Devotional Readings and Prayers
January, 2009
Thursday, January 1
Read 1 John 2:22-28, and allow the power and truth of the identity of Jesus to be established in your heart and mind. Thank the Father that He has made known the way to know Him, and be certain that Jesus is that way, and the only way.
Read Psalm 98:1-4, and allow your mind and heart to understand that in this small beginning was the accomplishment of world salvation. God sets things in motion, and when He does, the end is already accomplished. Praise Him for that.
Read John 1:19-28, allowing the affirmation of this last great prophet of the Old Testament style establish again the identity of Jesus as God’s Son and the true Messiah. Give thanks for his humility in recognizing Jesus for who He was.
Friday, January 2
Read 1 John 2:29-3:6, seeing how holiness is the character of those who know the Fatherhood of God. Ask for understanding today, that you might know the joy and freedom He brings as He reveals His holiness to us.
Read Psalm 98:1-6, speaking along with the writer to declare the praises of God for His wonderful salvation.
Read John 1:29-34, giving thanks for the Holy Spirit Who reveals Christ to us. Pray for eyes to see Him, that we might be like Him.
Saturday, January 3
Read 1 John 3:7-10, and give thanks that because Jesus has come, the power of the evil one is broken, and we can live free from his influence. Ask God for wisdom today in how to live pleasing to Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Read Psalm 98:1-9, thanking God that because Jesus came, all the earth is under His control, and that His kingdom is certainly established for all time.
Read John 1:35-42, realizing that, like Peter, our true identity is found in knowing Jesus, and in being known by Him. Remember that He releases this full wisdom to His Body, the Church, and commit yourself to this reality.
Sunday, January 4
Read the following from the Book of Sirach, an inter-Testamental devotional book of wisdom:
Wisdom sings her own praises, before her own people she proclaims her glory;
In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, in the presence of his hosts she declares her worth:
“From the mouth of the Most High I came forth, and mistlike covered the earth.
In the highest heavens did I dwell, my throne on a pillar of cloud.
“Then the Creator of all gave me his command, and he who formed me chose the spot for my tent,
Saying, ‘In Jacob make your dwelling, in Israel your inheritance.’
Before all ages, in the beginning, he created me, and through all ages I shall not cease to be.
In the holy tent I ministered before him, and in Zion I fixed my abode.
Thus in the chosen city he has given me rest, in Jerusalem is my domain.
I have struck root among the glorious people, in the portion of the Lord, his heritage.”
Read Psalm 147:12-20, and bless the Lord for the certainty of His promises to His people. Pray that the peace of God may rest upon the Middle East, and that all nations would acknowledge the truth of Christ’s Lordship.
Read Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18, asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your heart to the wonder that you have been chosen in Christ from the foundations of the world, and that His plan for you is certain to be fulfilled.
Read John 1:1-18, giving thanks that the eternal Word of God has come to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, and that because of this, we know that our relationship with God is settled forever.
Monday, January 5
Read 1 John 4:7-10, considering that love is defined by God’s giving of His Son Jesus, showing His love to us before we were lovely. Give thanks for His great mercy.
Read Psalm 72:1-8, giving thanks for the quality of the rule of God’s righteous King, His Son Jesus. Worship Him for His goodness to all men.
Read Mark 6:34-44, considering this miracle of provision as God’s assurance that all our needs are met in Jesus Christ. Praise Him for His wonderful mercies.
Tuesday, January 6 EPIPHANY
Read Isaiah 60:1-6, giving thanks for the revelation of Jesus Christ that brought fulfillment to this powerful passage. Ask the Father to speed the second coming of Christ, that we might see Him face to face.
Read Psalm 72: 1-13, giving thanks that Jesus is the true King, Whose rule is righteous and merciful. Pray for those who direct our government, that they may seek the Lord and follow Him.
Read Ephesians 3:2-6, praising God that He made His salvation known to all people. Pray for the work of missions and the declaration of the gospel to those who have not yet heard.
Read Matthew 2:1-12, considering the prophetic reality of all nations coming to worship at the feet of Jesus. Give thanks for the Father’s power that thwarts the evil plans of earthly rulers.
Wednesday, January 7
Read 1 John 4:11-18, considering that to know Jesus is to reflect the same love for one another that we have for Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit touch your heart with His love for His people.
Read Psalm 72:1-13, giving thanks for God’s blessing of wisdom on leaders of nations and peoples. Understanding that this is fulfilled in Jesus, pray for the Lord’s strength on your church leaders and others in authority.
Read Mark 6:45-52, acknowledging the power of Christ over all creation. Let your heart be lifted up in worship as you call on the Name of Jesus as the Creator and Master of all things.
