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Introduction
Our minds are often consumed with many cares and concerns of this life. But above them all, our faith in Jesus Christ is what matters most. Accepting Jesus as Savior and choosing to love and live for Him reveals our identity in Christ. In Him, we are accepted, forgiven, and redeemed through His work on the cross to save us from our sin. We are celebrated and deeply loved. We hold immeasurable value in our heavenly Father’s eyes. And not only do we find our true identity in Christ, we also find our every need met in Him. So, what role is faith playing in your life right now? Are you standing strong in your identity as a child of God, or are you letting the world define you? Are you deepening your relationship through time in the Word and in prayer, or are your priorities upside-down? What if you recommit your heart to Him today—and then watch how that blesses you? Make reading the Bible, seeking God’s wisdom daily, part of your norm. Let Him guide you and keep you on His good paths and within His perfect plans for your life.
yTrust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5–6 nlt
Martin Luther King Jr.
*Genesis 1–2 / Matthew 1 / Psalm 1
Creation Caretaker
At the time God made Earth and Heaven, before any grasses or shrubs had sprouted from the ground—God hadn’t yet sent rain on Earth, nor was there anyone around to work the ground. . . God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!
Genesis 2:5, 7 msg
yAt first glance, Genesis 2:5, 7 explains that God created man from the dust of the earth. But if we look deeper, we notice something else: These verses are quite significant to our identity in Christ because they set the stage for humanity. They point—at least in part—to an element of our purpose.
At this moment in the creation story, God had yet to send rain. Plants and grass had not made their appearance. “Nor was there anyone around to work the ground.” Something very important was missing—“a living soul!” Man had not set foot in the garden of Eden. . .there were no apple orchards or tomato plants or rows of corn. God knew He needed a creation caretaker first (verse 15).
If you ever have a day when you doubt your purpose, these words from Genesis will reassure your heart. You—along with every other person on the planet—were designed to care for all of God’s creation.
Heavenly Creator, thank You for entrusting me with the care of Your creation. I will do my best to nurture it!
*This devotional follows a yearlong Bible reading plan that corresponds with each day. If you choose to complete these readings, at the end of the year, you will have read God's Word from cover to cover!
Genesis 3–4 / Matthew 2 / Psalm 2
Sinner Saved by Grace
The Woman said to the serpent, “. . .We can eat from the trees in the garden. It’s only about the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘Don’t eat from it; don’t even touch it or you’ll die.’ ” The serpent told the Woman, “You won’t die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, . . .you’ll be just like God, knowing everything.”
Genesis 3:2–5 msg
This is one suspenseful account from God’s Word, isn’t it?
Man and woman spend leisurely days in a perfect garden paradise. Enter deceitful serpent, who convinces woman to eat the forbidden fruit. She has a nibble, then shares it with man, who takes a big, juicy bite.
What happens to this couple? Do they gain the knowledge the serpent had promised? Not quite! Adam and Eve suffer tragic consequences for their disobedience to God—life becomes difficult, and eventually they both die.
But. . . Hope follows. God sends His Son, Jesus, to earth, where He pays the ultimate price for our sins: death on the cross. When we accept Jesus’ sacrificial gift, we receive eternal life in heaven. Death is never permanent for those who say yes to Jesus (John 3:16).
How about you? Has hope followed the hardship in your life? Are you a sinner saved by grace?
Jesus, my Savior, thank You. Because of Your bold sacrifice, I will spend eternity in heaven.
Genesis 5–7 / Matthew 3 / Psalm 3
Through-the-Roof Confidence
Right to my face [my adversaries] say, “God will not save you!” . . . But You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield. You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens. I lift my voice to You, Eternal One, and You answer me from Your sacred heights.
Psalm 3:2–4 voice
yOn a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your confidence? Is it a measly 1—you’re not feeling it? A 5—just so-so? A whopping 10— nothing and no one could cause you to doubt? If we’re honest, it’s probably hovering somewhere well below a 10 for most of us. What would you give to have the confidence level of David here in Psalm 3? Talk about through-the-roof confidence!
