Wednesday, January 31, 2024

February 2024 Bible Reading Plan: Evolution through Faith



This year's Bible reading plans are based on my word of the Year, New Beginning.

To Embrace your New Beginning, you must Step Forward. Begin Again. Live Fully..

 

Here is the plan for February. (Link goes to a PDF.)



Here are the Bible Verse Writing Sheets for this year.


Get the Pilgrim's Backpack for the Journey.

Step ForwardBegin AgainLive Fully. Embrace Your New Beginning. You were made for more—because God is not done.



Sunday, January 28, 2024

Fresh Starts and faithful Thanks: Thanksgiving 2024: February — PURPOSE



Learn a little more about why this looks different this year.


Theme: Designed on Purpose

Scripture Anchor: Exodus 9:16 — “I have let you live for this reason: to show you My power and to spread My name all over the world.”


Focus: Gratitude for being known by God

This month invites you to reflect on the ways God has revealed His purpose in your life and to give thanks for being fully seen and intentionally shaped.



PDF Version

Thursday, January 25, 2024

What the Pilgrim’s Backpack Contains: The Essentials for a New Beginning

 

Every journey of faith begins with preparation. Before you take the first step into what is new, you must decide what you will carry and what you will leave behind. The Pilgrim’s Backpack was created for that purpose—to hold what is sacred, steady, and sustaining for the road ahead. It is not a collection of possessions but a gathering of grace, a reminder that God has already placed within you everything needed to begin again.

A new beginning is not about returning to what was; it is about walking forward with what remains. Each piece in this backpack carries meaning for the believer who has chosen to trust God’s process, even when the path feels uncertain.

Isaiah 43:19 (CEV)

“I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.”


Every journey of faith begins with preparation. Before you take the first step into what is new, you must decide what you will carry and what you will leave behind. The Pilgrim’s Backpack was created for that purpose—to hold what is sacred, steady, and sustaining for the road ahead. It is not a collection of possessions but a gathering of grace, a reminder that God has already placed within you everything needed to begin again.

A new beginning is not about returning to what was; it is about walking forward with what remains. Each piece in this backpack carries meaning for the believer who has chosen to trust God’s process, even when the path feels uncertain.

Isaiah 43:19 (CEV)

“I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.”


Core Items of the Journey

These eight core items form the foundation of your spiritual walk. They establish your direction, shape your mindset, and align your heart with the God who leads you.


Prayer of Departure

Every sacred journey begins with surrender. The Prayer of Departure sets your heart before the Lord and clears the weight of yesterday’s disappointments. It is the moment when you whisper, “Lord, help me begin again—not from scratch, but from strength.” This prayer releases what cannot come with you and invites His presence to guide each step ahead.

Declaration of Motion

Faith requires movement. The Declaration of Motion is the bold statement that propels you forward: “I will walk forward in faith, not fear. I carry what God has placed in my hands.” It is both an act of courage and an act of trust. This declaration sets your posture for the road, reminding you that obedience is your first step toward newness.

Mission Statement

The Mission Statement clarifies your “why.” It keeps you from wandering in circles when distractions arise. “I move because I am called. I walk because He leads.” This statement of intent centers your focus on divine purpose rather than personal ambition, helping you measure progress by faithfulness, not speed.

Creed of Continuance

There will be moments when you feel tired, uncertain, or unseen. The Creed of Continuance is your anchor in those moments: “I believe beginnings are holy. I believe every step counts. I believe grace goes before me.” It is a declaration of endurance—a reminder that perseverance is worship and that the slow, steady steps still matter to God.

Galatians 6:9 (NASB)

“Let us not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.”


Affirmation of Identity

When self-doubt whispers, you must answer with truth. The Affirmation of Identity restores your confidence in who you are: “I am chosen, equipped, and not behind. I am walking in divine rhythm.” This affirmation breaks the lie of inadequacy and calls you back to the reality of being loved, forgiven, and purposed for more.

Charge for the Road

Before every departure, there must be a blessing. The Charge for the Road sends you forth with holy intention: “Walk with courage. Carry light. Leave grace wherever you step.” It is a reminder that your journey is not only for your growth but also for the witness of others who will see God’s light through your walk.

