Make Me a BLESSING

October 9, 2026

Opening Prayer

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 9:6–11

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Reflection

Thanksgiving has a way of making us notice what we have. We pause to recognize God's provision. We remember the people who have blessed us. We appreciate the food on the table, the people around us, and the many ways God has carried us through another year.

But biblical gratitude doesn't stop with “Thank You.” Gratitude changes the way we live. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God provides for us so that we can become generous. He writes: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” Notice the purpose of God's blessing. God doesn't bless us simply so that we can accumulate more blessings for ourselves. His generosity toward us is meant to overflow through us. We are blessed to become a blessing.

That doesn't mean everyone has the same resources, abilities, time, or opportunities. Generosity isn't measured by the size of the gift. It is measured by the heart behind it.

Sometimes generosity looks like sharing a meal.
Sometimes it looks like giving financially to someone who is struggling.
Sometimes it means offering our time.
Sometimes it means listening patiently.
Sometimes it means encouraging someone who is discouraged.
Sometimes it means noticing the person who is standing alone and inviting them to join us.
And sometimes generosity is wonderfully ordinary: making a phone call, dropping off groceries, raking someone's leaves, writing a note, or simply showing up.

We can easily fall into a scarcity mindset:

I don't have enough. I don't have enough time. I don't have enough money. I don't have enough energy. Someone else is better positioned to  do it.

But Paul points us toward a different way of seeing our lives. God is the One who provides. And when we trust His provision, we become freer to share what we have. Generosity becomes an act of faith.

The question isn't always, “What can I afford to give?” A better question might be: “What has God already placed in my hands that I can use to bless someone else?”

And there is something else worth noticing in Paul's words. He says that generosity ultimately results in thanksgiving to God.

Our generosity can become someone else's reason to give thanks. Imagine that.

A meal you prepare may become someone's reminder that they are not forgotten.

A gift you give may ease someone's burden.

A conversation may give hope to someone who feels alone.

An invitation may help someone experience belonging.

A quiet act of service may become an answer to someone's prayer.

And their thanksgiving becomes an offering back to God.

So the movement of gratitude continues:

God blesses us.
We bless others.
Others give thanks to God.

That is what it means for gratitude to overflow.

This Thanksgiving Weekend don't simply ask, “What am I thankful for?” Also ask:  “How can my gratitude become generosity?”

Thanksgiving isn't only about counting our blessings. It is about allowing God's blessings to overflow through us. We don't give because we have everything. We give because God has given to us. And when our gratitude becomes generosity, thanksgiving becomes more than something we say—it becomes something we live. It becomes, as I was reminded this week through a friends email, ThanksLIVING!

Make me a blessing,

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life

May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Amen.

Prayer

Generous God, thank you for all you have given me. I’m so grateful for your provision, your faithfulness, your mercy and your love. Please open my eyes to the needs around me. Help me see the opportunities you’re placing in my path to serve, encourage, give and share. May the gratitude in my heart overflow into generosity in my life, so that others experience your kindness through me and give thanks to you. Amen.

Application

Look for one opportunity over the next several days to become a blessing.

Whatever you choose, do it with this thought:

“God has blessed me, and today I can become a blessing to someone else.”

Give Thanks for People

October 8, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we come to Your Word, open our minds to understand, open our ears to truly hear, and open our spirits to receive whatever You want to speak today. Let these Scriptures shape us, steady us, and remind us of Your goodness.  Amen.

Bible Reading

Philippians 1:3–5

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Reflection

There are moments in life when God’s love arrives quietly—through a conversation, a helping hand, a listening ear, or a person who simply shows up when we need them most.

Paul understood this deeply. Writing from prison, Paul didn’t begin his letter to the Philippians with frustration or fear. He began with gratitude: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

The people in Philippi had become a gift in Paul’s life. Through their prayers, generosity, friendship, and partnership in the gospel, they had encouraged him and strengthened him. The Apostle Paul chose to remember the people God had placed in his life. I want to suggest to us today that is a powerful Thanksgiving practice.

Sometimes when we think of gratitude we think of the list of things we have: our homes, our health, our food, our possessions, our opportunities. But some of God’s greatest gifts do not come in packages.

They come as people. Think about the people God has placed in your life. Some have encouraged you when you were discouraged. Some have stood beside you during difficult seasons. Some have listened when you simply needed someone to hear you. Some have believed in you when you weren't sure you could keep going. Some have challenged you to grow, even when their words weren't easy to hear. And some have simply shown up.

God often cares for us through the people around us. In these moments, we experience holy moments, where we are reminded that God's love often reaches us through the hands, words, presence, and kindness of other people.

I will admit that not everyone who has shaped us has made life easier. Some people have challenged us. Some have disagreed with us. Some have helped us see things from a perspective we hadn't considered. Some relationships have stretched us and helped us become more patient, compassionate, humble, or courageous. Yet, even those people can become gifts God uses to shape our lives.

Paul's gratitude wasn't simply about what the Philippians had done for him. He was grateful for who they were and for the relationship they shared in Christ.

So this Thanksgiving, perhaps one of the most meaningful things we can do is simply remember.

