Formally titled "Conferences with God in the Morning Hours of Every Day of the Year" by Christoph Christian Sturm, this volume is a classic devotional work first published in 1867. Designed to guide readers through daily spiritual reflections, each entry includes a Scripture verse, a short prayer, and a meditation aimed at fostering a deeper connection with God. Sturm's accessible writing style makes this book suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a structured approach to morning devotionals.
January 1 My times are in Thy hand . Psalm 31:15 This certainty is essential to me, even more so today, as I say goodbye to the old y
January 2 "When eight days had passed for the Child's circumcision, His name was called Jesus." Luke 2:21 As a member of the Christia
January 3 "God created man to be an image of His own eternity." Wisdom 2:23 Thou, O Father, have made me so, and how greatly am I favo
January 4 "For all those things hath Mine hand made, saith the Lord." Isaiah 66:2 It's good for me that the Word of God teaches
January 5 Oh, how great is Thy goodness! Psalm 31:19 I cannot express that goodness, but I can adore and admire it. I cannot com
January 6 "We have seen His star." Matthew 2:2 The wise men from the East exclaimed this when they presented gold, frankincense,
January 7 "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk, so as ye have us for an example." Philippians 3:17 And tru
January 8 "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." 2 Chronicles 16:9 Throughout this world, His eyes indeed r
January 9 "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found." Isaiah 55:6 I will also find you by me, O Lord, if I seek You. I see signs of Your
January 10 "Yet a little while I am with you." John 13:33 It's likely that I will also be with my family for just a short time. But wh
January 13 "Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His." Psalm 30:4 This is the exhortation of the sacred poet. But, alas! Who can truly s
January 14 "Praying with all supplication." Ephesians 6:18 The Apostle advises us. I follow Your command, O God, even at this early mo
January 15 "Who gave Himself a ransom for all." 1 Timothy 2:6 Oh Lord, how great a kindness have You shown us in this! How miserable w
January 16 "Ye know not what shall be on the morrow." James 4:14 Despite such a statement, we always plan and worry about the future.
January 17 "Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me." Psalm 3:3 With an excited heart, I adore Your mercy by which I have been preserved to
January 18 "Work out your own salvation." Philippians 2:12 This is the crucial directive that I must remind myself of daily when I wak
January 19 "Behold, thy days approach that thou must die." Deuteronomy 31:14 Mine, perhaps, not yet; so far, my eyes are not dimmed, n
January 20 "Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us?" Malachi 2:10 And despite this, how little do people care for eac
January 21 "The fashion of this world passeth away." 1 Corinthians 7:31 The joys and treasures of this world are uncertain and have ne
January 22 "Be content with your wages." Luke 3:14 The Baptist's words also speak to me, and I must follow them, for I know that an in
January 23 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:2 Today, I will remind my heart, which is often fea
January 24 "The days of man are as fleeting as a shadow that passes away." Psalm 144:4 Swiftly and without a trace, moments, minutes,
January 25 "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." Acts 9:20 This festival makes me think a
January 26 "O God, early will I seek Thee" Psalm 63:1 For it is You, under whose protection I have rested, who averted all danger and
January 27 "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:2 I follow this command as You have directed me, O m
January 28 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart." Psalm 34:18 To me also, are You always near, O omnipresent God! My
January 29 "Lord, I am weak." Psalm 6:2 Every day, I fully experience this, as I am unable to achieve my goals; I seek and do not find
January 30 "I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath done."
January 31 "The Lord's mercy is new every morning, and great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23 Ah, how true this is, O faithful
February 1 "Our conversation is in heaven." Philippians 3:20 This is the message of peace, encouragement, and joy, offering us a noble
February 2 "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." Luke 2:29 Thus, Simeon exclaim
February 3 "For we trust that we have a good conscience." Hebrews 13:18 Indeed! And when I think about how much happiness a clear cons
February 4 "Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25 Otherwise, the prize cannot be won
February 5 "Cast not away your confidence." Hebrews 10:35 Despite this, my heart often loses its confidence, even though it knows well
February 6 "I and my Father are one." John 10:30 Oh, how I wish I and my Father were one! The connection with God is both marvelous an
February 7 "The Lord is good and is ever at hand." Judith 13:21 My entire previous life confirms the truth of this statement, and even
February 8 "I will be glad and rejoice in Thee." Psalm 9:2 Can I, like the Psalmist, also proclaim this? Can I trust in God and call H
February 9 "Put off all these, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." Colossians 3:8 Oh, how I wish
February 10 "Be not unwise, but understanding." Ephesians 5:17 Our era seems to heed this commandment. There's a noticea
February 11 "Awake to righteousness and sin not." 1 Corinthians 15:34 Despite this command, my heart remains careless and secure amid
February 12 "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire." Matthew 7:19 And rightly so, because
February 13 "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7 Oh, how unwise it would be to delay becoming sanctified!
