An Unparalleled Devotion

By Yuri Jean-Baptiste

Get off the sidelines and step into the spiritual game with this immersive 365-day Christian devotional.

Written by Christian fantasy author Yuri Jean-Baptiste, this devotional pulls from his years of experience in ministry and Bible study. Designed to actively engage and inspire, this devotional will encourage you to deepen your faith through the powerful practices of scripture memorization, journaling, and daily Bible reading. With each day's entry, you'll find thoughtfully crafted insights that offer guidance and foster meaningful self-reflection.

Whether you're embarking on your spiritual walk for the first time or seeking to reignite your faith, this action devotional provides the perfect companion to guide and support you. Embrace a year of growth, reflection, and spiritual engagement as you journey through these pages. Begin your transformative adventure today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yuri Jean-Baptiste
• Release date: Dec 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798230874645

Yuri Jean-Baptiste

While Yuri Jean-Baptiste may have spent his adolescence growing up in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, FL, he mainly lived in the magical fantasy and sci-fi landscapes his imagination created. A voracious reader and movie-lover, Yuri spent much of his childhood years world-building and concocting adventures before being forced to grow up. Lucky for him, he met his true love, Jennifer, who dared him to imagine again and pursue his dreams of becoming an author. Married in 2015, Yuri now lives in Durham, NC, with his wonderful wife and two dogs, although he devotes much of his time within his now fully-developed worlds. When he is not writing his novels, Yuri can be found channeling his inner nerd, playing Dungeon’s and Dragons and Magic: the Gathering with his friends.

Book preview

An Unparalleled Devotion Copy

An Action Devotional

Yuri Jean-Baptiste

Copyright © 2024 by Yuri Jean-Baptiste

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This book is dedicated to God, above all else, my amazing wife and daughters, and the unwavering men of Unparalleled and 4MUS…

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Elysia

Chronicles of Elysia: Rebellion

Legends of Elysia: Awakening

Chronicles of Elysia: Apprentice

Legends of Elysia: Assassins

Chronicles of Elysia: Redemption

Alterra Universe

Lightforge

Lightforge: A Light in the Darkness

Metamorphs

Metamorphs: Return of the Legion

Metamorphs 2: Ripple Effect

Metamorphs 3: Fallout

Metamorphs Four: War of the Deus

WarloX

WarloX: Child of Destiny

WarloX: Child of Darkness

WarloX: Child of Madness

Contents

Introduction

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Who Am I?

This was the hardest question to answer when it came to the creation of this book. The short answer is that my name is Yuri Jean-Baptiste, and I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I am also a husband, father, author, athletic trainer, and ergonomist. But the first explanation is probably the most relevant to the subject matter contained in these pages. 

When I first started mulling over whether I wanted to write this devotional, my first thought was why me?. I write Christian fantasy novels, not devotionals. Though I have been involved in men's and children’s ministry for years, I’m no biblical scholar. My credentials don’t include a framed degree or letters signifying my knowledge of the Scriptures. I don’t lead a famous church or deliver sermons regularly on a pulpit come Sunday morning. I don’t even have a podcast, and my social media presence is embarrassing at best. Why would anyone want to pick up this book and read it? 

The answer is fairly simple: because I believe God desires for me to step out in faith and lead people closer to Him. It’s not about me. It’s about the LORD. I love Him and His Word, and if I can help even one person to follow in the ways of Christ, then all my efforts will be worth it. Even if I wanted to, I don’t think I could ever truly hold it in: But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. (Jeremiah 20:9). I’m no Old Testament prophet or acclaimed modern preacher. My sole purpose is to serve the LORD in any way He desires. I’m no different from you, the one picking up this book hoping to build upon your relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

Don’t overlook the beauty of this. Just like I’m called to follow Christ and grow in His likeness, so are you. I’m not the only one called to profess their love of Him. Maybe that spark is in you as well, desperate to be flamed. I hope this book inspires you to write your own or at the very least journal/speak on your faith. And if, like me, you ever have any doubts about your qualifications, look to the Word to strengthen your walk of faith: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9).

Who is This For?

This devotional is for those who are seeking to begin their walk with Christ or those looking to strengthen it. It’s amazing how many believers of Christ we have in the world who have never opened the Bible on their own. I was one of them. Growing up, my church encouraged us to only read the Sunday texts because we were considered unlearned and needed the teachings explained. I didn’t delve into the Bible until adulthood, and its content surprised me tremendously. The Word of God will do that to you. It will change your life. 

At first, I started off with parts of the Bible, easing into an eventual reading of the entire text. And once I started, I couldn’t stop. Now, I don’t expect you to pick up this book and suddenly experience a desire to devour the Bible within a year. That’s not a realistic expectation (although easily attainable, believe me). But what I do want is to get you into the habit of reading and dwelling in the Word daily. You can’t love someone you don’t know and spend time with. God wants to spend time with you (yes, you). Stop running from it.