Who encouraged you this year?
Who helped you through a difficult moment?
Who challenged you to grow?
Who made you laugh when you needed it?
Who prayed for you?
Who believed in you?
Who has impacted your life in a way you have never fully acknowledged?

Perhaps there is someone who comes to mind right now. Don't let that gratitude remain only a thought. Tell them. Tell them specifically what their presence has meant to you.

But Paul's words point us even further. Notice what he says:

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Paul's gratitude for people ultimately became gratitude to God. The people in our lives are gifts, but God is the giver. So when we thank God for the people around us, we are recognizing something beautiful: God has been caring for us through them.

So today let's:

Remember the people.
Give thanks for their presence.
And then, whenever possible, let them know.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Thank You for those who have encouraged me, supported me, challenged me, taught me, prayed for me, and walked beside me. Thank You for the people who have shown up when I needed them most. Forgive me for the times I have taken people for granted. Help me to notice the ways Your love reaches me through others. Help me to become a source of encouragement, grace, and blessing to others as well. Amen.

Application

Think of one person who has made a difference in your life this year.

Ask yourself:

“What specifically am I grateful for about this person?”

Then tell them. Send a text. Make a phone call. Write a note. or maybe best Sit down over coffee. Don't simply say, “Thanks for everything.” Tell them why you are grateful for them. And perhaps begin with Paul's words: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Stewardship and Abundance

 October 7, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we come to Your Word, open our minds to understand, open our ears to truly hear, and open our spirits to receive whatever You want to speak today. Let these Scriptures shape us, steady us, and remind us of Your goodness.  Amen.

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 9:6–11

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.”

Reflection

We live in a world that often defines abundance as having more.

More money.
More possessions.
More choices.
More success.
More security.

The message is "If I just had a little more, I would finally have enough."

But Scripture gives us a different picture of abundance.

Biblical abundance isn’t simply about having more for ourselves. It is about recognizing that God has given us enough to receive with gratitude and enough to share with others.

Paul tells the Corinthians that God supplies what they need so that they can be generous.

That changes the question.

Instead of asking, “Do I have enough?” we begin asking, “What has God given me that I can share?”

This is stewardship.

Everything we have ultimately comes from God—our possessions, abilities, time, opportunities, relationships, and resources. We’re not really owners; we are caretakers of God’s gifts.

And stewardship begins with gratitude. When we recognize what we already have, scarcity begins to lose some of its grip.

Scarcity says: “I don’t have enough.”

Gratitude says: “Look at what God has already given me.”

Generosity takes the next step: “How can I share what I’ve been given?”

That doesn’t mean ignoring genuine needs or pretending we have unlimited resources. It means learning to trust God with what we do have. Sometimes abundance looks surprisingly ordinary. It may be an extra place at the table. A meal shared with someone who is alone. A phone call to someone who needs encouragement. A financial gift. An hour of your time. A bag of groceries.

Jesus reminds us that our lives are not measured by how much we accumulate, but by how faithfully we receive God’s gifts and use them for his purposes.

Perhaps the question for Thanksgiving isn’t simply:

“What am I thankful to have?”

Perhaps it is also:

“What do I have that God might be asking me to share?”

We do not give because we have everything.
We give because God has already given us so much.

Prayer

Generous God,
thank you for all that you have entrusted to me. Teach me the freedom of enough. Help me trust your provision and hold what I have with open hands.

Use what you have given me— my time, my resources, my abilities, and my love—
to bring encouragement and hope to someone else. May my gratitude become generosity.

Amen.

Application

I wonder if our response today might be to review our lives and look for the place of scarcity where we have been reluctant to trust God's provision.

Where might God be inviting you and me to move from "I need more" to "I have something to share"?

Thank God Anyway?

October 6, 2026

Opening Prayer


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection

When is it easiest to be thankful? Honestly—when life feels good. When things are comfortable, prayers seem answered, and the road is smooth. Gratitude comes naturally in those seasons.

But Scripture doesn’t just call us to give thanks when life is easy. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 to “rejoice always… give thanks in all circumstances.” And let’s be real—that feels counterintuitive. Thankful… in all circumstances? Even the ones that hurt?

God isn’t asking us to pretend everything is fine. He’s not calling us to slap on a fake smile or act like pain doesn’t sting. There are moments when the right response is to grieve, to feel disappointed, to sit in the tension of unanswered prayers. Yet even there, God invites us to trust Him enough to say, “Lord, I don’t see the whole picture, but I know You’re still good.”

We don’t have to feel thankful before we give thanks. Gratitude in hard seasons is an act of faith, not emotion.

Think of Joseph’s story. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, forgotten in prison—none of that looked good. None of it felt good. But years later, Joseph could look back and say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” He didn’t see God’s purpose in the moment, but he trusted God’s character through the moment.

And that’s often how gratitude works. Sometimes we only understand God’s goodness in hindsight—when we realize a difficult season strengthened us, deepened our faith, or clarified what really matters. We may not understand what God is doing, but we can trust who He is.

