A Beginning I Once Overlooked

February 18, 2026

ASH WEDNESDAY

Isaiah 55:6–7 

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Growing up in my church tradition, Ash Wednesday came and went without much attention. Lent wasn’t ignored, but neither was it marked with any particular ritual or emphasis. Only later in my faith journey did I discover that Ash Wednesday carries a profound message, one that beautifully sets the tone for the entire Lenten season. In many Christian traditions, ashes play a central role in the worship service on Ash Wednesday.

Today marks the first day of Lent, a season historically shaped by Christ’s forty days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:2). Initially, early Christians used these weeks as a time of preparing new believers for baptism on Easter Sunday. However, over time, Lent became a shared journey for the whole church, a season of repentance, renewal, and returning to God. 

Though I didn’t grow up observing this day, I’ve come to see how saturated it is with gospel truth. Ash Wednesday points us to the mystery of our union with Christ, our daily dying and rising with him. 

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, invites us into three deep reflections:

1. We remember our mortality, our sinfulness, and our need for a Savior.

Ash Wednesday begins with honesty. The ashes remind us that we are dust—finite, fragile, and unable to save ourselves. They confront us with the truth that sin is not just something “out there” in the world but something that touches every part of our lives. Yet this remembrance is not meant to crush us; it is meant to awaken us. When we acknowledge our limits and our brokenness, we rediscover our deep need for the One who is limitless, holy, and full of mercy. This day teaches us that facing our mortality is not morbid, it is the doorway to grace.

2. We renew our commitment to daily repentance, not just for Lent, but for all of life.

Lent is not a temporary religious project. It is a season that trains us in the lifelong rhythm of turning back to God. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry; it is reorienting our lives toward the One who calls us by name. Ash Wednesday invites us to examine the habits, attitudes, and patterns that have quietly shaped us away from God, and to let the Spirit reshape us. This renewal is gentle but intentional. It is the daily choice to say, “Lord, make my heart new again.”

3. We rest in the hope that Christ has conquered sin and death.

The ashes on our foreheads form the shape of a cross, a reminder that our story does not end in dust. Lent begins with repentance, but it is anchored in resurrection hope. We do not walk through this season trying to earn God’s favor; we walk through it because Christ has already secured our salvation. His victory over sin and death is the foundation beneath every confession, every prayer, every step of renewal. Ash Wednesday calls us to rest, not in our efforts, but in the finished work of Jesus. If you have ever attended an Ash Wednesday service, one of the most moving moments in the service is the imposition of ashes, a cross traced on the forehead while these words are spoken: “Consider yourself dead to sin and alive in Jesus Christ.”

But even with this powerful symbol of the cross on a forehead, the heart of Ash Wednesday is not the ashes themselves. Scripture calls us to something deeper: “Rend your hearts” (Joel 2:13). Lent is not about outward performance but inward transformation.

This season called Lent is a journey of reflection, honesty, and renewal. It invites us to lay aside the burdens that weigh us down and turn again to the God who freely pardons.

So today, we pray with the psalmist:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Amen.

Psalm 51:1–2, 6, 10–12

Kindness That Interrupts the Ordinary

February 17, 2026

Today is Random Act of Kindness Day in our world. A day set aside encouraging people worldwide to perform small, selfless acts that spread positivity and compassion. Thinking about this day to focus on kindness, got me thinking about the theme of "Kindness" as we encounter it in our Bibles.

Most of the kindness Jesus showed wasn’t scheduled. It was not part of a program. It wasn’t announced in advance. It happened in the middle of His day, on the road, at a well, in a crowd, during a meal, or while He was on His way somewhere else.

What I find is that kindness, in the Kingdom of God, is rarely random. It’s intentional, Spirit‑prompted, and deeply rooted in love. Yet to the person receiving it, it often feels wonderfully unexpected.

Here are our two verses for today.

Ephesians 4:32


“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Titus 3:4–5

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us…”

These verses teach us that kindness is not just something God does, it’s something God is. When we practice kindness, we reflect God's character.



Kindness is powerful because it interrupts the normal flow of life. A harsh world expects harshness. A hurried world expects to be ignored. A divided world expects suspicion.

So when kindness appears, especially unexpected kindness, it feels like a small resurrection. A reminder that goodness is still alive. A sign that God is nearer than we think.

