do so. In all of the new challenges his family had to face, however, my friend said that the greatest challenge was discouragement. Every day, he had to find the courage to not be dis-couraged.

Think about that idea for a moment. When God told Joshua that he was going to take over the leadership of Israel and follow in the footsteps of MOSES of all people, his first reaction was to lose his courage. How in the world could he face a task that large and be successful in it? For my friend, how could he face a task so life-changing and be successful with it? In both cases, the challenge seemed impossible, the task too large. How could God expect that of them? But for Joshua and for my friend, God's immediate message to them was the same. Don't lose heart. Don't get sad and depressed and think that you can't do what I am setting before you because I am with you at all times. On your own, yes it is impossible to accomplish this feat, but with My help and My presence, you can do it. And God didn't just tell this to Joshua (or to my friend) once and then expect that to be enough. Again and again and again, God repeated His message of assurance, and it was up to these men to believe it.

In the end, courage is really about faith. Do we believe God is God, that Jesus is who He claimed to be? If so, we can rest in that and know that whatever may come, we can meet it head on and without fear or dis-couragement. If you are facing something that seems impossible today, take heart and have courage. You are not expected to finish it alone. -JR

Day 7 - Rehab 

Joshua 2:9-12- and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction.[a] 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.12 Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign.

Rahab was a pagan, a Canaanite, and a prostitute. You would assume that she would never be interested in God, yet she was willing to risk everything she had for a God she barely knew. Isn’t it amazing the people that God uses? It also teaches us that we must not gauge a person’s interest in God by his or her background, lifestyle, or appearance. Rahab recognized something that many of the Israelites did not – The God of heaven is not an ordinary God, He is all powerful. Do we as believers have this same belief in who God that Rahab, the Pagan, had? Do we believe and trust in him with our lives and recognize that he is the one true God?

Prayer for today- Lord, you are a powerful, miracle working God. Help me to believe and trust in you as Rahab trusted you. Help me to trust you with my life and everything in it. Holy Spirit take authority over my flesh and soul. Let me have spiritual ears to hear and eyes to see the things of God. Help me to glorify and honor you in everything that I do. Lord, your will be done in my life and not my own. Thank you for your goodness over my life and may I never take you for granted. I love you Lord! Amen. -EP

Day 8 - Gideon

Judges 6:17 “And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign that thou talkest with me.”

Having 8 sides, a red background, and the word STOP in bold white letters, the STOP sign is universally recognizable. Signs are used to convey information in a clear & concise way.

Gideon sought a sign, confirming the identity of the Angel of the Lord. After preparing an offering, the angel instructed Gideon to place his offering on a rock. When Gideon witnessed fire rise out of the rock and consume the offering, he was convinced. A few days later, God instructed Gideon to gather men to fight the Midianites. Gideon requested a sign twice more. He asked for dry ground and a wet fleece, then for wet ground and a dry fleece. Again God provided confirmation.

If you need confirmation in an area in your life, boldly take your request to the Father. God knows when the odds are against us. His faithfulness will always cover the call to action He places on us. -BS

Day 9 - Samson 

Judges 13-16 (click to read the scripture)

In the book of Judges, we read about a man named Samson. When we hear the name we usually think of the super human strength that God granted him in order to battle the enemies of Israel. But when we dig deeper into the life of Samson, we find a man who was blessed by God, but yet continually made prideful, selfish decisions.

In Judges chapter 13, the Angel told Samsons parents that he would be a Nazarite from his birth, which meant he wouldn’t cut his hair, he wouldn’t drink wine, and he wouldn’t touch anything that was dead. Throughout Samson’s life he violated each of these directives by taking on pagan wives, drinking , and having contact with dead animals, and finally having his hair cut by an evil woman. Because Samson had always been blessed, his pride made him think the ere would be no consequences for his actions. There are always consequences for sin!

No matter if we are talking about Samson, or if we are looking into our daily lives, we must recognize our blessings and live in obedience to what God has called us to do. Our pride will lead us to selfishness and obedience, but when we seek the Lord in humility, He will direct our path -RT

Day 10 - Deborah

Judges 4 (click to read the Scripture)

Although many powerful women made an impact and found their way into the scriptures as an important part of biblical history, Deborah was the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. Deborah was chosen during a time of oppression of Israel. When we read Judges 4, we can see the leadership qualities that
Deborah exhibits. The scripture says she sat under the palm tree and the people would come to her to settle their disputes. In a time where her people were not safe from the enemy, she calls for Barak(her military leader) to go into battle. Deborah depended on God to help her judge with wisdom and follow the plans placed before her. When Barak said he would only go fight if she went with them, she did not hesitate to tell him she would gladly go. This example of Deborah’s leadership shows us the amount of respect and trust her people had for her. Barak was a warrior. Deborah was a woman. Yet he wanted her by his side as they fought. Was it because she was a great warrior and would help them fight? The Bible gives us no indication of that, however, Deborah had a heart for God. God had given her instructions, and she believed in faith that He would deliver the enemy into their hands, and He did just that.