Our deepest reason for thanksgiving isn’t our circumstances—it’s Christ Jesus. Because of Him, suffering isn’t the end of the story. Failure doesn’t get the final word. And we are never outside the reach of God’s grace.

So this week as we take steps to prepare for Thanksgiving—whether blessings feel obvious or hard to spot—let’s turn our hearts toward God and say:

“Lord, help me recognize Your grace even here.”

And maybe, as Psalm 92 reminds us, we’ll discover again that:

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord… to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night.”

God’s goodness is still at work. Even now. Even here.

Prayer

Lord, Shape our hearts to give thanks—not because everything is easy, but because You are faithful. Just as You were with Joseph, be with us now. Turn what feels heavy into something You can use for Your glory and our good.

Today we choose to say, “God, I trust You. And I thank You—even here.”

Amen.

Application

Choose one difficult situation in your life—just one—and intentionally thank God in it.

Not for the pain. Not because it feels good. But because you trust that God is present, working, and faithful even in that difficult place.

Name it before God, and pray:

“Lord, I don’t fully understand this situation, but I trust You. Help me see Your grace in it, and teach me to give thanks even now.”

That’s the step: practice gratitude in one real, imperfect place of your life.

A Gentle Reminder

 October 5, 2026

Long before our modern THANKSGIVING holiday, the Old Testament was filled with festivals of thanks, like the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Firstfruits offering. These weren’t just celebrations; they were intentional reminders that God knows how easily His people forget the Source of their blessings. Each festival invited Israel to pause, remember, and rejoice in God’s provision, faithfulness, and the fact that every good gift comes from His hand.

My prayer is that this week's devotions will help us slow down and prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving as a spiritual posture, not just a date on the calendar. We’ll reflect, remember, and rediscover the joy of giving thanks to the God who provides, sustains, and redeems.

______________________

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we come to Your Word, open our minds to understand, open our ears to truly hear, and open our spirits to receive whatever You want to speak today. Let these Scriptures shape us, steady us, and remind us of Your goodness.  Amen.

Bible Reading

Psalm 103:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Reflection

It’s completely normal—totally human—to let whatever we’re dealing with right now overshadow the good things God has done for us in the past. I am sure you know what I mean. Those times when life gets heavy, and our attention shrinks to a very narrow focus. We begin to focus on the bill that’s still unpaid, the conversation that didn’t go as planned, the weariness that just won’t go away or the prayer that still feels unanswered. When our thoughts linger in that space, God’s everyday kindness quietly fades away. It’s as if we forget what we already know.

That is why David talks to his own soul in Psalm 103. He’s giving himself a command: Don’t forget. Remember what God has done. David is not pretending everything is fine or ignoring the real pain of life and experiences. David is choosing to shift his perspective. You see, Remembering can become an act of resistance against discouragement.

When we take a moment to pause and reflect, truly reflect, we begin to notice God’s handiwork woven into our lives. The moment He opened a door we didn’t expect. The protection we didn’t even know we needed. The encouragement that showed up at just the right time. These memories turn into small "altars" of thanks. They remind us that the same God who helped us then is already there in whatever tomorrow brings. Remembering might not instantly clear the storm, but as I read one time, "it does make our boat a bit sturdier."

Prayer

Lord, I admit that I’m quick to notice my problems and slow to notice Your goodness. Forgive me for the times I’ve let temporary troubles make me forget Your steady faithfulness. Lift my eyes so I can see the quiet ways You’re caring for me. Teach me to remember well—to hold tightly to Your goodness—so that even in hard seasons, my soul still praises You. Amen.

Application

Let's close with a question.

What small, everyday gifts might you be missing because of a focus on what feels unresolved?

How does remembering one specific answered prayer lighten the load you are carrying today?

Now,  spend a few peaceful moments today jotting down five specific blessings from the past year. Try to be as detailed as possible. Instead of just saying ‘family,’ think about that evening you all laughed around the kitchen table. Or, instead of ‘health,’ remember that morning you had the energy to help a neighbour or take a peaceful walk.

Keep your list somewhere you’ll see it often—a gentle reminder of God’s continued care.

Something Beautifully Simple

October 2, 2026

Opening Prayer 

Lord God,
as we come to the end of this journey, help us look back with gratitude and look ahead with trust. Remind us that we don't have to know everything about tomorrow in order to be faithful today. Open our hearts to your Word and show us the next faithful step.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

---

Bible Reading

Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

---

Reflection

We have spent the last couple of weeks thinking about trusting God's directions.

We've talked about trusting God when we can't see the whole road.
We've talked about following the light.
We've talked about courage when the next step feels frightening.
We've talked about unexpected detours.
We've talked about walking by faith instead of sight.
We've talked about God's presence in the valleys.
We've talked about asking God for wisdom when we don't know what to do.

And we've talked about keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Now, as we come to the end of the series, perhaps there is one final question to consider:

What does God actually want from me?

Sometimes we make that question much more complicated than it needs to be.

Micah gives us something beautifully simple:

“He has shown you… what is good.”

In other words: God has already shown us a great deal about how he wants us to live.When we want the whole map, God often gives us something different. God gives us enough light for today. Enough grace for today. Enough wisdom for today. And enough direction for the next faithful step. God simply says to us, “Walk with me.”

