March 2025
March 1, 2025
A MILLION MILES AWAY
John 17:25-26 NASB2020
[25] “Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; [26] and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
This is what Jesus prayed for us to experience—not just to feel it occasionally, but for the Father’s love to live in us. When we received the Spirit of God, Jesus' prayer was answered. The Father’s love was poured into our hearts. Yet, there are times when we feel completely wrapped in His love, and other times when it seems distant, as if He is a million miles away. But God's love is not based on our feelings—it is a constant, unchanging reality. When we don’t feel His love, we must stand on the truth: His love for us is just as strong today as it was on the day we felt it most. We know this because His Word declares that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). So, in those moments of doubt, we must ask ourselves: Who will we believe? The one who hates us and seeks to deceive us, or the One who loves us with an everlasting love?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. Thank You for answering Jesus' prayer and pouring Your love into our hearts. We stand on Your promise that nothing can separate us from Your love. Help us to experience Your love throughout the day and share it with everyone we encounter. In Jesus Christ's name, amen.
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March 2, 2025
SABBATH
"This will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and on that day you must deny yourselves. This day of rest will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day.” Leviticus 23:32
Sometimes God removes our opportunities to be busy, knowing that in our craziness, we love to keep going. I was talking to a friend the other day about how I need to slow down, be intentional, and prioritize rest. I get so excited about all the plans in front of me that I overextend myself and find myself on the brink of exhaustion. God gave me a gift today, the gift of a day off, the gift of a day at home.
Immediately I thought of all the ways I could fill it up. Lunch with a friend, grocery shopping, deep clean my house, weed my gardens. I wanted to do anything but be still. I was convicted immediately. He didn't give me this day to be busy, He gave me this day to be refreshed. Take a bath, lay in my bed for a bit, read, and restore my soul. It's so counterintuitive, after all, there's things to do. But trusting God to make up the difference is what Sabbath rest is all about. It's about denying business and sinking deep into the gift of stillness.
PRAYER
Lord,
Thank You for the warmth of a slow day. Thank You for the peace of a quiet morning. You need me to hear Your voice today, to surrender to the stillness of a day off. Thank You for friends who remind me of what's necessary. Help me to absorb each moment, not getting distracted by the million things I could put my hands on. I love You.
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March 3, 2025
DINING WITH CHRIST
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5
To the versions of us that need to heal... let's sit down at a table and have a conversation. Let's talk and speak the truth. To the 7 year old, the 16 year old, the 35 year old, to every age in between; you are redeemed, seen, and chosen. To every version of us that carries shame, regret, and sorrow, you are free. Today is a new day. Today, we get to start over.
Sometimes, the Lord brings us back to old wounds. He knows that even though 95% has been dealt with, there's 5% that needs His attention. Sometimes, it catches us off balance. A friend speaks a word, a photo triggers a memory, a dream opens the floodgates. And we feel a little stuck, maybe even tricked, not quite ready to deal with the root of it. But those versions of us deserve a chance to be healed, to be loved, to be acknowledged.
The table is set, and the Lord helps us feast in the presence of our enemies, even if the enemies are our old selves. There are versions of myself that I've hated, the ones that have relished in the emptiness of my flesh. There are versions of me that I've ignored, thinking that they weren't important. There are versions of me that have been wounded, and I didn't give them a chance to be fought for.
Today is a good day to let the rotten things go and to embrace the healing touch of a Savior who's seen it all, every moment from the cross at calvary. There's not a single sin that wasn't paid for.
PRAYER
Healer,
Thank You for being God over every part of our lives. You have seen every moment and we know that You are ready to show up for us, even if it’s in our memories. Thank You for preparing a feast for us in the presence of all of our enemies, even if our enemies are old versions of us. Thank You for not turning Your back on us but allowing us to rest on Your shoulder. We relax into the fullness of this sacred meal, the meal of forgiveness, the meal of letting go. We love You.
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March 4, 2025
W.W.J.D.
John 17:17-18 NASB2020
[17] Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. [18] Just as You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world.
Just as the Father sent the Son into the world, the Son now sends us. Are we stepping into this day with the mindset that says, "Lord, You redeemed me, cleansed me, clothed me in righteousness, placed the family ring on my hand, and prepared a great feast in my honor. Now, send me wherever You will. Use me however You desire. Your mission is my mission. Your plan is my plan. Have Your way." When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, He doesn’t call us to retreat from the world like monks; He commissions us to go into it as His light. Whether we’re at the grocery store, on a road trip, playing golf, riding the bus, or spending time with family, every moment is an opportunity to be His hands and feet. We are called to do what Jesus would do. Yet, so often, we miss these opportunities—not because they aren’t there, but because we aren’t looking. We are too focused on ourselves, distracted by the world, and consumed with temporary desires.