Many of my Christian friends have told me that my daily texts are the only time they engage with the Word during the week. I hope this book is an answer to that. Because my goal isn’t to get you to read this book in its entirety. It’s convincing you, like my friends, that they don’t need it. This is the training wheels on your spiritual bike. By the end, you’re going to take them off and discover you could ride all along, God by your side. And it’s going to be an exhilarating experience that will last into eternity.   

How Do I Use This?

Many of the devotionals I’ve read essentially consist of three parts: a small snippet of a verse, a motivational talk about how it relates to the author/your life, and a prayer. Although this style is popular for a reason, it always felt superficial and never made me truly think. I went with a different five-part approach (I know, I’m so creative) that I hope you enjoy. Most importantly, this is an ACTION devotional. That means it’s meant to be ACTED on. Reading is nice, but if you don’t DO anything with it, then this will become just another book gathering dust on your shelf after three months once your spiritual awakening has worn off. 

Verse- I want you to memorize it. Seriously. No, I don’t expect you to retain it forever (I’m pretty bad myself when it comes to Biblical memorization), but I want you to memorize it for the day. Keep it handy and run through it whenever you have a spare second. Why would you do that? Because the LORD wants you to. Don’t believe me? See Colossians 3:2, Hebrews 4:12, Philippians 4:8, or Deuteronomy 11:18 if you need confirmation. See if it doesn’t bring joy to your day and keep you from the snares of the enemy.

Reflection- This is my thoughts on the verse itself and how it can apply to your life. This breakdown explains how the verse speaks to the heart of God, the nature of man, and the purpose of our lives. These are my inspired thoughts, and I encourage you to write your own in a separate prayer journal. You might get something completely different out of it.

Read- How do you know the verse I referenced is accurate? Are you familiar with its original usage? Would you even know where to find it in the Bible? Time to answer those questions. Grab your Bible and see for yourself. This should get you familiar with the Bible and interested in what greater story is being told. And don’t just stop at my suggestions. Keep reading!

Consider- This considers the passage referenced. Is there a greater question we should ask behind it all? What additional nuggets of wisdom can we gleam if we dig further into the Word? Meditate on these statements and questions. If they inspire others to pop up in your mind, don’t ignore them. The Spirit is working in your heart.

Pray- Short and sweet. You don’t need to deliver a homily to the LORD (though I’m sure He’d love it if it’s from the heart). Prayer is your communication line to God. Continue the conversation for as long as you want. Change the words, open your heart, and pour out to Him. But if you need a jump start, here it is.

And that’s it, folks. You have my introduction. Now stop stalling. God is calling you into something far greater than you’ve ever imagined.

January

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M oses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.

Leviticus 9:23-24 NIV

Reflect:

What a remarkable scene that is painted in this passage. The Israelites await the return of Moses and Aaron from the tent of meeting, and when they come out, they bless the enormous crowd of people. Then, an amazing sight unfolds before them as God’s glory appears in a torrent of fire. It consumes the burnt offerings and fat portions, showing His pleasure. Their response is only appropriate---they shout for joy and fall prostrate before His presence.

While Leviticus can often leave me scratching my head with all the laws that were set in place, scenes like this help me put it all into perspective. We should not lose sight of the key theme of this intensive book. There was a reason the Israelites had to do all these rituals, a reason they sought to abide in these numerous commands to the letter.

The reason is that God desires to have a relationship with us. This isn’t just some vain god who demands glory, obedience, and sacrifice from mindless followers who do his bidding. This is the God Who will do anything, short of compromising Himself, to know and love us. Despite all the grumblings, flaws, and disrespect of the Israelites, God still wanted to live among His people, even if it meant taking a few extra steps. He wanted to do life with His followers. And He still does.

If anything, God has made it easier for us to know Him, despite the steady decline of His worship in our society. Through the Bible, we have unrestricted access to His Word and teachings. Through the Spirit, we have a direct link to Our God and His glory. How blessed are we to serve such a relational master!

Read:

Leviticus 9:15-24

Consider:

Am I taking my relationship with God as seriously as He does? What am I willing to sacrifice and offer to build my connection with Him?

Pray:

Father, thank you for meeting us where we are. Though we are a fallen people, You break through the barriers to ensure we know Who You are. Whether through the law, Your Word, or Your Son, You make a way to build a relationship among Your people. May I seek to serve You, worship You, and honor You all my days.

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M y feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Job‬ 23:11-12‬ NIV

Reflection:

Job was a godly man who likely lived during the time of Abraham. He was a man who dedicated his life to the LORD and demonstrated his faith daily to those around him. Despite being put through harsh trials, Job showed incredible conviction and came out on the other side with renewed faith in the LORD. During his struggles, Job assures his friends that he has followed God’s steps to the best of his ability. He has kept His ways without turning aside and refused to depart from the commands of His lips. Job has treasured the words of God more than his material wealth. This is a verse I would love to claim in the fullness of truth one day.

It is my life’s journey to drive toward this truth, and if we’re being honest, it should be all of ours. We should want to say that we’ve followed closely in God’s steps and not strayed down the path we’ve constructed in our pride. I want to say that I listened when He spoke and that I treasured His word above all else. Regardless of what society and culture might tell me is important, I should aim to avoid those falsehoods and see the truth for what it is: His Word is worth more than anything this world can offer. Like Job, we must strive to follow in God’s ways, so that when the waves of life threatened to knock us down, we remain steady on a firm foundation.

