VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:3
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs
HOPE FOR THE POOR IN SPIRIT
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings commonly known as the beatitudes.
âBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.â
ââMatthew⏠â5âŹ:â3⏠âESVâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹ
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who canât pay their bills, canât break free from the cycle of poverty, or canât afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think thatâs a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situationâthat they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that itâs humility, not pride or self-reliance, thatâs a common characteristic in the kingdom of heaven.
Those who are poor in spirit know that they canât, but they trust that God can.
If weâre honest, most of us would prefer to be rich, comfortable, and self-dependent. We would rather lack nothing. But even if we happen to be financially stable or physically healthy, we cannot save our own souls.
We were created to need God.
So if youâre feeling weak, weary, or worn out, itâs okay. If you feel like you have nothing to offer, Jesus actually says that you are blessed.
When you have a need, He can meet it. When youâre not enough, He already is. And when you feel poor in spirit, you are in the perfect position to be saved and filled by God.
BE ENCOURAGED
If you're feeling weak, weary, or worn out, it's okay.
You were designed to need God!
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Today's challenge: Remind yourself and others that when you feel needy and "not enough". You're in the perfect position to be blessed and used by God.
God help me. Here I am- I need You. I have nothing without You. You are the giver of every good nad perfect gift, and You are all I need. Please restore my hope and joy, and draw me closer to You. Make me aware of how You are at work in my life, and teach me how to rejoice in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
JUNE 3 2026, WEDNESDAY
Entry: 12:52pm, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:4
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
SURPRISING COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF GRIEF
Can anything good come from grief? From mourning a deep loss? From weeping over a profoundly heavy heartache?
While grief is a necessary part of life, no one longs to grieve. But in the second beatitudeâa series of promises Jesus made about Godâs KingdomâJesus said this:
âBlessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.â
ââMatthew⏠â5âŹ:â4⏠âESVâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹ
No one can appreciate rain more than someone whoâs lived in the desert. No one can value food more than someone whoâs truly been starving. And no one can know God as their Comforter like someone whoâs desperately needed comfort.
Unfortunately, death, decay, and disappointment are a part of this world. But even in our sorrow and suffering, God stands ready to comfort usâin unique and meaningful ways that only He can.
The Holy Spirit is often called the âComforter,â as well as âHelper,â âCounselor,â or âAdvocate.â But regardless of what Heâs called, itâs always who He is. Even in our grief, Heâs always a God who has our best in mind.
And so, how does God comfort us? He does this through His Spirit, through His Word, and by working in and through His people.
Do you have the eyes to see how Heâs pursuing you? Have you opened your heart to His comfort?
If you are a follower of Christ who is mourning today, remember: Jesus Himself promised that you will be comforted. Heâs always good, Heâs always faithful, and Heâs right here, ready to help.
BE ENCOURAGED
Even in your deepest grief, God wants to comfort and bless you.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Who needs to feel God's love through you today? Ask Him to help you comfort someone who's hurting.
God, You see those who mourn and You promise to comfort them. Please bring healing to our hearts when we grieve. Give hope to those feeling hopelessness and strength to anyone feeling overwhelmed. Show is how close You are in the midst of our mourning. In Jesus' name, Amen.
JUNE 4, 2026, THURSDAY
Entry: 12:35pm, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:5
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
MEEKNESS ISN'T WEAKNESS
Everything around usâthe world, the culture, the peopleâtends to applaud power and strength, independence and intelligence, boldness and superiority.
But in the third beatitude, a series of promises Jesus made about Godâs Kingdom, Jesus highlighted something different, saying:
âBlessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.â
ââMatthew⏠â5âŹ:â5⏠NIVâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹ
The English word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praeis." It means gentle, humble, or submissive; modest, mild, or unpretentious. In fact, when Paul describes the âfruits of the Spiritâ (traits developed in His people by His Spirit), the words "meekness" and "gentleness" are often used interchangeably.
But, letâs be clear: If such descriptions paint a frail and feeble picture in your mind, you can be certain that meekness isnât weakness.
Meekness is strength under control. It's power submitted to Godâs authority.
Now, if âmeekâ isnât a word that youâd use to currently describe yourself, thatâs okay. Jesus wasnât speaking to those who had it all togetherâand He isnât expecting a perfect version of us, either. Instead, Heâs extending a blessing on who His people were (and are) becoming.
God is continually developing these beatitude traits inside of His followers. He's refining, sanctifying, and transforming us to be more and more like Him.
In Scripture, Jesus Himself is called âmeek.â But as you probably know, He was far from passive, apathetic, or a pushover. Instead of relying on His own powerâlike summoning legions of angels to avoid hanging on that crossâHe leaned into Godâs strength and restrained His limitless power.
Jesusâ upside-down kingdom will be packed with those who harness their strength for Godâs glory and who humble themselves at His feet.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
When you submit to God's strength instead of relying on your own, people notice.
Today, you can represent Christ by leveraging Your strengths to serve others- with humility, gentleness, and compassion.
God, thank You for welcoming me into Your kingdom. Thank You for accepting me, even through I don;t have it all together. I'm reminded that Your power is sufficient for all my needs, so help me to lean on Your strength today. Please help me walk gently and humbly with those I encounter. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:6
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
WHAT DO YOU CRAVE?
Every day, multiple times a day, little alarms are triggered inside your brain. They make your stomach growl, your mouth water, or your mind become fixed on that which you crave.
God gave us physical needs that mirror our spiritual needs, too. Needs that must be met to stay healthy and alive. Needs that must be satisfied over and over again. In fact, food is often used in the Bible as a metaphor for our spiritual needs (it's called "our daily bread" in Matthew and the "pure milk" of the Word in 1 Peter, to name a couple.)
In the fourth beatitude, which are a series of promises Jesus made about Godâs Kingdom, Jesus said this:
âBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.â
Matthew 5:6 NIV
Do you long for righteousness and justice? Do you desire the ways of God? Do you yearn for His kingdom to come? Do you want to be someone who chases after that which can never truly satisfy, or someone who hungers and thirsts after God?
In this upside-down kingdom where Jesus is Lord, the poor can be rich, the weak can be strong, and the empty can be filled.
Jesus Christ not only holds the keys to âliving water,â but He is the âBread of Life.â So, when you feel Him prompting your heartâto fight for justice, to love the unloved, to stand up for whatâs right (even when itâs not popular)âpay attention.
He stands ready to fill you with everything you need.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Ask God to give you a hunger for righteousness, a thirst for justice, and a craving for His ways.
When you feel God prompting you to stand up for what's right, pay attention. He wants to use you to represent Him.
God, You put the thirst and hunger for righteousness in my heart, and You alone can satisfy it. Please help me to hold onto the hope that You offer, and to show Your love to everyone. Give me the patience to endure an imperfect world as I wait for You to come back and make all things right. In Jesus' name, Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:7
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
SEVERE MERCY
Think back on a time when you were shown mercyâŠ
Maybe you owed someone money, but they decided to cancel your debt. Maybe you hurt someone you love, but they gave you another chance. Maybe you made a huge mistake, but you received forgiveness instead of punishment.
In the fifth of the beatitudes, a series of promises Jesus made about Godâs Kingdom, Jesus said this:
âBlessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.â
Matthew 5:7 NIV
Because we are imperfect sinners who have all fallen short of Godâs glorious standards, we all deserve death. We all deserve punishment. We all deserve to be eternally separated from God.
âBut God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!)â
ââEphesians⏠â2âŹ:â4âŹ-â5⏠NLTâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹ
Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness while simultaneously fervent about grace and mercy.
Thatâs why He paid the ultimate price for usâso that we could truly live. Thatâs why He conquered the graveâto mercifully save our souls. Thatâs why He sent His Spiritâso that we could also show mercy.
To be clear, grace and mercy, while similar, aren't the same. Grace is getting what you donât deserve (an unwarranted gift) while mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment and wrath).
