SMALL ACTS, BIG DIFFERENCE

 

May 30, 2025

Galatians 6:9

“Let us not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time 

we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

We end our week of devotions where we started on Monday reflecting on the Bible's use of agricultural imagery to describe our walk with Christ.

There’s something beautiful about watching things grow. A seed, though small and seemingly insignificant, contains the potential for abundance. Think of a sunflower. It begins as a tiny seed, almost weightless. But in time, it grows tall and bright, turning its face toward the sun. But growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, care, and time. The same is true of our spiritual lives, and our impact on others. Our smallest acts of love and obedience can blossom into something beautiful and bright, revealing the abundant life that Jesus offers.

In Galatians 6, Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good. Why? Because the results of our faithfulness may not show up immediately, but the result will come. We are in the time of year where we understand this best, I believe. In life, as in our gardens seeds are planted and cared for long before “fruit” appears.

At times, we scatter seeds through gentle words, patient service, or quiet obedience, and perhaps we see little change. But God sees! Every act done in love and faithfulness matters to our creator. We may be planting hope where despair once lived or preparing soil for someone else to water later. Our perseverance today may bear fruit long after God used us to plant the seed. In God's kingdom, the small acts of faithfulness have eternal impact.

Let's Pray

Lord, thank You that no seed planted in Your name is wasted. Help me not to give up, even when I’m tired or discouraged. Strengthen me to keep sowing in faith and to trust You with the outcome.  Amen.

AND THERE WAS LIGHT

 

May 29, 2025

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. 

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Let those words sink in, Jesus calls us the light of the world. All of us no matter who we are, what our vocation is, where we live. Our life, right where we are presently, is meant to shine.

But what does that really mean? Lets take a moment to consider what light does:

Light drives away darkness.

Light brings clarity where there’s confusion.

Light offers safety to those feeling lost or afraid.

Light attracts attention—light naturally draws people in.



When Jesus said, “You are the light of the world,” He was giving us a calling. Light is essential, and it's powerful. When you enter a dark room in your home, it only takes the flick of a switch to change everything. Frequently the Bible reminds us that darkness cannot overcome light; it flees from it.

In the same way, the presence of a Jesus-follower, his disciple, can bring hope, peace, and truth into the darkest places: a hurting friendship, a struggling community, a broken family, yes even a workplace filled with conflict.

Jesus isn’t asking us to shine with a light we produce ourselves. He's telling you and me that, by being connected to Him, the Light of the World (John 8:12), we will shine naturally. You see, the more time we spend with Jesus, the brighter our life becomes.

Lydia moved into a new neighborhood with her husband and young kids. They didn’t know anyone and hoped to quietly settle in. But next door was a woman named Maggie, who made it her mission to be a good neighbor. She showed up with cookies. She waved every time they passed. When Lydia’s mom was hospitalized, Maggie offered to watch her kids, no strings attached.

Over time, Maggie's kindness broke down Lydia’s walls. One summer evening, sitting under string lights on the back patio, Lydia said, “There’s something different about you. You have a peace I don’t understand.”

That night, Maggie shared her faith story—not perfectly, but authentically. A year later, Lydia became a follower of Jesus. Not because of a dramatic sermon, but because of a consistent light. Maggie simply lived her life close to Jesus—and others noticed.

Maggie didn’t have to preach. She just showed up with love, joy, peace, and patience. That’s light. I believe that is what Jesus meant.

We are given daily opportunities to be light. Not by being louder or pushier, but by being present, prayerful, and filled with Christ.

Where has God placed you to shine? Maybe it’s in your home, your school, your job, or your circle of friends. Your life, your smile, your words, your attitude can be the light that others around us are desperately searching for.

Don’t underestimate the power of a gentle word, a patient answer, or a faithful presence. Jesus shines through that.



Let's Pray

Jesus, thank You for calling me to be light in a dark world. I know I don’t shine by my own strength but by Your Spirit within me. Help me to stay close to You so that Your presence radiates through my life.  Use me to draw others closer to You. Let my life reflect Your love, Your truth, and Your grace. Amen.

YOU NEED ONLY TO BE STILL

 

May 28, 2025

Exodus 14:14

“The Lord will fight for you; 

you need only to be still.” 

