Un año con Dios

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A Year with God: 365 Devotionals for Women

JANUARY 1

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)

There’s a saying that goes, “Books and years make a man wise.” While it’s true that education and life experience matter, this proverb points out something even more crucial at the core of wisdom: the fear of the Lord.

I love a story my mother-in-law shares. One of her sons-in-law, a committed Marxist with several advanced degrees, was involved in the student movement back in the '70s in Mexico. He once said he admired his mother-in-law’s wisdom, even though she came from a small indigenous village and had no formal education. How could someone with so many credentials respect a woman with none? The answer lies in her secret: her faith in Jesus. It’s no surprise that my mother-in-law is wise; anyone who truly knows God and studies His Word is connected to the purest wisdom there is.

So, what does it mean to fear the Lord? It’s more than just having deep respect and reverence for God; it involves something deeper. In Romans 3, there’s a detailed description of how we act when we sin and drift away from God. One key trait of those who reject Him is that “They have no fear of God at all” (v. 18 NLT). This shows that if someone isn’t a child of God, they can’t really fear Him, and they miss out on the foundation of true wisdom.

You might not have advanced degrees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be wise. Even as a young person, you can make wise choices. The key is knowing Jesus as your Savior and receiving wisdom from Him. Do you believe in Jesus?

Lord, I want to grow in my reverence for You.

MH

JANUARY 2

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 2:11 (NLT)

Have you heard the saying, “Better skill than strength”? While we admire bodybuilders for their impressive feats, it’s the wise and insightful people who truly stand out, as the effects of their choices can last a lot longer.

Think about a woman who made some poor choices and then ended up in a profession that lacked respectability. Eventually she ends up living in a situation that reflects the poorness of her choices. We might not know what led her there—maybe she felt she had no other options to support her family. But despite her difficult circumstances, her life changed when she made a wise decision that saved her and her entire family from disaster.

I’m talking about Rahab, the harlot. This verse talks about “wise choices” that keep us safe, and Rahab’s story is a perfect example. She recognized that the God of the Israelites was the true God and then hid the Hebrew spies. When they left, they told her to hang a red sash from her window to mark her home so she would be safe when the Israelites attacked (Joshua 2:18). She followed their instructions, and when Jericho fell, she and her family were saved!

This red sash can be seen as a symbol of the blood of Christ, which represents salvation. The wisest decision we can make—the one that guarantees our safety for eternity—is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior we all need. Have you made that choice? It’s entirely up to you.

Lord, help me to make wise decisions and keep me safe under Your protection.

MH

JANUARY 3

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years...

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NLT)

Have you ever heard of “the dance of the elders”? It’s a cherished tradition from the pre-Hispanic Purépecha culture in Michoacán, Mexico. Four dancers wear wooden masks that represent smiling, toothless elders. With a humorous flair, they mimic the movements of older folks, leaning on their canes and shuffling about, yet they still manage to dance energetically to the music. UNESCO recognized this dance as an intangible cultural heritage in 2010.

We all hope for “many days, and years of life, and peace” (v. 2 NABRE), just like those joyful elders. We want to be healthy and able to enjoy life, maybe even dance a little! Many women use creams and makeup to hide the signs of aging, trying to mask their struggles and sadness.

Today’s verse reminds us that the key to living a long and fulfilling life lies in keeping God’s teachings close and obeying His commands. As the Psalmist puts it: “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1 NLT).

Whether you’re just starting out in life or have years of experience behind you, remember that wrinkles don’t define satisfaction. True satisfaction comes from living in obedience to God, reflecting on His Word daily, which protects, blesses, and fills us with life—all for free!

God, I want to obey You and live for Your glory every day of my life.

MG

JANUARY 4

For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

Proverbs 4:3 (NLT)

Today’s proverb encourages us to listen to our parents. But let’s be honest—what do you think about that? We often hear silly advice like, “The answer to life’s problems isn’t at the bottom of a bottle; it’s on TV!” Or how about, “Kids, you tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is, never try”? Those lines are from Homer Simpson, the dad from the animated TV show The Simpsons, who is funny but not exactly a role model.

