United by the Cross

Today's Verse of the Day from You Version Bible App: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.Ezekiel 36:26 BSBToday's Verse in Context:Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, when the people of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds. Their behavior before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman’s impurity. So I poured out My wrath upon them because of the blood they had shed on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols. I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered throughout the lands. I judged them according to their ways and deeds. And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the Lord, yet they had to leave His land.’ But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations— the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. Then you will live in the land that I gave your forefathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and make it plentiful, and I will not bring famine upon you. I will also make the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field plentiful, so that you will no longer bear reproach among the nations on account of famine. Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations. It is not for your sake that I will act, declares the Lord GOD — let it be known to you. Be ashamed and disgraced for your ways, O house of Israel! This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do it. This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”Ezekiel 36:16‭-‬38 BSBhttps://bible.com/bible/3034/ezk.36.16-38.BSBToday's Devotional:DAY 3: A new heartOne of the ways God transforms us is through a renewing of the mind – a gradual shifting of our worldly perspectives – but we are also told in the Bible that, as part of this transformation, God will also plant within us a ‘a new heart’ (Ezek. 36:26), that he will transform that inner part of ourselves that control

Today’s verse of the day from You Version Bible AppAll the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” Acts 10:43 BSBToday’s verse in contextThen Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree, God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen — not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”Acts 10:34‭-‬43 BSBToday’s DevotionalFully ForgivenImagine a grand choir echoing a single anthem. Each distinct voice adds to the chorus, creating a symphony filled with anticipation. Their melody spans generations; they sing of a Savior whose name brings forgiveness and hope!This song of eternity is described by Peter: “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43 NIV).The prophets, whose ancient voices echoed God’s plans and purposes, stood as witnesses to this ultimate promise: Christ’s forgiveness isn’t just a possibility—it’s a reality for all who believe.As believers in Jesus Christ, we can find encouragement standing on the foundation laid by these prophetic voices. We stand assured that through the name of Jesus, forgiveness is granted, and reconciliation is made possible with God and others. But we’re not onlookers! We are active participants in this grand choir, singing with hearts full of gratitude, hope, and confidence in the unifying power of Christ’s forgiveness.Jesus paid the price for your past, present, and future. What would it look like for you to fully embrace this forgiveness for your sins?Today’s PrayerGod, thank You for forgiving all of my mistakes, both past and future. I realize there is freedom and power in the act of forgiveness. Teach me how to forgive others like You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Note:This content is provided by the You Version Bible App. I simply combined it, added context to the verse of the day, and put it through text to speech. So if you find value in it, please check out the You Version Bible App where you can find this and much more. I make no money for sharing this. I only want to help people know Jesus Christ.Have a blessed day.

As usual, I'm not affiliated with the writer(s) and I don't vouch for anything else on their site. I haven't read other articles. I don't use ads and I make nothing from sharing this, nor do I desire to, but only hope it blesses you like it did me. If you created the article and wante me to remove it, let me know.The following message is from https://www.greatbiblestudy.com/spiritual-warfare/the-accusing-spirit/The Accusing Spirit - How it works and what it looks like The voice of condemnation And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10 This is another one of those common tactics of the enemy that we see literally all the time in the ministry of deliverance. The accusing spirit is an anti-Christ spirit, because it approaches people with no love, but a tone of condemnation. It works through a voice; the voice of condemnation. It constantly tells you how much of a failure you are. It tells you how your heart is not right with God. It tells you that if you don’t read your Bible every day, that you aren’t serious about your relationship with God. It basically tells you that you’re never good enough. This is the exact opposite nature of God. It tears down rather than builds up. The accusing spirit uses the letter of the law to lay heavy burdens and crush it’s victims, just as the Pharisees would do: For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Matthew 23:4 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6 The accusing spirit works hand in hand with the family of religious spirits and strongholds, including legalism. The accusing spirit will manifest in a variety of ways. It can cause accuse a person directly, it can cause them to accuse others around them, or it can accuse God in a person’s mind. Anytime the enemy brings up your past failures, that is the work of the accusing spirit. This spirit feeds on past mistakes, in order to justify how that person is supposedly a failure, even though the Blood of Christ has washed away those failures and cast them into the depths of the sea! In this way, the accusing spirit is an anti-Christ spirit, because it deliberately writes off the work of Christ and the shed blood of Jesus. A while back, I wrote a teaching which I highly recommend reading, it’s on how to discern Condemnation versus Conviction. Who speaks the voice of condemnation? The accusing spirit! Even when the accusing spirit seems to be pointing to the answer, the burden that it lays on the person is overwhelming or irrational. For example, it may tell a person that they must go back to everybody that they have ever wronged, and apologize… then they can be forgiven. That is not only unBiblical, that is salvation by works, and God’s Word tells us that if we try to be made right by works, then we have fallen from grace: Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4 And getting us to fall from grace, that is, to stop trusting God’s mercy and grace for our salvation and justification, is exactly what the accusing spirit wants to do. As I said earlier, the accusing spirit is a voice. It speaks to us. It may even sound righteous, because it speaks of how failures are bad. It’s true that failures are bad, but what Christ has done for us the a remedy to our failures. What the accusing spirit wants us to do is overlook or even discredit God’s remedy for our failures! Sound like a Satanic mission? That’s right! This spirit has all the makings of being righteous, even a...

