Scripture (S)

“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21 (NKJV)

Observation (O)

Here Jesus exposes a truth about spiritual warfare: not all resistance yields to surface-level faith. Some battles are entrenched so deeply in the spiritual realm that they demand intensified devotion prayer to connect with God’s authority, and fasting to silence the flesh and sharpen the spirit. The disciples failed, not because they lacked calling, but because they lacked consecration. True authority is cultivated in the secret place.

Application (A)

This verse presses me to evaluate the depth of my faith practices. Do I approach spiritual battles casually, or with holy seriousness? Prayer is not a last resort but a first weapon. Fasting is not punishment, but refinement. Together, they build spiritual stamina and clarity. If I want to see God’s power break through strongholds whether in my life, family, or community—I must be willing to go deeper than comfort, to sacrifice convenience, and to lean fully on God. Shallow devotion cannot win deep battles.

Prayer (P)

Lord, draw me into deeper waters of prayer and fasting. Teach me to fight not with earthly strength but with heaven’s weapons. When I face stubborn battles, remind me that breakthrough belongs to the consecrated. Strengthen me to seek You until chains break, lives shift, and Your authority is revealed. Amen.

Scripture (S)

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” – Psalm 119:1 (ESV)

Observation (O)

This verse defines true blessing not as comfort, wealth, or applause—but as a life aligned with God’s Word. To be “blameless” is not to be flawless, but to walk in integrity, sincerely aiming to please God. The world chases happiness through possessions and achievements, but Scripture insists that joy flows from obedience. The blessed life is not built on shortcuts or loopholes, but on steady steps in God’s truth.

Application (A)

This challenges me to reframe what “blessed” really means. Am I chasing blessings the world can offer or walking in the blessing that only obedience brings? Walking in God’s law means not just knowing Scripture, but letting it be the compass for my choices. Integrity is walking straight when no one is watching. If I want God’s blessing, I must choose His way even when the world tempts me with an easier path.

Prayer (P)

Lord, teach me to love Your Word and walk in it daily. Help me to choose integrity over convenience, obedience over compromise, and faithfulness over shortcuts. May my steps reflect Your truth, and may my life be marked as truly blessed because it follows You. Amen.

Scripture (S):
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Observation (O):
Weakness is not failure but fertile ground where God’s power takes root. Paul’s thorn was not a punishment, but a platform for grace to shine. Human frailty is not meant to be hidden; it is meant to highlight Christ’s sufficiency.

Application (A):
Rather than resist weakness, I should welcome it as an invitation to rely on God. When I cease striving to prove my strength, His strength is revealed in me. This is wisdom: learning that surrender is stronger than self-sufficiency.

Prayer (P):
Lord, may I embrace weakness not as defeat, but as the doorway to Your grace. Rest Your power upon me, and let my life magnify Your strength. Amen.

S – Scripture

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

O – Observation

• Peace isn’t a place; it’s a Person. God Himself is the Keeper of peace.
• The verse shows a chain reaction: trust → focus → peace. Break the chain, lose the calm.
• “Stayed” means fixed, anchored, glued — not glancing at God occasionally, but setting your mind on Him continually.
• This peace is “perfect” because it doesn’t wobble with circumstances; it’s God-secured, not self-made.

A – Application

• If my mind drifts, so does my peace. What I rehearse in my head determines the rest in my heart.
• Faith is not positive thinking; it’s persistent trusting.
• Perseverance looks like re-centering my mind a hundred times a day if that’s what it takes.
• Wisdom says: stop chasing peace horizontally (through people, places, possessions) and start receiving it vertically — from the One who never changes.
• A witty way to remember: peace doesn’t come from clearing your mind, but from filling it with God.

P – Prayer

Lord, anchor my thoughts when they want to wander. Teach me the discipline of staying, not just visiting, in Your presence. Replace my spirals of worry with cycles of trust. Keep me in the peace only You can give, the peace that laughs at storms because it knows who holds the sea. Amen.

S – Scripture

Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

O – Observation

• Paul doesn’t say some things, he says all things — even the mess, the mistakes, and the Mondays.
• The verse doesn’t promise comfort; it promises construction. God is building something bigger than my perspective.
• The condition: love God and walk in His purpose. This isn’t a blanket guarantee — it’s a covenant promise.
• Perseverance is fueled by perspective: if God is the Author, even the plot twists are on purpose.

A – Application

• When life feels like puzzle pieces that don’t fit, I can trust God has the box-top picture.
• Faith means I don’t have to force outcomes — I just have to stay faithful and keep loving God.
• Perseverance is remembering: if it isn’t good yet, God isn’t done yet.
• Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” I can ask, “How is God using this for me?”

P – Prayer

Father, thank You that You turn my detours into destiny. Remind me that nothing is wasted in Your hands. Give me the grit to keep going when I don’t see the “good” yet, and the wisdom to love You and trust Your timing. Amen.

S – Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV)

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

O – Observation

Paul does not sugarcoat suffering; he admits the “outer self” decays. Yet he reframes affliction as a process that produces something weightier and eternal.

What seems crushing in the present is, in perspective, “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory.

Faith and perseverance are tied to vision: what we “fix our eyes on.” If we live only by sight, trials overwhelm us. If by faith, we endure because we see the invisible reality of God’s promises.

Perseverance is not stubbornness; it is spiritual clarity — knowing the unseen outweighs the seen.

A – Application

When life wears me down, I must remember that decay on the outside does not mean defeat on the inside. God is renewing me even when I feel emptied. Affliction becomes a teacher when viewed through faith. Trials are not wasted; they are shaping me for glory.

Faith is the discipline of looking beyond the immediate — setting my eyes on Christ, eternity, and the promises of God, not the temporary noise of the present.

Perseverance is wisdom in practice: choosing eternal weight over temporary comfort, unseen realities over visible distractions.

P – Prayer

Lord, grant me eyes that see beyond the surface of my struggles. Teach me to measure life not by what is fading but by what is eternal. When weariness whispers that I cannot go on, let Your Spirit remind me that I am being renewed daily. Give me the wisdom to walk by faith, the courage to persevere, and the joy of knowing that every trial is carving out a greater glory for me in You. Amen.

Scripture: Mark 9:23 (ESV)

"And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’”

 Observation

Jesus’ response in this verse is both tender and corrective. The father of a demon-possessed boy, exhausted by years of suffering and failed attempts to find healing, finally comes to Jesus and says, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus replies with almost a surprised tone: “If you can?”

This question uncovers the underlying doubt: Does Jesus truly have the power and willingness to act? Jesus responds not merely by affirming His ability, but by drawing attention to the role of faith: “All things are possible for one who believes.”

However, this is not a blanket promise that belief guarantees outcomes. The phrase does not suggest that faith forces God's hand, nor that God becomes a tool of human desire. Rather, Jesus is teaching that faith aligns us with the reality of God's power and His sovereign will. Faith is not a magic formula, it is the posture that opens us to receive what God, in His wisdom, chooses to give.

Here, belief is not an emotional certainty but a trusting reliance on the character and authority of Christ, even in the face of uncertainty.

Application

This passage challenges me to examine the subtle presence of doubt in my own spiritual life not always in God's existence or goodness, but in His nearness and willingness to act in my circumstances.

How often do I, like the father, pray half-heartedly: “Lord, if You can…” rather than: “Lord, I trust You, even if I don’t understand Your ways.”

True faith is not presumption; it is humble confidence a willingness to believe that the limitations I see are not limitations for God. It doesn’t mean demanding miracle on command, but believing that nothing is beyond God’s reach and that He is not indifferent to human suffering.

The father’s subsequent response“I believe; help my unbelief!” (v.24) is, in many ways, the most honest prayer of faith: a mixture of confidence and confession. It shows that faith and doubt can coexist, and that Jesus honors the faith that comes with open humility.

Today, I’m reminded that faith is not the absence of struggle, but the decision to keep bringing my struggle to Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are not limited by my circumstances, my fears, or even my incomplete faith. Thank You for reminding me that all things are possible for the one who believes not because of the strength of my belief, but because of the strength of the One in whom I believe. I bring You my faith and my frailty. Strengthen what is weak in me. Help my unbelief. Teach me to walk not by sight, but by trust in Your wisdom, power, and timing. You are able and You are good. Amen.