I can’t say my parents were perfect. My dad was distant and tough, not the hugging type and not the type of guy with the regular word of encouragement. My mom was a teacher, always busy cooking and working at my dad’s tortillería. They didn’t know Christ, so my father’s discipline was often harsh and unfair.

When I found God, it was hard for me to accept His corrections because I didn’t respect my dad’s discipline. I felt rebellious and even hesitated to call God “Father.” But God worked in my heart, and now I can say that “God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10, NLT).

I don’t know what your childhood was like, but if your experience with an imperfect father has affected you negatively, remember there’s a perfect Father out there. He’s wise and loving and can help rebuild our lives. He can restore the past, so that when we hear His guidance, we gain wisdom.

Dear Father, shape my heart so that I’m always ready to receive Your righteous discipline.

YF

JANUARY 5

Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Proverbs 5:18 (NRSVUE)

A spring can be blocked little by little, one stone at a time. If you keep putting rocks at the source of the water, eventually the flow will slow down or disappear altogether.

In this proverb, the fountain symbolizes marriage and the intimacy between a couple. Wisdom encourages every couple to be blessed and enjoy each other. Unfortunately, we often add stones—like unresolved issues, unrealistic expectations, or excuses to avoid spending time together—that block the flow of our relationships.

Solomon, who wrote many of these proverbs, wasn’t always the best example in this area. Still, he left us some beautiful poems for one of his first wives, where he advises, “Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love” (Song of Solomon 2:15 NLT).

If you’re married, don’t let your fountain run dry. Address issues promptly, even the small ones. Share your feelings and desires with kindness. Apologize, even for petty things. Clear up expectations and communicate openly with your spouse. And if you’re not married, the same advice applies to your relationships with your kids, friends, or colleagues. Let’s take care of our healthy relationships—they can slip away one small stone at a time.

Lord, may my fountain be blessed, and may I find joy in it.

KO

JANUARY 6

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!

Proverbs 6:6 (NLT)

There’s a TV show that looks into the lives of people who hoard things. They often don’t organize their stuff out of laziness and end up living in cluttered homes.

When I first got married, and especially when I had young kids, I realized that housework seemed never-ending. If I took a break to watch TV or read, time would fly, and I’d still have a long to-do list waiting for me. I tried to discipline myself to finish my chores before indulging in any relaxation. I won’t lie; I didn’t always succeed!

Nature teaches us a lot, and in this proverb, ants are our role models. They know their responsibilities, work hard, and stick to God’s plan for them. They never lose focus or become lazy. The Apostle Paul also reminds us about the importance of making clever use of our time: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT).

Are we using our time wisely, as our Creator intended? In today’s world, the internet and social media can distract us for hours if we’re not careful. Even if we don’t think of it as laziness, we might be putting off important priorities, including spending time with our families. Let’s learn from the ants!

Lord, I want to overcome my tendency to be lazy. Help me focus on what truly matters, out of love for You, for others, and for myself.

MH

JANUARY 7

Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.

Proverbs 7:2 (NLT)

The word “pupil” comes from Latin and means girl or doll. It got this name because if you look closely, you can see a reflection of the person you’re looking at in the center of your eye. In German, there’s a phrase about the “apple of my eye,” which carries a similar meaning: something precious.

Lisa Reed from New Zealand went blind when she was 11 due to a brain tumor pressing on her optic nerve. After years of adapting to life in darkness, one night she bent down to say goodnight to her guide dog and bumped her head on the table. A bit dazed, she went to sleep, only to wake up the next morning with her sight restored!

The Bible speaks about our pupils, the “apple of our eyes,” to emphasize the value of something precious. David asks God to “guard me as you would guard your own eyes” (Psalm 17:8 NLT). Just as we treasure our sight, we should value God’s guidance in His Word.

It’s no coincidence that this advice appears in a chapter about sexual immorality. Warnings against immorality are as vital as our vision. Let’s submit our thoughts to Christ and always seek purity. Those who engage in sexual sin act as if they’re blind, missing out on a colorful and joyful life. Let’s choose to see the light!

Lord, help me value my sexual purity as much as I value my sight.

MG

JANUARY 8

Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice!