Pillars of the Path

When direction feels blurred, the Pillars of the Path help you stand firm. These timeless truths—Faith, Gratitude, Growth, Integrity, Perseverance, and Renewal—act as landmarks for your heart. They guide you back to balance when the road bends, ensuring that your steps remain grounded in spiritual maturity and grace.

Benediction of Arrival

Every new beginning deserves a sacred close. The Benediction of Arrival is the blessing you speak when you enter a new season: “May you walk in peace, dwell in purpose, and rest in Presence. The road ahead is holy.” It reminds you that endings and beginnings are both sacred—each one a continuation of grace unfolding.

Key of Surrender

The Key of Surrender frees your heart from the weight of control. When fear, pressure, or striving tighten their grip, this key reminds you to open your hands and release what you were never meant to hold. Surrender does not weaken the pilgrim—it clears the way for God to move as only He can. 

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”


Emergency Essentials for the Road

Even the strongest pilgrim encounters detours, delays, and weariness. These nine “emergency items” are symbols of God’s mercy—provisions for the unexpected moments when you need to catch your breath and remember that grace still travels with you.


Map of Mercy

The Map of Mercy is grace for moments when direction feels lost. It reminds you that no detour disqualifies you. Mercy always finds a way to bring you home.

Compass of Peace

The Compass of Peace steadies your heart when the world spins fast. It points you toward calm in the midst of chaos, teaching you to follow the stillness of God’s voice instead of the noise of circumstance.

Lantern of Hope

The Lantern of Hope offers light for long nights. It does not remove darkness, but it shines through it—assuring you that God’s presence is near, even when you cannot see the end of the road.

Psalm 119:105 (CEV)

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.”


Flask of Faith

The Flask of Faith holds spiritual refreshment for the weary soul. It reminds you to drink deeply from God’s promises when discouragement threatens to dry your spirit. His faithfulness will always refill what your endurance depletes.

Bandage of Grace

The Bandage of Grace heals what guilt exposes. It covers spiritual scrapes and emotional wounds, reminding you that progress, not perfection, is what honors God. Grace heals you as you keep walking.

Mirror of Identity

When perspective fades, the Mirror of Identity reflects how Heaven sees you. Look into it when doubt distorts your reflection; it will show you someone loved, forgiven, and still growing.

Whistle of Praise

The Whistle of Praise brings joy to the heavy miles. Praise lifts the atmosphere, resets your focus, and reminds your soul that gratitude makes even difficult paths lighter.

Rope of Community

The Rope of Community ties you to others who walk beside you. No pilgrim is meant to travel alone. Fellowship, prayer, and accountability form the threads that keep your journey strong and your heart humble.

Stone of Remembrance

The Stone of Remembrance marks the milestones of grace. Each stone stands as testimony: “God was faithful here.” Stack them high in your memory—each one proof that mercy met you in the journey.

Lamentations 3:22–23 (CEV)

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.”


The Rhythm of Rest

Packing at the Beginning of the Day

Packing at the Beginning of the Day sets your heart in holy alignment before the journey begins. It invites you to gather what you truly need—peace, grace, clarity, patience—and leave behind what will burden your steps. This rhythm grounds your morning in intention and strengthens your walk for everything ahead.

Journal of Remembrance

The Journal of Remembrance preserves the quiet work of God along the way. It holds the answered prayers, the unexpected clarity, the renewed strength, and the small mercies that carried you when you did not realize you were being carried. These pages become the living proof that God was present in every mile of the journey.

Unpacking at the End of the Day

At the close of every journey—and every day—you are invited to rest. The Unpacking at the End of the Day is the sacred practice of laying your burdens down before God. You empty the pack of worry and weariness, trusting Him to refill it with peace for tomorrow.

Rest is not idleness; it is worship. It teaches you to travel light, trust deeply, and remember that the road continues in His grace.

Matthew 11:28–29 (CEB)

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble, and you will find rest for yourselves.”