This is not an easy verse to live, especially when the way forward isn’t clear and filled with obstacles. Those are the times that make us question what we were striving for. But the more we experience and the deeper we get into our faith, the more we will come to know and understand the peace and joy that can only come through God. The end reward for our struggles will far surpass anything else we could’ve desired. Follow closely in His steps and keep to His ways without turning aside. Hold firm to His commands and treasure His word. You won’t regret it.

Read:

Job 23:1-12

Consider:

Following in God's footsteps is never easy, nor is it meant to be. That is why we are set apart, and our lives should reflect this difference. Are there areas where I'm struggling to obey God? Am I easily compromised?

Pray:

LORD, may my feet never falter and my heart never waver. I seek to follow Your ways and not turn aside. I desire Your commands in my heart, and I treasure the wisdom You impart. May I forever run toward my Maker and the wonderful path He’s placed before me.

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B ut they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

Jeremiah 7:24 NIV

Reflect:

The prophet Jeremiah had a heart for his people. He wanted them to live in the fullness of God's promises, but through his interactions with God, he could see how flawed they were. Many times in the Old Testament, God warns his chosen people, yet, without fail, they continued to fall back into destructive patterns of behavior. They failed to listen or pay attention and chose to follow the stubborn inclinations of their fallen hearts. Rather than march forward into the blessings of God, they ran backward into the depravity and shame they couldn’t seem to break free from. How often do I fall into this category? When God tells me to follow Him, yet I still chase after my own pursuits? How often do my earthly goals appear more important than His heavenly ones?

The sad thing about the human experience is that our trials can be mainly self-inflicted. They’re usually the result of us wanting greater control and rewards in our lives. God will try to correct us and get us back in alignment with His plan, but it is up to us to listen to His promptings. He can send godly people into our lives or reach out to us directly through the Holy Spirit, but it won’t matter if we harden our hearts. God knows our hearts and urges us to focus on Him rather than our selfish desires. Unfortunately, I can’t count the number of times I have ignored these intercessions and went at it on my own. The results are never pleasant.

I’m not too proud to admit that I’ve strayed from the path during my lifetime. When that happens, I’m forced to reconcile with the damage I’ve caused and work back to His purpose for me. It’s not easy, and it is a humbling experience, but reconciling ourselves before the LORD is necessary. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the sins of our past. Like the Israelites, we are prone to follow the treacherous paths of our hearts, but thanks to Christ, we have the power of the Spirit within us. With His aid, we can overcome our broken nature and move forward rather than stumble back.

Read:

Jeremiah 7:17-28

Consider:

The world is in its current condition not because we don't have access to God and His Word. We are in our current state because we do have access to Him but have rejected His ways. Where am I blatantly disobeying God, and what actions can I take to repent?

Pray

Life can seem like an endless seesaw of poor choices. I fail to listen to the wisdom of God, and I try to climb the mountain on my own. It’s not until I’ve fallen on my face that I consider repenting. LORD, help silence the stubbornness of my heart. Help me submit before the throne and recognize You as the perfect King.

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A nyone who touches something unclean—whether human uncleanness or an unclean animal or any unclean creature that moves along the ground—and then eats any of the meat of the fellowship offering belonging to the Lord must be cut off from their people.

Leviticus 7:21 NIV

Reflect:

If you’ve ever ventured to read through the Bible, most of you can relate to the difficulties I’ve faced when analyzing the Book of Leviticus. This is the section of the Bible where my eyes glaze over the most. Leviticus is a tough read, not just because these laws no longer apply but because it can seem nonsensical. Why are we doing all of this? Why did God require such specificity with His requests?

At times, God’s commands can even feel a little harsh. If I touched something unclean and then ate of the fellowship meal belonging to the LORD, I needed to be cut off from my people? Surely, that couldn’t be an actual rule. The extent to which the Israelites needed to prepare themselves and their sacrifices to be cleansed of their sins and remain in the LORD's presence seems silly. Until you read the subsequent passages where people literally died because they failed to do so and came near the presence of God.

I try to remind myself of this hard fact when I’m struggling with the difficult passages in this book: God is perfection. Full stop. He is the embodiment of all that is good and holy. We are not worthy of being in His presence and cannot do so without ridding ourselves of the things He is not. God does not and cannot coexist with sin. He wasn’t doing this to be cruel. He was setting the standard as a warning, a precaution for His children.

It’s for this reason we give thanks to Christ. He crucified these requirements at the foot of the cross. But that doesn’t mean we’re still not a work in progress. We may not be required to sacrifice animals, but the Spirit continues to work in us so that we may sacrifice our old self. With His help, He allows us to break free from the grip of sin and purifies us from the inside. Thank God He’s given us the Spirit to help us be what we couldn’t on our own.

