Dear Church Family,
Anyone who has made the decision to join this week of fasting and prayer has taken the first step towards transformation and blessings to come.
When we fast and pray, we are not twisting God's arm to do our will, but rather setting aside a special time where, instead of focusing on worldly things, we will seek the things of the Spirit and thus know God's will.
While much of our time and energy is spent on maintaining our physical bodies, the real area of concern, which affects us all, is our mental health. Mental health is especially challenging in these times. The way we think impacts who we are becoming daily.
According to the Word of God, there are two mindsets we can choose from: the mindset that operates according to the flesh and the mindset that operates according to the Spirit. As Christians, our mindset should be guided according to the Spirit, but if we could do it on our own, we would have already done it. We need the Holy Spirit to help align our mindset with the truth of God's Word. Culture may try to change our mindset, but when we ask God for help, our mindset is surrounded by the strength of Heaven and protected.
That's why during this week, we will be asking God to help us heal and master our minds so that they are in line with the Spirit. God has good plans for our lives; He wants us to be able to rest our minds; He wants to shepherd us. Together, this week, we seek His face, His will; we surrender our minds and yield to His care.
We count on you; united and with God, we will achieve victory!
With Love,
Pastors Nathan and Lindsay
1 CORINTHIANS 2:16
Who has known the mind of the Lord
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 we've missed our 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 would 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 a 30; a 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.
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 we've missed our 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 would 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 a 30; a 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.
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 we've missed our 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 would 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 a 30; a 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.
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 we've missed our 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 would 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 a 30; a 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.
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 we've missed our 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 would 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 a 30; a 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.
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 we've missed our 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 would 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 a 30; a 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.
BTRAYAL DOESN’T HAVE TO 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.
Ask yourself these questions as a form of self-evaluation:
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it’s very likely that negative thinking has
become a habit in your life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it...
Many people have a tendency to think negatively or, as it’s often said, to be "suspicious." When this becomes a habit, it affects us in a harmful way.
There can be hundreds of reasons to think positively or negatively, but in the end, our thoughts are a choice. This means that we can always choose to see the glass as half full or half empty.
We can decide whether to think positively or negatively!
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
If God has given us self-discipline, then we have the ability to control our thoughts. God's Word gives us the tools to overcome this bad habit.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of
evil, to give you a future and a hope.
God has good thoughts about us!
Do you know why God thinks well of us, even though we are sinners? Because He sees us through the sacrifice of Jesus, through His love for us.
We can do the same! We can choose to think positively out of love—because of Jesus' love in us and because He has given us self-discipline. Glory to God!
Look at the advice the Word gives us to break this bad habit of negative thinking:
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, based on God's promises.
God will give you the victory!
Lord, I want to stop thinking negatively; without realizing it, it has become a habit. I don’t want to be a negative person. Today, I choose to replace negative thoughts with Your love and Your promises. Help me see through Your lens—the lens of love, the one You use to have good thoughts about us even when we are sinners. I know You give me the victory, and that’s why I thank You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Have you ever heard the saying, "One thing leads to another"? This is connected to today’s topic. If I see or hear something bad, it's likely that I will end up speaking something bad. And when I constantly speak negatively, I start to see and think negatively about everything.
Do you see how these areas are connected? I think we can define it like this: Be careful what you allow in, because that’s what will come
out! When we don't guard what we allow into our lives, it often leads to gossip, slander, rumors, uncontrolled speech, and even curses.
Let’s see what the Word of God has to say about this.
James 3:1-10 (NIV)
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an
example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very
small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but
it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue
also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the
whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds,
reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human
being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise
our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s
likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should
not be.
Matthew 5:29 (NIV)
If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to
lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Consider what just one look caused for King David and how it affected others (2 Samuel 11).
Deuteronomy 12:28 (NKJV)
Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and
with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord
your God.
Proverbs 22:17-18 (NIV)
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is
pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
Be careful what you let into your life!
You must guard your mind and heart (Proverbs 4:23).
Mark 7:21-23 (NIV)
For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.
None of these things please God. They may have started with a simple look at something wrong or something we said or heard, but then they turned into a habit. Consciously or unconsciously, we are trapped by this habit.
Now is the time to break free from this habit, and God wants to help you!
James 4:8 (NIV)
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify
your hearts, you double-minded.
The key is to draw near to God, and He will purify your heart.
Lord, I come close to You right now, draw close to me. I no longer want to be double-minded. With Your help, I want to guard what comes into my life, whether it's what I hear or see, knowing it will affect what I say. I choose to change, I am ready to do my part, but I know I will need Your help. I cry out for Your Holy Spirit to guide and direct me in this specific area. Thank You, Lord, because I know the change has begun, and I will become more like You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Commitments can be tedious, especially when we take on more than we can handle. However, commitments give us structure, order, and help us achieve our goals.
1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
The first thing we need to understand is that God is a God of order, and commitments help us maintain that order.
There are several scriptures in the Bible that talk about the Christian's commitment in different areas of life:
Ephesians 6:5 (NIV)
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Romans 13:1 (NIV)
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
We are also taught about commitments to our family, our bodies, our neighbors, and even ineverything we do and say.
But the Bible also teaches that the primary commitment in our lives is to God Himself.
Jesus said:
Matthew 22:37-38
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
It’s difficult to commit to God, whom you can’t see, if you can't commit to the daily things you can see.
People who have the bad habit of avoiding commitments never find stability in their lives. They are always dissatisfied and rarely grow in other areas to reach a healthy life structure that would lead them to fulfill God’s plan for their lives.
Commitment is important because it is tied to discipline and loyalty to God, others, and oneself. This will lead to blessings from our Lord.
Some symptoms of the bad habit of lacking commitment may be:
If you identify with some of these descriptions, then it’s time to change!
Let’s commit to the small things that God has placed within our reach in daily life. If we are faithful in the little, God will put us in charge of much.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NIV)
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Lord, I want to break this bad habit of avoiding commitments, of putting things off, of procrastinating. Help me to commit to small things so that, little by little, I can become more responsible and take on more commitments. I don’t want to be known for this bad habit; I want to be known as a trustworthy person who can follow through. First, I decide today to commit to You, to do my part, to listen to Your voice, and to take on the things I know I should be doing but have been avoiding. I ask for Your forgiveness and strength, as I want to change. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
