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“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalms 139:23 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.139.23.NIV



Praying Honestly

Are you honest with God when you pray?

Lots of people struggle with being completely honest with God. Instead, they pick and choose the things they pray about—the things they bring before Him. They hide certain sins and confess others that aren’t as embarrassing. 

But Scripture says that we don’t need to clean up our lives before coming to God. God is the one who created us, and He already knows everything about us. So there is nothing that we can hide from Him. He knows the innermost parts of our thoughts and desires.

The writer of Psalm 139 prays for God to search his heart and mind, and to bring up anything that he might be unaware of that is hiding beneath the surface. This is a prayer that we’re all invited to pray.

We cannot be healed from the things we try to hide. In order to experience the grace and mercy of God, we must bring everything to Him. When He searches us and brings things to mind, He’s inviting us to humbly confess them to Him.

The prayer in Psalm 139 is an open and honest plea for God to continue to purify and sanctify our hearts. God can handle the heaviest parts of us, and He is not surprised by what happens in our thoughts.

Honesty before God is the only way we can grow into the people He wants us to be. We cannot grow in our spiritual lives by hiding secrets or guarding our thoughts from God.

So take a moment today to make Psalm 139 your prayer. Ask God to search your heart and see if there is anything hiding that you’re unaware of. When He brings something up, take it to Him and ask for forgiveness. Ask for the power of His Spirit to lead and guide you through this time.

God is faithful and merciful to continue to love us in spite of our shortcomings. He will continue to walk with you and lead you into eternal life with Him.

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ”
Colossians 1:13 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/col.1.13.NIV

Between Two Kingdoms

Since the beginning of time, there's been a war between two kingdoms—the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light.

The kingdom of God, or the kingdom of light, is anywhere God has rule and reign over His people. Prior to having a relationship with Jesus, all of us were trapped in darkness, or as Colossians 1:13 says, “the dominion of darkness.” We all were captive to our previous way of life—a life marked by sin, pain, and destruction.

But when Jesus came to earth, He brought with Him a new kingdom, which included a new way of life. This means that rather than being held captive to darkness, we can walk in the light—His Light. We are made new by the power of Jesus. Paul says that this new reality comes through believing in Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has opened up a way for us to have a relationship with Him, and to experience this new life. Having been forgiven, we are now part of the kingdom of God—and this is something Colossians 1:13 confirms. But even though we are part of Jesus’ kingdom, we are still awaiting Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. This means we are living between two kingdoms. We are made new in the kingdom of God, and yet we are still living in an imperfect world.

In the meantime, our job is to expand the kingdom of God by telling others about Jesus. This is the mission that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. As we tell others about the love of Jesus and point others toward a relationship with Him, we bring more people into the kingdom of Jesus and away from the kingdom of this world. 

As members of God’s kingdom, we should always be thinking about the ways God wants to work in us and through us. Have you considered your own role within God’s plan to bring the message of hope to those around you? You play an important role in God’s kingdom. Think about how you can be bold in sharing His message with others this week.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ”
Ephesians 6:18 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.6.18.NIV



Cultivating Honest Conversations with God

Prayer is one of the most important habits we can develop. Not only does Scripture command us to pray often, but there are tremendous benefits to building a life of prayer. 

Prayer connects us relationally to God. We can thank God for who He is and what He has done for us during our prayer time. We can ask Him for things that we need.

Even though we know we should pray, we often do not take the time to do it. Unless we set aside time to talk to God, it doesn’t always find a way into our daily schedules. But Paul, the writer of the letter to the Ephesians, urges Christians to build a life of prayer. He says that every occasion is a chance to talk to God.

All of our requests and needs should be given to God. However, our time praying should not only be asking God for things. We should also spend part of our time in worship—thanking God for who He is and all He has done. 

Paul also encourages us to pray for other people. In fact, part of our responsibility towards others is to advocate for them through prayer. We typically remember to pray for others when something negative is happening to them. But God’s Word says we should always be praying for the people in our life.

As we pray, we should not be discouraged when we don’t see immediate change. God is always working in our lives, even if it doesn’t match our desired timeline. We may not receive the answers we want, but we can rest assured that God is always listening and working on our behalf.

Take some time today to pray to God. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Tell Him your needs. Think of a few people in your life that you can pray for. Throughout your week, use every opportunity to pray to God.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.12.NIV



Walking Through Trials

Let's start by debunking a myth: Nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many times in the Bible, Christ-followers find themselves persecuted, under attack, or facing trouble of all kinds.

In a letter from James to first-century believers, James informs them about the various trials that they will experience in life:

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 NIV

When we see trials as a means of becoming more like Jesus, we can be blessed by them.

Think back to a difficult season of life. Looking back, you might be able to see how God used that trial to refine you, or teach you something. God is often at work behind the scenes—deepening our character and enlarging our capacity, even when we don't see it.

Maybe you're going through one of those difficult seasons right now. Take this passage to heart! You can persevere knowing there is a promised reward for us in heaven. While rewards on this side of heaven are not promised, looking towards our final destination with Jesus gives us hope to endure the trials in the present.