Proverbs 8:1 (NLT)

Is wisdom a person? Ancient cultures thought so. The Greeks revered Athena, the goddess of wisdom, while the Norse credited Odin with this gift. The Aztecs had Quetzalcóatl, a feathered serpent representing life and wisdom. In other words, wisdom was seen as more than just a trait; it was personified.

From an early age, I heard about the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most visited historical sites in Istanbul, Turkey. Today is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque but formerly was the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God. The church was dedicated on Christmas day to the Wisdom of God, the Logos, the second person of the Trinity. One of the most photographed frescoes in the Hagia Sophia is the face of Jesus, who embodies wisdom.

In the Bible, wisdom isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s a person—Jesus, the Logos of the New Testament. As it says in 1 Corinthians 1:24, “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God” (NLT).

Wisdom isn’t just a concept; it’s embodied in Jesus. He’s the heart of the Bible and should also be at the center of our decisions. We can be wise when we trust in Christ. Let’s allow Jesus, the wisdom of God, to lead our lives.

Lord, thank You for being wisdom itself in the person of Jesus.

KO

JANUARY 10

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Proverbs 10:12 (NLT)

I remember saving up for my first computer. After a long time, I was almost there, but then my husband made a decision that impacted our finances, and I had to use my savings for something else. I was upset and cried, but God reminded me that I needed to use a “concealer”—not for my face or clothes, but to cover my husband’s mistakes with forgiveness.

That wasn’t the first time I had to forgive him, nor would it be the last. In almost 37 years of marriage, my husband and I had plenty of opportunities to practice love and forgiveness. Now that he’s in heaven, I’m grateful for the chance to both give and receive forgiveness.

God teaches us that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8 NLT). When we genuinely love, we don’t keep bringing up past offenses to use against others. We all make mistakes, intentionally or not. Genuine love forgives and seeks reconciliation. The ultimate example is Jesus, who gave His life to atone for our wrongs.

When you’ve been with someone for a long time, disagreements are bound to happen, but we shouldn’t let them escalate into quarrels. The enemy wants to destroy our marriages and families. The one who saved us through His incredible love wants us to practice that same love in our daily interactions.

Father, renew Your love in me today so I can overlook offenses and defeat the enemy.

MH

JANUARY 11

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

Proverbs 11:24 (NLT)

Many agricultural workers harvest their crops and then travel to cities to sell them. They carry their goods in heavy crates or palm baskets. When I was a girl, vendors selling avocados or dragon fruits would often knock on our door. They looked tired, with dusty feet from all their walking. My mom would invite them in, offer them cool water, and share food and clothing. She took the time to chat, learn their names, hear their stories, and even talk about God’s love. Often, they left our home feeling lighter, having shared their burdens.

As I raised my daughters, I thought about my mom and how she found time to show kindness to those people. She prioritized these moments because her heart was full. My mother knew that it’s better to give than to receive, and I believe God always provided for our family.

Generosity is at the heart of God’s message. He says, “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do” (Deuteronomy 15:10 NLT).

In our busy lives, we often face interruptions. It’s important to pause and pay attention to those who need our generosity. Look around—do you see someone who could use your help? God promises blessings to those who are generous.

Lord, I want to be a cheerful giver. Today, I commit to being generous. Help me share Your blessings and love.

MG

JANUARY 12

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

Proverbs 12:1 (NLT)

Have you ever tried to learn a new language? Nowadays, there are apps that promise you can become fluent in just three months with only 15 minutes of practice a day. But we all know that truly mastering a language takes time and effort.

Willem, a Dutch friend, spoke Spanish quite well. When I asked him how he learned, he told me he fell in love with a Spanish girl and was motivated to impress her. Love drove his desire to learn. In contrast, I’ve seen students who settle for passing grades with no real motivation or discipline to learn. They might even resent the effort it takes.

Living the Christian life requires discipline. When we meet Jesus, we often come with habits of laziness. But when we fall in love with Him, we want to know Him better and talk to Him constantly. Like Paul said, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

How motivated are you to get to know God through reading the Bible? How much time do you spend in conversation with Him? Today’s proverb encourages us to embrace discipline. Let’s not be foolish; let’s aim to learn a new language—the language of God’s love.

Lord Jesus, help me be disciplined in getting to know You. Help me make time for reading and prayer.

