1 John 5:11-12

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

For those who profess faith in Jesus Christ, we should overflow with the life of Christ. Our pasts are washed clean by His forgiveness. Our present is filled with the joy of His presence. Our futures brim with hope.

In the Garden of Eden, God breathed life into Adam. After he bit into the forbidden fruit, we inherited death. But Jesus came to redeem our lives from destruction. We were dead in sin, but He came to dwell inside and breathe new life into us. We became new creations.

He has redeemed our lives from destruction and crowned us with loving kindness. Goodness and mercy follow us; the blessings of God chase us down and overtake us.

How can we not exude life if we are filled with The Life? Jesus assured us that, for every person who chooses to believe in Him, rivers of living water will burst forth from their hearts (John 7:38). That joy and exuberance cannot be contained!

Allow yourself to be swept up in the river of the Holy Spirit! Splash that living water on those who are thirsty and long for life overflowing.

Blessing: 

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 living water rise up to fill you completely and burst forth to bless those who thirst for righteousness. Give praise for the abundant life found in Christ Jesus!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 41:17-43:13

New Testament 

Ephesians 2:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 67:1-7

Proverbs 23:29-35

https://www.jhm.org

1 John 5:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.

After we prepare for conflict, we need to get ready for victory! No need to debate what God has declared. Every step brings us that much closer to His promise.

When God promised Jericho to the Israelites, He instructed them to march. Every circle around the walls gave them opportunity to prepare for victory. As they marched in silence, they must have remembered God’s faithfulness to them in the past.

If God delivered them from Pharaoh’s brick pit, He was well able to give Jericho to them. If He pushed back the waters of the Red Sea, He could surely topple these walls. If He could be a fire by night and a cloud by day, He could lead them to victory. Manna from heaven, water from a rock…God was with them, and He was for them.

With every lap, their faith grew. A shout was building. They believed that on the seventh day, when they lifted their hands, when their shout erupted, those walls would come down. Victory belonged to them!

As you march around your Jericho, get ready for victory. Rehearse the things that God has done for you in the past. Faith will bring down the walls to reveal His promise!

Blessing: 

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. As you recall God’s faithfulness in the past, remember that nothing is impossible for Him now. May your shout erupt in a roar that brings down every wall in the name of Jesus!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 39:1-41:16

New Testament 

Ephesians 1:1-23

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 66:1-20

Proverbs 23:26-28

https://www.jhm.org

1 Peter 4:12-13

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

God sees us as victors! He expects us to win because He has already won the war. Before we are crowned as conquerors, though, we must prepare for conflict.

No one escapes this life without conflict. God gave Jericho to the Israelites, but after the walls tumbled down, the real hand-to-hand combat began. Victory was still assured, but they contended for the promise of God.

In today’s verse, Peter warned the church to expect the fiery trial – nothing strange about it. His next words were “but rejoice.” No whining in war, complaining in conflict, or bellyaching in battle! But rejoice!

If there is an enemy in front of you, rejoice that God is about to reveal His glory in you, and exceeding joy will break out. No one revels in a struggle, but we have this assurance: at the end of every conflict, glorious rejoicing awaits.

Do not fear the fight! Stand in the power of His Word and the authority of His name. The God that fights for you is greater than whatever fights against you. The battle belongs to Him.

Blessing: 

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. Your greatest victory is before you! Nothing is impossible because God has called you more than a conqueror. Fight in the power of His might!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 37:1-38:22

New Testament 

Galatians 6:1-18

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 65:1-13

Proverbs 23:24-25

https://www.jhm.org

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Focus and faithfulness go together like faith and works. Without works, our faith is dead. Without faithfulness, our focus fizzles.

An overwhelming lack of faithfulness exists around us. Temporary commitments abound. We find a world grown weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9). The moment that faithfulness runs up against discomfort, it fades.

True faithfulness is demonstrated in the difficult times. God desires a people who are faithful to read and obey His Word. He desires a people who pray continually – believing that He will respond. He wants a people who serve faithfully in even the small things. He wants a people who are faithful to bring their hearts to enter His gates with praise.

Faithfulness comes easily when life flows smoothly. But on the hardest day of your life, how do you remain focused and faithful? When trouble looms on every side?

You may not see the way through. Take one more step of faith. You may feel absolutely alone. Take one more step. When the darkness presses in, take one more step. Remain focused on the promise that He made to you. Remain faithful to take just one more step.

On the path that He opens before you, He waits with hands outstretched. He has not abandoned you. He is working everything out for your good.