One of the reasons I am in support of Random act of Kindness Day/week is that during Random Act of Kindness Week, we’re not just doing nice things. it is hoped that we are training our hearts to notice people the way Jesus noticed people.

The woman at the well
Zacchaeus in the tree
The bleeding woman in the crowd
The children the disciples tried to push away from Jesus
The thief on the cross beside Him

Jesus’ kindness always found the person others overlooked. May our eyes and hearts be open to "divine opportunities" to be kind to someone today, not just because it's Random Act of Kindness Day, but because we are following in the footsteps of Jesus. How about starting each day with a prayer something like this: “Lord, show me one person to bless with kindness today.”

Let's Pray

Lord, open my eyes today. Interrupt my routine with opportunities to show Your kindness. Make my heart soft, my hands ready, and my words gentle. Let someone experience Your love through me, not for my glory, but for Yours. Amen.

Here are a few ways we can live this kindness out in our everyday practices:

Pay for someone’s coffee or meal
Offer a sincere compliment to a stranger
Help someone without being asked

May the God whose kindness saved us fill your imagination with compassion, your steps with purpose, and your week with holy interruptions. Go today in the kindness of Jesus Christ.

TRUE LOVE

 

FEBRUARY 14, 2026

I John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

John 13:34

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Ephesians 5:2 (The Message)

“Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.”


Ah, Valentines Day...the day of love!

Many think it’s a day just for couples, but that’s not true. Sure, Valentine’s Day has been marketed as a celebration for couples, but I believe love goes far beyond romance.  Valentine’s Day is about LOVE in all its forms and can be enjoyed by couples, families, church communities, and friends alike. It’s a time to celebrate anyone you love and who loves you in return.

The Bible teaches that we were created out of love, to be loved. Our understanding of love comes from knowing and experiencing the love of our Creator. As 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because God first loved us.” The story of God and humanity is, as C.S. Lewis once told J.R.R. Tolkien, “the one fairy-tale that is actually true”—the love story at the heart of all others.

What does the love story beneath all love stories tell us? Well, it tells us that we are uniquely loved by God. Think of the words in Psalm 139,

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

In short, we’re all here because God wanted us to be. Who you are is shaped by His love. The way He’s put your life together is what He calls “Wonderful,” and Psalm 139 describes our creation as the handiwork of God.

I also want us to remember that God loves us deeply. “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart,” says Isaiah 40:11. It’s a beautiful picture of being held closely and unconditionally by our God. The Bible tells us that God would go to any lengths to show His love for us, even giving His Son Jesus over to death on a cross.  

“This is love: not that we loved God, 

but that He loved us 

and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”  

We read from Ephesians the invitation to “Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” 

I find, and perhaps you do too, that Jesus’ model of love inspires us to follow the best way to live, “the most excellent way,” as 1 Corinthians 12:31 puts it. This way of love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

So today on this Valentines Day let us not limit our actions of love to our “sweethearts” but take a moment and think about the people around you that you want to love like Jesus, how might you reach out in love to them today?


Let's Pray 

God, thank You for showing me love first so I can truly know it. I want to love like Jesus—freely, without caution or expecting anything in return. Help me give myself fully to others, and fill me with Your Spirit every moment of every day so I can love that way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

John 1:43-50


43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”

Philip’s invitation, “come and see”, is a wonderfully simple approach. There’s no pressure on Nathanael, just a brief description of Jesus followed by a gentle nudge to discover for himself. It’s clear Philip has already embraced Jesus’ style: a straightforward, heartfelt invitation. 

This reflects my own experience with God, who doesn’t approach me with force or accusation, but gently draws me in with that same quiet way. Come and see! Come and hear! Come and touch! All the amazing spiritual moments I’ve experienced with God seem to come down to these simple invitations.

Come and see! The heavens and the earth reflect the glory of God. Isn’t God present in the sunrise, the sunset, and the breathtaking scenes of nature and creation found anywhere in the world? Take a moment to notice the delicate patterns of a spider’s web in the light of the suns rays, think of the new life potential found in a seed, the force of an ocean wave, maybe the joy of a summer walk through Jackson Park, how about a fall day at Ojibway with it brilliant colors, or the experience of the kindness of a friend.

God at work. God inviting.