Our world is restless. Silence feels awkward. Stillness seems lazy. Every moment is filled with scrolling, noise, or striving. Yet when the Israelites stood at the edge of the Red Sea, trapped between an enemy behind and an impassable sea ahead, God didn’t tell them to hustle or strategize. He said, “Be still.”

What we need to understand is that stillness isn’t inactivity, it is trust. It means resisting the influence of fear, even in moments when future appears uncertain. Stillness is an attitude of surrender that says, “God, I don’t have to fix this. I trust You to fight for me.”

God invites us to be still with Him, not just to recover energy, but to remember who holds our lives. Stillness cuts through the chaos of busyness and reveals the God who has always been for us, in the battle with us.

Do you remember, those "snow globes"? My grandmother had one on a shelf in her apartment that I loved to play with when I visited her as a kid. I loved to shake the globe, which started everything swirling inside the globe. However, when the globe was left alone to sit still, clarity returned, the swirling stopped and you could see the wintery scene inside. I wonder if the snow globe isn't an illustration of sorts of our spiritual life. When we stop striving and surrender, the chaotic swirling of our restlessness settles down and in the stillness we can see clearly that God is at work. As the verse says we "need only to be still" to notice God's abiding presence.

Let's Pray

God, in a world of unrest, teach me the power of stillness. Calm my anxious heart and remind me that You are in control. Help me stop striving and rest in the truth that You are already at work. I choose to trust You with what I cannot control. Amen.

The RESCUE of REST

May 27, 2025 

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”




In our culture, rest is often misunderstood. We think of rest as what happens after we’ve been productive, something earned only once everything is crossed off our to-do list. But Jesus presents a radically different perspective. Notice He doesn’t say, “Come to me after you’ve cleaned up your mess.” He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.”

These words of Jesus are not just an invitation; they are a rescue. Jesus doesn’t merely offer rest from our work, He offers rest in Himself. This is rest that isn’t defined by naps or vacations (though those are good gifts), but by reconnection with God. It's rest that realigns and reorients the soul toward our creator.

We need to rediscover the sacredness of rest. Not idleness. Not laziness. But what some call "holy stillness". This is a pause that reminds us that we are not defined by what we do, but by whose we are.

In Matthew 11, Jesus speaks to people who are worn down by religious burdens, striving to meet expectations, maintain appearances, and carry loads they were never meant to bear. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Many of us live the same way: anxious, driven, spiritually exhausted. Jesus’ invitation is as relevant now as it was then.

Rest is not a sign of weakness but an act of worship. When we rest in God, we affirm: You are sovereign, and I am not. I do not need to control the world. I trust in Your sufficiency.

"Picture a hammock stretched between two trees, gently swaying in a warm breeze. You climb in, not to be lazy, but to be held. To breathe deeply. To let go. In that stillness, your body unwinds, but more importantly, your soul does too."

This is the kind of rest Jesus gives. Not shallow escape, but deep restoration. Not a break from reality, but a return to what is most real: that you are beloved, and God is in control.

Where do I feel most weary or burdened right now?

How can you make space for sacred rest in your daily or weekly living?

A Challenge

Try setting aside some time this week for intentional rest. Turn off your phone. Sit with your Bible. Take a walk in nature. Ask God to restore your soul and remind you of His presence. Use Psalm 23 as a guide if needed: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”

Let's Pray

Jesus, I come to You with my weariness, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Teach me what it means to truly rest in You. Help me let go of striving and perfectionism. Quiet my anxious thoughts. Help me discover again the beauty of being still with You. Let rest be a pattern of grace in my life. Amen.

A Season of Growth

 

May 26, 2025

 

2 Peter 3:18

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 

You have likely noticed that the seasons are changing, we welcome the days lengthening and the earth awakening as creation resurrects into full bloom. It is like all of nature is stretching and reaching toward the sun. Trees are fuller, flowers burst open, and gardens are planted and begin to yield their fruit. Already our family has enjoyed fresh Asparagus and Rhubarb from our favorite local grower. Have you ever noticed that Scripture often uses agricultural imagery to describe our walk with Christ? I think the reason for that is that just like nature, we are created to grow.

Peter’s call to "grow in the grace and knowledge" of Jesus is both an encouragement and a challenge. Growth doesn’t just happen. It requires intention, think of the Bible’s imagery of watering our lives with Scripture, pruning away what hinders us, and staying rooted in Christ. Grace helps us become more like Jesus in our lifestyle and character. This knowledge that Peter points to is a deepening insight into the heart of Jesus and His will for his disciples.

