Dear Church Family,
As we enter this week of prayer and fasting, we want to take a moment to encourage and challenge you. This isn’t just another week—it’s a chance for breakthrough, renewal, and a fresh encounter with God.
Life can sometimes leave us feeling stuck—whether it’s in old habits, the past, fear, comparison, failure, or pain. But we serve a God who never intended for us to remain where we are. His plans are greater, His love is deeper, and His power is stronger than anything that tries to hold us back.
Throughout this week, as we intentionally set aside distractions and draw closer to God, we believe He will speak to you in new ways. Expect Him to bring clarity where there has been confusion, peace where there has been anxiety, and strength where there has been weakness. Fasting isn’t just about what we’re giving up—it’s about what we’re making room for. As we surrender our desires and focus on Jesus, He will fill the empty spaces with His presence, power, and purpose.
This is your time to break free and move forward. Let’s commit to this journey together. Engage with each devotional, lean into prayer, and ask God to reveal the areas where you’ve been stuck. He is faithful to meet you right where you are and lead you into something greater.
We are praying for you and believing that this week will mark a turning point in your faith. Let’s seek Him with all our hearts and trust that He is doing something new!
With love & expectation,
Pastors Nathan and Lindsay
Comparison is a thief - its potential for destruction runs deep. It quietly slips into our hearts, takes away our joy, and often leaves us feeling empty.
Ever feel stuck in comparison? Comparing your relationship, or lack thereof, to others? Comparing your kids to those who are better behaved? Comparing your finances to those of your peers? Comparing your successes and achievements to those in your life, or even to those you don’t even know? Comparison is a thief…
We live in an era of social media, where if we are completely honest with ourselves… its easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We are constantly exposed to everyone's “highlight reels” failing to realize that a highlight is exactly that, it “highlights” the best and most glamorous portions of one's life. In turn, this leads to a distorted self-perception where we feel we are lagging behind our peers.
Comparison not only takes away our happiness but also holds us captive. We are left in a vicious cycle of envy, self-loathing, and a constant belief that we can never be good enough, regardless of how hard we try. The good news is this: God clearly states in scripture that we do not have to walk in someone else's shoes. He expects us to live in our own.
The first time comparison is recorded in the Bible is in Genesis 4. Cain compared his offering to Abel’s and instead of focusing on his relationship with God, he let jealousy consume him. Sin won. Comparison doesn’t just make us insecure; it is a breeding ground for the enemy to sow envy, resentment, and ultimately separation from God’s best for us.
COMPARISON WILL MAKE YOU BITTER OVER SOMEONE ELSE’S BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF GRATEFUL FOR YOUR OWN
When we compare ourselves to others we are telling God what He has given us isn’t enough. That the plan that He has for our lives isn’t enough. That what He set us apart at birth for, just isn’t what we want anymore. We ignore our design, our calling, and the purpose He has for us. We chase someone else’s dream or calling and neglect our own; neglect the plan that he specially, and intricately designed for us.
Paul addressed this in Galatians 6:4-5: "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
God designed you to carry your own assignment… not someone else’s. Your journey, your gifts, and your calling are yours alone. You can't fulfill God's plan for your life while trying to fulfill God's plan for another.
STOP WORRYING ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE’S PATH—FOCUS ON YOUR OWN OBEDIENCE
Breaking free from comparison requires a shift in perspective. Instead of asking, “Why don’t I have what they have?”, we need to start asking, “God, what have You entrusted to me?”
When we fix our eyes on Jesus instead of others, we find contentment, purpose, and confidence in His plan. Because after all… isn’t that what we should all be chasing anyway?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “Give thanks in every circumstance; this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude reorients our hearts toward what God has already done, rather than toward what we feel is missing.
THE ENEMY WANTS YOU TO LOOK AT WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE;
GOD WANTS YOU TO FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DO
Father, I repent for the times I have allowed comparison to abide in me and in my heart. I recognize that You have given me a unique calling, and I don’t want to waste it by looking at others. Help me to be grateful for what You have placed in my hands. Teach me to celebrate others without feeling less than. I fix my eyes on You and trust that Your plan for me is good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment to write down three things God has blessed you with that you may have overlooked. Shift from comparison to gratitude and see how God transforms your heart.