Come and hear!  The wind swirling in the trees. Reminding us of the Holy Spirit, blowing here and there with reckless abandon (see John 3:8). Soon we will wake to hear the morning bird song in spring;  the enjoyment of the giggle of a little baby; living close to a park as I do and hearing the laugh and sounds, even a few screams of children playing, all these and more are the voice of comfort.

God at work. God inviting.

Come and touch … taste … and smell! The hug of a loved one; the soft fur of a beloved pet. The nutritious meal provided by loving hands; the freshness of locally grown fruit and veggies; the enjoyable pick-me-up of a morning coffee (or tea, ot juice, or smoothie). The aroma and taste of a fresh baked loaf of bread; the fragrance of a Lilac or Rose in bloom.

God at work. God inviting.

Jesus began sharing love through simple invitations, and God continues this in our world today through the Holy Spirit: in everyday miracles, everyday presence, and everyday love. Come and see. Come and hear. Come and touch.

LET'S PRAY

Lord Jesus, thank you for the experience of your being present in countless ways in our world and lives. Help us open our senses to respond to your call, and to see, hear, and taste love in all its forms. Amen.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

FEBRUARY 12, 2026

John 1:35-42

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What are you looking for?
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

The two followers of John the Baptist knew that Jesus was worth getting to know, that in him was life. John the Baptist had given that hint earlier in John 1:19–34. “John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, "A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” So, when John pointed out Jesus, they naturally went after him. But Jesus asked: “What are you looking for?”  I believe most of us have asked ourselves that question. This question and longing and human struggle is at the core of many of us. 

These followers of John answered Jesus’ question with a question. However, their question avoided answering Jesus’ question, rather they asked, “where are you staying?”  I want us to notice that Jesus isn’t thrown off by their response. He simply responded with “Come”, and you will see." The more I read the gospels, the more I am struck by how Jesus met people where they were in life and engaged them in conversation just as they were. Acceptance plays a vital role in life, doesn't it? 

Look at the outcome, Andrew, one of the two followers, gains life. He says to his brother, Simon (Peter): we have found the Messiah, the Christ. Then, there were two disciples!

I wonder if there’s an important message here for us as we meet people. What stands out to me is that Jesus doesn’t try to change Andrew or press him to answer the question he avoided. Instead, He meets Andrew where he is. The beautiful outcome is that Andrew discovers Christ.

What are you looking for? Maybe you know the answer, or maybe, like many, you’re unsure. Jesus simply invites us to spend time with him, to rest in his presence, be filled with love, amazed by grace, and moved by his nearness. In this place of openness, he can reveal himself, allowing us to discover who he is and experience life in him. Give it a try; you might just find what you’ve been looking for.

LET'S PRAY

Jesus, so often we keep searching when the answer is right before us. Help us pause in your presence, enjoy your company, and live with our eyes wide open. Amen.

I'VE GOT A RIVER OF LIFE .....

February  11, 2026

Isaiah 43:19

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 44:3

I will pour water on the thirsty land
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my spirit upon your descendants
and my blessing on your offspring.

John 4:10,14

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water. . . those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”


Imagine a painting called “Living Water,” inspired by the readings above. The artist depicts a barren desert floor, so dry and cracked from the sun that pieces of the hard ground curl up at the edges. Then, hope appears, a pool of water emerges in the wasteland, sending ripples from its center. Looking closer, a shape becomes visible, almost overlaid on the water: the outline of Jesus with outstretched arms, the Living Water himself.

Jesus told the woman at the well that whoever drinks living water will never be thirsty again (John 4:14). God says through Isaiah (55:1), "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters". Our readings today promise streams in the wasteland and water on the thirsty land.

Ever feel dried up, like you’re trudging through a wasteland? We all go through those seasons. But today is a reminder that the promised “Living Water” is here, flowing within us like a bubbling spring. With Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we’ll never thirst again. Water seeps into the dry ground, turning it into a lush, lively landscape. The soil becomes ready for new growth and renewed life. I pray that today may be the day a cracked patch in your life is revived by the welling up of that “Living Water.”

Let's Pray

Holy Spirit, Living Water, flow in us and set us free.
Cleanse our unbelief and sorrow, wash our eyes and make us see.
Holy Spirit, come as wind and blow the dust of death away.
Breathe the gift of life into us, lighten hearts to laugh and play.
Holy Spirit, rushing fire, burn with truth and justice here.
Catch our minds alight with passion, perfect love that drives out fear.
Holy Spirit, come in silence, wordlessly to heal and bless.