And while itâs easier said than done, His people are called to be merciful. Even when someone has wronged you. Yes, even when they donât deserve your kindness. Yes, even when you donât feel like being merciful.
Jesus has shown us a great mercy. And now? We can offer it to others.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Jesus has shown us a great mercy. And now? We can offer it to others.
There's nothing we need more than the grace and mercy of God. Tell someone about these eternity-changing truth today!
God, Your nature is to offer mercy. When people meet me, I want them to know that You live inside of me. Give me opportunities to demonstrate Your mercy to those around me, As my faith grows, please give me a deeper ability to offer mercy to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
IS YOUR HEART PURE?
What do you think about when you hear the word pure?
Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear water? A freshly washed load of white sheets? Or maybe someone whoâs morally wholesome and good?
In the sixth of the beatitudesâa series of promises Jesus made about Godâs KingdomâJesus said this:
âBlessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.â
Matthew 5:8 NIV
The word "pure" means clean or blameless, free from corruption or contamination, purified by fire, or unstained by guilt. None of us can truly be pure on our ownâdespite our best efforts.
Before Jesus showed up, the highest ranking Levitical priests were charged with ministering and mediating in the holiest spaces (inside the tabernacle in the wilderness and, later, the temple in Jerusalem)âwhere Godâs presence dwelled on earth. But even they had to be purified over and over again.
Now, because of Jesusâ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He has paved the way for us. His blood covered our sins, and when we accept the sacrifice, He makes us pure. Now and forever, we can âcome boldly to the throne of our gracious God,â where we can find mercy and grace when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16). Now, our bodies are the modern-day temples where Godâs Spirit has chosen to dwell.
Being pure of heart is not about being perfect, but trusting in Jesus to purify our souls.
As Isaiah once prophesiedâŠ
âCome now, letâs settle this,â says the LORD. âThough your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.â
Isaiah⏠â1âŹ:â18⏠âNLTâŹâŹ
Allow Him to make you pure.
BE ENCOURAGED
We can't make ourselves pure, only God can do that. But we can trust in His perfect sacrifice and honor Him with our lives.
REFLECTION
Are you willing to say "yes" to God-no matter what He asks you to do?
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Everyone you encounter today desperately needs God. Let your life be a reflection of His kindness and love!
God, I want my heart to be a reflection of your character-pure! Please reveal the areas of my life and heart that are not in line with Your Word. Help me to let go of the bitterness, disappointment, and hurt I'm currently holding onto. I surrender my whole heart to You- please transform me from the inside out. I want to see You up close! In Jesus' name, Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:9
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
WORKING FOR PEACE
One look at the world around us and itâs clear: peace isnât going to make itself.
Nations are warring and people are fighting. You may even have some personal relationships filled with bitterness and contempt. Thankfully, we can lean into Jesusâ wisdom in the seventh beatitude:
âBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.â
ââMatthew⏠â5:9⏠âNIVâŹâŹ
Let's be clear, peacemaking is different than peacekeeping. In fact, Jesus assured us that as long as weâre on this earth, we will face trouble. There will be chaos, division, misunderstandings, and a need for making peace. And that is whyâŠ
Peacemaking requires action.
Yes, peacemaking compels us out of our own comfortable lives. But for those who are willing to step into the tender space of making peace, here are some thoughts to help you lead the way:
Peacemakers lead the way with humility. No one is perfect and we all need grace. None of us are God, but we all need Him. Leading with a posture of humility is key.
Peacemakers lead the way with empathy. Even when we disagree with someone, respectfully listening and seeking to understand their perspective is essential for making peace.
Peacemakers lead the way with truth and grace. Any time Jesus interacted with people, He did so with both truth and grace. We must have both to accurately represent Him.
Peacemakers lead the way to the feet of Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Apart from Him, we are nothing. When we realize our mutual brokenness, as well as our mutual need for Christ, everything can change.
Seeking to be a mediator for those in disagreement doesnât mean that every problem will be solvedâimmediately or ever. But when we invite God into those spaces and commit to the hard work of peacemaking, He can do more than we can ask or imagine.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Peacemaking requires actions. What's one step you can take towards reconciliation?
Who do you need to forgive? Who do you owe an apology? As you lean into these conversations, remember your mutual need for Christ.
God, please help me to live at peace with others. Even when people hated, mocked, and even unjustly condemned You. You will showed them love, mercy, and forgiveness. And You invite us to experience and share Your perfect peace. Make me eager to spread peace instead of fear, and love instead of hate. In Jesus' name, Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:10
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED
Itâs not always easy to stand for whatâs rightâespecially when someone makes fun of you, gossips about you, lies about you, or even abuses you because of your decision.
But when sharing the eighth of the beatitudesâa series of promises Jesus made about Godâs KingdomâJesus offered some hope:
âBlessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.â
Matthew 5:10 NIV
Leading up to this verse, Jesus had spoken unexpected blessings over an unlikely group: the poor in spirit, those who were mourning, the meek, those craving righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Finally, He offered a blessing to the persecuted.
Jesus elaborated:
âBlessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.â
Matthew⏠â5âŹ:â11âŹ-â12⏠âNIVâŹâŹ
Now, we wonât be blessed for facing the consequences of our own terrible decisions. But Jesus is saying that you will be rewarded when you are shamed, canceled, or even physically persecuted because of Him.
Jesus knows what itâs like to suffer for the sake of righteousness.
You will be blessed for standing up for what is right, for trusting in Godâs Word, and for defending those who cannot defend themselves. And when it gets hard, remember: youâre not alone.
The prophets before us were mocked, beaten, and even killed. Jesusâ disciplesâthe ones hearing these wordsâwould also suffer and die because of their beliefs. They were persecuted for doing things differently: for loving their neighbors, following God's laws, and for declaring Jesus as Lord.
So no matter what it costs you, you will be blessed for standing up for what is right. Jesus says that yours is the kingdom of heaven.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
God's people are sometimes mocked or even persecuted for living out and sharing their faith. But don't let that stop you. God has prepared a great reward in heaven for those who persevere-in a forever kingdom that will never be destroyed.
God, when I feel weak, remind me that You are strong. And when I feel like giving up, give me the strength to persevere. Show me what it means to pursue righteousness- no matter the cost. I want every aspect of my life to glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
God, nothing compares to You! You alone are good. You alone are majestic. You alone are praiseworthy! Thank You for creating me, calling me by name, and giving me a purpose. Thank You for allowing Yourself to be known by humanity. I am in awe of Your humility, kindness, and grace. All glory, honor, and power belong to You! Hallelujah, in Jesus' name, Amen.
LUKE 12:7
And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
God sees every detail of what you are facing today.
Re-red today's verse and let that truth sink in. When you're ready talk to God about whatever's on your mind right now.
ROMANS 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What do you need to trust God with today?
Bring all your concerns to the One who brings hope, joy and peace.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 5:7
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
SEVERE MERCIES
Think back on a time when you were shown mercyâŠ
Maybe you owed someone money, but they decided to cancel your debt. Maybe you hurt someone you love, but they gave you another chance. Maybe you made a huge mistake, but you received forgiveness instead of punishment.
In the fifth of the beatitudes, a series of promises Jesus made about Godâs Kingdom, Jesus said this:
âBlessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.â
Matthew 5:7 NIV
Because we are imperfect sinners who have all fallen short of Godâs glorious standards, we all deserve death. We all deserve punishment. We all deserve to be eternally separated from God.
âBut God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godâs grace that you have been saved!)â
ââEphesians⏠â2âŹ:â4âŹ-â5⏠NLTâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹ
Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness while simultaneously fervent about grace and mercy.
Thatâs why He paid the ultimate price for usâso that we could truly live. Thatâs why He conquered the graveâto mercifully save our souls. Thatâs why He sent His Spiritâso that we could also show mercy.
To be clear, grace and mercy, while similar, aren't the same. Grace is getting what you donât deserve (an unwarranted gift) while mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment and wrath).