Thursday, January 8
Read 1 John 4:19-5:4, seeing that the second part of loving God is to obey His commands. As we love one another and obey the Father, His love is made perfect in our experience.
Read Psalm 72:1-2,14-17, giving thanks for the everlasting nature of the Kingdom of God, and the eternal Lordship of Jesus.
Read Luke 4:14-22, and see that the Spirit of God came upon Jesus for the purpose of ministry to the poor and the oppressed. Christ’s birth initiated “the Year of the Lord”, or the season of the Lord’s enduring favor upon mankind, the time of the grace of salvation.
Friday, January 9
Read 1 John 5:5-13, giving thanks that through belief in Jesus, the power to overcome the world has been given to the believer. Be settled in the reality of eternal life through relationship with Jesus, simply by believing in His Name.
Read Psalm 147:12-20, rejoicing that in the coming of Jesus, all the Word of God to His people is fulfilled. Recall His promises to you, and thank Him for their fulfillment in Jesus.
Read Luke 5:12-16, and see how willing Jesus is to heal those who have need. Let the Holy Spirit settle in your minds that He is willing to help those who come to Him for His help.
Saturday, January 10
Read 1 John 5:14-21, and accept the responsibility of coming to the Father in prayer for those who are in sin. Turn away from the tendency to speak evil of those who fail, and set your mind to pray for those who miss the mark.
Read Psalm 149:1-9, and let the joy of praise fill your heart in preparation for coming together with the Body of Christ. Ask the Lord to release a deeper understanding and experience of praise and worship than we have known to this point by revealing His presence in our midst.
Read John 3:22-30, giving thanks for John’s humility, and his willingness to recognize his rightful place in pointing the Bride to the Bridegroom.
Sunday, January 11 BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Read Isaiah 42:1-7, and allow your heart to worship at the tenderness and gentleness of the Lord as pictured in this Servant Song. Give thanks to the Father that your Lord is this kind of gentle master.
Read Psalm 29:1-10, acknowledging that the same gentle Lord is also the mighty God of thundering glory, and worship Him as the Supreme Lord of all creation.
Read Acts 10:34-38, and see God’s wisdom in bringing the house of Cornelius to salvation as a sign that the gospel is for all nations and peoples.
Read Mark 1:7-11, seeing that Jesus Himself required the power of the Holy Spirit to do the work the Father gave Him to do. Give thanks for the wisdom of God in giving us His Son as our example.
Monday, January 12
Read Hebrews 1:1-6, and allow your heart to bow and worship before the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is everything in everything, and give thanks to the Father for His mercy to you in calling you His child.
Read Psalm 97:1-9, and join the angels of heaven in worshipping the Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth.
Read Mark 1:14-20, asking the Father for eyes to see the purposes of Jesus in His earthly ministry. Ask Him to make you a fisher of men, that His heart of love for the world may be satisfied.
Tuesday, January 13
Read Hebrews 2:5-13, giving thanks to the Father for the obedience and suffering of Jesus, and that He was not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, not ashamed to speak our names in the midst of His family.
Read Psalm 8:1-9, giving thanks for the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Jesus Christ, and worship Him as the One crowned with glory and honor, Who pours out that glory and honor upon those who fear Him.
Read Mark 1:21-28, seeing this encounter as proof that the coming of Jesus meant the end of the Kingdom of darkness. See that Jesus’ teaching was not mere words, but works of power demonstrating His Lordship.
Wednesday, January 14
Read Hebrews 2:14-18, giving thanks that through the sufferings of Jesus, He robbed the devil of his power and influence. Ask for grace to see your sufferings in the same light, that though there might be pain, the devil has no power over you.
Read Psalm 105:1-9, calling on the Name of the Lord, and recite His deeds that have blessed you in the past. This remembering will strengthen you for the realities of the day, that you might live in victory through Christ.
Read Mark 1:29-39, seeing that even though Jesus was full of compassion, His primary objective was to obey the Father, and accomplish His purposes. Ask for grace to be conformed to this passionate obedience.
Thursday, January 15
Read Hebrews 3:7-14, allowing the Holy Spirit to conform your heart to the obedience of Jesus, that you might continue in the rest God has provided for you today.
Read Psalm 95:6-11, giving thanks that in the place of worship, the ways of God are made known to us, that we might walk in faithfulness of heart. Worship God, and open your spirit to His love and grace.
Read Mark 1:40-45, thanking Jesus for His mercy in healing the leper. Notice that Jesus saw the impact this testimony would have, but the man’s disobedience affected that purpose. As you receive the Lord’s mercy today, ask also for the wisdom to obey Him as your Lord and Master.