If you’re walking through a difficult season of life, spend some time meditating on the promises of God. He promises to never abandon you or leave you, but to walk alongside you through trials. And at the end of the trial, you’ll be more like Christ.

Take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness in your life.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.41.10.NIV



God Is With You

Have you ever asked God, “Where are you?”

Some days it can feel like you’re walking alone through life. It can seem like God is not present or with you. Or maybe it feels like He has deserted you in a difficult time.

The nation of Israel experienced many moments like this. They cried out to God in the midst of pain and exile. They were honest in their prayers to God—they told Him exactly how they felt in the midst of hardship.

In turn, God spoke to them through the prophets. He spoke words of comfort and hope. He reminded them of His promises, and that His character never changes.

While it can sometimes seem like God deserts us, we know from His promises that He is always with us. Through life’s loneliest times or most difficult seasons, God is right next to us. He walks through every season of life by our side. 

Not only is He with us, but He also promises to strengthen us and help us in times of difficulty. When we feel like we’ve run out of strength to continue, God will provide His strength for us.

God will provide the help we need to keep living in His will. He doesn’t promise to give us strength to do whatever we want, but rather—He gives us courage and empowerment to continue walking according to His plans for our life.

So, in seasons of hardship when we feel like we’ve run empty, we should lean into God’s promises and trust Him. We should trust that He will empower us and strengthen us for whatever we’re facing.

Take some time today to pray to God. If He feels distant, ask Him to be close to you. If you feel weak, ask Him to strengthen you. He promises to uphold you, so trust in His promises. Continue to build a relationship with God and seek His presence. As you do, you’ll find a renewed strength as you walk through life with Him.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ”
Philippians 2:3 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.2.3.NIV


Selfish to Selfless

Our default setting is selfishness.

Don’t believe it? Try hanging out with a toddler for a day.

Toddlers want what they want, and they want it now. Toddlers will fight (and sometimes bite) to maintain dominion over their prized possessions. Toddlers have little concern for schedules, agendas, or perfectly white walls.

The good news about toddlers—and people in general—is that they have the capacity to change into selfless people as they grow. But, if toddlers aren’t lovingly redirected and taught how to consider others, that selfishness will continue.

So if we’re naturally self-centered humans, how do we train our minds not to default to selfishness?

The Bible encourages us to model our lives after Jesus…

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3‬-5 ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus didn’t leverage His authority for personal advantage—power, pleasure, control, or comfort—but took on the nature of a servant.

Jesus spent His time investing in others. Jesus focused His attention on helping others. Jesus gave up His own life for others.

If you find yourself becoming self-obsessed, self-indulgent, or even a little self-righteous, consider asking God for His help.

- Ask Him to help you see people the way He does.
- Ask Him to use any knowledge you gain to love Him and serve others. 
- Ask Him to put opportunities in your path to lead others toward Him.
‬‬
The Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and relationships with other believers are what refine our hearts. And with God’s help, we can change our tendency from living selfishly into living selflessly.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalms 19:1 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.19.1.NIV





Glory Revealed

Before the telescope was invented, all that was known about the sky above was what could be seen with the naked eye.

Now, thanks to advances in modern technology, we are aware of far-off galaxies, stunning nebulas, and mysterious black holes. Now, we realize that our knowledge was (and still is) severely limited. 

There’s something about staring up at a blanket of stars that beckons wonder. There’s something about a watercolor sunset that invites curiosity. There’s something about standing on top of a giant rock—that’s suspended on nothing in the middle of a massively complex universe—that invites worship.

We are merely discovering what God has put here in the first place. And the more we uncover, the more we are filled with awe.

Yes, the heavens remind us of God’s majesty; the skies remind us of His splendor. But they also remind us of how big He is and how small we are. They remind us of His vastness and our limitations, and of His independence and our utter dependence on Him.

So whenever you see a star-filled sky, are stopped in your tracks by a brilliant sunrise, or read about some extraordinary discovery on the fringes of space, don’t forget to praise the One who has created and sustained it all along.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.16.3.NIV


Commit to the Work

It’s a complex dance—being faithful with the opportunities God gives you while also trusting Him with the variables that are out of your control.

The writer of Proverbs, typically attributed to King Solomon, said this:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It sounds simple enough—to commit your work to the Lord. But it takes intentional effort, continual surrender, and genuine trust.

Throughout Scripture, we see all kinds of work: farming, building, pastoring, parenting, fishing, doctoring, leading, designing, singing, writing, engineering, shepherding, and much more. 

In his letter to the Roman believers, Paul discusses talents and gifts when he says:

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:6-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You can commit your work to God by:

- honoring Him with your efforts
- valuing the people you interact with
- faithfully returning the tithe
- promoting truth and love 
- living graciously and generously
- thoughtfully utilizing your time
- leveraging your God-given creativity to glorify Him

You can plant a seed in good soil, position it for ideal sunlight, and water it consistently, but—above all—it’s God who gave you the seed and it’s God who makes the seed grow.