Today's message is from the book of Ezekiel. The will of the Father is that all would repent and come back to Him. He is a just and merciful judge that extends you opportunity after opportunity to change. You broke God's law, Jesus paid your fines. You are a lawbreaker, but you don't have to pay the debt if you surrender it to Jesus. Turn from intentional sin and give Him the burden you carry. Jesus tells us to take up His yoke, His burden is light. That means it's not so heavy when you know the hard work is already done. You are free from sin, so give it to God and stop trying to get it back. Jesus loves you.

I am not affiliated with this ministry. I do not receive payment. I do not run ads. I share messages that bless me, that's all.Today's message is from the YouTube channel RedefinedTV and can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWdnAlqf4m4Description from YouTube:Gentleness is the language of the Kingdom, but unfortunately many of us have lost our accent!#fruitofthespirit #gentleness #therapythursday   Want to support our ministry and help us extend the message of hope around the world? Partner with us here: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/7JKH9P/#/or Cash App $Redefinedtv Join us Sunday Mornings: 12:00pm CST, in-person and onlineThursday Evenings: 7:30pm CST, exclusively online for Therapy ThursdayTime Of Celebration Church, Houston, TXJoin Our Online Campus: https://www.jerryflowersministries.com/onlinecampusSubscribe Today: https://www.youtube.com/user/Beredefined?sub_confirmation=1Redefined TV Facebook: Facebook: redefinedtvRedefined TV Instagram: Instagram: redefinedtvRedefined TV Kids: @redefinedtvkidsJerry Flowers Instagram: Instagram: jerryflowers.jrJerry Flowers TikTok: TikTok: jerryflowers.jrJerry Flowers Twitter: Twitter: jerryflowersjrJerry Flowers YouTube Clips: @officialjerryflowersjr

Father, may Your name and character be held with reverence and understood as wonderful and perfect. All good things come from You, because You are all powerful and the good Father. Forgive us for not treating You like You deserve, by worshipping our own desires and putting our own interests above Your call to action to join the great commission. Please pour out Your Holy Spirit on your children and allow us to work together with Your Spirit to bring You the harvest that You desire and deserve. It is more blessed to give than to receive, and we can but give back what You have given us. Please heal Your children spiritually, mentally, and physically so that, we will make better vessels to house Your Spirit. We love You, please help us love You like You deserve, in word and deed. May we be like jars of clay asking our Potter to shape us as You desire for the task that You made us to complete. Thank You Father, for everything You've done and for how You are going to move us forward. Whatever You have planned, we trust that it is for Your glory and our best, so bless You for being so good to Your children. Thank You for sending Your Son, so that we can be forgiven and come into Your presence to speak with You. It's in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and by the power of His blood that we pray, Amen.

Today's verse of the day is: Romans 8:6 KJV. It says: For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.For context , let's see what Romans chapter 8, verses 1‭ through 13 says.There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.Today's devotional from you version is titled "Think About What You Think About".What you tell yourself every day matters. If you believe something about your identity that isn’t true, then you will struggle to believe what God says about you.But, when you root your identity in God and allow His Spirit to shape your life, you will begin to see yourself the way He sees you—and this will influence the way you treat people, situations, opportunities, and events around you.So here are three ways you can guard your thoughts and declare God’s truth over your life:1. Identify the lies you tell yourself.Your words and actions reveal the narratives you tell yourself. To figure out if a narrative is false, ask yourself: Is this thought marked by fear, insecurity, pride, bitterness, or a lack of confidence? Is this thought leading me to cynical or self-serving behavior? If you can answer “yes” to either of those questions, then the narrative you’re telling yourself probably needs to be addressed and adjusted.When you can identify where and when you began believing a lie, it’ll be easier to change the way you think.2. Shift your perspective.For every lie, there is a truth that can replace it—and those truths can be found in the Bible. Look over your list of lies, and ask God to show you in His Word what His truth is. Create mental space for the Holy Spirit to clearly show you how He sees you.3. Declare what’s true.Turn the truths from Scripture into specific, intentional statements you can declare over your life each day.Here are some declarations to get you started:- I am enough because I am a child of God. - I rejoice in suffering because Christ suffered for me. - I am not ashamed of Jesus because His sacrifice changes lives. - I am greatly loved, and so I love others like I have been loved. - Nothing can separate me from God’s love.As you practice these steps, keep in mind that if God—whose Word is truth—says something about you, then it must be true. So allow His Holy Spirit to transform the way you think. Let His thoughts about you become your thoughts about you.Today's prayer is: A Prayer for a Changed MindGod, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Your Spirit is always with me

This sermon is number 6 from the Parables series. I recommend that you go watch the full series on the YouTube channel RedefinedTV. That is where this audio is sourced.

Today's sermon is from https://youtube.com/watch?v=phvu_lmqh3E&si=ifmPfakwlxl8ZOxb Pastor Jerry Flowers Jr is in part 7 of the Parables series. I highly recommend that you go watch the sermon series to this point. If the LORD is willing, I intend to share part 6, because this is a continuation of that one, but I believe someone needs to hear this now I am not affiliated with the ministry and I didn't ask for permission to share this, but I only share to help you hear the word of God.