YF

JANUARY 13

The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Proverbs 13:9 (NLT)

No one wants to post photos on social media showing them crying or struggling. Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see only smiles and happy moments. Is that what today’s proverb is getting at? Leonard Cohen wrote in a song, “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering / There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

You might read today’s proverb and think, “But my life isn’t full of light and joy!” Maybe your adult child is dealing with depression, your little girl is battling leukemia, or you’ve faced a job loss. It’s tough to shine light for others when you’re just trying to get through each day.

Perfect lives don’t exist. We all have cracks from suffering—betrayals, losses, failures. But remember, “God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all” (1 John 1:5 NLT). Even in the darkest moments, the light of Jesus can shine into those cracks and bring hope. When we face tough times, it’s His love that sustains us, giving us more than just superficial happiness—He offers us the joy of His presence.

If you feel overwhelmed by your cracks today, remember that even in suffering, you can shine and share with others that there’s a light that will never go out: Jesus.

Father, let Your light shine into my cracks today and help others see You through me.

KO

JANUARY 14

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 14:1 (NLT)

In 2014, the Council of Architects in Europe found that about 39% of active architects are women. In the U.S., while nearly half of architecture graduates are women, only 18% are registered as active professionals. This shows that many women have trained to be architects, but not all of them work in the field, possibly due to limited opportunities or life changes.

However, today’s proverb tells us that all women can be “architects” of their homes. Wise women construct strong homes filled with values, love, and other lasting materials. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. Some women may unintentionally destroy their homes by criticizing instead of encouraging, complaining instead of trusting God, or neglecting their roles as wives, mothers, and daughters. They may think they know a lot, but wisdom involves much more than just knowledge.

So how do you build a home? It takes learning from the ultimate Architect and dedicating time and effort. Any architect will tell you that it’s not just about the design; it involves budgeting, constantly checking plans, and making adjustments when things don’t go as expected. God has given us the tools we need—let’s be wise and use them!

Lord, I want to be a positive influence for my loved ones.

MH

JANUARY 15

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)

Did you know that brides can spend anywhere from $70 to $1,000 on hair and makeup for their weddings? In the U.S., couples typically spend around $300 on a stylist for their big day. This reflects just how important it is for brides to look beautiful.

I love looking back at photos from my daughter’s wedding. She was absolutely radiant! For many women, their wedding day is one of the happiest moments in life, filled with dreams coming true and surrounded by beautiful flowers. This proves the proverb right: “A glad heart makes a happy face.”

But sometimes, that joy doesn’t last. When our hearts are hurting, it can feel like our spirits are crushed. Happiness can be fleeting when it’s based on external things, but the Bible tells us that true joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Unlike happiness, joy comes from within and doesn’t depend on our circumstances; it flows from the fullness of God in us.

If you’ve been feeling down, remember that it’s possible to smile again. Is something keeping your heart from joy? Surrender it to the Lord and stay connected to Him. God hears our prayers and fills us with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faith, and gentleness. When that happens, you radiate beauty!

Lord, turn my sadness into joy and let my smile reflect Your love.

MG

JANUARY 16

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is preferable to silver.

Proverbs 16:16 (NABRE)

Throughout history, gold has driven people to conquer, fight, and even kill. Maybe that’s because it’s not easy to get. To find gold, you have to sift through crushed rock and wait patiently as the heavy minerals sink to the bottom. It takes a lot of effort, but for those who love gold, it’s worth it.

The book of Proverbs encourages us to seek wisdom above all else. Imagine if gold diggers realized that pursuing God’s wisdom is far more valuable than gold itself. If only they were willing to risk everything to gain wisdom, the world would be a different place, free from much of the evil we see today.

Wisdom is at the heart of God. He wants us to look within His heart and act according to what we find there. How can we do that? The Bible tells us that Jesus is the heart of God: “He is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15 NABRE).

We may not be able to change the world, but we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us. Let’s seek God’s wisdom daily, just like we would seek gold.

Lord, I want to know Your heart through Jesus. Open my eyes to Your wisdom.

YF

JANUARY 17

Parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6 (NLT)

If you’re ever struggling to jumpstart a conversation with someone and they happen to be a mother, just ask her about her kids. Parents usually beam with pride when talking about their children’s accomplishments and unique traits. But today’s proverb shifts our focus upward, asking us to consider how we, as children, view our parents.

