Happy New You: Reading the Bible Through

January

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

January 1

In the Beginning God Created

Genesis 1-3

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:21-22

Can you imagine how Adam must have felt when he saw Eve? A beautiful new creation! Together they would make a home and according to God’s Word become one flesh. God created us in his image. May we live life to the fullest accomplishing his purpose.

A new year begins today. What new thing has God placed upon your heart to do for him? We must do the best we can with his divine direction. Are you ready?

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Lord,

Your Word is a light to our paths. Help us to make your Word come alive in our hearts so others may see Christ in our lives.

January 2

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

Genesis 4-6

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:8, 22

Are you finding favor in the eyes of the Lord? Are you doing everything as God commands? That is a hard act to follow yet if we want to please God we must be willing to move forward as he leads.

As this year unfolds, let us begin today to listen to his voice for his sheep hear his voice. Pray and read his Word. Sometimes he will ask us to fast and pray. Starting today, I plan to go on a partial fast for 21 days, praying and seeking his will for not only my life, but also the lives of my family. Meditate on what the word speaks to your heart.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Lord,

Direct us daily to be an obedient vessel. May our lives be used by you so others may know you.

January 3

A New Day

Genesis 7-9

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22

Noah accomplished God’s plan when he built an altar on dry land. God said, And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. Genesis 8:21b

We live in a world as corrupt as it was in Noah’s day. Evil, greed, and violence are all around us. When God examines our heart what does he find? Are we known for our godly actions and not just for our words?

We have 24 hours in each day. What are we doing with our time? Are we accomplishing what God has placed on our hearts? A new day has arrived! Like Noah, can we be counted as good and faithful servants?

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Precious Lord,

Lead us Lord this new day to obey! Guide our lives so one day we shall hear you say, Well done.

January 4

Blessed to be a Blessing

Genesis 10-12

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:2-3

God introduced the Hebrew race beginning with Abraham who had enough faith in God to go where he sent him.

Are we going in the direction God has planned for us today? Many years ago my husband and I felt a strong desire to leave Oklahoma and move back to Georgia. Was it easy? No, we prayed asking God for wisdom. I had to leave my family and get settled in a job before my husband could quit his job in Oklahoma. God worked it out and today we are better off in Georgia than we would have ever been anywhere else.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Lord,

Only you can help us to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit. Guide us to step out in faith moving forward as you lead us. Help us to forget those things behind and look toward the future.

January 5

God Rewards our Faith

Genesis 13-15

He took him outside and said, Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, so shall your offspring be. Genesis 15:5

God told Abram he would have a child. Then the word of the Lord came to him: This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir." Genesis 15:4

God keeps his promises and rewards our obedient faith. When God promises to direct our lives, we can be confident he will lead us.

It takes time for us to see the results of our faith. The main thing is to continue serving Christ. I had set a goal during my years working in my career. I prayed hoping to retire at a certain level and a year prior to retirement, I received the promotion I wanted to achieve.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dearest Lord Jesus,

Thank you for guiding us on the right path. Forgive us for any area in our hearts that may keep us from the path you have chosen.

January 6

Nothing is too Difficult for God

Genesis 16-18

Then the Lord said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Genesis 18:13-14

Our granddaughter was told she could not have children. Later on however, she was thrilled to hear the doctor say, You are going to have a baby. It was only about five months later when her first-born son died in the womb. She was devastated! We all were.

My husband and I prayed for her daily pleading the blood of Jesus Christ over her life. Today she is the mother of a beautiful baby girl. I’ll never forget the day this child was born. All I could do was stand at the viewing window and stare at this precious child knowing God had heard our prayers and answered.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

O God,

What an awesome God you are! You move mightily in our lives as we seek your will. Praising you for all you have done and continue to do.

January 7

Speak Life

Genesis 19-21

And there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, ‘She is my sister.’ Then Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her. Genesis 20:2

Abraham told the Egyptians Sarah was his sister instead of his wife in order to save his life. Needless to say this caused many problems. God had already told him not to fear that he was his shield." When God speaks we must listen!

The pleasure of life is the result of living a life of integrity in all circumstances. The most important lesson we can learn from these Scriptures is to speak the truth.

We should be careful to make decisions based on God’s Word.

