LET GO and SURRENDER

Wednesday July 8, 2026

Scripture

Isaiah 55:8–9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Reflection 

Life is filled with unknowns—unanswered questions, unclear paths, and moments where the future feels foggy. It’s easy for those uncertainties to pull us toward worry or fear. But Isaiah reminds us of something essential: God’s ways and thoughts rise far above ours. What confuses us is clear to Him. What feels uncertain to us is already known to Him.

When we face the unknown, we can call to mind who God is:

• God is all‑knowing—fully aware of the past, present, and future.

• God understands us better than we understand ourselves.

• God sees what we cannot see and knows what we cannot know.

This means the unknowns that trouble us are not unknown to God. We can open our hands and release them into His care.

Proverbs 3:5–6 echoes this invitation: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… and he will make your paths straight.” Our understanding is limited. God’s is not. When we trust Him with the details of our lives, He gives peace that surpasses understanding and guidance that steadies our steps.

And Jesus gently reminds us: “Do not worry about tomorrow… each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34) We don’t have to surrender every unknown all at once. We can give them to God one day at a time—minute by minute, hour by hour.

As followers of Jesus, we can grow into people who trust God in the midst of uncertainty and discover the peace that comes from resting in His higher ways.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Prayer

Father, You see every unknown in my life with perfect clarity. Teach me to trust Your higher ways when mine fall short. Help me release my worries, fears, and uncertainties into Your hands. Guide my steps, calm my heart, and fill me with peace that surpasses understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Name your unknowns — Write down the uncertainties weighing on your heart and offer each one to God.

• Practice daily surrender — Each morning, give God the worries of that day instead of tomorrow’s worries.

• Lean on Scripture — Reflect on passages that remind you of God’s wisdom and care.

• Release control — When you feel anxiety rising, pause and pray: “Lord, I trust Your higher ways.”

TRANSFORM that Worry List

TUESDAY July 7, 2026

Scripture 

Philippians 4:6–7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Reflection 

Worry is something we all experience. It rises quickly, grips tightly, and often refuses to let go. The very word worry comes from an Old English term meaning “to choke” or “strangle”—and that is exactly what it does. It drains strength, steals joy, and crowds out peace.

But Paul invites us to imagine a different way of living: A quiet mind. A guarded heart. A life not dominated by anxious thoughts.

How? By turning worry into prayer.

Paul writes, “In every situation… present your requests to God.” Not just the big crises. Not just the overwhelming moments. Every situation. Every fear. Every concern. Every burden.

And when we do, something supernatural happens: “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God does not simply give peace—He guards us with it. His peace becomes a shield around our thoughts, a protection over our emotions, a barrier against the anxiety that tries to choke us.

This peace is not logical. It is not predictable. It is not something we can manufacture. Paul says it “transcends all understanding”—it is God’s gift, God’s promise, God’s presence surrounding us.

Imagine what life could look like if the time spent worrying became time spent praying. Imagine the space that would open in your mind. Imagine the strength that would return to your heart. Imagine the freedom of living guarded by peace instead of strangled by fear.

This is the promise God offers. And it is available today.

Prayer

Father, You know every anxious thought that rises within me. Teach me to bring each one to You in prayer. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace—peace that goes beyond understanding. Help me trust that You are near, You are listening, and You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

Create a “Worry List” and Turn It Into a “Prayer List”

Write down everything that’s weighing on your mind. Then, beside each item, write a short prayer. This transforms vague anxiety into specific conversation with God.

Set a “Peace Boundary” for Your Thoughts

When your mind starts replaying the same anxious loop, gently say: “No, my mind is guarded by Christ.” This is not denial—it’s spiritual alignment.

Share One Burden With Someone You Trust

Sometimes peace comes through community. Tell one trusted friend or family member what you’re praying about. Let them pray with you or for you.

End Your Day With Release

Before bed, pray: “Lord, I release everything I cannot control.” This helps your heart rest and your mind settle.

QUIET STRENGTH

Monday July 6, 2026

Scripture

Isaiah 30:15

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’”

Reflection 

Isaiah speaks into a moment of deep rebellion. God’s people were determined to follow their own plans, form their own alliances, and silence any voice that confronted their wandering hearts. They said, “Tell us pleasant things… prophesy illusions… stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel.”

