Zephaniah 3:5

The Lord is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails…

Jesus is a Savior worth having. Many people measure the value of something based on its reliability. Is it of good quality? Will it perform consistently? Can I trust it? If you have ever owned an old jalopy, you quickly come to appreciate the value of dependability!

We live in a shifting-sand world. A man’s word is no longer his bond. Contracts and legal clauses are required to seal the deal; mere handshakes no longer suffice. Promises seem made to be broken. Conflicting voices make guarantees they do not deliver. The ground beneath our feet can be unstable and insecure. Stories are slanted. Perspectives are perverted. Expectations are exhausted. Vows are violated.

If you are weary of the disappointment, consider the Rock (Deuteronomy 32:4). In Jesus, we find the stability, the solid ground beneath our feet. In Him, we live in a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Across the centuries, no person who ever put their trust in Him found themselves disappointed or without hope (Isaiah 49:23). He will not walk away. He will not turn His back (Hebrews 13:5). He is not fickle. He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is the tried and true, utterly reliable, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

We can take Him at His word. Heaven and earth will disappear, but His word will remain forever (Matthew 24:35). His promises to us are always “Yes” and “Amen” (II Corinthians 1:20). His amen is a “truly,” a “let it be so.” John the Revelator called Jesus the “Amen, the Faithful and True Witness” (Revelation 3:14). He is proven. We can trust Him.

Unwavering, secure, dependable, trustworthy – Jesus is a Savior worth having. We find shelter under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8). He holds us lovingly, safely in His hand, and nothing nor no one can snatch us away (John 10:28). We can count on His welcome, His smile, His good heart towards us. He never falters. He never fails.

Today’s Blessing: 

Jesus, my Rock and my Redeemer! Thank You for Your faithfulness through the generations. Teach me to be like You. Establish me in all Your ways. Let my words be true. Help me keep my promises. Help me to be a faithful spouse, a present parent, a dependable employee, a trustworthy friend. I trust in You. In Your name…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 30:1-31:54

New Testament 

Luke 4:1-30

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 63:1-11

Proverbs 11:20-21

https://www.jhm.org

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Jesus is a Savior worth having. When it comes to something worth having, people want to know its worth. What is its value and how can we determine it? Often, the worth of something is dependent on its rarity. How available is it? How many exist? Can it be duplicated?

If you travel to Paris to visit the Louvre Museum, you might wander into the gift shop where you can purchase a poster of the Mona Lisa. You will only spend a few dollars because thousands of reproductions have been printed. However, if you went to the curator of the museum and asked to place a price on the original painting, you might experience a serious case of sticker shock. Many experts estimate that the work of art is priceless.

Jesus Christ is an original, a treasure beyond measure. No one like Him graced the planet before, and until He returns to set His foot on the Mount of Olives, no one ever will again. Paul declared that there is only one God and one Mediator between God and men, and that is the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (I Timothy 2:5-6). Peter averred that there was no other means of salvation, that His was the only name by which we are saved. He passionately proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah (Matthew 16:16).

Our Savior cannot be duplicated. He is irreplaceable. There is no substitute or alternative. This is wonderful news! Oftentimes, if given a multitude of options, we choose unwisely; we make the wrong choice. Here, we find no margin for error. We can choose with confidence.

For every person that needs deliverance from sin…Jesus. For every person who needs the pain of the past erased…Jesus. For those who need the weight of guilt lifted off their shoulders…Jesus. For those who need the chains of bondage broken off of their lives…Jesus.

Only He can step into your yesterdays and erase the regrets. He is the only One who sets free. He is the Lamb for sinners slain! He is the cornerstone precious and elect! He is the One Who died in our place. He is the One Who conquered the grave and transformed it into the gateway to glory. He has been given the name above every name, and at that name every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He alone is Lord over all (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus is a Savior worth having!

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, what a priceless gift You have given us in Your Son, Jesus Christ! I gratefully acknowledge His uniqueness, the rarity of this salvation, the wonder of this mystery. May I give all to obtain this pearl of great price. In the precious name of Jesus…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 26:52-28:14

New Testament 

Luke 3:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 61:1-8

Proverbs 11:16-17

https://www.jhm.org

Acts 4:12

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

We live in a world that places a premium on options. We like having choices. In fact, we are convinced that the more options presented to us, the better able we are to make the best decision. Our culture is consumed with preferences and having it our way.

Think about ordering a simple breakfast. Coffee? Would you like that black, with sugar or creamer, decaffeinated? How would you like those eggs: hard-boiled, scrambled, poached, over easy, sunny side up? Toast: white, wheat, multigrain? Breakfast meat, anyone? Your choice: bacon, ham, sausage patties or links, or steak.

