New Beginnings: The Dove

 Tuesday August 11, 2026

Scripture

Genesis 8:11

“Then the dove returned to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!”

Reflection

Noah had been in the ark for a long time. The flood had changed everything.He couldn't see what was happening outside. He didn't know exactly when the waiting would end.

Then the dove returned with an olive leaf. It was a small thing—but it carried an enormous message:

Life was returning.

And I believe it matters that it was a dove. Throughout Scripture and indeed across cultures, doves have carried a particular kind of symbolism: gentleness, peace, purity, and the quiet arrival of hope. Doves don’t force their way into a scene—they appear softly, almost humbly. Their presence is often the sign that God is doing something gentle, something new, something life‑giving.

In the Noah’s story, the dove became a messenger of transition. The dove did not announce the dramatic end of the flood. Nor did the dove's presence signal the full restoration of the world. The Dove was the first sign that the long season of waiting was shifting.

I have found that many times God’s encouragement comes in the little experiences in life.

A conversation. A phone call. A little progress. A moment of peace. A door opening. A reminder from Scripture.

We may be looking for something dramatic while God is quietly showing us that new life is beginning.

The olive leaf in the Dove's beak did not mean everything was back to normal following the flood. There was still a lot of work ahead.

But it was evidence that the story was changing.

I wonder today how many of us need to notice the little signs of grace around us—the “doves” God sends your way, carrying hints of hope in their beaks.

Prayer

God, help me notice the small signs of Your grace. When I am waiting for something big, remind me not to overlook the little ways You are already bringing new life. Amen.

Application

Ask yourself: “Where might God be showing me that something new is beginning?”

Write down one small sign of hope you see today.

Out of Nowhere: The Raven

Monday August 10, 2026

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit, breathe on these Scriptures as they are read. Make familiar words fresh, and new words clear. Stir faith, awaken hope, and lead us into the truth that sets us free. Amen.

Scripture

1 Kings 17:2-6

2 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”

5 So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

Reflection

Let's be honest: ravens aren't exactly the favorites of the bird world. If you're expecting a care package, you usually don't expect it to be delivered by a scavenger.

Ravens are incredibly intelligent, but they are also self-centered gatherers who look out for number one, and they are way more likely to steal your lunch than share theirs. That goes against every instinct they have. 

For me, that’s exactly what makes this story so interesting and encouraging. Let's confess the truth we know from our faith experiences, God rarely provides for us in the exact way we map out in our minds.

Picture Elijah. He’s hiding out by a stream in the middle of a massive, terrifying drought. He has absolutely no idea where his next meal is coming from, but God already had it covered. And His delivery method? A flock of selfish, noisy scavengers.

We often fall into the trap of believing that God's help must come through the “right” people,  or the perfectly arranged circumstances that we would have chosen ourselves. But thankfully, God isn’t limited by our expectations.

I believe our reading today of a scavenger bird dropping off a meal for a Prophet is the perfect reminder for us, that God can—and will—use completely unexpected people, weird circumstances, and out-of-the-blue opportunities to take care of us.

We may have no clue how God is going to pull it off and deliver his care for us. But, know this, we can absolutely trust that He will.

Prayer

Lord, help me to take a breath and trust You, especially when I can't see how things are going to work out. Remind me that the ways You provide aren't limited by my own expectations. Give me the eyes to see the weird, wonderful, and unexpected ways You're taking care of me today. Amen.

Today's Application

• Keep an eye out: Look for just one totally unexpected way God has provided for you recently (even if it didn't look the way you wanted it to).
  
  
• Show some gratitude: Thank God for something basic that you usually brush off or take for granted.
  
  
• When panic or anxiety sets in: If you find yourself stressing about tomorrow, just pause and pray: “God, I have no idea how this is going to happen, but I trust You.”

Keep Coming

Wednesday August 5, 2026

Dear Friends, this will be the last Devotion for this week. I will be back next week. 

_________________________

Scripture

Luke 18:1

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Reflection 

Jesus opens this parable above by telling us exactly why He’s sharing it: we should always pray and not give up.

This tells us something important. Jesus already knew there would be seasons when His followers would be tempted to stop praying. He knew there would be prayers that seemed unanswered, hopes that appeared delayed, and circumstances that made people wonder whether God was listening at all.

So He tells the story of a widow.