February 14 "Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 Oh, how I wish for this gain to be mine and for my heart to bec
February 15 "How long halt ye between two opinions?" 1 Kings 18:21 This message from the prophet Elijah speaks to me, too, criticizin
February 16 "I am the Vine, You are the branches." John 15:5 How much do I owe to this connection with my Savior, and how significant
February 17 "Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." Isaiah 53:4 Oh, what love! Reflect on this, O my soul, especial
February 18 "He came out, and went, as he was wont, to the Mount of Olives." Luke 22:39 I will follow Christ there during this solemn
February 19 "The fruit of the Spirit is love." Galatians 5:22 Alas! If that's true, I don't have that Spirit. I often find myself bein
February 20 "Since ye have done it to one of the least of these, ye have done unto me." Matthew 25:40 Thus the Savior spoke; I will t
February 21 "Who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross." Hebrews 12:2 Why, then, did He endure this? So that He might free me
February 22 "Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings." Hebrews 11:36 So had Christ, and that He might alone reconcile us wit
February 23 "Hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13 In what els
February 24 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16 In this strain, one week tells another during t
February 25 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 Christ had this greatest lo
February 26 "Remember Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:8 I will follow Him as a good disciple should, and may I gratefully remember what Chr
February 27 "We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16 These words from Scripture point us to the Savior, who did just t
February 28 "My sin is ever before me." Psalm 51:3 Whenever I take a moment to reflect on my behavior towards God and Christ, and how
February 29 "Despisest thou the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering?" Romans 2:4 No! The thought of this should com
March 1 "How are the dead raised up?" 1 Corinthians 15:35 I ponder this question as we near the celebration of Christ's resurrection.
March 2 "Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent." Revelation 2:5 Alas! How indifferent to my sins do I go about, day after d
March 3 "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." Matthew 26:38 I repeat this saying of my Redeemer when I mentally stay with
March 4 "I do not know the man." Matthew 26:72 Thus declared Peter. Ah! How ready do I feel, when I read about Peter's denial, to judg
March 5 "And they led Him away to crucify Him." Matthew 27:31 Yes, they crucified Him! - Him, who was to be before all others p
March 6 "Follow Me." John 21:19 Jesus addresses this to me as well. This call is incredibly noble and kind. And what should stop me fr
March 7 "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." Luke 23:46 Oh, may I also die with that humble submission to the will of my hea
March 8 "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24 But it is added, "that we, being dead to sins, shou
March 9 "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1 The agonies of the dying Redeemer were so immense that He, overwhelmed
March 10 "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that at the last day He will awaken me from the earth." Job 19:25 Ah! What a glorious c
March 11 "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us." 1 John 3:16 Ah, Lord, I see in You the highest an
March 12 "How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." Luke 11:13 Truly, the blessing of praye
March 14 "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3 As the Lord spoke to the people of Israel, He also speaks to me,
March 15 "There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 For this, I praise You, O Lord my God, for You ha
March 16 "My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint." Job 7:13 This is how many suffering individuals, alongside Job,
March 17 "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 10:7 Jesus shares this joyful news with His disciples. Indeed, this is joyful new
March 18 "They which are called shall receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15 This is guaranteed to us by the Word o
March 19 "If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there also." Psalm 139:8 I can never
March 20 "I cried unto the Lord with my voice." Psalm 3:4 This connection with God through prayer, this sincere engagement with His es
March 21 "Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble." Psalm 9:13 With this prayer, I come before Your face, O God. For when I lo
March 22 "Keep His way." Psalm 37:34 Thus does the holy Psalmist exclaim. But, alas! What a challenging task it is to keep His way! St
March 23 "Look upon mine affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins." Psalm 25:18 For, Ah! Lord, what has my life been so far but
March 24 "He stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him." Zechariah 12:1
March 25 "And the angel of the Lord came in unto Mary, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou
March 26 "Be not conformed to this world." Romans 12:2 This is required of us by the Spirit of God, and I dare not allow myself to lis
March 27 "Quit you like men, and be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 Strength and manliness are essential in today's world, which is full
March 28 "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing." 2 Corinthians 6:10 Truly, the joy of a Christian is immense, even when faced with trou
March 29 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly, saith Jesus." John 10:10 Indeed, this is
March 30 "Then shall the dust return to the earth, as it was." Ecclesiastes 12:7 Thus, I, too, must follow this universal law of human
March 31 "With God there is no variableness." James 1:17 God's being never changes. This thought brings me great comfort. What could c