Blessing: 

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. Even in the difficult times, may God empower you with focus and faithfulness. May every step be one of purpose and perseverance until you possess the promise He has given!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 33:13-36:22

New Testament 

Galatians 5:13-26

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 64:1-10

Proverbs 23:23

https://www.jhm.org

Hebrews 12:1-2

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When facing our personal Jericho, we have learned that we must work while we wait. We must be faithful. While we are waiting, we must remain focused.

We all begin with energy and expectation, passion and purpose. But what do we do when those things begin to wane in the reality of our situations? When every step looks the same? How do we plow through the monotony?

For the Israelites, the solution was to have a vision. They saw their destiny up ahead – full of the promise and potential that God had stored up for them. They made it through day three – not because of the idea that they would do the same thing on days four, five, and six – but because they knew that day seven held the promise of a shout!

Some lose focus because of the pain in their past, the problem in their present, or the fear of the future. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus; He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. He will lead us to the joy that He has set before us.

Blessing: 

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 establish your steps and renew your vision for His promise. May you move forward in the strength and power of His name!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 30:12-33:12

New Testament 

Galatians 5:1-12

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 63:1-11

Proverbs 23:22

https://www.jhm.org

Hebrews 11:30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.

The daunting walls of Jericho stood between the children of Israel and the Promised Land. If not for God, those walls were their mission impossible.

You may face the walls of a personal Jericho that are impossible for you to bring down on your own. But remember! God’s power begins where your strength ends. Even though every step of every lap must be walked before the wall crumbles, you walk by faith in a God Who makes the impossible possible.

Rather than analyzing the issue from every angle, choose to address your Jericho. You cannot change what you will not confront or finish what you are unwilling to begin. The victory of day seven only occurs after a first step is taken on day one. By faith, take the first teetering step that leads to freedom and laying hold of the promises of God to you.

One step in front of the other, one day after another we walk on by faith. When we march in God’s truth and in His way, a revolution of righteousness swells to sweep away the stubborn walls and carry us to victory. Our God makes the impossible our reality!

Blessing: 

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. Step out in faith to see the walls of Jericho fall! May your faith grow with every step that you take, knowing that you are regaining ground that the enemy has stolen. By faith, take hold of the promises of God Who makes the impossible your reality!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 22:1-24:23

New Testament 

Galatians 2:17-3:7

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 60:1-12

Proverbs 23:15-16

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

As the Israelites prepared to take possession of the Promised Land, they stared up at the walls of Jericho. But in the middle of today’s difficult circumstances, God had some good news for Joshua.

As Joshua stepped into Moses’ leadership shoes, God assured Joshua that He was giving them the Promised Land. Every piece of land where Joshua’s foot fell belonged to him. No man would be able to stand before him all the days of his life. Just as God was with Moses, He was with Joshua. He would never leave nor forsake him.

As you march around your personal Jericho, be encouraged by the Good News. The afflictions of the righteous may be many, but the Lord delivers us from them all. If your heart is broken, remember that He has heard every prayer and has captured each tear in a bottle.

Weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter your affliction – physical to financial – God’s Word contains 3,000 promises that apply to you. He keeps His promises from generation to generation, and He will not fail you.

No matter how many laps you have circled around your Jericho, if you are walking in obedience and making every step one of faith, your shouting day is coming. One day soon, a roar will erupt. Your shout will go up, and those walls will come down!

Blessing: 

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’s promises take root and rise up in your spirit as you march around your Jericho. May His Good News carry you to your shouting day when the walls fall flat in the name of Jesus!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

Isaiah 19:1-21:17

New Testament 

Galatians 2:1-16

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 59:1-17

Proverbs 23:13-14

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 107:14

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces.

At the border of the Cross, we find freedom. The weight of the world can crush the life out of us, can make it hard to breathe. Jesus has come to break away those chains and set us free indeed!

Bondage and chains can come in many forms – depression, broken relationships, ingrained habits, addictions, financial debt. While we may feel shackled to these things, God’s Word is not chained (II Timothy 2:9).

God sent Jesus to proclaim freedom to the prisoner. He sent Him to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18-19). For those who were under the dominion of darkness, He has called us into His marvelous light. For those bound in affliction and irons, He brings us out of the blackness – even the very shadow of death – and He breaks our chains in pieces (Psalm 107:14).

Remember Paul and Silas, bound in prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus. In the midnight hour, they lifted their voices in prayer and songs as the other prisoners listened. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the very foundation of the prison. Every cell door flew open, and every single chain fell off of every single prisoner. Salvation and celebration broke out!