S – Scripture

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” — Luke 9:23 (NIV)

O – Observation

This verse is a paradigm shift in Jesus' teaching. It comes after Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah (v.20), and Jesus immediately clarifies what kind of Messiah He is—not a political liberator, but a suffering servant. In that context, He redefines discipleship: not just belief, but embodied self-sacrifice.

Key elements:

• "Deny themselves" — This is not merely denying pleasures or desires. It is a radical reorientation of identity, surrendering autonomy to Christ’s lordship. The Greek word arneomai implies a full disowning of oneself.

• "Take up their cross daily" — The cross was an instrument of shame, suffering, and execution. To "take it up daily" suggests a constant readiness to die—not necessarily physically, but to the ego, ambitions, and attachments that conflict with Christ's path.

• "Follow me" — Discipleship isn’t about admiring Christ, but imitating Him—particularly in His humility, obedience, and willingness to suffer for righteousness' sake.

Jesus isn’t calling for momentary acts of sacrifice, but for a daily death to self that leads to resurrection life. This is countercultural and deeply spiritual: the path to true life is through surrender.

A – Application

This verse calls me to confront the idols of self: self-importance, self-will, and self-preservation. In a world that glorifies self-expression and autonomy, Jesus calls for self-denial—not to crush us, but to set us free from the tyranny of self.

To follow Jesus authentically means I must examine what “cross” I resist carrying. Is it the cross of humility in leadership? The cross of forgiving someone who hurt me? The cross of stepping into uncomfortable truth?

It also reframes how I view suffering. Not all suffering is redemptive, but when endured for the sake of Christ, it becomes part of the shaping process that conforms me to His image (see Romans 8:29). Daily cross-bearing is not morbid—it’s transformational.

P – Prayer

Holy Father, I confess how often I seek comfort over calling, and self-preservation over surrender. Teach me the way of the cross—the paradoxical path where I lose my life to find it. Give me courage to deny what is false in me, and strength to carry the cross You’ve entrusted to me today. May I follow Jesus not just in belief, but in obedience, trust, and sacrificial love. Amen.

Scripture Ephesians 2:4-10

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:4–10 NIV)

Observation

The first thing that comes to mind is works-based religions. There are several within the Christian umbrella that push works over faith. How can they when they read these verses? “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…not by works.” Paul specifically notes that this is done “so that no one can boast.” Doing it yourself means you don’t need anyone else…God. I recently was told by a Christian that they were a good Christian because they went to church regularly. I think they need to read this again.

The other thing I see is that God does so much for us. He “made us alive”, “seated us with him (Christ)”, saved us, and created us. This is all a gift from Him. Yes, we are to do good works, but everything should be centered around God’s great love. It is through that love that we exist and have all the opportunities before us. He gives us so much and wants us to grow and thrive.

Application

As humans, I think we tend to go back to what we do. We see what others do. They see what we are doing. Therefore, works makes sense, but God’s logic goes so far above ours. I have to keep reminding myself that just because I do something good doesn’t mean I did it with a good heart or good intentions. Yes, I should do good but I need to have the right motivation.

I need to go back to the basics. Everything I have is from God. My place is heaven is from Him. I didn’t earn it. He gave it to me. I don’t have to do all this charity stuff or help family or even be nice to people, but I want to. Because I have all that God has given me, I want to do the works. It’s just that life gets in the way.

The world around me doesn’t care about my heart or where it resides. It only cares about what it sees which is the works I do. That means I either hide from the world and its judgements or I start doing things just to please everyone around me. Neither one is good. How do I fix this? I need to be in the Word more, reminding myself what the scriptures above say.

Focus on God’s love. Focus on what He has done for me. Proceed with works but only when my heart is with Him.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I find myself forgetting how much have done for me. I don’t have to earn Your love. I have it no matter what. I just need to stop forgetting that. Please help me get back into Your word and remember all You have gifted me. Remind me in all ways that my future is decided on my relationship with You and not on what the world sees. It doesn’t matter what they see as long as I’m abiding in You.

Amen.

 Scripture Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

 Observation (Exegetical & Theological Depth)

Paul writes to the Ephesians in a context steeped in Jewish-Gentile division, addressing a Gentile audience who had no claim to covenantal privileges. The first half of Ephesians 2 presents a stark contrast: “dead in trespasses” (v.1) versus “made alive with Christ” (v.5). Verses 8–9 summarize how that transformation is accomplished.

➤ “By grace you have been saved”

• Greek: χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι (chariti este sesōsmenoi)
• The perfect tense of σεσῳσμένοι ("have been saved") indicates a completed action with continuing results. Salvation is not just a past event—it is a permanent state rooted in God's unchanging grace.
• Charis (grace) denotes unmerited favor—but in Pauline theology, it's more than passive kindness; it is active, powerful, and transformative.

➤ “Through faith”

• Greek: διὰ πίστεως (dia pisteōs)
• Faith (pistis) is not a work but the God-enabled means by which grace is received. It is instrumental, not causal—faith does not earn salvation; it embraces it.
• Importantly, Paul avoids even hinting that faith originates from the self. Elsewhere (Phil. 1:29), he says faith is "granted" to believers.

➤ “This is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”

• The demonstrative pronoun τοῦτο ("this") is neuter and does not match the gender of either grace (feminine) or faith (feminine), suggesting "this" refers to the entire process of salvation—grace, faith, and salvation itself—as a divine gift.
• Paul is meticulously emphasizing that nothing in salvation originates from human effort—not the grace, not the faith, not the outcome.

➤ “Not a result of works, so that no one may boast”

• In Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts, moral boasting (even about law-keeping or virtue) was culturally normal. Paul dismantles that completely.
• The verb boast (καυχάομαι, kauchaomai) is used elsewhere by Paul to indicate false confidence in human status (cf. Rom. 3:27).
• The gospel obliterates the human merit system. All grounds for comparison, pride, or spiritual elitism are erased. Salvation is the great equalizer.

Application (Spiritual and Practical Implications)

This passage radically shapes our understanding of God, self, and salvation:

1. God-Centered Salvation
   Salvation is not a cooperative effort between man and God—it is monergistic, wholly the work of God from start to finish. This should create in us deep reverence and humility.
2. True Faith is a Fruit of Grace
   If even faith is part of the gift, then I must abandon any self-congratulatory attitude about my spiritual insight or response. I cannot boast in having "figured it out"—God opened my eyes (cf. 2 Cor. 4:6).
3. Freedom from Works-Based Righteousness
   This truth liberates the soul from the bondage of performance. God does not love me more on my best days or less on my worst. He saved me because of who He is, not what I’ve done.
4. A Life of Grateful Obedience
   Though works do not save, they flow from salvation (cf. v.10). Grace does not excuse sin; it empowers holiness. My obedience is not to earn favor, but to express love.

Prayer

Sovereign and merciful Father,

How astonishing is Your grace—that while I was dead in sin, You made me alive in Christ. Not by my striving, not by any merit, but by Your sheer mercy, You have saved me. Even the faith by which I now cling to Christ is a gift You gave.

Strip away any pride, any boasting, any illusion that I brought anything to the table. May my heart be overwhelmed not by guilt, but by gratitude—knowing that Your love pursued me long before I ever sought You.

Let my life now be a living sacrifice—not to earn, but to respond. Shape me by grace, sustain me by grace, and in the end, bring me home by grace. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, my only boast, I pray. Amen.

 Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Observation

Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted in isolation, but its true weight emerges only within the broader context of exile, judgment, and covenant fidelity. The verse is part of a prophetic letter Jeremiah sent to Jewish exiles in Babylon, written during a time of deep national crisis and dislocation.

Key Observations:

1. Context of Judgment and Exile
• The people are in Babylon not because God has abandoned them, but because He is disciplining them for persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Yet, even in judgment, His heart is redemptive.
• Verse 10 affirms that their exile will last 70 years—a full lifetime for many. The promise is not instant; it demands endurance, trust, and generational faith.
2. Divine Intentionality and Sovereignty
• God says, “I know the plans I have for you”. This is not generic optimism; it is a statement of divine sovereignty and foreknowledge. God’s plans are not guesses—they are certain, purposeful, and good.
• The term “plans for welfare” (shalom) encompasses comprehensive flourishing peace, wholeness, restoration not merely comfort or success.
3. Hope Amid Delay
• This is a hope rooted in God's character, not in present circumstances. It's a promise for the future, requiring faith during what may feel like divine silence.
• The hope is corporate in nature God is speaking to His people, not merely to isolated individuals. His plan involves restoring a people, not just improving personal lives.