Every day, the average person makes dozens of decisions. Our society affords us the luxury of many choices. We are so addicted to choices that we are offended when options are not available. However, that privilege can be abused. We become so accustomed to options that we begin to create choices where none truly exist.

The Pew Research Center released a poll of thousands of Americans. When asked if there is more than one way to heaven, 80 percent of Americans said yes. Forty percent of those claimed to be church-going Christians. Eight out of 10, under the age of 25, claimed that multiple religions offered multiple ways to find eternal life. They also believe that neither Satan nor hell exists. God, however, is not sitting on the throne, scouring poll results, and making adjustments to His plans based on our preferences.

God, in His infinite grace and mercy, has offered us ONE option when it comes to salvation. The only choice is Jesus Christ. No viable alternatives exist. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). When it comes to salvation, there is no other option.

Jesus told the disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus did not speak on His own authority, but that of the Father (John 14:10). He did not create this claim or argument. God had already said in Isaiah 43:11, “I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior.” And again in Hosea 13:4, God says, “For there is no savior besides Me.”

No alternatives. No Plan B. No other options. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. He alone is the beloved Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus, to bring us salvation. Thank You for opening the door to eternity with You. I gratefully accept this priceless gift. May I live worthy of Your calling. In the name of Jesus…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 26:1-51

New Testament 

Luke 2:36-52

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 60:1-12

Proverbs 11:15

https://www.jhm.org

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Jesus longs for all of the members of His church, His body, to become one just like He and the Father are one. We have an enemy who is just as determined to wreak havoc on our unity with one another. In John 10:10, his goals are clearly stated. He has come to steal anything that pertains to life – our relationship with Jesus, our marriages, our prosperity, our health. He has come to kill – our dreams, our purpose, our children’s futures. He has come to destroy – our peace, our joy, our very lives. He exults in driving us away from God and away from one another.

He knows that if he can disrupt the unity in the body of Christ, he can staunch the flow of blessing in the church (Psalm 133:3). He knows that, if he can sow doubt and discouragement, he can set us against the one true Source of help. As long as he can divide us, he wins. However, if we ever unite, if we ever band together, if we ever decide that it will be God’s will and not our own, Satan can do nothing about it. He will stand helpless in the face of the church victorious. He is indeed a defeated foe.

You and I have the authority of God’s Word. We have the authority of His blood. We have the power to pull down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. These mighty weapons He has given empower us to wage supernatural war against the enemy who seeks to divide, isolate and overtake us. Jesus has come to lead us into abundant life.

We know better; let us do better. We know the Word of God; let us apply it. Until we are willing to seek unity, we will not accomplish it. Until we are willing to sacrifice for our brothers and sisters, we will not be joined as one. See what God can accomplish when we propose to stand together in unity. Let us join our hearts, our minds, and our hands. Here, His blessings will flow freely. Here, breakthrough comes. Here, peace, power and prosperity are poured out. It remains Jesus’ great desire – that we be one.

Today’s Blessing: 

Lord Jesus Christ, make us one today. Unite our families. Unite our churches. Unite Your kingdom. May we complement – and not compete with – one another. Command a blessing so that Your Spirit, Your power, and Your promises will be poured out on Your children. In Your mighty name…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 24:1-25:18

New Testament 

Luke 2:1-35

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 59:1-17

Proverbs 11:14

https://www.jhm.org

Acts 4:32

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul…

Solomon pulled no punches in the sixth chapter of Proverbs. He flatly declares that there are six things that the Lord hates, seven things that He loathes (Proverbs 6:16-19). Every single one of those detestable things inhibits walking together in unity.

God hates:

A proud look. Conceit, comparison, and competition are the enemies of unity.

A lying tongue. The words that proceed from our mouths come from our hearts (Matthew 15:18). If lies, deceit, manipulation, and exaggeration pour from our lips, there is no basis for trust, no foundation upon which to build relationship. Lying destroys unity.

Hands that shed innocent blood. A man raises his hand against his wife. A lone gunman walks into a crowded theater. Children are sold into slavery. Everywhere abuse occurs, where innocent lives are poured out, where blood is spilled, life is diminished and destroyed. Separation and disconnection — not unity — preside.

A heart that devises wicked plans. The Joker and Lex Luthor might come to mind when we think of wicked plans. While global domination may not figure into our future, any plan that leads us away from God’s plan— a secret tryst, an illicit social media post, a dishonest business transaction — is evil. Such scheming leads us away from unity.

Feet that are swift to run to evil. Moral depravity pulls at us from every side. No need to plan – how easily our feet slide down this slippery slope. Sin — evil — always leads to broken relationship with God and with those we love here on earth. Those who hurry to pursue their own wicked desires break off unity.