Be the heart that prays within us; fill the void with tenderness. 

Holy Spirit, blessed Wisdom, teach us all of God’s delight. 

Offer us the wine of grace and make us children of the Light. Amen.

(Prayer written by Elizabeth Smith)

Talk About COMFORT

February 10, 2026

Isaiah 51:16

I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand – I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, "You are my people"


Today’s Bible verse reminds us of the extraordinary splendor of God and affirms that we belong to Him as His people. I know we hear this in our Call to Worships on Sundays, we acknowledge it through confessions and moments of assurance, through sacraments of Baptism and Lord's Supper, and we sing such lyrics as "you are our God, We are your people." Yet, at times I wonder if who we are as "God's people" as his beloved really sinks in our thinking and believing.

In Isaiah 51:9–16, we read of God’s actions that reveal His “mighty arm” at work. The passage describes awe-inspiring deeds, prompting reflection on one’s relationship with God in a broader context by remembering His mighty acts, such as transforming the sea from a barrier into a pathway. It raises the question of whether we pause often enough to consider the power of our Creator and the access we have to this power as His worshippers.

I raise this  question because in our passage we are reminded that even though God’s people were rescued, they still forgot and turned away from Him later. The Bible is real honest about God's people. The mighty acts of God, like a sea transformed from a barrier into a walkway, are remembered for a time, and then forgotten. We read that in moments of fear toward an oppressor or when faced with temptation, or some other obstacle or challenge, God's saving works are pushed aside. When the struggle gets real, God's people in the bible are described as those who lose sight of God's power, deeds and promises. Please know I am not being hard on the People of God described in scripture, because I know I’ve done that, more than once. How about you? Have there been times in your life when you’ve lost sight of God’s “mighty acts” and set aside His promises?

Compare the reactions of God’s people with our own tendencies to sometimes forget and turn away from God toward other things, in light of the final verse mentioned above. The God who set the heavens in place says, "You are my people". Do you hear that? We are not forgotten.  What comfort is to be found when we realize that our Creator God says "I ... covered you with the shadow of my hand."

LET'S PRAY

Lord, help us to remember your mighty works and to read and learn from your word the amazing promises you’ve made to your people. Keep us mindful of all you have done for us and remind us that we are always yours. Amen.

A GOOD INVESTMENT

FEBRUARY 9, 2026

Matthew 19:29

And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life.

How would you feel about receiving a hundredfold return on an investment? It sounds incredible, doesn’t it?

This is exactly what Jesus promises when we commit ourselves to Him, growth in our faith, obedience, and trust.

Today’s verse comes right after the story of the rich young man who approaches Jesus longing for eternal life. You may remember that he walks away grieving because Jesus asks him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The issue wasn’t money itself, it was that his wealth had become his god. He had kept many commandments, but Jesus put His finger on the very first one: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” That was the stumbling block he couldn’t move past.

The disciples are stunned, and Jesus goes on to teach how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom, yet with God, even the impossible becomes possible.

Then Peter asks the honest question many of us wonder: “What about us? What do we receive for following You?” Jesus responds by assuring them that following Him is the wisest investment anyone can make. The return is beyond imagination. It’s as if Jesus recognizes that we naturally want to know the value of what we’re giving our lives to. The real question isn’t whether we hope for a future return, it is who we’re investing in, and whether that return will last.

Following Jesus does involve sacrifice. But He wants us to know, deeply, that it is absolutely worth it. More than worth it. It is an investment overflowing with blessing, anchored in the promise of an eternal inheritance.

LET'S PRAY

God, thank you that with you all things are possible. Guide me by your Spirit to let go of what I must in order to follow Jesus and to invest wisely in the life of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TIME for REFRESHMENT?

 February 6, 2026

Psalm 139:23-24

23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 147:3

3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 23:3

3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake

Jeremiah 32:17

17‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.



The term ‘refresh’ assumes that a person was ‘fresh’ at some point. Refresh is a verb that means to restore something that has been lost or diminished. In this case, freshness. So, the first question we must ask is, does your spirit need to be refreshed?

I will take the risk of believing that for many, perhaps most, alright, probably all of us, we thirst for a refreshment of our spirit. So let us seek with faith and joy the refreshment that God so dearly desires for us.