David expresses his complaint to God: “Right to my face [my adversaries] say, ‘God will not save you!’” David was likely battling voices in his own mind too—and the additional negativity coming from his enemies only made things worse. He was overwhelmed! However, something changes—a shift takes place—and David springs from doubt to absolute certainty because he trusts the Eternal One. David knows he is protected, his prayers are answered, he is healthy and strong. . .he doesn’t need to be afraid! The same goes for you, friend!
Eternal One, because I am Yours, my confidence should be at an all-time high. Whenever I begin to doubt, remind me of Your unfailing protection and provision.
Genesis 8–10 / Matthew 4 / Psalm 4
Incredible Healing Power
Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.
Matthew 4:23–24 nlt
Jesus traveled and taught the good news. In His travels, He frequently healed those who had physical and mental illness and disabilities: “Whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.” Can you imagine having a window into the past to see His healing miracles firsthand? Faith would just bubble up inside, wouldn’t it?
We don’t often think about it, but the King of kings and Lord of lords heals even today! And though He isn’t physically present to do the healing, He is still here with us, wrapping us in His restorative embrace.
Do you need healing, dear one? If so, ask God to remind you of His power, His love, His ability to cure every illness. Ask Him for a miracle. Then leave your request in His healing hands. Trust Him to see you through. Believe that He will restore, refresh, repair. What a beautiful blessing to have access to the incredible healing power of our heavenly Father!
Father, pull me into Your restorative embrace.
Genesis 11–13 / Matthew 5:1–20 / Psalm 5
Yes = Blessed!
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. . . . God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
Matthew 5:3–6, 10 nlt
If you’re a Christ follower, when did you first realize you needed Him? When did it occur to you that you didn’t want to—just couldn’t—live without Him?
When we choose to follow Jesus, we’re often at our lowest low. . .and something stirs deep within our souls. That’s when God nudges our hearts toward Him. And though we may come to Him from a place of hardship or desperation, He loves us without limits! His blessings are many, and they come in all forms:
When we grieve, He comforts.
When we hunger and thirst, He satisfies. When we are persecuted for doing right, He promises us the kingdom of heaven.
Where and when have you experienced God’s blessings in your life? Grab your journal and write it all down. Read it often. Praise the blessings giver!
Father God, I’m so glad I said yes to You. You are the leader of my life, and that comes with abundant benefits and blessings. Thank You for saving me!
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6
Genesis 14–16 / Matthew 5:21–48 / Psalm 6
“Set-Right-with-God ”
Abram said, “God. . .what use are your gifts as long as I’m childless and Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?” . . . Then God’s Message came: “Don’t worry. . . a son from your body will be your heir.” Then he took him outside and said, “Look at the sky. Count the stars. . . . Count your descendants! You’re going to have a big family, Abram!” And he believed! . . . God declared him “Set-Right-with-God.”
Genesis 15:2, 4–6 msg
yYou believe God keeps His promises—but have you ever felt like He’s forgotten about you? You’ve received many of His blessings, but there’s that one thing. . . And it doesn’t seem like God will come through. No matter how hard you pray, He doesn’t seem to be listening.
This is how Abram must have felt when he expressed his discontent to God. His words were bold: “What good are all Your gifts, when I don’t have a son to inherit it all?” Abram asked the hard question—and God answered! Not only did God assure Abram of His promise, but He went deeper, confirming it with an illustration: “Look at the stars. You’ll have as many descendants!” Abram believed. And God declared him “Set-Right-with-God.”
As a daughter of the Most High, you can be “Set-Right-withGod” too! Share the desires of your heart. . .then express your belief! Wait for God to move. He hasn’t forgotten you!
Heavenly Father, I trust You to make good on Your promises.
Genesis 17–18 / Matthew 6:1–18 / Psalm 7
Noticed
“When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets. . .to be honored by others. . . . But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees. . .will reward you.”
Matthew 6:2–4 niv
yWhen we do good things for others, we often have a little voice in our heads (sidenote: That little voice is pride!) that tells us others will be impressed. So, when we give to the poor. . .or write a large check at church. . .or donate in abundance to the community food drive, we’re secretly hoping someone will notice, that someone will be astounded by our generosity, that someone will ooh and aah over how charitable we are.
