By Yodit Kifle Smith 
It’s never easy to admit when we are wrong. From the inception of sin,  our natural proclivity is to run, hide and cover. Adam and Eve are our first examples. What they didn’t know was that while they ran to hide because of their disobedience, God would provide covering so they wouldn’t feel ashamed. What a loving Father!

You see, on the other side of  confessing our sin, the forgiveness and covering of God awaits. However, because of unbelief, we run, hide and cover out of fear and pride. 

This is where the power of the gospel comes in- it regenerates our hearts to see the beauty of confession. It dismantles the walls that we hide behind because of shame. God has made the way for us to know the goodness of confession through the atonement of Christ.

In Psalm 38, we see in David - whom God called a man after His own heart - the beauty of confession rooted in the hope of salvation. Repentance was a natural part of his relationship with God. He understood that to withhold confession from God is to withhold his healing. 

We often treat repentance like it’s a nice-to-have, not a requirement. Perhaps we think repentance is a one time thing that happens when the pastor invites us for an altar call, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Bible is full of connections between the path of our faith and the continual act of repentance on that path (Matthew 3:8). 

Repentance is what shows our reverence to a Holy God whose presence can not overlook sin. Our daily obedience to Christ’s command to repent reflects God’s good plan for humanity - that even in the fallenness of our humanity, our hearts can rest in His redemption. Repentance is what displays our faith in God--believing that He is who He says He is and does what He says He will do in lavishing His mercy and forgiveness on us.

While the effects of sin displayed in Psalm 38 are strong, the forgiveness of God is stronger. And it is the act of repentance which opens the door for us to know that truly and deeply. 
​
Like David, may we know the heart of our Father, who finds great joy in forgiving our repentant heart and in that, may we see the fruit of our repentant heart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

Psalm 38 (read whole chapter)
Matthew 3:8
1 John 1:8-9
Proverbs 28:13

Questions to Reflect on:
1. Why do you feel ashamed to go to God when you sin?
2. How does rehearsing the gospel daily empower you to make repentance a habit?
3. How can you make repentance a natural part of your relationship with the Lord?

By Debbie Ramamoorthy  (WITHIN Devotional Writer)
 As we continue to step into 2021, I'm sure many of you are actively seeking out intentions for the new year, whether that may be dreams, desire, goals, areas of life to illuminate, or areas to let go. There is a fresh energy that we clothe ourselves with as we continue the process of engaging with the newness of what we have entered into-what is to come.
 
In my personal life, I love the new year- I love the energy it brings, the clean slate, fresh start, new beginnings, all of that! With 2020 being the year we were leaving behind, I set out to seek out what God was laying on my heart for 2021. And I was ready to receive it! As I'm sure many of you probably can resonate with- 2021 felt relatively easy to usher in. 
 
As I continue to modify my desires and goals for 2021, verse 27, in the first chapter of the Bible, Genesis kept being highlighted to me. The verse is, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
 
Allow yourself a moment to really let that verse sink in. What jumps out to me is the stark contrast in my motivations for why I was setting out in my intentions, and what scripture brings to light in the very beginning of the Bible. To be honest, so many of my intentions include some variation of modifying who I am- working out more, eating more plant based, putting on real clothes more than once a month (covid, y'all!) and obviously a sprinkling of reading my Bible daily, practicing Sabbath, deepening my understanding and practice of solitude and rest with Jesus. But in total transparency, when I look back at those first 3 intentions- they are not wrong in themselves. But when I dig in a bit deeper and understand why I am pursuing them, I am able to see that I want to in some way, change who I am. Me- made in His image- in His likeness: I look like Him, I reflect Him, I am His image-bearer. So why on Earth would I contemplate modifying who I am? 
 
I kept seeking out intentions but also making sure I understood the real motivation behind them. The deeper I dug, I recognized my motivations that were not glorifying to God and immediately changed them to honor Him.
 
This process allowed me, and continues to, sit in the reality that I bear the Savior of the world's image. This isn't just some feel-good saying, but is the truth. So, what can I do to honor that? And not only that, how does that truth being awakened, affect how I treat those around me? Am I seeing who I want to see or am I seeing the person Jesus created them to be? Not only that, am I seeing them as image-bearers of our God Himself?
 
I also recognize the importance of the continual renewal of our minds so we don't keep falling into the trap of surrendering to our own selfish desires. Rather, we keep seeking Him and surrendering to Him- taking on a mind that is glorifying to Him, and a perception of ourselves and those around us, that is honoring to Him. 
 