And while itâs easier said than done, His people are called to be merciful. Even when someone has wronged you. Yes, even when they donât deserve your kindness. Yes, even when you donât feel like being merciful.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Jesus has shown us a great mercy. And now? We can offer it to others.
There's nothing we need more than the grace and mercy of God. Tell someone about these eternity-changing truths today!
God, Your nature us to offer mercy. When people meet me, I want them to know that You live inside of me. Give me opportunities to demonstrate Your mercy to those around me. As my faith grows, please give me a deeper ability to offer mercy to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
HEBREWS 1:3
The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Spend some time meditating on this verse. How does it shape your view of Jesus?
Give God whatever glory or adoration comes to mind.
MATTHEW 6:34
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
What is troubling you right now?
As you bring your requests to God, ask Him to show you the reason behind your worry.
Give Him permission to speak truth into your life.
God, I will give thanks to You and praise Your name! All glory, honor, and power are Yours! Because my life is Yours, help me present myself as someone who belongs to You: someone who doesn't need to be ashamed. Let my whole life bring Your glory! In Jesus' name, Amen.
EPHESIANS 3:20-21
To Him who is able to do far more than we ask, think, or imagine, to Him be all glory, honor, and praise.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
2 CHRONICLES 25-27
JOHN 16
AMAZIAH RULES IN JUDAH
Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lordâs sight, but not wholeheartedly. a man of God came to him and said, âYour Majesty, do not hire troops from Israel, for the Lord is not with Israel. He will not help those people of Ephraim! 8If you let them go with your troops into battle, you will be defeated by the enemy no matter how well you fight. God will overthrow you, for he has the power to help you or to trip you up.â 14When King Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought with him idols taken from the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down in front of them, and offered sacrifices to them!
UZZIAH RULES IN JUDAH
He did what was pleasing in the Lordâs sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. 5Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success. the Lord gave him marvelous help, and he became very powerful.
UZZIAH'S SIN AND PUNISHMENT
he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lordâs Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar. leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead.
So King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in isolation in a separate house, for he was excluded from the Temple of the Lord.
JOTHAM RULES IN JUDAH
Jotham did what was pleasing in the Lordâs sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done, except that Jotham did not sin by entering the Temple of the Lord. But the people continued in their corrupt ways.
King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God.
THE WORLD'S HATRED
âI have told you these things so that you wonât abandon your faith. remember my warning. they have never known the Father or me.
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
it is best for you that I go away, because if I donât, the Advocate wonât come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of Godâs righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The worldâs sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. 3When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory.
SADNESS WILL BE TURNED TO JOY
It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.â
PSALM 23:1-6
the Lord is my shepherd, i have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength. He guides me along tight paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and you staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
INSIGHT
Despite Davidâs failings, he was a man who loved God and was loved by Him. We see this clearly expressed in the psalmistâs writings. Psalm 23 is a classic example that still speaks to us today. With God as our âshepherd,â we truly âlack nothingâ (v. 1). He leads, refreshes, guides, and comforts us (vv. 2-4); and our âcup overflowsâ with His blessings (v. 5). He surrounds us with His love and goodness in this life and for all eternity (v. 6). With such a God, we donât need to live in fear (v. 4). In Psalm 27:4, David exudes, âOne thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.â Like David, may our longing be for God. In His presence, we find rest and restoration.
By: Alyson Kieda
GOD'S PROVISION
I was putting my grandson to bed during a sleepover. When his Bible bookmark opened to Psalm 23, he objected, âWe already read this one.â After I suggested we might learn something new, he read aloud, âThe Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastries.â Green pastries?! I explained that the word was pastures, not pastries. Hours earlier, heâd stood before a bakery shelf, selecting treats. His interpretation came into focus: To him, a bakery conveyed a place of rest and enjoyment.
Psalm 23 may be so familiar to us that we miss its deep offering. David, a king well acquainted with shepherding, describes Godâs provision over a lifetime of things both idyllic (vv. 5-6) and challenging (v. 4). He points out that our good God leads us to places where we can partake of His presence, be rejuvenated, and prepare for what will come. âGreen pasturesâ and âquiet watersâ (v. 2) are such dwellings for sheep, and we are Godâs sheep (v. 1).
My grandsonâs innocent interpretation opened my eyes to the âgreen pasturesâ God provides for meâplaces of rest and enjoyment in everyday life where He restores me. A gold-hued sunset. A verdant field. A quiet corner. A bakery shelf of green pastries, wafting out delight. Iâm so glad we read Psalm 23 again!
By: Elisa Morgan
REFLECT AND PRAY
What unexpected âgreen pastureâ moment have you experienced? How does Psalm 23 invite you into the provision of Godâs presence?
Dear God, please open my eyes to the âgreen pastureâ moments You provide. Help me to enter Your presence each day.
in Jesus' name, Amen.
THE MAN NOBODY EXPECTED
Moses' story begins before Moses can speak. Before he has a name, a mission, or a theology. He is a baby in a basket, floated down a river by a mother who has nothing left to offer but love and a handful of reeds daubed with pitch. She cannot save him. She can only release him.
This is where God's greatest stories often start â not with the prepared, the ready, or the willing, but with the abandoned, the hidden, and the unlikely. Moses is born into a death sentence. The Pharaoh of the most powerful empire in the ancient world has declared that every Hebrew boy is to be drowned in the Nile. And yet, the very river meant to swallow him becomes the road that carries him to the palace of his killer.
God does not always rescue us from the river. Sometimes He meets us in it. Jochebed, Moses' mother, made a decision drenched in fear and faith at the same time. She could not see how this ended. She could only trust that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob saw what she could not. And He did.
Fifteen days from now, we will have walked with Moses from the Nile to Nebo. We will have watched him run and return, doubt and obey, rage and repent, and finally â eyes full of a promised land he will never enter â die with God's words still warm in his ears. But we start here: with a basket, a river, and a mother who believed that faithful surrender is not the same as giving up.
Whatever river you find yourself in today â God knows where the current is going.
Father, You see what I cannot. You work in rivers I would call disasters. Give me the faith of a mother who floats her most precious thing downstream and trusts You with the outcome. Teach me that surrender to You is never loss. In Jesus' name, Amen.
MAY 15, 2026, FRIDAY
Entry: 5:14pm, Commonwealth QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
MATTHEW 10:20
For it is not you who will be speaking-it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
WHEN THE MOMENT COMES A
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples as He prepared them for persecution. He warned them that they'd be handed over to authorities, misunderstood, and mistreated-not for doing wrong but for bearing witness to Him.
That might sound intimidating, but Jesus doesn't leave them without comfort or help. He assures them: You won't have to rely on your own words. When the moment comes, the Holy Spirit will speak through you.
This promise wasn't just for the disciples. It's for every believer who has ever felt nervous, unqualified, or unprepared to speak about Jesus. The truth is, we don't need the perfect words. We need a surrendered heart.
The Spirit of God is still speaking today-through people just like you. He whispers in quiet conversations over coffee. He spurs us on to send throughtful texts. He speaks through us in small moments at work, school, or around the dinner table.
So here's the challenge: Don't hold back. Don't wait until you "feel ready". Trust that the Spirit who lives in you will give you the words.
Step out in faith. Share your story. Speak of what Jesus has done.
Someone today needs to hear your voice-not because it's flawless, but because the Spirit of the Father is ready to speak His truth to them through you.
BE ENCOURAGED
Don't spend your life relying on your own power. Have a real relationship with God and rely on His power!
SHARE YOUR FAITH
God loves to use His people to accomplish His purposes. You don't need the perfect words-just a surrendered heart.
Challenge: Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings today. Someone needs to know His love, and He wants to speak through you.
Holy Spirit, I want to be a vessel for Your voice. Give me the courage to speak, and fill my words with grace and truth. Help me trust that You will speak through me-because You are always with me. in Jesus' name, Amen.
ROMANS 5:8
Bur God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
While you were unworthy of God's love, Christ died for you.
Spend some time praising God for the relationship you have with Him because of His sacrificial love.
PSALMS 105:4
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
In what ways do you need God to show up today?