Happy New Year! As we step into this new chapter, let us reflect on God’s faithfulness and declare His promises over our lives. This message and prayer will encourage you to let go of the past, trust God for your future, and walk boldly into His plans. 📖 Isaiah 43:18​-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” 🙏 Together, let us surrender the new year to the Lord, asking Him to lead, guide, and bless every step we take. His plans are good, and His love is unchanging. 💬 If this prayer has touched your heart, type 'Amen' as a sign of faith. Share your prayer requests, and we would be honored to pray for you. ✨ May this new year be filled with God’s peace, grace, and overflowing blessings. Happy New Year! 🎉 Today's message is from the Grace Oasis YouTube channel https://youtube.com/watch?v=VfEk-iFn1Ic&si=lZd2oLmtMFLML2Zy If this blesses you, please check out the Grace Oasis channel. Have a blessed day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

No longer will doubt, worry, or the fear of an outcome rob my peace. My God has the power to overrule! #JerryFlowers​ #RedefinedTV​ #GodIsInControl​ Today's message is from the YouTube channel RedefinedTV https://youtube.com/watch?v=9JVcbnMGa4c&si=ksxfMhg7aL0y41UX Have a blessed day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever. Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.” “Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.” And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates. But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. Revelation 22:1‭-‬21 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/rev.22.1-21.BSB

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them. When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived. And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.” The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed— and a sword will pierce your soul as well.” There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem..

Watch our overview video on the book of Galatians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Galatians, Paul challenges the Galatian Christians to stop allowing controversial Torah observances to divide their church's congregation. #Galatians​ #BibleProject​ #BibleVideo​ https://youtube.com/watch?v=vmx4UjRFp0M&si=tFI1mcF1gzs0tUkI Today's message is from the YouTube channel BibleProject and is better when watched, so I highly recommend you to see the video. BibleProject provides videos about many Biblical topics, word studies, and each book of the Bible. Their illustrations make topics easier to understand and have been an integral part of my walk with the LORD. I learned a lot by Tim Mackie breaking down patterns and subjects. Though I don't agree with Tim on some topics, overall I know that the LORD has blessed me with understanding that I have yet to hear from anyone else. Have a blessed day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

In this heartfelt prayer, we lift our voices to praise and adore the Lord Jesus, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His strength during life’s toughest challenges. We surrender to His will, trusting that every trial is a step towards spiritual growth and deeper faith. Join us in this prayer of surrender and transformation, and feel the peace that comes from placing our lives in His hands. If this prayer resonates with you, type 'Amen' and let us know how we can pray for you today. May God's grace and peace be with you always. This message is from the YouTube channel Grace Oasis. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DYjgXt3A4b8&si=aiV0QbqdfVCpMUxh Have a blessed day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Recorded at Generations Conference 2024 www.jackiehillperry.com https://youtube.com/watch?v=D4uuPE_QJrc&si=iwAAlf2P1H5xfc46 Today's message is from the YouTube channel Jackie Hill Perry. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

We want to give you practical tools on how to not just be a perpetual performer in your passions, but a pursuer of your purpose because your purpose is to live your life for His namesake. #Purpose #RedefinedTV #SpiritualMaturity This message is from the YouTube channel RedefinedTV. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ao3DWHIi4WY&si=VM10nF90NrlnkGJu I hope it blesses you like it did me. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty, whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be...

On that day David first committed to Asaph and his brothers this song of thanksgiving to the Lord: “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek out the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, O offspring of His servant Israel, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones. He is the Lord our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth. Remember His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: ‘I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.’ When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: ‘Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!’ Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the Lord who made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice. Let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’ Let the sea resound, and all that fills it; let the fields exult, and all that is in them. Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. Then cry out: ‘Save us, O God of our salvation; gather and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.’ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and “Praise the Lord!” 1 Chronicles 16:7‭-‬36 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1ch.16.7-36.BSB

Yes, God got you out of Egypt... but now your wilderness season is so God can get the Egypt out of you! Today's message is from Time Of Celebtation Ministries Church and Redefined TV.

Today's message and prayer is from Grace Oasis on YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3N0PK8VuLMQ&si=THcOChOI7vR9r7cU Today, we draw strength from the story of Jesus in Luke 4, who stood firm against temptation by relying on God’s Word. Let this serve as a reminder that when challenges arise, you too can speak God’s truth over your life. With confidence, declare victory over any obstacle, knowing that you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. Stand strong, equipped with the authority of Scripture, and allow God’s promises to fill you with courage and peace. Type "Amen" if this prayer has encouraged you, and let us know if you need prayer. May God's grace and peace be with you!

In this transformative session from the Acts 242 Conference, Jackie Hill Perry delivers a powerful message on the importance of engaging with Scripture authentically. Drawing from Acts 17, Jackie challenges believers to be like the Bereans, who received the Word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily. To connect with Jackie Hill Perry, visit https://jackiehillperry.com/ This audio is from the YouTube channel Acts 242. https://youtube.com/watch?v=pUE_KkjwvIo&si=5QnkyptQ7PCZ3gBd

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger. When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Psalms 8:1‭-‬9 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.8.1-9.BSB

This is an important topic. There are too many people giving up and removing themselves from the fight. Whether literally or figuratively, destroying life is not the answer. I know first hand what Jesus Christ can do and the difference He can make in your life, personality, and desires. Please know that it's not over while you have air in your lungs. Cultural devaluing of life doesn't change the fact that each person is made in the image of God, made on purpose for purpose, and their body is a temple for the LORD. Pray for the people around you and intercede for anyone that you think might be on the path of self destruction. God hates sin, but He loves you. The audio is from the sermon here https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCDCAmQaBZ0&si=jKPdwoQFTeLT_5_W

Today's audio is from Grace Oasis on YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=c-cw-ZgAMdM&si=0jexmJTZ6ppUpxYd Have a blessed day. ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Sermon except from: The Lord Comes As A Thief (Rapture) - Paul Washer https://youtube.com/watch?v=MCV8BnjtrIg&si=eJrmQt0JnTeq84Pb

Have a blessed day.

