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Matthew 20:28 KJV
[28] even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.20.28.KJV




The Greatest Servant

If we’re honest, most of us would rather be served than serve others. We’d rather feel special than ordinary. We’d rather feel important than insignificant.

And though God has made us special, important, and created in His image—His children cannot be above serving, because Jesus was never above serving.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If the King of kings and Lord of lords didn’t come to be served, but to sacrifice His life for the sake and salvation of others, we should pay attention.

Jesus warned against doing impressive things just to be seen, praying extravagant prayers merely to be heard, and taking the highest-ranking positions simply to be known.

Instead, Jesus engaged the outcast, fed the hungry, healed the sick, helped the hurting, stopped for the broken, washed dirty feet, and laid down His life—even though He was innocent—so that even the “worst” of sinners could discover that they are never far from His love.

As you think about what it meant for Jesus to die in your place and erase your mistakes, what does it trigger inside of you? Worship? Gratefulness? Are you compelled to go and tell others? Today, ask God to show you how you can serve others like He has served you.

Psalms 33:5 NIV
[5] The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.33.5.NIV

What God Loves

Psalm 33 is a beautiful chapter of the Bible. The writer's motivation is clear: praise. Praise God for how powerful He is, how good He is, how righteous He is. Praise Him for His steady plans, His all-knowing faithfulness, His love for His people. Praise God.

Early on in this outpouring of praise, the psalmist says of God, “He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 33:5) He doesn’t just appreciate, tolerate, or approve of justice and righteousness. He loves them.

If we, like God, love righteousness and justice, that means we cannot also love anything that is unrighteous or unjust. The world is full of dark things that call for our attention and affection. But God, in His steadiness, never stops loving the exact same things: righteousness and justice.

Is the earth full of darkness, evil, and sin? Yes. But don’t forget, this verse reminds us of something else the earth is full of: His unfailing love.

Today, take a moment to read all of Psalm 33. Look for how you can add your praise of God to this psalm of praise. Has God brought justice for you? Has He helped you turn from sin and toward righteousness? How has God been good to you?Let the last three verses put your heart at ease, washing over you and encouraging you today:

“We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”
Psalm 33:20-22 NLT

1 Samuel 2:2 NIV
[2] “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1sa.2.2.NIV




No One Else

Hannah desperately wanted a child, but she wasn’t able to conceive. Year after year, she was mocked, tormented, and left heartbroken because of her infertility. 

Have you ever known an unfulfilled longing?

Maybe you have desperately wanted something: a godly marriage, a healthy body, a thriving family, a hard-earned title, a close community, a restored relationship. Maybe you’ve looked around at everyone else’s seemingly full lives and wondered why your arms were empty. 

Eventually, after years of waiting, God answered Hannah’s prayer. And because of that, she was filled with wonder and worship, saying:

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Despite the excruciating years of longing and disappointment, Hannah knew there was no replacement for God. There’s no one else who’s able to create something from nothing. There’s no one else who holds the power of life.

There is no other Rock on which to build our faith. 

There’s no one else who sees the worst of us and loves us anyway. There’s no one else who has compassion for our deepest longings. There’s no one else who can be trusted with the most tender part of our dreams. There’s no one else who’s there to guide, teach, and comfort—when it feels like everyone else has left. 

There’s no one else who has the power to save.

Because God is holy, He is always good. Most of all, He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Rest assured, there is no one else who’s more worthy of your trust, your respect, and your heart.

Ephesians 6:12 KJV
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.12.KJV




Your Battle is Won

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your circumstances or wondered why you keep fighting the same struggle? 

Jesus taught us that life as a Christ-follower will be difficult. Our world is filled with broken people—ourselves included—who do broken things. There will be trials and challenges.

When Adam and Eve decided to pursue something “good” apart from God, their decision allowed evil to enter the world. This means there is a spiritual battle that we cannot see, and it impacts our everyday lives. 

When we give our lives to Jesus, we join His team—but this also means we become a target of the devil, our enemy. Every bad thing that happens to us is not necessarily a direct attack from Satan—sometimes it’s just a result of living in a fallen, broken world. But there is a spiritual element to every situation because the devil is always trying to draw the world away from God, and he is looking for people to destroy. 