A Complete Pilgrimage of Grace

Together, these eighteen pieces form the complete pilgrimage of a new beginning—eight core items for direction, nine essentials for endurance, and one rhythm of rest for renewal.

Each one tells a story of faith in motion: how you prayed, believed, endured, rejoiced, and found peace in every step. The Pilgrim’s Backpack is not a burden to carry but a grace to remember. It symbolizes a life equipped, empowered, and embraced by the One who walks with you.

Your new beginning is not a return to what was; it is the unfolding of what remains. Every mile matters. Every step counts. Every day carries the quiet echo of mercy reminding you—

You are not starting from scratch.

You are starting from strength.


Embrace your new beginning—because you were made for more.

Step Forward. Begin Again. Live Fully.


Visit the Soul Keeper's Toolbox for more great tools to help you Embrace your New Beginning.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Journaling the Journey: Reflections on Noble Purpose

View the Bible Reading Plan for this Month: January



New beginnings do not just happen in seasons — they happen in moments of clarity. When you slow down long enough to reflect, you begin to see how God has been shaping your thoughts, testing your motives, and renewing your strength for something greater.

Use these prompts to pause, pray, and write your way toward a more noble kind of purpose.

The Beauty of Noble Living

  • What does “noble” mean to you when you think about the way you live, speak, or make decisions?

  • Write about a time when your thoughts shaped your behavior — for better or for worse. What did you learn about guarding your mind?

  • Which part of Philippians 4:8 do you most need to meditate on right now — truth, purity, or honor? Why?

  • How does noble thinking lead to noble action in your daily life?

  • Describe one area of your life where God may be calling you to align your actions more closely with His Word.

  • When have you chosen integrity over convenience? What fruit came from that decision?

  • How would your relationships change if you focused on what is “good and worthy of praise”?

  • In what ways does noble living challenge cultural ideas of success?

  • Write a short prayer asking God to renew your mind so that your thoughts reflect His truth.

  • Finish this sentence: Living nobly means…

The Power of a Noble Purpose

  • Reflect on Gary Hamel’s words: “A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation, and encourages perseverance.”

  • Which of these three — sacrifice, innovation, or perseverance — resonates most with your current season?

  • What have you had to give up or let go of in order to pursue what truly matters to God?

  • How has sacrifice shaped your character and deepened your faith?

  • Describe a time when God gave you a creative solution in an unexpected way. How did that moment honor Him?

  • What does perseverance look like when you are weary but still faithful?

  • Who has inspired you by living with quiet integrity or noble endurance? What can you learn from their example?

  • How might God be using your present challenges to strengthen your sense of purpose?

  • What “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) could God be inviting you to build, write, or imagine this year?

  • How does your noble purpose influence the people around you — your family, work, or ministry?

  • Finish this reflection: My noble purpose will inspire others when I…

🌿 Closing Thought

These prompts are not just questions — they are invitations.

Each answer you write is a small “yes” to God’s ongoing work in you.

As you journal, remember: noble living begins with noble thinking, and noble purpose blooms wherever faith chooses to persevere.

Saturday, January 20, 2024

The Power of a Noble Purpose


View the Bible Reading Plan for this Month: January




Every generation is searching for meaning — a reason that makes the hard work, the heartbreak, and the waiting worth it. Deep down, you know that life without purpose feels like motion without direction. That is why the idea of noble purpose speaks so deeply to the soul. 

Gary Hamel said, “A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation, and encourages perseverance.” 

Those words carry a sacred rhythm: to live nobly is to give, to create, and to endure.

When you live with a noble purpose, you stop chasing success and start pursuing significance. You recognize that every act of faithfulness, no matter how small, is part of something eternal. This is not ambition dressed up as virtue; it is a life surrendered to God’s higher call — one that inspires others not by position, but by example.

A Purpose Worth the Price

True purpose always costs something. The world teaches that fulfillment comes from comfort and self-preservation, but the kingdom of God flips that truth on its head. Noble purpose requires sacrifice.