When we say it out loud, it feels pretty icky, doesn’t it? But honestly, it’s kind of a letdown if we complete some grand gesture of giving and no one notices. . .am I right?
Even if no human being ever acknowledges your generosity and kind heart, there is someone who does—it’s Jesus (He doesn’t miss a thing!). So do your giving and praying and serving in secret. The Lord sees, and His rewards are better than any earthly praise you could ever receive!
Lord, I’m sorry for seeking human recognition. Remind me that all the good I do in secret is noticed by You—and nothing else matters.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Genesis 19–20 / Matthew 6:19–34 / Psalm 8
Faithful Living
Do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.
Matthew 6:31–34 voice
yDo you practice faithful living?
If you’re not sure, ask yourself:
• Am I an insider in God’s kingdom?
• Do I belong to Him? Is my identity in Him?
• Do I rely on the heavenly Father to supply all my needs?
• Do I trust that God will always come through for me?
• Is my eternal home in heaven?
If you answered yes to each of these questions, you’re fully equipped to practice faithful living just as God intended. Your “insider” status in God’s kingdom allows you to live worry-free 365 days a year. You name it, you can trust God to provide it! That is authentic, faithful living.
What a beautiful promise you can claim when your identity lies in Christ. . .when you “seek first the kingdom of God,” His good promises—all of them—are yours for the taking!
Father God, it’s my heart’s desire to practice faithful living every day. Help me. . .guide me. . .to always seek You first.
Genesis 21–23 / Matthew 7:1–11 / Psalm 9:1–8
Look Up
I can’t bear to watch my child die. As [Hagar] sat there, she cried loudly. . . . A messenger of God [said,] . . . Don’t be afraid. God has heard the voice of young Ishmael. Come now. . .take him by the hand. I have plans to make a great nation from his descendants! Then God opened Hagar’s eyes. She looked up from her grief and saw a well of water not far away. She. . .gave the young man a drink. God watched over him for the rest of his life.
Genesis 21:16–20 voice
yIt’s difficult to see beyond our grief, isn’t it? Whether we’re mourning a broken marriage, a dashed dream, the loss of health, or the death of a loved one. . .we get stuck in our sorrow. It’s hard to break free from it—without Jesus, that is.
That’s where Hagar found herself, locked in grief’s tight grip, as she prepared to watch her beloved son die from thirst. But when a heavenly messenger appeared to deliver a promise for her son’s future, God opened Hagar’s eyes: “She looked up from her grief.” She saw a well of water! Her son’s life was spared—and God’s promise fulfilled!
Are you stuck in a season of grief, dear one? Remember the hope you have as a child of Almighty God. Ask Him to remind you of His enduring promises. He will open your eyes to the beautiful days ahead.
Father God, today I will look up and recognize Your good plans for my future.
Genesis 24 / Matthew 7:12–29 / Psalm 9:9–20
A Safe House for Your Soul
God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.
Psalm 9:9–10 msg
yIf you’ve ever felt beat up—emotionally and spiritually—you’re not alone. Life has a way of knocking us around from time to time, and it’s difficult to find our way back to hope and healing. (Some friendly advice? That negative self-talk you default to only makes it worse.)
So, instead of beating yourself up over a past mistake, a failed relationship, an unmet goal, or whatever it is that has made you feel “less than,” run into the arms of Jesus. Instead of steeping your mind in pessimism, focus on the goodness of your heavenly Father. Instead of listening to the misleading voices of the world, open your heart to the truth of God’s Word. The Creator of heaven and earth has got you! You’re His, after all: “Know this: God is God. . . . He made us. . . . We’re his people, his well-tended sheep” (Psalm 100:3 msg).
In your down-and-out moments, remember that God is your “safe-house,” your “sanctuary.” The second you enter His holy presence, your heavy burdens become lighter, and your stressedout spirit can unwind and relax. Rest in Him today.
God, thank You for being my safe place—the one I can always run to for comfort and assurance. I am so thankful that I am Yours!
Genesis 25–26 / Matthew 8:1–17 / Psalm 10:1–11
God Is with You
Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord.
