Transition: to change from one state or condition to another.

We have stepped into a New Year! Have you asked yourself What’s
Next? God is ready to transition you. Transition is unavoidable. It is a
place where God calls you out of comfort and into purpose. Many
people try to avoid it, delay it and deny it. He is ready to shift, stretch
and reposition us and we must face it head.

Isaiah 43:19 “Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth;
shall we not know it”
Our 31 day fast has begun (Jan 1 – Jan 31) and this week’s theme is to
Resolve and Renew.

Resolve – to decide firmly on a course of action; to find a solution to a
problem, dispute or contentious matter.

Get out of the way of yourself and others. Resolve past hurts, issues
with yourself, family and friends. Trying to do this without the
guidance of God is impossible. Stop leaning to your own
understanding. Listen for and to his voice and his guidance. If you have
heard the resolution several times it’s not your conscience, its time to
move. Transition takes action.

Renew – to make it new fresh and strong again, either by restoring it
to a previous good condition, extending its validity for another period
or starting it again.

Extend the validity of your relationship with God. Get deeper into his
word and pray daily. If the condition or your relationship with God is
not valid. Restore it. Start fresh, commit to discipline and embrace
God’s new season.

All of this does not take much time to accomplish. It takes discipline
and a clear mind to focus on the things that God wants us to do. We
just have to keep our minds on him and not worry about others.

Prayer focus of the week: God to strengthen us as we begin our
transition and give us the courage to step into change.

God, I asked of you today to strengthen and give courage to readers to
walk in their purpose. To not be afraid of the transition but to embrace
it. Giving all their worries to you and not leaning to the understanding
of comfort. In Jesus name. Amen

Scripture- 
John 14:16-17
Verse 16 “And I will pray the father, and he will give you another helper, that he may abide with you forever”
Verse 17 “ the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Reflection:
We are about to transition into the year 2026 and in this week devotional I want to give you guys some tips for the next year.

First- If you find yourself in a difficult situation remember God put you in it for a reason so trust the process. Pressure is meant to birth something out of you. Always invite God in your difficult situation and worship him in it also because praise can provide a way out for you.

Second- remember you have free will and the freedom to choose but don’t make choices that are detrimental to you. Satan can’t bring any temptation that has not been brought upon man so whatever you’re going through someone has been through it already. God will test you to know that you're ready or to show you that you’re not ready so if by any chance, you’re not ready it's ok keep trying and prepare for the next test.

Lastly- This is important: don't say negative things about yourself or stuff that you are not because it can hinder you from being your best potential. You can overcome anything because you can conquer anything. Remember God does things out of order so don’t get upset when things aren’t going like you planned. Last but not least, always remember you are not just fighting for you, you are fighting for the people connected to you! Jesus has sent us the holy spirit, let him abide in you and you in him and together you can handle anything that comes your way. Put your trust in God and no matter what happens in 2026 DON’T GIVE UP!

Prayer:
Dear heavenly father, God I thank you for allowing us to make it to the end of the year. I pray that 2026 will be filled with blessings, love, and happiness. I pray that you will guide our steps and help us to seek you first before making any decision in our lives and I pray that 2026 will be a great year in Jesus name. I pray Amen.

Scripture:
Luke 1 verse 7,13,28-29,32,34-38

Verse 7 “But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and they were both well advance in years.

Verse 13” But the angel said to him “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall call his name John.”

Verse 35 “ and the angel answered and said to her, the holy spirit will come upon you….

Reflection:
As we all know Matthew and Luke talks about the birth of Jesus. In today’s devotional were going to talk about Jesus birth using Luke’s story. Elizabeth Mary’s cousin was married to a priest but she was unable to conceive a child because she was barren. Back in those days women are expected to have babies. Imagine how she felt when she realized she could never have a child and to think how people would have talked about her cause after all she is married to a priest.

So, years went by, they advanced in years and still have no child. Mary at this time was going through some stuff in her own life like low self-esteem, depression and more. When the angel Gabriel came to tell her the good news (verse 28) “ and having come in the angel said to her “ rejoice, highly favored one, the lord is with you :blessed are you among woman!” verse 31 “ and behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son and shall call his name Jesus.” In the mist of him saying that, she was troubled by what he was SAYING and not his PRESENCE.