 Application

Faithfulness in Exile: We, too, live as “exiles” (cf. 1 Peter 2:11), strangers in a world not yet made new. God's people are called to seek the good of the city, to live righteously even when far from “home,” trusting that God is shaping history toward redemption.

Patience with God's Timing: Do I have a theology of waiting? God’s promises are certain, but not always immediate. Am I willing to live in faithful tension between promise and fulfillment?

Confidence in God's Character: When God's purposes are hidden, do I default to anxiety or rest in His wisdom? This verse invites a posture of humble trust, not entitlement.

Rejecting Sentimental Readings: Am I seeking God's will, or am I trying to make Scripture serve my ambitions? Jeremiah 29:11 calls us not to a sanitized view of God’s blessing, but to a robust trust in His redemptive plan, even when that plan includes suffering, exile, and waiting.

Prayer

Lord, teach me to trust not just in Your promises, but in Your timing. Help me to see that Your plans are not defined by my convenience but by Your wisdom and redemptive love. In seasons of exile—when I feel far from home, unsettled, or unseen—remind me that Your purposes remain intact. Anchor my hope in who You are, not in what I see. Give me faith to live well in the waiting, and a heart that finds peace in Your sovereignty. In Christ, the fulfillment of every promise, I place my hope. Amen.

Scripture

Acts 19:21–41 (summary and selected verses)

v.21 – “Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’”
v.23 – “About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.”
v.26 – “This Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.”
v.32 – “Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.”
v.40 – “For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.”

Observation

This passage captures a critical moment in Paul’s ministry: the gospel’s disruptive power in the heart of a culture built on idolatry, wealth, and civic pride. Several key observations emerge:

1. Paul’s Spirit-led vision (v.21) – His ambition was not self-centered but divinely inspired, showing the importance of living with spiritual purpose and submission to God’s direction.
2. Economic and spiritual collision (v.24–27) – The spread of the gospel had real-world consequences. The artisans, whose wealth depended on selling silver shrines of Artemis, saw their livelihood threatened. This reveals how the gospel not only transforms hearts but challenges economic structures rooted in idolatry and false security.
3. The danger of religious nationalism (v.28–34) – The crowd’s chant “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” reflects the fusion of religion, identity, and economy. When people feel their cultural or national identity is threatened by truth, they often react not with repentance but with rage.
4. Confusion without truth (v.32) – The mob didn’t even understand the reason for the riot, illustrating how disorder and irrationality often mark resistance to the gospel. Truth brings clarity; sin breeds confusion.
5. God’s sovereign restraint (v.35–41) – Interestingly, God used a pagan official—the town clerk—to defuse the situation. This shows that God can use secular means to protect His purposes, and that not all opposition results in martyrdom. Sometimes, He grants deliverance through unexpected channels.

Application

This passage compels us to reflect deeply on our context:

• Am I prepared for the cost of truth? True gospel living will inevitably confront the idols of our day—whether materialism, nationalism, consumerism, or convenience. Are we ready to be courageous and uncompromising, like Paul?
• Where might I be participating in or benefiting from systems that conflict with the gospel? The craftsmen were not just making statues; they were investing in a world built on deception. As believers, we must assess whether our vocations, investments, or associations reflect the kingdom of God.
• Do I understand the power of the gospel to uproot culture? Christianity isn’t a private spiritual option; it’s a public declaration that there is one true God, and He tolerates no rivals.
• How do I respond to confusion and disorder in society? Instead of joining in emotional reactions, believers are called to model clarity, peace, and wisdom grounded in God’s Word.

 Prayer

Lord of all truth, give me the wisdom and courage to live a life shaped by Your gospel, even when it confronts the values of the world around me. Protect my heart from compromise, and help me discern where I may be clinging to idols—whether of security, success, or cultural comfort. Teach me to respond to confusion with clarity, and to hostility with grace. And like Paul, may I be faithful to Your call, led by Your Spirit, with eyes fixed not on comfort, but on Your eternal purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

S – Scripture

Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..."

O – Observation

• Paul contrasts conformity to the world with transformation by God—a shift in identity.

• The command isn't to withdraw from the world but not to be shaped by its values.

• Transformation comes not by external rules but by internal renewal, especially in the mind—thoughts, reasoning, perspective.

• This leads to discernment, a capacity to test and know God's will.

• The will of God is described as good, acceptable, and perfect—inviting reflection on what those terms mean in practice.

A – Application

• I’m often tempted to follow cultural values—success, image, independence—without questioning them. This verse reminds me to step back and assess whether my thinking aligns with God or the world.

• Renewal of the mind involves Scripture, prayer, learning, and humility—I can engage in those to grow spiritually and intellectually.

• Before making big choices, I can test and discern whether it fits with God’s will, not just what feels right or popular.

P – Prayer

God, renew my mind. Help me to see the world through Your truth, not through the lens of culture or fear. Transform me from the inside out. Teach me to discern Your will and to pursue what is good, acceptable, and perfect in Your sight. Amen.

Devotion: God’s Household – Serving in Truth

Scriptures:

Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

1 Timothy 3:15 – “…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

1.  Introduction – From Lukewarm to Surrender

For many years, I lived a lukewarm Christian life. I believed in God, but my life didn’t truly reflect Him. My home, the place I share with my husband and three sisters, used to be the center of parties, alcohol, and weed. It was a place where family and friends gathered to celebrate, but it wasn’t a place that honored God.

But God, in His mercy, didn’t leave me there. He began to prune me — gently, but firmly. Conviction from the Holy Spirit and new desires for holiness began to grow in me. Slowly, I started changing things in my home and praying for God’s help.

When I read Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” it cut straight to my heart. That verse convicted me. I realized God wanted my home, not just my Sundays. He wanted His truth to be the foundation of my household.

2.  Connection Between the Passages

• Joshua boldly declared that his home would serve the Lord — no matter what others chose.
• Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy that the church, God’s household, must also be the foundation of truth.
• My personal home and God’s church are connected. If my own house is filled with compromise, how can I expect the church to stand strong? Both are meant to declare to the world: This house belongs to the living God.

3.  Application – What This Looks Like Today

• In My Home: I started small — removing things that didn’t honor God, setting boundaries, and filling the atmosphere with prayer and worship. Change wasn’t instant, but each step was a testimony of God’s power.
• In My Church: Just as my house had to shift, the church as a whole must continually choose truth over compromise. We are called to stand as the “pillar and foundation of truth,” even when the world normalizes sin.
• In My Witness: Now when people come into my home, they can see the difference. It’s no longer a party house but a place where God’s presence is welcome. That change speaks louder than words.

4.  Reflection Questions

• What does it look like for your household to serve the Lord?
• Are there things in your home or life that may need to change so God is truly honored there?
• How does your personal commitment to holiness strengthen the church’s role as “the pillar and foundation of truth”?

5.  Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and patience in my life. Thank You for pruning me and giving me new desires to honor You. I pray that my home will always reflect Your presence, not my past. I pray for courage to declare like Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” And may our church family stand as Your pillar of truth in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your home doesn’t have to stay what it used to be. God can transform it into a testimony of His grace. Like Joshua, declare it over your life: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

God’s Promises Never Fail

Old Testament Scripture: 
“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak & then not act?
Does he promise & not fulfill?” – Numbers 23: 19

New Testament Scripture:
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1: 20

The Old Testament, Balaam reminds us that God is not like us. He doesn’t lie or go back on his Word, like us. When God speaks, his word stands firm. Comfort comes to mind when hearing this. By faith, I trust in him, because of life experiences that God has revealed himself to me. 

In the New Testament, Paul reaffirms that every promise of God finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. What God spoke centuries before, about redemption, salvation, peace, & restoration, is completed through the life, death, & resurrection of Jesus. 

Two things to dwell on;
•    God’s promises are trustworthy because his character is unchanging. (Hebrews13:8, Malachi3:6)
•    Jesus IS the fulfillment of every promise God has ever made.

So when a thought of doubt creeps in, I think about my past and remind myself of the promises God has kept in my own life. I start to praise in gratitude. This took some time for me. I’m reminded by the Holy Spirit to anchor my faith in Christ, knowing he is living proof that God’s word always comes to pass. That I need to SPEAK “Amen” over God’s promises, agreeing in faith that his Word will come true. 