In our verse today, Micah asks: “What does the LORD require of you?” And then comes the answer:

Do justice.
Live rightly.
Treat people fairly.
Stand up for what is right.

Look for people who are being overlooked, mistreated, or forgotten.
Justice isn't just something we talk about. It's something we practice.
Love mercy. Not simply show mercy. Love mercy. Become the kind of person who is drawn toward compassion rather than judgment.

Forgive. Be patient. Give people another chance. Remember how much mercy God has shown you. We don't extend mercy because people always deserve it. We extend mercy because we have received mercy.

Walk humbly with God. Notice the language. It says: Walk with God.
There is relationship in that word. Walking with God means staying close. Listening. Trusting. Learning. Following.

I believe we should keep the following in mind.Sometimes walking with God means taking a step forward. Sometimes it means waiting.
Sometimes it means changing direction. Sometimes it means admitting, “God, I don't know what to do.” And trusting him enough to keep walking.

Maybe that's at the heart of this entire series of Devotions. The Christian life isn't about knowing every step before we take the first one. It's about walking faithfully with God. We may not know what the next year will bring. But we can choose to walk humbly with God today. We may not know how a difficult situation will turn out. But we can choose mercy today. We may not know what decision we will need to make six months from now. But we can choose justice today.
You see, we do not need tomorrow's answers to be faithful today.

There is something important we should remember as this series comes to an end. It is this, God doesn't simply give us instructions and send us on our way. God gives us himself. Jesus says, “Follow me.”

You may have unanswered questions. That's okay. I wonder if instead of asking God to reveal everything, we might just ask three simple questions that we have asked in this series.

What is the faithful thing I can do today?
Who can I show mercy to today?
How can I walk humbly with God today?

Trust God. take the next faithful step because our confidence is in Jesus, and keep walking ... and walking ... and walking with God.

---

Prayer

Lord,

Thank you for walking with us through every season.

Thank you for the times you have made the way clear, and thank you for the times you have asked us to trust you when we couldn't see what was ahead.

Forgive us for the times we've become so focused on finding the perfect plan that we've forgotten to simply follow you.

Teach us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.

Give us wisdom for the decisions ahead, courage for the steps that are difficult, patience when we have to wait, and faith when we cannot see the whole road.

And above all, keep our eyes on Jesus. Amen.

Application

Where is God inviting me today to practice justice, extend mercy, or walk humbly—and what is one step I can take?

Which part of Micah 6:8 is hardest for me to live out right now, and why?

Just Stay Close

October 1, 2026

Opening Prayer

Jesus, slow us down as we come to your Word. Help us turn our attention toward you. Give us ears to hear and hearts ready to trust. Amen.

 

Bible Reading

 Hebrews 12:1–2

“…let us throw off everything that hinders… and let us run with perseverance… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

 

Reflection 

We have spent two weeks talking about trust, courage, detours, valleys, wisdom, and taking the next step. All of that is certainly important. But today Hebrews 12 brings us back to the center:

Keep your eyes on Jesus!!

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to figure out God’s will:

• What should I do?

• Which direction is right?

• Is this the door God opened?

• What’s the plan for my future?

Those are honest questions. However, I believe there is a more profound one:

How can I faithfully follow Jesus today? This question simplifies everything. The Christian life isn’t about discovering the perfect plan. It’s about following a person. JESUS.

When we walk with someone we trust along an unfamiliar path we do not need to know every turn. We just stay close to our guide. If they turn, we turn. If they stop, we stop. If the path gets hard, we keep going because we are not alone. This is the idea that the Bible suggests as the path of discipleship. Passage after passage places the emphasis on the fact that Jesus Is Our Direction, and our daily prayer should be  “Jesus, help me follow you today.”

Now, there are plenty of things that distract us:

Fear. Regret. Comparison. Success. Failure. Expectations. Our own plans. Even our desire to know God’s will can distract us from Jesus himself.

If Christianity were about perfect decision‑making, I believe we would be crushed by pressure.

But our hope isn’t in our ability to navigate life. Our hope is Jesus.

Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He ran the race for us. He endured the cross. He gave himself for our sin.

So we keep running. We keep trusting. We keep taking the next step. And above all:

We keep our eyes on Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus, our deepest need is to keep our eyes on you. When we’re confused, help us follow. When we’re afraid, help us trust. When the road shifts, keep us close. When we fail, remind us of grace. When things get hard, give us perseverance. And when we don’t know what to do next, help us ask: “Jesus, how can I follow you faithfully here?” Amen.

Faithful Decision-Making

 September 30, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we hear your Word today, quiet our hearts and help us listen. Remind us that wherever this journey takes us, you are with us. Open our hearts to your guidance and help us trust you, one step at a time.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Bible Reading

Luke 22:39-46


39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a]

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Reflection

In our scripture reading above, Luke 22:39–46 describes for us a helpful pattern when seeking God's guidance. In this passage we witness that Jesus prays honestly, struggles honestly, and surrenders fully.

