📌 Read Today's Passages (February 11, 2022)

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 8:33-36, "Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. 36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

written by: Torrie Slaughter

The profit is immeasurable and has eternal rewards. Wisdom declares we will obtain favor from the Lord. We receive a blessing by listening, watching, and waiting on our God.

As you dive deeper into God's Word, expect the spiritual attacks to increase. Lean into wisdom and listen to the Holy Spirit. God will not let you wander though you may feel like He is far away. Remember to humble yourself and keep giving praise, praying through everything, and declaring God's truth over every situation. If you desire a different outcome, you must change your approach.

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Torrie via www.torrieslaughter.com

Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team, grow their online presence, improve communication with staff and volunteers by creating systems designed to combat inertia.

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 10, 2022)

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 8:27-32

🔴 God-consciousness is Wisdom

Contributing Writer: Temi Michael-O

Proverbs 8:27-32 begins with a message from wisdom. Who is this “wisdom”? Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:30), and he has always been with the Father. When we have our eyes and hearts set on Jesus, we will make wise decisions and be blessed.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Temi Michael-O at www.christianmommas.com

Temitope Michael-Olaniran (Fafore) is a wife, #boymom, and U.S. Army veteran. She is the author of A Christian Mother’s Creed and founder of Christian Mommas. As an advocate for spiritual and emotional wellness, Temi provides spiritual and emotional support to families of children ages zero to five. She is a Perinatal, Infant, and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Certified New Parent Educator and trained Postpartum Doula. She enjoys traveling, blogging, and spending time with her family.

This devotional was submitted by Temi Michael-O, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

📌Read Today's Passages (February 9, 2022)

Guiding Scripture: Matthew 26:40-41,"Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Contributing Writer: Robin Lambert

When you are exhausted from trying to be stronger than you feel, follow Jesus’ example. Oh, how great the temptation to despair. Your soul becomes depressed and disheartened. Your faith staggers under the relentless continual trials that come into your life. You cry, "I cannot take this any longer. Why has God allowed this?”

He tells you not to lose hope, but what are you supposed to do when you are at this point? What did Jesus do in the Garden of Gethsemane?

(Matthew 26:36-39)

Jesus, the omnipotent Son of God poured out His heart to His Father in prayer.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Robin Lambert via Facebook & Instagram

Robin is a California native and a SW Virginia resident who is a wife, mother, grandmother, Young Living Essential Oils representative and founder of Emotionally Messy Friends. The Church is full of women who desire a deeper walk with Christ. Their lives may be a mess, but God doesn’t want to keep them that way!

This devotional was submitted by Robin Lambert, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 8, 2022)

Contributing Writer: Stephanie Bright

Details, details, details- it's all in the details. Designers and planners would all agree.

In Exodus chapter 28, we see an entire list of requirements and instructions regarding the building of the temple. That is a continuation from chapters 25 onward, with God instructing Moses on the tabernacle's construction, where they would go to worship Him.

The tabernacle would house God's presence. God's presence was sheltered in a specific place in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we are a tabernacle because God's presence dwells within us. This temple is a holy place. It is to be reverenced. As you read verse by verse, line by line, you see how specific God's instructions were. Nothing was out of place or there by chance. These commandments were to be taken seriously and followed through with honor.

None of the instructions from God were without rhyme or reason. He does not operate by accident or by random. Everything that He does is perfect and in order.

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Stephanie Bright at www.christiangirlspop.com

Stephanie is an on-fire woman of God living in Houston, Texas. As a woman of God, Stephanie commits to the purpose of serving others while building confidence in God through obedience and fervently prays for intimate relationships with God for every Christian girl. Stephanie is inspired to bring CGPOP to college campuses worldwide and is experienced in several areas to guide young women into a meaningful relationship with Christ.

This devotional was submitted by Stephanie Bright, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 7, 2022)

Guiding Scripture: Matthew 25:29, "For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."

Written By Reason A. Chandler

Our minister of music has taught us a new song in the church I attend. And the words are; "He won't put more on you than you can bear, but if it's there, you can bear it."

When God calls us to do something, we often say to ourselves, "Who am I?" Because it is usually something outside of what we see ourselves doing or even able to do. Others see the potential while we still doubt God is calling us to the task. While we were on the potter's wheel being shaped and formed by God, it was uncomfortable, to say the least. But when the preparation process is complete, the potter knows our capacity.

Matthew 25:25 "So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you."

In this text, the writer demonstrates the place where many of us may find ourselves. We are unaware of what we are about to go through, so we desire a way out and hide.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Reason A. Chandler, is a pastor serving within the United Methodist Virginia Conference. As the senior Pastor of Jackson Street United Methodist Church (JSUMC) in Lynchburg, Virginia, he has inspired the community to push beyond the limits. The last seven years at JSUMC laid the foundation to move worship into a digital space. The pandemic provided an opportunity to grow and expand the ministry virtually, with Sunday service available on YouTube. Connect with Reason via Facebook.