Abba Father – 
I thank you for the promises in your Word and the constant reminders of who you are. You are the promise-keeper, the author & finisher of our lives, the ONE who is all-sufficient and makes us complete. You provide for every need, make a way when there is no way, and redeem us by your grace. Help us to stay focused on you, Lord. Help us to understand your Word and apply it to our lives. Teach us to seek first your Kingdom & your righteousness above all else. Remind us that you owe us nothing and yet in your goodness, you give so much, joyfully. Being in your presence is the ultimate blessing for me. May our lips never cease to praise you for all that you are. Keep us abiding in you, steadfast in faith, even when life’s storms arise. Help us to fill our minds with heavenly things as you continue to prune us in every season. In the matchless and powerful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Scripture- Ecclesiastes 5:3-7 (King James Version)

³ For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

⁴ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

⁵ Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

⁶ Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

⁷ For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Observation-

King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes; he was wealthy and blessed with wisdom by God. These scriptures speak on how we should not vow anything to God because we must follow through and honor it with haste. In the book of Numbers, it states that when an Israelite swears an oath to God, he “Swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word” (numbers 30:2) and must proceed to fulfill what his mouth has spoken. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 any vows were meant to be kept and completed without delay, if you refrained from honoring the vow it would be counted as a sin. God spoke creation into existence, Genesis 1: 3 “God said, let there be light: and there was light” and he spoke the rest into being, of course our words promised to him should be taken seriously.

Application-

I want to be transparent. While writing this up, I had to pray to God for forgiveness if I have ever made a vow to him that I didn’t keep. I don’t remember one, but my testimony reveals many moments of desperation. I’ve prayed for help when I suffered in silence, but I treated God like a genie back then and Heavenly father forgive me. Only application I can say is this, don’t promise or vow anything to the Lord. Period. Just do it and praise God, don’t let your mouth run yourself into sin. Pray for everything and anything because with God all things are possible.

Prayer-

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit that guided me through today’s scripture. Lord God, how wonderful to know you’re a loving and forgiving God. When nothing in this world could save me, you came and covered me with your wings. Adonai, forgive me for all vows or promises I made to you that weren’t fulfilled. Being Lukewarm isn’t an excuse. Thank you for the blood that covers me! Your grace and mercy cover me, gives me joy on the hardest days. Father, please guide my mouth and my steps, may it be pleasing to you. Love you, Lord! Hallelujah! In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Scripture:

Matthew 6:25–34 (ESV)

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Observation:

This passage is nestled within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It's a radical call to trust in God's provision, in a world that thrives on anxiety and control. Three key layers emerge:

1. The Wisdom of Perspective – Jesus begins with the word "Therefore," which ties this teaching to what came before: a warning about storing up treasures on earth and serving two masters (vv. 19–24). The context is crucial He’s not advocating passivity, but freedom from anxious striving.
2. The Argument from Creation – Jesus points to birds and lilies not as romantic metaphors but as theological witnesses. Birds are fed without stress; flowers are clothed in glory without effort. Nature reveals God’s daily, generous, sovereign care.
3. The Futility of Worry – Anxiety cannot extend life it can only rob it. Jesus presents this not just as a command but as a loving invitation: to step out of the exhausting cycle of fear and step into the restful rhythm of trusting God.
4. The Call to Kingdom Priorities – The antidote to worry isn’t denial, but redirection. “Seek first the kingdom…” is a challenge to reorder our desires to long more for God's reign than for our security.

Application:

This teaching slices through our modern obsession with control, productivity, and self-sufficiency. Jesus doesn't deny that we have needs but He reminds us where provision begins: not in hoarding, but in trusting.

• What if our constant striving is not a reflection of hard work, but of misplaced faith?
• What would it look like for me to live as if God truly knows my needs and cares about them more than I do.
• Could it be that anxiety is sometimes a byproduct of trying to be our own savior?

This passage invites me to live more presently, to take life one day at a time not because tomorrow doesn’t matter, but because today is where faith is proven.

It also reveals a relational God one who feeds, clothes, sees, and knows. The God of the lilies is not far away. He’s attentive.

Prayer:

Father,
You see my needs even before I speak them. You know the worries I carry some loud, some buried deep. Teach me to trust not only in Your provision, but in Your presence.
Help me to seek Your kingdom above all above my plans, desires, and fears.
Let my heart find its rest not in what I control, but in who You are.
Thank You for the birds that still sing and the flowers that still bloom, even in a chaotic world they are living sermons of Your faithfulness.
Today, I release tomorrow into Your hands.
Amen.

S – Scripture (Matthew 14:22–36, ESV excerpt)

“Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone…” (vv. 22–23)

“But the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea…” (vv. 24–25)

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.'” (v. 27)

“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’” (vv. 28–29)

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand...” (v. 30–31)

O – Observation

This passage takes place right after the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus sends the disciples into a storm while He goes to pray. In the early hours (3–6 AM), He walks out to them on the water — and their fear becomes the setting for a powerful lesson.

1. Jesus intentionally sends them into difficulty.
• “He made the disciples get into the boat…” (v. 22)
  This was not an accident. Obedience led them into the storm a shocking contrast to our assumption that following Jesus leads to comfort.
2. Jesus prays while they struggle.
• “He went up on the mountain by himself to pray…” (v. 23)
  Jesus was physically distant but spiritually active. He sends them out, yet intercedes unseen, but not absent.
3. Fear distorts perception.
• “It is a ghost!” (v. 26)
  In terror, they misidentify their Savior as a threat. This is what fear does it blurs reality, turning rescue into danger.
4. Peter walks… then sinks.
• Peter starts with bold faith but shifts focus to circumstances. The shift from Jesus to the wind leads to sinking.
5. Jesus saves immediately.
• No rebuke before rescue. No delay. “Immediately Jesus reached out…” (v. 31)
  Even in doubt, Peter’s cry for help is enough.
6. Storms are classrooms.
• After the storm, the disciples worship Jesus: “Truly you are the Son of God.” (v. 33)
  Their understanding of Him deepend not from miracles on land, but through fear and failure on the sea.

 A – Application

This passage speaks directly to the human experience of faith, fear, doubt, and growth.

What does this teach me about God?

• He may lead me into difficulty, not to harm but to form me.
• Even when I feel alone, He is watching and praying.
• His presence is often misread in fear but He comes in the storm, not always around it.
• He rescues in weakness, not after strength is regained.

 What does this teach me about myself?

• I often ask God for confirmation (like Peter) but then panic when He answers.
• Faith isn't proven in comfort it's refined in storms.
• Sinking doesn’t mean failure calling out is still faith.
• My growth may come more from struggle than from success.

Personal Reflection Questions:

• What “storm” am I currently in that feels like God is absent could it be that He's praying and watching from a distance?
• Where am I stepping out in faith and where am I letting fear cause me to sink?
• Do I believe Jesus rescues “immediately,” even when my faith falters

 P – Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You see me even when I feel alone. You send me into places that challenge me not to destroy me, but to deepen me. Teach me not to fear the storm, but to look for You in it.

Like Peter, I often believe and doubt in the same breath. Thank You that even in my fear, even in my failure, You reach for me immediately.

Give me the courage to step out of the boat. And when I sink, remind me that reaching for You is not weakness it is the essence of faith.

Help me grow not just from calm but from chaos. Teach me to worship You, not just when the sea is still, but even when the waves rise.

In Your name, Amen

 “Faith isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to step forward even when fear is present and trusting that Jesus will reach out before we sink too far.”

S – Scripture

Judges 2:10 (NIV)
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel."

Judges 21:25 (ESV)
"In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

O – Observation

Judges begins with promise and ends in chaos. Between these two verses is a steady unraveling of spiritual memory, leadership, and morality.

• Judges 2:10 is the tragedy of lost testimony. A generation failed to pass on the story of who God is and what He had done. As a result, the next generation wandered into idolatry and confusion.

• Judges 21:25 shows where that forgetfulness leads: everyone became their own authority, defining right and wrong on their own terms.

Together, these verses reveal a pattern:
👉 When we forget God, we lose our direction.
👉 When truth becomes relative, chaos follows.

This isn't just ancient history—it’s a mirror for today. When a culture forgets its spiritual roots, confusion replaces conviction, and personal preference replaces truth.

A – Application

This passage forces us to ask hard but wise questions:

• Am I helping the next generation know God—or just hoping they figure it out?

