Day 1 Devotional

“Those who present their own ideas are looking for praise for themselves, but those who seek to honor the one who sent them are good and genuine.” John 7:18

Thoughts from Josh

In life, it is not about being noticed or recognized for our “good ideas” nor is it about bringing attention to ourselves. Life is about bringing attention to Jesus, displaying Christ, putting him out in front where everyone can see him. We are to lift him up. This flies in the face of our basic nature yet this is the life we are called to and I believe we will find it is the one we truly want to live.

Day 2 Devotional

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Thoughts from Melanie

So often we get so engrossed in our problems that we often forget that God is waiting to help us if we just ask him. God only wants the best for us and has great plans for us. We just have to trust and seek him with our whole heart and he will provide for us.

Day 3 Devotional

“If you are thirsty come to me! If you believe in me come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” John 7:37-38

Thoughts from Josh

I was just thinking how thirsty I get during the day. I often times find myself running to the fridge and cracking open a Diet Soda to “quench” my thirst. The funny part is no matter how good the soda tastes, I’m still thirsty when I’m done. I’m guessing that is what Jesus meant when he tells us he is the only one to satisfy our deepest thirst in life. Just like water truly satisfies physical thirst, Jesus is the only lasting satisfaction for the thirst within our souls. Everything else is diet soda compared to him.

Day 4 Devotional

“If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13-14

Thoughts from Jim

A lot of times we as believers feel distant from God. We feel as though we can not find God, but the truth is, God tells us if we earnestly seek Him we will find Him. The times in my life when I feel so far away from God, are the times when I haven’t been seeking Him. Seek and you shall find.

Day 5 Devotional

Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:14

Thoughts from Josh

Jesus has just met this woman accused of adultery yet he is able to see past her sin to her soul. That is what he does, he sees past our indiscretions and chooses to save us rather than condemn us. Go and sin no more - go and be about something different now. You were made for a better life than this - go and live it - better yet let’s go and live it together. That is what Jesus says to us. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” John 3:17 His word still speaks to us today for we are the ones lying in the dirt with a pile of rocks all around us knowing we have sinned and are deserving of punishment and yet he “sees us” he sees our souls and replies Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Close your eyes and hear those words that are being said to you.

Day 6 Devotional

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” John 12:35-36

Thoughts from Jesse

Everyday try to do something positive that shows what you believe, and then the light of Jesus will show through you and continue to light up a dark world. So let’s go light it up!!!!

Day 7 Devotional

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Thoughts from Josh

So much of my life I have felt like I was looking but never quite finding what I was looking for. Maybe that is why Jesus says he is the light; he alone is the only source we can go to find true direction. So many people are offering advice and directions we don’t quite know what to do. It is like we are wandering through a vast darkness, a literal pitch black we cannot see in front of our own faces that is why we feel like we are always stumbling. Jesus is like that candle in the darkness he illuminates our path through life so that we can see what is in front of us. We can see far enough to go day by day but no further that is why life has to be lived by faith. Trusting him for today and knowing that he will guide our path for tomorrow.

Day 8 Devotional

What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3

Thoughts from Jamie

When you believe God, God declares you to be righteous. God loved and made Abraham righteous when he believed! When you talk the walk of God, you should make sure you are walking the talk. We are here on earth to show others Christ, in every way possible, not just by becoming a friend.

Day 9 Devotional

“You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Thoughts from Josh

A disciple is one who follows the leader. Who do we follow? I mean when it really comes down to it, who do we follow? Jesus not only claims to be the light but he says he is the light that leads to truth and freedom. If Jesus is not your leader, where are you heading? Jesus says, no man can come to the father but through me. Meaning the only way to get to truth and freedom is through Jesus and the only way to do that is to be a disciple, to follow him. Let’s stop trying to lead all the time and start following a real leader.

Day 10 Devotional

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6: 10-12

Thoughts from Melanie

We must remember that this battle we fight is not of this world it is much larger. It is so easy to get discouraged but we must always take a stand for what is right. Even when it seems that we are being defeated and it would be so easy to give up. If we stay strong in the Lord by putting our faith in God to overcome, we can overcome, but we must realize that we can not do it alone. God will help us through if we just trust in him.

Day 11 Devotional

“I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” John 8:34-36

Thoughts from Josh

Sometimes I find myself doubting whether God really wants me, whether I really belong or am I just fooling myself. I can easily see myself as a slave because I know how I want to change all the time. Yet it seems I am never really able to, so yeah I can understand being a slave. Jesus says that a slave is not a part of the family that is why the Son set me free. I am a freed slave, one that has been adopted into God’s family. I am a son now and a part of the family forever. So maybe, I need to stop trying to earn my way into the family through what I do and just relax and enjoy being in God’s family.