Failure is such a heavy feeling… isn’t it? I’m not sure about you but for me, failure lingers, whispers lies, and convinces me that I have missed my shot. Whether it is a failed relationship, a missed opportunity, or a dream that didn't go the way we planned it, the weight of failure can freeze us. We start believing the whisper that because we failed once, we will fail forever.
But can I share a piece of truth with you? Failure isn’t final unless we let it be. Let me say that one more time for the people who read over that real quick: FAILURE ISN’T FINAL UNLESS WE LET IT BE. God can redeem any failure and use it to propel us to our purpose. The question is: are you going to propel or stay stuck?
We often view failure as the end of the road, we often throw in the towel, give up on ourselves, and sometimes even worse… give up on God. But in God's hands, failure is not the end, it’s simply a detour toward the plan and purpose He has for you.
Y’all remember Peter? Yes… the guy who had incredible faith and stepped out and walked on water with Jesus. Sometime later, that same Peter denied Jesus three times—one of the greatest failures in Scripture. Yet, Jesus restored him and entrusted him with building the early church. God can turn it around and use it for HIS glory!
FAILURE DOESN’T DEFINE YOU;
IT REFINES YOU
In Proverbs 24:16, we read: “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again." The biggest difference between someone stuck in failure and someone who is able to get up and get moving isn’t perfection—it’s perseverance.
When we become fixated on our mistakes, we allow God's grace to go unnoticed. Listen, grace is given because God knew we weren’t perfect, we would fail, and we would need Jesus.
In my personal experience, failure is typically where I have grown, become wiser, and renewed my dependence on God. If Peter had remained stuck in his failure, one of the greatest leaders of the early church would have been lost.
GOD ISN'T LOOKING FOR PERFECT;
HE'S LOOKING FOR WILLING
Failure easily entangles us. It becomes a trap when we live in it. When we constantly replay our mistakes, we stay stuck. The issue is not “getting stuck", it’s “staying stuck”. We are all going to get stuck. Frankly, there are many people reading this who are probably stuck today! The problem is not being stuck… it’s staying there.
Scripture reminds us that we need to continue to move forward in life. Isaiah 43:18-19 says,"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God isn’t stuck in your past—He’s inviting you into a new future.
Picasso painted over 1,885 paintings, but he's only known for about 30 - 1.5% success rate. Tomas Edison patented over 1000 inventions, but he is only universally known for the light bulb which gives him a 0.09% success rate. Walt Disney was denied funding 300 times with only 1 group giving him funding giving him a success rate of only 0.33%.
GOD USES WHAT YOU SEE AS FAILURE TO BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE
God turns failures into testimonies. Moses killed a man but was still chosen to lead God’s people. David committed adultery yet was still called a man after God’s heart. Your failures are not too big for God’s grace!
Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." See it doesn't say all things except our successes.
When we bring our broken dreams to God, He doesn’t just restore them; He repurposes them for His glory.
God, today I want to give you the failures of my past. The past does not define my future. I’ve believed the lie that my mistakes disqualify me from Your plans. Today, I choose to trust that You can use my failures for Your glory. Help me to learn from the past but not live in it. Give me the courage to trust you, knowing that Your grace is greater than my mistakes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment today to write down one failure that has kept you stuck. Then, write down one lesson you’ve learned from it. Pray over it, asking God to help you release the weight of that failure and embrace the lessons it brought. Trust that He is working even in what felt like a dead end.
Let’s be honest… Betrayal runs deep. It could be a friend who has let you down, a loved one who has shattered your trust, someone who has caused you pain when you least anticipated it, or maybe even a “significant other” who decided you weren’t as “significant” as they originally anticipated…
The hurt can seem overwhelming. Betrayal creates scars that can be difficult to overcome. However, even though it can trap us in resentment, Jesus offers a different path—one that guides us toward healing and liberation.
Jesus knows betrayal like no one else. Let me take you back to the story of Judas. Judas was one of His closest disciples and after all they had been through, betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. What about Peter? Yet again, one of Jesus’ dear friends, denied knowing Him at all. Still, Jesus refused to let betrayal shape His identity. Instead, He embraced forgiveness and entrusted His pain to the Father.