• Are my values shaped more by culture or by Scripture?

• Do I live like God is my King—or do I just “do what’s right in my own eyes”?

Judges warns us: faith must be intentionally passed on, not just assumed. The danger isn’t just rebellion; it’s forgetfulness. We must remember who God is, retell what He’s done, and recommit to His ways—daily.

Wisdom means refusing to let comfort, busyness, or compromise dull our spiritual memory.

P – Prayer

God, help me not to forget. In a world full of noise, remind me again and again of who You are and what You’ve done. Let me not live by my own instincts, but by Your Word. Give me the humility to submit to Your truth, even when it’s unpopular. And make me bold and intentional to pass Your truth to the next generation—not just in words, but in how I live. Be my King, not just in theory, but in practice. Amen.

S – Scripture

Acts 7:9–10 (NIV)
"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh... so Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace."

O – Observation

Stephen is standing on trial for his life, but instead of defending himself, he tells a story—the story of God working behind the scenes across generations. He brings up Joseph: sold by his own brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned, forgotten. Everything that happened to Joseph could have felt like abandonment.

But Stephen reminds us: “But God was with him.”

That simple phrase changes everything. It doesn’t say Joseph escaped pain—it says God was present in it. God's plan wasn’t broken by betrayal or injustice. It was unfolding through it.

And when the time was right—“as the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise” (v.17)—Joseph’s pain turned into purpose. What looked like failure became provision, not just for him, but for his entire people.

A – Application

Let’s be honest—there are seasons when life makes absolutely no sense. You do the right thing, and it feels like it gets worse. People hurt you. Opportunities dry up. Prayers go unanswered. You start wondering: Where is God in this?

Acts 7 reminds us: God is not absent in our pain. He is present, shaping, preparing, redeeming. But His timing rarely matches ours. Joseph waited years before seeing anything good come from his suffering. And even then, the story wasn't just about him—it was about God's bigger picture.

Here’s the wisdom:

• Just because you’re in a pit doesn’t mean God has left you.

• Sometimes the most painful seasons are preparation for the most impactful ones.

• God's delays are not God's denials—they are His designs.

So the question isn’t just “When will this end?”
The wiser question is: “Who am I becoming while I wait?”

P – Prayer

God, I confess—I want quick fixes and clear answers. But You’re more interested in forming my heart than rushing my timeline. Help me trust You like Joseph did, even when life feels unfair. When I feel stuck, remind me You are still writing my story. Give me patience when Your promises feel slow, and help me hold on until the “But God was with them” moment comes in my life too. Amen.

S – Scripture

Psalm 4:1–8 (ESV)
1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”

7 You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

O – Observation

Psalm 4 is a nighttime prayer, rich with emotional depth and theological clarity. David begins in personal distress, crying out to God not from panic but from relational history—"You have given me relief." His confidence is rooted in past faithfulness.

In verses 2–5, he confronts the falsehood and vanity embraced by others. Yet, instead of returning evil for evil, David appeals to conscience and wisdom: be angry but do not sin, ponder, be silent, offer right sacrifices. This is mature emotional intelligence rooted in spiritual discipline.

Verses 6–8 offer a contrast between worldly longing and divine contentment. The people crave prosperity (“Who will show us some good?”), but David finds joy in God's presence, not in abundance. He closes with peace—a deep, abiding trust that leads not just to sleep but to shalom.

This is not a denial of trouble—it’s a profound centering in God's unshakeable reality.

A – Application

Psalm 4 is a blueprint for how to process anxiety, injustice, and restlessness through godly wisdom. Instead of reacting impulsively or wallowing in despair, David shows a fourfold path:

1. Call on God honestly — even when distressed, don’t retreat into silence.

2. Reframe the problem through truth — know God sets apart the godly and hears them.

3. Redirect emotions into discipline — anger is acknowledged but not unleashed.

4. Find joy and peace in God, not outcomes — peace comes before resolution.

Ask yourself:

• Where am I seeking false peace—through success, distraction, or control?

• How can I practice silence, reflection, and godly trust in moments of pressure?

• Do I believe that joy from God can outweigh circumstantial prosperity?

This Psalm is a challenge: let your response to distress be spiritually intelligent, not emotionally reactive.

P – Prayer

Father of Righteousness, when my thoughts race and injustice surrounds me, teach me to pause, to breathe, and to remember that You are the God who has heard me before and will hear me again. Set my emotions under Your lordship. Help me be silent when needed, bold when called, and wise in every response. Replace my craving for immediate good with deep joy in Your presence. As the world lies awake in anxious striving, may I lie down in peace—because I rest in You, and You alone. Amen.

Scripture-

Acts 14: 8-18

Mistaken for Gods in Lystra

⁸ In Lystra a man was sitting who was without strength in his feet, had never walked, and had been lame from birth. ⁹ He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, ¹⁰ Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And he jumped up and began to walk around.

¹¹ When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.

¹⁴ The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting, ¹⁵ “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.^[a] 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own way, ¹⁷ although he did not leave himself without a witness, since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” ¹⁸ Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.

Observation-

Paul and Barnabas went to Lystra which is in present-day Turkey. They ended up there because they had been persecuted in Iconium; by spreading the gospel and Jesus’ teachings they encountered unbelieving Jews. Who won over the people, Gentiles and Jews to which they tried to stone them. When Paul was speaking, he saw a man with faith to be healed to which he was when Paul told him to stand. Then chaos broke out, the people of Lystra wanted to worship and sacrifice offerings to them. They associated them with the Greek gods, Zeus and Hermes. Paul and Barnabas were both horrified that this was happening. They tore their robes and proclaimed that the people of Lystra repent, stop worshipping dead idols and believe in the one living God. Unlike King Herod, they didn’t want worship and praise that belonged to Elohim alone. Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium (they city the fled from) poisoned the minds of the people there. To which they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city for dead, but he wasn’t. He got up, went back into town and left with Barnabas.

Application-

Human hearts are wicked, Jeremiah 17:9 states that it’s more deceitful than anything else and incurable. One day they will worship and idolize you, but on the same day they’ll want you dead. Paul and Barnabas were spreading the gospel, but unbelieving Jews won over the crowds that wanted to worship them a moment ago to now stoning Paul. BUT what is wonderful to read is that Paul and Barnabas refused to receive their worship and sacrifices. They pointed them to the true living God “who made the heaven, the earth, the sea and everything in them” (Act 14:15). In these end times, many will display their gifts that God has given them, but worship and praise is for God ALONE. I worry about those who take God glory for themselves. They don’t fear God, pure and simple. This is how I’d apply what I’ve read-

• Anytime a prayer has been answered God gets the praise

• When I close my eyes to worship, it’s for Elohim alone.

• Anytime a door wasn’t opened, praise God.

• My family, my job, my friends are second to God.

Question:

1. Do I have any idols in my life?

2. Is there someone/something who I seek more, than God?

3. If someone praises me, do I redirect that praise to God?

4. Have I ever accepted praise, that belonged to God?

Prayer-

Dear Heavenly Abba, it’s me Fusi. Thank you for creating me the way I am and pruning the dead branches in my life. The one true living God that created the universe, stitched me together in my mother womb and whose breath gives me life. Lord God, please forgive me if I have taken any praise for myself that belonged to you. Rebuke and remove any Idols that I have in my life. I want you alone, Elohim to be my one and true God. Let my lips sing of your greatness and holy ways. Hallelujah, that I get to abide in your presence and speak to a Holy, Holy, Holy God. Lord Jesus, thank you for covering me in the blood that allows me to pray to our heavenly father. Holy Spirit, I pray that you continue to guide me through the scriptures. Grant me heavenly wisdom and understanding. In Jesus mighty name, Amen!!

.

📖 Scripture

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." — Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

👀 Observation

David declares that God is both his protector and his source of strength. This verse reflects a deep trust in the   just in words, but in the heart. The result of that trust is joy and praise. It’s a reminder that when we lean on God, He responds with help, and our hearts are lifted.

🛠️ Application

Today, ask yourself:

• Am I trusting God with my whole heart, or just with parts of my life?

• In what area do I need His strength and protection right now?

Applying this verse to guide me to shift my focus from fear to faith. When I feel overwhelmed, I will pause and declare this truth: “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Let this be my anchor.