Our job is obedience, God’s job is everything else. So whatever you do, commit your work, your efforts, and your life to Him—and watch Him work through you.

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. ”
Ruth 1:16 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/rut.1.16.NIV


A Testament of Loyalty and Commitment

Ruth and Naomi, two women bound by grief and a shared history of loss, stood together under the sun-scorched fields of Moab. Famine and death had stricken their family, and Naomi had chosen to return to her homeland of Judah. 

Before Ruth, a young Moabite widow, lay two paths: one, to stay in the familiar comfort of her home country, and another, an uncertain journey into the unknown land of Judah. In Moab, the people did not serve the God of Judah–the God Naomi served, and the God who we serve today.

Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, pleaded with her to seek a new life among the Moabites, where she would be welcomed and accepted, but would not worship God. Instead, Ruth embraced her mother-in-law. "'Where you go, I will go,” Ruth said, “Your people will be my people, your God my God. Death alone shall part us.'”

Each one of us will face choices that demand commitment beyond the ordinary. The question is clear: What principles will guide your decisions? Ruth's journey encourages us to boldly declare our allegiances, not just in words but in the deliberate actions that shape our lives and honor God.

What would it look like for you to embrace a life marked by a steadfast commitment to God’s leading? We all will leave a legacy for those who walk behind us. Will yours be a testament of loyalty to God?

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”
Psalms 24:1 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.24.1.NIV


God of All Creation

All of world history is characterized by periods of time when dominant nations ruled large portions of the earth. Intermixed with the various kingdoms and dynasties are notable wars and battles that have scarred the earth.

Amidst the rise and fall of various earthly powers, it can be easy to forget that the Lord stands in power above everything else. Even though God’s kingdom is not as visible right now, He still guides and shapes the course of history.

It is a comforting reminder that all of the earth is the Lord’s. Nothing that happens on earth surprises Him.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the earth, thus everything ultimately belongs to Him. He sets the boundaries for every nation, and He determines where the oceans begin.

This doesn’t mean that God forces everyone and everything to do good all of the time. People are still capable of evil, and the world is still filled with pain and suffering.

But, this means that God ultimately rules over everything in creation. Even in the midst of evil, pain, and suffering, God is working behind the scenes to bring about goodness in everything. While we may not experience this fully in our lifetime, in the end God will eventually make everything right.

Take some time to consider God’s powerful place in all of creation as the Lord over everything that exists. Thank Him for His guiding hand in your own life. You can trust that God has control over the creation that He created, even in the midst of dark and trying times.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. ”
Hebrews 6:10 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.6.10.NIV



Remembered by God

People may forget your good deeds, but God never will.

Maybe they never said thank you. 
Maybe they never publicly honored your service. 
Maybe they never remember what you did… 

People may forget our good deeds, but God never will.

Sometimes, we may wonder if our good deeds matter or will ever be acknowledged. Hebrews 6:10 reassures us that the God who blesses a faithful life will never forget our acts of kindness and service.

Think of it this way: God has a perfect memory, and He sees, knows, and remembers every act of obedience done in His name—even if the world labels it a failure or considers you a fool. Your just and faithful God is taking note, and He will reward you. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10 NIV

So, when you're tempted to think your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. When you feel forgotten or overlooked. When you’re tempted to think that what you contribute doesn’t matter, remember and hold on to the promise of Hebrews 6:10. Because God won’t forget your kindness, your faithfulness, and your service. 

People may forget your good deeds, but God—He never will.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ”
1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.13.6.NIV


What Does Real Love Look Like?

If you were to ask ten random people to define what love is, you would most likely receive ten different definitions. We often define love by what we value or enjoy the most. But with so many different definitions of love that are often contradictory, Jesus’ followers should desire the truth.

A true definition of love doesn’t come from culture, our own values, or from within ourselves—it comes from God, because “God is love” (1 John 4:. So, any right understanding of love must come from God. 1 Corinthians 13 is entirely devoted to defining what love is.

1 Corinthians 13:6 says that love does not delight in evil. Evil is anything opposed to God or His ways. When we disobey God’s law, choose to do the wrong thing, or cause harm to someone else—that is evil.

Essentially, evil is when we fail to love God and love others.

For instance, if someone difficult does not know the love of Jesus, we shouldn’t delight in that. Love should lead us toward sharing the truth about Jesus with them. Or, if someone who hurts you is suffering, we shouldn’t rejoice over their pain. Instead we should forgive them, just as God forgave us. Love rejoices in God’s truth being told, lived, and shared.

So take some time today to consider how your own definition of love is different from God’s definition. What misunderstandings do you have? Also, what actions or thoughts can you change to be more loving? Most importantly, who can you share the truth of God’s love with? Make a list of two or three people you can pray for and talk to about God and His love.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
Psalms 68:19 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.68.19.NIV




Help is Near

We weren’t created to go through life carrying heavy burdens that weigh us down.