Day 12 Devotional

“And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, promising not to stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me.” Jeremiah 32:40

Thoughts from Jim

God promises not to stop doing good, and in Romans 8:28 it says that God causes all things to work out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. God uses all situations in our lives for good, even if it is a bad situation and we don’t see how any good can come of it, God will find a way to use it for good and He will reveal it to us later. Trust that God is in control of all things.

Day 13 Devotional

“Teacher,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?”
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:2-3

Thoughts from Josh

I often wonder, God why do I have so many medical problems, what have I done to deserve them? Why punish me? I guess I just skipped over this verse in the past. What would it mean for your power to be seen in me? Are my weaknesses moments you shine? This seems strangely confusing and comforting. Maybe that is why you say you make beauty from ashes. What seems like a plague or curse, just plain pain is really your chance to shine. Please let your power shine through me!

Day 14 Devotional

“Jesus replied, there are twelve hours of daylight every day. As long as it is light people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light.” John 11:9-10

Thoughts from Jesse

Follow Jesus with all your heart, because not following him is like driving in the night with no headlights. As long as you have your headlights on you can do anything in Christ Jesus.

Day 15 Devotional

“But while I am still here in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

Thoughts from Josh

It seems I cannot run away from this subject lately. Everywhere I turn I’m confronted with verses telling me God is light. Maybe light is something I take for granted? I just assume it will always be available or that I can get to it whenever I need it. Yet God seems to be telling me that I always need the light and he is the only light. Sometimes I think I have better ideas or ways of doing things then God, sometimes I choose to use my own light. Reality is that those times usually lead to the biggest problems. There is only one light given to the entire world and it is the only one that can light the direction and path of my life. Maybe it’s time to let Jesus shine a little more.

Day 16 Devotional

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ. Philippians 1:6

Thoughts from Jim

This verse is encouraging to me, knowing that God will continue to work in my life and change the things about me that I hate. Everyone has their faults but the more in tune we are with God, the better He can reveal to us the things we need to change.

Day 17 Devotional

“I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” John 9:39

Thoughts from Josh

I think God is telling me that it is not my knowledge or understanding that makes me special, in fact when I rely more on my own ability and understanding I become like a blind man trying to find my way through this world. When I choose to follow Jesus my eyes are opened and I am able to see the true light and can see this life, this existence in the right perspective. I pray Lord that you will give me real sight, I’m tired of walking around blind.

Day 18 Devotional

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Thoughts from Jamie

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. This is so refreshing, thinking that our old life is buried. We no longer have to live under the burden of sin.

Day 19 Devotional

“After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice.” John 10:4

Thoughts from Josh

Often I see this life as something I must go through and then ask God for help with along the way. But here it says that Jesus walks ahead of us through life. Does that mean he not only goes through everything with us but that he also guides us through/directs us through this life? If he’s already been there and he is calling back instructions to get through this life, then I’d sure like to learn to listen because I’m tired of trying to do everything on my own. God thank you for going ahead, help me to hear your voice as you call back directions.

Day 20 Devotional

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Thoughts from Jim

I feel this verse should be at the top of every Christian’s memory verse list. In twelve words Paul sums up what every believer should be about. We often forget that our life is not our own once we give it to Jesus. We tend to continue to live for ourselves and not for Christ. If we as Christians could live our lives for the complete sake of Christ we could greatly impact the world around us. The unbelievers in our lives need to see and know that we stand for Christ and Christ alone. Not my will but His be done.

Day 21 Devotional

“Yes I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures.” John 10:9

Thoughts from Josh

Such a reassuring thought, that in coming through Jesus wherever I go I will find green pastures. Life will work out for me. Maybe that is why he promises to give me the desires of my heart, or that all things will work together for the good. This is a God I want to follow, not only does he lead but he leads to good places.

Day 22 Devotional

“My sheep recognize my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me and he is more powerful than anyone else.” John 10:27-29

Thoughts from Josh

Sometimes I have doubts about whether God really wants me or what my status is with him. Although it is hard to always be compared to sheep this helps me see that once I am God’s - I AM HIS. Really when I think about it, there is no one or thing more powerful than God, not even me, although at times I listen to myself before him. So when he says it is this way and nothing will change it then I guess maybe I should take him at his word.