Under the shadow of the cross, Jesus poured out His anguish to the Father and placed His trust in God’s will. I wonder if these verses primarily illustrate Jesus’ approach to making decisions. I’ve noticed a pattern in these verses that I believe we can adopt:

Bring the question. Ask for wisdom. Be honest about the struggle. Surrender the outcome. Take the next faithful step.

When you’re facing a decision and honestly don’t know what to do, Scripture gives us a pattern for slowing down, listening, and responding faithfully. Here is a biblical framework:

PAUSE → PRAY → SEARCH → SEEK → SURRENDER → STEP

1. PAUSE — Be Still Before You React

Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.” Isaiah 30:15 — “In quietness and trust is your strength.”

Uncertainty often pushes us toward quick action. But wisdom begins with stillness. Take a breath. Slow down. Ask:

“Am I responding out of faith, fear, pressure, anger, or impatience?”

Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is stop long enough to listen.

2. PRAY — Ask God for Wisdom

James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…” Philippians 4:6–7 — Present your requests to God and receive His peace.

Tell God honestly: “I don’t know what to do.”

Ask Him to reveal motives, give clarity, and shape your desires. Prayer doesn’t replace action — it invites God into the decision.

3. SEARCH — Look First to What God Has Already Said

Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp for my feet.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Scripture equips us for every good work.

Before asking for a sign, ask what Scripture already makes clear. Does your decision touch honesty, forgiveness, integrity, generosity, faithfulness, justice, humility, or love?

God’s guidance will never contradict God’s Word.

A helpful question: “What biblical principles should shape this decision?”

4. SEEK — Invite Wise Counsel

Proverbs 11:14 — “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel…”

We were never meant to discern alone. Talk with someone who knows you, loves you, and will tell you the truth — not just what you want to hear.

Ask: “Here’s what I’m considering. What am I not seeing?”

Wisdom grows in community.

5. SURRENDER — Release Your Preferred Outcome

Luke 22:42 — “Not my will, but yours be done.” Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust the Lord, and He will direct your paths.

Sometimes we pray for wisdom while hoping God blesses the decision we’ve already chosen. Surrender means praying:

“God, I want Your will more than my preferred outcome.”

Remember Acts 16 — Paul had a plan; God redirected him. Faith means holding your plans loosely.

6. STEP — Take the Next Faithful Action

Psalm 37:23–24 — The Lord directs the steps of the faithful. Galatians 5:25 — Keep in step with the Spirit.

Eventually, you must move. You’ve prayed, searched Scripture, sought counsel, examined motives, and surrendered the outcome.

Now take the next faithful step.

You don’t need perfect certainty — just enough wisdom for today.

And if you later discover you need to adjust, God’s grace meets you there too.

Here’s a simple Bible-shaped decision grid, I have used in my life for a number of years.

Question	Scripture Connection
What does Scripture say?	Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16–17
What are my motives?	Psalm 139:23–24
Who is affected?	Philippians 2:3–4
What does wise counsel say?	Proverbs 11:14; 15:22
What is the faithful option?	Colossians 3:17
What am I afraid to surrender?	Luke 22:42
What is my next step?	Psalm 37:23–24

We live in a world of instant answers, but spiritual wisdom often unfolds slowly. Waiting isn’t wasted — God shapes us while we wait.

Prayer

Father, thank You that You know the road ahead even when we cannot see it. Give us wisdom when we’re confused, patience when we’re restless, courage when we’re afraid. Teach us to listen to Your Word, seek wise counsel, examine our hearts, surrender our plans, and take the next faithful step. We place our decisions and our future into Your hands. Give us wisdom enough for today. Amen.

Application

Whenever you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what to do,” let it become a cue to pray rather than panic.

PAUSE. PRAY. SEARCH. SEEK. SURRENDER. STEP.

I Don't Know What to Do

September 29, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we hear your Word today, quiet our hearts and help us listen. Remind us that wherever this journey takes us, you are with us. Open our hearts to your guidance and help us trust you, one step at a time.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Bible Reading 

James 1:5–8


5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Reflection 

There are moments in life when it feels like you’re holding a pen over an empty page — waiting for direction, waiting for clarity, waiting for something to make sense. You want to move, but you’re not sure which way. You want to decide, but every option feels blurry.

Maybe you’re facing a decision. A next step isn’t clear. You’re wondering whether to stay or go, speak or stay quiet, wait or move forward. And deep down you wish God would just hand you the answer, or write the answer in sky or on a wall. We pray, “God, just tell me what to do!”

But James gives us something beautifully simple: Ask.        

Ask God for Wisdom.

But, we sometimes hesitate to share our uncertainty with God, believing we should already know the answers. We think that our confusion reflects a lack of faith.

But Scripture says God gives wisdom generously and without finding fault. God doesn’t say: “You should know this by now.” “Why are you asking again?” “Can’t you figure this out?” God simply invites us to bring to him our questions, confusion, decisions, and the things that seem all tangled up. God says,  Come and ask.