It is a heartbreaking picture—people rejecting the very guidance meant to protect and bless them.

And yet, even in their resistance, God’s posture toward them is astonishingly gracious: “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.”

God’s heart has not changed. He still invites His people into a way of life that is radically different from the frantic, noisy, self‑reliant patterns of the world.

His invitation is simple:

Repentance. Rest. Quietness. Trust.

These are not burdens—they are gifts. They are the pathway to salvation and strength.

We live in a culture that echoes the same temptations Israel faced: “Give us pleasant things.” “Tell us what we want to hear.” “Keep us busy.” “Keep us distracted.”

But God calls us back to the practices that anchor the soul. He reminds us that strength is not found in striving, but in surrender. Not in noise, but in stillness. Not in self‑effort, but in trust.

The world urges us toward frenzy. God invites us toward peace.

And His invitation still stands.

Prayer

Father, give us hearts willing to listen. Teach us to turn from our own ways and return to Yours. Help us find rest in Your presence, quietness in Your voice, and strength in trusting You. Make us people who welcome Your instruction and walk in Your peace. Amen.

Application

Meditate on each of these invitations from God. Consider how they might take shape in your life this week.

• Repentance — Turning from self‑reliance toward God’s way.

• Rest — Choosing stillness over striving.

• Quietness — Making space to hear God’s voice.

• Trust — Leaning fully on His wisdom and care.

UNPLUGGED

 Thursday July 3, 2026

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 2:2–3

"By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy."

          Proverbs 14:30

"A heart at peace gives life to the body…"

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REFLECTION

Heading into the weekend, for some a long weekend I thought a little reflection for us today on biblical "rest" might be in order.

From the opening pages of Scripture, we discover that rest is not an afterthought—it is woven into God's design for life. 

After six days of creation, God rested. It wasn't because He was tired or exhausted. The Creator of the universe does not grow weary. God rested because His work was complete. He paused to delight in what He had made, blessed the day, and declared it holy.

By doing so, God established a rhythm for humanity: work has its place, but so does rest.

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to embrace this rhythm. In the Ten Commandments, He instructed Israel to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Rest was never meant to be a reward for finishing everything on our to-do list. It was a gift—a reminder that our lives are sustained not merely by our efforts, but by God's faithful provision.

The Hebrew idea of "rest" carries rich meaning. It speaks of being still, quiet, settled, and at peace. It is more than simply taking a break from work; it is learning to rest in the presence of God.

Our culture often celebrates constant activity. We fill every moment, wear busyness as a badge of honor, and measure our value by our productivity. Yet the more hurried we become, the more disconnected we often feel—from God, from others, and even from ourselves.

Proverbs reminds us that "a heart at peace gives life to the body." Inner peace is not a luxury; it is part of God's design for human flourishing. Times of stillness renew our strength, restore our perspective, and create space for us to hear God's gentle voice.

Jesus echoed this invitation when He said, "Come to Me... and I will give you rest." The deepest rest is not found in a vacation or a day off, but in abiding in Christ. When we intentionally pause, we declare that God is in control and that our worth is found in Him—not in how much we accomplish.

Today, this weekend, receive God's gift of rest. Slow your pace. Quiet your heart. Step away from the noise for a few moments and simply enjoy His presence. You may discover that the greatest productivity begins with peaceful dependence on the One who gives life.

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PRAYER

Father, thank You for the gift of rest. Forgive me for the times I have allowed busyness to crowd out Your presence. Teach me to embrace the rhythm You established from the beginning of creation. Quiet my anxious heart, renew my strength, and help me to find true rest in You. May Your peace fill my mind, refresh my soul, and give life to every part of my being. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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APPLICATION

Set aside at least fifteen uninterrupted minutes today to practice intentional rest. Turn off your phone, step outside, sit quietly with a cup of coffee or tea, or take a slow walk in God's creation. Resist the urge to accomplish something. Instead, simply become aware of God's presence.

Ask yourself:

• What has been stealing my peace?
• Where is God inviting me to slow down?
• How can I build regular rhythms of rest into my week?