Read:

Leviticus 7:15-27

Consider:

There were so many rituals during the time of the Old Testament prophets to purify the people and allow them to experience the blessings of God. Our LORD will not abide in sin. While we no longer need such rituals, it does not eliminate the truth that we should purge sin from our lives. How might I purify myself before engaging with God and His Word?

Pray:

Father, it’s not what I touch externally that disqualifies me from Your presence. It’s the sin I carry in my heart. I am far from perfect, and I struggle every day. But through Your grace and the death of Your divine Son, You’ve made me clean. Thank You for Your purifying sacrifice on the cross.

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U nless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

Psalms 127:1 NIV

Reflect:

If He hasn’t built the house, it will crumble beneath the might of the external elements. If He’s not overseeing the city, there is no true protection from the attacks of the enemy. Without God at the center of it all, we are fumbling in the darkness, trying to avoid the pitfalls that surround us. Unless He is the foundation, I strive in vain.

This concept seems simple enough to wrap my mind around. With this passage in Psalms, I feel that there are certain sections of my life where I’ve placed Him at the center. In my marriage and my parenting, I’ve placed God on the throne, making sure our guidelines are based on His teachings. I try to lead my wife and children in the Word, discussing it with them daily. We go to church weekly and serve in ministry, offering aid where it’s needed. I say my daily prayers, offering gratitude and asking for aid throughout my hectic schedule. On the surface, it seems like I have established my foundation.

Yet there are areas where that principle becomes more murky in my life. Do I allow the LORD to build the house with my career? Or am I too busy trying to scheme my way up the corporate ladder and get that next raise? Does He watch over the city of my finances, or am I still holding on to that investment portfolio at the cost of my tithing? Does He watch over the path of my dating life? My friend groups? Or am I too focused on the superficial and affluence this world cares so deeply about?

I’m sure if I took an inventory of my life, there are portions where I’ve neglected to let God truly manage it all. And wouldn’t you know it? Those are the areas I stress and worry about the most. There’s wisdom in the words of this psalm. Take heed, and remember there’s a greater architect of your life than the one in the mirror.

Read:

Psalms 127:1-5

Consider:

The psalm mentions that those who cannot rely on the LORD are toiling in vain under their own power. Day and night, they stress over making ends meet. But the LORD grants peace to those who submit to His sovereignty. Have I given Him control over every aspect of my life? Or am I still trying to do things under my power?

Pray:

LORD, there are so many aspects of my life I’ve struggled to relinquish control. There are so many areas I seek to build on and stand watch over without Your guidance and wisdom. LORD, help me evaluate honestly where you stand in my life. Help me realize that if You’re not the ground on which it’s built, I labor in vain.

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F or the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.

Exodus 29:42-43 NIV

Reflect:

A burnt offering on the regular? In this passage of Exodus, God continues to add another item on the to-do list of the Israelites. All the rituals and commands passed down to them made it hard for the Israelites to keep track. If it weren’t for the elders and leaders of the day, they would surely have been scratching their heads. Could you blame them?

Reading this part of Exodus can be challenging for me, and I used to skim through the chapters. The sheer volume of rules is cumbersome, and the requirements can range from the obscure to the wildly inconvenient. The things people had to do in order to meet and be in the presence of God feels impossible, and after a time, I bet it got frustrating. In our modern age of streamlining and shortcuts, it’s difficult to fathom performing these rites regularly. Which brings us to the point God is trying to make.

God’s requirements are too perfect. They reflect His divine nature and purity. There’s no way I could ever get them right, even if I wanted to. Even reflecting on these chapters can feel like a chore, and this can seem discouraging. Why couldn’t this be easier? After all, doesn’t He want a relationship with us? I’ve often just skipped these chapters with this thought at the forefront of my mind until I had a revelation:

Thank God for Christ.

Christ was the answer. He was the bridge that finally connected me to our Heavenly Father, covering over the myriad laws. He did what I could never do, embodying all of this, so that I could have a relationship with the LORD. If it wasn’t for Christ, all these laws would still apply. So rather than dismiss these pages, I’ve found a new perspective, a better reason to read them. When you read through these passages, try not to gloss over them as I often did. Use the moment to grasp the weight of what a relationship with God costs.

And the mercy He showed in gifting it to us through the death of His Son.

Read:

Exodus 29:40-46

Consider:

We are so blessed by the sacrifice that Christ endured. He alone was the bridge that could cover over all our sins to have a relationship with the Father. Without Him, these rules and rituals would continue to bind us today. Would I be willing to go to such lengths to engage with God?

Pray:

So many laws. So many requirements. I could have never accomplished them all, Father. You knew this. You used them to open my eyes, to see what it would take for me to do this on my own. But You didn’t leave me stranded. You offered Your Son on the cross, so that His sacrifice could fulfill them. I praise You for this gift and the grace I never deserved.

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I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

Exodus 23:28-30 NIV

Reflect:

When reading this passage in Exodus, I find God’s instructions absolutely fascinating. He shows himself to be practical, methodical, and tactical in this moment, guiding His people into the land He has promised them. He has the unquestioned ability to wipe out Israel’s enemies with but a word, yet He stays His hand, removing the threats with an intentionality only He can fully understand.