Prayer: Father, forgive us for our selfishness. How often do we truly live as You would? The world is full of distractions, and it only takes a moment to lose focus. Give us an overwhelming desire to serve others and align our hearts with what matters to You. Send us out today, Lord, and empower us to do what You would do. In Jesus Christ's name, amen.
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March 5, 2025
INTEGRITY
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. James 1:5-8
Integrity- (noun) "The quality of being honest, sincere, and having strong moral principles. The state of being whole and undivided. Being free from damage or defect."
Sometimes, we have to fight for integrity. Sometimes, it costs us something we don't want to let go of. Sometimes, there isn't a clear path to get there, just a series of choices that draw us closer and closer to the heart of God. Those choices, in the moment, can feel like loss.
Sometimes, integrity looks like surrender, and sometimes surrender breaks your heart. It's only temporary. The sting will fade as life starts to come back.
To be whole, undivided, honest, sincere, free of damage or defect. That always comes with a cost. The price? Anything that hurts the heart of God, anything that pulls us away from His presence. To have integrity means that we lay down on the altar, giving God every ounce of our hearts. It means that we bring it all, every joy, every sorrow, every gift, every sin.
PRAYER
Lord,
Help me to live a life of integrity. Search me and know me, testing every motive and desire. Draw me close to Your heart. I love You.
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March 6, 2025
DISCIPLESHIP
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
Discipleship is more than just repeating truth to others. It's yoking up, shoulder to shoulder, and walking through the hardest of times together. It's bearing one another's burdens, preaching the glory of God's character, and calling out each other's dignity.
Discipleship is getting on your hands and knees, covered in mortar and tile dust, and speaking life over each other. It happens in the daily, mundane moments of life, and in these moments, we get free.
We must pursue the sweetness of growth, change, and maturity. How else can we truly get to the fullness of God's design? How else can we make it through, finishing the race, ready to receive the crown of life?
PRAYER
Lord,
Give us both people to disciple AND people for us to disciple. Teach us how to be known and how to know others. Bring to our remembrance Your Word so that we can pierce the lies of the enemy and make it through this life, ready to receive the reward You have for us. We want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." And the world will know that we are Your disciples if we love one another.
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March 7, 2025
NEARLY 2000 YEARS AGO
John 17:6 NASB2020
“I have revealed Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have followed Your word.
Before we were even born, our Father knew us. He is the One who led us to the foot of the cross, where Jesus took our sin upon Himself. God is not bound by time—past, present, and future are all before Him. Nothing we do surprises Him; He already knows our every thought and action before we even take them. Yet in His infinite love, He made His Son pay the price for every sin we have committed, are committing, and will commit. That debt was paid in full nearly 2,000 years ago. When we truly grasp this truth, we stop striving to earn God’s acceptance. Instead, our obedience flows from gratitude, knowing we have received a gift we could never deserve on our own.
Prayer: Father, thank You for revealing this truth to us. Before the foundation of the world, You knew us and held us in Your hands. You chose us and led us to Jesus. Help us to rest in this truth as our lives unfold. Teach us to extend the same mercy to others that You have so graciously extended to us. Help us follow Your word. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 8, 2025
A FURROWED LANE
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19
I press forward, hands to the plow, head toward the earth. Each step is intentional and behind me is a furrowed lane, ready for seeds, ready for new life. It's laborious, and in the laboring, I want to stop. It feels too hard, too exhausting.
The things I leave behind call out to me, but I ask for the Lord's voice to drown them out. I give thanks. I shut my eyes and meditate on the sound of the earth turning up beneath me, the blade of the plow parting the stones. Under my feet, the soil softens, and I dig my toes in it.
This is worship.
This is the worship of furrowing, moving forward, and pressing on. It seems that sometimes, when I am closest to the Lord, when I am most surrendered, the work is the hardest. It's important to pay attention, to harrow deeper, to hold on tighter to the One that my soul loves. The enemy would love for me to stop, to miss out on the sowing, to miss out on the harvest.
He sets His hands on the plow with me. We trudge forward, the Gardener and I. We worship together. And I look ahead, smiling at the future.
PRAYER
Lord,
You are the Master Gardener and we rejoice in getting to work with You. You have set us up to have a harvest of abundance. You are the Great Multiplier and we praise You for all that You are sowing in our lives. May we have the endurance to furrow with steady hands and humble hearts. We trust that sometimes the dirty work is the necessary work. We love You and thank You for being there with us to get the hard things finished.