Can anyone explain to me how saying God, followed by dang is better then saying gd? Do you realize that it was just people that decided dang and d a m n are on different levels? The LORD said His name is to be kept holy ¹, not used in vain or as a substitute for filth ². This is like you saying someone you love is a piece of crap, but at least you didn't say they're a piece of sh--. EXCEPT, and this is the part you might've missed, the person you love is innocent and literally left heaven ³ when He volunteered and took your place on death row ⁴. He allowed Himself to be beaten. He allowed Himself to be killed. He conquered death ⁵ and offers you the opportunity to live with Him. Can ANYONE explain how it makes sense to you? Don't take my word for it: 1) Deuteronomy 5:11 BSB 2) Galatians 6:7‭-‬8 BSB 3) John 1:1‭-‬5 BSB 4) Luke 23:34‭-‬43 BSB 5) John 20:1‭-‬31 BSB

This audio is from Pastor Jerry Flowers https://youtube.com/@Beredefined so while I do not have rights to this content, I do not accept any form of payment for what I share with you. I only pray that this blesses you like it does me. If it blesses you, please go to the YouTube channel and join me in watching the sermon tomorrow. Have a blessed Sabbath and may the LORD Jesus Christ be with you.

For context, this portion of Scripture is at the time when Israel was returning from exile and rebuilding the temple of the LORD. Though some were trying to restore the temple according to the design laid out by God, others were still trying to do things their own way. May God bless the reading and hearing of His word. Nehemiah 13 At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent. Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king to return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of the house of God. And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense. Nehemiah 13:1‭-‬9 BSBhttps://bible.com/bible/3034/neh.13.1-9.BSB What did you notice? Pray for God to give you understanding and read it again. The following is what I received: God's ways are perfect. His instruction will lead to His glory and our benefit. Who we do life with is just as important as how we live. Put God before everything, even family. Taking up residence inside God's Holy temple was wrong. Was the man supposed to make the place common with the objects from his daily life and to make a space for himself, taking away from the purpose and design of the temple of the LORD. Remember that the LORD is holy and His design has purpose. We must not allow ourselves to make common what is set apart by God. We ourselves are the temple of the LORD, therefore we should try to give space in our hearts only to that which is desirable to the Father, and to follow the Holy Spirit's instruction to the best of our ability, so that we might not sin against Him by taking that which is holy for granted, putting ourselves above His instruction, or polluting the environment that we ask Jesus Christ to occupy. I pray for application of the principals and direction of God to be made whole in His children. Father, You are wonderful and Your ways are perfect and good. We have placed our own desires above Your Word. Thank you for letting Jesus Christ, Your Son, pay the debt of all of our sins and for showing us what it means to love. Holy Spirit, please remove everything that doesn't belong, and fill us according to Your will. It's an honor to be allowed to be yoked with our God, and we pray that You don't let us forget it or take You for granted. Father, this is the desire of our hearts, but we pray, may Your will be done, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, amen, amen, amen.

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.Psalms 94:19 BSB Today's Verse In Context: O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud. How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked exult? They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. They crush Your people, O Lord; they oppress Your heritage. They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see? He who admonishes the nations, does He not discipline? He who teaches man, does He lack knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. Blessed is the man You discipline, O Lord, and teach from Your law, to grant him relief from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage. Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O Lord, supports me. When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul. Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree? They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge. He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The Lord our God will destroy them. Psalms 94:1‭-‬23 BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: God is Our Comfort Have you ever looked around you and wondered, “why is there so much evil, wickedness, and pain in the world?”  In Psalm 94, King David is extremely upset about the state of humanity. People are blaming God for the world’s rampant wickedness as though God did not see it and did not care (verses 1-7). So David reminds his audience that the Lord is Creator, and He knows, sees, and hears all that goes on (verses 8-11).  Because of God, David could say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Verse 19) King David’s “cares of the heart” were because of the wickedness and evil he saw—and our world is not much different. But David’s consolation in all the evil he witnessed was his Creator and Savior.  That’s why He could close his psalm by writing, “But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness, the LORD our God will wipe them out.” (Verses 22-23) This isn’t the most pleasant psalm to read. It’s full of pain and anger, sorrow and injustice. But, it’s a prayer of hope and perspective which we can learn from. There is wickedness, injustice, and war all around us. But in the midst of pain and brokenness, we can follow King David’s example and look to God for comfort and peace. God took care of our shame and sin through the death of Jesus Christ, and He will one day take care of all wickedness and evil.  Until then, like David, we can say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” By trusting in God and knowing that He will one day wipe away all wickedness, we can bring Him our hopes, dreams, fears, and concerns and receive His comfort. So right now, think about the cares you have that need to be given to God. How can knowing God cheer your soul? Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Comfort and Joy God, thank You that I am Your child. And because nothing can separate me from You, I can run to You when I face troubles of any kind. Please help me to remember that. Remind my soul of what is true, and comfort...