Talk to God about what you need.
God, It's in Your presence that I find joy! You are so kind to me, and Your compassion and mercy follow me relentlessly. There is nowhere I can go to escape You, and there's nothing I can do that would scare You away. You are constantly inviting me to seek You and accept You. Thank You for never giving up on me. Today, I want to pursue You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
2 KINGS 22-23
JOHN 4:31-54
JOSIAH REIGNS IN JUDAH
JOSIAH REPAIRS THE TEMPLE
HILKIAH FINDS THE BOOK OF THE LAW
Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 19because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.ââ And they brought back word to the king.
JOSIAH'S REFORMS
JOSIAH RESTORES THE PASSOVER
Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.
JOSIAH'S DEATH IN BATTLE
JEHOAHAZ'S REIGN AND CAPTIVITY
JEHOIAKIM REIGNS IN JUDAH
JESUS AND THE WOMAN FROM SAMARIA
I have food to eat that you do not know about.
Jesus said to them, âMy food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the womanâs testimony, âHe told me all that I ever did.
And many more believed because of his word.
JESUS HEALS AN OFFICIAL'S SON
0Jesus said to him, âGo; your son will live.â The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering.
And he himself believed, and all his household.
PSALM 104:1-7, 10-16
O LORD MY GOD, YOU ARE VERY GREAT
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
2covering yourself with light as with a garment,
5He set the earth on its foundations,
so that it should never be moved.
7At your rebuke they fled;
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
14You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
15and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen manâs heart.
16The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
INSIGHT
When God finished creating on the sixth day, He declared creation âvery goodâ (Genesis 1:31). The psalmist David wrote, âThe heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his handsâ (Psalm 19:1). When we gaze at the stars at night, weâre reminded of Him (8:1-4; Isaiah 40:26). When we observe animals, birds, and fish (Psalm 104:24-25), we see the âthe hand of the Lordâ (Job 12:9). Theologians call Godâs revelation of Himself to us through nature âgeneral revelation.â The apostle Paul declared: âSince the creation of the world Godâs invisible qualitiesâhis eternal power and divine natureâhave been clearly seen, being understood from what has been madeâ (Romans 1:20). Today, as we spend time in nature, we can respond in worship as we celebrate Godâs beauty, goodness, and love for us.
By: Alyson Kieda
SEEING GOD'S GRANDEUR
In nineteenth-century poet Gerard Manley Hopkinsâ sonnet âGodâs Grandeur,â this literary artist celebrates the countless ways creation is âchargedââintensely filledâwith âthe grandeur of God.â Hopkins describes Godâs breathtaking glory flaming and glistening âlike shining from shook foil.â But if Godâs beauty is so vibrant, why do so many people miss it? Hopkins suggested one reason is that humanity has covered everything with âmanâs smudgeâ and âmanâs smellââleaving many unable to see anything beyond themselves.
Psalm 104 is also a celebration of Godâs beauty in creation. Using vivid imagery, the poet describes God âclothed with splendor and majestyâ (v. 1), revealing His beauty, power, and care in wind and fire (v. 4), thunder and waves (v. 7), water, grass, and trees (vv. 10-16).
Countless gifts sustaining both body and soul (v. 15) point to âthe glory of the Lordâ (v. 31) whether we always realize it or not. In his poem, Hopkins concluded that, even when humanity is blind to Godâs glory, because of His goodness, there always âlives the dearest freshness deep down things.â If only weâll stop to see and wonder, there are countless reasons to see, believe in, and celebrate Godâs beauty and goodness âas long as [we] liveâ (v. 33).
By: Monica La Rose
REFLECT AND PRAY
What dulls your awareness of Godâs glory? What helps you see and experience His beauty?
Dear God, thank You for the ways Your beauty fills the world. Please help me see and celebrate Your beauty and the work of Your Spirit all around us. in Jesus' name, Amen.
LESS NOISE, MORE GOD
LIVING WITH THE END IN MIND
I often think about standing before the Lord at the end of my life and asking, What would He say about this moment? That question has a way of sharpening focus. Sober-minded living keeps eternity in view.
Jesus regularly reminded His followers to live ready, to watch, to stay awake, to invest in what lasts. When we remember that our lives are accountable to God, it changes how we think, choose, and live.
A sober mind doesnât live for the temporary approval of people but for the eternal pleasure of God. It evaluates moments through the lens of faithfulness. What feels small today may matter greatly in eternity.
Living with the end in mind brings freedom. It helps us prioritize obedience over comfort and faithfulness over popularity.
Reflection:
If you viewed today through the lens of eternity, what choice would you make differently?
My prayer is that your family lives alert and sober-minded lives, especially in this distracted world.
PROVERBS 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
PROVERBS 21:5
5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
MATTHEW 6:19-21
19 âDo not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
LUKE 9:23
23And he said to all, âIf anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.â
MATTHEW 25:1-13
1 âThen the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a cry, âHere is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.â 7Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said to the wise, âGive us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.â 9But the wise answered, saying, âSince there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.â 10And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, âLord, lord, open to us.â 12But he answered, âTruly, I say to you, I do not know you.â 13Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
EZEKIEL 36:26
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
A NEW HEART
When someone needs a physical heart transplant, it's desperately serious. Their heart is failing and , left on their own, that person will physically die.
But there is hope-the possibility of a new heart. However, in irder to get a new heart, a good and capable surgeon is essential. More importantly, in order for that person to live, somebody else must die. The failing heart is then replaced with a thriving heart, and abundant life is once again possible.
In the same way, when someone needs a spiritual heart transplant, it's desperately serious. The heart is failing and, left on their own, that person will spiritually die.
But there is hope- the possibility of a new heart. However, in order to get a new heart though, a good and capable surgeon is essential. More importantly, in order for that person to live, somebody else must die. Only then can the failing heart be replaced with a thriving heart, and eternal life is possible.
God is our good surgeon, and Jesus gave His life for yours. He takes your insufficient efforts and replaces them with something better. But to receive this abundant life, you must humbly ask for His help. You must allow Him to do surgery on your heart. You must surrender what is dying and trust Him with your life.
Maybe the thing that needs to die is a habit that's impacting your life. Maybe it's an unhealthy relationship, or guilt and regret over your past. Maybe it's an attitude of pride or insecurity.
Whatever it is, Jesus wants to take the broken and failing parts of your heart and replace them with something completely new and life-giving.
As you process today's verse and what God is capable of doing, ask yourself:
Do I trust Him-really trust Him-with the details of my life?
Am I willing to let Him do the "surgery" on my heart and show me a better way to live?
SHARE YOUR FAITH
If God has transformed your heart and your life, tell somebody! Share your story with someone who needs to hear it.
God, You are the great surgeon. Take my burdens, my sin, and my shame. Replace all my insecurities and anxieties with Your peace. Make my soul responsive to Your voice, and teach me to trust in Your faithfulness. Restore my joy, and give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Give me a heart that longs to obey Your voice. In Jesus' name, Amen.
JOHN 4:24
For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
Pause. Slow down. The God who created you wants all of you. Let go of anything holding you back. Come as you are, with all that you are, to worship the living God right now.
2 TIMOTHY 1:7
For God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
God is with you at all times and equips you for every situation. Take some time to talk to Him about any anxieties or insecurities that might be holding you back from embracing His love and power.