Thankfully, we don’t have to. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

When Jesus came to earth, He took our burdens onto Himself. Even though we were far from God, Jesus carried the punishment for our wrongdoing and bore our suffering. And because of that, we have a Savior who understands and has compassion on us. 

This Savior meets us in our mess, and invites us to find rest in Him. This Savior is God with us. 

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 
Psalms 68:19 NIV

King David wrote that Psalm hundreds of years before Jesus’ arrival. But even then, God was illustrating to people that His character was constant, and He was trustworthy. 

God watched over Noah when the earth was flooded (Genesis 8:1), and He made a covenant with Abraham to bless, protect, and multiply his descendants (Genesis 17:4-7). He took care of the Israelites when they wandered through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 2:7), and He comforted David when people were trying to kill him. 

God has never stopped being true to who He is. He is our ever-present help in time of need. He is our constant source of strength. He is our comforter and our provider. The God that David praises in Psalm 68 is our God. He is the One who continually takes care of us, stooping down to meet us in our mess and carry us out of brokenness. 

He daily bears our burdens.

Will we still endure hard times? Yes. But we will never have to go through them alone. The Savior of the world is near. God is with us.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ”
Romans 8:28 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.28.NIV



Our Trustworthy God

Have your plans been derailed? Have your dreams experienced a detour? Has your life taken an unforeseen turn?

It’s been said that God works in mysterious ways, which is absolutely true. And how His sovereignty (His supreme power and authority) interplays with human choices is equally laced with mystery.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul acknowledges the unexpected hardships, suffering, and corruption the believers were dealing with at that time. But he also encourages them with these words:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Maybe you lost a loved one.
Maybe someone you respect disappointed you. 
Maybe someone in your family received a hard diagnosis. 
Maybe your job title shifted, which has shaken your identity.
Maybe reality doesn't match what you see on social media.
Maybe you made a decision you regret.
Maybe you’ve found yourself questioning God.
Maybe someone you love walked away.
Maybe you put your whole heart into something or someone, but it didn’t go how you hoped.

Though it might seem hard to believe, God can use it all.

The good and the bad.
The polished and the messy.
The planned and the unsettled.
The clear and the misunderstood.
The encouraging and the hurtful.

God can work everything together for good. This doesn't mean that everything will BE good, or that everything will work out the way we want or expect. After all, we live in a broken, messy world.

But—we can rest in the confident assurance that the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, interceding, advocating, celebrating, and grieving with us. And one day, we will see the complete picture He is painting in our lives. Nothing we go through is wasted.

And how does He do it? That’s where we have to lean into the mystery of God, because we cannot fully comprehend an infinite God.

If you think back on your own life, there were probably things that didn’t make sense and maybe even seemed impossible, but now you see how God somehow worked everything out.

God can use it all—including the things you can’t comprehend—in ways you can’t begin to fathom. Even when you can’t see Him at work in your life. Even when hope seems lost. Even when things don’t seem to be going your way. Even long after you’re gone.

In everything, you can trust in Him.

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ”
John 6:35 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.6.35.NIV



Needy by Default

Jesus healed people who were sick and fed people who were hungry. Because of that, great crowds were following Him.

But He wanted them to know that who He was was greater than what He had to offer…

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God could have hardwired us to need nothing, but instead, He made us dependent on things like food, water, oxygen, sleep, sunlight—and Him. He designed this world intentionally, with specific needs and certain limitations.

We are needy by default. 

Just as food and water are essential for human life, everyday realities point us to spiritual truths…

We need Jesus even more than we need the essentials of life.

We can search for fulfillment in our work and relationships, as well as in money, fame, power, sex, achievement, and adventure. But it all results in emptiness. It’s all like chasing after the wind.

So let’s not just follow Jesus merely for what He has to offer, but for who He is. Let’s realize that this world will never satisfy, but we already have access to true nourishment.

We can come to Him to be filled because He is the bread of life.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ”
Colossians 3:13 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/col.3.13.NIV



Forgiveness Matters

One of the most profound Biblical examples of forgiveness is found in a story Jesus told about a king who wanted to settle his debts. One man owed the king a lot of money that he couldn’t repay, but the king had mercy on him and forgave the debt. 

Afterward, the forgiven man encountered someone who owed him a small debt. But instead of showing mercy and forgiveness, he sends the man to prison until the debt is repaid. When the king hears about this, he is outraged at the hypocrisy, and has the forgiven man arrested. 

If we’re being honest with ourselves, we probably fit into this story somewhere. How often have we chosen not to forgive someone while happily receiving the forgiveness that God offers us? 

We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all rebelled against God. And all wrongdoing is contrary to God’s ways. Some sins have bigger consequences—but every mistake causes us to fall short of God’s perfection. 

Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily erase the hurt caused, but it does help us heal and move forward. We will never know someone else’s entire life story. We won’t always understand what experiences impact the decisions someone makes. That’s why empathy matters. 