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 Today's Verse In Context: Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world. For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in this manner: “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” And again, as He says in the passage above: “They shall never enter My rest.” Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience, God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:1‭-‬16 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/heb.4.1-16.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: God Speaks Today Have you ever asked God to speak to you? It can be tempting to think that we could have more faith if God would simply speak to us. If God would just speak, then we would know that He is real and exists. While at one time God spoke through prophets, He has spoken to us through the Bible which is His Word. Scripture is God’s means of communicating with His people. Every time we open up God’s Word, we are listening to the words of God Himself. That’s why Scripture says the Word of God is alive and active. It is the primary way that God speaks to His people to guide our thoughts and direct our ways. God’s Word actively refreshes us and provides us with wisdom for living. The author of Hebrews also tells us that Scripture is like a sword that can cut and divide our innermost places. God’s Word reveals our true heart. It exposes our emotions and thoughts, and then guides us toward what is right. God’s Word is full of refreshment for our weariness. He speaks encouragement to those who follow Him and listen to His voice. Scripture is also full of God’s truth that guides us into right-living. It shapes our hearts and minds toward loving God and loving those around us. One of the best things you can do for your life is to engage in Scripture daily. If we rarely read God’s Word, then we will rarely hear His voice speaking to us. The more that we develop regular habits of engaging with God, the easier it will be to hear and follow His guidance.

Today's Verse Of The Day Is: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 BSB Today's Verse In Context: To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:14‭-‬22 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/rev.3.14-22.BSB Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Restarting God, thank You for pursuing me and wanting to intimately know me. Free me from distractions and selfish desires. I let go of my personal comforts and control. Renew my passion and heart for You! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 BSB Today's Verse in Context: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves! For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another. Galatians 5:1‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/gal.5.1-26.BSB Today's Devotional from YouVersion is: A True Neighbor Have you ever wondered: “What does God want me to do?” If you’re looking for a verse that summarizes the commands in both the Old and New Testaments, here’s what Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia… “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:14 NLT Paul’s words echo a command Jesus gave when He was asked what the most important commandment was (Matthew 22:37-40). What they’re both essentially saying is: beyond loving God with everything in you, you should love your neighbor as yourself.  Who is your neighbor? A Jewish expert in religious law once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) So Jesus told him a story about a man who was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Both a priest and a Levite walked by and ignored the man—but it was a Samaritan who sacrificed his time and money to help him heal. For many reasons, Samaritans were despised by Jews. But that didn’t stop the Samaritan in this story from showing compassion. What Jesus wanted the Jewish expert (and us) to hear is that anyone, anywhere is our neighbor—and everyone is worthy of our sacrificial love. How do you love yourself? When you...

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, Ephesians 5:1 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord. Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. For we are members of His body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬33 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/eph.5.1-33.BSB Today's Devotional from YouVersion is: Be Imitators Children learn to function in real life by imitating those around them. They learn to speak by listening to their family’s words and copying what they hear. They learn to interact with others by observing how their loved ones interact with others. They learn what’s culturally and socially appropriate by watching and imitating. Learning by imitation doesn't stop in childhood. Adults, too, will often reflect those closest to them, as well as their environment. Perhaps that’s why, while writing from the confines of a Roman prison, the apostle Paul gave the believers in Ephesus this heartfelt charge: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Paul knew that loving and reflecting God was foundational. What we observe will get repeated and, eventually, passed along.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6 ESV Today's Verse in Context: As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not Lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:1‭-‬14 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1pe.5.1-14.BSB Today's Devotional from YouVersion is: Here’s What Humility Looks Like… When you think of humility, what comes to mind?  In our world, humility is not something often celebrated. We would rather be seen as powerful, influential, and competent. If humility is weakness, pride is strength. But is it, really? Pride can feel good, but it can hold us back from who God made us to be. It makes us think that if we try hard enough, we can become good enough. If we’re doing great, pride makes our confidence soar. But if we’re going through a rough season, pride makes us sensitive to our failures. Pride links our worth to our accomplishments, and it prevents us from seeing who we truly are. Humility helps us realize that we are not enough—but God is enough for us. Humility will often ask us to risk something. It might mean laying down our social standing, our reputation, our financial security, our sense of authority, or our expertise.  Surrendering our self-sufficiency, surrendering our pride, lets us embrace God’s authority. And our God did miracles through Moses, established David as king of Israel, worked through Isaiah in the midst of chaos, publicly honored Mary, abundantly provided for Peter, and glorified Jesus by raising Him from the dead.  When we surrender ourselves to God, we allow Him to be glorified through us. Humility might cost us something—but it leads to abundant life.  So today, how can you humble yourself before God? Take a few moments and process what you need to lay down in order to draw closer to God within the upcoming weeks. Today's Prayer is: A Prayer of Surrender God, I need You. I can’t pretend that I have my life together, because I don’t. You alone are able to help and sustain me. You alone are able to give me the strength I need to get through each day. Today, please show me that You are in control—and that You are enough for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB

Today's Verse Of The Day Is: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jas.1.12.BSB Today's Verse In Context: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:1‭-‬27 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jas.1.1-27.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Walking Through Trials Let's start by debunking a myth: nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many, many times in the Bible, Christ-followers find themselves persecuted, under attack, or facing trouble of all kinds. In a letter from James to first-century believers, James informs them about the various trials that they will experience in life: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 NIV When we see trials as a means of becoming more like Jesus, then we’ll be blessed by them.