This devotional was submitted by Reason A. Chandler, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 6, 2022)

written by: Torrie Slaughter

King David praised God in Psalm 30 for delivering him from his enemies. He encouraged others to praise Yahweh and trust His plan. We learn from the Psalms that we can cry out to our Lord, lay our burdens down, and sing His praise. The incredible peace and comfort that comes from worship are healing to our mind, body, and souls.

Psalm 30:4-5 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

While we are waiting for the coming of our Lord, we must prepare. The end of this world will certainly come. And when it happens, it will be as evident as vultures circling overhead. (Matthew 24:28)

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Torrie via www.torrieslaughter.com

Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team, grow their online presence, improve communication with staff and volunteers by creating systems designed to combat inertia.

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 5, 2022)

written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Matthew 24:1-28

We serve a living God and read a living Word. Matthew 24 speaks of things familiar 2000 years ago and today. Here in the United States, our wars look slightly different, and I will not compare our current circumstances to those of other countries. Persecuted Christians are unable to worship openly. They meet in secret, crowding together around devoted shepherds who coordinate efforts to save the unsaved and share wisdom to equip others to do the same. Shame on us. Shame on me for not doing more to spread the Gospel and shrinking back inwardly worried about how they will accept me.

Matthew 24:12 "And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Torrie via www.torrieslaughter.com

Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team, grow their online presence, improve communication with staff and volunteers by creating systems designed to combat inertia.

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter. 

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 4, 2022)

Guiding Scripture:Matthew 23:26 “You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish and then the outside will become clean too”

Contributing Writer: Christina Price

"A Real "G" - is how I often refer to Jesus. Apologies for the slang; I was raised in Brooklyn, New York, which describes someone who remains faithful. Throughout the Gospels, you see this consistent behavior in Jesus. He was never fake, always a straight shooter, and remained focused on his purpose and Father's will. With that holy audacity, you're bound to have critics; enter the Pharisees.

In the New Testament, Pharisees were known for strict ritual observances and ceremonies of the written law. They often ascribed to their version of these traditions concerning the law. In Matthew 23, Jesus refers to them as "Blind guides" and "Hypocrites" as there was a massive disconnect between their actions and the intent of God's law.

Read More at www.ourgivenpurpose.com

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Christina Price on Instagram and visit www.amazon.com to purchase her devotional memoir Saved By Choice

Christina was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a Hindu household.  She accepted Jesus as a teenager after being introduced to Christianity by her mother, who became saved herself just a few years before passing away from cancer. After walking away from her faith for years, Christina recommitted her life to Christ as an adult and is now passionate about the Lord and serving others. She believes sharing her experiences will encourage readers to stretch past the superficial trappings of life, and embrace the sovereignty of God’s purpose in their lives.

This devotional was submitted by Christina Price, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 3, 2022)

Guiding Scripture: Matthew 23:23, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”

We refer to Matthew 23 as the “Seven Woes.” Seven times throughout this chapter, Jesus begins a statement with, “Woe to you….” In the Hebrew language, a woe is a primary exclamation of grief. Verse 23 marks the fourth of the seven woes mentioned in this chapter.

Talking directly to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus calls them out for tithing mint, dill, and cumin, but for also neglecting the more important matters. Notice there’s no condemnation for their practice of tithing. In fact, they were commanded to tithe oil, grain, wine, fruit, animals, etc.

The Pharisees extended this law practice to even the tiniest of herbs, like mint, dill, and cumin. No problem! Except they neglected the more important matters- justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

Connect with Detria Moore at www.detriamoore.com

Detria Moore, J.D. is a believer, wife, mother, college professor, intercessor, community servant, writer, speaker, and volunteer of all things. Above all else, she is enamored with her Savior. Her main goal is to serve the Lord, walk in a manner worthy of her calling, and bring glory to her Savior. Detria enjoys reading and teaching the Bible, praying for others, and walking the Lynchburg trails.

This devotional was submitted by Detria Moore, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

📌 Read Today's Passages (February 2, 2022)

written by: Torrie Slaughter

An interesting grumbling begins to happen as the Israelites think fondly back to their enslavement—the pots of meat. (Exodus 17:3) Food, a form of influencing that dates back to the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4-6) and links Esau's (Genesis 25:29-34) attitude to many of us today. If we have a good meal, we may not think negatively about a system whose constrictive methods do not allow the worship of God—giving up an unknown treasure to meet an immediate need.

In Shur's desert, the bitter water (Exodus 15:23) needed a branch filtration system to make the water sweet and drinkable. We see the imagery of the branch used here as tangible evidence of God. He is the all-powerful cleansing agent.

How often do we forget to drink from the cup of the Lord before we begin performing our plans?

Join us each day as we read the One Year Bible together. Listen to the devotionals and use them as a space to begin or end the assigned Bible reading. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to share your insights!

This devotional was submitted by the Founder of Our Given Purpose®, Torrie Slaughter.