When struggles happen, the devil will try to get you to believe lies about God, your situation, yourself, or other people. He will try to get you to doubt your identity and your God-given authority. But God, who has victory over Satan, is always fighting for you. 

Nothing can overcome God, and so when we rely on God—nothing can overcome us. 

In every situation, we are more than conquerors because God deeply loves us. This is why we don’t have to be afraid of the spiritual fight—God has already won it. We need to remind ourselves of this truth so that way we can withstand the attacks from Satan when they come. 

But attacks will end—because God will win. 

So today, fill your mind with truth. Hold fast to your faith and guard your heart. Walk in peace toward everyone, and memorize Scripture so that way you can wield it as a weapon against any spiritual attack that comes your way. 

And know that no matter what you face—God is already fighting for you. He is in control, and He will never leave you.

When you belong to God, you have the power to subdue, crush, and overthrow anything the devil throws at you. God’s power makes you more than a conqueror.

Jeremiah 31:25 NIV
[25] I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.31.25.NIV




God Will Restore You

Have you ever walked through a desert or been in a desolate area? If you’ve spent much time there, then you know how it feels to begin to grow weary or thirsty in an empty, overwhelming land.

The people of Israel often found themselves in the desert. They found themselves within seasons of desolation and abandonment. Over many years of being in the desert, they became exhausted and tired.

In the midst of one of those seasons, God began to speak promises to them through the prophets. God spoke prophecies about the future. He promised them that He would refresh them and satisfy them in the midst of dry and difficult seasons.

While we may not be Israelites walking through the wilderness, we still follow and walk with the same God who walked with them. And if we’re being honest, our spiritual lives can sometimes feel like walking through a dry desert. Some seasons of life are exhausting and difficult to persevere through.

But in the midst of those seasons, God continues to refresh and satisfy His people. He continues to uphold us when we are tired. He does these things for us because His character never changes. He is the same God who continually refreshes His people.

So if you currently feel tired and exhausted, take a moment today to sit with God in prayer. Tell Him exactly how you feel and what is going on in your life. Ask Him to refresh your soul and satisfy you if you feel weary and weak. Allow Him to refresh you and give you rest, and continue to build a habit of talking with God each and every day.

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Romans 8:18 NIV
[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.18.NIV



Suffering Redeemed

Look around and you’ll quickly identify suffering, grief, and injustice. Maybe you’ve experienced injustice yourself. Maybe you’ve gone through difficult seasons. Or maybe you’ve experienced deep and profound grief due to loss. 

Suffering rarely makes sense. We rarely have all of our questions answered within these sorts of seasons. And the hard truth is: most of our questions regarding suffering will go unanswered.

However, Romans 8:18 provides us with a perspective that can help us in seasons of suffering:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

In this verse, Paul, the author of Romans, points us to the future. All throughout Scripture, God has been working within His people to bring redemption and make things new. 

We live in one reality, which includes suffering and grief. But one day, God will return and complete the work He has begun in Jesus. When God returns, Scripture says that all suffering will cease. There will be no more tears, pain, or sickness (Revelation 21:4). At that time, when we join God in heaven, we will be perfected and made whole.

Paul’s encouragement to us is this: persevere through your current season of suffering because what awaits you will be worth waiting for. When God returns and brings us into His presence, we will be perfect and made whole. At that time, we won’t think of the past suffering that we’ve endured. This is why Paul says that our present suffering cannot compare to what will be revealed in us in the future.

How often do you think about heaven? How often do you praise God for His continued work of redeeming us and making us new? Take some time to think about these things.

The more we consider the future and our union with God, the more this perspective will encourage us to endure difficult seasons of life.

Psalms 119:114 NIV
[114] You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.119.114.NIV



Practical Ways to Prioritize God’s Word

In the midst of long seasons and challenging circumstances, God still invites us to come to Him. And one of the best ways to draw closer to God is by spending time in His Word. His words connect our hearts with His truth, and remind us of His faithfulness.

So here are five steps you can take right now—to help you pause, rest, and place your hope in God every day.

PREPARE YOUR HEART
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. 
Psalm 119:114 NIV

Start your quiet time by reciting this Psalm, and then write out your concerns and worries. Visualize putting everything that’s competing for your attention into a box, and then giving that box to God. 

ASK GOD TO SPEAK TO YOU
Before you dive into Scripture, ask God to help you understand His Word, and show you how to apply Scripture correctly to your life. He promises to give us His wisdom when we ask for it.