In the ancient world, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society. She had little social standing, little influence, and few resources. Yet she possessed one thing that no one could take away—she refused to quit. Again and again she came before the judge with the same request:

"Grant me justice."

The judge was everything God is not. Jesus describes him as someone who neither feared God nor cared about people. He had no compassion, no integrity, and no desire to help. Eventually he granted her request, not because he became righteous, but simply because her persistence became impossible to ignore.

Jesus' point is found in the contrast.

If even an unjust judge eventually responds to persistent pleading, how much more will our heavenly Father hear the cries of His beloved children?

The widow had to convince a reluctant judge.

We never have to convince a reluctant God.

The Father who invites us to pray already loves us before we ask. He knows our needs before we speak. He delights in giving good gifts to His children. Prayer is never about overcoming God's resistance. It is about drawing near to the God who has already drawn near to us.

That changes everything.

This parable is meant to give us confidence—real confidence—to keep praying even when answers seem slow or unclear.

We all know what it feels like to pray for something again and again and wonder if God is listening. Maybe you’ve prayed for healing, for a breakthrough, for a relationship to be restored, for a situation to change—and nothing seems to move. Maybe you’ve wondered if your faith is weak or if God is distant.

Jesus tells this story to say: Don’t stop. Don’t quit. Don’t lose heart. Your Father hears you. Your Father cares. Your Father is working.

We keep praying because we know God’s character. He is wise, good, loving, sovereign, and perfect. Even when He doesn’t answer the way we want or in the timeframe we hope for, He is still working for our good (Romans 8:28). That truth alone is enough to keep us praying with confidence.

God will glorify His name and work for the ultimate good of His children. That’s why we don’t lose heart. That’s why we keep praying. That’s why we persist like the widow—trusting the One who loves us far more than any earthly judge ever could.

Prayer

God, we bring before You the things we’ve been praying about for a long time. Based on Jesus’ parable, we ask again—trusting Your character and Your promises. We ask for Your provision, Your help, Your justice, Your mercy, Your healing. Do what only You can do. Make our hearts persistent like the widow’s—steady, hopeful, and full of trust. Teach us to persevere in prayer.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Pray again today — Bring that long‑standing request back to God with fresh trust.

• Hold onto Romans 8:28 — Let God’s promise steady your heart when answers feel slow.

 

PRAY and WATCH

Tuesday August 4, 2026

Scripture

Psalm 5:3

“In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

Reflection 

Psalm 4 ends with the psalmist lying down in peace because God keeps him safe. Psalm 5 picks up the next morning with a simple, beautiful truth: God hears you the moment you wake up. Before your feet hit the floor, before your mind starts racing, before the day gets busy—God is already listening.

The psalmist talks about laying his requests before God and watching for Him. It’s the same idea we see in Romans 12:1—offering ourselves as a living sacrifice. That’s a great way to start the day: “God, here I am. My body, my mind, my plans—use them however You want.”

And then, like the psalmist, we watch. We pay attention. We look for how God will lead, guide, provide, and show Himself strong throughout the day.

Isn’t that the kind of life you want? A life where you wake up knowing God hears you, where you offer yourself to Him, and where you watch expectantly for what He will do?

Rise in the morning. Lift your voice. He is the God who listens.

Prayer

God, thank You for hearing us the moment we wake up. Thank You for new mercies, fresh breath, and another day to walk with You.

We offer ourselves as living sacrifices—here is our life today. Spend us however You want. Lead us by Your Spirit. Give us strength, peace, and calm hearts. Guard our minds the way You guarded us through the night.

We watch for You, Lord. Show us how You will provide, guide, and work on our behalf today. We trust You, knowing Your ear is attentive to us all day long.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Start your morning with God — Before checking your phone, whisper a short prayer.

• Offer yourself as a living sacrifice — Begin the day with surrender instead of stress.

• Watch for God’s activity — Pay attention to small ways God leads or provides.

• End the day with gratitude — Reflect on how God listened and responded throughout the day.

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Planning or Praying What Comes First?

Monday August 3, 2026

Scripture

Acts 1:14

"They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

Reflection 

In the opening chapters of Acts, prayer keeps showing up as a defining habit of Jesus’ followers. Today’s verse is one of three moments where we see the early church devoted to prayer (see also Acts 2:42; 6:4).