You see, God knows our limitations. When He instructs the Israelites at Mount Sinai, God informs them He will drive out their enemies. His intention is to bless the Israelites with the land He promised Abraham all those years ago and rid the region of their enemies. While God has the power to do so immediately, He also understands the repercussions of doing so.

If God drove them out in a single year, the land would grow desolate, and the wild animals would take over. The Israelites would need time to learn the land and understand how to survive in this new reality. They would need to familiarize themselves with the flora and fauna presented to them and learn to cultivate both. But if the inexperienced Israelites suddenly had such blessings dropped into their laps, it would prove too much.

Instead, in His infinite wisdom, God accomplishes His promise over time. He grants them minor victories until the Israelites are ready to manage the full blessing He has promised. And once they have built up their numbers, knowledge, and confidence, He will pass along this land to His chosen people. I hope you see where I’m going with this.

Rather than get upset or impatient with God’s plan and timing, may I learn to thank Him for knowing my limitations better than I do. May I learn to thank Him for taking His time to prepare the way. If presented with all my goals and desires, many would undoubtedly slip through my fingers. Thank God, His hands are guiding the way.

Read:

Exodus 23:20-33

Consider:

God knew what He was doing when he guided the Israelites through the desert. His timing was nothing less than perfect. He used this period to cleanse His people and teach them about what it means to rely on Him. He would do the same when guiding them into the Promised Land. Rushing through the process would leave them unprepared, and their large numbers would devastate the land. His timing is best. Where am I struggling to accept this truth?

Pray:

LORD, thank You for Your great wisdom and foresight. My human mind can only see so far into the future, and at times, my wants are greater than I can manage on my own. Help me see as You do, to learn from Your patience. Continue to drive out my obstacles at Your pace, one step at a time.

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W hen Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

Exodus 13:17-18 NIV

Reflect:

In the book of Exodus, God reveals to us several instances of His amazing timing and planning. Driven by their desire to escape suffering, the Israelites aimed to reach the promised land as quickly as possible after their liberation from Egypt. The road forward was a hopeful one, a path toward a new beginning where they would no longer be slaves but have their own nation to look after. The road through Philistia was the most direct route to their dream land and would save them time. Yet, instead of proceeding along this route, God does something they did not expect. He took them through the desert, a longer, more laborious route.

What the people didn’t understand at the time was the risk/reward that lay before them. While the road through Philistia was shorter, it was full of enemies who were more numerous, stronger, and better equipped. They would route the Israelites and end their journey before it even began. God recognized that though the people were rejoicing now, they still lacked the fortitude necessary to face the Philistines and come out victorious. The Israelite’s defeat would cause them to lose faith in God and return to Egypt, resulting in disgrace for both Him and them among their former captors. The other option, through the desert, was longer but would allow the Israelites time to grow in number and faith in God. There’s a lesson to be learned in this momentous decision.

Sometimes, I wish I could just take the road through Philistia and reach my dreams sooner. The path seems straightforward enough, and I have enough confidence in my abilities. I believe I can attain the goal ahead of time. But God knows my heart, and He knows I’m not yet ready to face those challenges. The path He takes me on instead might prove to be longer and more tedious. Yet, in the end, that very path serves to strengthen my faith so that I can claim His promises and not stumble at the finish line.

As cliched as it may sound, remain steadfast in Him and trust the process. Don’t seek the shortcuts. Embrace the desert He’s placed you in. There is fruit in the wilderness.

Read:

Exodus 13:17-22

Consider:

The Israelites hadn't prepared themselves for the challenges that awaited them after their escape from Egypt. They had no battle experience, few resources, and barely understood this strange God Who had rescued them from captivity. They needed refinement in the desert before they could reach their destination and claim the reward He promised. What areas in your life could use some refinement, some extended periods of time to grow in?

Pray:

What a God I serve, Who dares to know me better than I know myself. Because of my human pride and ego, because of my ignorance, I can often overlook the dangers on the shorter, more appealing path toward my goals. But You know my strengths and limitations and will protect me from myself. I thank You, LORD, for the times when You’ve guided me around the storms, rather than through them.

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Y et he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Romans 4:20-21 NIV

Reflect:

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he discusses Abraham’s role in his burgeoning faith, a faith that would define God’s followers and allow us to receive the free gift of salvation. We credit Abraham as the father of all Christ’s followers because of his impressive faith in God’s plan. Throughout his lifetime, Abraham faced many challenges from God, including leaving the land of his fathers and traveling to what would become the nation of Israel, being promised a son despite his advanced age, and being asked to nearly sacrifice his son.

There were moments when he had doubts, and Abraham was no stranger to voicing his concerns. But time after time, his actions proved where his heart lay. He acted in his belief because he had faith God had the power to do what He promised. Even if he didn’t see the promise before him, Abraham understood the power of the One Who spoke of them.