A false witness who speaks lies. In a specific context, someone who perpetrates untrue statements about another can lead to unfair judgments and imprisonment for the victim. In a broader sense, slander and gossip can initiate and perpetuate untruths against another that lead to ruin. Marriages break up. Partnerships dissolve. Reputations are destroyed. False witnesses inhibit freedom and sabotage unity.

One who sows discord among brothers and sisters. The very word “discord” indicates conflict, friction, hostility and disagreement. Most of us say, “Well, I would never!” But it only takes a small spark — one eye roll, one raised eyebrow, one pointing finger, one whispered accusation, one well-placed insult — to stir up a conflagration that rages for years. Discord burns unity to the ground.

If we look around and see disunity in our relationships with spouses, co-workers or fellow Christians, let us examine our own hearts. Has one of the practices above driven a wedge? God has provided a way back: repentance leads to restoration.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, I never want to do the things that You hate. Help me only to do and say the things that lead to life and love and that benefit others. Please forgive me when I fail. In Jesus’ name…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 22:21-23:30

New Testament 

Luke 1:57-80

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 58:1-11

Proverbs 11:12-13

https://www.jhm.org

1. 1 John 3:16

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Many people today suffer from serious “I” problems. They have a chronic condition that plagues their everyday lives. It manifests itself in some persistent symptoms:

The way that “I” want it.

The way that “I” see it.

The way that “I” think.

The way that “I” feel.

The way that “I” want to do things.

Christians often trip over that “I” issue. Real unity requires real sacrifice, but “I” is the enemy of unity. “I” demands its own way. “I” refuses to budge. “I” never prefers another. “I” is only interested in his own comfort or her personal agenda. Paul warns Timothy to be certain that church leaders are not self-willed (Titus 1:7), and Peter warns against false teachers who are self-willed, insolent egoists who despise true authority (II Peter 2:10-11). Self-will sabotages unity. Self-will refuses to submit to God, our true authority, and refuses to sacrifice to promote unity within the family of God.

Self-will makes unity impossible. As long as our preference takes priority over our purpose, unity will be impossible. The body of Christ can be divided by preferences: “I didn’t like the song selection” or “His sermon was too long.” Churches split over issues as unimportant as the color of the carpet. When we finally put “I” aside and come into the sanctuary to gather in HIS name, to lift up HIS Son, to read HIS word, and to worship in HIS presence, preferences are forgotten as we remember that our purpose is all for HIM.

When brothers and sisters in Christ dwell together in unity, God commands His blessing in that place (Psalm 133:3). Where unity exists, the blessing of God is guaranteed. Those blessings come when we sacrifice our will for His, where we lay down our lives for others. The wind of the Holy Spirit blasted into the upper room as 120 believers cried out as one voice (Acts 2:1-4). Three thousand people rushed to salvation when Peter stood, with the eleven disciples beside him, to preach the Gospel (Acts 2:14). A lame man went running and jumping when Peter and John shared what they had (Acts 3:8).

“I” must submit to him. Self-will must succumb to sacrifice. His purpose must take priority over our preferences. Only there will He command His blessing. Only then will His anointing and power rush from the throne of heaven to fulfill His purposes through us.

Today’s Blessing: 

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 21:1-22:20

New Testament 

Luke 1:26-56

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 57:1-11

Proverbs 11:9-11

https://www.jhm.org

1 Peter 5:5

“Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

Unity requires sacrifice. The price of unity is the sacrifice of self. In the final prayer that He spoke over His disciples, Jesus asked repeatedly that all believers would be one. He prayed over those men who had toiled with Him, but not them only. He also looked ahead to include those of us who came to believe in Him because of the word of those first disciples (John 17:20). His great desire was for all believers to be joined in unity, one heart and one purpose.

Unity is a lofty goal, but the difficulty arises when we do more than talk about it. We advocate for unity until it requires more than words. Sacrifice is required – which is wonderful if the other person is willing to do so. We get along well with others – to the point where they disagree with us. We can live in harmony as long as everyone else follows our agendas. To be so all-encompassing, unity can get pretty personal.

The apostle Paul gives us a beautiful analogy of unity between marriage and the church (Ephesians 5). God ordained marriage as the sacred institution where two separate people, a man and a woman, are united in marriage; the two become one. This union is not without its struggles. However, the Bible instructs the woman to submit to her husband; she sacrifices herself to honor him. The Bible instructs the man to submit to his wife; he sacrifices himself as an expression of love to her. When these two separate people submit to one another in love and respect, they operate in harmony, agreement, and oneness of mind and heart. As separate members of one body, we must learn to mutually submit to one another in respect and love.