Sacrifice is not punishment — it is participation in God’s plan. When you give up control, when you release comfort for conviction, you are making space for His power to work through you. Romans 12:1 (ESV) urges, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Every time you choose to obey when it would be easier to compromise, you are living out noble purpose. You are saying, “Lord, I trust that what I give up for You will never be wasted.” Sacrifice is the soil where spiritual fruit grows — humility, endurance, generosity, and joy.

You cannot live nobly and live selfishly at the same time. Noble purpose asks you to invest your energy where it matters most — in people, in service, and in obedience to God’s call. It inspires sacrifice not out of guilt, but out of gratitude.

Innovation Born from Surrender

The second truth of Hamel’s quote reveals something profound: noble purpose stimulates innovation. When your motivation is pure, creativity flows freely. God designed purpose to awaken imagination. He gives fresh ideas to hearts that are willing to be used for His glory.

Innovation in the kingdom does not always mean technology or invention. Sometimes it looks like a new way of loving, a gentler response, or a wiser method of reaching others with truth. Isaiah 43:19 reminds you that God is still saying, “I am doing something new.” When your purpose aligns with His, you begin to see possibilities where others see limitations.

Creativity is an act of worship. Every time you solve a problem with grace, speak hope into a broken place, or bring order where there is chaos, you mirror the Creator Himself. Noble purpose calls you to create solutions that honor God and help people. It is innovation led by compassion, not competition.

Perseverance: The Proof of Nobility

The third layer of a noble purpose is perseverance. It is the ability to keep going when the excitement fades, when results are slow, and when obedience costs more than expected.

Noble people do not quit because they remember Who called them. Galatians 6:9 (CEB) encourages, “Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.”

Perseverance is not blind endurance; it is hopeful faith. It trusts that even unseen work still matters to God. It believes that the same God who began the good work will finish it. When you live with noble purpose, perseverance becomes your proof — evidence that your faith is real and your motivation pure.

Every test, every delay, and every closed door becomes training for greater resilience. Noble living refuses to let hardship harden the heart. It teaches you to stay soft enough to love and strong enough to continue.

The Ripple Effect of Purpose

A noble purpose never benefits just one person. It multiplies. It inspires others to see beyond themselves and to believe that goodness still matters.

When people encounter someone who lives with integrity, compassion, and endurance, they feel hope rise within them. Matthew 5:16 (ESV) says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

That is the quiet power of noble purpose — it spreads light without demanding attention. It leads by example, not by announcement. It leaves a trail of encouragement that reminds others that faith, creativity, and perseverance still change the world.

When your life becomes a reflection of this kind of purpose, you teach by living. You show that holiness and humanity can exist together — that you can be strong and gentle, steadfast and humble, surrendered and still powerful.

Stewarding the New Beginning

Noble purpose fits perfectly within every season of new beginnings. Starting again does not always mean starting over; sometimes it means returning to your calling with deeper conviction.

You may be in a season of rebuilding — in faith, creativity, or relationships. If so, remember: your noble purpose is not behind you, it is within you. God refines your purpose through every detour. He turns mistakes into mentorship, pain into perspective, and delay into development.

This is why you can step into every new beginning without fear. A noble purpose ensures that nothing is wasted. Even when the path feels uncertain, your perseverance under grace becomes the evidence that God is still working through you.

Let your new beginning be guided not by what feels easy, but by what honors God. That is where true nobility resides — in faith that keeps building when no one applauds.

Reflection Questions to think about

  • What sacrifices are you being called to make in order to live with noble purpose?

  • How might God be inviting you to use creativity as a form of obedience?

  • Where is perseverance being tested in your current season of purpose?

  • Who around you could be inspired by the way you live with quiet integrity?

Affirmations to say to yourself

  • My purpose is noble, and it inspires me to give, to create, and to endure.

  • I trust God to shape my sacrifices into strength and my perseverance into praise.

  • I am walking faithfully in the calling that reflects His heart and His glory.

Final Thought:

A noble purpose is not defined by applause or achievement. It is revealed in what you are willing to sacrifice, in the new things you dare to create, and in the strength you show when no one sees. Let your purpose carry Heaven’s signature — humble, creative, and unwavering — because when it does, your life becomes a living testament to the God who began the good work in you.