Notice that James doesn’t say: “If you don’t know what to do, ask God for the answer.” Rather, James says Ask for wisdom. Now, wisdom isn’t just information. It’s perspective. It’s clarity shaped by God’s character. Wisdom helps us ask:

What is loving?
What is faithful?
What reflects Jesus?
What does Scripture teach?
What is the next faithful step?

Yes, at times God gives a clear yes or no. At other times wisdom grows slowly through prayer, Scripture, counsel, and patience. And sometimes, most of us have experienced this, we still have to act without full certainty — and that’s where faith steps in.

Our confidence in who God is, and what God promises become an incredible comfort, even when a measure of uncertainity still remains.

But we can know this:

God gives wisdom generously. God welcomes your questions. God walks with you in the uncertainty.

So when you don’t know what to do, begin with this simple, courageous act that James 1 points us toward:

Ask God — and take the next faithful step.

Prayer

Lord,
when we don't know what to do, help us remember that we can always turn to you.

Give us wisdom when we're uncertain, patience when we must wait, and courage to take the next faithful step.

We don't need to know the whole road. We simply need to trust the One who leads us.

Guide us today, and help us walk faithfully with you.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Application

Today, think about one decision, situation, or area of your life where you honestly don't know what to do.

In tomorrow's Devotion we will look at some ways that the Bible offers to us that can help us untangle what is tangled. 

Our Traveling Companion

Our Traveling Companion  

September 28, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we hear your Word today, quiet our hearts and help us listen. Remind us that wherever this journey takes us, you are with us. Open our hearts to your guidance and help us trust you, one step at a time.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Bible Reading

Psalm 23:1–4

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.


Yea, 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.

---

Reflection 

Have you ever taken a trip with someone who made the experience better simply because they were there? Maybe it was a long drive, a difficult season, or a time when you weren't quite sure what to expect.The circumstances may not have changed. The road may still have been long. The destination may still have been uncertain. But having someone beside you made a difference. 

That's one of the truths we find in Psalm 23. Most of us know the opening words:

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” 

Psalm 23 is a familiar Bible poem, read at funerals and during difficult times. However, Psalm 23 isn't only about the end of life. It's about the whole journey of life.

David describes God as a Shepherd who provides, guides, restores, protects, and stays close to his people.

And notice the language:

“He guides me along the right paths.”

God doesn't simply point us in the right direction, God is our Shepherd. A shepherd doesn't just tell the sheep where to go. The shepherd leads them. The Shepherd watches over them. The Shepherd stays near them. The Shepherd knows the sheep under his care. The Shepherd knows the landscape and the terrain. 

That opens up a new perspective on how we understand God’s guidance.

At times we can become so focused on the destination that we can forget about the One who is leading us. We ask questions like “What's going to happen next?” “When will this difficult season be over?” “Can you show me how everything is going to work out?” Those are honest questions. Certainly, God welcomes our prayers, our concerns, and even our uncertainty.

But over the years of reading Psalm 23 I have learned that this Psalm invites us to ask another question:

“God, how are you asking me to walk with you here?”

Because God isn't only interested in getting us to the destination. God walks with us along the way, in the "green pastures" and beside the "still waters" and through the "valley of the shadow of death." The valley is part of the journey too. The valley is real. There are seasons when life is painful, confusing, or frightening. We experience disappointment, illness, grief, strained relationships, financial pressure, and uncertainty about the future. And in those moments, we often wonder whether we've somehow missed God's direction. I have thought that, haven't you?

Yet, I have learned that a difficult road doesn't necessarily mean we've taken the wrong turn, that we are off road.

David's confidence is based on knowing who is with him. Notice how the language changes. In the Psalms beginning David speaks about God: “He guides me.” “He leads me.” But when he enters the valley, he speaks directly to God: “You are with me.”

The Shepherd is no longer simply someone David talks about. The Shepherd is the One David speaks to, right in the middle of the darkness of the valley.

That's what God's presence can do for us. It changes how we face the journey. 

So what does it mean to trust God's presence in the ordinary moments of life?

It may mean asking for his help before a difficult conversation. It may mean praying when anxiety begins to take over. It may mean choosing patience when someone frustrates us. It may mean continuing to do what is right when the results are not what we hoped for. It may mean allowing someone else to walk alongside us instead of pretending we have to manage everything alone. And sometimes, it may simply mean pausing in the middle of a busy day and remembering:

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I am not alone.” 

Knowing this truth, we can entertain that deeper question: “God, how are you asking me to walk with you here?”  Help me trust you here. Show me how to follow you today.”

All the while remembering the promise at the heart of Psalm 23:

“You are with me.”

---

Prayer

Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, Help us not to become so focused on the destination that we miss your presence along the way.

Teach us to walk with you—one day, one step, one moment at a time. We place this journey, and everything it holds, into your hands.

You are our Shepherd.
You are our guide.
You are with us.

In the name of Jesus,
Amen.

---

Application 

Take a few moments to consider where you are on life's journey right now.

1. Name your current stretch of road.

Are you experiencing a season of joy, waiting, uncertainty, change, or difficulty? Bring that honestly before God.

2. Ask  

“Lord, how can I walk faithfully with you today?”