I know we are a few weeks away from the “official” start of Summer, however I believe summer signs are all around us. I mean the unofficial start of summer, Victoria Day weekend, is behind us!  If we are to get the most out of the summer season it takes some thought and planning. Summer is often a break from routines. We change things up a bit, longer days mean more outside activities, etc. right. What if, in our preparation and plans for these next few months, we decided to break into new spiritual rhythms, longer quiet times, deeper prayer, intentional fellowship. What if this season that is moving toward us wasn’t just about rest, but about spiritual renewal?

What if we started this journey by imagining our hearts as a garden.

What’s thriving? What’s been neglected?

Are the roots deep enough to withstand the storms?

I am sure you know that even the most vibrant garden needs attention.

What if we were to ask the Holy Spirit to help us plant, cultivate, and tend, what is life-giving, and remove, dig out, or prune what is not.

Let Us Pray

Lord, make this a season of spiritual growth. Help me to grow in grace, to love more like You, and in knowledge, that I might walk more closely with You. Show me what needs tending in my heart. Amen.

 

LIVING LETTERS

May 23, 2025 

2 Corinthians 3:3 

“You show that you are a letter from Christ… written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God.” 

Recently I read the following "Your life is being read—every day, by someone." Agree or disagree? I think whether we recognize it or not, our choices, attitudes, words, and reactions form a message. According to Paul, as today's reading suggests, the message is far more than just our personality, our character, or reputation; it is a letter from Christ, written by the Holy Spirit, meant to reveal to others what God is like.

Imagine that, You and me, says our scripture, are living documents of God’s ongoing work in a human life. We are not perfect or flawless, but we are letters that are deeply real.

Now, this does not mean pretending to have it all together. Authenticity carries the most impact. When our story reflects real struggle, growth, and transformation. When we allow God to write our stories, as we have been saying this week, even the messy, confusing, and broken chapters, God creates a story worth reading. A story that points beyond ourselves, to Him, a story that brings glory to our Creator.

Take a moment and think about the people whose lives have shaped your faith. Can you picture them? See their face? Now, were they perfect? Probably not. However, they were faithful. Honest. Hopeful. Willing to let God use their joys and pains to reveal that he is a Good, Good Father.

Our lives are a message. Our faith in the face of loss, our joy in the midst of uncertainty, our grace toward those who wrong us, all of these are lines in the letter God is writing through us.

So the question isn’t whether our lives are telling a story. The question is: what kind of story are they telling?



Let Us Pray

Jesus, let my life be a living letter, written by Your love and marked by Your faithfulness. May others see not just my journey, but Your presence woven through every part of it. Use even my wounds and weaknesses to reflect Your grace. I place my story in Your hands—write it for Your glory. Amen.

CONNECTED!

 

May 22, 2025

Ecclesiastes 4:9,12

“Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” 

From the very beginning, God designed us for connection. Even in the Garden of Eden, where Adam had unbroken fellowship with God, the Lord still said, “It is not good for the humankind to be alone.” I believe this tells us something profound: we were never meant to walk through life in isolation, not even in the perfect world God created before sin entered the story.

Throughout Scripture, we find that God often works in and through relationships. Moses had Aaron, his brother and spokesperson. David found strength and loyalty in Jonathan’s friendship. Naomi and Ruth journeyed together from grief to hope. Paul mentored Timothy and relied on faithful companions during his missionary travels. These relationships were not just practical, in order to get things accomplished; these relationships were also incredibly spiritual. I believe we discover that they reflected God’s heart for fellowship.

One of the most vivid pictures of this is found in Mark 2. A paralyzed man couldn’t reach Jesus on his own, but he had four friends who believed Jesus could heal. They carried him, tore through a roof, and laid him at Jesus’ feet. And Scripture says, “When Jesus saw their faith…” (v.5). It was not just the man’s faith, but also the faith of his community, that moved the heart of Jesus.

Community strengthens our faith. "It lifts our heads when we’re weary. It corrects us when we stray, celebrates with us in victory, and weeps with us in sorrow. And sometimes, when we are too weak to pray, believe, or keep going, it is the faith of others that sustains us."