April 1 "The good that I would I do not: but the evil that I would not, that I do." Romans 7:19 This is how the Apostle describes his
April 2 "Comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Alas! How often do I have the chance to comfort others! How much
April 3 "Be ye content with such things as ye have." Hebrews 12:5 But this is a difficult task for sinful beings, especially for us w
April 4 "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the Creator of the world: the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3 The thoug
April 5 "To obey is better than sacrifice." 1 Samuel 15:22 I will embrace this saying in my own obedience to God so I may be a worthy
April 6 "Fight the good fight." 1 Timothy 6:12 Thus does St. Paul, here and elsewhere, describe the real Christian life as a fight. Tr
April 7 "Every man shall receive his own reward." 1 Corinthians 3:8 I, too, will receive my reward, partly here on earth, but fully i
April 8 "Let everyone prove his own work." Galatians 6:4 But how long have I already neglected and postponed examining my own heart—ho
April 9 "The very hairs of your head are numbered." Matthew 10:30 How willingly do I believe in this saying, and how easily do I accep
April 10 "Lord, who can tell how oft he offendeth?" Psalm 19:12 No morning comes back, nor does a single day pass that I must not rem
April 11 "I praise Thee, for I am wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14 Just one look at my own body leads me to this conclusion. I can't l
April 12 'Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise His holy name." Psalm 103:1 It is allowed for me, O exalted, ye
April 13 "My peace I give unto you." John 14:27 Oh, how I long to embrace this peace! I would desire no treasures, or nothing else in
April 14 "He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:8 What strong obligations we have because of this sa
April 15 "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."  
April 16 "The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart: the commandments of the Lord are pure, enlightening the eyes." Ps
April 17 "The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works." Psalm 145:8 This is a clear saying, but it is also
April 18 "I beseech you, present your bodies a living sacrifice." Romans 12:1 Nothing could be more logical or natural than this. God
April 19 "Take no thought for the morrow." Matthew 6:34 Thus does our Savior command us. But, alas! That time has gone by for me. Oh,
April 20 "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts." Galatians 5:24 How distant I feel from this!
April 21 "All are of the dust, and all turn to dust again." Ecclesiastes 3:20 I've understood since my youth that this applies to man
April 22 "Man fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." Job 14:2 Each day tells the next, and each night informs the following one
April 23 "Cast all your care upon God, for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Anyone who takes this word to heart will start every new da
April 24 "They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth." John 4:24 Do I live by this directive from my Savior? Is my mor
April 25 "Thy visitation preserveth my spirit." Job 10:12 It has been under Your protection that I passed the night peacefully and wit
April 26 "See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with Me." Deuteronomy 32:39 Yes, I recognize and accept the truth of this
April 27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him." Genesis 1:27 May the awareness of this honor that
April 28 "Everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth." Matthew 7:8 But, Alas! How often have I sought and not found,
April 29 "The Lord of hosts is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working." Isaiah 28:29 How often have I experienced this joy! How
April 30 "I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 1
May 1 "Thou sendest forth Thy spirit, they are created: and Thou renewest the face of the earth." Psalm 104:30 Everything is revived:
May 2 "The very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30 How fortunate we are to have this comforting message! Could we, as
May 3 "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead." Ephesians 5:14 This call of Yours, O Lord, touches my soul anew this morni
May 4 "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matthew 11:29 Thus speaks Christ, and whoever w
May 5 "Thine is the kingdom, and Thou art exalted as head above all." 1 Chronicles 29:11 (Lutheran Bible, 30:12) This is so important
May 6 "Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end." Psalm 102:27 How this thought comforts and elevates me, O my God and Fathe
May 7 "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 Likewise, do not trust in your o
May 8 "It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace." Hebrews 13:9 I should remind myself of this powerful scripture at
May 9 "We have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 How good it is for us to believe in God as
May 10 "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider." Ecclesiastes 7:14 Yes, I will consider and accept t
May 11 "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Luke 6:36 If I evaluate my life against this command before God, O
May 12 "Christ hath left us an example, that we should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21 And truly, a greatly valuable blessing would be
May 13 "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20 And it is indeed true, and a
May 14 "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27 What an important saying - how full of signif
May 15 "He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great." Psalm 115:13 The truth of this saying will be most deeply felt b
May 16 "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him." Psalm 37:5 Thus, the Scripture commands everyone, but it especially applies to a C