Many of us have been blessed with parents who have passed on their faith or are good examples of responsible living. Others might not know their parents well or have experienced hurt from them. But let’s take it a step further. Are you a mother? Are your children proud of you? The key to being a good mother is looking to our perfect Father.

When we put our faith in Jesus, we gain a perfect Father who we can be proud of. He’s eternal, full of mercy, and overflowing with compassion. Our Father will never fail us.

When we’re proud of something we talk about it a lot. One of the ways we can evaluate if we are proud of our heavenly Father is by asking the questions: Do I mention Him often? Is He a common topic of my conversations? Do I get excited to share His love with others?

Father, I have the best Father in You, and I’m thrilled to be Your daughter.

KO

JANUARY 18

Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends; he resists all sound advice.

Proverbs 18:1 (ISV)

Have you ever given someone advice only for them to ignore it completely? It can be frustrating! Why do people ask for advice if they aren’t planning to follow it? It’s a common behavior, isn’t it?

After finishing college, I wasn’t sure how to start looking for a job. Since my parents lived in a small town, I had to move to a city. I had only recently come to know God and, feeling nervous, I asked my dad for advice. He was surprised since I’d always been so independent. He offered some suggestions, but then added, “In the end, you’ve always done what you want.” It was his way of saying, “Why ask for my advice if you’re not going to listen?”

This proverb teaches us that selfish people resist “sound” advice. Why do we do that? Why would we shut our ears to wise counsel? James 3:15 tells us that “jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom.” When making decisions, it’s crucial to listen to the advice of those who have more experience and spiritual maturity.

It’s easy to look out for our own interests, but that doesn’t guarantee true or lasting benefit. Let’s recognize the value of receiving guidance from those who have walked the path before us.

Father, help me to be open to sound advice.

MH

JANUARY 19

A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

Proverbs 19:13 (NLT)

“Just for today” is the motto that has helped millions of people worldwide quit drinking. The idea is to focus on avoiding temptation for just one day. It’s a practical approach that can motivate us to leave bad habits behind.

Some women develop the habit of constant complaining, and that can wear down those around them. Living with someone who is regularly critical can feel as bothersome as a constant drip of water. Maybe we could aim to cut out this practice from our lives using that same motto, “just for today.”

The Bible gives us a splendid example in Hannah, a woman known for her persevering faith. She faced a tough situation—she was barren, and her husband had another wife who mocked her. Yet, Hannah chose to remain silent and took her troubles to God in prayer. Although her voice was barely a whisper, God heard her and blessed her with a child.

There are things that only God can change. Complaining won’t help; prayer will. When you feel as troubled as Hannah, follow her lead. Keep quiet and enter the presence of the Almighty with your prayers. He will listen and respond.

Father, help me not complain, “just for today.”

MG

JANUARY 20

It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3 (NRSVUE)

Avoiding conflict often requires divine wisdom. There’s a fine line between getting drawn into a quarrel and letting it go. Our old nature can easily feel offended and react to the slightest provocation.

I once worked with three other women on a service project. At first, everything went smoothly, but soon enough, tensions began to rise. Our pride and lack of consideration led to frustration, and we had to come together to sort things out. Anger bubbled to the surface, and we realized we were feeling resentment toward each other. We had to set aside our pride, apologize, and learn to understand and tolerate one another. Once we did that, the atmosphere changed, and we felt a strong bond in the Lord.

The Apostle John reminds us that if we don’t love our fellow believers, we can’t claim to love God. The love that should define us as believers shines brightest when someone disappoints or hurts us. If we can’t let go of our pride and choose to avoid conflict, we’re acting foolishly in God’s eyes.

We need wise people willing to set aside their pride to guard against conflicts. It’s not an easy choice, but if you choose love over strife, you may gain an amazing friend and honor Jesus in the process.

Lord, help me to be wise and avoid quarrels, choosing instead to love others.

