Day 1

30 Jan Day 1

Intro

WRITTEN BY: Katie Valetutti

Here we are, a whole month into 2023.  If you’re like me, you may have already slipped up on your New Year’s Resolution or abandoned it all together.  No worries, there’s grace for that, and each day is a fresh start that goes way beyond January!

I’d love to share something better than a resolution.  It’s a habit that will surpass any resolution you may have this year, and it’s called your Slot and Spot–your time and place with God. He’s excited to be with you throughout 2023, and our Day 22 Journey Devotional is a practical way to help you build the most exciting and important relationship of your life, one day at a time.

Each morning you’ll receive the Bible reading and devotional written by a Journeyer who has a story to tell, just like you.  Each day will be set up in the same way to create a rhythm in your Slot and Spot:

S– Scripture (Bible reading)

O- Observation (What is the scripture telling us?)

A- Application (How does the writer practically apply this truth?)

P– Prayer (What truth does God have for each of us today?)

The SOAP format is a great way to make the most of your time and place with God each day.  And although you will receive your Journey Devotional in the morning, God is happy to meet with you at any point in the day.  Don’t let a hectic morning or distracted day keep you from your time with him–he’s here and ready to welcome you into his presence!

Throughout our 21 days together we’ll be learning the Names of God in Week 1, the Names of Jesus in Week 2, and the Names of the Holy Spirit in Week 3. We’ll dive into how each name reveals his character and connects us to his holiness, reflecting his purpose in power and love for each one of us.  It’s going to be an awesome journey that will light the way for not only completed resolutions but an intentional relationship that will propel you forward in faith and freedom this year!  

Are you ready?  Then let’s prepare our hearts to rest in God’s presence and be inspired to seek him first in 2023!  Let’s pray together…

Prayer: God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–we come to you with ready and willing hearts to receive all you have for us in 2023.  Remove any lies that the enemy has used to keep us from our time and place with you each day.  We will come as we are; energized or worn, encouraged or discouraged, bold or blah…you know us and meet us wherever we are.  You have so much for us in this new year, and it all starts with you.  Help us be humble, open, and receptive as we show up in our Slot and Spot each day, expecting to encounter your powerful presence, keeping you first. We thank you for this opportunity to grow as your children and your church, being open to learning the powerful names of your character–giving you all of the honor, praise, and glory!  Jesus, in your mighty Name we pray!  Amen.

Katie Valetutti/Pastoral Care Team Area Coordinator

Katie, her husband Brian, and their three daughters have been a part of the Journey for eight years.  They have all gathered, connected, and served in varying capacities over the years and continue to grow in their faith journey thanks to prayerful Journeyers like you.  Katie’s current passion at The Journey is to grow Pastoral Care J-Groups so more people can connect for friendship while finding and following Jesus.

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Next Steps:

Pick out your Slot (time) and Spot (place) for tomorrow so you are ready to dig into Day 2 of the Day 22 Devotional.

Have a notebook, journal, pen ready for Day 2: prepare to hear from God and write what he is sharing with you.

You can also download the YouVersion App as a quick connection to God’s Word, day or night: YouVersion: Home

Pray for discipline to stay the course!