Many of you have a heart for God, but maybe you aren’t serving in a “leadership” position,
or you don’t feel like a leader. You may feel like a weaker vessel. You may feel like people never listen
to you or your opinions and thoughts do not matter. Or you may be the one that everyone runs to with
their troubles, and you get heavy under the weight of not only your own problems, but everyone else's. God uses us to do His work. Never be afraid to lead others with wisdom from the Lord. Count it a blessing if others seek advice from you and allow God to speak through you to lead others into peace or add calming reasoning to a situation. The fact is, we are all leading someone daily, whether in godly wisdom or in our actions. Someone is looking to you for guidance. Let’s take Deborah’s example of leadership and walk in peace, love, loyalty, respect, and be someone others want to take into battle because they know the Lord is on our side! -AT

Day 11 - David

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.”1 Samuel 16:13

You’ve probably applied for a job in the past. You may have applied for a job that was a little out of your reach. You may have worried that you didn’t “look the part.” Often times, our society values appearance over ability. The person that’s outgoing and funny over the quiet type that is more qualified. Those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy can become easily discouraged, even in serving God.

In our text today, God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new King of Israel. God will reveal the new King when he gets there. King Saul had forsaken the LORD and now was being replaced. Samuel is directed to the elders and the house of Jesse. Samuel sees Eliab, one of Jesse’s older sons, and thinks “surely this is the new King.” Samuel saw a physically fit, good-looking young man in his prime that fit the description of what he thought a King should look like. But God speaks to Samuel and tells him to not value the outward appearance, but cause He Himself values the heart. Samuel soon is directed to anoint the youngest son of Jesse, David, to be king. David did not look the part and did not fit the expectation of Samuel. However, Samuel anointed David with oil, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David.

Remember as you walk daily with the LORD that He is most concerned with spirit of your heart. God hasn’t chosen you to serve him because of how you look, your talent, or your personality. God wants to use you because of your attitude toward him. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you aren’t good enough. When God calls you and anoints you for His purpose, He will be with you from that day forward, just like He was with David. -MH

Day 12 - Solomon

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”1 Kings 3:5-9

Back in the “old days” we had these slips of paper that we wrote on to pay for things instead of using cash. We called these things “checks”. All of us who grew up in the paper generations always joked about being given a “blank check” so we could fill in an exorbitant amount of money to be paid— almost like being given Aladdin’s genie in a bottle.

If God comes to you and gives you a “blank check”... that he’ll give you anything you want, just ask, what would you ask for? Some of would be noble and ask for something to make the world a better place, like ending natural disasters or cancer. Some would ask to never grow old. Some may ask to always have enough in their bank accounts to buy whatever they wanted (yes, I’ve put some thought into that one).

Solomon, when given God’s blank check, wrote in “discernment”on the payment line. Solomon knew that if he were to be an effective king, he would need the ability to make wise decisions. He would need to be able to tell the difference between good and evil. Solomon asked God for what he needed. God was so impressed with Solomon’s request that He made Solomon the wisest person in history. Not only was Solomon known as the wisest man in history, he was also one of the wealthiest. God blessed Solomon beyond measure.

Today, we need a discerning mind to be able to tell the difference between good and evil. AI-generated media, deep-fake images, and (at best) biased propaganda bombard us daily. It’s hard for us to know what is real and what is fake. In dealing with people, the moral decline of our society makes it more difficult to know who is genuine and who is a liar. Society’s attempt to define truth and cloud God’s truth makes it difficult for us to know right and wrong.

More than ever, it’s critical for us to desire discernment and the ability to recognize good and evil. May we be like Solomon and desire God’s wisdom so we can follow and worship Him as He desires. When we are in the right place with God, we are in a position to receive His blessing. -MH

Day 13 - Daniel

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel 6:10

Have you ever been in a lions’ den? For most of us, the answer is probably NO, but metaphorically, that might be a different story. What I’m really asking is this: Have you ever been in a situation where you felt trapped, without options or a way out? Have you ever felt betrayed by the people you trusted? Have you ever wondered if God is big enough to pull you out of that difficult thing you’re facing?