Steps of Trust

Steps of Trust

September 25, 2026

Opening Prayer


Lord God,

As we begin this time together, quiet our minds and open our hearts to you. Help us hear your voice and trust your presence. Lord, give us courage for the next faithful step. Amen.



Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:7


“For we live by faith, not by sight.”



Reflection

Paul’s words really matter when we talk about “Following God’s Directions.”
He says, “We live by faith, not by sight.”

That doesn’t mean Christians ignore reality or stop thinking. Faith isn’t pretending everything’s fine or hoping problems magically disappear. Faith is trusting God even when we don’t see the whole picture.

Let us be honest most of us want life to work like this:

Certainty → trust → obedience.

But Scripture usually flips it:

Trust → obedience → understanding.

Deborah’s story in Judges 4 is a wonderful example of living by faith and by sight, that following God doesn’t always mean having the whole plan figured out. God gave Deborah direction, and she trusted Him enough to act on it. When Barak hesitated to go into battle, Deborah encouraged him to move forward in obedience to God’s command. She didn’t know exactly how everything would unfold, but she knew who was leading her. Deborah shows us that faith is sometimes simply taking the next step God puts in front of us—trusting that even when we cannot see the whole path, we can trust the One who can.

Think about Abraham. God told him to leave home without giving him the full itinerary. Abraham had a promise—and he took the next step. Think about Peter. He didn’t wait to understand the physics of walking on water. Jesus said, “Come,” and he stepped out. Think about the Israelites at the Red Sea. They couldn’t see a path through the water, but God was already making one.
That’s how faith often works.

This week we have looked at the Biblical call to trust our good God to guide our steps. We have identified that when we want the destination. God gives the next step. When we want the whole plan. God gives enough light for today. When we want certainty before we obey. God invites us to trust first.

God's intention is not to make life harder, rather God wants us to learn and understand that faith is about relationship. Truth is, God isn’t asking us to trust a plan. God is inviting us to trust Him.

That’s been the theme this week:

Trust the Guide. Follow the Light. Don’t fear the next step. When the route changes, keep going.

And today we add: Walk by faith.

Christian faith isn't based on wishful thinking. God has already given us a firm foundation to stand on. He has shown us his love in Jesus. So when God asks us to trust him with what we cannot yet see, we're not trusting a stranger. We are trusting the God who has already shown us his heart. It is true that we may not know what tomorrow holds. But we know who holds us. 

Thanks be to God!


Prayer

God,
help me walk by faith, teach me to trust you, help me remember who you are. Give me courage to take the next faithful step. Thank you that my confidence isn't in knowing everything that lies ahead, but in knowing that you are faithful.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Application

Identify one area where you are waiting for complete certainty before taking a step.

Ask yourself: What do I already know from God's Word?
What is the next faithful step?
Am I waiting for certainty when God may simply be asking me to trust?

Or simply say:

“Jesus, I don't know exactly where this road leads, but I trust you enough to take the next step.”

“Not that way—this way"

September 24, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord God,

As we begin this time together, quiet our minds and open our hearts to you. Help us hear your voice and trust your presence. Lord, give us courage for the next faithful step. Amen.

---

Bible Reading

Acts 16:6–10

6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

---

Reflection

We do not mind following God's direction—as long as God's direction matches our plan. 

We make our plans. We pray about them.We think them through.
We believe we're doing something good and worthwhile.Then suddenly, something changes.
A door closes.
An opportunity disappears.
A plan falls apart.
Something we expected doesn't happen.
And we wonder: “What happened? Did I get this wrong?”

That's part of what makes Acts 16 so interesting.
Paul and his companions weren't pursuing something selfish or wrong.
They were trying to do something very good.
They were taking the gospel to people.
And yet God changed their route.

Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit prevented them from going into one region. They tried another direction, and again, the way was closed.
Think about that. Paul had a plan. But God had a bigger plan.

And here's where the gospel changes the way we think about God's direction. The story in our verses today isn't ultimately about Paul finding the perfect route for his life. It's about God getting the good news of Jesus to people who needed to hear it.

Paul's plans were important—but they weren't the centre of the story.
Jesus was. God's mission was bigger than Paul's itinerary.
I believe that is an important truth for us. Sometimes we can become so focused on asking “God, what is your plan for my life?”
that we forget to ask: “God, how can my life serve your purposes?”

I have learned in my life, and in the testimony of others that these are not the same question. Now, God certainly cares about the details of our lives. But our lives are also part of something much bigger than ourselves. Jesus has already given his followers a mission:

“Go and make disciples of all nations…”. Matthew 28:19

If you are familiar the the book of Acts you will know that it is the account of the advancement of the gospel, every story points to the reality that the Gosple is moving forward. God is drawing people to himself. God is bringing hope to the hurting, forgiveness to sinners, freedom to those who are bound, and a unity among the nations through the new life through Jesus Christ.

Yet, sometimes God changes our route because his purposes reach beyond what we can see. In today's reading God was opening a door for the gospel. 

Maybe where we see a closed door or where we see interruptions,
God may be working through them. We see a detour. God may see an opportunity. We see a change in plans. God may see a new person, a new place, or a new ministry opportunity. We won't always know. And that's where trust comes in.