Even a small fib can cause larger untruths.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dear Lord,

Your Word is a light to our path and a lamp to our feet. May we study daily to live a life pleasing to you. Help us to be careful in what we say each day.

January 8

Moving in God Direction

Genesis 22-24

Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed. Genesis 24:51

Isaac married Rebekah. She was a bold woman who left her parents to marry a man she has never seen. She moved according to God’s divine direction.

Are we choosing each day to make right choices? If not, we will reap what we sow. Choose to be kind and not to grumble, complain or criticize?

When our heart’s desire is to please God, he orders all the ways of our lives so that he may use us and we may offer praise and worship to him.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dear Lord,

We lift up our voices to you for you are worthy to receive praise and honor. Use us Lord according to your plan.

January 9

Making Difficult Decisions

Genesis 25-27

The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be. Genesis 25:23

Rebekah did not have children right away, and when she did become pregnant, she had a difficult time. She gave birth to twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau, the first born, was a skilled hunter. Jacob, the second born, was the opposite, quiet and careful. Rebekah loved Jacob because he was more sensitive than Esau. She deceived her husband Isaac into naming Jacob as his heir.

Rebekah made a choice and had to pay the consequences. Sometimes we have to choose the lesser of two evils. We have to take the difficult path or make the difficult decision, even when we would like to avoid it.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Our Father,

Cleanse us from those areas in our hearts that goes against your plan and purpose. Guide us to make the right decisions each day.

January 10

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Genesis 28-30

"Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel. Genesis 29:18

Seven years passed but instead of Laban allowing Jacob to marry Rachel, Laban deceived Jacob into marrying his first born, Leah. Needless to say Jacob was upset. He had dreamed of the day he and Rachel would be together as man and wife. Now he had married Leah instead. He later married Rachel.

Jacob’s life is an illustration of how God wonderfully uses and blesses His faithful servants-even though there are times when it seems they are being cheated out of the best opportunities of life.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Lord,

When life seems to hurt us, may we turn to your Word. For you said you would instruct us and teach us in the way we should go.

January 11

The Favor of God

Genesis 31-33

Esau said, ‘Then let me leave some of my men with you’. ‘But why do that?’ Jacob asked: Just let me find favor in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 33:15

Esau was so glad to see his brother he wanted to give him some of what he owned however, Jacob already had plenty. If we keep our eyes on the Lord, he will come to us in our time of distress.

Do you lack anything today? Pray and seek God’s will for your life. What is his will, his Word. Ask him today to meet you at your point of need. He owns all the cattle in the field plus the field. If we trust and obey him, he will provide our every need.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Our Father,

We give thanks for all you have given. Help us to live according to your plan and purpose. May your favor rest upon your children today.

January 12

God Answers

Genesis 34-36

Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone. Genesis 35:3

Jacob knows his God! What a journey he has traveled and now he and all his family are returning to Bethel.

Praying for over two years about purchasing a new home, God heard our prayers. My husband and I would not budge until we knew God was leading us.

We moved into our home within a matter of days before the expiration of a government incentive. Therefore, we received a check for $6000 when we filed our taxes.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Precious Lord,

Help us to be sensitive to your divine guidance. When we wait on your direction, good things happen!

January 13

Success will Follow You

Genesis 37-39

"The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did." Genesis 39:23

After his brothers sold him as a slave, Joseph was sold again in Egypt. Then he was cast into prison, not for breaking the law, but for once again maintaining his high moral integrity.

God will never leave us nor forsake us. If we continue on the path pleasing to him success will follow us. The narrow path to eternal life is not easy but it is rewarding.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Father,

Continue to direct our steps each day. Help us to look to you in every area of our life. Keep us by your power in Jesus name. Then and only then will we be successful in your sight.

January 14

The Dream

Genesis 40-42

We both had dreams, they answered, ‘but there is no one to interpret them.’ Then Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.’" Genesis 40:8

The cupbearer and the baker both had dreams the same night. Joseph let them know only God could reveal to them the understanding.

Have you ever had a dream that took your breath away? One morning I woke up and sat on the side of my bed for I could not believe the dream! Jesus Christ visited our new home. Needless to say, my husband and I were in awe…He was dressed in a colorful robe and wore his hair long. He walked through the rooms admiring the pictures with Scriptures on each wall. His visit was short but never to be forgotten!