Jesus loved the church so much that He gave Himself for her, the bride of Christ. He sacrificed Himself. He emptied Himself, became nothing, took on the form of a servant, and humbled himself to obedience to death on the cross. In our relationships, we are to do nothing less (Philippians 2:5-8).

He is our example. We must empty ourselves – lay down our self-will. We must humble ourselves to become a servant of all. As we reason together and honor one another, we become unified. When we dwell together in one accord, there God’s blessing is found. What sacrifice do you need to make? What relationship can benefit from your obedience?

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your beautiful example for us. Help me to humble myself, to become a servant to all, to lay down my self-will, and to unite with other believers. In the name of our Prince of Peace…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 19:1-20:29

New Testament 

Luke 1:1-25

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 56:1-13

Proverbs 11:8

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 133:3

For there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.

A person’s last words often carry much weight. When the end looms near, the extraneous is stripped away. No more patience for pretense. No more time for tiptoeing around the edges. Here lies the most important, the vital thing that must be conveyed.

After sharing a meal and bowing to wash their feet, Jesus must have looked around that somber circle of faces in the Upper Room. James, the son of thunder. John, the beloved. Peter, the rock. These men had deserted all to follow Him. For three years, He had taught them in synagogues. He had instructed them on hillsides. He had demonstrated His power over death and demon possession. Jesus knew this was their final conversation – no more reclining around campfires together, no more laughter over shared meals, no more miracles or marvels, no more questions or corrections. He did not hesitate. Leaning in, He began to speak with urgency. Over their bowed heads, He spoke one final prayer.

As He neared the conclusion of His earthly ministry, what was on His mind? Did He pray for their prosperity? He knew the weight of the mission that they would soon undertake. He knew the painful sacrifices and the price that ministry would exact. Knowing the toll, He could have prayed for their prosperity, for the success of their assignment. He could have asked for all the resources of heaven. But He did not.

He could have prayed for power. He could have petitioned for crowded coliseums and standing-room-only stadiums where supernatural miracles and divine wonders would draw unbelievers into the presence of God. But He did not.

Over and over, He asked for this one thing: that we all would be one. God is in Jesus. Jesus is in us. Perfect in unity so that the world may know that God has sent Him. He loves us in the same way that God loved Him.

He knew that if we walked in unity, if we sacrificed our will for His, that all of His power and prosperity would be evident in our lives. When we dwell together in unity, it is here that He commands His blessing. It is here that His anointing flows. It is here that heaven and earth collide. Has His prayer been answered in you?

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, let Your prayer be answered in me. Help me to always “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Lord, I long to be united with my brothers and sisters in Christ, to love and protect all the members of this great big family of Yours. May we pull together in agreement so that Your anointing may overflow and that Your glory may flood the earth. In the name of our Prince of Peace…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 16:41-18:32

New Testament 

Mark 16:1-20

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 55:1-23

Proverbs 11:7

https://www.jhm.org

John 17:20-21

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You…”

As Jesus looked, in turn, at each beloved face gathered around the Passover table that last evening, He knew what lay ahead – for Him and for them. After the meal, the King of kings and Lord of lords laid aside His garments, picked up a towel, and knelt before each one to wash their feet…even the one who would betray him in just a few short hours. After He sent Judas into the night, He opened His heart to share those final, important truths that the disciples would need to carry them through the next terrifying hours. He concluded those precious moments by praying His heart over them, reaching out to the Father on their behalf, on our behalf.

He could have prayed many things. He alone knew the horror, the mind-numbing grief, the overwhelming disillusionment that would follow His benediction. He understood the transformation that needed to occur so that this ragamuffin band of rough men could turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Only He could foresee the faith explosion that would shake the very foundations of the formidable Roman empire. He could have asked for and imparted many things, but He asked for one thing over and over: that we all may be one.

Five times He prayed that we might be one. Just like He and the Father are one, He asked that we would be united, that we would stand together in the Word that He gave, that we would radiate the glory that He shared. And somehow, this unity between us, this unbreakable bond will testify to the fact that God sent Jesus to this world and that He has loved us with an unsurpassed love. God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son so we could believe in Him, so we could be united with Him in love and share in this great big, messy, wonderful family. We will never be on the outside, never be without a friend or advocate or helper again. We stand as one. This is our forever family.

Today, are you the answer to the petition that Jesus prayed on that night long ago? Are you unified with the body of Christ? Are you making every effort to live in harmony with your brothers and sisters? Are you humbly kneeling to wash their feet? Are you surrendering your will to stand united in heart, mind, purpose and action? A world is waiting to be turned upside down again.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the tender way You care for us, how You know exactly what we need. In the places where I have been divided from my brothers and sisters, separated by anger or bitterness, please forgive me. Show me how to dwell in unity with others so that we may radiate Your glory. In the name of our Prince of Peace…Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 14:1-15:16

New Testament 

Mark 14:52-72

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 53:1-6

Proverbs 11:4

https://www.jhm.org

1 Samuel 17:47

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.