Remember, rest is not wasted time—it is holy time. As you learn to pause before God, He will renew your strength and cultivate a heart at peace.

Like a Well-Watered Garden

Thursday July 2, 2026

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 58:11

"The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

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REFLECTION

Isaiah 58:11 is one of Scripture's most beautiful pictures of God's faithful care. In a single verse, God promises to:

• Guide you continually.

• Satisfy your soul even in seasons of drought.

• Strengthen you when you are weak.

• Make your life like a well-watered garden.

• Fill you so completely that you become a never-failing spring for others.

What an incredible promise!

When you picture a well-watered garden, what comes to mind? Perhaps you see vibrant shades of green, colorful flowers, healthy trees, and the unmistakable signs of life. A flourishing garden doesn't struggle to prove it is alive—it simply reflects the care of the gardener.

This is the image God gives of those who trust Him.

The psalmist declares that those who delight in God's Word are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season (Psalm 1:3). Jeremiah echoes the same promise, saying that those who trust in the Lord remain green even in times of drought because their roots draw deeply from Him (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

God never promised a life without heat or dry seasons. He promised that His presence would sustain us through them. When our roots are anchored in Him, His grace continually refreshes our souls, enabling us not only to endure but to flourish.

Today, let this promise sink deeply into your heart. Wherever you see the beauty of a garden, let it remind you of the life God desires to cultivate within you.

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PRAYER

Father, thank You for Your unfailing promises. Thank You for guiding me, strengthening me, and refreshing my soul even in life's dry seasons. Plant my life deeply in You so that I may flourish like a well-watered garden. Let Your living water continually fill my heart and overflow into the lives of those around me. May my life reflect Your beauty, Your faithfulness, and Your abundant grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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APPLICATION

Spend a few moments outdoors today. I know we are in a heat wave, but a few moments in creation will not be a waste. Visit a garden, sit beneath a tree, or simply notice the beauty of God's creation around you. As you do, remember that God desires your spiritual life to flourish in the same way. Ask yourself, "Am I drawing daily from the living water that only Christ can provide?" Then take time to read Isaiah 58:11 again, allowing its promises to refresh your heart and strengthen your trust in God's faithful care.

O CANADA

 July 1, 2026

Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.

Canada Day is a time to pause—not just to appreciate the beauty of this country, but to reflect on the calling God gives to everyone who calls it home. The Bible reminds us that “righteousness exalts a nation”. Proverbs 14:34 shows the deep connection between moral integrity and a nation's prosperity. Here we have the profound calling, to use New Testement language, that God’s people are called to be salt and light wherever they are.

As Canadians, we enjoy freedoms that many around our world long for: freedom to gather, to speak, to worship, to build communities of compassion and hope. These are gifts, but they are also responsibilities. The gospel reminds us that real greatness comes not from power, but from serving others; not from pride, but from staying humble; not from creating division, but from seeking reconciliation.

On Canada Day, we’re reminded that this land holds both beauty and hardship. We celebrate the strength and wisdom of Indigenous peoples, the bravery of newcomers finding refuge, and the steady dedication of those working for justice, healing, and peace. We also remember the church’s call to live out Christ’s love in ways that bless the nation—not by avoiding its challenges, but by stepping into them with grace.

So today, we give thanks for Canada. And we ask God to shape us into citizens who reflect His Kingdom: people who listen well, love deeply, serve generously, and pray faithfully.

Prayer

God of grace and justice,
we lift up our nation before You.
Thank You for its beauty, diversity, and the freedoms we enjoy.
We pray for our leaders, at every level of government.
Give them wisdom beyond politics, compassion beyond policies,
and courage to do what is right even when it is hard.

We ask Your peace to rest on our cities and towns,
Your justice to guide our institutions,
and Your mercy to heal our history and divisions.

Bless Indigenous communities with strength and voice,
immigrants and refugees with welcome and opportunity,
and all who labor for the good of others with perseverance and hope.

May Your church in Canada be bold in love,
humble in service,
and faithful in prayer.

Lead us, not only as citizens of this great nation Canada,
but as ambassadors of Your Kingdom.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
our true King and Prince of Peace,
Amen.