Friday, January 16
Read Hebrews 4:1-11, recognizing that the way to enter the Lord’s rest is through simple, intimate obedience. It is obedience proceeding out of intimacy that allows the salvation we have been given to work its way into all of our experience, giving us rest.
Read Psalm 78:1-8, receiving the exhortation to continue in obedience to the commands of God, that your heart may be steadfast toward God until the end.
Read Mark 2:1-12, seeing that the authority to heal and the authority to forgive sins are one and the same. Rejoice that this same Jesus lives today, and that He expresses His will and power through His obedient Body.
Saturday, January 17
Read Hebrews 4:12-16, and understand that in His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus applied the Word of God to every situation and found victory. Thus we can joyfully submit to Him, for His truth is applied with compassionate understanding.
Read Psalm 19:7-14, thanking the Father for the beauty and power of His Word. Ask for renewed zeal for the Word of God, that your heart may be made strong for every situation.
Read Mark 2:13-17, and see that Jesus’ priority was not a good reputation with those who were self-righteous, but that His heart was for those who needed His love and were willing to receive Him.
Sunday, January 18
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19, and consider the reality that God has always chosen unlikely people to carry His Word. Give thanks for His wisdom that confounds the wise of the earth.
Read Psalm 40:1-9, considering this prophetic revelation that the joy and delight of Jesus was to do the Father’s will. Set your heart to know Him intimately and obey faithfully out of that place of joy in relationship with Him.
Read 1 Corinthians 6:13-20, hearing the Word of the Lord that sexual compromise is completely outside the blessing of the Lord. Give yourself anew to Him today, that He might be glorified in your body, which belongs to Him.
Read John 1:35-42, giving thanks for the anointing of the Spirit upon Jesus, and asking the Father for the full release of that Spirit upon the church in our time.
Monday, January 19
Read Hebrews 5:1-10, giving thanks for Jesus, Who, although He was perfect, understands our need and ministers salvation to us with gentleness and grace. See how Jesus’ reverent obedience caused His prayers to be heard and answered.
Read Psalm 110:1-4, giving thanks for the eternal priesthood of Christ, Whose rule is one of gentleness and grace to those who obey His Word.
Read Mark 2:18-22, seeing that Jesus’ obedience was not mere conformity to religious exercises, but came from intimacy with the Father and an understanding of the ways of God. Ask for His wisdom to obey not just tradition, but the will of the Father.
Tuesday, January 20
Read Hebrews 6:10-20, allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your obedient service with the knowledge that God is faithful to His promises. He has sworn by His own Name, and He has given us His Son to demonstrate His trustworthiness.
Read Psalm 111:1-10, and join the writer in giving thanks to God for His wonderful and merciful deeds. Join the company of believers to give Him thanks, and to acknowledge His Name before men.
Read Mark 2:23-28, seeing again that obedience is not mere conformity to rules, but is based on intimate understanding of the ways of the Father. See that this understanding comes personally, but in the context of fellowship in the Body.
Wednesday, January 21
Read Hebrews 7:1-3,15-17, praising God for the indestructible life of Jesus, which qualifies Him as the Eternal Priest. Also give thanks for the Old Testament picture of Melchizedek that prepared the hearts of the people to receive Jesus.
Read Psalm 110:1-7, allowing the Holy Spirit to humble your heart with the understanding of the scope and eternal nature of Christ’s rule and reign. Worship Jesus, for He is worthy of all praise.
Read Mark 3:1-6, noticing how man’s religiosity closes us to the works of God, but how the compassion of Jesus moves past the barriers we erect. Pray for understanding of God’s ways, that we might walk in His power and truth.
Thursday, January 22
Read Hebrews 7:25-8:6, again receiving instruction about our glorious Savior and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Give thanks that God has included us in the real thing, not man’s copy, and that our Lord Jesus is the mighty and eternal Priest and King.
Read Psalm 40:6-16, and thank Jesus for His humble commitment to be obedient to the Father’s will. Let the Presence of the Holy Spirit conform you to this image, that you might walk in His ways today.
Read Mark 3:7-12, giving thanks that our High Priest walked the earth as a man, serving God’s people. Notice the enemy’s attempts to compromise God’s purposes by revealing Jesus prematurely. Pray for God’s timing in your life today.
Friday, January 23
Read Hebrews 8:6-13, giving thanks that in Jesus Christ, God has fulfilled His promise of a new covenant written on our hearts that would enable us to obey with gladness. Allow the Holy Spirit to write God’s will on your heart for this day.
Read Psalm 85:7-13, thanking God for His kindness shown to us in Christ. Allow His Spirit to lead you today into ways of peace, kindness, justice, and truth as you follow His steps.
Read Mark 3:13-19, noticing Jesus’ strategy with His men. He called them into relationship and into mission, that they might be with Him, and that He might send them to do the work of ministry. Let your heart respond to this reality today.