Jesus has come to shake the very foundation of the prison where you are bound. He will cut the bars of iron in two. He will break your chains in pieces. He will set you absolutely free.

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, giving you His peace. Celebrate the fact that Jesus has broken all of your chains in pieces! The cell doors have flown open, and He has proclaimed freedom to the prisoner! You are free indeed in the mighty name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30

New Testament 

Romans 5:3-21

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 15:1-5

Proverbs 19:18-19

https://www.jhm.org

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Has your spiritual walk ever felt more like a crawl? Has your salvation seemed more like a struggle for survival? Do the words “overcomer” and “more than a conqueror” describe someone other than the person in the mirror?

Great news! Every promise in God’s Word was spoken to you. Every promise finds its divine YES in Jesus. He gets the final AMEN in your life that will give all the glory to God! If you want Him and are ready to do what He says, the Door is open.

He does not play favorites or pick and choose which one of His children receives a limited number of promises. Every good and perfect gift that comes down from the Father of Lights is available to you.

When you said yes to Him at the border of the Cross, you came into agreement with Him. Through Christ, everything became possible – for you. His blood washes away every imperfection – for you. His perfect love has chased away fear – for you. Every promise is available – for you. His YES and AMEN – for you.

No need to crawl, no need to hang on by a thread. When you look in the mirror, see an overcomer, see a child of God who is more than a conqueror, see someone destined to run in the path of His commands because He sets your heart free (Psalm 119:32).

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, giving you His peace. Celebrate the fact that Jesus has broken all of your chains, that you are more than a conqueror through Him. He has set your heart free! Rejoice in His name… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34

New Testament 

Romans 4:14-5:2

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 14:1-7

Proverbs 19:17

https://www.jhm.org

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

God has blessed us with borders, but these boundaries have not built walls between us. His ear is bent towards us. His arms are open. His heart longs for us.

He sent His Son to build a bridge back to Him. Through this Door, God is accessible and available to every single person. He is not angry. His face is not turned away.

Remember the story of the prodigal son? The father must have stood in the door, watching the road day, after day because when the son was still far away, he saw him. Did he slam the door? Did he turn away in disgust?

No! He was filled with compassion and flew down the road to meet him. He embraced and kissed him and called for a celebration even as his son cried out, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21). The lost was found. The one presumed dead was alive again.

If the road has taken you far away from the Father, He stands waiting for you at the Door. Turn around, and come home. If you are praying for the return of a loved one, He stands at the Door with you, waiting and watching and longing, too.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming back us prodigals. I pray for those who have wandered far away from You. Please bring them home so that we can celebrate with the angels who rejoice over every sinner saved. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36

New Testament 

Romans 1:18-32

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 10:1-15

Proverbs 19:6-7

https://www.jhm.org

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Centuries ago, God brought Abraham to stand under a night sky and urged him to count the stars. And He made a promise that, one day, Abraham’s descendants would be as innumerable as those twinkling points.

Thousands of years later at Jesus’ birth, the Light dawned on a people who sat in darkness, who lived in the shadow of death. When we invite Him into our hearts, this glorious treasure comes to live in our jars of clay.

God has chosen us to be the light of the world right here and right now. He calls us to be blameless and harmless in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, to shine like the stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15).

He is not looking for a perfect people. God is looking for a people willing to live by His truth, to speak out against evil, to reach out and ease suffering – to shine a Light.

When we submit our wounds and jagged pieces to Jesus, He comes to heal and reveal Himself. Through all of the cracked places in these jars of clay, His Light spills out to reach those around us who still sit in darkness.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, make me shine! Help me to stop hiding and submit all my broken pieces to You. Come heal and shine through me to reach others who are waiting for the Light to shine on their hurting places, too. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18

New Testament 

Acts 28:1-31

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 9:1-12

Proverbs 19:1-3

https://www.jhm.org

Leviticus 23:3

Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

God did us a favor when He created the border of a Sabbath day. He did that for us…not for Himself (Mark 2:27).

He knew that our lives would move at breakneck speed, our calendars would be crammed, and we would overcommit. He knew we would need to rest and refocus.

Establishing a Sabbath in our lives causes us to recognize God’s governance of our time and helps us relinquish control to Him.

The Sabbath is a time for us to cease from regular daily activities. Set aside and resist the obligations and activity that consume most of your days. It offers us a sacred time to rest. We can sleep a solid eight hours, sit quietly, or doze in a hammock.