Living with Skill

 Tuesday June 30, 2026

Scripture

Proverbs 1:1–7

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight... The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Romans 1:16–17

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes... For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last."

 

Reflection

When we hear the word wisdom, we usually think of intelligence or knowledge. However, the Hebrew word for wisdom has a deeper meaning and can also be translated as skill.

In the book of Exodus, the same word is used to describe the craftsmen God gifted to build the tabernacle. They weren’t just knowledgeable—they had the skill to create something beautiful with their hands. This gives us a great picture of what Proverbs is all about. Biblical wisdom isn’t just about knowing the right answers; it’s about learning the art of living well. It’s the God-given ability to navigate daily life in a way that reflects His character. Wisdom isn’t simply something you have—it’s something you put into practice.

In the opening lines of  the book of Proverbs, Solomon makes it clear why these sayings were written: to share wisdom, guidance, insight, good judgment, and discernment. In short, Proverbs is God’s guide to living well. But before sharing how to live wisely, Solomon points out where wisdom begins: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

For many of us, the word fear can feel unsettling, often bringing to mind being scared or terrified of God. But Scripture reminds us that God loves us deeply, and that “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). The fear of the Lord is something else entirely—it’s about standing in awe of who God is.

Imagine staring up at a night full of stars. Such moments fill us with awe because we know we’re experiencing something far greater than ourselves. We feel pulled toward it, even as we marvel at its greatness. 

That’s what it means to fear the Lord. It is being captivated by His holiness, amazed by His goodness, in awe of His power, and drawn into a deeper relationship with Him.

And that relationship changes everything.

The Bible calls this righteousness. Righteousness is often misunderstood as simply "being a good person." But at its heart, righteousness is about being in a right relationship with God. It is living connected to the One who created us and gives us life.

That is why Paul says the Gospel reveals the righteousness of God. Through Jesus, we are invited back into relationship with our heavenly Father. Wisdom grows naturally out of that relationship.

Jesus showed that true righteousness comes from abiding in Him. When we remain close to Christ, His life begins shaping ours, and we gradually learn to live with wisdom, grace, humility, and love.

"The skill of living well doesn't begin with mastering principles. It begins with knowing the Master."

The closer we walk with Him, the more skillfully we learn to live.

Prayer

Father, thank You for drawing me into a relationship with You. Fill my heart with awe and wonder as I grow to know You more. Teach me that wisdom is more than gaining knowledge—it’s learning to walk each day in step with You. Help me to listen, learn, and live wisely in every part of my life. Through Jesus, make me wise. Amen.

Application

• Begin with worship. Spend a few moments today simply reflecting on God's greatness before asking Him for anything.
• 
  
• Practice one piece of wisdom. Choose one area of your life—your speech, your relationships, or your decisions—and intentionally apply God's wisdom.
• 
  
• Stay connected to Christ. Remember that true wisdom flows from a growing relationship with Jesus, not merely from gaining more information.

 

Already on the Way?

 Monday June 29, 2026

Scripture

Isaiah 65:24

"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."

Romans 8:26–27

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."

Reflection

Some verses reshape the way we see God. Isaiah 65:24 is one of those verses for me.

For much of my life, I assumed prayer began with me. If I wanted to talk with God, it was my responsibility to initiate the conversation. I had learned that prayer was a spiritual discipline—and rightly so. We were encouraged to pray faithfully, to spend time with God, and to make prayer a priority.

Those things are true.

But somewhere along the way, I also began to believe that prayer depended on me. I felt as though I had to get God's attention, find the right words, or somehow begin a conversation that He was waiting for me to start. Without realizing it, prayer became more of a duty than a delight.

Then I came across Isaiah's remarkable promise:

"Before they call I will answer;

while they are still speaking I will hear."

Everything changed.

What if prayer doesn't begin with us at all?

What if the desire to pray is actually God's invitation? What if those moments when we suddenly feel the need to pray—during a crisis, while carrying a burden, when we need wisdom, strength, or peace—are evidence that God is already drawing us into a conversation He has already begun?

Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of a God who is never distant or reluctant. He is already attentive. Before we form the words, He knows our hearts. Before we voice our needs, He is already preparing His response. Before we realize we need Him, He is reaching toward us with grace.