Genesis 26:23–25 nlt
What scares you? Spiders? Heights? Clowns? Storms? The dark? Everyone is afraid of something. Whatever it is that makes you quake in your sneakers, it nearly always stems from irrational thoughts and worries. Our fears are rarely rooted in reality or logic.
Fear is a strange emotion because it can get the best of us even when we know better. It can overpower our minds and bodies— causing us to freeze in fright. It can easily grow to epic proportions if we’re not careful.
So how can you keep fear under control? Simply by remembering that God is with you, and He will bless you. If you trust that God has nothing but the best in mind for you, then what do you have to fear? Not a single thing!
Fear crusher, I am so thankful I get to do life with You as my guide and companion. When fear lurks in my mind, help me to overcome it with Your wonderful promises for my future!
MONDAY, JANUARY 12
Genesis 27:1–28:9 / Matthew 8:18–34 / Psalm 10:12–18
The Hopes of the Helpless
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.
Psalm 10:17–18 nlt
yHelpless. Overlooked. Unwanted. Insignificant. Rejected. Unloved. These are only a few of the words we could use to describe poor Leah. (You can read her full story in Genesis 29:25, 28, 30–31.)
When Jacob said “I do” on his wedding day, he had no idea that Leah was standing in for her younger sister, Rachel. Rachel was the one Jacob truly loved—the woman Jacob had been promised in exchange for seven years of hard work. Laban, Jacob’s father-in-law, had tricked him, and Jacob was furious! So, what did the devious Laban do? A week later, he allowed Jacob to marry Rachel.
As expected, Leah was treated as second best. She was undoubtedly embarrassed and humiliated, jealous and angry. And though she had been placed at the center of a grossly unfair situation, one thing made all the difference in the world: God “saw” Leah (Genesis 29:31). He knew her hopes. He understood her feelings. And, when no one else showed love to her, God did. He blessed Leah with children.
Do you identify with Leah? Call out to the one who knows your hopes.
Father, thank You for seeing me, for knowing my hopes, for loving me.
Genesis 28:10–29:35 / Matthew 9 / Psalm 11
Fully Known
The Eternal has not moved. . . . He sits squarely on His heavenly throne. He observes. . .examining us within and without, exploring every fiber of our beings. The Eternal searches the hearts of those who are good.
Psalm 11:4–5 voice
yCoffee or tea?
Roses or daisies?
Movies or books?
Who knows you best? You probably have a sister, best friend, or mom who knows nearly everything about you. This person knows your likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams, fears and secrets, and everything in between. This kind of understanding and knowledge is built through years of togetherness—spending time talking and sharing. These close relationships are invaluable. But no matter how well another person knows you, she can’t possibly know everything about you. (There may even be details about yourself that you’ve chosen to keep to yourself for fear of being rejected or abandoned. “If you only knew this about me, you’d no longer love me.”)
There is one who will never stop loving you, who will never reject you. The Eternal One, the one who “has not moved” knows you better than any person on the planet ever has or will. Not only does He know and understand you, inside and out (every fiber of your being, in fact!), but He also searches your heart. He loves you today, tomorrow, for eternity.
Eternal One, search my heart and know me. Thank You for saving me. I am Yours—always.
14
Genesis 30:1–31:21 / Matthew 10:1–15 / Psalm 12
Remembered
God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and opened her womb. She became pregnant and had a son. She said, “God has taken away my humiliation.”
Genesis 30:22–23 msg
yWhen Rachel’s father tricked Jacob into marrying her older sister first. . .then allowed him to marry Rachel, she was devastated. And, in the years that followed, her sister Leah gave birth to many children, while Rachel was unable to get pregnant. Rachel wanted nothing more than to be a mother. And, to make the situation even more painful, Jacob didn’t even love Leah; he loved Rachel.
Rachel became extremely jealous of her sister. In her desperation, she said to Jacob: “Give me sons or I’ll die!” . . . While none of us enjoys reliving our most painful experiences, we’ve all had our “Give me (fill in the blank) or I’ll die” moments. We can certainly relate to Rachel’s outburst. . .yes?