This kind of unshakable faith gives me pause and forces me to analyze my own beliefs. I have the advantage of hindsight, the luxury of reading the impressive blessings that followed Abraham on his journey. Yet how often do I waver and doubt that God will come through? How many missed opportunities have passed me by because of actions not taken on my end, inaction done out of fear? How many times have I failed to act on my belief because I wasn’t sure God would deliver? This can be a bitter truth to swallow.

After examining my life and reflecting on my walk of faith, I must take action to ensure that my trust and reliance on God continue to grow rather than remain stagnant. May I not live a life of regret, wondering what if. May I strive to walk the path even when I can’t see in front of me. At the end of the day, the specifics of the road traveled don’t matter when I know Who it leads to.

Read:

Romans 4:13-25

Consider:

Abraham was considered righteous through his faith in God rather than through his works. He faced many trials in his life simply by trusting that God would come through on His word. Do I have the same unshakeable faith in God, or do I mainly rely on myself? If so, what can I do to place my hope in His promises rather than my works?

Pray:

Faith is always an arduous journey to embark upon. The mystery of it all can leave me feeling scared and helpless. While the challenge remains the same, my perspective on it has the potential to change. LORD, may I see it as an opportunity to lean on You more and get to know You better. Through it all, You’ve shown Yourself to be more than capable of overcoming any odds I might face. No uncertainties can faze me when I know You are the answer to them all.

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W henever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Exodus 33:10-11 NIV

Reflect:

I find it hard to image how it must have been like during this time, witnessing a massive pillar of cloud descending on the tent of Moses and knowing that God’s presence was within. The awe that such a sight inspired brought people to gaze and worship. However, the splendor within far exceeded what could be observed from the outside.

I’ve always liked this part of Exodus, as it shows a side of God we all long to attain. God is so often incorrectly viewed as harsh and full of fire and brimstone in the Old Testament. Those who have not read through the entire text and applied the context in its entirety have exaggerated this misrepresentation over time. In this section, in particular, we see His relationship with Moses in a different light.

In this passage, we get to see a God of personal relationships. God genuinely views Moses as a friend. The Bible does not mention someone speaking face-to-face with God anywhere else, and the text specifies Moses undergoes physical changes because of the LORD’s presence. While God did not literally present Himself before Moses, this phrasing implies how close the two have become. Moses can be open and authentic when he speaks. In their conversations, God tells Moses that He’s pleased with Him, that He knows him by name, and will seek to give him rest. God lets Moses experience His glory, which forever blesses Moses. What a beautiful look into their relationship.

I desire a relationship like this with my Heavenly Father. I may not see Him physically, but I want to feel His presence, to talk with Him as I would a dear friend. This is not just some pipe dream. Through Christ, we, too, can commune with God on a personal level and feel Him move in our hearts. Building that level of friendship takes time and effort, but God is waiting with open arms.

Read:

Exodus 33:7-23

Consider:

I long to have a relationship with God that mirrors that of Moses. They spoke with one another daily, and Moses came to know God as a friend. We, too, have this gift, thanks to the sacrifice of God, but are we using it? Or am I only running to the LORD when I need a favor?

Pray:

LORD, thank You for continuing to seek me out, for Your relentless desire to pursue a relationship with me. Such a bond requires intentionality, one that at times I fail to give. Help me push away the distractions of this world and focus on the thing that matters most: developing a relationship with my Glorious Creator.

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D ear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18 NIV

Reflect:

In John’s letter, I find this to be a statement worth considering beyond the surface level. This sentence bears two commands, and I am definitely guilty of doing one over the other. You can take an educated guess which that is, and I suspect this is an area most of us struggle with as well.

I have no qualms about professing my love toward others. I can use grandiose words and speak life into the people around me, helping to build an image of me that may not always prove true. You see, there’s still a sizeable gap between my speech and my actions. I can say all the right things, but when the time comes, do I actually follow through? I am prone to fall into laziness and believe that my words are enough to show my love for others. But without the action behind them, they are just empty letters with no significance behind them.

As Christ-followers, we all can get to this place in our relationship with our significant others. This is one of the prevalent criticisms of the church. We say how much we’d be willing to sacrifice for our loved ones, but do we spend intentional time with our children after a long day at work? Do we take things off our spouse’s plate so they can relax for the evening (even if that means missing the big game or putting off social media for the night)? Will I set aside time to help my neighbor hang up their TV rather than use the time for myself?

Please do not perceive this as a guilt trip or a command to add more obligations to your plate. This should be a check in moment, a passage that leads us to reflect on how we’re mirroring Christ’s love to those around us. While His words were beautiful and powerful, our Savior did more than deliver impressive sermons. We need to reflect on our behaviors and be willing to make changes if our words and actions are not in alignment.

Read:

1 John 3:13-24

Consider:

Being a Christ follower means more than just saying kind words and praying for the benefit of others. Love requires action. Are there areas where I can do a better job of demonstrating Christ's love for his people? Is there a need that I can meet within my community?

Pray:

LORD, You know I can grow complacent in this long walk of faith. In the day to day, it’s far easier to say the right things than to follow through with them and put them into action. Help me see past my wants and needs and encourage me to live out Your love. Words can inspire, but actions will help ingrain them further into the hearts of those around me.