Our verses above remind us of God’s “refreshing role”, “he restores our soul”, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”, He leads us “in the way everlasting”, and his ability to do this rests in who God is, the Creator for whom “nothing is too hard.”

If you are like me, you are likely in need of being refreshed. Life is tough, cares, stress, responsibilities, can drain us. Have you even found that the good things in life can drain your spirit too. I mean talk to the parents of a new born. Perhaps for some of us the last year or few months, have been deeply difficult, trying, emotional, and disturbing, our spiritual supplies have been drained. I confess that there are weeks lately that I have felt spiritually drained. It happens to all of us, doesn't it? The good news is that as Psalm 23 says our God "restores" our souls. That gives great comfort in living. 

So lets pray today, as fellow believers for God’s promise of refreshing to fall on us.

Let's Pray

God,

I want to step into all that You have for me with boldness and confidence. But if I’m being honest, I’m uncertain of what the future will hold—and that can feel unsettling.

Search me, God, and refresh my heart.

Right now, please help me to surrender my expectations, and transform my mind as I draw near to You.

Search me, God, and align my heart with Yours.

As I pursue the plans You have for me, let me remember what You’ve already helped me overcome. You have already made a way for me to know You. You have already made a way for me to experience eternal life with You. Nothing is too hard for You!

Search me, God, and heal my heart.

Whatever the future holds, I know You hold me. Nothing is impossible for You.

Restore me, God, and make me new.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CLING TO GOD and BE ALERT

February 5, 2026 

Joshua 1:9

9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4

4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

2 Corinthians 10:5

5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Isaiah 55:8-9

8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

At first glance, Joshua 1 can sound like a call to muster superhero strength or the bravery of a roaring lion. But when we slow down and look at the original Hebrew behind the words “strong” and “courageous,” a richer and more meaningful picture emerges.

The Hebrew word translated as “strong” carries the idea of fastening upon or holding tightly. Joshua wasn’t being asked to rely on his own power; he was being invited to cling to God, because the strength and endurance required for his calling could only come from the God.

The word translated “courageous” means to be alert or watchful. Implying that Joshua needed vigilance, because distractions and dangers would constantly try to pull his focus away.

In other words, God teaches us that living in His promises doesn’t depend on heroic self-confidence. It requires clinging closely to Him and staying spiritually alert amid the many distractions we face each day. May we discover as Joshua did that living courageously, without fear and worry, is possible because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. So let's cling to God and be alert!

Let's Pray


God,

You are my protector—in You I have all I need. But when trials come my way it’s easy to forget that You are still in control. Sometimes when I look at the world around me, I grow discouraged, and my thoughts start to spiral. I need You to make me strong and courageous.

So as I step into the plans You have for me, please give me the courage I need to trust in You. Remind me that You are with me, and that You will continue to instruct and guide me.

Show me that You are near.

Encourage me when I feel worn out, and renew my strength when I’m overwhelmed. Give me rest when I need it, and remind me of Your promises. Help me to take every thought captive as I give You my concerns.

Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and Your ways are better than mine. You give hope to the hopeless, and strength to the weak. You alone can renew my mind and remind me of my purpose.

Counsel me as I reflect on Your Word, and help me to apply Your truths to my life. Give me the courage I need to do what is right, and help me to pursue You above all else—always.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THE GIFT OF EMPATHY

February 4, 2026

John 8:1-11 New Living Translation

1Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11“No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Most of us are familiar with the word sympathy. At its simplest, sympathy means sharing in someone else’s sadness or pain—usually because we’ve been through something similar ourselves. Empathy, though closely related, is a little different. Empathy is the ability to understand and step into another person’s feelings even when we haven’t lived their experience.

Sympathy often comes naturally when we can say, “I’ve been there.” Empathy, on the other hand, usually requires more effort. It doesn’t always come easily, and not everyone has learned how to practice it well. But if we hope to live faithfully in relationships—especially with people we don’t always agree with—then empathy is a skill worth cultivating.

One of the clearest ways we show empathy is by truly listening. When we listen well, we communicate love and respect. We begin to understand not just what people believe, but why they believe it. In these moments, the goal isn’t to win an argument or prove a point, but to value the person in front of us.

I’ve found that learning someone’s story often changes the way I see them. It slows my tendency to judge too quickly. Most people arrive at their beliefs and convictions through a lifetime of experiences—some life-giving, others deeply painful. When we take even a few moments to step into someone else’s world, judgment often gives way to understanding.