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:1‭-‬25 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/col.3.1-25.BSB Today's Devotional from YouVersion is: Changing Our Perspectives Have you ever found yourself tasked with doing something that was boring, uneventful, uncomfortable, or difficult? When we find ourselves in those situations, our first reaction might be to complain or quit trying. Sometimes, mundane jobs and everyday responsibilities don’t feel like worthwhile investments of our time and energy.   But the truth is: everything we do matters to God and is used by Him.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 NIV  Whatever you do. Whether you’re in your dream career or working for someone difficult, whether you’re taking care of your home, or organizing a business—everything we do is an opportunity to worship Jesus.  It’s just a matter of perspective.  If we view life through a lens that is only concerned with ourselves, we will quickly grow tired of our circumstances and disappointed by our striving. But if we view life through a lens of worship...

Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 BSB Today's Verse in Context: Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. This is why the ancients were commended. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones. By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who...

Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7 BSB Today's Verse in Context: May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion. May He remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Selah May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy at your victory and raise a banner in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O Lord, save the king. Answer us on the day we call. Psalms 20:1‭-‬9 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.20.1-9.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion is: Trust What Can’t Be Broken Think back to a recent situation that caused you stress, anxiety, or fear. Whenever we find ourselves in overwhelming situations, how we react reveals what we trust in.  In Psalm 20, King David points out that people tend to trust in “chariots and horses” — things made or controlled by human hands. These tools displayed the wealth and power of a kingdom, and were used to protect armies and conquer other nations.  But David knew that his strength wasn’t found in anything created—his trust was in the name of the God of Israel. This God consistently saved Israel from chariots and horses. He had already rescued the Israelites from Egypt, provided for them as they wandered through a wilderness, helped them conquer multiple enemy kingdoms, and established David as King of Israel.    And it’s this God that we belong to today. This same God sent His only Son to die for us, rescued us from an eternity separated from Him, gave us His Holy Spirit, and continues to fight for us.  So when the world around us crumbles, when our problems seem unbearable, when we start to feel powerless, hopeless, and futureless—God is still present. There has never been a battle He hasn’t won or a situation He couldn’t handle.  He is still capable of doing more than all that we might ask, think, or imagine. He is still in control, and nothing is too hard for Him.  So today, bring God your “chariots and horses.” Tell Him about the things in your life that you are tempted to place your hope in. Envision handing those objects and ideas over to Him, and then pray this verse out loud:  “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Today's Prayer is: A Prayer to Trust God Jesus, I trust You. My God, I love You. You always provide for me. You always protect me. You are always there for me. There is nowhere I could run to escape Your presence, and that is why I should confidently place my trust in You. Forgive me for the times I haven’t done that. Please change my heart so that I long to put You first in my life. Amen. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8 BSB Today's Verse In Context: Now after the death of His servant Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses. Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as the Great Sea. No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1‭-‬9 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/jos.1.1-9.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion is: Timeless Wisdom After being rescued from Egyptian slavery and wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, the Hebrew people finally stood at the edge of the land God had promised.  Though their long-time leader, Moses, had just died, God appointed Joshua to take his place. During this transition of authority, God gave Joshua some wise advice: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The “Book of the Law” refers to the first five books of the Bible—also known as the Torah (in Hebrew) or the Pentateuch (in Greek). Today, we have that and more—66 books of the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments. God gave the Law to Israel through Moses. These instructions reveal God’s intentions, character, and heart. And even though God was speaking directly to Joshua at that time, His advice holds timeless wisdom for us today… Reading, listening to, and thinking deeply about God's story informs and shapes us.  God’s instructions are good, and His commandments are wise. They tell us who God is and who He’s created us to be. They show us where His people have been and where they are going. When we meditate on His Word, study its contents, and understand its core message—everything changes. We don’t have to live meaningless lives; we can step into the world purposefully. And even when we face battles, like Joshua did, it’s always best to be on God’s side. Today's Prayer is: A Prayer of Thanks for God’s Word God, You give us Scripture so that we can know You better. Your Word is not meant to be a list of instructions but a way of life that leads to You. The more time we spend in the Bible, the more deeply we know Your character and nature. Thank you for revealing Yourself to us in this way. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:1‭-‬29 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/heb.12.1-29.BSB