In a world that often celebrates independence, the Bible reminds us of the importance of interdependence. To carry one another’s burdens. To encourage daily. To confess, forgive, serve, and love. None of that happens by separation. No, we need each other. God designed his creation that way.


Let Us Pray

God, thank You for the gift of community. Forgive me when I isolate myself or believe the lie that I can do this alone. Help me to lean into the relationships You’ve given me. Make me someone who draws others closer to You by the way I love, serve, and walk alongside them. Amen.

PLOT TWISTS

 

May 21, 2025

Genesis 50:20

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”  


We all know that life is rarely a straight line. Just when we think we’ve figured out the direction we’re headed, the story shifts. The job falls through. The diagnosis comes. The betrayal cuts deep. Abruptly, we are left reeling, wondering if God has lost track of our story. 

Joseph could relate, if anyone could. Sold by his brothers, enslaved in a foreign land, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison, his life reads like a series of brutal plot twists. Each chapter of Joseph's story seem like an ending. But follow Joseph's story to it's conclusion and you will discover that God never stopped writing the story of Joseph's life, and God's amazing purpose and plan for him.

By the time Joseph stood before his brothers in Genesis 50, he had lived through years of pain and waiting. But now he could see the broader story: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” You see God had not just rescued Joseph, God had planted him and led him to a position in which he could be instrumental in "the saving of many lives". What seemed like a harsh detour was actually part of a divine plan.

I believe this the power of God’s authorship. God doesn’t eliminate our pain, but He "repurposes it". What others meant to harm us, what we thought would destroy us, can become the very platform from which God brings healing, hope, and salvation, and not just to us, but through us to others.

What I am about to say isn't easy, but this truth will have a amazing outcome. When your life takes a turn you didn’t expect, remember: God is still writing your story. 

Your plot twist, your detour, might be the very moment God uses to reveal His faithfulness in the most unexpected way.

Reflect

Where have you experienced a plot twist that left you confused, hurt, or questioning?

In reflection do you see any signs of God’s redemptive hand, even if you didn’t recognize it in the moment?

How might God use your story, even the painful parts, to bring hope or help to someone else?

Let Us Pray

Lord, when my plans fall apart, remind me that Your plans never do. When life takes a turn I didn’t expect, help me trust that You are still writing a good and redemptive story. Thank You for taking what was meant for harm and using it for good. Redeem every broken chapter for Your glory, and make my life a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.

DIVINE AUTHORSHIP

 

May 20, 2025

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

We start our devotions this week with this profound and comforting truth: Our life is not random. We are not a product of chance, but of divine design.

The word workmanship in Ephesians 2:10 can be translated as “masterpiece” or “poem.” That means we are God's intentional creation, handcrafted with a purpose. Let this reality sink in, the same God who spoke the universe into being has been carefully writing your story since before you were born. And God isn’t done yet.

Even when life feels messy, God is still at work, "writing beauty into the margins and meaning into the unknown." That God is our designer and the author of our story, gives us the assurance that there is direction, not chaos; intention, not coincidence.


I wonder, where we might need to trust the Divine Author more fully today?

Let's Pray

Father, thank You for being the Author of my life. Help me trust that You know what You’re doing, even when I don’t understand the page I’m on. Give me peace in knowing You write with love, purpose, and grace. Amen.

HOPE THAT ANCHORS the SOUL

 

May 16, 2025

Hebrews 6:19 

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

We all know from experience that life does not always follow calm and predictable waters. we find ourselves tossed by unexpected waves, don't we? A diagnosis we didn’t see coming, a job lost, a relationship strained, or shattered day. Life can be chaotic, like a choppy sea, in those moments it is easy to feel like we’re drifting aimlessly, unsure if we’ll ever find land again.

That’s why the image in Hebrews 6:19 is so powerful. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” The writer of Hebrews isn’t describing a vague or fragile hope. He’s talking about a hope grounded in God’s unchanging nature and the certainty of His promises. This kind of hope is not based on our feelings or circumstances, it is based on God’s character, God’s covenant, and God’s commitment to His people.

This week what we have been reminded of is that Biblical hope doesn’t remove the storm from us, but it does change how we experience it. Yes,  the winds howl and the waves crash, we are not carried away, because we are anchored to something far stronger and deeper than the storm itself. Jesus, has already gone before us into the inner sanctuary. He is our anchor.