UNPACK THE MESSAGE
When was the passage written? Who was the intended audience? What is the main theme? Are there any repetitive words and phrases (if so, why)? What does the passage show you about God and other people?

Read through the passage several times, each time answering a different question. Pay special attention to any phrases or ideas that continue to stand out to you.

SUMMARIZE THE SCRIPTURE
Spend several minutes asking God to show you the truths in His Word. Then write down 1-3 key takeaways from the passage. This will help you process the insights God shows you.

EXERCISE THE APPLICATION
Write out 2-3 ways you want to practically apply the Scriptures you’ve studied. Then, regularly check your progress. You can even turn your goals into Prayers in the Bible App, and set reminders to pray about them!

Once you’ve finished meditating on Scripture, spend a few minutes in silent reflection, and then throughout your day—reflect on all that you’ve processed.

Isaiah 1:17 NIV
[17] Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.1.17.NIV


Seeking Justice Like Our Father

In Isaiah 1:17, God calls His people to “learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” These are not just suggestions—they are commands rooted in God’s own heart for justice.

Isaiah highlights three of the most vulnerable groups in his time: the oppressed, the fatherless, and the widow. Their suffering was not to be ignored—it was to be confronted. And the same is true today.

Who are the oppressed? They are those weighed down by injustice, those suffering under the burden of wrongdoing. Defending them is more than offering comfort—it means stepping up, challenging oppression at its source, and refusing to be passive in the face of evil.

Who are the fatherless? In God’s design, parents are protectors and champions for their children. But in a broken world, many children are left without defenders, vulnerable to harm. Taking up their cause means more than acknowledging their need—it means stepping in, seeing their struggles as our own, and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus on their behalf.

Who are the widows? In Isaiah’s time, a woman without a husband often had no security or provision. Even today, many face deep hardship after losing their spouse. Pleading their case isn’t just about sympathy—it’s about advocacy, ensuring they are not ignored, mistreated, or left without support.

The call to justice has always been central to God’s heart. Justice is not separate from faith—it is an expression of it. To follow Jesus is to care about what He cares about, to love those He loves, and to take action on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. This isn’t optional. It’s what it means to be a child of God.

When we seek justice, we reflect the heart of our Father, who is always near to the brokenhearted, always championing the cause of the vulnerable, and always working through His people to bring justice to the world.

To be born again, pray this prayer out

Dear Lord Jesus,


I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and my sinful nature. I believe in the sacrifice you made on my behalf on the cross of Calvary(Romans 10:9-10). I believe you died in my place and nd you rose for my justification. Please come and take charge of my life. Be the Lord and Savior of my life. I henceforth submit to your leading. Satan, I turn my back on you and your ways. Take you hands of my life in Jesus' name. I am now a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). Thank you Lord Jesus, for saving me, in Jesus' name. Amen

Matthew 11:28 NIV
[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.11.28.NIV


Rest for the Weary

Are you carrying an impossibly heavy burden? Are you trying to manage a massive load all by yourself? Are there wounds and worries that are weighing down your soul?

It doesn’t have to be this way …

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus wasn’t saying to come to Him and do nothing. He’s not saying to quit your job and abandon your life and move to a deserted island. This isn’t a call to be idle, but an invitation to rest—and to work from rest.

A yoke is a device used for joining two animals together for a purpose like farm work—for plowing a field or pulling a heavy load. As always, two are stronger than one.

Jesus’ mention of the yoke implies there is still work to be done, but we don’t have to do it alone.

You have a Savior who is humble and gentle, whose compassion is deep and whose love is wide. He is so wild about you that He left the glories of heaven and became human to suffer and die—in order that you might live.

We must draw near to the One who carried the biggest burden of all—the sin and rebellion of the world. The One who conquered death and defeated the grave will eventually redeem all things … once and for all.

God longs for us to come close, to fall in step beside Him, and to lean into His grace. Why? Because we thrive when we live and work from a place of genuine rest.

He’s inviting you to come. Will you? If you’re not sure where to start, simply ask Him for help.

Luke 9:23-24 NIV
[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.9.23-24.NIV



Following the Way of Jesus

Discipleship is at the center of the Christian life. To be a disciple means to be a learner. It means following after Jesus, and patterning our life after His.