Showing empathy requires placing ourselves in the position of the person who’s offended us, and choosing to understand their burdens. This is what Jesus did when He came to earth, experienced what it was like to be human, and then took our sins on Himself when He died for us. Although we have all wronged Him, He gave up His life to forgive and rescue us. 

Scripture isn’t asking us to do something that Jesus hasn’t already done for us. And, Scripture also says that to the extent we forgive, we will be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). So if we truly want to experience God’s forgiveness, then we need to extend forgiveness to others—even when we can’t forget what they’ve done.

So is there someone you’re withholding forgiveness from? Ask God to show you who you need to forgive. Then, allow God to shift your perspective and soften your heart toward that person. Let Him give you the strength and empathy you need to forgive.

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
Psalms 46:10 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.46.10.NIV


The Power of Stillness

We’re busy people.

Between work and home, family and friends, full schedules and unending tasks, it’s tempting to hurry through our days without even stopping to look up. 

But, speaking through the psalmist, God said: 

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

When was the last time you were intentionally still (and not just when you were sleeping)? When was your body and mind quiet enough to acknowledge that God is God? 

Regardless of the past, what will you choose today? You can close this app, check “time with God” off your to-do list, and continue on with business as usual. Or, you can allow the knowledge and truth of God to bring peace to your restless heart.

There’s something about stillness that compels us beyond ourselves. There’s something about stillness that heightens our awareness of and need for God. 

It’s one thing to acknowledge God with our words, but another to put Him above every other good, bad, and distracting thing in our lives—to live in a way that honors and magnifies Him.

There will come a day when, ready or not, God will reveal Himself fully. There will come a day when, willing or not, every secret will come to light. There will come a day when, like it or not, He will be exalted above the nations and honored throughout the world. 

But you don’t have to wait to worship Him. You don’t have to wait to call Him your God. You don’t have to wait to make Him the Lord and King of your life.

You can be still, right now, and know that He is God. No

““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.17.7.NIV


Blessed in Trust

Jeremiah 17 begins with a rebuke. God is calling out the Israelites for their idolatry—for trusting in other gods and forsaking Him and His teachings.

Like a parent with a child who's made a terrible choice, God makes it very clear that these choices have led and will lead to consequences. And yet, rather than only focusing on all that's been lost and will be lost because of Israel’s terrible choices, Jeremiah takes a moment to bring a refreshing reminder:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” 
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

He calls those who trust Him “blessed,” even as chaos, sin, and idolatry reign around them. He says that people who trust in God “will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8 NIV)

We get to choose who and what we worship.

Who is your confidence in? Who do you trust? If you're trusting in the Lord, take heart knowing that in this you are blessed. An abundant life in God, full of fruit even when sin is all around, is the mark of having chosen to trust Him. What an incredible thing it is to be able to make this choice!

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.22.6.NIV


Passing Along God’s Wisdom

What if the choices you make today could shape someone else’s life for years to come?

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

It reminds us that our actions don’t just affect us—they also act as an example, guiding and directing others, whether we realize it or not. And which direction we guide others… matters.

When you trust Him, God can use your consistent acts of faithfulness over time to plant His wisdom deep in a person’s heart.

The book of Proverbs is a powerful collection of wisdom meant to teach people how to live well and thrive according to God's values. Throughout Proverbs, parents are encouraged to pass that wisdom on to their children. It’s one of the clearest examples of the Bible telling us exactly what Scripture is for. The goal is not simply to pass on rules to follow, but to train others to see clearly so they can recognize the difference between the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness.

Proverbs 22:6 isn’t saying that parents can control the choices their children make. Instead, it points to the lasting influence of faithful, consistent guidance.

This kind of influence takes time and genuine care. It happens through repeated conversations, everyday choices, Scripture, prayer, correction, encouragement, and setting an example. If you’re not sure where to start, consider inviting a child, friend, or family member to begin a simple practice with you: reading one chapter of the book of Proverbs each day. It is full of God’s powerful wisdom for a thriving life.

Whether you’re guiding a child, mentoring someone younger, or simply trying to live faithfully before others, remember this: you may not see the results of your faithfulness today. That doesn’t mean you aren’t making an impact. Keep going. Trust God with what you cannot see. Trust that when you plant God’s wisdom, over time, it will take root and grow.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Galatians 6:10 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.6.10.NIV


How Can I Help?

Think about the last time someone was kind to you. Kindness is one of the most powerful forces on earth, and serving other people can transform someone’s life for good.

All of us have the ability to do good for someone, and God has gifted each of us with special abilities and talents that can be used to serve the people in our lives. Whether it’s a spiritual gift or a learned skill, you have unique opportunities to show kindness to those in need.

Paul, the writer of the letter to the Galatians, is careful to note that we won’t always have the opportunity to do good for others. We can't know how many days we have left on earth, and we certainly don’t know how long certain people will be in our lives. That’s why we should use every opportunity to encourage and help others.