Let's Pray

God, thank You for being the unshakable anchor of our soul. When storms rise and our strength fails, draw us back to Your promises. Help us to hold fast to the hope we have in You, firm and secure. Keep us steady, Lord, until Your peace reigns again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?



We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.


It is safely moored; 'twill the storm withstand,
for 'tis well-secured by the Savior's hand.
Though the tempest rage and the wild winds blow,
not an angry wave shall our boat o'erflow.

NOTHING WASTED!

 May 15, 2025

Romans 5:3–5

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”


Pain and hope often feel like opposites, one tears down while the other builds up. But the apostle Paul shows us a powerful truth today: under God's care, even suffering can have a purpose. In other words, pain is not meaningless or wasted with God. Instead, the Bible seems to reveal to us that it is part of a divine process. How do you feel about that?

Paul describes in our verses above what we might call a chain reaction that makes us rethink our view of hardships. Suffering, while tough, lays the foundation where perseverance can grow. As we continue to walk with God through challenges, perseverance shapes our character, and results in a genuine spiritual depth. From this depth of character comes hope. A hope that isn’t shallow or temporary, but strong, enduring, and anchored in God’s love.

This kind of hope doesn’t disappoint us because it is not based on wishful thinking or changing circumstances. It’s anchored in the unchanging love of God, that has been poured lavishly and abundantly into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Here is the thought we are left with: this hope grows not in spite of pain, but often because of it.

Our Bible shows us through an ongoing story of God and his people that God does not always remove the storm or suffering, rather God does something even more profound: He transforms us in the storm or hardship. He takes our brokenness and weaves it into a deeper faith, a stronger trust, and a more radiant hope.

I read the story not to long ago about a woman named Lisa. Lisa sat in a dim hospital room beside her young son, who was fighting a severe illness. Machines beeped steadily, and time seemed to stand still. She had prayed, begged, wept, but the healing hadn’t come. 

In the early days of her journey with her son's illness, Lisa questioned everything. “God, where are You?” she whispered through tears. The silence was deafening. But over time, something unexpected happened. Instead of running from God in her grief, she leaned in.

She started with each morning reading one Psalm. Sometimes just one verse. On some days, she said I could only pray, “Help me.” What Lisa discovered was that slowly, her prayers became more about presence than answers. She writes "I started to notice God's nearness in small things: a kind nurse, a sunrise through the window, the comfort of Scripture. I was still hurting, but I wasn’t alone."

From this experience Lisa’s faith had changed forever. She said I no longer hold onto God only in the good times but I clung to God in the dark moments, too. "What was once a fragile hope, had been refined in the fire" she testifies. The outcome of this hard journey for Lisa resulted in something amazing. When others suffer, she sits with them, oh, not with easy answers, but with a quiet confidence that comes from knowing as she puts it, "God is here. And He is faithful, even when life hurts."

I want to invite you to reflect on a time when you endured a trial that, in hindsight, brought you closer to God. What did God show you during your season of suffering? How did God shape your faith?

Now consider your current struggles. Where do you see signs of God working—even if subtly? I wonder if you can see any glimpses of  how He might be using your pain to deepen your perseverance, strengthen your character, and renew your hope. 


Let's Pray

Lord, we confess that we don't enjoy suffering. we often long for comfort and quick resolutions. But deep down we believe You are using even the hard seasons to shape us. Teach us to persevere. Form in each of us a character that reflects Your heart. And grow in us a hope that is tested and true, anchored in Your unshakable love. Amen.

WE HAVE A HOPE

 May 14, 2025

1 Peter 1:3 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

I read one time that "Hope is only as strong as the source it's attached to". Here today Peter points us to a hope that is living because it is rooted (attached) in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter contrasts worldly hope that tends to fade, with Christian hope that is alive, active, and eternal. This hope that Peter describes is not based on our human achievement,  but rather solely on God's grace and mercy.

Because as the Bible reveals Jesus conquered death through the resurrection, we have a hope that transcends the messiness of life's suffering and losses. No matter how dire or dark our present experiences may seem, the resurrection promises and assures us that light is coming. This living hope that Peter refers too gives us the strength to face trials, knowing they are temporary and that our eternal inheritance is secure.