On this special day, do the thing that brings you joy, that recharges and rejuvenates you. Remember to spend time in God’s presence. Turn your heart to Him. Open your Bible, sing to Him or talk to Him in prayer.

As you take this step of obedience, expect to hear from Him. Anticipate a refresh and renewal for the upcoming week. Honor the Sabbath. It is His gift to you.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, You knew that I would need a break. Thank You for the gift of a Sabbath. Thank You for helping me stop to rest, contemplate Your goodness, and take time to do something just because it makes me happy. I trust You to help me accomplish everything in the other six days. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14

New Testament 

Acts 27:21-44

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 8:1-9

Proverbs 18:23-24

https://www.jhm.org

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

Satan is an enemy who attempts to draw us in, to bring us near. Since he is a roaring lion who walks about seeking whom he may devour, he knows that he needs to be close enough to pounce (1 Peter 5:8). When it comes to fleeing from temptation, Joseph provides us a prime example.

Young Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery; he was bought by Potiphar, the Egyptian captain of the guard. Because the Lord was with Joseph, Potiphar saw that everything he put his hand to prospered. He made him overseer of his household. Since he was a handsome man, he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. Day after day, she attempted to seduce him. Day after day, he refused her. He would not stoop to dishonor Potiphar’s trust or to sin against God (Genesis 39:9).

One day, when no one else was around, as Joseph went into the house to work, she grabbed hold of his garment and would not let go as she tempted him yet again. He resisted her pleas, pulled away, and left his garment in her hand as he fled. There was no shame in running away!

The Apostle Paul said to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” He goes even further when he encourages young Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (I Timothy 6:12). When we submit to God and resist the devil, James tells us that Satan will flee from us (James 4:7)!

In all the places where Satan would seek to entice you to sin or where he would draw you close enough to pounce and devour, resist him. When we submit to God first, we do not stand to resist in our own power.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, help me to avoid even the appearance of evil in my life. Help me submit to You so that I may resist the devil and set him to flight. Help me to walk worthy of this holy calling. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17

New Testament 

Acts 23:11-35

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 3:1-8

Proverbs 18:14-15

https://www.jhm.org

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

Satan is an enemy who attempts to draw us in, to bring us near. Since he is a roaring lion who walks about seeking whom he may devour, he knows that he needs to be close enough to pounce (1 Peter 5:8). When it comes to fleeing from temptation, Joseph provides us a prime example.

Young Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery; he was bought by Potiphar, the Egyptian captain of the guard. Because the Lord was with Joseph, Potiphar saw that everything he put his hand to prospered. He made him overseer of his household. Since he was a handsome man, he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. Day after day, she attempted to seduce him. Day after day, he refused her. He would not stoop to dishonor Potiphar’s trust or to sin against God (Genesis 39:9).

One day, when no one else was around, as Joseph went into the house to work, she grabbed hold of his garment and would not let go as she tempted him yet again. He resisted her pleas, pulled away, and left his garment in her hand as he fled. There was no shame in running away!

The Apostle Paul said to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” He goes even further when he encourages young Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (I Timothy 6:12). When we submit to God and resist the devil, James tells us that Satan will flee from us (James 4:7)!

In all the places where Satan would seek to entice you to sin or where he would draw you close enough to pounce and devour, resist him. When we submit to God first, we do not stand to resist in our own power.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, help me to avoid even the appearance of evil in my life. Help me submit to You so that I may resist the devil and set him to flight. Help me to walk worthy of this holy calling. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17

New Testament 

Acts 23:11-35

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 3:1-8

Proverbs 18:14-15

https://www.jhm.org

Galatians 5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…

Today, we commemorate our Independence as Americans! From sea to shining sea, we celebrate with waving flags, marching bands, family picnics, and fireworks exploding in the night sky.

Our Founding Fathers placed such importance on liberty that they named it as one of the inalienable rights with which our Creator endowed each of us. We have staunchly defended, preserved, and advanced this freedom for ourselves and for others suffering under tyranny.

God understood the importance of liberty, the cry of every human heart to be free. He saw us groaning under the weight of unrighteousness, slaves to sin. We were in bondage to every form of evil and corruption, held captive by Satan.

In His lovingkindness, He sent Jesus to proclaim the Good News, to bind up every broken heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to open up the prison doors for those who were bound (Luke 4:18). He set us free! We have walked out of the darkness into His marvelous light. Though we were without hope, He brought us near to give us the promise of a glorious future.