Serving and helping others is a form of love. When we take the time to help someone, we allow them to experience Jesus's love through us. Doing good for someone opens the door to conversations about the love that Jesus has for them.

Paul also says that we should help those who are believers. That is because those who are believers are our spiritual family. Just as we ought to care for our relatives, we should also look for opportunities to love those who are a part of the Church.

How has God gifted you with talents and abilities to serve others?

Take some time to think about a few people in your life that you can help. Maybe it’s letting someone know you’re thinking of them, or perhaps it’s helping someone with a need they have. In any case, be on the lookout for ways to do good to all people as you go about your day.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.10.NIV


The Good Life

Everyone on earth is searching for "the good life." We all want our lives to matter—to be filled with purpose and significance. But often, we're searching for fulfillment and meaning through things, people, or efforts that simply cannot satisfy us.

Many people try to find significance from the admiration and acceptance of those around them. Others look for fulfillment through material possessions and worldly success—by working hard and building wealth. Still others chase what they think is "the good life" through the allure of power and influence.

Though none of these things are necessarily wrong on their own, they cannot bring true peace and fulfillment in life. There will come a time when fame and accolades fade, when material possessions lose their charm, and when our reputations can only take us so far. Even the good relationships in our lives cannot bring us ultimate peace and fulfillment.

Jesus lets us know how the enemy tries to keep us from the actual good life He has for us. The thief tries to steal our attention away from what truly matters by distracting us with earthly things that have the allure of satisfaction, but this way only ends in death and destruction. However, Jesus says there is another way to find abundant life.

In John 10, Jesus compares Himself to a good shepherd who cares for and feeds the sheep in His pasture. Jesus says that He is the gate for the sheep to enter into the courtyard. While speaking in metaphors, Jesus is saying that anyone who wants to gain true access to salvation must come through Him.

Jesus also says that it is through Him that we will find true life. It is only through trusting in Jesus and following Him that we can experience life to the fullest. Real fulfillment and meaning come through following Jesus as our Shepherd, rather than following the world around us.

Take some time to think about the way you’re searching for fulfillment and meaning in your life. Are you trying to find "the good life" through possessions, status, relationships, or success? Or are you following Jesus and trusting Him to produce meaning and purpose in your life? 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, so continue to trust in and follow Him. He is the way to abundant life.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.9.NIV



Keep Practicing

In Philippians 4:9, Paul tells the Philippians to model his behavior by putting everything they have learned, received, heard and seen from him into practice. There are at least three benefits to this approach.

First, it’s effective. We learn best through imitation. We would never just tell a child how to kick a football. We would show them. A carpenter wouldn’t take up their trade by reading a manual. They would apprentice under a master.

Likewise, we shouldn’t just read about what our faith should look like. We should seek out mature believers who, like Paul, put it on display. Because although we can certainly read about selflessness, humility, forgiveness and compassion, we get a stronger sense of what those qualities look like when we see them lived out in fellow brothers and sisters.

Second, it’s relational. In 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Paul reveals how this process plays out. He imitates Christ. Believers imitate him. And then other believers imitate them. It’s a chain reaction. As we model faithful believers, we become models ourselves.

Third, it’s attached to a promise. This is the best part. Paul tells us that if we put these things into practice, the God of peace will be with us. And not just any peace — a peace that Paul says surpasses all understanding.

So, ask yourself who in your life models the faith and what would it look like to start living like them?

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.5.16.NIV





Healing is Possible

Imagine a sick person who won’t tell anyone about their symptoms. Without help, getting through their illness would be challenging. Whether they need help from a doctor or just someone checking to see how they’re doing—it’s much easier to heal with the help of others. 

Similarly, when we don’t tell anyone about the challenges we’re facing, it can be hard to work through them. Sometimes we do things we know are wrong, but we don’t tell anyone about it because it feels easier to hide. This is because we’re all affected by sin—our wrongdoing and brokenness that separate us from God.

It can be hard to share our wrongdoings with others, but when we keep our sin to ourselves, we’re like the sick person who won’t ask for help—we suffer in isolation rather than allowing others to help us heal. 

James 5:16 tells us to share our wrongdoings with other believers so that we can heal together and pray for one another. When we share our past mistakes with someone, we are released from isolation. And when we pray together, we give God the opportunity to heal our hearts.

God is our healer—He saved us from the eternal consequences of sin through His Son Jesus. And because of Jesus, we have access to a relationship with God, and we can bring our requests to Him and trust that He will hear us. 

This doesn’t mean God will always answer our prayers in the way we think they should be answered. Instead, when we share our brokenness with Him, He invites us on a journey that will help us grow closer to Him. 

If you’re struggling with something today, take some time to share it with a trusted believer. Allow them to pray with you and ask God to guide you as you heal.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.29.11.NIV


The Best Plans

Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular verse that’s often slapped onto journals, etched into coffee mugs, and printed on t-shirts.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And God does have a plan for you.
God does want to bless you.
God does want to give you hope and a future. 