Therefore, we can say with Peter, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Today, I wonder if a good exercise might not be for us to reflect on how the resurrection shapes our everyday hope.

Is our confidence rooted in a living risen Lord, are we anchored in the truth of Christ’s victory, or in temporal earthly circumstances and our own strength? How we answer this question will impact the outlook by which we live.

Let's Pray

Jesus, thank You for the living hope we have through Your resurrection. Remind us that ore future is secure because You are alive. Let that truth shape our attitude today. Amen

WAIT QUIETLY??

 

May 13, 2025

Lamentations 3:25–26 

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”


Waiting is one of those hard parts of life. Whether it's waiting for healing, direction, a relationship, or breakthrough, the in-between moments can be filled with restlessness and anxious thoughts. Jeremiah, in the depths of despair and surrounded by the ruins of Jerusalem, penned these hopeful words of our verse above. In the middle of his weeping, lament and mourning, he reminded himself and his readers that God is still good to those who put their hope in Him.

In the Bible, we carefully note that hope in God doesn't remove the need to wait, but it changes how we wait. Instead of frantic striving or despair, hope teaches us to wait quietly and confidently. Waiting in quietness is not waiting in apathy or indifference; it is a stillness born of trust and confidence.

Today, let us identify an area(s) where we are in a season of waiting. Instead of allowing frustration and impatience to grow, let us practice seeking God in our in between space. Write down a prayer or a promise from Scripture to return to whenever impatience arises. (See the list of Bible verses below after the prayer that might give you a start)

Let's Pray

God, I confess that I don't always wait well. Teach me to hope in You with quiet trust. Help me see Your goodness, even in the waiting. Amen

Old Testament Verses                                                                                                                 

• Psalm 27:14 
  "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

• Psalm 33:20–22 
  "Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."

• Psalm 130:5–6 
  "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning..."                                                                    
• Isaiah 40:31 
  "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."                               

New Testament Verses

• Romans 8:24–25                                                                                                                "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes   for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it   patiently."                                                                                                                                                                                
• James 5:7–8                                                                                                                      "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting... You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."                                                                          
• Hebrews 6:19                                                                                                                    "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

THE SOURCE OF OUR HOPE

 

This Week of Devotional theme will be ANCHORED in HOPE.

To "anchor in something" means to secure or stabilize oneself.  It’s like using an anchor to hold a ship in place, preventing it from drifting away. When we anchor in something, it becomes our foundation or source of strength. To anchor means committing to something stable or reliable. So let us together consider how we might live our lives, as the Bible invites us, Anchored in Hope.

May 12, 2025

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Where do you turn when the world seems uncertain? Often, we search for hope in circumstances, people, or even in ourselves. But what the Apostle Paul reminds us is that God is not just a giver of hope; He is the God of hope. This means our hope as Jesus' followers is not rooted in wishful thinking, but in the eternal and unchanging nature of God Himself. Do you recall Micah 3:6? 

"For I am the Lord, I do not change ...."

Paul's prayer in Romans 15:13 reveals a "chain reaction": trust in God leads to being filled with joy and peace, which in turn causes us to overflow with hope. Notice that hope, as Paul describes it, is not something we somehow squeeze out of our own strength. Rather, this Hope is the overflow that comes when our hearts are anchored in trust, and our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit.

When the news is grim, or the diagnosis is bad, when the job falls through, we can still overflow with hope, because our hope is in a God who does not fail.

 Psalm 143:8

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Let's Pray

Lord, You are the God of hope. Fill me with joy and peace today as I trust in You. Let Your Spirit cause hope to overflow in my heart, no matter what I am facing. Amen

 

LIVING in LOVE

 

May 9, 2025

John 13:34–35 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:11–12 

 “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another... If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.”

At the heart of the Body of Christ is love. Not a shallow, sentimental kind of love—but the deep, self-giving love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. It’s this love that binds us together, fuels our service, and reveals Christ to a watching world.

Jesus didn’t say the world would recognize His followers by their theology, worship style, or outreach programs. He said it would be by their love. Love is the defining mark of the Church. Without it, we may have structure, gifts, and even influence—but we lack the very thing that proves we belong to Him.

Love in the Body of Christ isn’t always easy. We’re called to love not just when it's convenient or comfortable, but even when it costs us, when loving means forgiving, listening, bearing with others, and putting their needs above our own. I am sure you will agree that this kind of love doesn’t come naturally; it comes from abiding in Jesus, the One you is the source of our love.