YF

JANUARY 21

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Proverbs 21:1 (NRSVUE)

Movies have a way of influencing how we see life. We often joke about living in a movie. The trouble arises when we try to be the screenwriter and director, forgetting that we’re just players in a story. Some stars are in the limelight for a while, then suddenly fade away. Why? People say it’s tough to work with them because they demand too much and challenge the script. Sadly, we can sometimes act the same way.

Today’s proverb speaks about streams that have a defined path. When they overflow, they can cause chaos, but God’s design is so amazing that, eventually, the river finds its way back. In life, we often resist the path laid out for us, acting like powerful rivers that refuse to flow in the right direction.

In the grand story of humanity, you and I are secondary characters, even if we wish to be the stars. The real lead is Jesus, who offers us salvation. God is the screenwriter, director, and producer of this incredible film, and we’re lucky to be part of it! Our role is to place ourselves in the Lord’s hands.

Today, let’s choose not to rebel against the part God has given us in His story. We can achieve great things when our goals align with His will. Allow God to guide the course of your life, and everything will be alright.

Lord, guide my life according to Your will.

KO

JANUARY 22

The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.

Proverbs 22:2 (NLT)

“Nobody leaves here rich; you’re not taking anything with you” is a well-known saying. While we often contrast rich and poor, this proverb reminds us that no matter our economic status, we can’t take anything with us when we die!

Consider this saying: “To find contentment, even in poverty, is to be rich. Being poor doesn’t mean having little; it means desiring much.” We often label people based on their wealth, but many of us aren’t truly rich or poor in the technical sense. Finding contentment with little is true abundance! Inner poverty comes from wanting more than we need.

In God’s eyes, we’re all equal. Having more doesn’t make someone worth more, and we shouldn’t look down on those with less. The Bible warns us about materialism: “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT).

Our true wealth isn’t measured by material possessions but by our blessings. “Better is a little that the righteous person has than the abundance of many wicked” (Psalm 37:16 NRSVUE). Today, let’s count our blessings. Whether rich or poor, God has given us family, friends, the beauty of creation, new opportunities every day, and most importantly, His gift of salvation!

Lord, thank You for the many blessings You’ve given me. As a daughter of the King, I receive them with open hands.

MH

JANUARY 23

O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

Proverbs 23:26 (NLT)

Most of us love receiving gifts, especially women. We get excited about the wrapping paper, the diverse types of bows, the cards, and the feeling of surprise. The best gift is often the one we wanted the most—like a book or a perfume we’ve been dreaming about. Even when we receive things we don’t like, we try to smile and show gratitude.

If we had to pick a gift for God, we’d want to give Him something He truly wants. Today’s proverb tells us what that is: God wants our hearts. Sometimes we think we can please Him with other offerings—like volunteering at church or repeating prayers—but what He really desires is our love.

In Isaiah 29:13, God speaks about how some people honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far away: “Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me” (NRSVU). He wants our walk with Him to be a genuine delight.

When we truly give our hearts to someone, we want to spend time with them, please them, listen to them, and show our love through our choices and our actions. Your heart is your life itself. Have you given it to God?

God, I love You and want to express my love with every beat of my heart.

MG

JANUARY 24

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.

Proverbs 24:3 (NLT)

My parents left me a small house built by my grandfather. To remodel it, I had to scrape off about seven or eight layers of paint, fill in holes, remove nails, repaint, and then choose tile for the kitchen and bathroom. Now that I’m living in this little house, I really enjoy it! But I have one challenge: humidity. My grandfather didn’t know how to prevent it. But do you know? A good foundation would have made all the difference!

In ancient times, people looked for large stones to build their houses. They needed a stable spot to withstand the wear and tear of nature. Today, we conduct soil studies to determine the best foundation. The key to a solid house is its foundation!

The Bible often speaks about foundations because God refers to Himself as the Everlasting Rock, Stone of Help, Cornerstone, Precious Stone, Living Stone, and Stumbling Stone. When we choose to rest in Him, we show wisdom.

Your life and soul won’t be stable without a solid foundation in Jesus. No storm can shake you if you’ve chosen the true Rock. Your emotional, financial, family, intellectual, and spiritual life will be strong and secure when you build your life on Jesus Christ.

Lord, I choose You as the foundation of my life. In You, I build my existence.

YF

JANUARY 25

Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax.