My encouragement to you is to meditate on these words: You are made in His image. When the world feels heavy, and your role in this world feels even heavier, rest in those words. Recognize that not only do you carry His image, you carry His power within you through Christ!
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​The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

Genesis 1:26
Psalm 8:3-8
Matthew 5:48

Questions to Reflect on:
1. In what ways do you see yourselves as a reflection of Jesus?
2. Are there any areas of your life where you want to understand yourself as a reflection of God?
3. What are the obstacles that get in the way of you believing you are His image bearer?

By Saron Tadesse (WITHIN Devotional Writer)

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us” - Romans 8:18
​

The other day my friend and I were having a conversation about our worries and anxieties in regards to our life. We were overwhelmed with the number of things that were going on in each of our lives and how things were changing fast. While sharing what was occupying our minds, we realized how our vision was short-sighted. We were concerned for the now, for the cares of this world. Our perspective was limited to how we can get through this life and not on how our lives will have an impact on eternity. Our next breath is not even promised yet we were living as if we were certain of the length of our days. 
The truth is, this world is not all that there is. There is more to life than just getting through the day. There is more to our present-day sufferings. If this world were the ultimate place we were destined to live, that would have been tragic. However, we are just passing through. What we think is a lifetime is nothing compared to the eternity we will get to spend with our Creator.

I was always amazed at the resilience the apostles had when they faced persecution. They would rejoice when they were flogged for preaching the gospel. They were imprisoned, stoned, hunted down, and yet the New Testament is full of hope. This is not the ordinary kind of hope we feel when we think things are going to be okay. They had the kind of hope that was unwavering regardless of the unending persecution they endured. They understood that their pain and suffering was worth the gospel. They knew that their present-day worries were just that: present day worries. They were concerned about the significance of their lives in eternity, so they chased their purpose with full intensity no matter what. 
I wonder how different our lives would be if we judged our circumstances in light of eternity. We would have a much bigger perspective on our present-day sufferings. We would understand that this world is not permanent and easily surrender our cares under the feet of our savior. We would not put our hope in our tomorrow, because we know even our next breath is not promised. We would be unapologetic with our faith because the more people added to God’s kingdom, the bigger our family in heaven will be. 
It is easy to get sucked into the cares of this world. But we are commanded to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first (Mt 6:33).. And no matter how discouraging this world gets, we can be encouraged knowing this is not our real home. We are in the world but not of it. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

Colossians 3:2
Romans 8:18
2 Corinthians 4:8-9


Questions to Reflect on:

1. What areas of your life worry you the most? Would those worries affect you the same if you saw them in light of eternity?
   
2. How different would your lifestyle be if you lived everyday with the awareness that your actions today would have significance in eternity? 
   

​By Meron Asnake (WITHIN Devotional Writer)
 
​“Pay attention to the ways you’re responding to trauma. Pretending nothing happened, minimizing it, numbing out, distracting yourself, being glued to social media or television are ways some people cope.  Be mindful of your wellness.” said Dr. Thema in her latest social media post.

The pandemic, like the rest of the world, took me in a whirlwind of emotions. In addition, we, black and brown communities, are experiencing broadcasted and non-stop racial injustice in America.  Our traumas are prolonged and rerun in our social media feeds and numerous news sites. Thus, I felt as if I numbed my way through most of the quarantine. I overworked, binged watched shows, and ate a lot. As a result, I have 15 extra pounds that I fight and shimmy into, what used to be my loose-fitting jeans.  I believe I am one wrong move away from splitting in it half; the struggle cannot be more real. I believe 2020 is the year I spent less time praying and/or reading the word of God. As Dr. Thema said and quoted above, I am one of those people, who tried to escape my reality and not deal with the core problem. Hence, I failed to exercise mindfulness, which I like to parallel as our devotion (or worship).

2020 is also the year that revealed my true devotion and lack thereof. I was upset at the sovereign Lord that allowed this chaos to happen; I felt hopelessness for our communities and questioned if true change was coming. I wondered if there will be a cure for COVID and disliked our new normal. In short, I found more excuses to grumble and less reasons to be thankful as the days passed; as a result, my joy was misplaced. However, I am here to testify of the Lord’s keeping power and his unmatched grace. Because in the few times I surrendered to cast my cares onto him and be still, He encouraged and challenged me with his word in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. “Rejoice Always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstance for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

How on earth does one do that in a pandemic? To be honest, I could not have told you in 2020. I get the praying part but rejoicing and giving thanks were not in my to-do list. In hindsight of last year, there was, and still is so much the Lord was communicating that I overlooked by the cares of this world. For today’s devotion, let us focus on Verse 16: Rejoice always. Reread it a couple of more times. Is that a command? In whom are we rejoicing? Does it pertain to me? Is it applicable for this season? Does it really mean to rejoice, ALWAYS? I am sure you have so many questions of your own, which I encourage you to ask the Lord and get answers in His Word.