In Daniel 6, the entire nation of Judah was in captivity. These people probably often felt defeated, yet they clung to the hope and the promise of a coming Messiah to save them. In the midst of this, Daniel, a Judean, is working for King Darius and gains favor with him. The king positions Daniel for advancement, but this leads to jealousy from the king’s other administrators . They knew Daniel served the God of Israel, which was in direct opposition to what the king had commanded. So they convinced the king to put an ordinance in place that anyone who chose to worship another god would be thrown into the lions’ den (vv.6–9). But instead of worshipping in secret or putting his faith on the back burner, Daniel continued praying to God publicly, despite the decree.

This clash between faith and politics resulted in Daniel being thrown into the lions’ den, even though the king desperately tried to save him. Once inside the den, the king tells Daniel to call out to his God for help. You see, even Darius recognized that Daniel’s God was living and active, something he saw by observing Daniel’s faith. The next morning, the king comes to check on Daniel, only to find he’s miraculously unharmed.

No matter how dire things may look, there is NO situation created by man that God cannot change . There’s no principality, no power, no earthly ruler, or law greater than the one true God. The whole book of Daniel gives us constant reminders of God’s sovereignty. To this day, God is still a rescuer, deliverer, and miracle worker, even when circumstances are difficult.

So what are you having a hard time trusting God for? What is the seemingly impossible situation that you’re sitting in with no clear way out? The pressure may be on. You may not see a light at the end of the tunnel. But you can trust that the living God is in the den with you. And He has the ability to “shut the lions’ mouths” , whatever that may be in your life. -JL

Day 14 - Isaiah

Isaiah 6:5-9 So I Said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the alter. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away and your sin purged.” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and tell this people: Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.

In the previous verses Isaiah saw the Lord in a vision. He described the Lord as high and lifted up and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah is so overwhelmed from what he has seen to the point he cries out; Woe is me or in other words “wait just a minute!” Then Isaiah declares he is cut off and unclean in the midst of unclean people.

The thought comes to mind of being in the presence of the Lord. In the Old Testament, to be in the presence of the Lord meant that you would die. Instead of death, a seraphim flew down and cleansed Isaiah. His sins were atoned for. This symbolizes the life of a person today who has had an encounter with the Holy Spirit. We recognize our unworthiness and sinfulness and we proclaim that Jesus has saved us from our sins. But the Lord did not stop there. Isaiah hears the Lord say, “Whom shall I send and who will go for Us?” Isaiah’s response “Hear am I! Send me” should be the response of our hearts today. When we truly understand the holiness of God and that Jesus has cleansed us from all our sins we should be shouting “Here am I! Send me Lord!”

Pray today that the Spirit of the Lord will be strong in you and that you will be a willing vessel of the Lord this year! -KP

Day 15 - Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25-  Now the birth of Jesus Christ[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed[b] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

When describing a person, “just” refers to someone who is righteous, upright, virtuous, honest, and fair. Imagine Joseph, a young man whose life is turned upside down with the news that his wife to be is pregnant. Let’s take a look at Joseph and ask ourselves a few questions concerning todays scripture.

Joseph was loving. Scripture tells us Joseph was unwilling to put Mary to shame after learning of her pregnancy before they came to be together as husband and wife. When I suspect others of doing wrong, what is my immediate reaction? Do I exhibit love, patience and self-control or fly off the handle with a fit of anger? Do we try to do what's right by God's standards and what’s best for the person who has hurt us? This kind of love is never easy, but it is possible when we understand the love Christ has for us, even though we may wrong Him daily. John 13:34- “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Joseph was Obedient to God at his own expense. After receiving the Angel’s message Joseph would take Mary to be his wife. Imagine the looks, gossip and difficult conversations Joseph may have faced during this time. When we are faced with difficult decisions and uncomfortable situations let us be encouraged God has a plan in store for his glory and we are the vessel He has chosen to accomplish something great. 2Corinthians 4:17-18 “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Joseph was faithful. Verse 24 says when Joseph woke, “he did as the Angel of the Lord said.” In what seemed to be an unbelievable situation after hearing from God, Joseph put in to action what God had revealed to him. Take comfort in knowing we will never be left to “just figure it out”. Gods word will never come back void and the Holy Spirit is a promise to guide and comfort us even in the most troubling times. Joseph’s life of faithfulness had prepared him for God to use him to fulfill His plan of redemption for all mankind. Faithfulness does not begin when the hard times hit but is a conscience effort to strive daily to be Christ-like so when we face difficult times we will be prepared to respond in faith, obedience and love.