Today’s Gospel reading places law and love side by side. The crowd that brought the woman to Jesus came armed with the law—harsh, heavy-handed, and without mercy. They were quick to condemn, and noticeably silent about the man involved. “The law of Moses says stone her,” they insisted.

Jesus responds not by ignoring the law, but by exposing how it’s being interpreted and applied. With compassion and truth, Jesus challenges the women's accusers: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, they walk away. And when Jesus speaks to the woman, his words are not condemnation, but grace and challenge: “Go, and sin no more.”

Empathy lies at the heart of healthy relationships. It helps us see people as more than their mistakes, understand perspectives different from our own, and, most importantly, reflect Jesus in the way we live and love one another.

Let's Pray


Lord, give me the wisdom to notice the good in everyone I meet. Bless me with empathy to understand their life circumstances and respect them enough to offer caring support, sharing God’s love with kindness. Help me see the moments where I can stand beside others, as a true friend. Amen.

OPEN HEARTS

 February 3, 2026

PROVERBS 4:23

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,

for from it flow the springs of life.”

To experience the full and abundant life God desires for us, we are invited to live with open hearts. That’s not always easy. Many of us carry real wounds, hurts from our past, disappointments, losses, that teach us to protect ourselves. Without even realizing it, we can begin to move through life with our hearts guarded, surrounded by emotional walls. That response is understandable. But if we’re not careful, those same walls meant to protect us can also keep us from noticing God’s gentle presence among us.

God is always calling us deeper. He longs for us to know the richness of the abundant life He promises. He invites us into a relationship marked by openness and trust, a place that is safe, uncluttered, and honest. It’s there, in that vulnerable space, that we discover the blessings of an open heart: life, hope, peace, and joy.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Life flows from the heart, both physically and spiritually. Just as the heart pumps blood throughout the body, our inner life shapes everything we think, say, and do. In the Bible, the “heart” often refers to the very center of who we are, our thoughts, emotions, and moral choices. It is the place where God continually speaks, inviting us to listen. What I have learned is that God desires to meet you not on the surface of your life, but at its very core.

Jesus echoes this invitation in John 15:4 when He says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” You see, God longs to be close to you, to guide you, speak to you, pour out His love upon you, and remain with you day by day, moment by moment. 

So today, let us take time to open our hearts before our loving God. Let us ask Him to gently reveal any walls we have built, any places where fear or hurt has closed us off. And as we do, may we experience the newness, healing, and life that only God can give.

Let's Pray

Gracious God,
Gently show us where we have built walls,
and meet us there with Your love and healing.
Help us to abide in You each day.

Amen.

Centered on What?

 February 2, 2026

JEREMIAH 24:7


“I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.”


We were created for a relationship with our Creator, to know Him and be known by Him. This truth shapes who we are and how we live, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s the foundation for every part of our lives.

I think we can all admit that at some point, we’ve placed the wrong things at the center of our lives. I know I have. When my focus has been on self-centered pursuits, like chasing success, seeking others’ approval, or tying my identity to my work, I’ve ended up with nothing but disappointment, burnout, and unmet desires. Definitely not the best results. Certainly not what I hoped for.

God says to each of us in the Bible that there is another way. God says that we can stop this self-centered pursuit and start enjoying life centered on intimacy with our Creator. Jeremiah 24:7 says, “I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.” I believe, we were created to live out of the powerful knowledge that God is real, knowable, loves us, and is closer to us than we think.

What  WE need to be reminded of today, is that

We were made to live with the knowledge of God’s love in every life moment,

We were made to taste and see that our God is good.

We were made to live in communion with our Creator, that every moment would be filled with the abundance of his presence.

We were made to know that God has life for us. God has abundant love for us. God desires the best for us. 

Today, let’s focus our lives on our relationship with our Creator, grounding ourselves in His constant love and faithfulness. I truly believe that when we take this step, our lives will be forever transformed as we fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Let's Pray

God, give us a heart that knows You, trusts You, and delights in You. Let Your Spirit shape our thoughts, our desires, and our steps. Help us live today rooted in Your faithfulness, grounded in Your goodness, and centered on relationship with You.

As we set our eyes on Jesus, fill us with the life You’ve always wanted for us. We offer You our whole hearts.

Amen.