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March 9, 2025
CONQUERING
"The conquering legions have themselves been conquered. Look at them flee!” Now Zion's women are left to gather the spoils." Psalm 68:12
I stoop down to gather. The casualties of war would be haunting if I were on the losing end. But I'm not. I look at my victor and he smiles at me. The privileged position I carry as a woman place me in the furrows of protection. I submit to the kindness of it. He tells me to fill my arms and I obey. Only my God could be this generous. He has fought all night and I wake up to the glory of peace. Every enemy of darkness has been slain and I see the evidence of their corpses all around me. There is beauty in their death.
My hands touch the spoils. I scoop up hope, tenderness, surrender, rest, forgiveness, mercy, and grace. They overwhelm me and I bow under the weight of it. Victory is sweet. I'm careful not to drop it. Even though there are battles all around me, my land is won and my freedom is secured. I am hedged in immediately by God's warring angels, they build me battlements of rubies. From everlasting to everlasting I drink from the cup of His grace. We feast together and I am satisfied. I know the cost and I don't dare take it lightly. Oh my God, I am undone.
PRAYER
Victorious King,
You are our Banner, our warring King. We look to You knowing that You would never lead us to death or loss. You win every battle and we are honored to gather the spoils. You bless us in the aftermath of the war. Thank You for always making a way. Thank You for providing for us in ways that we don’t expect. We love You, King of Kings.
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March 10, 2025
DAMAGED WINGS
John 17:15 NASB2020
I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one.
As Jesus prayed for all believers, He asked the Father to shield us from the evil one. If only we truly understood everything we are being protected from. I remember reading a book during my time in prison about a young woman who got caught up in gangs and drugs. While she was incarcerated, God allowed her to see her guardian angel. He was massive, but one of his wings was damaged, and he looked battered from battle. It made me wonder—how beaten up is my angel? How many times has my life been spared? How often have I willingly walked into darkness, knowing there would be a battle for my life? As I reflect on the people who have already gone home to be with the Lord, I realize that many of them were angels in my life. And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are still watching over me.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your divine protection. We can stand in confidence, knowing that if You have a plan for us tomorrow, nothing can take us out today. The enemy has no power to override Your will—all he can do is lie. But we choose to trust in Your truth. Thank You for being our Shield. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen.
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March 11, 2025
IN HIS PRESENCE
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
There's a dichotomy that I have to reconcile; a paradox that rises up and shows itself. There's a nature that wants to fray off and exist independent of doing right.
There are bits that have been hidden even from my own understanding. He's bringing me into wholeness but the exposure has to come first. I have to give him the future and the "what ifs", and the overwhelming and consuming thoughts. I must be willing to recognize that the fruit of knowledge truly brings death and that it wouldn't taste good if I tried it.
Redemption visits me. The peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, drenches me. The clarity of the adoration from my first love consumes me.
The deliverance unveils me. I am brought into the Tabernacle. I gaze upon the mercy seat, I am warmed by the lamps, I am enraptured by the Helper. Hope and glory and sweetness surround me. The refining never ends, the crucifixion is never over. But today I rest in the newness of my spirit and the levity of my heart. Thank you Jesus for this new day. A day of joy and praise and hope.
PRAYER
El Roi,
I cannot hide from You. You seek me out. You find me. You embrace me. You gather all the pieces of me and You restore them. There isn’t anything that You do not touch. You are faithful and true. I love You. I adore You. I need You.
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March 12, 2025
BENDING
“I’ll go ahead of you, clearing and paving the road (making the crooked ways straight). I’ll break down bronze city gates, smash padlocks, kick down barred entrances. I’ll lead you to buried treasures, secret caches of valuables— Confirmations that it is, in fact, I, God, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” Isaiah 45:2-4 (MSG)
I have come to realize that searching for the will of God is not so much about what decisions we are supposed to make, it's more about the fact that regardless of the decisions we make, He is faithful to bend them.
There was a moment several years back when I was praying about where we were supposed to go and what we were supposed to do. God showed me a raindrop that was suspended on a cedar branch. In that drop a prism of color reflected back to me. He said to me that His promises are everlasting; that it didn't matter where I went or what I did, He would go with me. He will never leave me or forsake me.
God always presses us toward the greater glory even if that means it's more difficult. He knows that bending our will toward Him will always lead to life abundant. He will never abandon us or hide from us. He is not a God who withholds. He is a God who gives and guides.
PRAYER
Our Waymaker,
We know that You straighten every path for us. You are always steering us toward Your plans, even if we don’t know exactly what that looks like. You are with us. You are so kind in Your faithfulness to us. Thank You for hedging us in so that we cannot be far from You. We love You.