May 17 "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" Psalm 8:4 How insignificant am I in th
May 18 "That which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; be what I hate, that do I." Romans 7:15 I also must share this c
May 19 "I meditate on Thee in the night watches." Psalm 63:6 And what should I do more naturally than this, at the first hour of the
May 20 "It is sown in corruption, it is raised in corruption." 1 Corinthians 15:42 I'm reminded every day of this statement by the apo
May 21 "Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord." Hebrews 12:5 Don't see all suffering as bad luck! Indeed, even in sorrow, the he
May 22 "The days of man are determined, the number of his months are with Thee; Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass." J
May 23 "Seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14 This is what the Psalmist instructs: this saying is particularly relevant to the harmo
May 24 "Man is like to vanity." Psalm 144:4 Many other sayings from wise people throughout history agree with this. I, myself, experie
May 25 "Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given me be with me where I am." John 17:24 In this statement, Christ referred to
May 26 "O how love I Thy law, it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97 And this is so good for my soul! Every time I wake up fro
May 27 "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 Loving the world cannot coexist with devotion to
May 28 "Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee." Psalm 31:1 What a joyful and comforting activi
May 29 "Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land whi
May 30 "The Lord your God ye shall fear." 2 Kings 17:39 To always remember the Lord, to keep God in our thoughts and hearts, is exactl
May 31 "Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" Job 2:10 Everything that You bestow upon me, my God
June 1 "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashion
June 2 "The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvelous in pow er." Ecclesiastes 43:29 How clearly the history of the world, as we
June 3 "He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy way They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy fo
June 4 "I have gone astray like a lost sheep." Psalm 119:176 How can I find my way? Where can I find the strength to lift myself up?
June 5 "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?" Matthew 20:15 Thus spoke the householder, in the Gospel, to his comp
June 6 "Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11 Often, indeed, have I prayed this to You, O God, since I was first able to utt
June 7 "I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest." Jeremiah 45:3 I long for peace, but it's all in vain; I search for a place to r
June 8 "He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?" Psalm 94:9 Yes, Lord, You do see me and
June 9 "The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy and gladness." Ecclesiastes 1:12 For it is only what is done and avo
June 10 "I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee." Psalm 22:22 For what could be
June 11 "If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me." 1
June 12 "So death passed upon all men." Romans 5:12 Ah, those moments when I tremble, I am brought low and shaken at the thought of de
June 13 "The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness." Galatians 5:22 If I want to show that t
June 14 "We are troubled on every side." 2 Corinthians 4:8 Thus speaks the apostle, and his words apply to us as well. For distressing
June 15 "What man is he that knoweth the counsel of God?" Wisdom 9:13 Because I cannot know them, I often feel down about the uncertai
June 16 "Come, let us worship and bow down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:6 Such is the invitation from the holy poet
June 17 "The Lord is my Shepherd." Psalm 23:1 My entire life up to this moment has been a continuous series of demonstrations of this
June 18 "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15 The value, enjoyment, or certaint
June 19 "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." Matthew 11:2 How kindly does the Redeemer deal with us when He commands us to
June 20 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." John 14:6 This is what Christ said to Thomas and the other disciples, and this i
June 21 "I am a sojourner on earth." Psalm 119:19 This truth I must recognize and take to heart if my time on earth is to be full of b
June 22 "The hand of our God was upon us." Ezra 8:31 Thus spoke Ezra when he led his people from Babylon to Palestine, ending their ch
June 23 "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 The apostle also demands that we always keep our spirit focused on God. This seem
June 24 "Zacharias asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John." Luke 1:63 Today reminds me of John, the one who c
June 25 "The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him." Psalm 33:18 Yes, and also on those who do not fear Him, His eyes are upon th
June 26 "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof." 1 John 2:17 Indeed, all the world's treasures are unstable, and all its inhab
June 27 "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread." Proverbs 28:19 To me as well, the Lord has granted, under the guidance
June 28 "Why hast Thou forgotten me?" Psalm 42:9 This cry will sometimes burst from me when I'm facing difficulties, as if the present
June 29 "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18 People have b
June 30 "The kingdom is departed from thee." Daniel 4:31 A voice from heaven spoke these words to Nebuchadnezzar, and so will the Lord speak
July 1 "Lord, great is Thy mercy toward me." Psalm 86:13 Especially on this peaceful summer morning, my soul recognizes that profound
July 2 "Chastening will hereafter give the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11 Scriptur