As we celebrate our American independence today, let’s rejoice in the soul-deep freedom that we have in our Savior. True liberty is found at the foot of the cross. We proudly wave His banner. When Christ has set you free, you are free indeed!

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful freedom that we enjoy in America. More importantly, thank You for sending Jesus to set us free. We acknowledge the sacrifices that were made for our liberty. May we always be “one nation under God.” In Jesus’ name… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Kings 23:31-25:30

New Testament 

Acts 22:17-23:10

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 2:1-12

Proverbs 18:13

https://www.jhm.org

Galatians 6:1, 3-4

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

We cannot change what we will not confront. And even while confrontation is often uncomfortable, it is necessary for healing and restoration.

Second Samuel 11 finds King David walking on the roof of his house. On that spring night, his eyes fell on a beautiful woman as she was bathing. Upon discovering that she was the wife of Uriah, the soldier, David did the unthinkable.

He sent a command to have Uriah placed at the front of the fiercest battle so that he would be killed. After Bathsheba mourned the death of her husband, David took her as his wife. This evil deed displeased the Lord (2 Samuel 11:27).

The Lord sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront David regarding this grievous sin (2 Samuel 12:1). While the Bible does not give us the details of God’s direction, we can imagine Nathan’s trepidation at calling out the king in the error of his ways.

In spite of that possibility, Nathan obeyed. While confronting the king may have proven difficult, disobeying the King’s command would have reaped worse consequences. Situations almost never resolve themselves, and time only compounds the difficulties.

In obedience, Nathan presented the word of the Lord to David. Without hesitation, David acknowledged the truth when he confessed, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). He wept, prayed, and lay prostrate before God, asking Him to be gracious to him.

When David was confronted by his own sin, he faced up to and admitted it. With deep humility, he sought the Lord. David knew that change would not come until he confronted the depth of his own sin.

Whether God calls us to confront or we are the persons who are confronted, humility before God and before others is essential. Let us examine our hearts and seek spiritual restoration with gentleness and honesty.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, if You should ever call me to confront, lead me in humility and gentleness. If ever I am confronted, help me to examine my heart, quickly confess, and seek restoration for any wrongdoing. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Kings 22:4-23:30

New Testament 

Acts 21:37-22:16

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 1:1-6

Proverbs 18:11-12

https://www.jhm.org

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Declared as the “The Hall of Faith,” Hebrews 11 recounts name after name of the warriors of old who grabbed hold of the promises of God, and by faith, performed mighty exploits in His name.

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In other words, as believers, we have full confidence for the things for which we hope; we are completely certain of things that we cannot even see. It was this kind of faith that drove the saints of old and won them a reputation that stands today.

Hebrews 11 calls out some of these warriors by name:

Noah, by faith, built an ark before one raindrop fell.
Abraham, by faith, left everything familiar to search for a Promised Land.
Sarah, by faith, gave birth to baby Isaac long after her childbearing years had passed.
Abraham, again by faith, offered up that same long-awaited son on the altar…before God provided a ram.
Amram and Jochebed, by faith, disobeyed the king’s command and spared the life of their son, Moses.
Moses, by faith, gave up the pleasures of Egypt to suffer the afflictions of his people, the Israelites.
The Israelites, by faith, crossed through the middle of the Red Sea on dry land.

These men and women — and many others — “through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:33-34). Can we ever hope to be so courageous and victorious?

The answer is yes! Because none of these people fought in their own strength. They simply took God at His Word. They could not see the outcome with their physical eyes, but when God spoke to them, they took the step of faith that set them on a course to certain victory.

Whatever you face today, the battle belongs to the Lord. Take Him at His Word. Trust and believe. Take the first step, by faith — even as small as the tiniest mustard seed — and watch Him move a mountain for you.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, fill me with the faith of these mighty warriors. Give me the courage to take You at Your Word, to trust and believe in everything You say. Then, help me take the first step to be more than a conqueror. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Kings 17:1-18:12

New Testament 

Acts 20:1-38

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 148:1-14

Proverbs 18:6-7

https://www.jhm.org

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Marriage is a holy institution created by God. A man leaves his parents to marry a woman, and in that union, the two become one flesh (Matthew 19:5). It is a beautiful mystery — one that symbolizes Jesus Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:32).

God never intended for our marriages to merely survive. They were created to thrive! Since these relationships signify how Christ interacts with His church, what picture are we painting for the world around us?

When the borders of our marriage are breached by the enemy or when they are weakened by internal neglect, we must commit to the good work of rebuilding those walls. We must not be deterred from the commitment that we have made — no matter what distractions we encounter.