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March 13, 2025
KEPT
John 17:11-12 NASB2020
[11] I am no longer going to be in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are. [12] While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name, which You have given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
This is a prayer Jesus prayed for us, a request granted by the Father—to keep us in His name. Have you ever considered what it truly means to be kept by God? The Creator of all things not only chose to redeem us, but He also committed to holding us securely in His hands. No matter how broken, battered, or unworthy we may feel, we belong to Him. Like a potter with clay, God is shaping us into vessels. If necessary, He will break us all the way down, add His living water, and mold us into a masterpiece. Yet, so often, we resist. We want God to change certain parts of us but leave other areas untouched. True surrender, however, says, “Lord, break me down and rebuild me as You see fit. I will go wherever You lead and do whatever You ask.” Being kept by the Father is a gift far beyond what we deserve. While we are in His hands, let us not resist His shaping. Instead, let us trust that His design is always for our good and His glory.
Prayer: Father, forgive us when we resist Your work in our lives. We know that Your way is best. Thank You for keeping us by Your power and shaping us into vessels for Your glory. You hold all things together, and we trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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March 14, 2025
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, When I made the clouds it's garment and wrapped it in thick darkness. When I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place."
Job 38:4-10
The earliest daylight crests the eastern hills and the morning stars hang in the sky. I proclaim to the heavens shouts of thanksgiving. They are louder than what most would feel is comfortable or appropriate. I cannot help but adore the generosity of my God. He could have taken away every good thing when we sinned in the garden but he didn't. He gives me the most superior things every day. I stretch out my arms and imagine the piercing glory of God coming straight to my heart. The rays of the sun break through and the goodness is almost too much to contain.
I want to fall on my knees and sit in the dew. I want to stay there until my feet go numb and my arms grow heavy. Sometimes I wish I could ignore all of the appointments and obligations of this life. Sometimes I wish I could bow in the grass and collect dirt on my jeans until the Savior was done laying His affections on me. I want to burry myself in richness of the earth and cling onto the purity of our origins. The Lord reminds me that my name means "of the earth" and I smile. He brings to my memory that the "Ah" in my name means "the spirit has breathed on me" and my heart collapses in worship. My soul is layed out.
I am undeserving of the faithful love of God. I am undeserving of the countless blessings! There is nothing in me that has gained his favor. All I know to do is just receive it. He places the stars over my head and I can't help but be bewildered by the mysteries of his creation. He satisfies me over and over, showering me with the pleasures of his grace. I could not get away from them no matter how far I run. I can never outpace His mercy.
PRAYER
Maker,
We are in awe of You. You confound us with Your majesty. Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. You are Lord over all! You will make every knee bow. You will be recognized as YHWY by all creation. All of nature testifies to You greatness, Your intimacy, Your intentionality. We surrender to You and are overcome.
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March 15, 2025
GRACE COVERING
From the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life.
Lamentations 3:55-58
The fullness of grace covers me up like the north facing moss of the evergreens. It's prevalent, soft, and undeniably noticeable. I examine it closely, admiring the intricacies of its form and beauty. Each tiny rendril of life contains cells that multiply despite the dying condition of the tree. The "grace moss" sticks tightly to the bark and even hides in the cracks, it covers up any possible space. There's a forest of cedars and ponderosas, each one freckled with a carpet of green. The accents add to the glory of the landscape. No one would dare scoff at the sight of it.
Why then would I scoff at my own grace covering? Why would I try to pluck off the gift and impose on myself lifeless self righteousness? The cool rain washes off my pride and I nestle down in the forest bed. I wait as the array of green spreads on my trunk and limbs. I embrace the obviousness of it. I can't save myself or forgive my own sin. I might as well celebrate the gift of the moss which holds fast.
PRAYER
Lord,
I called on Your name from the depths of the pit. In the unseen places, the darkness consumed me. You heard my plea even when I didn't know what name to call You by. You came near to me, down into the filth and dust and said, "Do not fear, my daughter. I will give you life and you will know my voice. I have come to rescue you." You took me up, me and my story and you redeemed my life. You showed me Your face and taught me Your names. My mind cannot comprehend the measure of your grace. My spirit senses the eternal promise and I receive it. I love You.
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March 16, 2025
BEAUTIFUL FRUIT
John 15:5 NASB2020
I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Good fruit is the physical manifestation of a spiritual truth that has been put into practice. A good seed is planted when we welcome and receive the truth. It begins to take root as we apply that truth and practice it daily in our lives. God’s Word contains thousands of truths, ready to be planted in our hearts, take deep root, and bear beautiful fruit in our lives. To walk in the Spirit means to fully surrender to Him, allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His will. However, there are seeds of truth we have received that have yet to grow because we struggle to remain in Him. We walk in the Spirit for a time but then drift back into the flesh. If only we could remain steadfast in the Spirit, allowing those seeds to take deep root, we would witness a mighty harvest beyond anything we could imagine. We know that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Yet, when we allow our flesh to wander into the wilderness, we chase after a mirage—an illusion that leads to emptiness. Instead, why not stay on the narrow path where life is found, and our roots can grow deep?