BETRAYAL DOESN'T HAVE TO DEFINE YOU, IT CAN REFINE YOU
Psalm 55:12-14 speaks to the heartbreak of betrayal: “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.”
The deepest betrayals will often come from those closest to us. But holding onto resentment only keeps us stuck.
Forgiveness isn’t about justifying what happened; it’s about choosing not to let resentment take over your life. Why? I’ve said it before, and I will say it again…
A BITTER ROOT, CREATES BITTER FRUIT
Colossians 3:13 reminds us, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
In His most challenging moment, Jesus looked at those who betrayed Him and said, “Father, forgive them.” If He could extend forgiveness to those who crucified Him, we can rely on Him to guide us in forgiving those who have wronged us.
FORGIVENESS ISN’T LETTING THEM OFF THE HOOK; IT’S FREEING YOURSELF FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE PAIN
Remaining trapped in betrayal keeps us tied to our past. However, when we hand it over to God, we embrace the freedom He has in store for us. Romans 12:19 tells us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” Justice is in God’s hands. Our role is to trust Him and walk in the peace He provides.
Healing is a process, but it begins with letting go. Release the bitterness, set free the hurt, and have faith that God will create beauty from the pain.
YOU WEREN’T CREATED TO CARRY BETRAYAL; YOU WERE CREATED TO WALK IN FREEDOM
Lord, I come to You with my pain and disappointment. The betrayal I’ve experienced has left deep wounds in my heart, but I choose not to remain trapped in bitterness. Please help me to forgive as You have forgiven me, to trust You with justice, and to embrace the freedom You provide. Heal my heart and guide me to love, even when it’s difficult. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment today to write down the name of someone who has hurt you. Pray for guidance in releasing that pain. Then, take a step toward forgiveness—whether it’s through prayer, having a conversation, or simply deciding to let go of the resentment in your heart.
Fear can very easily invade our hearts, stripping us of peace and clarity. It comes in subtly, intoxicating every thought and blocking our vision of the blessings that God has prepared for us.
Fear, like any barrier, can keep us from experiencing the fullness that comes from faith.
Scripture assures us that fear is not part of the spirit God has given us. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are reminded that we have received a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
Every time we give in to fear, we forget that we are called to live courageously and lean on the strength our Heavenly Father provides. Do not let doubt dim the light of His promise.
DO NOT LET FEAR PARALYZE YOU; TRUST IN GOD’S DIVINE PROMISE
Overcoming fear requires a shift in perspective. Instead of asking ourselves, “What if I make a mistake?” or “What risks am I facing?” we should ask, “Lord, how can I trust in Your guidance?” When we focus our minds on the promises of Christ and His unwavering love, we find a path to hope and peace. Practicing gratitude helps us recognize the blessings we already have, inviting us to move forward with confidence and faith.
Let us remember the promise found in 1 John 4:18:"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear."
A PERFECT RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE WITH JESUS LEAVES NO ROOM FOR FEAR
Fear can be beneficial in certain situations, serving as a warning of danger. However, when fear traps us, it becomes a liar that dims our faith and entangles us in a whirlwind of negative emotions.
Fear holds you tight, but God calls to step in His light
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that at times I have allowed fear to cloud my judgment and distance me from Your love. Forgive me for doubting Your plan and for letting uncertainty control me. I ask that You renew my spirit, filling me with courage and conviction to walk according to Your will. May Your peace and strength always be with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment to reflect on a situation where fear has held you back. Write down three experiences where you have felt God’s hand guiding and strengthening you. Let this exercise motivate you to leave behind the paralysis of fear and embrace the confidence that only faith in the Lord can bring.
Guilt and shame are burdens that keep us from the freedom Christ offers. They hide deep within us, preventing us from fully experiencing God’s love and redemption.
These feelings can cloud our minds and distance us from the hope we have in the gospel.
The Word reminds us in Romans 8:1: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
When we cling to guilt, we deny the transformation that God wants to work in us. Every time we allow shame to take control, we forget that, in Christ, we have a new identity rooted in love and mercy. Don’t let the past determine your future—God’s forgiveness is always within reach.