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B ut whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:7-8 NIV

Reflect:

This passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a bold declaration, especially considering who is speaking. Paul was a man with quite the pedigree. In Jewish law and education, few could rival his accomplishments. He was born of the tribe of Benjamin, a circumcised, law-abiding Jew, who was a prominent member of the Pharisees. He possessed a strong education and held Roman citizenship, which granted him influence in both political spheres. Paul had every reason to be a haughty braggart, and for most of his life, he glorified in his elevated status. But when Paul found Christ, everything he considered important changed, and his self-worth shifted alongside his perspective.

The bragging rights Paul once held so important fell apart at the foot of the cross. All his accomplishments and gains, he now considered a loss compared to the worth of knowing Christ as his savior. And it wasn’t just in thought or words that Paul demonstrated this. Through his actions, the countless beatings, tortures, and trauma he suffered for the sake of following Christ, speaks to the testament of Jesus’ work in his reformed heart. What a turnaround. What a revelation.

As a prideful man, it took me time to grasp the perspective Paul talks about. Even today, I struggle with my worldly accolades when compared to my spiritual treasures. Ultimately, one will fade into obscurity, while the other will carry over into eternity. One leads to spiritual death and overall bitterness, while the other brings genuine joy and everlasting life.

Set aside the worldly and material. There is no lasting joy found in this. Like Paul, we must learn to embrace where the true gains lie: in the open arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Read:

Philippians 3:3-9

Consider:

Do I place my worth and identity in something other than Christ? Do I pride myself in my accomplishments rather than who I am in the eyes of the LORD? How can I reshape my viewpoint on this?

Pray:

LORD, may I continue to strive toward the true reward, the blessing of knowing You. Whatever gains I’m holding on to, please do a work in my heart to allow me to release them and hold firm to You. Gaining You is the only thing my soul truly yearns for. May you work in my heart to recognize the garbage and replace it with Your treasure.

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F rom the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

Proverbs 18:20 NIV

Reflect:

'When examining this statement from the book of Proverbs, we have the option of taking it at its literal meaning. There are those who are fortunate enough to produce a literal bounty through the harvest of their words, using the gift of speech to provide for their needs: public speakers, writers, salespeople, etc. Yet when I read this statement, it makes me consider a different perspective that we can take, one that places more emphasis on the spiritual realm rather than the material realm.

Our mouths, our words, have great power, often more than we care to admit. If used appropriately, they can produce a fruit that can bless both ourselves and those around us. With the harvest our words produce, we can positively or negatively impact people, depending on how we decide to use them. That thought alone can give me pause, and there are moments when I need to reassess how I’ve been going about my speech. Which begs the question: what kind of fruit are we sowing?

The words we speak are like seeds planted in the hearts of others. This is a great responsibility that we should take seriously. Depending on how we moderate our speech, we could establish a summer of bounty or a bitter winter harvest. There’s a common saying that we reap what we sow. This pearl of wisdom extends beyond just our routine actions. As the Bible mentions, our tongue holds the power of life and death.

Our interactions with others matter, no matter how brief or seemingly unimportant the conversation. Don’t take those moments for granted or treat them flippantly. Your words can fill the cups of those thirsting for life-giving encouragement. The harvest they produce can have eternal consequences. We must make sure we’re being intentional in the crops we seek to develop in both ourselves and other.

Read:

Proverbs 18:20-24

Consider:

If my words were seeds, what kinds of fruit would I be harvesting? How can I look to improve upon this area of communication?

Pray:

LORD, may I reflect the Spirit in both my heart and on my tongue. I understand the power of my words and may I continuously remind myself to use them wisely for the benefit of Your kingdom. May I speak life into others, planting seeds that will flourish and lead them to You.

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O ne day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, Come to bed with me! But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

Genesis 39:11-12 NIV

Reflect:

Before you do a double take on that last verse, rest assured. Yes, this is an excerpt from the Bible that you’re reading. There are portions of the Good Book that have me wondering if I’ve accidentally strayed into the latest soap opera on daytime television, and this is definitely one of those moments. While this may not be one of the most wholesome images in the Bible, believe it or not, it showcases one of the most godly reactions one can display. At this moment, we are witnessing one of the great heroes of the Bible, in what I believe to be his finest moment.

Genesis introduces us to Joseph, who experiences the betrayal of being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He has a profound destiny ahead of him. However, his visions and reactions to them land him in hot water with his siblings. Despite his best intentions, Joseph soon finds himself in a foreign land where temptation is waiting just around the corner to bring him down.

After being bought by a wealthy Egyptian named Potiphar, Joseph is immediately put to work, where his talents and character begin to shine. Because of his work ethic, intelligence, honor, and above all else, the blessing of God, Jospeh rises through the slave ranks until he’s the most trusted man within the home. This should be the ideal situation for someone in Joseph’s dire circumstance, yet his position is far from perfect. Potiphar’s wife is obsessed with Joseph and tries to force him to sleep with her, biding her time and tearing off his cloak. He has rebuked her several times already, but at this point, Joseph literally flees. Joseph doesn’t hesitate or shuffle his feet out the door. He runs as fast as he can away from the temptations of sin.