Prayer: Father, thank You for planting the seed of faith within us and causing it to grow. Also, thank You for all the other countless truths You have provided. Plant them deep within our hearts and cause them to flourish. Let our lives bear fruit that nourishes others and provides shade for those in need. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 17, 2025
CHRIST IN US
James 1:2-4 NASB2020
[2] Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
What is it that Christ desires us to never lack? It is only when people experience Him through us that they become willing to change and seek something different. There is an old saying: "If people could meet the Christ of the Christians, they would believe. But because they meet the Christians of Christ, they don't." The trials we face gradually refine us, burning away who we once were. Over time, others will begin to see Christ in us. Yes, trials can be uncomfortable and even painful, but we should find joy in knowing that through them, we are being transformed to reflect Him more and more.
Prayer: Father, there is nothing good in us apart from Jesus Christ. Give us strength as You lead us through the fire to refine us and remove who we used to be. Fill us with joy, knowing that others will see Christ in us. Do whatever is necessary so we may be of greater use for Your kingdom. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 18, 2025
LIKE A BIRD
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
Can we come to Christ with this kind of trust? This is total dependance on the good nature of Christ and His love for us. The Word invites us to pay attention to the birds, knowing that as we look at them, we will have a reminder to rely on Him for every type of food. Whether that is spiritual or natural, our God provides.
As we go throughout your day today, pay attention to how the Lord is caring for you. He has so many good things in the storehouse of heaven and loves to give them to His children.
PRAYER
Good and gracious God,
You are the God of abundance. You see every need and You have the supply to fill them. It can be easy for us to go back to self reliance and to forget that we are able to trust You. When we get to that place, help us stop and remember that every good gift comes from above. Help us to pay attention to the birds, appreciating the daily reminder that not a single thing goes unnoticed by You. We love You.
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March 19, 2025
FULLNESS OF JOY
John 15:9-11 NASB2020
[9] Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love. [10] If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. [11] These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
We have access to the Father's great love—the same love He has for Jesus and the same love Jesus has for us. If He is always loving us, why is it sometimes so hard to feel His love? In those moments when His love feels distant, we must remember that it is our own flesh that separates us from His presence. If only we could learn to continually walk in the Spirit! This is why obeying God's Word is so important—it is the key to living in His presence. Our flesh constantly urges us to indulge in its desires, while the Spirit of God gently calls us to stay away from anything that could harm us. If we would only listen and obey our Father, we would experience the fullness of joy, leaving no part of our lives incomplete.
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for Your Word. Forgive us for not fully trusting You. Forgive us for living as if our lives belong to us when, in truth, You have redeemed us—purchasing us with the life of Christ. The good fruit and great harvest that comes from obeying Your word is incomparable to anything our flesh desires. Help us to remember this when the enemy tries to deceive us. In Jesus Christ's name, amen.
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Month 20, 2025
BY WHO'S AUTHORITY
John 2:18-21 NASB2020
[18] The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as Your authority for doing these things?” [19] Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” [20] The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and yet You will raise it up in three days?” [21] But He was speaking about the temple of His body.
When Jesus saw people using God's house to sell oxen, sheep, and doves, He made a whip and drove out both the animals and the sellers. Imagine how outraged these people must have been when one man disrupted their entire operation! They demanded proof that He had the authority to do such a thing. When Jesus told them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” they thought He was insane. They were focused on the physical temple, which still represented the old covenant. But Jesus was speaking of a spiritual temple—one that would represent the new covenant. When we are made righteous by believing that we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, our bodies become vessels for the Spirit of God. We become the temple. And when this transformation happens, we disrupt the demonic forces that once had control over us. They demand to know, “By whose authority are you driving us away?” If we speak the name of Jesus while still living in agreement with sin, our words carry no power. But if we are in alignment with Jesus Christ—walking in obedience to His word—then when we declare His name, the power of God moves through us, scattering our enemies.
Prayer: Father, teach us how to be in full agreement with Your word. We need Your power flowing through us so we can stand strong in the spiritual battles we face. Show us how to walk in Your authority. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 21, 2025
UNDER HIS LOVINGKINDNESS
“‘For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a youthful wife when you were refused,’ Says your God. ‘For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you.’” Isaiah 54: 6-8
His everlasting kindness follows us every day. His mercies are new every morning. What a comfort to know that God remembers His covenant with us and chooses to honor it, even when we don’t. He is so faithful to bring us along, holding our hands toward eternity.