But—we should also pay attention to the original context …

In this case, God was speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah—people who’d recently been exiled to Babylon for 70 years. 

The Jewish people were banished to a foreign land because of their insatiable appetite for sin. In fact, for 23 years Jeremiah had been warning them to stop rebelling against God or prepare to face the consequences.

God is patient, but He is also just. 

In other words, the Jews were sent to timeout. And as you can read in the preceding chapters, God made a case against His beloved people …

They’d exploited foreigners, orphans, and widows. They’d denied the rights of the poor. They’d refused to stand up for truth or obey God’s instructions. They’d murdered the innocent and committed adultery. They’d rejoiced in doing evil and their lives were ruled by greed. They’d even built pagan shrines, sacrificing their sons and daughters in the fires. It was a dark time. And yet, somehow, God’s mercy always extends to the darkest places on earth.

That’s why, just a few verses later, God said they could seek Him and find Him, and He’d bring them back from captivity (Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬-14).

That’s why he encouraged them—while in exile—to build houses, plant gardens, get married, have babies, and work for the peace and prosperity of their temporary home (Jeremiah 29:5-7).

He wanted them to know: He hadn’t forgotten them. He still wanted good for them. He still had plans to restore them.

God is serious about sin, but He’s just as passionate about redemption.

Though Jeremiah 29:11 was meant for a specific people at a specific time, God’s heart for the restoration of broken people is generationally timeless. 

Even when we feel stuck in the process, God still has a plan. 
We can put our trust in the God whose goal is always redemption.

Psalms 55:22 NIV
[22] Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.55.22.NIV




Cast Away

Are you overwhelmed by the weight of a burden you were never meant to carry?

Let the timeless words of King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, sink deep into your soul…

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ ‭ESV

The word cast in Hebrew means to throw, hurl, shed, or fling. To propel something as far as possible. To sling something out of your sight.

We know that the author, King David, had plenty of burdens to cast off. Not only did he carry the weight and responsibility of being King of Israel, but he also had an explicitly muddy record.

Yet and still, even with David’s downfalls and heartaches, he knew where to cast his burdens. He knew who to turn to for help. He knew how to humble himself, repent of his sins, and cling to God’s mercy and grace.

So, what about you? What burdens are you carrying? The big ones, the little ones, and everything in between. The everyday worries, the soul-crushing fears, the agonizing shame.

Did you know that you can surrender all of them to the Lord—rather than crumbling under their pressure?

God wants to carry your burdens, but you have to cast them off.

So don’t just half-heartedly set down your burdens or passively give them to God; cast them at His feet. You can trust that He will sustain you and know that He will make you stand.

Jude 1:22 NIV
[22] Be merciful to those who doubt;

https://bible.com/bible/111/jud.1.22.NIV


Mercy in Doubt

In the book of Jude, we come across a simple yet profound instruction: "Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22). These words remind us of the importance of extending God's mercy and compassion to those who may be struggling in their faith. This includes ourselves!

Doubt is a common experience in the journey of faith. It can arise from various sources, such as intellectual questions, personal struggles, or the influence of the world around us. When we encounter people who are wrestling with doubt, it is crucial that we respond with mercy and understanding.

Being merciful means showing kindness, compassion, and patience towards others. It involves listening without judgment, offering support, and providing a safe space for honest conversations. When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we create an environment where they can openly express their questions and concerns, without fear of rejection or condemnation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example. Jesus was always compassionate towards those who were struggling in their faith. He met people where they were, offering understanding and guidance. He never turned away those who sought Him, even if they had doubts or uncertainties.

When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we not only help them on their journey but also reflect the heart of our loving Savior. We can even be merciful to ourselves when we experience doubt. 

There’s room for the questions. There’s room for the uncertainties. Doubt doesn’t intimidate Jesus, and it doesn’t need to intimidate us either.

Psalms 51:10 NIV
[10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.51.10.NIV



Want a Clean Heart?

King David made some great decisions, but he also made some terrible ones.

During his reign, David chose to abuse his power by sleeping with the wife of one of his military leaders, and then arranging for him to be pushed to the front lines of battle—where he was killed. For someone who was considered “a man after God’s own heart,” David really messed up.
 
In 2 Samuel 12:13, we see David confess his sin against the Lord and in Psalm 51, we see his prayer to be made new:
 
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬
 
David failed, but God redeems. God restores. David still had to face the consequences of his decisions, but in that journey, God met him there.
 
If you want to be made new by God but believe that your past is too messed up, you can follow the path David showed us—confess, repent, and ask God to make you new. You can even use David’s exact words as you pray: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
 
When we seek God, we realize that He’s already been seeking us. 
 
God is faithful. He loves you. He can make your heart clean. In Him, you can become a new creation.

Exodus 20:8 NIV
[8] “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.20.8.NIV



Set Apart

In modern language, "holy" often means something religious or spiritual. But in the Bible, “holy” simply means “set apart.” It means something (or someone) different and distinct from everything else. 