Jesus tells us that the starting point of following Him is to deny ourselves. Denying ourselves means we choose to put Jesus’ desires above our own. This means that we must come to recognize that we do not have all the answers, or know the right way to go through life. 

Discipleship is not something we do once or twice. It is a lifestyle that must be lived out each and every day. We will spend our entire lives becoming more like Jesus. 

The way of life Jesus modeled was to suffer on the cross. When we deny ourselves, we choose to humbly follow Jesus. And as we become more like Jesus, we will also need to take up our cross. We will also suffer for doing good, and for denying things that seem enticing in the moment, but ultimately keep us from God. But when we bear our suffering, we represent Christ to those around us.

The paradox of following Jesus is that when we give up our life for His sake, we receive eternal life in return. When we hold onto our life and keep it from Jesus, we don’t get to experience the abundant life that He promises.

Take some time today to consider how you’re living a life of discipleship. Take inventory on the ways you are denying yourself and living for Christ, or living selfishly for your own pleasure and gain. Commit to following Jesus no matter how hard the path gets. And pray for strength and endurance as you follow Him.

John 20:21 NIV
[21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.20.21.NIV


Peace Be with You

When Jesus appears to His disciples after the resurrection, He doesn’t waste time. His first words are, “Peace be with you,” and then, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This moment is the starting line of the Christian mission.

Jesus doesn’t just bring a message of peace—He brings the presence and purpose of God. Just as the Father sent Him into the world to bring light, love, and truth, He now sends us to do the same.

You may feel unqualified, unsure, or like you don’t fit the mold of what a “witness” should be. But this verse—and the video—remind us that Jesus doesn’t ask for perfection. He asks for participation.

Wherever you are, whatever your background, your story matters. Your voice, your culture, your language—God wants to use it. Jesus sends you not alone, but with His peace and His Spirit.

So go. In your own way. With your own words. Into your own neighborhood. You’ve been sent.

Romans 10:13 NIV
[13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.13.NIV

The Simple Gospel

When it comes to understanding the gospel message of Jesus, Romans 10:13 is one of the most important verses…

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13 NIV

The gospel of Jesus is the message that Jesus lived a perfect life and died for our sins on the cross, and through His death and resurrection we can experience true and everlasting life. We are given the opportunity to believe in Jesus, and through faith experience Jesus’ undeserved gift of forgiveness and love.

The most controversial part of this message is that we don’t have to work for it or earn it. Salvation is given to us freely as a gift of God through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Paul, the author of Romans, makes it very clear that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Salvation is not reserved for the rich, famous, or popular. It is given to anyone who recognizes their own insufficiency and their need for Jesus.

This means that we do not need to overcomplicate trusting in Jesus. Paul’s statement is a promise to us all–if we believe in Jesus, then we will be saved.

If you’ve ever questioned whether or not you’re saved, then this promise can encourage you. The way to Jesus is simple. If you trust in Jesus then you are truly saved and don’t need to question it. All that is left is to continue to believe in and follow Jesus every day.

Genesis 1:3 NIV
[3] And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.1.3.NIV


Let There Be Light

The word “light” appears hundreds of times in the Bible. It first appears just three verses into the first book, Genesis, during the Creation story:

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”
Genesis 1:3-4 NIV
 
Later, when the prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’ coming, he framed the Messiah as a “great light” that would dawn on those who were “walking in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in John 8:12 when He declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Darkness cannot exist where there is light. Genesis 1 says that God “separated” the light from the darkness that covered a formless, empty earth. The two things cannot coexist. The same is true of sin and perfection. The world fell into darkness when sin entered it. 

But the world wasn’t completely consumed by darkness–we were only separated from God. That’s why He sent Jesus, the Great Light, to guide us back to Him.

Just as a flame burns brightly, its fire also spreads. When He returned to Heaven, Jesus gave His Spirit to us, so that we might also be light to others! The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:8, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” 

As a child of light, you can be a light in our dark world by the way you live, speak, and act. Today, ask yourself: how will I continue to walk in step with Jesus as my guiding light? What will I do to be a light in my world? Who will I share His light with?

Psalms 105:1 NIV
[1] Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.105.1.NIV

Let the world know!

The Old Testament recounts many moments where God provided for His people. But one powerful retelling of God’s greatness is found in Psalm 105.