King David is the quintessential example of a warrior. Even as a boy, he demonstrated remarkable courage and faith in God.

In 1 Samuel 17, he stands on the hillside overlooking the Valley of Elah. Below him stands Goliath, the mammoth giant, who mocks God and taunts the Israelites. “Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us” (verse 9). While the grown men around him trembled in fear, courage blossomed in David’s heart.

He remembered the cause for which Israel fought. He looked at his older brother, Eliab, and those around him, “Is there not a cause?” (verse 29). Why would Israel not stand up to Goliath? God had not brought them this far to hand them over to Goliath. David’s courage hardened into conviction: God would deliver them from the blasphemous giant.

David developed his battle plan. He went to the brook and selected five stones. Was this in case he missed? No! Bible scholars tell us that Goliath had four brothers. David was sending a message. He was not going down to the valley to start a fight; he was going to finish one!

David marched out to meet Goliath with five smooth stones and a slingshot. Goliath scoffed at the sight of the lad: “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (verse 43). David sized him up, but he did not flinch. He knew where his strength originated. He had no doubt in Whose name he stood. He confidently called out to the mammoth: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (verse 45). One smooth stone sailed unerringly through the air to bring down a formidable foe.

Across the centuries, a triumphant cheer still rises in our hearts! If God came to David’s aid, certainly He will come to ours. In the face of our invincible enemies, God can bring them to dust with something as simple as a small stone.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly God, I choose to be a warrior for the King of kings. I believe the battle belongs to You. I march out to meet my enemy in the name of the Lord. Victory is mine through Christ Jesus. In that mighty name… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 11:24-13:33

New Testament 

Mark 14:22-42

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 52:1-9

Proverbs 11:1-3

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.” Most of us can quote the familiar words of the “Serenity Prayer” penned by American theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr. To anyone who has ever struggled with change, it can prove exceedingly difficult, and like Niebuhr, we know that it requires courage.

Even Paul, battle-hardened apostle though he was, declared himself a wretched man. “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice” (Romans 7:19).

The first step towards change is admitting the issue. While it sounds simple enough, we recognize our humanity. We blame; we avoid; we ignore; we justify; we put off the inevitable. Whining about what we wish to change is futile. Ignoring what we are afraid to change leaves us powerless.

We cannot change what we will not confront. Often, calling the issue for what it is – putting a name to it – brings it out of the darkness into the light of Jesus’ love, and it breaks the power of it to harm. Satan does his best work under cover of night. When we bring our situations boldly to the throne of grace, Satan’s lies drop powerless in the presence of God’s absolute truth.

Once we confront, change requires commitment, a walking it out by faith. First Corinthians 3:9 refers to us as co-laborers with Christ. He does not leave us to confront and change on our own. When we come to the end of our puny self-discipline, His strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He supernaturally accomplishes what we are helpless to address in our own strength. With Paul the apostle, we can then proclaim: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

That conflict in which you are engaged? That secret sin with which you struggle? That situation from which you cannot escape? In the power of Christ, confront it today. Call it by name. Bring it into the light. Rise up like a warrior intent on victory. Do not let the fear of change diminish the plans God has for you. He alone gives power to overcome.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, I confess my need to You. With Your help, I call out what I have not been able to confront. Break the power of it in my life. Set me free. Walk me through the battle, step by step, until I emerge victorious. All glory belongs to You in the name of Jesus! Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 10:1-11:23

New Testament 

Mark 14:1-21

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 51:1-19

Proverbs 10:31-32

https://www.jhm.org

Judges 6:12 & 16

…Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.’

In the time of Gideon, the Midianites had terrorized the Israelites for seven years. They raided the country, destroyed the crops, and stole their livestock. Their land was ravaged, and the Israelites were impoverished, forced to live in caves and mountains.

When God introduces us to Gideon in Judges 6, he is threshing wheat in a winepress. Usually, an Israelite threshed wheat in a wide, open space, but Gideon was lying low, hiding out from the Midianites in a pit dug into the ground.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and announced, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon must have looked over both of his shoulders, tapped himself on the chest, and asked, “You talkin’ ta me?” He did not hesitate to voice his doubts aloud.

How could this be true? If God was with them, why were these things happening? Where were the miracles they had heard about from their fathers? He was certain that God had deserted them. He blatantly declared that he was the weakest, least likely person to deliver Israel. He was not convinced. His eyes were closed to the possibilities. His faith in God wavered after so much suffering.