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for saving our souls. The greatest gift we can receive is salvation. May we live each day filled with your Spirit.

January 15

God is in Control

Genesis 43-45

I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. Genesis 45:4-5

Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. Can you imagine how they must have felt? Joseph however knew God’s hand was on his life during those years of suffering.

Today, we also must know no matter what happens, God is in control, watching over us and preparing our heart for eternal life with Him.

Each day is a new day to serve Christ! Pray and seek his will before you go out the door.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Our precious Father,

A new day has arrived. Giving thanks for your help even when we did not know you. Create in us a clean and pure heart ready and willing to do your will.

January 16

Obey God’s Direction

Genesis 46-48

I am God, the God of your father, he said. ‘Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you and I will surely bring you back again.’" Genesis 46:3

Jacob obeys God and goes to Egypt. He is reunited with his beloved son Joseph. After entering Egypt and enjoying Joseph’s care, Jacob had to teach his descendants the consequences of failing to seek God’s direction.

Every chance we get we must teach our grandchildren and great- grandchildren the things of God. I recently bought our little 19 month old great-granddaughter a story book with stickers about Jesus. She loves placing the little stickers on a map of Israel.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dear Lord,

Guide us each day to hear your voice to move forward in the direction you have for us. Help us to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit.

January 17

Fear God

Genesis 49-Ex 1

So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. Ex 1:20

A new king came to power in Egypt and he saw how the Israelites had become much too numerous. Therefore, he not only made their lives bitter with hard labor but also asked the midwives to kill the first born males. The midwives feared God and did not do what the king had told them to do.

When we talk about fearing God we stand in awe of his holy presence. We want to please him in all we do. It is important to keep our heart and mind open to his leading in all things.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Precious Lord,

Lead us on to accomplish your plan. Forgive us when we try to walk according to our own way without leaning on you. Each new day is a gift from you. Help us to live it wisely.

January 18

God Equips those He Calls

Exodus 2-4

But Moses said, O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Exodus 4:13

The promise of deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt began to be fulfilled when Moses was born but when God commissioned him to stand before Pharaoh as their advocate, Moses felt he was not qualified to speak.

Do you feel you are not qualified to do what God asks you to do? When God spoke to my heart to "write all I have spoken to you in a book, in Jeremiah 30:2, I did not feel qualified. He never fails to equip us after he calls us.

Through the years I have written many articles and devotions and had ten books published. However, it has been a long journey of attending many writer conferences, going to college and studying the craft.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dear Father,

Sometimes it is difficult to move out when you call yet you still love us and if we are willing you will equip us to go where you send us.

January 19

Our Redeemer Will

Exodus 5-7

Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’ Exodus 6:6

God spoke, I will several different times to Moses. Today he is speaking to us if we will be sensitive to sit in his presence and hear his still quiet voice.

Fasting and praying for 21 days this new year has been a time of listening quietly as I meditate on God’s Word. Be still and know He is God. Writing this book was an idea that came one morning when I silently prayed, God, what new devotional should I start reading this year? And the words Why not write your own 365 page devotional" suddenly came into my spirit.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dear Father,

We come into your presence to be still. Thank you for saving and redeeming us. When you speak may we be sensitive to hear and move forward in obedience.

January 20

Worship

Exodus 8-10

Then the Lord said to Moses, Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.’" Exodus 8:1

As I read this portion of Scripture about the plagues on Egypt, the one thing that stands out is how important it is for us to worship our Lord.

Attending church each week is an act of worship. We must worship our God in spirit and truth. Falling on our knees in prayer every day is an act of worship. Never take for granted that we live in a country that allows us to worship the one who created us.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Our Father who art in heaven,

We have come to adore you, to reverence you for who you are, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the great I AM!

January 21

A Light in the Darkness

Exodus 11-13

Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:22

By day the Lord went ahead in a pillar of cloud to guide the Israelites and at night a pillar of fire. God’s divine light shone brightly so they would not get lost in the darkness.

Our world is so lost. Recently a man walked into a school and killed innocent children and their teachers. The light that shines in our lives must go out to those who live in the darkness. We can sit and read God’s word but it is imperative that we go out and speak what we have read.

Thoughts to ponder

A Prayer for Today

Dear heavenly Father,

Help us to proclaim you to those who are living their lives in darkness. Let your light shine brightly in us