The apostle Paul echoes this same truth in Romans 8. He reminds us that even when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit is already at work within us, praying on our behalf according to the Father's will. We are never left to figure prayer out on our own. God Himself is actively involved from beginning to end.

That means prayer is far more than bringing requests to heaven.

Prayer is responding to the God who has already come near.

The impulse to pray may actually be one of God's greatest gifts. It is His Spirit gently inviting us into His presence because He has something He wants to share—peace for our anxiety, wisdom for our confusion, strength for our weakness, or simply the assurance that we are not facing life alone.

This has transformed the way I pray.

Now, when I sense that quiet nudge to stop and pray, I no longer see it as another task on my spiritual checklist. I see it as an invitation from my heavenly Father. The conversation has already begun. He is simply asking me to join Him.

Prayer doesn't start with us.

It starts with the God who loved us first, sought us first, and speaks before we even call.

Prayer

Father, thank You that You are always the One who makes the first move toward me. Thank You that You know my needs before I speak and that Your Spirit helps me even when I don't have the words to pray. Teach me to recognize Your invitations throughout the day and to respond with trust. Help me to see prayer not as a burden, but as a loving conversation with the God who is already near. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application

• Notice God's invitations. When you suddenly feel prompted to pray today, pause and consider that God may already be inviting you into His presence.

• Pray honestly. Don't worry about finding the perfect words. Your Father already knows your heart.

• Trust the Holy Spirit. When you don't know what to pray, remember that the Spirit is already interceding for you.

• Rest in God's initiative. Begin your prayers with gratitude, remembering that God sought you before you ever sought Him.

From Small to Stunning

 Friday June 26, 2026

Scripture

Matthew 13:31–32

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it becomes a tree…”

2 Corinthians 3:18

“We are being transformed into his image from one degree of glory to another…”

Reflection

Jesus loved using everyday things to help us understand God’s kingdom, and the mustard seed is one of His best examples. It’s tiny—easy to overlook, easy to underestimate. But once it’s planted, it grows into something big enough and strong enough for birds to rest in.

That’s how God works. He takes what looks small, weak, or insignificant and turns it into something life‑giving.

I’ve started noticing how often trees show up in scripture as pictures of God’s work. They don’t grow overnight. They don’t rush. They just keep stretching upward, season after season, ring by ring. Flowers don’t start out beautiful—they grow into beauty. Creation is always transforming, always becoming.

And honestly, we’re the same.

God’s plan has always been to shape us into something beautiful—people who reflect His love, His character, His heart. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He made that transformation possible. And through the Holy Spirit, He keeps growing us, little by little, one degree of glory at a time.

Sometimes the growth feels slow. Sometimes it feels hidden. Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening at all. But God is always at work beneath the surface, turning small seeds into strong branches.

The only thing left for us is to lean in—to say yes to the growth He wants to bring, even if it starts small.

Prayer

God, thank You for taking the small things in my life and growing them into something meaningful. Help me trust the slow, steady work You’re doing in me. Shape me into the image of Christ, one step at a time. Let my life become a place where others can find rest, hope, and encouragement. Amen.

Application

• Notice your “mustard seed” moments — Where is God starting something small in you right now?

• Invite God into your growth — Ask Him to keep shaping you, even in the slow seasons.

• Reflect on past transformation — Look back at who you were a year ago. What has God grown in you?

• Encourage someone else’s growth — Remind someone that small beginnings matter.

More Than You Can Measure

 Thursday June 25, 2026

Scripture

Romans 5:5

“This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Ephesians 3:18–19

“May you have the power to understand… how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.”

Reflection

If you’ve ever stood at Niagara Falls—summer, winter, morning, late at night—you know the feeling. The water never stops. It doesn’t slow down. It doesn’t take a break. It just keeps pouring over the edge, second after second after second.

And the numbers are wild: over 2.5 million litres of water every single second over the Horseshoe Falls. Every. Single. Second. It’s honestly hard to wrap your mind around.

That’s the picture that comes to mind when Paul says God pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Not a drizzle. Not a sprinkle. A constant, unstoppable, overflowing rush of love, grace, compassion, and goodness.