God, thank You for giving me hope. No matter what I face, You daily remind me that I have all that I need when I draw near to You. Thank You for being my source of strength and comfort. On good days and bad days, I'm grateful that I can always count on You. Realign my heart today, and teach me how to draw near to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
1 KINGS 12-13
LUKE 22:1-20
REHOBOAM'S FOLLY
âIf you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.â But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
THE KINGDOM DIVIDED
JEROBOAM'S GOLDEN CALVES
A MAN OF GOD CONFRONTS JEROBOAM
THE PROPHET'S DISOBEDIENCE
THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS
JUDAS TO BETRAY JESUS
THE PASSOVER WITH THE DISCIPLES
INSTITUTION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
1 PETER 5:8-11
SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD
8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
INSIGHT
Believers in Jesus are urged to âresist [the devil]â and stand âfirm in the faithâ (1 Peter 5:9). Jesus told His followers, âThe one who stands firm to the end will be savedâ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13). The apostle Paul urged believers to âbe on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strongâ (1 Corinthians 16:13). And he acknowledged that God is the one who enables us to stand firm in Christ through faith (2 Corinthians 1:21, 24). We can be strong in our battle against the devil by putting on âthe full armor of Godâ (Ephesians 6:13). And we have the Spirit inside us to encourage and guide us (Romans 8:26). The best defensive strategy against any temptation our enemy hurls our way is to read the Scriptures, pray, and ask God to help us.
By: Alyson Kieda
A GOOD DEFENSE
On the basketball court, our grandsonâs seventh-grade team did their best to score. Offense was their passion. But after each basket, their coach urged them to hurry back downcourt and play defense, which they were sometimes reluctant to do. Everyone wanted to score, but no one seemed eager to put in the hard work of defending.
The key to the game, the coach taught them, was to anticipate the movements of the opposing players. Stepping in front of a pass or shot would thwart the other teamâs scoring and help the team win the game.
A defensive strategy that anticipates the moves of our enemy can also help in our spiritual lives. And who is that enemy? Peterâs letter to believers in Jesus reminds us: âYour enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devourâ (1 Peter 5:8). So âbe alert and of sober mind,â Peter wrote. Indeed, weâre called to âresistâ our spiritual enemy, âstanding firm in the faithâ (v. 9).
Living out an active defense leads us as believers in Jesus to be more effective in our lives and in the productive work we seek to do for His kingdom. Then, if we have spiritual setbacks, the God of all grace âwill himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfastâ (v. 10). He is the one who establishes us, and who builds our strong defenseâin Him.
By: Patricia Raybon
REFLECT AND PRAY
Where have you âdropped the ballâ defensively in your spiritual life? How can you be more alert and sober-minded?
When I let down my guard in life, please remind me, O God, of Your protection of me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
LESS NOISE, MORE GOD
Choosing Less to Gain More
In my life, Iâve learned a hard but freeing truth: more, often means compromise; less, often means more. More commitments, more voices, more options can slowly dilute faith and conviction.
Jesus consistently invited people to a narrow path, not because life is smaller there, but because itâs clearer. A sober mind understands that limits protect what matters most. Self-control isnât about restriction; itâs about alignment.
When we chase âmore,â we often sacrifice peace, integrity, or spiritual attentiveness. But when we simplify, we gain clarity. Less noise makes room for Godâs voice. Less clutter creates space for obedience.
Sober-minded believers arenât driven by excess; theyâre guided by purpose. They choose depth over volume and faithfulness over frenzy.
Reflection:
What might God be asking you to simplify so your life reflects greater clarity and conviction?
PROVERBS 25:28
28 A man without self-control
is like a city broken into and left without walls.
PROVERBS 13:3
3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
MATTHEW 26:41
41Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.â
LUKE 12:35-36
35 âStay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.
MARK 13:33-36
33Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35Therefore stay awakeâfor you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morningâ 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.â
APRIL 29, 2026, WEDNESDAY
Entry: 10:36am, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
JOHN 1:!2
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
YOU ARE KNOWN
When we decide to follow Jesus, we're given a new life in Christ, But what exactly does that mean?
Jesus came and died for everyone who ever lived-that's us- and when we give our lives to Him and make the choice to follow Him, we get a new life in Him. We get adopted into His eternal family, with all the rights that go along with that.
When we say "yes" to Jesus, we are choosing to believe everything about Him is true. We're agreeing that He lived a perfect life, died for us, and rose from the dead. When we believe this, we are adopted into God's family as His children.
Being God's children means we get unlimited, constant access to God's presence, love and authority. And the great news? No one can separate us from God.
We don't receive new life as God's children from our parents or earn it from our good deeds-it's something God freely offers us. He alone has the authority to adopt us into His ternal family. And He promises to never leave or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
At the moment of our adoption, our old identities no longer matter. Every unkind name we were given, every mistake we've made, every hurt we've experienced (or caused)- it's all erased. Our identity, security, and future are now rooted in the God who loves and died for us.
Take a few moments right now and reflect on that. If you belong to Jesus, you are not alone. You are known by the Creator of the universe who calls you His child, knows you by name, and loves you unconditionally.
BE ENCOURAGED
Jesus doesn't just save us- He transforms us. And He adopts us as His own!
SHARE YOUR FAITH
There are people all around you who haven't yet trusted in Jesus. Take a step of faith and tell them how He's changed your life.
God, thank You for loving me, You see me as I truly am, and You still accept me! Today, I bring all of my struggles, insecurities, and false labels to You. You know what I've been called and what I've believed about myself. Please replace any false narratives with Your truth: that I am Your child, and greatly loved by You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
JOHN 1:1-3
in the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
What does this passage show you about the relationship between God the Father and God the Son?
Take a moment to meditate on this verse, and offer God any worship that comes to mind.
HEBREWS 11:1
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
What are you hoping for today? Bring to God whatever us on your mind, and allow Him to fill you with His hope nad peace.
God, thank You for showing me Your unfailing love! I am so grateful that Your love endures forever! Nothing can separate me from You or keep me from Your presence. Thank You for drawing near to me through this time, and thank You for what You're going to do next. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
1 KINGS 6-7
LUKE 20:27-47
SOLOMON BUILDS THE TEMPLE
12âConcerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.â
SOLOMON BUILDS HIS PALACE
SADDUCCEES ASK ABOUT THE RESURRECTION
WHOSE SON IS THE CHRIST?
BEWARE OF THE SCRIBES
JOB 19:5-12
JOB REPLIES: MY REDEEMER LIVES
INSIGHT
In Job 19:5-12, Job speaks with striking candor, not only hurling accusations at his friends but also at God. He says that God has âwalled upâ (v. 8 esv) his path, a translation of the Hebrew word that conveys building a barrier or enclosing something so it canât escape. Job also claims God has âset darkness upon [his] pathsâ (v. 8 esv), suggesting not mere inconvenience but the removal of light itself, a symbol of life and order. He describes himself as a besieged city: Godâs âtroopsâ advance together, building âa siege rampâ against him (v. 12), implying a military approach.
Job refuses to sanitize his language. He dares to depict God as his attacker, one who âtears [him] downâ and âuproots [his] hope like a treeâ (v. 10). This isnât blasphemy but rather the brutal honesty of a sufferer. His speech can remind us today that we can bring both our praise and our honest anger to God in prayer.
By: J.R. Hudberg
PRAYER IN DISGUISE
After the horrors of Auschwitz, Elie Wiesel lost his faith. âWhere were you, God of kindness?â he asked, recalling the evil he and others suffered. âIn my childhood I did not expect much from human beings. But I expected everything from you.â
And yet, Wiesel realized later that his faith had never really left him. âIt is because I believed in God that I was angry at God,â he told a journalist, âand still am.â You donât get angry at someone you donât believe exists.
We might feel uncomfortable expressing anger at God, but biblical characters did. âYou deceived me, Lord,â the prophet Jeremiah cried (20:7). âWill you forget me forever?â David wrote (Psalm 13:1). âGod has wronged me,â Job said (19:6). Unaware of Satanâs role in his misfortune, Job accused God of being cruel (10:3) and even subpoenaed Him to court (31:35)! While Job later discovered that his understanding was limited (42:3), itâs important to note God never rebukes his feelings.
Despite his questions, Elie Wiesel prayed, âLet us make up. It is unbearable to be divorced from you so long.â We too might be angry at God for not limiting the suffering in our world, but our expressing it to Him can become prayer in disguiseâkeeping us close to the God who wants us to bring not just our praise but our anger to Him too.
By: Sheridan Voysey
REFLECT AND PRAY
When have you felt angry at God? How can Jobâs story help us express and keep a clear perspective?