Jesus had just ascended. The disciples had watched Him die, rise again, and return to heaven. An angel told them He would come back. Jesus Himself had promised that the Holy Spirit would empower them to be His witnesses “to the end of the earth.”

And what did they do next? They didn’t start planning. They didn’t form committees. They didn’t brainstorm strategies.

They prayed. Together. Constantly.

These were people who had been given a global mission—make disciples of all nations—yet their first instinct wasn’t to organize; it was to seek God. They knew they didn’t have the power to accomplish anything on their own. They needed the Spirit.

I believe that is a good check for us too. When you think about your life, your responsibilities, your calling—are you more devoted to planning or praying? Planning is good and necessary, but if prayer isn’t the foundation, we’re running on our own strength. And our strength isn’t enough.

Let’s not spend hours planning and only minutes praying. Let’s flip that. Let’s be people who depend on God first, who seek His power before our ideas, and who remember that we can’t do anything apart from Him.

The early church didn’t move until they prayed. Maybe we shouldn’t either.

Prayer

God, help us become people who truly devote ourselves to prayer. Guard us from relying on our own plans, strategies, and abilities.

Teach us to pray like the early disciples—dependent, expectant, and desperate for Your power. Make prayer our first instinct, not our last resort.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Start with prayer — Before making a plan today or this week, pause and pray first.

                     Lord, help me to seek that which is in Your heart for me today.

Are You BOLD

Friday July 31, 2026

Scripture

Mark 11:24

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Reflection 

This is one of those verses that makes us pause. Jesus says that whatever we ask for in prayer—if we believe—we will receive it. But we’ve all prayed for things with sincere faith and watched them not happen. So what is Jesus really saying?

Read in isolation, Mark 11:24 can appear to suggest a “name it and claim it” approach—believe strongly enough, and God will grant anything desired, from health to wealth to success. However, Jesus never endorsed such teaching. Throughout Scripture, prayer is consistently portrayed not as a way to compel God’s action, but as a means of aligning our hearts with His will.

That’s why Jesus’ words in John 15:7 help us understand this promise: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

The foundation of confident prayer is abiding in Jesus and letting His words shape our desires. When His Word forms our wants, our prayers naturally align with God’s will. And when our prayers align with God’s will, we can ask boldly and trust fully.

There will still be moments when we don’t know exactly what God is doing. Will He heal this person? Will He change this situation? We don’t always know. But we do know He is working for our good (Romans 8:28), and we can pray with confidence in His wisdom, not ours.

And there are many things we always know we can ask for. Here are a few:

1. God’s Presence

Because God promises to draw near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8). Bold prayer says: “Lord, be near. Make Yourself known. Dwell with us.”

2. Wisdom

James 1:5 says God gives wisdom “generously and without finding fault.” This is one of the few things Scripture explicitly says you can ask for without hesitation.

3. Mercy and Forgiveness

Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with boldness…” Bold prayer says: “God, forgive me fully, restore me completely.”

4. The Holy Spirit

Luke 11:13 — God delights to give the Spirit to those who ask. This is a guaranteed “yes” prayer.

5. Strength in Weakness

Paul prayed boldly for strength because Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

6. Deliverance from Evil

The Lord’s Prayer itself commands us to ask boldly for protection and rescue.

7. Spiritual Growth and Christlikeness

God’s will is your sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3). Bold prayer says: “Make me more like Jesus — whatever it takes.”

8. Peace

Philippians 4:6–7 links bold prayer directly to supernatural peace.

These are God’s will for us, and He delights to give them.

So pray boldly. Pray biblically. Pray confidently. And trust God to answer in the way that is best.

Prayer

God, teach us to pray with confidence in Your Word, right now, we ask for wisdom according to Your Word, joy according to Your Word, peace according to Your Word, patience according to Your Word, and Your provision for our needs and the needs of others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Align your desires — Let Scripture shape what you pray for this week.

• Ask boldly — Bring your requests to God with confidence in His wisdom.

• Pray Scripture — Use Jesus’ words to guide your prayers.

• Trust His timing — Rest in God’s goodness even when answers look different than expected.

Let's Withdraw

Wednesday July 29, 2026

Scripture

Luke 5:15–16

"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Reflection 

After focusing our attention over the last little while on the importance of the spiritual discipline of reading, hearing, and meditating on God’s Word, today we begin looking at another closely related spiritual discipline—prayer. To see the importance of prayer to our spiritual growth, we need to simply look at the ministry of Jesus.