Proverbs 25:18 (NLT)

There was quite a stir at school when a boy was hit by his classmates! The kid’s parents demanded that the other boys be expelled. The parents of those boys felt ashamed, and they promised to keep a closer eye on their sons. The school suspended them for a week. But then a few days later, a girl was slandered by others on social media. Her parents wanted the online offenders expelled, but the other parents shrugged it off, saying it wasn’t a big deal. In the end, the kids got a verbal warning that was quickly forgotten.

According to today’s proverb both situations deserved grave consequences. Hurting someone physically with fists or emotionally with lies is equally violent and should not be overlooked. Lying has a terrible origin story. In John 8:44 (NLT), we read that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him”.

The next time you’re tempted to tell a lie—whether it seems small or large—remember that your words can be weapons. And whether it’s a knife or a gun, lying can truly “kill” someone emotionally.

Father, You hate lies. Help me to stay away from them, as they harm not only others but myself as well.

KO

JANUARY 26

Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

Proverbs 26:1 (NLT)

The summer of 1816 was something else—it is remembered as the year without summer for many in Europe and the U.S. There were reports of snow in June and freezing temperatures in July, which ruined crops and led to hunger. Scientists later discovered that this bizarre weather was due to the massive eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, which sent tons of dust and ash into the atmosphere, altering the climate worldwide.

Today’s proverb tells us that just as it’s unusual to have snow in summer, it’s equally strange to honor fools. Unfortunately, we sometimes see the foolish and the rude praised—think of some athletes, artists, or politicians you may know. Yet, those who truly deserve recognition are the wise, honest, and kind people who uplift others.

So, who should we honor? We’re encouraged to honor our elders and those who preach and teach about God (1 Timothy 5:17). And so, to avoid bringing snow in summer, let us be mindful about who we praise.

In our conversations with each other let us focus on honoring exemplary people who inspire us. Let us, in the spirit of this proverb, not bring the cold of winter into our summer conversations.

Lord, help me choose role models who deserve honor and strive to be someone worthy of it myself.

MH

JANUARY 27

A person who is full tramples on a honeycomb, but to a hungry person, any bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 (CSB)

In recent times, there’s been a new trend called “tradwife,” which refers to women who choose to dedicate themselves to their families and homes instead of pursuing careers. One such woman, Alena Kate Pettitt, blogs about this lifestyle, emphasizing traditional roles and responsibilities. In her blog, The Darling Academy, she describes this “tradwife” movement as “submitting to your husband and treating him like it’s 1959.” It paints the picture of women baking, cleaning, and tending to chickens.

While this movement has its controversies, I think there’s something valuable in the idea of spoiling your husband. A wife, as her husband’s suitable helper, can meet her husband’s needs, giving him recognition, respect, sexual satisfaction, and emotional support, creating a loving home.

In Proverbs 7, we read about an immoral woman who entices men with her words, leading them astray. Perhaps the man she lured was a “hungry” husband, feeling neglected and unappreciated at home.

Today’s women, whether working outside the home or not, are busy and active. As married women, we face the challenge of loving our families well, ensuring they feel loved, respected, and fulfilled when they leave our homes. Martin Luther once said, “Let the wife make her husband glad to come home and let him make her sorry to see him leave.” If you’re married, do you think your husband feels fulfilled?

Lord, please help me to support my husband and be a wise wife.

MG

JANUARY 28

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them.

Proverbs 28:1 (NLT)

Who was Herod the Great? When he became the governor of Galilee, the Jewish people rejected him because of his cruelty, though he maintained the support of Rome. To protect his power, he banished his first wife and son and remarried. He became paranoid, seeing betrayal everywhere—even among his own family. He had his second wife and children killed, as well as his brother-in-law, for suspected treachery. The Bible tells us he even ordered the massacre of all the male children under the age of 2 in and around Bethlehem because he couldn’t stand the thought of another king of the Jews.

Even in death, he was ruthless. Suffering from severe health issues, he realized that people despised him and would not mourn his passing. So, he rounded up 300 important people to kill when he died, hoping to create an atmosphere of grief.

Because of his immoral and cruel actions, we see him as a wicked man who “runs when no one is chasing.” Isaiah reminds us, “There is no peace for the wicked

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