Dear God, I'm angry at the suffering in this world, but choose to trust You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
LESS NOISE, MORE GOD
Discerning Distractions from Direction
Iâve found that most of my effort goes into identifying what is a distraction compared to godly direction. Not everything that demands attention deserves it. Some things arenât sinful, theyâre simply sidelining.
Jesus repeatedly warned His followers to stay alert, because distraction is one of the enemyâs most effective tools. A sober mind isnât just avoiding sin; itâs discerning what quietly pulls us away from Godâs best. Direction from God brings peace, clarity, and fruit. Distractions often feel urgent but leave us restless and scattered.
Sometimes wisdom looks like removing access, not just resisting temptation.
Reflection:
What has been occupying your attention lately, and is it drawing you toward God or gently pulling you away?
PROVERBS 2:6
6For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
PROVERBS 18:15
15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
MATTHEW 24:4-10
4And Jesus answered them, âSee that no one leads you astray. 5For many will come in my name, saying, âI am the Christ,â and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 âThen they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my nameâs sake. 10And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
MATTHEW 7:15
15 âBeware of false prophets, who come to you in sheepâs clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
JOHN 8:31-32
31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, âIf you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â
SERENITY PRAYER
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; Taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You forever in the next. in Jesus' name, Amen.
12 STEPS OF RECOVERY
STEP 1
We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
MATTHEW 9:12
But when Jesus heard this, He said,"It is not those who are healthy who need a physiciain, but those who are sick."
It is not the powerlessness that led our lives to becoming unmanageable but rather, it is our denial of this powerlessness.
A. WE ARE NOT GOD
powerlessness is loss of control
ROMANS 7:18
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not"
Man attempts to cover the powerlessness through denial.
GENESIS 3:7
"Then the eyes of both of them were opened, adn they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings."
realizing and admitting that we are not God and that there are many
things completely beyond our control can be hindered by factors like:
Fear and shame gotten from a past experience
Values in our culture
Plain ignorance
B. WHAT IS DENIAL?
comes in many forms
a. MINIMIZING -superficially admitting a problem but refusing to realize its seriousness
b. BLAMING OR PROJECTING â holding other people, circumstances, peers, environment, weather or even inanimate objects responsible for something we are accountable for, in order to escape the consequences of oneâs own actions
c. RATIONALIZING â offering excuses or some other explanation to be cause of an unfortunate happening to deflect the focus on our faults or shortcomings.
d. INTELLECTUALIZING OR SPIRITUALIZING â avoiding uncomfortable emotions by focusing on facts and pretending to be objective and logical. By using jargon, technical language, or complex terminology, everyoneâs attention is focused on the words and their definitions rather than on the emotional effects.
e. DIVERSION â changing the subject or using diversionary tactics to avoid discussion even if it unrelated to the current issue. Sometimes the easiest way to do this is to directly attack our opponent or a third party.
f. HOSTILITY â showing anger or irritability when a problem is referred to.
C. HOW DO WE APPLY THIS LESSON?
stepping out of denial is the start of recovery.
It was our stubborn refusal to admit our powerlessness that kept us helpless in the hands of our problems.
4 ACTIONS:
STOP!
Stop denying the pain >> We must face it and go through it!
Stop playing God >> Instead of doing things on our own, we need to allow God to take control
START!
Start admitting that we are powerless.
Start admitting that our lives have become unmanageable.
APRIL 22, 2026, WEDNESDAY
Entry: 10:01am, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
JOHN 3:17
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save it.
FORGIVEN AND FREE
John 3:17 comes right after one of the most famous verses in the Bible, and it continues to clarify the manner in which Jesus brings us eternal life. The great gift of God through Jesus comes to all who believe in Jesus as the way to salvation.
John tells us that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world because of its sin, but rather to save the world through His life, death and resurrection.
It can be easy to feel condemned or guilty because we don't often see ourselves as worthy of God's love. But this verse tells us something important-regardless of who you are or what you've done, you are loved by God.
God is not trying to fill you with guilt or make your life difficult. He wants the best for you nad desires a relationship with you. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to the earth to give us grace and life that we did not deserve.
While it is true that Jesus exposes the darkness of this world (John 3:19), anyone who believes in Jesus and follows Him will experience salvation, and all that God has to offer.
If we choose to follow the ways of this world rather than Jesus, then our actions and thoughts will lead us to condemnation and death. But is we follow Jesus and believe in His Word, then we will experience eternal life in relationship with God.
Spend some time thanking God for the amazing gift of eternal life that He has given to you for free. Continue to walk in light of Jesus knowing that you are no longer condemned, but forgiven and free.
God, Thank You for having mercy on us. Thank You for choosing to save us through the gift of Your Son-even though we did nothing to deserve it. Every good gift that we have is because of You. So today, remind me of Your free gift of salvation, and give me the boldness to tell others about Your amazing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
BE ENCOURAGED
Best news ever? Jesus didn't come to condemn us, but to save us. Take a moment to thank Him for the amazing gift of salvation.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Who else needs to hear that Jesus came for them, died for them, and rose again to save them. Pray for opportunities to share this good news!
HEBREWS 1:3
The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Spend some time meditating on this verse. How does it shape your view of Jesus?
Give God whatever glory and adoration comes to mind.
JOHN 14:13
You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.
What do you need to be honest with God about today?
Take a deep breath, and then talk to Him about what's on your mind.
Father God, in every situation, help me to trust in You with my whole heart. Please show me what Your will is, and help me to live it out. Even when situations and circumstances don't make sense, I want to do what You've called me to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
2 SAMUEL 14-15
LUKE 17:1-9
ABSALOM RETURNS TO JERUSALEM
ABSALOM'S CONSPIRACY
DAVID FLEES JERUSALEM
TEMPTATIONS TO SIN
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, âI repent,â you must forgive him.â
INCREASE OUR FAITH
5 The apostles said to the Lord, âIncrease our faith!â 6And the Lord said, âIf you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, âBe uprooted and planted in the sea,â and it would obey you.
UNWORTHY SERVANTS
0So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, âWe are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.ââ
PSALM 72:12-14
GIVE THE KING YOUR JUSTICE
12For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
13He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
14From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight.
INSIGHT
Psalm 72 is one of only two psalms attributed to King Solomon (see also Psalm 127). The Expositorâs Bible Commentary says of Psalm 72, âThis psalm is a royal psalm wherein petition is made for the prosperity of the Lordâs anointed. The psalm is messianic in the sense that Jesus is the âChristâ (âanointed oneâ) who shares in all the promises made to David and to his descendants (see 2 Samuel 7).â Seen as a messianic psalm, it anticipates the time when Jesus will return as âKing of kings and Lord of lordsâ (1 Timothy 6:15; see Revelation 19:16) and bring an end to all injustice and suffering. In fact, this psalm was the inspiration for the classic hymn âJesus Shall Reignâ by Isaac Watts, which celebrates the future worldwide reign of Christ. Today, as we wait for His return, we can join Him and help those who are suffering.
By: Bill Crowder
JOINING GOD TO HELP
As the Taliban swiftly overran the Afghanistan government in 2021, and tens of thousands were trapped with no way to escape, many were isolated and desperate. Ordinary citizens jumped to action, including one young man who launched an Instagram campaign, raising $7 million to pay for chartered evacuation flights. âWeâve shed the political divisions in this situation,â he told a news outlet, âand really come together from all walks of life to rally together and save these people.â They chose to jump into the fray.
Itâs not just Afghanistan. From skyscrapers to villages around the world, so many people are aloneâenduring crushing sorrows. Itâs stunning, however, to see Godâs attention turned toward these places of suffering and hopelessness. Somehow, ultimately, in His own way and time, He will âdeliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to helpâ (72:12). And remarkably, one way Godâs help arrives is through us. Psalm 72 refers to both King Solomonâs work and Godâs workâand itâs not always easy to disentangle which is which. God is the rescuer, but He calls us to move with Him.