DON’T LET GUILT KEEP YOU FROM LIVING IN FREEDOM; EMBRACE THE FORGIVENESS AND NEW LIFE GOD OFFERS
Let’s remember Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery:
John 8:10-11"Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, Lord,’ she answered.‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”
To overcome guilt and shame, we must shift our focus. Instead of replaying past mistakes and failures, we must recognize Jesus' redeeming work in our lives. When we fix our eyes on His mercy, we discover that every stumble is an opportunity to grow and learn. (Remember Jesus’ words: “Go now and leave your life of sin.”)
Confession and gratitude open the door to a life filled with peace and purpose, reminding us that we are deeply valued in the eyes of our Creator.
GRACE GIVES OPPORTUNITY; GUILT AND SHAME BRING CONDEMNATION
2 Corinthians 5:17"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!"
Instead of dwelling on the past, we must focus on the blessings of today and the future God has promised. His grace and love call us to let go of destructive self-criticism and embrace a life of gratitude and hope.
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I have often allowed guilt and shame to trap me. Forgive me for doubting Your great love and for carrying the weight of my past mistakes. Help me accept Your forgiveness and see my life through Your eyes—free and renewed. Fill my heart with the peace that only You can give. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Take a few moments to reflect on the areas in your life where guilt and shame have tried to control you. Write down three Bible verses or truths that reinforce God’s promise of forgiveness and new life in Christ. Let these words transform your mind and lead you to walk in the freedom and grace that God has prepared for you.
Relationship can turn into Religion real quickly if we let it. For many people, what begins as a genuine and fruitful devotion to God can slowly turn into a toxic cycle of rituals and rules that removes faith's true power. I've seen it many times in my life and growing up in the church... people confusing religious activity with a thriving relationship with Jesus. People who are "on fire" for Jesus, but are really only thriving for the acknowledgment of a leader or pastor rather than that of the Father. People who strive to "do good", forgetting that "being good" does not get you closer to God.
The reality of it is this: we can attend church, read the Bible, or pray out of habit rather than hunger, checking off our spiritual list without truly encountering God’s presence. Over time, we can become so focused on doing things for God that we forget to spend time with God.
When our faith degrades itself to a list of do’s and don’ts, we miss out on the joy, the freedom, and the transformation that God desires for us. Religion, when reduced to legalism, places a heavy weight on our lives and on our families—weights that Jesus came to lift. Instead of feeling empowered by God and ultimately His grace, we feel stuck by pressure. Instead of being led by the Spirit, we become enslaved by expectation. This is not God's intent.
Jesus didn’t come to establish a religion—He came to restore a relationship
God calls us into an authentic, vibrant faith—not one built on rules, but one built on love and trust in Him.
These scriptures make it clear: true faith is not about rituals, appearances, or legalism—it’s about intimacy with Jesus.
To escape the trap of religion, we must rediscover what it means to know God personally. This doesn’t mean abandoning spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and reading the Word—these are essential. But they should not be performed out of obligation; they should flow from a genuine desire to draw closer to Him.
If your faith feels lifeless, it’s time to shift from routine to relationship. Instead of repeating prayers, speak to God from your heart. Instead of reading the Bible just to get through a chapter, pause and ask, Lord, what are You saying to me? Instead of attending church just because it’s expected, come with an open heart, ready to encounter the presence of God.
John 4:23 reminds us: “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”
God is not looking for people who simply go through religious motions—He is looking for those who will seek Him with sincerity. True worship is not just about what we do but about the heart behind it.
BREAK THE CHAINS OF LEGALISM AND EMBRACE A LIVING FAITH
Loving Father, I recognize that at times I have allowed religious practices to become a substitute for an authentic relationship with You. Forgive me for going through the motions rather than truly seeking Your presence. I don’t want to be trapped in empty rituals—I want to know You deeply. Renew my heart and help me transform every act of worship into a real and personal encounter with You. Teach me to worship in Spirit and in truth, and let my faith be full of passion, joy, and freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a few moments to reflect on your spiritual life. Are there any habits or traditions that feel empty or routine? Identify one area where your faith has become more about obligation than relationship. Ask yourself: How can I turn this into a true encounter with God?
Try something new to reconnect with Him—perhaps take a walk and pray out loud, write a heartfelt letter to God, or spend quiet time listening for His voice. Instead of letting your faith be a duty, let it be a delight. Break free from religious routine and embrace the vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus that He desires for you.