Joseph has many moments in the Bible worth emulating, but this one may be the most admirable. You see, in this moment, Jospeh does what so many of us fail to do or even acknowledge. Sin does not give us the opportunity to drag our feet out the door. It will ensnare us if we’re not careful and bring ruin to even the most ideal circumstances. It desires for us to flirt with the idea and test out the waters. And in those moments, we must learn to do like Joseph---flee without hesitation.

Read:

Genesis 39:6-20

Consider:

Joseph showed remarkable godliness in not only resisting temptation but succumbing to the unjust treatment at the hands of Potiphar's wife. Despite his innocence, Joseph did not allow bitterness to taint his heart. Am I willing to suffer injustice for the sake of God's commands?

Pray:

It’s amazing how often I can fall into the same traps, knowing full well the terrible consequences and the treacherous path that leads me there. The closer I get to You, LORD, the more opportunities will arise to lead me astray. Keep me safe from the Potiphar’s wife in my life, the dark temptations that seek to bring me to ruin. Let me have the strength and wisdom to act as Joseph did—to run and never look back.

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J udah said to his brothers, What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood. His brothers agreed.

Genesis 37:26-27 NIV

Reflect:

I’ve never been a fan of simple stories that portray the hero’s journey on a basic level. While I can appreciate a good trope, after a while it becomes dull and overused. Moments in the Bible like the above lead me to believe God has a similar taste in storytelling.

Many times in the Bible, God throws a wrinkle into where you think the story might head and causes it to end far differently than you had imagined at the beginning. Case in point, in the book of Genesis, Joseph is being debated over by his jealous siblings. His brothers toss the young man in a pit and leave him for dead, forcing him to listen as they debate over how best to get rid of him. The majority think it might be best to kill him and lie to their father about his fate. Judah, the eldest, has other ideas, and comes up with a plan that will satisfy both their bloodlust and their wallets. He suggests they sell their youngest into slavery instead and turn a profit.

At first glance, it’s easy to look at Judah and wonder what good could ever come from such a jerk. The way he treats his younger brother is appalling, and as the eldest, he should set a better example. His story doesn’t get much better from there, as he continues to showcase his selfishness, duplicity, and impropriety as the story goes on. I’ll admit, I had written off this man well before we learn of his fate and hoped Joseph would one day get his revenge.

Reading this section after going through the story of Joseph brings me to reflect on how interesting God’s divine plan truly is. In the story of Joseph, I always assumed that the line of Jesus came through Joseph himself. After all, he was the son who overcame the evils of his brothers and saved the land from famine. He showed his righteousness through all the trials and proved to be a man of God from the very beginning. Instead, God chose the line of Judah, the brother who came up with the plan to sell Joseph in the first place. Rather than continue His line through the hero of the story, God redeemed the villain. In the end, Judah sees the errors of his past actions and repents. He even offers himself in place of the youngest, Benjamin, revealing to us that there’s no one that’s too far gone. That is a beautiful plot twist that shows the depths of God’s forgiveness and wisdom.

Read:

Genesis 37:23-35

Consider:

For much of the story, Judah is a brother to be despised. Yet, even he, too, was able to redeem his ways and restore his image. While he may not be a model citizen, Judah was a model example of how God can use even the broken for His will. Am I also able to see people through this light?

Pray:

LORD, You know I’m not perfect. You’ve seen the skeletons in my closet and have witnessed me at my worst. Help me soften my heart and to seek forgiveness for the sins I’ve committed, understanding You are the road to my redemption. Help me remember the story isn’t over until You say so.

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T hough one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

Reflect:

This verse is one of the most quoted passages in the book of Ecclesiastes, and for good reason. It may seem cliche, but there is a significant truth behind these words. Fight as one and fall alone. Defend as a group, and your odds for success take a significant increase. There is strength in numbers.

While this seems like an easy pill to swallow, I often forget this as I take on the challenges of life. And as I sit here writing this, I know that you, as a reader, suffer from this flaw as well. That is because it comes so easily for us, a product of self-reliance and pride. It is perhaps the most common attribute we all share as fallen humans.

It's incredible the number of times when I’ve allowed my pride to get the best of me and tried to manage the storms on my own. I come up with a myriad of excuses for my self-imposed isolation. I tell myself this problem is too complicated and I don't want to burden anyone. As the leader of my household, I should be able to manage my own affairs. By admitting I need help, I may as well admit that I’m too weak to handle things on my own. The list goes on.

Because of creating this false narrative, I’m left exposed as the enemy seeks to exploit my weaknesses. He inundates me with these lies, leaving me vulnerable to his attacks, and forces me to fight on the back foot. Even the greatest warriors cannot defend themselves when attacked on all fronts. They need someone to provide cover for their blind spots.

The intention was never for us to carry these burdens alone. God gave us the gift of community and blessed us with accompanying His Spirit to ensure we would not have to battle in isolation. I can show both strength and humility by accepting the