When we encounter injustice or suffering, we can join Him, moving right into the middle of the ruin. We can follow God and go into the places where no one else is there to help.
By: Winn Collier
REFLECT AND PRAY
What situation have you encountered where it seems like thereâs no one else to help? How can you join God in that place?
Dear God, thank You for promising to help usâand for calling us to join You in helping others. in Jesus' name, Amen.
LESS NOISE, MORE GOD
SLOWING DOWN TO LIVE WISELY
In my life, Iâve noticed a clear pattern: the faster my speed of life is, the more of a mess I make things. Hurry clouds judgment. Pressure shortens patience. When everything feels urgent, wisdom often gets left behind.
Jesus never rushed, yet He was never late. His sober-mindedness allowed Him to respond rather than react. Proverbs tells us that wisdom values restraint, while impulsiveness leads to regret. A sober mind slows down long enough to listen, pray, and choose carefully.
Our culture celebrates speed, quick decisions, instant reactions, nonstop productivity. But God often works in stillness. Slowing down isnât laziness; itâs discernment. Itâs choosing thoughtful obedience over hurried action.
When life accelerates, clarity diminishes. When we slow our pace, we give God room to direct us. A sober mind resists being driven by urgency and instead is anchored in trust.
Reflection:
Where might God be inviting you to slow down so you can respond with wisdom instead of hurry?
PROVERBS 14:29
29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
PROVERBS 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
MATTHEW 7:24
âEveryone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock
LUKE 14:28
28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
MATTHEW 5:37
37Let what you say be simply âYesâ or âNoâ; anything more than this comes from evil.
APRIL 16, 2026, THURSDAY
Entry: 11:17am, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
2 CORINTHIANS 5:21
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God
through Christ.
FINDING WORTH IN CHRIST
One of humanity's deepest pursuits is finding our identity-we want to know who we are! It's often tempting to seek definition and significance in a world that offers a myriad of labels. But when ew chase validation in temporary sources, hoping they'll define us, we only find fleeting satisfaction.
In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul describes an eternal identity gifted to us by Christ. Jesus took on the weight of all sin-absorbing its penalty- without ever sinning Himself. He did this so that we might be reconciles to God with a new identity defined by Christ's righteousness, not our own and not from this world. Christ has sacrificially given us a new identity and purpose.
Our yearning for identity can only find its fulfillment in Christ. We are recipients of His righteousness. And in Him, our identity is forever secure.
Consider today how this truth shapes your sense of worth. Are you seeking worldly validation, or are you resting in Jesus' righteousness? How might recognizing your identity in Christ transform how you view yourself and interact with the world?
REFLECTION
Jesus has already done the work -replacing your sin and shame with His salvation and Spirit. Take a moment to thank Him for loving you that much.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Others can't know about God's free gift of grace unless someone tells them. Today, be bold in sharing your faith. He is with you!
God, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross. You took what should have been my punishment upon Your Son. Thank You for grace and redemption. Help me to reflect those qualities to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
APRIL 21, 2026, TUESDAY
Entry: 6:06am, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
ROMANS 1:17
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
RIGHTEOUS BY FAITH
A core component of the Gospel message is the righteousness of God-which essentially means that God acts rightly toward humanity.
Romans 1:17 introduces this theme that Paul, the writer of Romans, covers in the rest of his letter. For Paul, this verse is the premise for the arguments that he will make in the following chapters.
Paul says in Romans 3:23 that all of us have turned our back on God, and that sin is what separates is from Him.
Since God is righteous and holy, and we are not, we couldn't approach God on our own. There needed to be a solution to bridge the gap between us. God sent Jesus on our place to be that bridge. This way, Jesus could make a way for us to have a relationship with Him again, and God would still be righteous.
That's why Paul says God's righteousness is revealed through the Gospel. But, he clarifies that it comes through faith. Paul says, "The righteous will live by faith" Romans 1:17.
Righteous living or living our life according to God's way, begins with faith, which is believing in what Jesus has done for us.
Everyone who comes to God must do so through faith.
We can have a relationship with God if we believe in Jesus and walk in faith. As we do that, we are made new in Christ. Our old ways and old habits are gone, and we can now walk in newness of life with Jesus.
Spend some time today thinking about what Jesus has done for you on the cross, where He gave his life on your behalf. What areas of your life can you live by faith, rather than trying to earn God's favor? Rest in His presence knowing that you are accepted and made new because of your faith in Jesus.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
When you life by faith and walk in obedience, others will notice.
Today, look for ways to demonstrate the grace and goodness of God!
God, I am not ashamed of the Gospel, I am so grateful for Your love for me, and I want to share Your goodness with the world. Help me to be bold in my faith, to love others well, and to live a life that honors You. Guide me as I lead people to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
GENESIS 1:26
Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground."
You were made to reflect the image of the invisible God. What parts of your life might God be shaping to display His character?
How can you honor God with your life today?
JOHN 14:14
Yes, ask me anything in my name, and I will do it!
What do you need God to do for you today?
Bring your requests to God, and add some of them to your Prayer List
God, You are good and Your mercy endures forever! Nothing can compare to You, and no one is like You. thank You for being honest, kind, good, and true. You allow me to enter into Your presence! It's in Your presence that I find complete joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
2 SAMUEL 12-13
LUKE 16
NATHAN REBUKES DAVID
Then Nathan said to David, âYou are that man! The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. 8I gave you your masterâs house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. 9Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? âThis is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. 12You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.â
DAVID CONFESSES HIS GUILT
Then David confessed to Nathan, âI have sinned against the Lord.â
David replied, âI fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, âPerhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.â 23But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.â
DAVID CAPTURES RABBAH
THE RAPE OF TAMAR
ABSALOM'S REVENGE ON AMNON
PARABLE OF A SHREWD MANAGER
One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employerâs money. 2So the employer called him in and said, âWhatâs this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.â
Ah, I know how to ensure that Iâll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.â
âThe rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light. 9Hereâs the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. âIf you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you wonât be honest with greater responsibilities. âNo one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.â âYou like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.
PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS
LUKE 15:8-10
PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN
8 âOr suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Wonât she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, âRejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.â 10In the same way, there is joy in the presence of Godâs angels when even one sinner repents.â
INSIGHT
Godâs love for us is described throughout the Bible. John 3:16-17 declares, âGod so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.â He âdid not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.â God âlavishedâ great love on us by â[sending] his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sinsâ (1 John 3:1; 4:10). We were deserving of death, but because of Godâs merciful love, He âmade us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressionsâ (Ephesians 2:5; see Romans 5:8). When we turn away from our sins and place our faith in Jesus, heaven rejoices (Luke 15:10).
By: Alyson Kieda
LOST, BUT NOW FOUND
When I visited Ecuadorâs Amazon region with my father many years ago, we took a fun speedboat ride to a small village to take in the sights and learn about the local tribes. My dear dad bought me handmade jewelry, including a set of earrings. I only wore those earrings on special occasions, including when I went to visit my sister for my birthday. When I came back from my trip, I was horrified to discover Iâd lost one of my earrings. I looked everywhere.
It was just an earring, but Iâd have to travel all the way back to the Amazon jungle to replace it. Amazingly, when my sister returned to the restaurant we had visited for my birthday, she spotted my missing earring in their lost and found. I was overjoyed!
Jesus told a parable about a woman whoâd lost her silver coin. She wouldnât rest while her valuable coin was missing. âDoesnât she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?â Jesus asked (Luke 15:8). And when she found her coin, she greatly rejoiced (v. 9).
Jesus told this story to demonstrate how precious we are to God. He âcame to seek and to saveâ those who are lost (19:10). Although we were once lost, heaven rejoiced when we were found.
By: Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT AND PRAY
How does it feel to know youâre precious to God? How does it feel to know heaven rejoices when weâre found?
God, thank you for searching for me, In Jesus' name, Amen.