How did God handle Rachel’s suffering? He didn’t ignore her pain. He didn’t turn His back on her. He didn’t leave her alone. “God remembered Rachel” (emphasis added). After she had experienced immense sadness and humiliation, He enabled her to have children of her own (even though it wasn’t in the time frame Rachel had hoped for).
The same is true for us. Even in our darkest times, God hears our cries. As He remembered Rachel, He will remember you and me.
Lord, thank You for remembering me. I trust that I am always wrapped in Your loving embrace.
Genesis 31:22–32:21 / Matthew 10:16–36 / Psalm 13
In His Hands
“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul. . . . Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life. . .in his hands.”
Matthew 10:28 msg
yHave you ever given another human being the power to influence your thoughts, words, or actions? Whether conscious or not, we’ve granted other people authority, for good or for bad, over us. A parent. A teacher. A friend. A bully. A boss. We’ve caved to someone else’s wants and whims either to avoid conflict or to make them happy, when all the while, we’re miserable.
More times than we realize, we allow someone to push or pull us in a direction they’d like us to go. So, we do things we don’t want to—or shouldn’t—do. We remain quiet instead of speaking up. We allow another’s criticism to echo in our minds and chip away at our self-confidence. We make frivolous purchases when we should be saving for the future.
Whenever you feel yourself caving to the pressure. . .giving someone else that kind of power over you, call out to God. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with the one who holds you in His hands. When you let Him lead, you give Him alone the power of influence over your life. And unlike our human counterparts, our heavenly Father will never steer you in the wrong direction.
From the moment I said yes to You, Father, You have held me, guided me, loved me. In Your hands, I am safe.
JANUARY 16
Genesis 32:22–34:31 / Matthew 10:37–11:6 / Psalm 14
Turned-Around Lives
God takes the side of victims. Do you think you can mess with the dreams of the poor? You can’t, for God makes their dreams come true. Is there anyone around to save Israel? Yes. God is around; God turns life around.
Psalm 14:5–7 msg
yOn days when it feels like you’re drowning in darkness and despair, turn to the certainties of God’s Word. Remember these verses from Psalm 14. The biblical truths will bring you into the light:
God is on your side, dear one! He is for you, never against you. No one can mess with your dreams. And God can make them come true!
When it feels like you’re stuck in a dark pit (with no way out), God will reach in and pull you into the light.
And when it feels like no one has your back, God does—always! God can turn any situation—and any life—around.
Our God is so, so good. Where there seems to be no way, He makes a way. He is the dream maker and miracle worker—the one and only life changer.
Say a prayer of thanks to the heavenly Father right this minute, friend. Express your gratitude for the beautiful ways He works in you and through you—today and always.
Father God, You have changed my life and the lives of so many others. Thank You for adopting us into Your family and for calling us Yours.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
Genesis 35–36 / Matthew 11:7–24 / Psalm 15
You’re a Perfect Fit
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Psalm 15:1–2 nlt
yHave you ever been somewhere and felt like you didn’t belong? Like you weren’t accepted? Or you just didn’t fit in? Perhaps you get that sense all the time: You rarely, if ever, feel like a piece of the puzzle that fits “just right.”
Truth is, we’ve all experienced the pain of rejection at one time or another. That women’s Bible study group? Awkward! The dinner party you were invited to? You couldn’t wait for the evening to end! Human beings are fickle creatures, aren’t they? And sometimes they don’t treat us the way we’d like them to. . .leading us to feel like the odd woman out.
That’s what makes being a Christ follower so special. The beautiful thing about belonging to Jesus is that you always fit perfectly into His plans. You always have a place in His kingdom. You never have to wonder if you belong, because you do—today and for all eternity! You are always welcome in His presence—you’re invited to praise, to worship, to sit quietly. . .just as you are. When you say yes to Jesus, you’re a perfect fit!
Father God, thank You for assuring me that I fit into Your plans. That You love me and have a place for me always!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Genesis 37–38 / Matthew 11:25–30 / Psalm 16
Well Rested
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 nlt y
We all need rest. We crave it. And most of us would probably agree that we never feel completely rested. Day-to-day living has too many of us in a perpetual, stressed-out, ever-drained state. And it’s not just physical. . .it’s mental and emotional too. What about you, sister? Are you exhausted? Frazzled? Frustrated? Are you weary and burdened? YES? If so, then there’s a promising remedy. And the wonderful thing is that it doesn’t require a prescription, and it’s proven to be supereffective. It will fill your energy tank to overflowing.
