January 11

Ephesians 6:13

Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to (successfully) resist and stand your ground in the evil day (of danger), and having done everything, to stand (in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious). 

Stand.  When Jesus died on the cross, He regained the authority on this earth for us over the devil.  With the armor of God, we keep our thoughts and attitudes correct and draw the line and stand.  We know what the bible says about our situation, and God has promised, and we will not be moved.  Stand. 

January 10

Ephesians 6:10

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him) and in the power of His (boundless) might.

In a world that teaches us to be self-reliant and rely on our strength and capabilities, God offers and encourages us to rely on His strength.  The God of heaven, full of all power, knowledge, wisdom, and love, stretches out His hand daily to let us use His strength.  Just release the problem to God and follow His guidance. 

January 7

Nehemiah 8:10

And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.  

The joy of the Lord is being fully confident and persuaded that God is taking care of us.   No doubts or fear exists that mar our thoughts, but we have faith in God.  Faith is the key to the focus of our hearts.  Faith aligns with the word of God and turns away all opportunity to fear. 

January 6

Psalm 103:11-12

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him (with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence). As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  

Respect and honor given to God come from knowledge and understanding of His love for us.  The washing away of sins so that we would draw closer to God by the shed blood of Jesus.  God had the plan of redemption and a path back to fellowship with Him.  Jesus came to remove our sin so it will be remembered no more.  

January 5

Daniel 12:10

Many will be purged, purified (made white) and refined, but the wicked will behave wickedly.  None of the wicked will understand, but those who are (spiritually) wise will understand.

Sin blinds the spirit and limits the understanding, but those who wait on the Lord will have eyes that see the sign of the times.  Our fellowship with the Lord helps refine us and bring us closer to God.  Time with God is well spent for our spiritual lives now and in the future.  

January 4

Proverbs 3:3-4

Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you (instead let these qualities define you); bind them (securely) around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and esteem in the sight of God and man.  

Our good character is essential before God and man.  God first showed us mercy and kindness, and we greatly esteem Him for this knowing our faults.  When we show mercy and kindness to others, we reflect God’s spirit and love here on earth. 

January 3

Psalm 119:66

Teach me good judgment (discernment) and knowledge, for I have believed and trusted and relied on your commandments.  

Our salvation opened the door for us to receive the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher.  When we combine our study of the bible with the Holy Spirit guiding us, we can attain good judgment and knowledge.  The Holy Spirit will guide us and teach us in ways we could never accomplish ourselves.  All we have to do is ask the Holy Spirit. 

December 31

Psalm 91:14

Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him (securely) on high, because he knows My name (he confidently relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no never).

When we love God, we get closer to Him by reading and meditating on His word.  We spend time praying and worshiping, and waiting on His presence.  We build a relationship with God and our confidence in Him.  God loved us first and rewarded us when we showed our love to Him. 

December 30

Psalm 32:10-11

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trust in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness.  Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous (who actively seek right standing with Him); shout for joy, all you upright in heart.  

Think about the feeling of being lost with no map, no guide, and no direction.  Trusting and relying on the Lord is never having to have the feeling of being lost.  The relationship with God surrounds the believer with love, compassion, and freedom.  God has the answers when we do not, now sit back and trust and rely.  

December 29

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Now may our God and Father Himself, and Jesus our Lord guide our steps to you (by removing the obstacles that stand in our way). And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you. 

Paul faced obstacles in getting to the believers of His time.  We may also encounter obstacles reaching out to fellow believers and non-believers.  Jesus is the remover of those obstacles.  He knows what we face and how to overcome it.  The Lord will cause our love to grow for each other and any barriers to be removed.