Perhaps you find yourself in a situation like Gideon. The enemy has attacked relentlessly, assaulted your health, waged war against your marriage, or even carried off your children. Your faith is eroded. Lying low, you long for deliverance.

When we met him, Gideon was not a warrior. He was a wimp and a whiner. God, however, looked beyond the pit and saw the potential. He had handwritten Gideon’s destiny with victory. When God opened his eyes, Gideon recognized the truth: God plus you make a majority. When God pressed a torch in one hand and a trumpet in the other, Gideon discovered that God equips you with the weapons needed for battle.

Whatever your situation, know this: God drafted a plan for your life before you drew your first breath. He lovingly wove in valor and victory. He created you with purpose and talents for your particular battles. Look up, mighty man and woman of valor! Climb out of the pit. Put on all the promise, potential and power of the plan God designed specially for you. He will provide the weapons of your warfare and send allies to fight beside you. God is with you, and His plan never fails.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful plan You drew up for my life. Open my eyes to see Your purposes. Equip me to walk in them. I surrender to Your will for me. Remind me that I never stand alone or undefended because You are with me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 8:1-9:23

New Testament 

Mark 13:14-37

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 50:1-23

Proverbs 10:29-30

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 40:2

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.

In the days when judges ruled, the children of Israel found themselves in a rut. Joshua and Caleb, those mighty, faith-filled warriors, had died. The generation that rose up after them did not know God nor the work that God had accomplished on their behalf. The Jewish people cast off the truth of God’s Word and did what was right in their own eyes. They were surrounded by social chaos, political turmoil, and lawlessness.

Please understand that the Israelites were not ignorant of God. They had grown up listening to the stories of how Abraham believed for a son, how Jacob wrestled with an angel, how Miriam danced a victory jig. All around, they saw signs of God’s handiwork—here are twelve stones heaped up in the Jordan River where God rolled back the waters, and here are the ruins of Jericho where the walls came down with a shout. This generation knew God, but they chose to act as if He did not exist. They fell into the hands of the enemy who carried them away as captives. They were in a serious rut.

Have you ever found yourself in a serious rut? In the course of everyday obligations, it is easy to find ourselves overwhelmed, bogged down and stuck. Preoccupation with the demands of life can cause us to act as though God does not exist. When we neglect to pray, we cut off the communication line that speaks power into every area of our lives. When we ignore His Word in favor of other pursuits, we can cross over into lawlessness where we are buffeted by a culture that declares good to be evil and vice versa. The enemy can carry us off into confusion and chaos, doubt and disorder.

If you find yourself in a rut, be encouraged! Call out to God Who is attuned to your every cry. You are divinely positioned to be sprung! You are His lamb. He will leave the ninety-nine to search you out, lift you from the ravine, lovingly place you over His shoulders, and carry you back to the safety of the fold. He will spring you from the trap, the rut into which you have fallen to walk again in freedom and truth.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, I gratefully thank You for pulling me from the pit, rescuing me from the ruts and ravines. Help me to always remember that You exist and that You reward those who diligently pursue You. Set my feet on the solid rock that is Christ Jesus. In His name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 6:1-7:89

New Testament 

Mark 12:38-13:13

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 49:1-20

Proverbs 10:27-28

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 20:7

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Israel suffered under the Canaanite king, Jabin, for twenty years. The renowned general of his army, Sisera, commanded 900 iron chariots – more than any army in the Old Testament. These chariots were the tanks of their day – sleek, fast and deadly. Sisera horribly oppressed the Israelites until they cried out to God for help.

In response to their plea, God spoke to Deborah, the only woman to ever judge in Israel. She summoned Barak to tell him that “the Lord God of Israel” (Judges 4:6) commanded him to go fight General Sisera with 10,000 soldiers. God commanded! Not his father or mother, doctor or minister, but God Himself! He even promised unquestioned victory and to give Sisera into Barak’s hands.

And how did Barak respond? Did he suit up for war? Call for his sword and shield? Rally the troops? None of those things. He wimped out. He turned to the woman, the “weaker” fair sex, and staunchly declared, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” (Judges 4:8)

Deborah did not flinch. Proving her strong leadership and faith in God, she agreed to accompany Barak on his campaign. Just as God promised, General Sisera and every man in his army fell to the Israelites that day. But the glory for the battle belonged to a woman – not to Barak.

What is God commanding you to do today? Maybe He has asked you to apologize for an offense. Perhaps He has instructed you to share the Gospel with a coworker. Has a habit taken root that He is asking you to lay aside? Is He asking you to initiate a new discipline? Do not ignore or postpone.

Even though Barak eventually proved to be a worthy warrior, his initial hesitation cost him. He faltered at the Word of the Lord. His misplaced faith – in another human instead of God – testified to his fear and inability to follow God without doubt.