Imagine a deer trail in the woods. We know that the deer are traveling there, because they wear down the grass from going through the same path repeatedly. They take the children through the same path. The way you hunt and kill them is by waiting for them to come back to the same places they were in the past. It's not hard to find them, you just wait for them to come to you. When the ground has been walked over repeatedly, it kills whatever would have grown there. Soil without grass is slippery. Without the grass and its root system, there's no traction. So, when climbing up a slippery path, you will be forced to pull down what is holding you up. Sometimes what you try to hold on to will just break, because it can't hold you up. If you want to kill a deer, you don't wander around in the woods, hoping you stumble upon one. Once you know where they go as a family, all you need to do is wait. You might even bait them with a substance they like. If the hunter wants to wait, they can let the deer live longer, and get bigger. Maybe it will have children too, and knowing the place to wait, they will feed you another day. If it's a male, when they get bigger, you could make them a trophy. Of course, if you remove fathers, you might kill the family off entirely and if you kill them not for food, but because you hate them, this might be the desirable outcome. Be sure, you have an enemy that hates you. The entire reason he exists is to prove that you're just like him. The accuser is here to steal, kill, and destroy. There are no new plays for him to try, so generational sin is an easy method of attack. You are not here to follow the same path as the ones that were before you or the ones that are around you. You are here to follow Christ and make a new path that leaves the death and misery and neglect behind. Scripture: “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14‭-‬15 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. Psalms 42:1 BSB Today's Verse In Context: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon— even from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. The Lord decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 42:1‭-‬11 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.42.1-11.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Desiring God's Presence The writer of Psalm 42 compares himself to a deer that is longing for water. The deer is weary and parched without it, and so all it wants is to find a stream to drink from. In a similar way, the psalmist is weary and exhausted from life. He is under pressure and growing tired. And yet, his innermost desire is for God. Just like the deer desires water, the psalmist’s soul desires the presence of God. He knows that the solution to his problems is not more accomplishments and praise—it’s spending time in the presence of God. It’s not wrong to have desires and goals in life. But our foremost desire should be for God, because true satisfaction is only found in His presence. All it takes is your desire and commitment to spend time with Him by reading His Word, talking to Him through prayer, or reflecting on His faithful character. As you draw close to Him, He is ready and willing to be close to you, and to restore your soul. Spending time with God is a basic spiritual need of ours, but it is a powerful time that can change the course of our life and the center of who we are. Take time to be with Him now, but also come up with a plan that helps you continue to seek God every day. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Desiring God God, I truly want Your presence to overwhelm me right now. I feel tired and worn out by the news and everything happening in this world. I release my problems to You and embrace Your peace. Fill my thirsty soul and satisfy me like only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. Ecclesiastes 4:9 Today's Verse In Context: Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. So I admired the dead, who had already died, above the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind. Again, I saw futility under the sun. There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:1‭-‬12 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/ecc.4.1-12.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Made For Community Have you ever worked in a group with other people who only slowed down your progress? A lot of people actually prefer working alone so that they can manage priorities the way they want. While this may be a good method in some cases, it’s not usually the best way to live. From the very beginning of creation, God created us to be in relationship with other people. We are created for community and friendship, and God intended for us to work together and help each other through life. And yet— a lot of people live their life in isolation from others. They believe that as long as they have Jesus, they don’t need anybody else. But you and Jesus can’t make it through life alone. You were created to share life with others. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that there are many things that one person cannot do alone. We need others to help us when we fall. We need others to encourage us when we’re down. We need people to accomplish tasks in life that are greater than us. Most people who have gone through difficult seasons of life wish there had been someone to walk alongside them. We long for connection and community. This is how God designed us—we were created to share the burdens of life together.  God created the Church to be a community of people who all love God and love others. When we find community within the people of God, we will also find people who can walk through life together with us. You don’t have to walk through life alone—God has provided other people to help you along. And you are also called to help those in your life.  Take some time today to thank God for the friends and community He has given you. Thank God for each of them by name. As they come to mind, be sure to let them know that you appreciate their friendship in your life. Seek out ways that you can continue to build a healthy community of friends. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Community God, thank You for creating me to live in community with others. I’m grateful that I don’t have to go through life alone. Please put people in my life who will pray for me during hard times and celebrate with me during good times. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 BSB Today's Verse In Context: A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants. She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates. Proverbs 31:10‭-‬31 BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: True Beauty In God’s infinite wisdom and creativity, He has crafted magnificent things: stunning sunsets, awe-inspiring mountains, turquoise oceans, and beautiful people. Proverbs 31 is a well-known chapter in the Bible about a God-fearing, hard-working, generosity-driven woman. Interestingly, Proverbs 31 was written by a man—specifically, King Lemuel, although it’s technically advice from his mother that he shared when he was king. Something that’s not obvious in non-Hebrew languages is that verses 10-31 actually make up an acrostic poem—each verse beginning with one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, successively working their way from aleph to tau (from beginning to end). Toward the climax of the poem, the author writes: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31:30‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Deep down we know this to be true, don’t we? No matter how charming or beautiful a woman is, we know that beauty is fleeting. We know that charm will not last. We know that the aging process will eventually run its course. In this passage, there’s barely any mention of this woman’s physical beauty. Instead, the focus is on her character—on this woman who fears the Lord. An earlier Proverb explains that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10)—the humble realization that anything good and wise and pure and true must have come from Him. So if you know a woman like that—one who loves and respects God, one who honors and cares for people, one who invests wisely and lives purposefully—you might take a moment to thank God for her life. You might even consider how you can be more like her … as she aims to be more like Him. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for Women God, today I'm thinking of a woman I know who lives her life for You. Protect and guide her. Fill her with Your strength and hope. I pray she finds her confidence in You, not in the physical beauty standard of the world. Give her wisdom and perseverance as she lives for You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1co.13.5.BSB Today's Verse In Context: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways. Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1‭-‬13 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1co.13.1-13.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Loving Others Have you ever wondered what it truly means to love others? In 1 Corinthians, Paul says: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-8 ‭NIV Take a moment to be still before the Lord and reflect on the meaning and actions of love. How does it manifest in our actions towards others? Let's look at three parts of this passage, from 1 Corinthans 13:5: "Love does not dishonor others." Do I prioritize the needs and well-being of others over my own desires? Do I sacrifice personal gain for the benefit of others, motivated by genuine empathy and compassion? "Love is not easily angered." Do I choose forgiveness over resentment, refusing to be provoked by the shortcomings of others? "Love keeps no record of wrongs." Do I truly believe that love keeps no record of wrongs? And do I choose to let go of past hurts and grievances? Truly loving others as ourselves isn't something that happens by accident. It’s something that requires transformation and God's power. It requires a heart that's surrendered to God. How will you choose to love others well today? Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer to Love Others Fully God, thank You that Your love is perfect. You are kind. You are good. I cannot love others well without Your power. Help me to face the areas of my life that aren't marked by love and take bold steps toward forgiveness and healing. Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/num.6.24-26.BSB