May we all be encouraged by Joseph, a just man living as a simple carpenter who God used in great way to accomplish His will.

Let’s pray this prayer: Heavenly Father, we asked that you fill us with your spirit. Help us to trust your plan even when we cannot see the direction You are leading. Help us to renew our commitment to You and Your word daily. Reveal something new to us daily in Your word and give us the boldness act in faith to Your leading. Thank you for Josephs example and for your perfect Son Jesus Christ. Amen. -TC

Day 16 - Mary

Luke 1:26-38 (click to read the Scripture)

Has God ever asked you to do something that seemed impossible? Maybe He told you to forgive someone who deeply hurt you and you just don’t know if you can do it. Or maybe He is guiding you to quit your job or move or make a big change in your lifestyle. It can be hard for us to say “yes” to God when we can’t see the whole picture, but He asks us to respond in obedience to His commands and trust in His good plans for us.

Mary is the perfect example of this kind of faith. When the angel came to tell her God’s plan, her response was one of faithful submission to God’s will. We often sing “Mary, Did You Know” at Christmas and wonder how much Mary knew about her role as the mother of Jesus. Did she really understand that her son was going to be the Savior of the world?

Mary knew. She was a devout Jewish woman who had been taught the Scriptures all her life. She knew the prophecy about a Messiah who would fulfill God’s promises to Abraham and David and she knew the baby she was carrying was the Son of God, the promised One who would do exactly that.

Mary’s obedience was not easy. People would know she was pregnant before she was married. They would talk and there would be rumors about her reputation. She likely worried about what Joseph would do and say when he found out. She probably faced mean-spirited people who said hurtful things to and about her. Her body went through changes as the Savior grew in her womb, and she likely faced the same worries and anxieties that all women have while carrying a child. Despite those things, Mary remained faithful. She trusted in God and His good plan.

The Advent Study, Just as He Promised: How the Birth of Jesus Proves God Keeps Every Promise He Makes by The Daily Grace Co., examined the faith of both Mary and Elizabeth, and it said: “These women knew the Word, and they were not surprised by its fulfillment or even the miraculous way God ordained it...Because their hearts and minds were saturated with God’s character, they rejoiced over His goodness in not only giving them the miraculous blessing of children but sending the long-awaited Savior.”

What especially stands out in that description is that “their hearts and minds were saturated with God’s character.” These women learned the Scriptures in the synagogue. They didn’t have their own copies of God’s Word. And yet, they knew it well enough that there is evidence that it transformed their lives. Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-55) is evidence that she was a woman who knew and believed the Word of God: it has similarities to the psalms of thanksgiving from the Old Testament, there’s an emphasis on God’s attributes, and it is a reminder of God’s covenant promises to Abraham. All of these things show that Mary knew who God was and believed that He would keep His promise to send the Messiah. She certainly never anticipated being part of that plan, but when God called her, she humbly but confidently said, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Unlike Mary, we don’t have to go to the synagogue to learn the Scriptures. We have our own, personal copies of God’s Word available anytime we want to read them, and yet many of us don’t know what God’s Word says. We fill our hearts and minds with other things instead of saturating ourselves with God’s Word. Are we “saturated with God’s character” enough to even recognize His voice? Are we confident enough in who He is to say yes to Him, no matter what He asks?

This year, may we become people “saturated with God’s character” and learn to rejoice in Him and His Word. Let us pray for the confidence and faith to say “yes” to God when He calls us into His service. -CW

Day 17 - Jesus 

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

As we just moved out of the Christmas season we are constantly reminded of how quickly it goes by. The anticipation and build up for Christmas morning especially with kids is so much fun but the focus is primarily on opening presents. As parents of course we want to give the best gifts, however there is certain to be one or several gifts opened that don’t get the reaction we intended. After a few short moments all the presents are opened and there is a lull in the day and a feeling of what now? I’m sure we can all resonate with that feeling.

Think about the best gift you could ever receive, the answer should be salvation. It is a gift that is given freely to us but it cost our God and our savior everything. It is a gift that should be cherished. As we read Luke 19:10 we see what Christ did to give us the gift of salvation. God sent His son Jesus to come down to earth not only to save us but to seek us out. Picture that, Jesus is seeking out those who are lost, He is LOOKING for you, He WANTS you. In the beginning verses of Luke 19 we read about Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector. He had heard about Jesus passing through and as the bible says he couldn’t see Jesus because he was short. That didn’t stop Zacchaeus from trying to get a glimpse of Jesus, he went and climbed a tree. This would have been completely out of character for a man who was dignified, but his desperation lead him to go to any length possible just to see Jesus. Is that our response to Jesus today? How desperate are we for a relationship with Jesus? Do we long to be with Jesus and to know Him?