Whatever God is prompting, obey without delay. Attune your ear to His merest whisper. Align yourself to His request. You can trust His direction without reservation. He is faithful to accomplish every one of His promises. He will bless your “Yes!”

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, I pray for a heart that is sensitive to Your every word. I pray for ears to hear what You would speak to me. I ask for a willing heart and swift feet to accomplish what You command. I am Your humble, obedient servant in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 4:1-5:31

New Testament 

Mark 12:18-37

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 48:1-14

Proverbs 10:26

https://www.jhm.org

Romans 8:37

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Every person that you meet today is facing a struggle. How they meet that struggle determines the outcome. Wimps run away. Whiners play the blame game. Warriors, though, refuse to point the finger or wait for rescue.

A warrior determines to engage the enemy. He polishes his armor and brandishes his sword. A warrior is not concerned with the number of the enemy. She doesn’t ask, “How many?” She says, “Where are they?” Warriors choose to take a stand. They do not feel their way into being a warrior. They contend with the same fears, doubts and distractions that assail us all, but they make up their minds to draw a line in the sand, to fight for right, to charge into battle.

The Bible teaches that every warrior needs three things:

Every warrior needs to remember the cause for which he fights. Fathers, are you contending for the faith of your children? Ladies, are you combating the tendency to over commit? Keep that worthy cause at the forefront of your mind. Pray without letting up. Take the necessary steps to protect and defend.

Every warrior needs a battle plan. Armies do not stumble over a success. Soldiers do not drift into a victory. Warriors without battle plans are casualties. Fight with focus. Be intentional. Ask for the intelligence of God to be poured out in you as you strategize for success.

Every warrior needs to remember in Whose strength you fight. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). You have an enemy – the devil, the serpent of old. In your own strength, you are no match for him. Alone, you cannot go toe to toe. Jesus has promised to stick close to your side. He will not desert you on the battlefield. He will provide the mighty weapons you need. In His name, you are undefeatable.

Choose to be a warrior! Remember the cause for which you fight. Prayerfully create a battle plan. Be aware that you do not wage war in your own strength. When you do, you will be a warrior that becomes a winner.

Today’s Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, even when I am surrounded on all sides, open my eyes to see that I never battle alone. Give me the courage to fight for the causes close to Your heart. Give me the wisdom to overcome the wiles of the enemy. May Your kingdom be advanced in my life, my family, my community, and the world in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Numbers 2:1-3:51

New Testament 

Mark 11:26-12:17

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 47:1-9

Proverbs 10:24-25

https://www.jhm.org

Romans 8:37

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Warrior. Winner. Whiner. Wimp.

We all know people who fit neatly into these categories. No pointing fingers! Eyes on the page!

We celebrate warriors. We enjoy winners. We are irritated by whiners. Who has any use for a wimp? Each of these people earn the title. While they may be greatly different, they have one thing in common: they earned the title they wear based upon how they responded to struggle.

A winner is not crowned as champion until she overcomes the struggle. A warrior demonstrates valor only when he endures the adversity of battle. We recognize the whiner right away when trouble breaks out and the complaining commences. The wimp invariably puts her faith in fear, her head in the sand, and waits for someone else to solve the problem. The common denominator is struggle.

Job assured us that struggle is inevitable: “Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). The headlines shout at us – global conflict, economic inequities, political stalemates, racial strife, class discrimination. No shortage of struggles exists.

On the home front, you may be wrestling with questions that seem to have no answers. You may be staring at a zero balance wondering when provision will come. You may be contending for a marriage that seems shattered beyond restoration.

In this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). How will you respond? Will you engage like a warrior? Complain like the whiner? Or ignore it like the wimp? Rise up, and be what God created you to be – a winner!

Jesus Christ bought you with His blood, so you are able to stand and declare, “I am more than a conqueror!” You were born to win. When you came to faith in Jesus, an amazing transformation occurred: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Regardless of the circumstances or the person that you once were, the day that you received Him by faith, you were born to win.

Through Him, you are a warrior not a weakling, a vanquisher not a victim. The battle belongs to you as a chosen champion. You were born to win!

Today’s Blessing: 

Dear Heavenly Father, remind me of the power that I have through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Let me engage the enemy in the mighty name of Jesus. Give me faith for the fight and strength for the struggle. Thank You for making me MORE than a conqueror. In that mighty name, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Leviticus 27:14- Numbers 1:54

New Testament 

Mark 11:1-25

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 46:1-11

Proverbs 10:23

https://www.jhm.org

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

God calls us to first love Him with all our heart, and that is reflected in what we put in the treasury of our heart. There are many things that people tend to lay up in their heart as treasure—money, time, career, family, pleasure—but Jesus cautioned that we should rather lay up treasure in heaven. That means we need to bring all our earthly treasures to God, including our families, and give them to Him to use for His glory.