This week we began with Trusting the Guide we talked about 
trusting God's character.  We know what God has already done.
He has demonstrated his love for us through Jesus. He didn't wait for us to find our way to him. He came looking for us. He entered our world. Jesus went to the cross for us. He died for our sin. He rose again. And through Christ, God has opened the way for us to have forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life. That's the gospel!

And if God has gone to such lengths to bring us back to himself, we can trust him when he leads us somewhere we didn't expect to go.

That doesn't mean every closed door has a hidden divine explanation.
It doesn't mean every disappointment is secretly God's perfect plan.
But it does mean we can face an uncertain road with confidence:
God is faithful.

So maybe the question we need to ask is: “God, where are you leading me now, and how can I follow Jesus faithfully here?”

Paul didn't know where the new road would lead. But he followed.
And through that changed route, the gospel went forward.

Prayer

God,

When you say, “Not that way—this way,” help me listen.

When the road changes, help me trust your faithfulness.

And wherever you lead me, help me carry the hope of the gospel with me.

Jesus, you are the Guide, the destination, and the good news.

Amen.

---

Application 

Think about one area of your life where things haven't gone the way you expected.

Ask yourself:

What did I hope would happen?

What is actually happening?

Then bring the situation honestly before God:

“Lord, is there a direction I'm trying to force that you may be asking me to release?”

And then ask one more question:

“How can I faithfully follow Jesus in this new direction?”

A closed door isn't always rejection. 

Sometimes it is redirection.

Afraid of the Next Step?

September 23, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord God,

As we begin this time together, quiet our minds and open our hearts to you. Help us hear your voice and trust your presence. Lord, give us courage for the next faithful step. Amen.

---

Bible Reading

Joshua 1:1–9

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 ... As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.


7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

---

Reflection

As Joshua prepared to lead God's people into the Promised Land, he was stepping into a future he could not fully see.

Moses was gone.

A new chapter was beginning.

And God said to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”                                              Joshua 1:9

Have you ever stood at the edge of something new and thought:

“I'm not sure I'm ready for this.”

Maybe it was a new job. A new ministry. A change in your family. A decision you weren't expecting to have to make. Sometimes in life the next step can seem obvious, but that doesn't make it easy. We can know what we should do and still feel afraid.

I think that's where Joshua finds himself in our reading today. Moses had been the leader of Israel for years. Now Moses was gone, and Joshua was being asked to lead God's people into the Promised Land.

That's a pretty big next step, I understand Joshua's fear. Don't you? Joshua has been around long enough to know God's call doesn't always mean "easy," there will be challenges and struggle in the next step(s).

God doesn't give Joshua a guarantee that everyone will agree with him or that every decision will work out exactly as planned. Instead, God gives Joshua something even more important:


“The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

That's the promise. "I will be with you, Joshua." God's guidance doesn't mean that we will never be afraid. Sometimes following God means taking a step while we are still afraid. Courage isn't pretending we're not scared. Courage is saying: “I'm afraid, but I don't have to face this alone.”

I wonder, how often fear has kept you and me from taking the next step.

We think:

What if it doesn't work? What if I fail? What will people think? What if things get worse? What if I'm making the wrong decision?

Those are real questions. I have found, I'm guessing you hace too, that sometimes fear can become so loud that it actually keeps us standing still.

And maybe that's why God's repeated words to Joshua are so powerful:

“Be strong and courageous.”

“Be strong and courageous.”

“Be strong and courageous.”

I am going with You.

I think that's important for us to remember. We don't need to have unlimited confidence in ourselves. We need confidence in God's presence.

There may be something in your life right now that you've been putting off because you're afraid. I have one right now!

Maybe it's starting something new. Maybe it's serving in a new way. Maybe it's making a change you've known you need to make. Maybe it's reaching out to someone you've lost touch with. Maybe it's simply trusting God with something you cannot control.

Here is the message of the Joshua story.

You don't have to know exactly how everything will turn out.
You don't even have to feel completely ready.
Sometimes the faithful response is simply:
“God, I am going to take the next step with you.”
That's enough.

Because the promise God gave Joshua is still at the heart of the Christian journey:

You are not alone. Yes, the future may be uncertain. The next step may be uncomfortable. But God is faithful. Do you believe that today? And wherever God leads, God goes with us.

Maybe today the queation for us is are we ready to take the next faithful step?

---

Prayer

Lord,

You know the places where I am afraid. You know the decisions I have been avoiding and the steps I have been hesitant to take. 

So, Lord, give me courage for the next faithful step. When I am afraid, remind me of your presence. When I am uncertain, give me wisdom. When I am discouraged, remind me of your faithfulness. And when I don't know what comes next, help me trust you enough to take the next step.

Amen.

---

Application 

Take a few quiet moments today and ask yourself:

What step have I been avoiding because I'm afraid?

Name it honestly before God.

Then ask:

Is there a small, faithful step I can take today?

Before you take that step, pray:

“Lord, I don't know exactly what lies ahead, but I know you are with me. Give me courage for the next faithful step.”

Then take the step.