July 3 "There shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:7 Oh, how I wish I were the joy of my glorified Savior,
July 4 "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Hebrews 13:14 But the city we have here is meant to be one of t
July 5 "If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; if my step hath turned out of the way, and my heart walked after
July 6 "Thou, Lord, hast made all living things, and the host of heaven worshippeth Thee." Nehemiah 9:6 For me, indeed, You have made
July 7 "Set your affections on things above." Colossians 3:2 This is what Scripture demands of us. I must regard this focus of my aff
July 8 "The house of the righteous shall stand." Proverbs 12:7 God will grant the righteous whatever their hearts desire, and because
July 9 "My heart panteth, my strength faileth me." Psalm 38:10 Indeed, this is a sentiment many can relate to daily; there is hardly
July 10 "All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him." Genesis 18:18 This was said about Abraham, the ancestor of Christ. And
July 11 "I have power to lay down My life, and power to take it again." John 10:18 So proclaims the Savior. He willingly gave up His l
July 12 "The Lord hath done all things well." Mark 7:37 With what emotion have I often acknowledged this truth when, after long and an
July 1 "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31 One of the Lord's Apostles gave this ans
July 14 "Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 This is the command of Scripture. Parents and anyone
July 15 "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34 Thus spoke Christ, who, by this, asks us not to make the present w
July 16 "The Lord will hear when I call unto Him." Psalm 4:3 What comfort lies in this belief! What heavenly comfort fills my heart a
July 17 "Forsake me not, O Lord my God." Psalm 38:21 This has often been my prayer, and when it has been sincere, You heard me, O Fath
July 18 "O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious." Psalm 107:1 Every morning speaks this way to every person. But alas! How ma
July 19 "So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep." Job
July 20 "The hand of God hath touched me." Job 19:21 Many people on this journey of life can say this, and I must, too. Yet, God has
July 21 "No man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it." Ephesians 5:29 Every man, provided they have a clear
July 22 "Mine age is as nothing before Thee: every man is altogether vanity." Psalm 39:5 I see evidence of this every day. Oh, may suc
July 23 "Ye know not what ye ask." Matthew 20:22 The Lord said this to the sons of Zebedee, when they wanted to sit on His right hand
July 24 "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." Psalm 48:1 Yet, He doesn't need praises from humans! This magnificent, supreme
July 25 "For the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people to Himself." Deuteronomy 14:2 And as His peculiar people, it is your d
July 26 "Behold, I see it is good for a man to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor." Ecclesiastes 5:18 I realize how true th
July 27 "Trust ye in the Lord." Isaiah 26:4 So Isaiah truly exclaimed. Although I mustn't pretend that I don't owe a lot to the sympat
July 28 "If the Lord had not been on our side, they had swallowed us quick." Psalm 124:1, 3 This truth is undeniable, and while numero
July 29 "How long wilt thou sleep, thou sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of sleep?" Proverbs 6:9 God speaks to me in this way, and
July 30 "Without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5 The Savior says this to His disciples, and truly, if I try to face life's dangers an
July 31 "Evil-doers shall be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." Psalm 37:2 I, too, am among these wrongdoers, and
August 1 "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:6 These words highlight the rela
August 2 "Why stand ye here idle?" Matthew 20:6 To the laborers in the Gospel, the Lord spoke these words, and that same message reach
August 3 "In Him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28 Therefore, every morning of a new day is a fresh invitation for me
August 4 "Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood, Thou driedst up mighty rivers. The day is Thine, the night also is Thine: Thou hast
August 5 "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: their works do follow them." Revelation 14:13 Thus, our actions will follow us.
August 6 "I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God." Luke 4:34 And I know Your law, O my Savior, and believe that you have comman
August 7 "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart." Psalm 27:14 And he is correct when he tells me
August 8 "Be glad in the Lord and rejoice." Psalm 32:11 We should view the world not as a place of sorrow, nor should we perceive it
August 9 "Thy gentleness hath made me great (when Thou humblest me. See Luther's Bible)." 2 Samuel 22:36 I experience this daily with
August 10 "The creature was made subject to vanity, but it shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of th
August 11 "Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat." Isaiah 25:4 Yes, Lord, it is as Is
August 12 "Every work rotteth and consumeth away." Ecclesiasticus 14:19 (English Bible) This is the natural order, the decree of God,
August 13 "I have sinned against the Lord." 2 Samuel 12:13 Though this reflection might dampen my enjoyment of this beautiful summer
August 14 "Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing the brook of the field." Ecclesiasticus 39:13 (English B
August 15 "They that fear Thee, to them dost Thou show great favor." Judith 16:16 (English Bible) Alas, how many wish for Your favor w
August 16 "Whatsoever is brought upon thee, take it cheerfully; and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate." Ecclesiasticus
August 17 "Return unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:7 My soul, let this message not be ignored.