If you have time today I invite you read all of Luke 5, there we find that word of Jesus reputation and works were speading and that crowds were pressing in on Jesus. People were coming from everywhere to hear Him teach and to be healed. His ministry was exploding with activity and need. Yet in the middle of all that, we read Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

That’s striking isn't it? After all, Jesus had every reason to stay busy—people needed Him, miracles were happening, the crowds were growing. But He still withdrew. He still made space. He still prioritized time alone with the Father.

What we see in our reading of the Gospels, is that everything Jesus did flowed out of His intimacy with God. His teaching, His healing, His compassion, His strength—all of it was rooted in prayer.

And His example shows us something simple but life‑changing: Time alone with God isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Now, finding quiet moments can be hard. Life is full. Work demands attention. Schedules get packed. But even if it’s just a few minutes, carving out space to be alone with God matters. And when it’s hard to find that time, God still sees and honors the desire.

The good news? God wants that time with you. God delights in meeting you. God welcomes you into quiet places where your heart can rest.

So let’s follow Jesus’ example—withdraw when we can, quiet our minds, and spend time with our Father.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for showing us what it means to live a life of prayer. Give us the desire and discipline to spend time alone with You. Draw us into deep, focused communion—where we can enjoy Your company, find rest in You, and share our hearts openly. Help us to make prayer a central part of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Find a quiet moment — Choose one small window today to step away and pray.

• Guard your prayer time — Treat your prayer moments as appointments you protect.

• Pray throughout the day — When alone time is hard, turn small moments into prayer moments.

Carried Along

Tuesday July 28, 2026

Scripture

2 Peter 1:21

“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection 

Today’s verse gives us one of the clearest, simplest explanations of how Scripture came to us. Peter says the prophets didn’t write from their own ideas or personal agendas. They spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

It’s the same truth we see in “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Human authors wrote the words, but the Holy Spirit guided, inspired, and carried them so that what we read today is truly God’s voice.

That means the Bible isn’t just ancient literature or religious history. It’s supernatural. It’s God revealing Himself—His character, His mercy, His grace, His ways, His promises, His plan for abundant life now and forever.

And because God has revealed Himself, we’re not left guessing who He is or how He works. We are not stumbling around in the dark. We have God's Spirit‑breathed Word right in front of us.

Our take away today is that God has spoken—and His Word is worth our time, attention, and delight.

Prayer

God,

Thank You for carrying your faithful servants along by Your Holy Spirit so they could record Your truth for all generations. Thank You for giving us a supernatural, Spirit‑breathed book that reveals who You are and that is a guiding light for our walk with you.

God, help me love Your Word more deeply. Let Your Word spread through my life in the power of Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Read with expectation — Approach Scripture reading with the mindset of knowing it is Spirit‑breathed and supernatural.

God's Word and the Good Life

Monday July 27, 2026

Scripture

Ezra 7:10

"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”

Reflection 

In the Bible, Ezra is described as a man with the good hand of God on him, and today’s verse shows why: he devoted himself to studying God’s Word, living it out, and teaching it to others. It’s really a simple pattern, but a powerful one—study it, obey it, share it.

The Bible often ties the “good life” to finding joy in God’s Word. Psalm 1 describes the blessed person as someone who meditates on God’s law day and night. But it goes further—the good life isn’t just about reading Scripture, it’s about letting it transform the way you live and the impact you have on others.

You see, Ezra didn’t just learn the Word; he lived it. And he didn’t just live it; he passed it on. That’s the rhythm I believe we are invited into.

Sounds a little like Jesus’ Great Commission, doesn't it. We are invited to make disciples by teaching people to obey everything Jesus commanded. But we can’t teach what we don’t know. So we set our hearts—like Ezra—to study God's words, obey them, and help others do the same.

This is what it means to live a life that matters. A life shaped by Scripture. A life that reflects God’s good design.

Prayer

God, we want Your good hand on our lives just like it was on Ezra. Give us hearts that genuinely want to study Your Word, obey it, and share it. Help us pass Your truth along in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces—wherever You’ve placed us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application

• Live what you learn — Pick one verse from your recent Bible reading that really spoke to you and practice it in a real situation today.

• Teach someone one thing — Pass along one insight from Scripture to a friend, child, or coworker.