Sometimes we get ourselves into a position where the Lord turns His face away, just for a moment He says, “I can’t watch you do that, it breaks My heart.” In those moments, we repent, turn toward Him and He graciously wraps us up, forgetting it all and keeping no record of wrong. Our God is so good.
PRAYER
Lord,
We know that there are times when we grieve You. We know that even when Your gaze turns from us, Your heart is always united with us. Thank You for being a covenant keeping God. You are faithful when we are not. You are steadfast when we stumble. Thank You for Your everlasting kindness. We know that we don’t deserve it but we drink up every drop, receiving the full measure of Your kindness toward us. We love You.
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March 22, 2025
PEACE IN CHAOS
John 14:27 NASB2020
[27] Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.
Night and day, the noise never stopped. The clanging of metal against metal, voices shouting and cursing, the scent of burning sheets and toilet paper filling the air. Manipulation, plotting, and scheming were constant. I watched as men, addicted to drugs, robbed their own people. I say their own people, because in that place, everything was segregated —mostly by race. To be accepted, you had to fight multiple members at once. They wanted to see if you were willing to participate in violence, even against the odds. Fear was never tolerated. Beneath the surface, most men wore masks—not physical ones, but the kind that concealed their pain, their fear, and their brokenness. The tension was suffocating. You could sense when something terrible was about to happen, but you never knew when or with whom. I found sharpened welding rods and stones the size of my fist, hidden and ready for the next war. In one of the places I was housed, nearly everyone was there for capital murder. Most of those men knew they would die in that prison. They had no hope of freedom. I remember the day freedom came for me. It happened before I was physically set free. On that day, I told God, “If You want me to spend the rest of my life in prison, then that is where I want to be. If You want me to go home, then I want to go home. I don’t want my will anymore—I want Yours.” When I truly laid down my will, peace broke through. The very peace Jesus spoke about to His disciples. No prison wall could hold it back. No evil surrounding me could stop it from rushing in. God’s presence cut through the chaos and wrapped me in His arms. Before He ever opened the prison doors for me, He had already set me free. The greatest miracle wasn't being set free from prison. It was the perfect peace He gave me in a place completely void of peace.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Before You ever opened the prison doors, You had already freed me. I now see that true bondage isn’t about physical walls—it’s about a heart without peace. I’ve witnessed men in prison experiencing more freedom than those walking freely outside. Lord, if I could ask for just three things in my life, one of them would be that every soul has the chance to experience Your perfect peace. Thank You for the countless prayers You've already answered and the countless prayers You plan on answering. You always do more than what we could ever ask or imagine. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
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March 23, 2025
COACH
John 1:47-48 NASB2020
[47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and *said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit!” [48] Nathanael *said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
From the moment we were conceived, our Father has been watching us, patiently waiting for the day we answer His call and come to Him. He has seen us walk through both painful trials and joyful moments. He has wept when we suffered and shed tears of joy when we laughed. I remember watching my children grow up through pictures while I was in prison. It was heartbreaking to see them live their lives without being able to experience it alongside them. But not long ago, I had the privilege of attending my boys’ baseball practice. I stood at the dugout gate, giving them high-fives after they smacked the ball. I'll never forget the look on their faces when they realized their dad was watching and proud of them! As I watched, I noticed them glancing my way to see if I was still looking. Their souls silently cried out, "Dad, are you watching?" And my soul cried back, "I'm watching, son, and I’m so proud of you!" This is a reflection of what happens in our spirits. We cry out, "Father, are You watching?" And His Spirit gently reassures us, "Of course I’m watching, My child. I always have been, and I always will. I will never leave you or forsake you." We have a Father who has never missed a game, a moment, or a milestone in our lives. In fact, He’s waiting for the opportunity to be invited onto the field—not just as a spectator, but as our Coach. And what an incredible Coach He is!
Prayer: Father, thank You for never missing a moment in our lives. Forgive us for not running to You and embracing Your love. Forgive us for pushing You away like a stubborn teenager telling their dad, "Leave me alone." Lord, we invite You onto the field—be our Coach, guide us, and lead us. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 24, 2025
FED BY THE RAVENS
“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:2-6
In this story, Elijah was retreating from the people. He was called to go make camp by a river and find solace. Elijah is known to be a man of not only great prophetic acts but also great suffering. Could it be that the Lord was drawing him away for a time of rest? Could it be that God needed Elijah to sit still for a minute? The Lord sent the ravens to feed him, even though it was an unclean animal. I wonder what Elijah was thinking when the Lord told him that. I wonder if it was his first instinct to wrestle with his knowledge of the law.