🙏 Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my strength when I feel weak and my shield when I feel vulnerable. Help me to trust You fully—not just with my words, but with my heart. Fill me with joy that overflows into praise. Let my life be a song that honors You. Amen

Scripture

"When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless." — Genesis 29:31 (NIV)

👀 Observation

Leah lived in the shadow of her sister Rachel, longing for love and affirmation. Yet God saw her pain and responded with compassion. This verse reveals God's heart for the overlooked and hurting. He doesn't ignore our sorrow. Instead, He acts with purpose and grace.

🛠️ Application

Are there moments when I feel unseen or undervalued? Leah’s story reminds us that God sees me even when others don’t. Today, I will reflect on how God has shown up in my life during seasons of loneliness or rejection. I'll let this truth shape how I treat others especially those who may feel invisible.  Ask myself:

• Who in my life might need to be reminded that they are seen and loved?

• How can I rest in the assurance that God notices my struggles?

🙏 Prayer

Lord, thank You for seeing me when I feel forgotten. Help me to rest in Your love and to praise You even when life feels unfair. Remind me that, just like Leah, I am seen and cherished by You. Give me eyes to notice others who feel overlooked and a heart to love them well. Amen.

Scripture:

Psalms 62:1-2

“Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock & my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken”.

Devotion:

The Christian Life is marked by continual waiting. Basically, your whole Christian Life is one big waiting period. You’ll never stop waiting for God. Therefore, I believe it’s safe to say that we should get used to it. Waiting is not a bad thing. It strengthens us (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting grows patience & trust (Lamentations 3:25). Waiting is a sign of hope (Psalm 130:5). God acts for those who wait (Isaiah 64:4). And what we’ve studied in John, even Jesus waited (John 2:4).

As the Word says, waiting then is not a punishment, it’s a privilege and honor. The culture we live in wants to demonize waiting, but we’re called to wait. God knows when it is the appropriate time to do things in our lives, & how he should do that, which it is best for us & our sanctification for his glory. And truly, all biblical waiting leads us to the throne. I believe that our relationship with God is the ultimate purpose of our waiting. He doesn’t waste time. He’s preparing our hearts, aligning our steps, & drawing us closer to himself. When we understand this, knowledge is put in place to help us along the way of our waiting period, or season. The world sees waiting as a weakness, a delay or even a detour, but our Father sees it as preparation. So how do we know we’re waiting on God and not just waiting for a result?

• Vision: Is given by God, not what I make.

• Trust: That God knows best.

• Action: Obedience.

• Faith: Be convinced that God is worth the wait.

• God’s Presence: Core of biblical waiting.

• Contentment: God is enough.

• Patience: Willingness to ENDURE until the end.

• Hopeful Expectations: Hope is in God ALONE.

• Importance of Priorities: God is ULTIMATE, not the gift.

• Salvation: End of all waiting when Jesus returns.

Reflection Questions:

• What am I currently waiting on?

• Am I waiting with God, or just waiting for something from Him?

• How can I posture my heart to wait with faith and worship?

• What scripture(s) should I dwell on to help me on waiting?

Prayer:

Abba Father – Thank you for your Word that we’re delighting in. You’re such a generous and loving God! Thank you for waiting on us as your Word says in 2 Peter 3:9. Thank you for opening our eyes to see the truth in your Word. I pray any conviction prompts us to endure until the end. I pray it prompts us to wait properly and actively for your return. You alone is our rock & our salvation! Help us to look at you with contentment because you are enough and worth the wait for whatever it is we’re waiting for. Help us not to be idle while waiting. Help us to seek you deeper in those moments to gain more understanding of who you are through your Word, seeking to increase a closer relationship with you. Hoping that that will strip us of all the false things that we stand on for security. I pray Psalms 27:14 over us all. Help us to speak Psalms 27:14 over our family, friends, & neighbors. Those who don’t know you, may come to know you as well. Thank you, Father. For loving us the way that you do. We truly serve an awesome God.

In Jesus mighty name, AMEN.

Scripture: 

1Corinthians 13:8-10

8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.

Observation:

These lines are behind the famous love scripture that is read at most weddings, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it reveals what love is and its fruits. I overlooked our verse today many times because my favorite scripture comes after. 1 Corinthians 13:11,13 which speaks of spiritual maturity to which Paul then lists the 3 things he has come to know fully, which is faith, hope and love. Love being the greatest. In the beginning of chapter 13 Paul talks about how we can do mighty things and be talented, but without love it’s nothing. Today verse revealed to me that in my short time giving my life to Christ, I've been blessed and loved unconditionally by God all my life. Once the veil was lifted, I cried the most in my first year because I didn't deserve it. In here Paul telling us that once we experience God love for ourselves, on an intimate level we will refuse the bare minimum. In verse 10 it says, "But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end." Amen! When all things come to an end, Love will remain and like the blood of Jesus that was shed for me it will cover me forever. 

Application:

It never made sense to me before, but Praise God for the Holy Spirit because it cleared up what I couldn't put in words. When I continued to read the word, fellowship and pray my spirit wouldn't give me rest if a lie was spoken about the word. Jesus says that the sheep will know his voice and I pray we continue to listen to him. The greatest act of Love was John 3:16 to which we are saved by the blood of Jesus. Once you experience God unconditional love and Jesus unfailing gift of salvation, you will never be the same. Hallelujah, we are saved by God love for us! I’ve asked myself; how can I show God that I love him? Lord Jesus tells us in Mark 12:30-31 to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Also to love your neighbor as yourself. Amen!
 
Ask yourself:
1.    Have I ever felt unconditional love? If so, by who? 
2.    How has God revealed his love for me in my life? 
3.    Do I know what love is? 
4.    Do I love my neighbors the same way I love myself? 
5.    Do I love God the way I should? (with all your heart, soul, mind and strength)

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for revealing your love for us! Praise your Holy, Holy, Holy name Yahweh! Father in heaven, thank you for filling the void in my life and covering me in the blood of my savior. When I couldn't love myself, Jehovah did by rescuing me from my thoughts. Your word says that you will never leave me or forsake me! When I thought that I was alone and no one could rescue me, you did it Lord God! In the womb you stitched me together! Holy Spirit, may I never forget the goodness of God in my life. In Jesus mighty name, AMENNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

Scripture- James 1:5-8

Observation-

1King 3:9

Matthew 7:7

Proverbs 2:3-6

2 Peter 2:14

God is so good, that he will give you wisdom when you ask. 1 Kings 3:9 Solomon has a dream where God will grant whatever he asks, and he asks for wisdom. He specifically says, "An understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad". Not for himself, but for his Kingship to rule over the people justly. Verse 6 states to ask in faith, without doubt because when you doubt your mind in verse 7 states that it's like a surging sea. Imagine a surging sea, your mind is the boat and caught in a storm. That's tough, but when you have faith that God will provide its smooth sailing. In Matthew 7:7 Lord Jesus tells us that when we ask, seek or knock that our Father in heaven will answer, find and open doors for you. But a doubter won't receive anything. Verse 8 brings up double-mindedness, which is a person who wavers in their faith, and I was that person. Before Christ became my foundation, I feel for the lies that the enemy told me which encouraged my pride. Now to remove that mindset, like it says in Roman 12:2 be transformed by the renewing of the mind and I will be able to discern what is good.

Application-

In Proverbs 2:3-6 it says that you must call out, lift your voice and seek it out like hidden treasure. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover Godly wisdom. God is good, he makes it so easy for us. But we get in our own way, being double-minded and we get seduced easily since our foundation isn’t strong. We can remove the veils from our eyes through prayer, asking for wisdom and understanding the word so the Holy Spirit can speak to us. Ask yourself:

1. What is stopping me from having faith in God?,

2. What idols do I believe above God word?,

3. How can I increase my faith?,

4. Has doubt ever helped me in anyway?,

5. Overthinking is double-mindedness, how can I stop and rest on God promise?,

Prayer- Take it to the throne! Pray for wisdom and discernment. Have faith that God will provide.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the calling You have placed on our lives. Thank You for the privilege of being part of Your Kingdom work. Lord, remind us that we are not here to compete, but to serve. Not to impress, but to impact. Let our focus remain on building what lasts eternally — Your Kingdom — and reaching those who are lost, hurting, and in need of Your love.

Fill us with the wisdom, boldness, and compassion of Christ. Anoint our hands to build, our words to heal, and our lives to reflect Your glory. Strip away distractions, pride, and comparison, and clothe us with humility, purpose, and clarity.