August 18 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11 Oh, how essenti
August 19 "They looked unto Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed." Psalm 34:5 Therefore, I will look upon You, O
August 20 "Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Matthew 6:25 If God has given me life and supported me in it, w
August 21 "See that ye walk circumspectly." Ephesians 5:15 Anyone who wants to live carefully and avoid sin during their time on eart
August 22 "In everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6 Therefore, this morning
August 23 "Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:4 Sacred revelation instructs and
August 24 "Let us make man in our image." Genesis 1:26 So God declared on the sixth day of creation, creating man in His own image. Y
August 25 "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love." Hebrews 6:10 But for those who serve their fellow creatures,
August 26 "Am I a God at hand, and not a God afar off?" Jeremiah 23:23 With all humility, I pray to the Lord at this early hour, askin
August 27 "If God be for us who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 Indeed, there's immense comfort and plenty of encouragement in knowing
August 28 "Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust." Psalm 104:29 Thus it is with all living beings, O Lord!
August 29 "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 The devout David
August 30 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?" Psalm 42:5 Can this really be the case when God
August 31 "There shall be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." Revelation 21:4 This is what it will be l
September 1 "That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and from, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." Ephesians 4:14
September 2 "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?" Isaiah 49:15 No, nothi
September 3 "The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away." 1 Peter 1:24 This serves as a symbol of all human glory, which
September 4 "I know not the day of my death." Genesis 27:2 So spoke Isaac to his son Esau. Neither do I know when I shall die, but I d
September 5 "Bless the Lord thy God always." Tobit 4:19 Behold, He has always done good to you. Reflect for a moment on the past, look
September 6 "Deliver my soul from the sword." Psalm 22:20 I shouldn't start any new day without this plea. Each day brings its own se
September 7 "O taste, and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8 Who does not taste and see this? I live in a world where the love of
September 8 "For God giveth not the Spirit by measure." John 3:34 God doesn't just give His blessings in limited amounts but gives to
September 9 "The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden." Ecclesiasticus 40:27 Scripture declares this, and my own experience affirms t
September 10 "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious." Exodus 33:19 But still, I can do what is within my power so that He may
September 11 "To fear the Lord God is the beginning of wisdom." Ecclesiasticus 1:1 How easily my weak heart is drawn to the love of ea
September 12 "Envy and wrath shorten life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time: a cheerful and good heart will have a care of his m
September 13 "A faithful friend is a medicine of life." Ecclesiasticus 6:16 This saying applies even to a human friend and to a much g
September 14 "Thou hast made heaven, the earth, and all things that are therein, and the host of heaven worshippeth Thee." Nehemiah 9:
September 15 "O God, Thou art my God, early will I seek Thee." Psalm 63:1 And I do seek You in my thoughts when I wake, O my Father. F
September 16 "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me into glory." Psalm 73:24 It is only, however, when I allo
September 17 "Thou art my help and my deliverer, O my God." Psalm 40:17 For this reason, my song will join the hymns of praise of Your
September 18 "And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him." Luke 23:33 How rarely do I refl
September 19 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" Psalm 27:1 If David can say this, so can every follower of Je
September 20 "Follow after charity." 1 Corinthians 14:1 The Apostle wisely commands us to pursue love, for the soul possesses a triump
September 21 "I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world." John 17:1 Thus did Jesus pray for His disciples, showing His
September 22 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God." 1 Peter 5:6 And it's wise to submit to the Most High, against
September 23 "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts." Matthew 15:19 These thoughts come from my heart, too, and dim the light within
September 24 "Walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8 This command isn't just for the Ephesians but for all Christians at all times.