Day 23 Devotional

“The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.” Psalm 145:8-9

Thoughts from Jen

As a Christian, I sometimes think God shows more preference to me because I try to get to know Him versus someone who could care less about Jesus. This verse tells me otherwise, and reminds me just how incomprehensible and immeasurable God’s love really is, that it covers over everyone and everything. From the way the sun shines day after day, to the kindness of strangers, to the communion song on Sunday – God showers His love on everyone.

Day 24 Devotional

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

Thoughts from Jesse

ARE YOU READY TO RUUMMBBLLEE! Yes the fight is on. Our struggle is with the forces of evil and the powers of this dark world. So how do we fight evil and darkness? First, by accepting God as your leader you won’t be alone in the fight. Second, God can outfit you with armor. Ephesians 6:14-17 basically says God can give us the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. The lines have been drawn which side of the fight will you stand?

Day 25 Devotional

NOWHERE. When you see these letters, did you think “no where” or “now here?” If you heard John’s sermon, you probably saw both and you probably know what I may say next. If you didn’t, I hope this will impact your way of thinking as it impacted mine.

“Now I [Paul] know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
I Corinthians 13:12b

Thoughts from Jen

I work in a cancer center and see people who face the possibility they may not live very long, or they may be in pain for the rest of the life they do have. I see these people and wonder, “why would God let this happen?” I’m sure you also have problems in life you wonder, “why God? Are you really there? Or are you nowhere?” Paul had this same thought as he wrestled with understanding things of this world. He finally realized, as we can learn to do, that he could only see a fraction of God’s plan – only a “part.” It’s okay to have questions, its okay to admit we don’t understand and don’t like it – but God wants us to trust Him, promising us we will see “fully” one of these days. He wants us to remember he is “now here.”

Day 26 Devotional

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7

Thoughts from Melanie

The Lord says to be anxious for nothing, absolutely nothing, that we are to bring everything to him in prayer and he will give us peace. When we are anxious, we do not trust him to take care of us, but if we just come to him he will provide everything we need. He will prove his faithfulness to us and we can find freedom from our anxieties just by spending time with him.

Day 27 Devotional

“Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:13

Thoughts from Jen

When I read this verse, I think of a few of those amazing individuals that have overcome physical handicaps to inspire us to serve God. I picture Helen Keller discovering how to communicate with the outside world in spite of her blindness and deafness. I picture the quadriplegic artist who can draw exquisite landscapes with a pencil in her mouth to show the beauty of God’s creation. And I think of the father who pushes his paralyzed son across the finish line of the Ironman triathlon as a picture of God’s excellence as a father who carries us in life. These people used their bodies – but you know who also does, who maybe isn’t the first person to pop into my mind? I don’t know who cleaned the church this week. I don’t know who prepared the architectural drawings for our church building. I don’t know who it was that planted the grass in our church’s lawn. But all of these people used their bodies to glorify God. What, then, am I doing?

Day 28 Devotional

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Thoughts from Joel

Stuff happens… It always does and unfortunately it always will. There are things that happen in life, and it just seems that nothing good can come of it. When crap happens to us in life God didn’t necessarily want it to happen to you, but He can use them for the greater good if you let Him. If you just stop and take a step back, look at the situation and ask God “What can be learned from this?” or “How can this be used to further Your will?” It’s tough, but soon you’ll be fuller in your faith, because you might not know how God is using the situation for good, but you know that somehow He is.

Day 29 Devotional

“I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15

Thoughts from Jen

I’m all about doing. I can’t stand to sit still. It was even worse before I got married. I drove my father crazy in high school because I was always asking him to drive me somewhere. I’m still a “doer” and this passage is one I feel describes me so often. I try to do things right a lot of the time but often fall back into old habits. I eat the cheesecake, I get impatient with my dad, I don’t invite my co-worker to the Easter service. I fail to do the right thing. If you read on in Romans 7, Paul finds the only solution to this doing is “being.” Being right with God, and being with God. Sometimes the hardest thing for me to do is stop doing and just be happy knowing God loves me and will take care of me.

Day 30 Devotional

“Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.” Psalm 86: 6-7

Thoughts from Melanie

When we are feeling persecuted all we have to do is cry to God and he will hear us and answer us. He can relieve us of our strife if we just ask him to do so and trust that he will. So often we forget to ask him for help and suffer for a lot longer than we should.

Exodus 14:14 The Lord himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense. No matter the situation you are in, God is in your corner. Sometimes in life we feel beat up, but that’s when we can ask our Lord to step into the fight to help us.