May everything we do today align with Your will and bring honor to Your name.

In Jesus' powerful name we pray,
Amen.

Scripture (S):

Proverbs 11:3 (KJV)

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."

Observation (O):

This proverb sets a wisdom-based dichotomy between two moral trajectories:

The "upright"—those who possess moral wholeness and sincerity—are said to be guided by their integrity, implying that righteousness functions as an internal compass. Integrity here isn't just about being honest, but being whole, undivided, and consistently aligned with truth. in contrast, "transgressors"—those who willfully break moral boundaries—are led by perverseness, a word that suggests distortion, crookedness, or moral twisting. This perverseness doesn't merely mislead; it actively contributes to their downfall. The verse implies that guidance and destruction are not random outcomes but the direct result of one’s internal moral posture. This reflection echoes a broader biblical theme: what is within determines what unfolds outwardly. Personal character is not peripheral to success or safety—it is central.

 Application (A):

This verse invites me to examine what truly guides my decisions—is it principle or preference? Conscience or convenience? The Word or the world? I’m reminded that integrity is not situational, but a core identity trait that must shape all aspects of life: relationships, work, finances, and even unseen thoughts. it challenges me to live not merely with public morality, but private integrity, knowing that God weighs the heart, not just outward appearances. I’m also warned that corruption is self-destructive. Even if it seems temporarily advantageous, perverseness seeds eventual collapse—morally, relationally, and spiritually. Practicing integrity may not always yield immediate rewards, but it guarantees divine guidance and enduring stability.

 Reflection  questions:

• 1. Am I more focused on competition or on fulfilling my Kingdom calling? Why?

• 2. How can I support others who are also building the Kingdom instead of viewing them as rivals?

• 3. what distractions or comparisons do I need to surrender in order to stay focused on my mission?

Prayer:

Holy God, You are the God of truth and righteousness. Shape in me a heart of integrity—a heart undivided, committed wholly to You. Let my decisions be governed by Your wisdom, not the shifting values of the world. Expose any perverseness in my spirit and lead me in the path of righteousness. When the way of truth is hard, strengthen me to walk it anyway. Make my life a testimony of the guiding power of integrity.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture: Galatians 2:17-21 KJV

'But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.'

Observation:

Backstory-Paul is writing a letter to the Church in Galatia, the Judaizers were adding rules and regulations for Gentiles to become Christ followers.

*Judaizers are the Jews

*Gentiles are non-Jews.

*Additional regulations: Gentiles needed to be circumcised to be disciples of Jesus. (Circumcision was in the law of Moses-Leviticus 12:3/A sign of Abraham covenant with the Lord-Genesis 17:10-11) In short, they had to become Jews first to believe in Jesus. Which is a lie. In Galatians 6: 12-15 it states that they wanted physical proof of their commitment, but we boast only about the cross. Nothing matters besides being a new creation, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Like today, we face the real threat of false teachers/teaching. Paul reminds the Church that if we live by the law-we all deserve death. Since Jesus Christ died for us, his blood washes away our sins and God pardons us through that sacrifice ALONE. If we go back to the law, then Jesus died in vain. I rebuke that life, Jesus’ blood covers us forever where the blood of altar sacrifices only hold for a day. Jesus’s blood holds for eternity and for every believer.

Application:

How can I decipher a false teacher or teaching? Through the testing of the fruit, praying to Holy Spirit for discernment and knowing his word for yourself. Being a believer in Christ, we face challenges but praise God he makes a way. I was crucified in Christ, so I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. When you see me, its Jesus Christ boo. The old Fusi is dead and gone.

Reference to: 1 John 4:1-3 (discern spirits)/ Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirits)/ Revelation 12:11 (Power of the blood)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the word and the blood of Jesus. You’ve given us your son, whose sacrifice will cover us for eternity and a multitude of generations. Where the law fails us, Lord Jesus gives us victory! Where the blood of rams and bulls fails us, the blood of Lord Jesus redeems us. Jehovah, glory and honor in the highest belong to you alone. I am nothing but a servant for you. Holy Spirit, please gift me with discernment. Let nothing but the truth come from me. Continue to guide my footsteps, Lord! In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

"The Real Battle”

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

This scripture takes me back to the time we did a Women’s ministry group reading for the book called Fervent by Priscilla Shirer (highly recommend this book). She tackles the tension described in Strategy #2: Focus, which is the chapter that teaches us to look beyond visible conflicts and see the real battle behind them. She reminds us that when we're upset with people or caught in circumstances, we’re often actually entangled in a spiritual battle (not a physical one). It’s easy to focus on what we can see, like people or problems, without realizing there’s a deeper enemy behind it all causing the trouble. She uses powerful metaphors, like a puppet show, where we see only the puppets (people and events) but miss the hidden puppeteer, the spiritual forces working behind the scenes. The Word of God pulls back the curtain and reveals a deeper truth: our true struggle is not physical, it’s SPIRITUAL. We’re encouraged to be fervent in prayer when in battle mode.

Behind every discouragement, every distraction, every division, is an unseen war that we cannot fight in the natural. This is why prayer, worship, and God’s Word are not just Christian habits, they are our spiritual armor.

The devil tries to distract us by getting us to fight with each other, get angry, or take things personally. But God has a better way. He wants us rely on HIS strength in us, using the armor he gives us (Ephesians 6:13–17), and to recognize that the real battle isn’t with people, it’s with the evil working behind it all.

When we shift our focus from the natural to the spiritual, we gain knowledge & wisdom in the real battlefield. We will start to fight differently. When we fight, we invite God’s power into the situation. We stop wasting energy on the wrong battles. We stay rooted in peace instead of chaos. And we fight from a place of victory, because Jesus has already won. To God be the glory!

Reflection Questions:

• What battles have you been fighting in your own strength?

• How can you shift from a natural response to a spiritual posture?

• Are you wearing your spiritual armor daily?

Abba Father –

You are Jehovah Sabaoth! Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom you’ve given us for battle. Thank you for the reminder that we serve a God who is a commander, a warrior, and a defender for his people. Like David said, “I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts!!!” Hallelujah! Praise your holy & matchless name!! Help me to put on your full armor each day and to fight with the weapons you’ve made available for me! The enemy is behind the curtains, and his deceiving ways are no more! Thank you for unveiling our eyes to see the Spiritual battle at hand. Thank you for your Word that increases my faith daily. No weapon formed against me shall prosper, in Jesus mighty name, I pray. Amen.

🙏 Opening Prayer: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you

Heavenly Father, thank you for waking us up and keeping us in your amazing grace. Let nothing come between us! Lord God, you gave us the Holy Spirit, and I pray for its guidance through this scripture. Allow my eyes, ears and heart to be open. For me to receive whatever message you desire for me to know, to understand and to apply in my life. Jehovah, you’re so good to me! Glory and honor belong to you alone, forever and ever. In Jesus mighty and matchless name. God children all say, Amen!!

🌟 Devotional: Me and God got a Love thing

Scripture: Romans 8:37-39 CSB

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. “

📖 Observation: Fusi POV

There are 3 things that come up me and heal my heart.

1. God is the creator of all things but gives us free will to love him or not. What an amazing God, who loves me more than I can fathom!! To give us everything we need, but to seek Him I must be intentional and genuine.

2. Putting created things before God is idolatry.

3. I don’t want to be separated from God Love.

In Genesis, it tells the story of creation and God designated a day of rest. Our father in heaven didn’t need rest, but he added it because knowing his children (creation) would require it. How loving is that? Even before we were made, Jehovah-Jireh made a way for us to rest our weary bones. The world teaches us to stay busy, I hear this often “I can rest when I’m dead” which I rebuke in Jesus’ name because we will burn out. My second observation made me realize that most of my life, created things replaced God rightful station due to sin and I copied those around me. I’m ashamed to say that there were many idols that I worshipped back then. My family, my friends, my job and partying. Thank you, Lord Jesus for your free gift of salvation. Praise God, you opened my eyes and removed the blinds that kept me in my sin. I don’t want to be separate from God love! Seeing is knowing and I know that God has provided so much for me. Eternity with Christ, is forever resting and abiding with God in heaven. That sounds so glorious!