September 25 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness." 1 Corinthians 1:18 Sadly, there are so many people f
September 26 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." Psalm 126:5 This promise shines like a star in my life's sky, and if there's
September 27 "God dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto." 1 Timothy 6:16 This thought fills me with deep reverence when
September 28 "One day in Thy courts is better than a thousand." Psalm 84:10 Wherever I lift my heart in devotion to the Lord, there is
September 29 "Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good." Psalm 107:1 Every day reminds me of this truth, but today, even more so. On
September 30 "Take ye heed, watch and pray." Mark 13:33 This is how Christ speaks to us. Indeed, such vigilance is necessary. My heart
October 1 "The Lord is on my side." Psalm 118:6 How much this passage from the Bible uplifts me! For my situation would feel hopeless,
October 2 "My soul, wait thou only upon God." Psalm 62:5 Oh, it is well with me! That I can look upon this new day with a heart conte
October 3 "Narrow is the way that leadeth unto life." Matthew 7:14 And walking this path is not easy. Both Scripture and my own experi
October 4 "The children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days." Deuteronomy 34:8 Oh, how I wish to be deeply mou
October 5 "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22 Therefore, we can never be sure that the Lord w
October 6 "Beware of covetousness." Luke 12:15 Oh, how I wish I followed this wise advice! But I can't claim that I do. What I own doesn't f
October 7 "My soul waiteth upon God." Psalm 62:1 I should say this when suffering continually weighs me down instead of complaining ab
October 8 "Be not slothful in business." Romans 12:11 This advice strongly resonates with me, both from Holy Scripture and from reflec
October 9 "To die is gain." Philippians 1:21 I echo these words with the Apostle, not just because the certainty of my own death benef
October 10 "I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate." Ezekiel 36:36 In order to give us this assurance an
October 11 "The paths of the Lord are mercy and truth." Psalm 25:10 It's good for me that I can confidently believe this. It's benefic
October 12 "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth." Isaiah 40:7 In the same way, I progress through life as if it were a day. The bri
October 13 "The Lord hath been mindful of us, and He will bless us." Psalm 115:12 Every day, every hour, tells us this. Every month an
October 14 "God bestows everything that is good on earth." Ecclesiasticus 38:8 This remains true for my external prosperity. No matter
October 15 "Not as though I had already attained, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend." Philippians 3:12 If I want to reach th
October 16 "That which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath showed it unto them." Romans 1:19 Even without the Bible,
October 17 "With God is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17 This truth, however, is unique to Him. Everything else
October 18 "I am like a green olive tree." Psalm 52:8 I often think this, especially in the morning of my life, as if the day were yet
October 19 "God has done good." Acts 14:17 The Scripture declares this and lists in various places the many mercies of the Lord. But I
October 20 "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." John 20:29 The Lord Himself speaks these words, calling for a
October 21 "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me?" Psalm 116:12 Thus, everyone should ask themselves dail
October 22 "The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good
October 23 "Lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Hebrews 12:3 To achieve a higher level of mental perfection and a greater exp
October 24 "The Lord is terrible, and very great and marvelous is His power." Ecclesiasticus 3:27 God doesn't command me to honor and
October 25 "Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things th
October 26 "Not long after there arose a tempestuous wind." Acts 27:14 St. Luke tells us about this in his account of St. Paul's
October 27 "If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with
October 28 "I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grape-gleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul de
October 29 "It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good." 1 Samuel 3:1 What peace flows through my mind when I myself proclaim th
October 30 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36 I cannot
October 31 "The time is shor t." 1 Corinthians 7:29 Today forcefully reminds me of this truth again. This month, a significant period
November 1 "Which of you convinceth me of sin ?" John 8:46 So spoke the Savior, and no one could testify against Him. Ah, how m
November 2 "Wealth is good when it is used without sin." Ecclesiastes 13:24 But wealth itself has no value; indeed, it's not material
November 3 "Order my steps in Thy word." Psalm 119:133 How could I pray in a way that's more necessary or more pleasing to God than th
November 4 "Thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes." Psalm 26:3 I recognize how much you do for me every day, how my life is filled w
November 5 "An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come." Ezekiel 7:6 And woe to those who have not take
November 6 "We are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers." 1 Chronicles 29:15 And we must sooner or later lea
November 7 "How great is Thy goodness." Psalm 31:19 How great is our ingratitude nonetheless! What lack of confidence towards You, wha
November 8 "That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
November 9 "Look on me, and punish me not for my sins." Tobit 3:3 This is my constant prayer and my sighing, O all-wise Savior and Jud
November 10 "O remember not against us former iniquities." Psalm 79:8 No! You do not remember them, O all-merciful Father, not even mi
November 11 "Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?" Job 12:9 I find myself involuntarily admitting
November 12 "The righteous shall never be removed." Proverbs 10:30 Oh Lord, deeply embed this saying in me, so it becomes a part of me
November 13 "Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:3
November 14 "Verily Thou art a God that hidest Thyself." Isaiah 45:15 And no one knows what You plan. I also do not know Your plans fo