When each part of the Body is living in love, the Church becomes not just a place, but a people, a community, who reflect Jesus Himself. 

Reflection Questions


Where is God calling yoou to grow in love?


What would it look like to love as Jesus loved, sacrificially, humbly, and faithfully?


Is there someone you need to forgive, encourage, or reach out to in love today?

LET US PRAY

Jesus, thank You for loving me so deeply. Teach me to love others the way You’ve loved me—with humility, patience, and grace. Help our church be known not just for truth or worship, but for genuine love that reflects Your heart. May Your love flow through us and draw others to You. Amen.

BODY BUILDING

 

 May 8, 2025

 

Ephesians 4:11–16

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

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“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

 Ephesians 4:16

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Growth is a sign of health in any living thing—and the Body of Christ is no exception. God’s desire is not just for His Church to exist, but to grow—in maturity, unity, and love. And this growth doesn’t happen by accident. It comes through intentional equipping, spiritual leadership, and the faithful participation of every believer.

Ephesians 4 describes how God gives leaders—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—not to do all the work, but to equip the saints (that’s us!) for the work of ministry. As we each step into our roles, the Body is built up. The goal? Maturity in Christ. Unity in faith. Steadfastness in truth. Love in action.

But growth also requires effort. It calls for listening to sound teaching, rejecting spiritual passivity, speaking truth with love, and staying connected to the rest of the Body. Just like muscles in the human body, spiritual strength increases when we’re exercised in love, service, and truth.

The Body of Christ becomes healthy and strong when each part not only believes, but builds. We have a role in that development.


Reflection Questions

Are you actively growing in your faith—or are  you spiritually coasting? (It happens to us all at times)

What would do you feel would help you grow deeper in Christ right now?

Do you see yourself as a builder in the Body of Christ?

Do you feel you are assisting fellow worshippers mature in their walk with Jesus? 



Let Us Pray

Lord, I want to grow in You. Help me not to settle for spiritual coasting or isolation. Teach me to speak truth in love, to build others up, and to take responsibility for my part in Your Body. May our church be one that grows strong in love, truth, and unity, all for Your glory. Amen.

 

YOU ARE NEEDED

 

May 7, 2025

Romans 12:4–8

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

The Body of Christ is something we live, not just belong to. It involves more than attending services or having correct beliefs; it means being an active part. Each member has unique gifts, not for personal status or comfort, but for service, unity, and growth of the whole.

Paul lists various gifts: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. These are just examples of how the Spirit equips believers. In these verses today the emphasis is not so much on what gift you have, we can find that elsewhere in Paul’s teaching, but on how you use the gift: with faith, diligence, generosity, and cheerfulness.

So far this week, we are being reminded that when the Body of Christ is in motion, each member doing their part, it becomes a living witness of God’s love, wisdom, and power. Yet, we are also challenged to recognize that when some members (we?) hold back, the whole body is affected. The message for us is that the Church grows best when everyone contributes what God has placed in their hands. In this way, “we are truly all in this together”.

Please do not miss this wonderful truth, you have something to offer. Whether seen or unseen, upfront or behind the scenes, your gift matters. The Body needs you to move.

Reflection Questions

What gifts has God given you?
Are you using them to serve others and build up the Church?

Have I allowed fear, comparison, or inactivity to hold me back from serving?
What would change if I stepped out in faith?

Who around me could be encouraged, supported, or strengthened by my obedience today?



Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me gifts and a place in Your Body. Help me not to sit on the sidelines but to serve with faith and joy. Show me where I’m needed, and give me the courage to act. May I use what You’ve given me to bless others and bring You glory. Amen.

WHO IS IN CHARGE AROUND HERE?

 

May 6, 2025

Colossians 1:18 

 “And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.”


Ephesians 1:22–23 

“And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.”

Our verse today from Colossians describes the Church as more than a gathering, a building, or an institution -- it is a living organism, and Christ is its Head. Yesterday we looked at the community of Jesus as the Body of Christ and saw that the Apostle Paul likened it to the human body. We encounter this idea again today in both our verses. Just like the head directs the body, Christ leads and governs His people. His authority is not symbolic, but complete. Jesus is the source of life, wisdom, direction, and unity for the Church.