💡 Application:

Since being saved, I see my foolishness because God is ingrained in my life now. Fusi BC (Before Christ) was always busy with work, then family and of course partying. No room for God, but now praise the Lord he is with me day in and out. Idolizing my family and friends were problems because I know now that God is jealous. There are so many times that I should’ve died or gotten badly hurt but was able to walk away. Praise God, that I get to say “Nothing created can separate me from God” and I mean it. When I’m angry with my shortcomings, when I get stressed out over money or family concerns or even being tired of living, I turn to Him. Turn to God, return to the Bible and it will refresh you spiritually. Put on the armor! Fight the devil with scriptures! God loves us so much he made a way for us, before we were born, he had a plan and God will is above all.  

1. How can a created thing separate me from God?

2. Do I want to be separated from the love of God?

🙏 Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me! I pray the plans you have for my life go accordingly. I am blessed by your mercy each day, your amazing grace each day because I am lost without you. I don’t want to go back to my old self; I want you in my life everyday till you call me home and spend eternity with you Lord! Hallelujah, for the Holy Spirit that guides us in your word. When you were making stars for the night sky, animals for the sea, land and air. You thought of us, made a day for us to rest with you. Please Lord God, guide my sisters and brothers in Christ to do your will. Cover them in the blood! In Jesus name, Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the privilege of opening Your Word today. I come with a heart that longs to hear from You — to be changed, filled, and empowered. Just as You met the early Church when they prayed, would You meet me here in this moment?
Shake what needs to be shaken in my life — my fears, doubts, and distractions. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes to understand, my heart to believe, and my will to obey.
Give me boldness to live and speak Your truth in love. May this time in Your Word strengthen my faith and deepen my devotion to Jesus.
In His powerful name I pray, Amen.

S – SCRIPTURE

"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
— Acts 4:31 (ESV)

O – OBSERVATION

This verse is the culmination of a powerful moment in the early Church:

• Context: Peter and John had just been released from the Sanhedrin after healing a lame man and preaching in Jesus’ name. They returned to the believers and reported everything that had happened (Acts 4:23).

• Instead of shrinking back in fear, the believers united in prayer, asking not for safety, but for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel (Acts 4:29).

• God's response is dramatic:

  • The physical shaking of the place is symbolic of divine affirmation, similar to how God’s presence shook Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18).

  • All were filled with the Holy Spirit — even though these were already Spirit-filled believers (Acts 2). This shows the ongoing, renewing work of the Spirit.

  • The result wasn’t emotionalism, but spiritual boldness to proclaim God's word — a clear sign of the Spirit’s empowerment.

• This moment highlights a crucial truth: The early church didn’t rely on human strategies or political influence — they depended entirely on God through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.

A – APPLICATION

Prayer precedes power. When the Church is under pressure, the most effective response is not panic or retreat — it's prayer. I must learn to seek God's face before taking action.

• God still fills His people. The Spirit’s filling isn’t a one-time event. I need to continually seek to be filled (Ephesians 5:18), especially when facing opposition, fear, or spiritual dryness.

• God answers bold prayers with bold power. The early Church didn’t pray for comfort or compromise — they prayed for courage to continue doing what got them in trouble: preaching Jesus.

• Am I praying in alignment with God's mission? Too often I ask for safety or favor. But do I ask for boldness to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable?

• Unity matters. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully among them when they were gathered in one heart and mind, with shared devotion and purpose (Acts 4:24).

P – PRAYER

Holy God, shake us again. Teach us to pray like the early Church — not for protection alone, but for boldness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit not just once, but daily, continually, completely. Let my words carry the authority of heaven, not the approval of men. Give me courage to speak the truth in love — in my family, workplace, church, and world. Let Your presence be so real that it stirs and moves the very ground beneath me. Empower me to be a faithful witness to the resurrected Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures- Psalms 23: 1-6

The LORD Is My Shepherd

1 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Observation -  

I observe in these scriptures of when David was a shepherd out in the field and how He knows God is His Shepherd. He made this prayer to God and wrote these powerful but meaningful words who God is and what He does for him. I had to look up the definition of Shepherd:

noun

1. a person who herds, tends, and guards sheep.

1. a person who protects, guides, or watches over a person or group of people.

Synonyms: defender, keeper, guardian, protector

1. a member of the clergy.

1. the Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

1. sheepdog.

I love how David emphasizes the title The Lord is my Shepherd because God is personal with His sheep's (people). It shows how God operates as a Shepherd how He leads, guides, protect, care, restores, including against his enemies (not that David created enemies). He fears no evil; goodness and mercy shall follow him ALL the days of his life. David says He will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. David had a personal relationship with God. Just like Jesus in John 10: 11; 14 - 16 says:

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.  

2 / 2

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

These are a couple of scriptures shows Jesus as the Shepherd. The Shepherd will lay his life down for his sheep and that is who God is. Jesus did the same. God always leaves the 99 for the 1 to bring home. He will do the same for you!  

These scriptures are very personal for me; when I was younger my Grandma had my siblings and I recite & memorize this passage after worship in our family prayer time. She had us recite it out loud in English and Samoan. At the time I didn't understand because we would just listen to our elders and do exactly what they say. But since now it's truly dear to me and I understand why my Mama made my siblings and I memorize Psalms 23. I have carried this passage in my heart even to this day.  

Application -  

I will apply these scriptures to my life on a daily basis. Like I said I hold this passage dear to my heart and knowing who my Shepherd is and what He has done for me no one can tell me differently. With out a doubt the Lord is my Shepherd!

Prayer -  

Heavenly Father,  

You are Lord over my life; my Shepherd and I thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me. Thank you for always leading, guiding, protecting, caring, and loving on me. Thank you for laying your life down for me time and time again. For never leaving nor forsaking me even times that you were in the furnace with me I thank you Lord. I can not do anything without you. Even taking care of my family, friends, love ones who are dear to me. Those who you entrust me with to point them back to you Lord. I honor, worship, and adore you till my last breath! Amen! - Your Girl - Soldier for Christ!  

🙏 Opening Prayer: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us this day to worship you. Holy Spirit, I pray you guide us through the scriptures. Open our eyes and ears to hear you Lord, so that it may draw us closer to you. Lord Jesus, your name is mighty and powerful. I pray that we speak your name in our lives and anything that isn’t of you be rebuked, removed and bind in Jesus’ name. Open our hearts to receive your word! In the mighty, matchless and awesome name of Jesus. Amen!

🌟 Devotional: The Word and the Light

Scripture: — John 1:1–5 CSB

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

📖 Observation: Fusi POV

John was a beloved disciple of Jesus and in his gospel, he begins with revealing Jesus’ identity in eternity. In other gospels they present the lineage or bloodline that brings forth the Messiah, but John reveals that “All things were created through him” (verse 3). That Jesus was and has always been, he was there in the beginning. In Genesis when Abraham was told that he would become a father of many nations. In Exodus when Moses leads the Israelites through the desert for 40 years. Not only that, but most importantly Jesus is the light that darkness can never overcome which is stated in verse 5 “And yet the darkness did not overcome it”. Jesus gives us life “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (verse 4) and knowing his life had to be given for us, I feel unworthy. He laid down his life, perfect and sinless for someone like me. Hallelujah! Praise God for our Lord and Savior.

💡 Application: How Fusi can apply it...

This world is filled with many evils that try to diminish our desire to seek Christ, but we must not forget that Lord Jesus overrules any darkness. He is our light when the night seems long. He is our living water when the desert seasons drag on. He is our bread of life that restores us. In Matthew 7:24-27 let us be like the wise man that built his house upon the rock, so when the storms come and the water rises, we will not collapse. Whenever fear tries to creep in, I remind myself that I rather fear the creator, than a created thing. Lord Jesus be my foundation! Nothing can overcome you! We are already victorious by your blood.

Today, ask yourself: 

• How can I make Jesus my foundation?

• Is there any darkness in my life, if so, how can I invite Jesus in?

• What’s stopping me from allowing Jesus into my life?

🙏 Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us time to hear your word. Holy Spirit, thank you for guiding us through the scriptures. Lord Jesus please be our foundation! So, when the storms of life come our way, you can give us peace and silence it. Be our light that defeats and removes any darkness that is in our lives. Before we rely on our own strength, Jehovah-Jireh make a way out of no way. For you said in Matthew that nothing is impossible when God is involved. May we be like the wise man that built his house on the rock, Lord! Your love is unconditional and unwavering. By surrendering your life, you give us life. All the glory belongs to you! Praise your holy name! In the name of Jesus, Amen.