This is easily seen in our attitude toward giving money. Whenever God sees us put more love into our bank accounts than we do into the King who died for us, He says there’s a problem in the heart. This is why the Bible says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7 NKJV). If you cut God a million- dollar check with a begrudging attitude, the church board will be thrilled, but God won’t be because your attitude says more to God about the love of your heart than anything else. But if you have just a dollar to give and you’re delighted to give it, God loves it. It’s all about what’s in your heart!

Today’s Blessing: 

Now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob forgive us of our sin. May He forgive us for our ungodly lifestyle, and may we return to the God of our fathers and worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. For there is one God and He is Jehovah God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Creator of heaven and earth, from everlasting to everlasting. We confess Him to be God and no other. In Jesus’ name, we pray and ask it.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Leviticus 25:47-27:13

New Testament 

Mark 10:32-52

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 45:1-17

Proverbs 10:22

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

The promises of God’s Word may take longer to come to pass than your impatient self wants, but if you wait on the Lord, He will strengthen your heart and keep His promises. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He is the God who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ask or think. He’s the One who said that when you call on Him, He will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you know not. He’s the One who said that He will provide your every need according to His riches in glory. He’s the One who brings you peace that surpasses understanding and joy in the midst of great sorrow. He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Wait upon the Lord for He is worthy. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the fairest of ten thousand, the Lamb of God for sinners slain. He has conquered death, hell and the grave. He is your Savior, Redeemer and Good Shepherd – faithful and true. What a mighty God we serve! Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Today’s Blessing: 

Now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May your children and your children’s children live in the liberty we enjoy because in our generation, we stood up and were counted for righteousness’ sake. In Jesus’ name, I pray you receive this blessing all the days of your life. And all of God’s children said, “Praise the Lord.”

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Leviticus 24:1-25:46

New Testament 

Mark 10:13-31

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 44:8-26

Proverbs 10:20-21

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 63:1

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

Have you ever read something in God’s Word and wished it wasn’t there? If His Word on certain points, such as “early will I seek You,” doesn’t line up with our will, we may try to forget or disregard it because we don’t want to do what it says. God’s Word sometimes requires us to change our perspective in order for us to be willing to accept it. But we struggle to want to conform to certain truths even though they are the very ones that can transform our lives to become what God wants us to be.

Let me remind you today that God desperately wants you to get to know Him. He’s made a way for you to have a relationship with Him that’s far greater than anything you could ask or think. But in spite of all He has done and can do on your behalf, until you’re willing, He will not. So for everything He can do, He won’t until you do. You have to seek Him, and by hearing His Word, you’ll begin to develop the faith that overcomes the world.

Child of God, whenever you begin to have faith in God and take a step in God’s direction, He’ll move heaven and earth on your behalf!

Today’s Blessing: 

And now, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May God help righteousness arise; may God expose the ungodly; may God expose every secret and corrupt thing; may righteousness return and we the people discover our voice because we are the bright city on a hill holding the righteous torch of God’s truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray that for the future, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Leviticus 22:21-23:44

New Testament 

Mark 9:30-10:12

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 44:1-7

Proverbs 10:19

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Because this is the day that the Lord has made, it doesn’t matter if it’s a wonderful day or the hardest day of our life; we will rejoice and be glad in it. The reason we’ll rejoice is not because of the outcome, but because of the promise of what’s coming. Oftentimes we like to wait on the results before we start to celebrate, but the context of what David was writing about here was something that he didn’t live to see. He was talking about a day of salvation in which Jesus, the stone that the builders rejected, would become the chief cornerstone. David didn’t live to see that, but he said it because that day is coming. He was rejoicing in advance of its arrival because the One who promised it is faithful to complete it.

Child of God, you don’t have to wait for the mountain to move or the crooked place to be made straight before you can start rejoicing in the joy of your salvation, before you can start celebrating the great things that God has done because He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ever ask, think, or imagine! He is great and greatly to be praised! Rejoice in the Lord, and again, I say, rejoice!

Today’s Blessing: 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; giving you His peace. May you walk with the blessed assurance that the guardian angels of heaven are watching you and standing beside you. They will protect you. They will defend you. The Lord of hosts will make your enemy His enemy, and your adversary His adversary. I have power because the kingdom of God has come with power through the authority of Jesus’ name. Live and walk in that word. Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Leviticus 19:1-20:21

New Testament 

Mark 8:10-38

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 42:1-11

Proverbs 10:17

https://www.jhm.org