The Lord oftentimes uses unconventional methods to get us into a position of receiving. Sometimes he sends something or someone to us that we would initially reject. God is good at sending us provision in ways that confound us. He likes to show us that His ways are higher than our ways. He likes to take our limited perspective and minister to our bodies, souls, and spirits through creative and unique methods.
Can we receive the provision of God even if it comes in a package that makes us question His plan? Can we get to the river and surrender to the rest He has for us?
PRAYER
Creative God,
You are so good at shaking us up. Our limited understanding can get us in a pickle sometimes. We try to reason and rationalize the odd ways that You minister to us, but we just want to receive. We just want to be fed by the ravens, even if they are unclean. Help us to take the time that You set aside for us and to eat what You place in front of us. We love You.
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March 25, 2025
A CONSTANT OVERFLOW
John 5:2-7, 9 NKJV
[2] Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. [3] In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. [4] For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. [5] Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. [6] When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” [7] The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
[9] And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.
Are we waiting for someone to pick us up and place us in the water when the water is already stirred and living within us? I hear the Lord asking us, “Do you want to be made well?” There are so many things He desires to restore in our lives. Jesus is the Living Word, dwelling within us, becoming a fountain of water that springs up into eternal life. A fountain is meant to flow, yet Paul warns us in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Holy Spirit.” This fountain should fill every area of our lives and overflow onto others. However, we often build dams—barriers of doubt, fear, and sin—refusing to surrender certain areas that our flesh still controls. The water is stirred and ready to heal everything it touches. All we have to do is break down the dams and let Him in. When He fills us completely, there will be an overflow for others who desperately need this Living Water as well. A constant overflow is far more effective than a mere trickle—especially when so many are dying of spiritual thirst.
Prayer: Father, help us surrender everything to You. We made this commitment when we declared You as our Lord, but we still struggle to release certain areas our flesh has controlled for so long. Thank You for Your patience with us. Help us tear down every barrier so that Your Spirit can flood every part of our lives. We want to be vessels through which You move in full power. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 26, 2025
DON'T BE A FOOL
Proverbs 29:11 NASB2020
A fool always loses his temper, but a wise person holds it back.
Today, we have a choice—to be a fool or a wise person. If we choose to obey the thoughts planted by the enemy, we act foolishly. But if we choose to obey the thoughts given by the Holy Spirit, we walk in wisdom. It is crucial to recognize where our thoughts come from before allowing them to stir our emotions. Once emotions take control, it becomes much harder to restrain our tempers and avoid reacting in anger. Let us be mindful of the thoughts we allow to dwell in our minds. If we find ourselves in a situation where others expect a response from us, and we don’t feel capable of responding wisely, we should not be afraid to ask for time. We have the choice to remove ourselves from the situation, take a moment to calm down, and return when we are ready to respond with wisdom.
Prayer: Father, we acknowledge that it is our choice to be either foolish or wise. Help us to be mindful of our thoughts and to recognize when we are at risk of letting our emotions take control. Remind us that when we act foolishly, we not only hurt ourselves but also misrepresent You. Teach us to be good examples so that others may see You through us. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 27, 2025
ROUGH HANDS
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
I looked at my hands this morning and saw all of these scratches, rough skin, and scars. I have been working with concrete, mortar, and grout over the past several weeks. It has taken a toll on my skin. The evidence of my workmanship is evidenced on my hands, and I gave thanks.
The Lord has evidence on His hands, not only of His sacrifice, but also of His workmanship. He knits us together, He sculpts us like a potter, He builds us like a mason. His hands are rough from the work that He has done and is doing. He is always building and shaping the foundations of the earth. He is perfect in His workmanship, never making a flaw, never settling for half measures. He is intentional.
PRAYER
Maker of heaven and earth,
We love Your hands. The evidence of Your love for us is on them. You died for us and You work on us, never tiring of the work that You do. Your hands are rough with scars and scrapes, but they are also gentle. You use Your hands for life and we thank You that You never take them off of us. You are always shaping, kitting, and forming us. You have the hands of a craftsman and we surrender to the work. Father, thank You for choosing to sacrifice the most precious thing to us, Your Son. Jesus, thank You for the evidence of Your love. Spirit, thank You for working in us and through us. We love You.
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March 28, 2025
CHANGE OF PLANS
John 13:37-38 NASB2020
[37] Peter *said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” [38] Jesus *replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.
Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Before Christ calls us into a relationship with Him, we are living life on our own terms—pursuing our own desires, dreams, and goals. But there comes a time in everyone’s journey when the Lord approaches us. In that moment, we will know that He is God. Our spirit will recognize Him as our Father, and we will feel the depth of His love for us. We will sense that He is inviting us into something greater—an eternal relationship with Him. When He extends His hand, we must choose whether to reach out, take it and follow Him, or continue in the same direction we are headed. If we do, we will be walking in His direction, which means leaving behind certain dreams and goals that no longer align with His purpose for us. Following Christ doesn’t mean living a perfect life; it's a commitment to follow Him wherever He goes. Some days, we will be in perfect sync with Him, enjoying His presence. Other days, we may lag behind, distracted by the pull of our sinful nature. We don’t always know what He will ask us to leave behind or where He will lead us. But one thing is certain—He will be with us through it all.
Prayer: Father, the life You are asking us to walk away from is nothing compared to the life You offer—one filled with love, joy, and peace. Help us to see the eternal value of following You, knowing that nothing in this world compares to being in Your presence. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 29, 2025
DON'T SETTLE FOR THE SCRAPS
1 Samuel 15:7-9
[7] Then Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah going toward Shur, which is east of Egypt. [8] He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and completely destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. [9] But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the more valuable animals, the lambs, and everything that was good, and were unwilling to destroy them completely; but everything despicable and weak, that they completely destroyed.
When the Lord commanded the Israelites to destroy the Amalekites, He instructed them not to spare anyone or anything—not even the animals. However, the Israelites only obeyed halfway. They went to war as commanded, but they gave in to their fleshly desires. Instead of fully carrying out God's instructions, they kept the best of the spoils for themselves. If they had fully obeyed, God would have rewarded them with far greater things. We often forget that He is the One who brings water from a rock and turns water into the finest wine. Instead of trusting Him, the Israelites settled for temporary scraps when they could have received God's best. Likewise, there are things in our lives that are holding us back from receiving God's best. There are habits, relationships, or mindsets that the Lord is calling us to let go of completely. We must remember that we are His temple—our eyes, ears, tongues, hands, and feet are His instruments, meant to be used for righteousness, not sin. May we have the courage to remove anything in our lives that is causing us harm or keeping us from the fullness of what God has planned. Let us surrender ourselves as vessels of honor for His purpose.
Prayer: Father, help us to trust in Your perfect will for our lives. Too often, we try to do things our way because Your way doesn’t always make sense to us. But it doesn’t have to make sense—we need only to trust and obey. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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March 30, 2025
ANOINTED
“I have found My servant David; with My holy oil I have anointed him, with whom My hand shall be established; also My arm shall strengthen him.” Psalm 89:20-21
We have been anointed with the oil of God. His sweetness runs down from the top of our heads to the soles of our feet. What a precious gift. By His anointing, we are strengthened. His hand establishes us and lifts us up. He covers us with protection, power, and truth. Sometimes we forget that He has placed an anointing on us. We get sidetracked, the enemy lies to us, we go to self-righteousness. It is during those times that we need to get back into the Word of God and hear the promises He has spoken over us. He is faithful to keep the oil on our heads, penetrating our minds and reaching to the depths of our souls. He is so generous.
PRAYER
Lord,
Thank You for the oil of gladness. Thank You for the oil of protection. Thank You for the oil of cleansing and preparation. You have an anointing for our every need and You supply it willingly and without regret. You are quick to place it on us and all we have to do is receive it. Sometimes we have a hard time knowing what that looks like so teach us how to be people of faith. Faith being that we believe what You say when You say it. Help us to recognize the anointing so that we can go forward and preach the good news to all of creation. We love You.
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March 31, 2025
SHOW US THE FATHER
John 14:8-9 NASB2020
[8] Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” [9] Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Each day, countless people walk around believing they are alone. The whispers of the enemy invade their minds, filling them with lies: “No one loves you. Even God hates you. If God truly loved you, why would He let this happen?” These terrible lies take root, convincing many that they are unloved and forgotten. But if we, as followers of Christ, were truly living as He did, these lies would have no power. Jesus spent His time on earth revealing the heart of the Father. Everywhere He went, His life testified to God’s goodness, proving that the belief of being unloved was a deception. Jesus didn’t just speak about the Father’s love—He demonstrated it. The enemy's mission Is to keep people from knowing the truth. But our mission is to counteract those lies by showing the world who the Father is. Not with a conditional, human love that only gives when it receives, but with the unconditional love of God—a love that expects nothing in return, a love that responds to hatred with kindness, a love that shows them who the Father is.
Prayer: Father, we remember the moment when You revealed Yourself to us. We were unworthy and undeserving of Your love. You invited us to Your table even in our filth and brokenness. You washed us clean, robed us in white, and placed a family ring on our finger, calling us Your own. Help us never to forget where we came from. Fill our hearts with compassion for those who are still deceived, unaware of Your love for them. Use us to bring as many as we can to Your table, so they too may know the truth—that they are loved, chosen, and never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.