The deliberate use of the word, rejoice, challenges us to dig deeper into of the scriptures. It is communicating a command and requires active participation of the hearer. It is calling us to be glad, to glory, to exult, to gladden, to cheer, and to delight in the LORD in all circumstances (Blue Letter Bible Commentaries). Philippians 4:4 reminds us to “rejoice in the Lord Always; I will say it again: Rejoice!”  Our tendencies by default are to focus on ourselves and our need to have a trouble-free life. In that fantasy world, we assume the presence of our joy, where our devotions and praises to God will not waver. Tim Keller, quoting Elizabeth Elliot, said “Joy is not absence of trouble, it is the presence of God.” There is a call for us NOT to meditate on our circumstances, but in God and His word. It is important to remember that the sovereign God did not only allow the “chaos”, but He is in control of it, especially the the pandemic and act of domestic terrorism. In finding our joy in the Lord, we discover our strength and shield (Psalm 28:7).

So, I will ask, where is your devotion?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Psalm 28:7
Psalm 32:11
Philippians 3:1

Questions to Reflect on:

1. Who should be your Joy? Where does it come from?
2. Can you rejoice for, past and current life circumstances now that you have reframed your focus?

By Yodit Kifle Smith
​It’s 2021 Sisters! A Happy New Year to you all!

If you’re like me, perhaps you are joining what feels like every believer is joining… the aspiration to take part in a variation of a Bible Reading Plan. We will see how that goes for me but I am excited about beginning.
We all start with Genesis and I’ve come to realize how refreshing it is to go back to the beginning. The New Year is often a time where we can recalibrate things in our lives. So, as we enter this year, my hope is that going back to the beginning will encourage our walk with God and impact how we live.

As I started reading the first 2 chapters, I couldn’t help but pause and think about one of the most important truths that is highlighted in these chapters:

“In the beginning, God created…” (Genesis 1:1)

God is CREATOR and we are CREATED.

I believe this foundational truth not just sets the course of our walk with God but also reaffirms the dynamic of our relationship with Him as our Creator.

To know God as Creator means we understand that He was NOT created (Psalm 90:2). To NOT be created means He is not bound by anything that exists: Rather, He is the source of it all (John 1:3). He knows how it all operates. Everything must look to Him to find meaning.

However, we, who have been created think through our finite mind. For the most part, we are aware of our limitations. And our limitations and finite nature is good. They are purposeful for how God created us. But where we tend to go wrong is when we then project them onto God and how we understand Him…seeing Him as created rather than Creator.

For example, we know that we aren’t in control of time…in fact it goes on without us but sometimes we think that time goes on without God. Yet the truth that the Uncreated God created time means He isn’t BOUND by time. He sets the times and He transcends it. So, is it any wonder why He would remind us in Scripture that we aren’t to worry about the times (Matthew 6:25) but are to be aware and mindful of how we use our time (Ephesians 5:15-16, Col. 4:5, Psalm 90:12)? That is a way we worship the Giver of time.

As we grow in our knowledge of God, I believe taking the time to understand how the Uncreated, Creator God created us to be created in the fullest sense of that word (I know that was a mouthful) will help us be more in awe of Him. It will lift our eyes to see just how Good and Kind this Creator is:

To know think that He created us to reflect His image and He called us VERY GOOD (Genesis 1:31).

To know that He created us to have a relationship with Him…not just as Creator and created but Father and child (2 Cor. 6:18).

To know that He was willing to dwell among what He created and be bound by it so that we can enter His presence and commune with Him forever (Col.1:15).

To know that out of all His majestic creation that we gasp in awe of, He is so mindful of and cares so deeply about us (Psalm 8:3-4.)

Sisters, may 2021 draw us all to a deeper, awe-inspiring relationship with God, our Creator.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

Genesis 1:1; 31
Psalm 8:3-4
Psalm 90:2;12
Matthew 6:25
John 1:3
2 Cor.6:16
Ephesians 5:15-16
Col. 1:15; 4:5


Questions to Reflect on:

1. In what ways have you allowed your finite mind limit God?
2. How will you meditating on the Truth that God is Creator impact your relationship with Him