Psalm 105 focuses on events found in the book of Exodus—when worshipers were encouraged to remember God’s faithfulness and show gratitude for what He's done. And while all 45 verses are worth studying, let’s take a closer look at the verse that sets the tone for this Psalm, and the four ways it invites us into worship… 

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.” 
Psalm 105:1 ESV 

REFLECT ON GOD'S GOODNESS 
Gratitude comes from recognizing what God has done for us. So in order to show gratitude, we have to recognize how God was at work in our past circumstances. When we do that, we can acknowledge God’s faithfulness and genuinely worship Him.  

THANK GOD 
In Psalm 105:1, the term “giving thanks” stems from the Hebrew word "yadah" which means, “to revere or worship.” To revere someone, you have to respect who they are. Giving thanks is an ongoing act of worship that involves recognizing who God is and offering up gratitude to Him for all that He’s done. 

PRAISE GOD 
The expression that’s often translated as “call upon His name” was often used in corporate worship to encourage people to seek the Lord. 

God’s name carries authority and power and is above all other names, and we proclaim God’s greatness when we call on His great name. When we call on God’s name, we gain a greater understanding of who He is—and this can encourage us to praise Him even more. 

TELL EVERYONE 
God wants everyone to know Him personally, and we get to help people find Him when we proclaim His greatness. As people discover what God has done for us, it can inspire them to seek God for themselves and discover His love for them.

We were made to worship God, and one of the ways we do that is by recounting His wonderful works. So today, intentionally set aside time to reflect on God’s faithfulness. And then—tell other people about His great works. Who knows? Your praise just might inspire others to worship God as well.

Amos 5:24 NIV
[24] But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

https://bible.com/bible/111/amo.5.24.NIV


Reordering Our Priorities

The northern tribes of Israel in Amos' time seemed like they were doing all the right things. They offered sacrifices to God and were exact in their religious observations. And yet, the book of Amos is written to them as a warning—a warning that destruction that would befall them if they refused to change?

Why?

Because they had neglected the true heart of loving and worshiping God.

While they were doing many of the "right" things, it's what they weren't doing that God wanted to address. They failed to take care of the poor and needy. They turned their eyes away from injustice. Many had turned to idols for help and prayer.

Through Amos, God told the people of Israel that it is just as important to be righteous inwardly as it is outwardly. We cannot say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our power to help.

Just as James 1:27 tells us, true religion includes helping orphans, widows, and those who are in distress. James goes on to write that faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:26). In short, faith is both believing in the Lord and doing the things He has told us to do.

Take some time to think about your own life: how much time do you prioritize on your own spirituality versus serving others?

What ways can you begin to take steps toward serving in your church, your neighborhood, or your school in order to help those in need. All of these are ways that our faith becomes complete in Christ as we follow after Him.

James 1:19 NIV
[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.19.NIV


Your Response Matters

When we’re in difficult situations, it isn’t always easy to stay calm or hold our tongues for very long.

But in James 1:19, we hear how we should respond…

Be quick to listen.
Be slow to speak.
Be slow to anger. 

The world is the opposite:

Be slow to hear what others have to say.
Be quick to voice your own opinions.
Be quick to accuse, argue, and fight.

Why is it so important to James that Christ's followers don’t behave like this? Because “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:20)

So what does produce the right kind of living that God desires? 

The Word of God. 

James told his friends to “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21)

He said that if they have the Word of God in them, and if they are obeying it, they will be blessed. (James 1:25)

James is clear that if we are to be followers of God, we must know God’s word and obey it. That means we need to take time to listen to others, pace ourselves when we speak, and keep our anger at bay.  

So next time you’re faced with something that makes you angry, take James’ words to heart. Take time to temper your emotions, think through your feelings and arguments, and humbly pray for God to help you respond with kindness and grace.

Mark 11:24 NIV
[24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.11.24.NIV


Humble Confidence

When we become children of our Heavenly Father, we’re granted the privilege of approaching the King of all kings with our requests. Mark said it this way:

"Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Mark 11:24 NIV

God loves to give His children what they ask for—when asked with the right heart. Think about it this way...