And yet—let’s be honest—it’s still hard to fully grasp. We run out of words. We run out of categories. We run out of imagination. Paul knew that too, which is why he prayed that we’d have power to understand God’s love. Not just information. Not just theory. Power. Because God’s love is bigger than our brains can conceive.

So here’s the good news: You don’t have to figure out God’s love on your own. You don’t have to “feel enough” or “understand enough.” The Holy Spirit helps you take it in—bit by bit, day by day.

Just like the Falls never stop flowing, God’s love never stops pouring. And the Spirit keeps helping us receive it.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, fill my heart again, and again, with the love of God. Help me grasp what I can’t fully understand— how wide, long, high, and deep Your love really is. Let that love shape how I think, how I live, and how I treat others today. Amen.

Application

• Name where you need God’s love today — Is it fear? Stress? Loneliness? A relationship?

• Ask the Spirit to pour love into that place — Not in theory, but in a real, felt way.

• Reflect on a moment you’ve experienced God’s love — Big or small, name it and thank Him.

• Share encouragement with someone else — Pass along a reminder of God’s never‑ending love.

Strength Now, Surprises Later

Wednesday June 24, 2026

Scripture

Habakkuk 3:19

“The Eternal Lord is my strength! He has made my feet like the feet of a deer; He allows me to walk on high places.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Reflection

Some days feel like you are climbing a mountain with flip‑flops on. Life gets steep, messy, unpredictable. Habakkuk gets that. His world was shaking, but he still declared, “God is my strength.” Not might be. Not hopefully will be. Is.

And then he uses this great image: “He makes my feet like a deer’s.” Deer don’t panic on cliffs. They move with confidence on terrain that would make the rest of us freeze. Habakkuk is saying, “God gives me the kind of footing I could never create on my own.”

Then Paul comes along in 1 Corinthians and adds another layer: God isn’t just helping you stand—He’s preparing things for you that you can’t even imagine yet. You haven’t seen it. You haven’t heard it. You haven’t even dreamed it.

Put the two together and you get this: God gives you strength for the climb and surprises at the top.

Even when the path feels shaky, God is steady. Even when you can’t see what’s ahead, God is already preparing it. And even when you feel unqualified for the “high places,” God is shaping your feet for the journey.

If you’re in a season that feels steep, don’t assume you’re failing. You might just be climbing toward something God has prepared.

Prayer

God, thank You for being my strength when I feel weak. Give me steady feet when the path feels uneven. Help me trust that You’re preparing things for me that I can’t yet see. Lift my eyes, steady my steps, and lead me to the places You’ve designed for me. Amen.

Application

• Name your steep place — What part of your life feels like a climb right now? Say it out loud to God.

• Ask for “deer‑feet” strength — Pray specifically for confidence, stability, and courage.

• Look for small signs of God’s preparation — Pay attention this week to moments where God is already ahead of you.

• Encourage someone else who’s climbing — Share Habakkuk 3:19 or 1 Corinthians 2:9 with someone who needs hope.

Ordinary Hands

 May 20, 2026

Exodus 31:1–5

 “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills...”

 I believe when we think about people filled with the Spirit of God, our minds often think of the Old Testament Prophets preaching, or Kings leading nations, or Priests standing in holy places like a temple or synogogue leading the worship of the community of God’s people.

But, the unexpected is described for us in Exodus 31. Here we are introduced to the first person in Scripture who was specifically described as being “filled with the Spirit of God.” He is not a Prophet, not a King, not a Priest, he is none of those things. He is a craftsman by the name of Bezalel.

Bezalel is such an exciting part of the Story of God’s people. He was not called to deliver sermons or lead armies into battle. He was called, are you ready for this(?), He was called to work with his hands. God filled him with the Spirit to design, build, carve, shape, sew, and create beauty for the tabernacle. Amazing right!!

Bezalel’s calling matters profoundly. Because it reminds us that the Spirit of God is not only present in dramatic moments or public ministry. The Spirit is also present in workshops, kitchens, offices, classrooms, farms, studios, garages, and everyday acts of faithful work.

God says that He filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and craftsmanship.