LESS NOISE, MORE GOD
GUARDING THE INNER LIFE
Sober-minded living begins with intentional guarding. Scripture reminds us that the heart is the source from which life flows, and Iâve learned that guarding my heart means more than just avoiding obvious sin. I find that I need to guard what I read, listen to, and watch, but also the hidden sins of the heart: pride, comparison, bitterness, and subtle compromises that go unnoticed if Iâm not paying attention.
Jesus often pointed beyond outward behavior to inner motives. A sober mind isnât distracted or dulled by excess noise; itâs attentive to whatâs shaping the soul. What we repeatedly allow into our minds slowly forms our desires, decisions, and direction.
Sober-mindedness asks an honest question: Is this feeding my faith or fogging my focus? Wisdom grows when we slow down long enough to examine whatâs influencing us. When weâre intentional, we create space for Godâs Word and Spirit to speak clearly.
Guarding your heart isnât restrictive, itâs protective. It keeps your mind clear, your conscience tender, and your life aligned with Godâs purposes.
Reflection:
What voices or influences might God be asking you to limit so your heart stays clear and receptive?
PROVERBS 4:23
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
PSALMS 37:7-9
7Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Donât worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
8Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temperâ
it only leads to harm.
9For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
MATTHEW 6:22-23
22 âYour eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
MATTHEW 15:18-19
18But the words you speak come from the heartâthatâs what defiles you. 19For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
LUKE 21:34
34 âWatch out! Donât let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Donât let that day catch you unaware,
1 PETER 5:8
8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
2 TIMOTHY 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
POWER, LOVE, AND DISCIPLINE
One of the miracles of salvation is that when we have faith in Christ, God not only saves us, He also gives us the power to live according to His will for us. Your life in Christ is one that is empowered by the Holy Spirit living within you.
This is a great gift, but a big shift. It often takes time to change how we things and act. We may have bad habits that take hard work to correct, or patterns of though that are challenging to break.
Thankfully, God promises to be with us and to empower us to make this changes in our life. When Paul is writing to his mentee Timothy, he encourages him to continue to develop the gift that God has given to him. While we are saved in an instant, it takes a lifetime to develop and work out what God is doing inside of us.
Paul reminds Timothy that God's Spirit does not give us fear or cowardice. Those things are tools of the devil who is trying to keep us from God. But the Spirit of God empowers us with confidence in Him. He gives us this power to live our the purposes of God in our life. This power is one that we need to continually remember as we face challenges.
The Spirit of God also empowers us to love others It can be difficult to love people, especially those who may have hurt us. But God promises to give us His power and love so that we can be a light to everyone around us.
God's Spirit also empowers us with self-discipline. We won't experience spiritual change and growth if we don't train and practice-but that takes time, dedication, and endurance. We need to be consistent in doing the things that God asks us to do, including reading His Word and talking to Him. Thankfully, when we belong to God, He helps us. He gives us the strength, stamina, and soundness of mind to build habits that help us become more like Him.
So take some time today to talk with God. Ask Him to empower you by His Spirit toward confidence, love and self-discipline. Consider how God is leading you to change the way you live. As you do that, remember that God doesn't give us fear, He fills us with love because He wants us to experience a confident relationship with Him.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
We need the Spirit of God to do the work of God. Ask Him to lead you in every area of life, especially as you share your faith!
God, thank You for taking fear's power and replacing it with gifts from Your Spirit: power, love, and self-control.
I know that I will be afraid at time but because You are with me, I don't have to keep living in fear. Please replace my doubts and fears with thoughts about what's good and true. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
1 SAMUEL 6-8
LUKE 15:1-10
THE PHILISTINES RETURN THE ARK
THE ARK MOVED TO KIRIATH-JEARIM
SAMUEL LEADS ISRAEL TO VICTORY
ISRAEL REQUESTS A KING
SAMUEL WARNS AGAINST A KINGDOM
PARALBE OF THE LOST SHEEP
1Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.
7In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and havenât strayed away!
PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN
In the same way, there is joy in the presence of Godâs angels when even one sinner repents.â
PARABLE OF THE LOST SON
âHis father said to him, âLook, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!ââ
NUMBERS 5:5-10
PURITY IN ISRAEL'S CAMP
5Then the Lord said to Moses, 6âGive the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the peopleâmen or womenâbetray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. 7They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. 8But if the person who was wronged is dead, and there are no near relatives to whom restitution can be made, the payment belongs to the Lord and must be given to the priest. Those who are guilty must also bring a ram as a sacrifice, and they will be purified and made right with the Lord. 9All the sacred offerings that the Israelites bring to a priest will belong to him. 10Each priest may keep all the sacred donations that he receives.â
INSIGHT
Numbers 5 restates a law first given in Leviticus 6:1-7 that when someone harms a neighbor through deceit, theft, or fraud, they must confess and not only make full repayment but add a fifth of the value to it. They must also sacrifice a ram as a guilt offering. Numbers 5 adds a further stipulation that if restitution canât be made directly to the person wronged, and if they have no close relative to pay restitution to, then repayment should be given to the priestâreturning what theyâd wrongly taken back to God (v. 8).
This highlights the truth that harming another also damages someoneâs relationship with God (v. 6). Yet this provision of offering a sacrifice and making restitution to a priest also highlights Godâs grace. Even when itâs impossible to correct the wrong done to another, because of Christâs sacrifice, when we confess our sin, God still provides a way to a restored relationship with Him.
By: Monica La Rose
ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS
A judge used a unique approach to address shopliftingâsentencing offenders to wash cars in a local storeâs parking lot as part of their community service. He hoped it would deter future thefts and serve as a vivid reminder of the consequences of wrongdoing. He emphasized that actions have consequences and accountability matters.
The judgeâs sentence reflects the instruction in Numbers 5:6-7: â[One] who wrongs another . . . must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution.â In these verses, we see the importance God places on acknowledging wrongdoing, confessing sin, and seeking restoration. And they underscore a profound truth: Every offense revealed disloyalty to the ideals of Israelâs society and showed that the offender was âunfaithful to the Lordâ (v. 6).
Just as washing cars in public serves as a humbling consequence that encourages reflection and responsibility, God called Israel to recognize their sins honestlyâconfessing them and seeking forgiveness. True freedom came when they confronted their actions, made amends, and embraced His grace.
Today, letâs take a moment to reflect sincerely on our lives before God. As we seek reconciliation and restitution where necessary (see Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 19:8-10), His mercy and forgiveness will restore us to wholeness.
By: Marvin Williams
REFLECT AND PRAY
How can you pursue reconciliation with someone youâve wronged? Why is restitution so important?
Dear God, please show me where Iâve been wrong and help me pursue reconciliation and restitution. in Jesus' name, Amen.
EVERYDAY EVANGELISM
TIME TO GO
"Go and make disciples of all nations⊠And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Reflect on what youâve learned over the past 9 days. From offering prayer to leading someone to Christ, each act of evangelism is a step toward living out the Great Commission. Itâs not about being perfect or doing everything at once, itâs about recognising the ordinary everyday moments we have as opportunities to step into the Great Commission.
And if sharing doesnât go well, if thereâs silence, rejection, or it ends awkwardly, donât panic or replay it forever in your mind. Leave the outcome with God, keep loving the person genuinely, and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom about whether to follow up later or simply stay present and consistent.
As you go forward, remember that God has equipped you for this mission. His Spirit empowers you, His Word guides you, and His presence goes with you. Pray for courage to step into the opportunities He places in front of you, trusting Him to use your obedience for His glory.
This is your commissioning moment. Youâve been called, equipped, and sent to share the good news of Jesus with the world. Go boldly, knowing that the harvest is plentiful and God is with you.
Whatâs your next step in living out the Great Commission, and how will you commit to taking action today?
Pray:
Lord, I surrender to Your call to go and make disciples. Thank You for equipping me through Your Word and Spirit. Help me to step out in faith, embracing each opportunity to share Your love. Let my life reflect Your goodness and point others to Jesus. Strengthen my resolve to trust You with the results as I live out the Great Commission. in Jesus name, Amen.