We also see through this story that salvation is for everyone. Zacchaeus was a sinner, disliked by the Jewish people, but because of the transformation of his heart Zacchaeus was saved. If we have any doubt about our salvation or Jesus’ ability to save us because of what we have done, remember two things: to be saved there needs to be a changed heart inside of the belief, we will not be the same; and no one is too far gone to experience the love and presence of Jesus Christ and to receive the best gift ever given!! -MW

Day 18: Peter

“But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:24-32

We’ve read or heard this preached and we have a tendency to look at Peter’s failure. He took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. But I challenge you now to ask yourself if we are looking at the actual failure. Peter tells Jesus to command him to come out on the water, then he (Peter) steps out onto the water in faith. Did he get distracted by the winds and the waves, yes, but he also left a boat full of scared disciples. He stepped out of his comfort, the boat, onto a place where he knew he could not stand. He overcame an insurmountable level of fear, doubt, and his knowledge of what should happen. With one step, he does what others have never done. If you want to walk on the water, you have to get out of the boat! If you step out in faith, Jesus will be there with you. If you get distracted by life’s circumstances, you can call out and He will lift you up. He is faithful and never changing. Pray for discernment in God’s calling, and for the boldness and obedience to step into that calling. -MM

Day 19 - John the Baptist

“John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Luke 3:16 ESV

John the Baptist appears to be the stereotypical “eccentric” Old Testament type prophet. He lived in the wilderness. He wore clothes made of camel hair. He ate locusts and wild honey, (which evidently are nutrient- dense foods). And he was a straight-shooting, tell-it-like-it-is sort of guy.

John received the word of the Lord in the wilderness and then made it his life’s mission to preach repentance. He knew the messiah was coming. He knew God’s kingdom was imminent.

So, he preached repentance. This literally means “to turn.” John’s call was for Israel to turn their hearts back to God. John knew he couldn’t forgive sins. He knew he couldn’t grant eternal life. But he could call God’s people back to live in accordance with God’s standard. When his hearers would accept his message, John would baptize them in water. This was a public act to show the hearer had repented and turned back to God.

Some tried to make John the Messiah. He was quick to point out that Jesus was on a completely other level than him, and he was not worthy to even unbuckle Jesus’ sandals.

John’s mission was to preach repentance to soften hearts and so when Jesus came hearts would be willing and ready to hear him. In the same way, God can impress on our heart to share a message with someone who needs to hear it. It may not be the full gospel presentation, but a thought or challenge that will prepare a heart to receive and accept the gospel of salvation.

When these times come, we need the boldness of John to speak God’s message to anyone. We also need to point others to Jesus, just like John did. Remember, it’s all about Jesus! -MH

Day 20: John the Disciple

Revelation 1:9-11- I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

John was a disciple of Jesus and one of His closest friends. John referred to himself as “the disciple who Jesus loved.” It was John who Jesus left with the responsibility to see after His mother. In Revelation chapter 1, we read that John was given a message from the Lord for the churches that the disciples had started after the Great Commission. John was the last living disciple and gave a message of encouragement and warning from the Lord. Jesus had complete confidence in John’s willingness to deliver this important message and provide hope for generations to come. John lived a life of faithfulness. If Jesus was looking to leave a message of warning and hope to the world could he trust us to deliver this message with faithfulness? The truth is, Jesus is looking for those who are His disciples to continue spreading the good news of His saving grace and to give the warning that He is returning to take the believers home! Let’s be found faithful and willing to carry out this calling that God has for our lives! -RT

Day 21: James

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

James, a disciple and brother of Jesus, was helpful in providing an understanding of how faith is lived out in the christian life despite trials and tribulations. James went to great lengths to share the gospel even to his death. Doing more than just listening to Jesus, he took his words and lived it out.

When we look in the mirror each morning and what do we see, someone who just merely listens and goes about our daily lives watching from the sidelines, or do we become more like James and act out what we hear from scripture? We get in the game and make an impact in our lives, our families, and others in our community. We should be a doer! During these 21 days of prayer what are some ways God has shown us that we can become a doer of the word? It could be something like helping a neighbor in need, helping with needs at the church, or making an effort to tell someone about Jesus and the gospel message. Let’s not allow the doing to end with this 21 days of devotion. Let’s set out each day to understand God’s purpose for our lives and be ready to take action when we see the doors of opportunity open!

God bless you and thank you for participating in the 21 days of prayer! -MA