Is a child concerned about approaching their loving parent for a snack, for a hug, for advice, or for help? When we come to God with similar childlike confidence—in sincerity, humility, trust, and even desperation—we can be confident that He hears us. When we submit our request, we might get a ‘yes,’ a ‘no,’ or a ‘not yet,' but no matter what the answer is, we can know that God hears us as we trust Him with our prayers.

Whether you need wisdom, direction, or practical help, you can come boldly before the throne of God (Hebrews 4:16). So today, go to Him with your praises and doubts, thoughts and concerns, thankfulness and disappointments. It gives God great pleasure to provide you with all you need (Luke 12:31-32).

Galatians 6:2 NIV
[2] Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.6.2.NIV



Burden Bearers

Everyone carries burdens. The things we go through shape the way we view the world—and ourselves. But we weren’t meant to carry our burdens alone.  

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says to the people following Him:

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (NLT)

A yoke is a heavy wooden beam that lies across a pair of oxen, evenly distributing the weight of the loads they carry. But the term was also used by Jewish Rabbis. “The yoke of the law” symbolized complete submission to God’s law, and Rabbis taught that becoming yoked to it would free the Jews from enslavement to the world.

Jesus is using a phrase that His Jewish followers would have easily understood, but then He flips the illustration. He tells the crowd that they must yoke themselves to Him—because He is the fulfillment of their law. 

When they do this, the burdens they carry won’t be heavy at all, because He will bear the weight of their burdens.
 
Paul references this teaching in his letter to the Galatian Christians:  

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”   
Galatians 6:2 NLT 

The law of Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). But the only way we can fulfill the law of Christ is if we bind ourselves to Him. When we are yoked to Jesus, He becomes our source of strength. 

He helps us endure hard situations and enables us to walk away from poor decisions. He fills us up with His love so that His love can overflow from us. He gives us the capacity to support other Christ-followers just like He supports us.   

Just as Jesus bore our sins and suffering, we are called to bear the suffering of others. In this way, we show them the love of Christ and guide them toward Jesus.

Right now, spend a few minutes talking to God about the burdens you need help carrying, and then allow Him to show you the people in your life He wants you to support.

Proverbs 9:10 NIV
[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.9.10.NIV

Romans 8:6 NIV
[6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.6.NIV




Think About What You Think About

What you tell yourself every day matters. If you believe something about your identity that isn’t true, then you will struggle to believe what God says about you. 

But, when you root your identity in God and allow His Spirit to shape your life, you will begin to see yourself the way He sees you—and this will influence the way you treat people, situations, opportunities, and events around you.

So here are three ways you can guard your thoughts and declare God’s truth over your life:

1. Identify the lies you tell yourself.

Your words and actions reveal the narratives you tell yourself. To figure out if a narrative is false, ask yourself: Is this thought marked by fear, insecurity, pride, bitterness, or a lack of confidence? Is this thought leading me to cynical or self-serving behavior? If you can answer “yes” to either of those questions, then the narrative you’re telling yourself probably needs to be addressed and adjusted. 

When you can identify where and when you began believing a lie, it’ll be easier to change the way you think.

2. Shift your perspective.

For every lie, there is a truth that can replace it—and those truths can be found in the Bible. Look over your list of lies, and ask God to show you in His Word what His truth is. Create mental space for the Holy Spirit to clearly show you how He sees you.

3. Declare what’s true.

Turn the truths from Scripture into specific, intentional statements you can declare over your life each day. 

Here are some declarations to get you started:

- I am enough because I am a child of God.
- I rejoice in suffering because Christ suffered for me.
- I am not ashamed of Jesus because His sacrifice changes lives.
- I am greatly loved, and so I love others like I have been loved.
- Nothing can separate me from God’s love.

As you practice these steps, keep in mind that if God—whose Word is truth—says something about you, then it must be true. So allow His Holy Spirit to transform the way you think. Let His thoughts about you become your thoughts about you. ​​

Matthew 6:34 NIV
[34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.34.NIV

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
[17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.3.17.NIV

John 20:29 NIV
[29] Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.20.29.NIV

Psalms 34:8 NIV
[8] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.34.8.NIV

1 John 4:9 NIV
[9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.4.9.NIV

Matthew 5:10 NIV
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.10.NIV

Matthew 5:9 NIV
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.9.NIV

Matthew 5:8 NIV
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.8.NIV

Matthew 5:7 NIV
[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.7.NIV

Matthew 5:6 NIV
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.6.NIV