When storms arise — as they inevitably do — we must assess the damage to our relationships. We must determine the role that we played in inflicting the hurt, and we must be quick to repent and restore.

When the walls are tall and strong again, keep close watch at the gate. Open up the gate to usher out the destructive things that bring death to a relationship. Open up the gate to welcome in the Holy Spirit and the perfect gifts that bring life to a relationship.

In the power of God, broken borders can be rebuilt. Broken boundaries can be re-established. Marriages can be reconstructed, and families can be reunited. God’s healing can revitalize relationships to bring wholeness, peace, and joy. Your marriage was created with God’s purpose to be a vehicle that will show the world how Jesus has given Himself in sacrificial love to His church. It was created to thrive. His love never fails.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful mystery of marriage. Please make my marriage one that portrays the image of Your love for the church. Let Your love, mercy, forgiveness, patience, joy, and kindness be evident in the ways that we treat one another. Help me love my spouse in the same way that You love me. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Kings 15:1-16:20

New Testament 

Acts 19:13-41

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 147:1-20

Proverbs 18:4-5

https://www.jhm.org

Psalm 147:13

For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.

Rebuilding the broken border of a marriage relationship requires commitment and a willingness to change. It requires walls and gates.

What do walls and gates have to do with the husband-wife relationship? Walls and gates are distinct in their roles. They work together, but they possess different purposes. Walls protect, while gates act as points of access. Gates are pointless if the walls are broken down.

As children of God and as husbands or wives, we must guard the gates of our marriages. We are responsible for the things that we allow entrance. We also are responsible to escort out the things that bring harm.

We must ask the Holy Spirit to point out those things that need to leave and those things that we need to welcome. Perhaps bitterness or pain from the past has driven a wedge between you and your spouse. Maybe you are holding onto a grudge that weighs you down like a boulder. For some, it could be a behavior or a habit that eats away at the stability of your relationship.

Open up the gates to evict those things that can only drag down and destroy what God has planned for you and your spouse. Ask God to banish the bitterness, anger, and hurt. Ask Him to lift away the grudge or to deliver you from the habits that have a stranglehold on your marriage. Kick those things out of the gates and to the curb.

When you open the gates to escort them out, a wondrous exchange occurs. God ushers in His mercy, joy, peace, love, and renewed hope. When you welcome in the power and the strength of God, He reconstructs and builds up and refurbishes. He can give you — not just the marriage of which you dream — the marriage that He intends and has designed for you and your spouse. Open up the gates!

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, I realize that I need to open the gate. I need Your help to get rid of the pain of the past, the things that I am holding onto that drag down my marriage. I welcome You. Come in and provide all that we need to rebuild the walls and rehang the gates in our relationship. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Kings 13:1-14:29

New Testament 

Acts 18:22-19:12

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 146:1-10

Proverbs 18:2-3

https://www.jhm.org

Nehemiah 2:20

So I answered them, and said to them, ‘The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.’

In our husband-wife relationships, we are responsible for maintaining the border of marriage. Nehemiah demonstrates a principle for us as we consider those who might discourage us in our endeavors.

In complete confidence, Nehemiah declared to the triple threat: “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us.” He put his enemies on alert. No matter what they said or how they attempted to thwart him, they had no bearing on his outcome. His outcome was determined by God alone. He was the One Who would protect and prosper them.

In fact, he went on to say: “…you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” He reminded them that the land on which they stood was covenant land. It was given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all of the generations following. Outsiders had no role in that covenant. They might as well pack their bags and leave now.

Many marriages have been destroyed by outsiders. Families have been torn apart because people who had no part in that covenant relationship wormed their way in to divide and destroy. We have a biblical mandate to take a stand, to shore up the marriage border, and demand that they find an exit.

God fights for our marriages. Are we protecting what He has promised to preserve? “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). God desires to command a blessing on the unity in our relationships and to extend that blessing to our children and grandchildren. When outsiders who have no part in the covenant relationship attempt to breach the border, refuse to back down.

We are doing a great work in constructing strong marriages and families. Do not be distracted by detractors. Pull the border tight for your spouse, your family, and all the generations to come.

Blessing: 

Heavenly Father, help me be vigilant in protecting my marriage. Do not let me be distracted from this great work. Help me to honor and protect my spouse and our family. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: 

Old Testament

2 Kings 10:32-12:21

New Testament 

Acts 18:1-21

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 145:1-21

Proverbs 18:1

https://www.jhm.org