November 15 "Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord." Hebrews 12:5 Scripture speaks to us in this way, and I recognize how rightl
November 16 "The Lord watcheth over us." Baruch 2:9 And therefore, O my soul, you must awaken yourself for that task which leads to yo
November 17 "Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Hebrews 13:14 This sacred phrase will inspire my heart today,
November 18 "There is no joy above the joy of the heart." Ecclesiasticus 30:16 Purely physical joy can only provide a brief excitement
November 19 "Seek ye me, and ye shall live." Amos 5:4 The Lord speaks to us with these words, and I am certain that anyone who seeks H
November 20 "The Lord delivereth and rescueth." Daniel 6:27 King Darius spoke of the God of Daniel, commanding that He should be rever
November 21 "Be content with your wages." Luke 3:14 This was John's response to the soldiers asking, "what shall we do?" John's warnin
November 22 "Thou hast made summer and winter." Psalm 74:17 The harsh season of the year has now begun. Your work, and You create the
November 23 "The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." Romans 1:16 As a Christian, I am co
November 24 "It shall be a vexation only to understand the report." Isaiah 28:19 That report is Your word, O Lord, and it serves to in
November 25 "The earth mourneth and fadeth away." Isaiah 24:4 The prophet is referring to his own land, but we can say the same about
November 26 "Forsake me not, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me." Psalm 38:21 Ah Lord, You will not forsake me; but I forsake You, b
November 27 "Hail, snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling His word. Let them praise the name of the Lord." Psalm 148:8, 13 Yes, Lor
November 28 "The Lord scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Hebrews 12:6 He sends challenges to people so that He can bless them. He
November 29 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous." Psalm 34:19 These happen to him not only because he must come to understand r
November 30 "I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid." Leviticus 26:6 In the abundance of
December 1 "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?" Luke 18:7 Oh, You will do this, You will avenge me
December 2 "The earth is full of Thy riches." Psalm 104:24 But You have not filled the earth with Your riches just for us to enjoy the
December 3 "Waiting for the redemption of our body." Romans 8:23 For "we know that if our earthly house of this tent is destroyed, we
December 4 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16 It was a dedicated love that ensured I was baptized before I
December 5 "I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 In no other way can I thank You adequatel
December 6 "In that He did good." Acts 14:17 Everyone who is capable of reason and can lift their hearts to the Lord must acknowledge
December 7 "Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit." Hosea 9:16 Such was the fate of God's people, so th
December 8 "Let us spare not the widow, nor reverence the ancient grey hairs of the aged." Wisdom of Solomon 2:10 Such were the words
December 9 "By the grace of God I am what I am." 1 Corinthians 15:10 For His grace not to be in vain for me, I must live all my days a
December 10 "Light is sown for the righteous." Psalm 97:11 Yes, it must and will be so, as surely as the Lord is true. To me, too! But
December 11 "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they a
December 12 "Make you a new heart and a new spirit." Ezekiel 18:31 But the prophet's appeal is not responded to. We have other things
December 13 "Thou, O God, art gracious." Wisdom 15:1 I am, therefore, O Father, deeply moved to address you again this morning. After
December 14 "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 This voice is clearly and loudly heard during the winter season, as it als
December 15 "I will ransom them from the power of the grave." Hosea 13:14 Many good people find themselves living through what feels l
December 16 "Edify one another." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Yes, I will build up my brothers and sisters through my whole behavior; I will e
December 17 "Minister one to another." 1 Peter 4:10 This call is for me as well as for all people. I will heed it and serve my fellow
December 18 "Then thou shalt see, and thy heart shall fear and be enlarged." Isaiah 60:5 This will be my experience. When I look up to
December 19 "No man cometh unto the Father but through me." John 14:6 Ah! I truly wish to come to the Father! But no one comes to Him
December 20 "Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for His mercy endureth forever." Jeremiah 33:11 I will daily live by this
December 21 "I will praise Thee, for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." Psalm 118:21 Humility is the source of true pie
December 22 "Bear ye one another's burdens." Galatians 6:2 I am familiar with this command and understand that it demands obedience in
December 23 "Ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matthew 24:42 Indeed, we do not know this, but we do know that He will come,
December 24 "Glory be to God in the highest." Luke 2:14 So it echoed in heaven when Jesus was born, and I will celebrate with a simila
December 25 "Unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 My soul is filled with j
December 26 "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins."
December 27 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16 Indeed, the Lord has shown us immense love thr
December 28 "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." John 1:12 For He removes our weaknesses, corru
December 29 "Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble." Psalm 31:9 I am troubled by thoughts of an uncertain future. Yet, You h
December 30 "My days are consumed like smoke." Psalm 102:3 My end is constantly nearing. It's natural for me to dwell on this thought today,
December 31 "Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow." Numbers 11:18 Thus Moses spoke to God's people. I, too, will sanctify myself for t
PREFACE In translating the devout expressions of the spirit of the eminent German religious figure C. C. STURM into English, my goal was to
PREFACE Working on this project every day without a break has been enjoyable and, I believe, beneficial. As I release this work to the publi
The text provided does not contain any direct quotations or narrative content that can be translated into modern English while adhering to t