What I want us to notice in the language here is that creativity, craftsmanship,  is not treated as separate from spirituality. The skill of a craftsman is not viewed as less holy, or less spiritual than preaching or prayer.

The Spirit empowers imagination. The Spirit inspires excellence. The Spirit delights in beauty, order, detail, and meaningful work.

I feel that sometimes we wrongly divide life into “sacred” and “ordinary” or "secular" categories, as though God only cares about what happens in church buildings. But Exodus 31teaches us something different. God cares about the work of human hands. He values artistry, craftsmanship, and creativity because these things reflect the work of the Creator Himself.

I find this passage holds something important and encouraging for us. So often, I hear people wondering about what they have to offer to God. They say “my gifts are just ordinary, I’m not a Prophet, Priest, or King,  I’m not a leader." Yet this story about Bezalel reminds us that the Spirit delights in filling ordinary people for unexpected and extremely meaningful purposes.

Some people build.

Some organize.

Some encourage.

Some teach children.

Some repair broken things.

Some cook meals.

Some create music.

Some care for the hurting.

Some work behind the scenes where few people notice.

The Bible tells us that the Spirit works through all of it. The kingdom of God is built through countless faithful acts of Spirit-filled service that often go unseen.

As we move toward the season of Pentecost, we see this same truth expanding into the life of the church. At Pentecost, the Spirit is poured out not on one gifted individual, but on the whole community of believers. The Spirit equips ordinary people with diverse gifts for one shared mission.

Some speak. Some serve. Some lead. Some create. Some show mercy. Some offer wisdom. Some strengthen others quietly and faithfully.

 The Spirit of God forms a body where every gift matters and every person has a place. The same Spirit who filled Bezalel still fills God’s people today.

Let me ask you to think about the following today, “What gifts, skills, or passions has God placed in your life?”

Could it be that God’s Spirit wants to use those very things, not just in extraordinary situations, but in your everyday work, relationships, and acts of service? 

Let’s Pray

Holy Spirit,
thank You for working through ordinary people.
Fill us with wisdom, creativity, faithfulness, and joy in the work You have given us to do. Teach us to see our gifts as opportunities to serve Your kingdom.
Use our hands, our minds, our words, and our daily lives for Your glory.

Amen.

THE SPIRIT WHO CREATES

 May 18, 2026

Genesis 1:2

 “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”  

The Bible tells us that before there was light, sky, land, or living creatures, the Spirit of God was already there, present, moving, hovering over the deep.

The book of Genesis introduces the Spirit not with sound or a dazzling display, but with the picture of a quiet, faithful presence. We read that the world was formless, empty, and dark, yet the Spirit did not pull away from the chaos. The Spirit moved toward it.

The Hebrew word for “hovering” carries the image of a bird watching over its nest, gentle and protective. For example in “Deuteronomy 32:11 we read "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young...” This describes a bird fluttering protectively over its young, attentively and preparing them for life.

So in Genesis, the Spirit is not absent from chaos. The Spirit is moving over it like a mother bird over a nest, preparing creation for birth, order, beauty, and life. Before creation takes shape, the Spirit is already preparing for life.

You know what, that is still how the Spirit works today.

When life feels uncertain, cluttered, or overwhelming, God’s Spirit does not abandon us. The Spirit enters the confusion and begins bringing order, beauty, and hope.

God's good Creation continually affirms this truth. Each sunrise or sunset, each flowing river we take in, and every night sky loaded with stars, testify to a world created by the breath of God. What the Bible teaches us is that the same Spirit who shaped creation is still active, transforming hearts, renewing minds, and breathing life into weary souls.

And the approaching season of Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit’s work did not end in Genesis with creation.

The same Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation now moves among God’s people, shaping courage, unity, compassion, and new life. Pentecost reveals creation renewed as the Spirit breathes God’s life into us once again.

So today, consider this:

What part of your life feels unfinished, uncertain, or empty right now?

I wonder if perhaps that is the very place where the Spirit is already hovering, bringing life in ways you cannot yet see.


Let's Pray

Holy Spirit,
hover over the places in my life that feel chaotic or unfinished.
Bring Your peace where there is fear,
Your light where there is darkness,
and Your life where I feel empty.
Shape me into part of Your new creation.
Amen.