God is unlike any other gods the nations knew. The Lord is holy, and called His people to be distinct—or holy—too.

Some of the distinctions that set the Israelite practices apart were religious and spiritual. They offered sacrifices in a certain way and had specific instructions for how priests, worship, and the temple operated. Other practices that set Israel apart involved everyday things like food, clothing, and their weekly calendars. These habits and customs were meant to reflect and reinforce that they were truly different—or holy—because they belonged to God.

The fourth commandment given to Israel is to "remember the Sabbath day" and keep it holy—a reminder to Israel of the blessed pattern God laid out in Creation. Just as our Holy Creator worked for six days and rested on a seventh, He calls His holy people to do the same.

What's holy about the Sabbath? It's a day set apart to be different from all the other days of the week. God intends for one day a week to look and feel different. As people who belong to Him, we can delight in His designation of some days as productive days for work and then other days set apart for reflection and refreshment.

Remember, God created special times for rest—keep those times set apart.

1 John 4:19 NIV
[19] We love because he first loved us.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.4.19.NIV



Love One Another

Jesus said two important things about our love for each other. First, that all people will know we are His disciples if we love one another (John 13:34). Second, our unity in Him will let the world know that God had sent Him into the world (John 17:23).

Jesus said the world will know He has come by how His followers love each other. We should love one another in such a way that those who do not believe in Jesus would be astounded and curious to learn more about Him. 

Jesus knew this world would be full of anger, strife, and conflict. This is all the more reason it should be a priority to love other people with the same love God has for us. Loving others unveils to the world the great and loving God who loved us first.

Years after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle John wrote three short letters to followers of Jesus. And in his first letter, he takes the time to talk to them about how to love, and why it matters. John wrote: “...love is from God … if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another … we love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:7, 11, 19) 

He even goes as far as to say, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV) 

There’s no way around this. John makes it clear that our love for one another is proof that God’s love is in us. So if we say that we love God, then we should be committed to showing love to each other.

As you reflect on today’s verse, ask yourself: Is there anyone in my life that I need to show love to today? Is there anyone I need to forgive? In what ways can I love my brothers and sisters in Jesus?

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
[5] We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.10.5.NIV

Philippians 4:19 NIV
[19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.19.NIV

Limitless Riches

Writing from prison to the believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul divulged that he’d learned the secret to being content no matter the situation. 

Because of the faithfulness of God and the generosity of the Philippians, Paul’s needs had been met—even while in jail. He went on to say:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

What an incredible perspective from captivity—where Paul was placed for spreading the truth about Jesus.

God had given Paul peace, his friends had sent supplies, and Paul’s joy was unapologetically obvious—despite his imperfect circumstances. 

Paul knew that the same God who was taking care of Him would also take care of his friends. He knew that—because Jesus had already made a way—they could access the storehouses of heaven. He knew that—because of God’s generous character—they were covered in His grace.

Have you ever considered what a treasure trove of riches God has? And it’s not just what He has, but also who He is. God’s glorious riches, never-ending resources, and both visible and invisible qualities are limitless, bottomless, boundless, and inexhaustible. 

Think about that for a moment.
The amazing thing is: He’s granted us access. 

In His kindness, God fashioned raspberries and puppies. In His brilliance, He crafted the human eye and hung the earth on nothing. By His creativity, He made hammerhead sharks and sparkling fireflies. By His power, He designed galaxies that even the smartest of scientists are just now discovering.

The same God who cares for His creation will also provide for you.

When we become His children, we are given the key to eternal riches, to incorruptible goods, and to traits of His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do you need peace? You have a God who brings peace. Do you need provision? You have a God who offers provision. Do you need rest? You have a God who extends rest.

The ways in which God shows up are literally countless, and it’s all because of His gloriously limitless riches.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV
[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.4.23.NIV


What’s Inside of You?

Have you ever made a poor decision and thought, "Why did I do that?” 

In the Old Testament, the heart was considered the center of inner life, and people believed it dictated thoughts, emotions, and actions. It was essentially a combination of someone’s soul and mind. 

When Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard our hearts," what it’s essentially saying is "pay careful attention to how you fill your inner life.” 

What goes into your soul and mind determines what comes out of your mouth. And what you say influences your actions and decisions. While you might not notice the effect your choices have on you today—over time, they will impact the direction of your life.  

So how do we intentionally take care of our inner lives? 

Our bodies were made by God, which means the thing they need most is God. He is the One who sustains us. Some of the best things we can do for ourselves is to intentionally seek God through prayer, studying Scripture, reflecting on His blessings, and inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to us throughout our day. 

The best way to guard our hearts is by giving our hearts to God. When we make Him the center of our lives and the source of our strength, what we do will flow out from Him. 

So instead of fitting God into our daily routines, let’s create our daily routines around our relationship with God. Let’s create space for God to speak to us and restore us. Let’s allow God to heal the parts of our lives that are broken—so that what comes out of us is good, encouraging, and leads to an abundant life.