What’s this miracle remedy, you may be wondering? It’s Jesus! The scriptures tell us that He alone offers rest for our weary souls. When we walk with Him, we can truly be refreshed, because He removes the weight of our burdens.
If you’re in need of some rest for your head, your heart, your body. . .don’t accept your exhaustion as “just the way it is.” Off-load your stresses and strains to Jesus today.
Rest giver, thank You for taking my heavy burdens so I can find respite for my weary soul.
Genesis 39–40 / Matthew 12:1–29 / Psalm 17
Nothing Against You
Listen, O Eternal One, to my cry for justice. . . . Announce that I am free of all the charges against me—only You can see into my heart to know that to be true. Treat me with fairness; look at me with justice. You have searched me. . . . You’ve found nothing against me. . . . Your ways and Your voice now guide my journey. I will press on— moving steadfastly forward along Your path. I will not look back.
Psalm 17:1–5 voice
yLife isn’t fair. For as long as we can remember we’ve dealt with injustice in one form or another. . . We’ve been judged by people who don’t know the first thing about us. We’ve been labeled as “guilty” when we are innocent. We’ve been mistreated and misunderstood. And. . .it’s frustrating, to say the least.
The world and life’s circumstances—as unfair as they may be—don’t have to dictate the direction of our moods and feelings. Especially when we know Jesus.
When we invite Him into our hearts, our chains are broken. We are set free. The one who saves us, loves us, forgives us, directs us. . .He treats us with fairness and looks upon us with justice. Let Him be your life guide. With Him in the lead, press on and don’t ever look back.
Father God, with You as my guide, I am free. You hold nothing against me. You see directly into my heart. You know the real me.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
Genesis 41 / Matthew 12:30–50 / Psalm 18:1–15
Right Here, Right Now
Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s. Then he dressed him in fine linens and put a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command, and servants ordered everyone, “Kneel!” as he rode by. So this was how Pharaoh appointed Joseph head over all of the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41:42–43 voice
If you’re familiar with the people of the Bible and their stories, you know that God chose to put each one at a special time and in a specific place to fulfill His good purpose for their lives:
Joseph—this boy who wore a coat of many colors was sold into slavery and later imprisoned, only to be appointed by Pharaoh as head over all of Egypt.
Esther—this orphan-turned-queen of the Persian empire heroically saved her people, the Jews, from genocide.
Moses—this baby in a basket grew up to become a stuttering fugitive who was chosen by God to lead the Egyptian people to freedom.
Saul (later renamed Paul)—this despiser and persecutor of Christians became a lover of Jesus and preacher of the good news.
God uses men and women today just as He did in ancient times. And God has chosen you right here, right now. Ask Him to walk alongside you as you work to fulfill your purpose for His kingdom.
Lord, thank You for choosing me. Use me as You see fit. I’m all Yours!
Genesis 42–43 / Matthew 13:1–9 / Psalm 18:16–29
Complete
God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him.
Psalm 18:20 msg
yWe often go through our lives in a perpetual search for that missing “thing” that will make us feel complete. . .
Certainly, that new career will make us happy.
Or finding a husband to share life with. . .that’s the missing piece to our perfect life.
Or that gorgeous house—the one with the white picket fence and the kitchen of our dreams.
But what happens when we receive these things? We want the next thing, don’t we? Because a person, a bank account, a “thing” (no matter how significant it seems) can never fill the empty places in our hearts. Psalm 18 says, “God made my life complete” (emphasis added). It’s not “God and,” but rather God alone. Only He can fill the missing pieces in our lives.
The beauty of this is that when we have our identity in Him, we can stop the mad search for that next thing that promises to fill our joy buckets. Ask the heavenly Father to fill the empty places in your heart right now. Ask Him to make your life complete. He can. . .He will!
Heavenly Father, I come to You today incomplete, with a void in my heart that I know only You can fill. Would You please help me stop searching and instead rest in Your wonderful promise? Make my life whole and complete as only You can.