Saturday, January 24
Read Hebrews 9:1-3,11-14, giving thanks that Jesus’ blood was better, having the power to not only cover sin, but to cleanse our consciences from death that we might serve the living God. Hallelujah!
Read Psalm 47:1-8, allowing the praises of the Father to fill your heart as you read of His greatness. Prepare for worship with His people by asking Him to make His Presence known among us, that we might praise Him together.
Read Mark 3:20-21, and consider the fact that even Jesus had to endure misunderstanding from His own family. Be encouraged that He understands even this reality, that you might find strength through Him for this time.
Sunday, January 25
Read Jonah 3:1-10, giving thanks for the tender heart of the Father, that when He sees repentance in the hearts of wicked people, He relents and grants mercy to all who ask.
Read Psalm 25:4-9, understanding that it is out of His goodness and mercy that He gives us His Word to guide us. Set your heart to receive the instruction of the Word of God, that you may know His goodness.
Read 1 Corinthians 7:9-31, considering the importance of radical discipleship in this time, because of the nearness of the coming of the Lord.
Read Mark 1:14-20, seeing in the lives of the disciples that the coming of the Lord and the announcement of His Kingdom required radical decisions to be made. Ask the Lord what He would ask of you as you await His coming.
Monday, January 26
Read Hebrews 9:15-28, giving thanks that Jesus came once and for all time to take away sins. Pray for His soon return that our salvation may be made complete as we eagerly await the One we love.
Read Psalm 98:1-9, letting His praises fill your heart as you reflect on the wonderful things He has done for you. Sing aloud His praises today, and be joyful in the salvation of the Lord.
Read Mark 3:22-30, giving thanks that in the expulsion of demons, Jesus demonstrated that He had broken the power of Satan’s kingdom, and that the Kingdom of God had surely come into the world.
Tuesday, January 27
Read Hebrews 10:1-10, again giving thanks for the complete and eternal sacrifice of Jesus, and that through His obedience we are included into His family. Pray for the heart to obey today what the Lord has made clear and confirmed to you.
Read Psalm 40:1-9, asking the Holy Spirit to give you the same heart to obey that Jesus had. Take opportunity to praise Him in the company of believers, for this strengthens you in your commitment to obey.
Read Mark 3:31-35, receiving the truth that Jesus claims for relationship those who have set their hearts and wills to obey the Father. Receive from the Holy Spirit the courage to obey today what the Lord has confirmed to you through His Word.
Wednesday, January 28
Read Hebrews 10:11-18, giving thanks that He has declared us perfect even as we are being made perfect through obedience. Praise the Father for His grace to place His will in our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit.
Read Psalm 110:1-4, worshipping the Lord Jesus for His eternal priesthood.
Read Mark 4:1-20, giving thanks for the Word that has been sown in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any influence that would steal or choke out the power of the Word, and receive grace to obey, just for today.
Thursday, January 29
Read Hebrews 10:19-25, rejoicing that because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice, we may come with absolute confidence into the Presence of God to receive from Him what we need. Notice the place of the assembly, that we might be encouraged in our walk of obedience.
Read Psalm 24:1-10, worshipping God because all things are in His hand. Receive the cleansing of your heart and hands, that you might receive your blessing from the Father, Who lifts your head to worship the Son, Who is the King of Glory.
Read Mark 4:21-25, receiving the grace to let your light shine before men. See that as you give out His light, you will receive in the same measure more of His light into your own life.
Friday, January 30
Read Hebrews 10:32-39, giving thanks for a faith that endures past present difficulties. Receive from the Holy Spirit grace for today, knowing that those who endure until the end reap the full reward.
Read the following from Psalm 37, giving thanks that the Lord sustains you through all your days. Commit this day into His care, and be settled in His peace, in the confidence that He will carry you through any situation.
Ps 37: (3) Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. (4) Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. (5) Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (6) He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
(23) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. (24) Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
(29) The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. (30) The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. (NKJ)
Read Mark 4:26-34, giving thanks for the inevitable fact that the Kingdom of God will be established. He will accomplish His purposes, and nothing will stop His will from being done.
Saturday, January 31
Read Hebrews 11:1-19, seeing that faith is believing what God has said about a matter, regardless of presenting circumstances. Set your gaze on the beauty and power of Jesus to bring about His purposes.
Read Luke 1:69-75, and meditate on the strength of the Lord Jesus as the One who fulfills all of the promises of God. Rejoice in His great power and might, even in these precarious times.
Read Mark 4:35-41, focusing on the reality that you are in relationship with Jesus Christ, who loves you and is powerful to complete His purposes for your life.
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