In our lives, it’s easy to take control and make decisions based on what feels right or what our culture encourages. But as we all know, a body cannot function if it tries to act independently of its head. The same is true for the Church. When we operate apart from Christ, when we prioritize our own ambitions, preferences, or traditions, we drift off course. But when Christ is given His rightful place as Head, the Church thrives, matures, and reflects His love and truth.

This isn’t just about acknowledging Christ with words, it’s about yielding or surrendering and dependence. It means letting Jesus lead your heart, your plans, your relationships, and your church. It’s trusting Him as the source, not just the figurehead. When every part of the body listens to the Head, we move with unity, purpose, and power.

Reflection Questions


Is Christ truly the head of your life or are you trying to lead things?

What is one area where you need to surrender to Jesus leadership?

In what ways do you see Christ leading your church?
Are there areas where we need to realign with Him as Head?

How would our decisions change if we consistently sought Christ’s direction first?

 
Let Us Pray

Jesus, You are the Head of the Church, and I want You to be the Head of my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve gone my own way. Teach me to follow You, to listen for Your voice, and to trust Your leadership. Help our church to honor You as the One who holds all things together. Lead us, shape us, and unite us by Your Spirit. Amen.

WHAT A BODY!

 

May 5, 2025

 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

Our Key Verse

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ."

1 Corinthians 12:12 

 

In our reading today, the Church is compared to a human body, which is diverse in its parts but yet united in function and purpose. Each part—eyes, ears, hands, and feet—serves a unique purpose, but together they create one living organism. Likewise, a Christian community is made up of individuals, each one playing a unique role with intention and purpose.

There is a temptation to consider certain roles in the church as more important than others. The roles that are more highly visible can often be ranked as of more value. We might think the Elders, Deacons, teachers, or Pastor matters more than the person who sets up chairs and tables, or the one who plans fellowship meals, or the individuals that make sure people are welcomed, or those quietly praying in the background. But notice how Paul shatters this thinking: “The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (v. 22). Every part matters. Every person matters.

Here is the thing we must always remember we were not meant to be a copy of someone else. We were meant to be ourselves, the way God created us to be, with our personalities, abilities and interests. We are women and men who are filled with the Spirit and are uniquely equipped to serve in a way no one else can. You see, when we each embrace our God-given roles and honor the roles of others in our community, the Church becomes a powerful and beautiful expression of Christ on earth.

Reflection Questions

What role or gift has God given you within the Body of Christ?

Have you embraced it or dismissed it as unimportant?

Do you sometimes compare yourself to others in the Church?

What might happen if we fully stepped into our role in the Body?

What could God do through our obedience?


Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for making me a vital part of Your Body. Help me to see my worth not by comparison, but through Your eyes. Teach me to honor the gifts in others and to joyfully use what You’ve given me to serve and build up the Church. Unite us, Lord, as one Body, led by Your Spirit and centered in Your love. Amen.

WHY WING IT?

 

May 2, 2025

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

God assures us of His guidance and leading through the joys, difficulties and challenges of life. Bottom line: God will guide you!

We all face countless decisions in a day. Some are rather small and insignificant like deciding to wear a blue or green shirt. Yet, some decisions are significant, they have a broader long lasting impact on our lives. Our verse today asks us will we lean on our own understanding and experiences, or will we look to God's higher understanding and trust the Creator? Do we try to figure things out on our own, lean on our own understanding, “wing it” as they say, or do we go to our Creator God in prayer, apply the truths we know from Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us? Yes, I know this calls for "waiting patiently" and trusting the God we worship. Oh, but the outcome, will be full of promise, wisdom and guidance. Let us continually seek God and ask God to show us the way for we know that He is faithful to his promises, and our Creator will make your path straight.

FOR REFLECTION 

• Can you think of a time when you leaned on your own understanding? How did it turn out?

• What’s one area in your life where you need to stop winging it and submit it to God?

 

• What’s one thing you can do every day to remind yourself to lean on God?

 

PRAYER

 

O Lord, my God, help me to trust you with my decisions and my future. Let me lean on you with all my heart instead of relying on my own imperfect understanding. Give me clear guidance in my life, Lord. As I submit myself to you, I know that you will direct my paths and I can have confidence that your direction is always the best way to go. Hear my prayer, Father. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.