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4 BSB Today's Verse In Context: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways. Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1‭-‬13 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/1co.13.1-13.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Love Like Him From friendships to family, relationships can be tough to navigate sometimes. But if there’s one thing that can set your relationships apart, it’s understanding real love. In Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece, he explains that even if you have all the faith, all the knowledge, or all the generosity in the world, or if you can speak in tongues, or if you have the gift of prophecy—none of it means anything without love. He continues: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-8 ‭NIV Chances are, you want to be a patient person. You intend to be a kind human. You desire to be a content and humble individual. But, sometimes you get in a hurry. Sometimes you get annoyed. Sometimes you can be rude, selfish, jealous, unthoughtful, or arrogant.  Sometimes, it’s hard being human. But God knows that and He wants to help you. In the same letter, Paul goes on to say that love keeps no record of wrongs and rejoices in the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Most notably, love never fails.  But why does love seem to fail at times? After all, divorce rates are high, estranged families are commonplace, and the brokenness of this world is evident on just about every news broadcast or social media feed. And that’s exactly why Jesus came! He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of the world. And that’s what real love looks like—to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). He is love, and His love never fails. So, now that redemption has begun to break through—first, through Jesus and, now, through His Spirit inside of us—we can love others well by looking to Him, leaning on Him, trusting in Him, listening to Him, and following His lead. God has given you everything you need to love others like He loves you. What step will you take today to show someone else this love? Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer to Love Like God Loves God, You are the model of love. Help me show love to others as You have shown it to me. Let my actions prove that I love You, and that ...

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 BSB Today's Verse In Context: But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone. You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance, my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:1‭-‬17 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/2ti.3.1-17.BSB Today's Devotional From YouVersion Is: Growing in Righteousness Scripture is one of the most important aspects of our Christian spirituality. God has chosen to speak to us through His Word. Rather than waiting around to hear the voice of God, we can turn to Scripture and hear God speaking to us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us first and foremost that Scripture is God-breathed. This means that it is inspired by God. This makes Scripture unlike any other book. God divinely inspired human authors to write these letters. More than that, Scripture has the power to radically change our lives if we read it and live it out. Paul tells us that Scripture is able to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us in righteousness. All of these things are happening when we choose to engage in God’s Word. When we read God’s Word, we should be attentive to what God is communicating to us. He may want to correct some of our behavior, convict us of choosing our own way instead of His, or teach us something about Himself. All of these things are so that we can continue to live in a way that pleases God. As we read Scripture and do what it says, we grow in living righteously. We are also equipped for the good works that God wants us to do. Engaging with God’s Word is the primary way that God equips us for the life He planned for us. What ways can you continue to build a habit of reading God’s Word every day? Consider how you can better live out what God’s Word says so that you can grow in righteousness and accomplish all God wants for you. Today's Prayer Is: A Prayer for God’s Word God, thank You for giving me a way to know Your character, nature, and will. Your Word is truth, and nothing can compare with it. I don’t ever want to take Scripture for granted. Help me to prioritize meditating on Your Word, because it has the power to change my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have A Blessed Day: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you;

Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalms 31:24 BSB Today's Verse in Context: In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance. For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth. I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the Lord I trust. I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You have seen my affliction; You have known the anguish of my soul. You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away. Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion. O Lord, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol. May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt. How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His loving devotion in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. Love the Lord, all His saints. The Lord preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant. Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalms 31:1‭-‬24 BSB https://bible.com/bible/3034/psa.31.1-24.BSB Today's Devotional From You version is: Strong in Hope Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer of King David, a man who experienced numerous trials and challenges throughout his life. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God remains steadfast and faithful to those who seek Him. In Psalm 31:21-22, David feels trapped. He recalls a time when he was in a city under siege, feeling cut off from God's sight, engulfed by feelings of despair and isolation. But David didn’t lose sight of God's character and faithfulness. He cried out to the Lord for mercy, and in response, God heard David's plea and extended His hand. Have you ever felt trapped? This passage is a reminder that God's love and mercy are never far away. When we call out to Him in earnest, He hears our cries and responds with compassion. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 NIV This verse is a rallying cry, an invitation to anchor our souls in the hope that comes from our relationship with God. But there are two things we have to remember about hope in the Lord. First, hope isn’t just optimism. It’s a profound trust in His character and promises. It’s knowing that God is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) and that His love for us is steadfast and unchanging (Psalm 136:26). When we place our hope in God, we tap into a source of strength that transcends our circumstances. Second, hope in the Lord is not passive, but active. It...