So the angel went on to tell her how great Jesus is going to be and what’s going to happen in his life and she responded “ how can this be since I do not know a man” and he told her how. (verse 35) but I don’t think she believed him and I’m sure he can sense it to because he said this in verse 36-38 “ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative had also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.”37 “ for with God nothing will be impossible” 38” then Mary said “ behold the maidservant of the lord! Let it be to me according to your word”…..See Mary knew how badly Elizabeth wanted a child but in order for Mary to accept and conceive Jesus she had to hear that her cousin who couldn’t get pregnant conceived a child.

Hearing her cousin is pregnant gave her faith to know that it can happen for her too! Although Elizabeth had to go through what she went through because God knew when the right time would be for her to conceive and he also knew that Mary would need it to happen this way to accept being Jesus mom. God made Elizabeth wait because something greater was coming out of her waiting JESUS.
 
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing what’s best for me and the people I am connected to. Help us to be patient and understanding when some things we ask for is not answered help us to understand that your timing is better in Jesus’ name I pray amen.

Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you….”
Psalms 139 1-3
Matthew 10:30

Reflection:
Have you ever thought about how God sees you? Well, I have. This week we are going to talk about it. Let’s start with Jermiah chapter one. He talks about how God knew us before we were formed in the womb. I’m not sure how you guys feel about that but that makes me feel special! My heavenly father picked me to be on this earth before my parents even thought of me.

Let’s move on to Psalms 139:1-3 it says: “O lord you have searched me and know me; you know my sitting down and my rising you understands my thought afar off and comprehends my path and my lying down….” The creator of the world is looking for me. Verse 16 “your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed” He saw me complete before he began making me.  

Now let’s go to Matthew 10:30 it says, “but the very hairs of your head are all numbered” My mom doesn’t even know the amount of hair that’s on my head, but God does!

And finally, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life”. This one I believe is the greatest because God would give up his son for me that tells me in his eyes, I am special, important, and loved. In a way it should make us look at ourselves differently. The creator of the world loves us beyond what we can imagine no matter how we got here.

So, if you haven’t done this lately speak life into yourself, love yourself a little extra today and most important don’t give up on yourself keep fighting because you have a purpose.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly father, thank you for taking your time with making me, thank you for loving me when somedays I don’t love myself, thank you for choosing me and we promise to keep going because we know that you love us more than anyone could in Jesus name I pray amen.

Scripture:
Hebrews 6:18- “That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.”

Malachi 3 verse 6 “for I am the lord, I do not change, therefore you are not consumed, o son of Jacob”

Isiah 55 verse 8-9 “for my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways says the lord for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your way and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Reflection:
When we think about God, we think about all the things he can do but we never think about things he can’t do so I want to talk about 3 of these things today.

Hebrews 6 verse 18 God can’t lie because he’s truth.

Malachi 3 God can’t change. Theologians call it the immutability of God if he can change that means he can improve and he can’t improve because he’s already perfect.

Isiah 55 God can’t think like we think. Theologians call this omniscience of God. Omi means “all” science means “knowledge” so God can’t think like us because he has all knowledge about past, present, and future at the same time, So that means nothing ever surprises him.

Every plan God has for you is better than the plans you have for yourself.  If he’s been faithful to you in the past he’s going to be faithful in the present and last but not least every promise God made he’s going to fulfil because God is not just the alpha (start things) he finishes it (Omega).

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly father thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever more. Thank you for always keeping your promises and thank you for knowing everything so we can come to you for guidance and instruction when we need it in Jesus name I pray amen.

Scripture:
“God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble therefore we will not fear.”- Psalm 46 1-2

Reflection:
In 2013 and 2016 my kidney’s were failing. I got a transplant however in 2021 that failed too. It’s annoying and frustrating because the doctors had no idea why they were failing. So, I started dialysis in November of 2021 and by February of 2022 I was over it. At that point I hated everything about it, the way it made me feel during and after and just how time consuming it is. I remember praying and asking God how much longer but like most time when I pray, I got no response. Weeks went by and I became depress. I didn’t want to go nowhere and I didn’t want to do anything. I worked at a daycare and one day when I was at work my manager put me in the toddler 4 classroom which I thought was weird cause I’m usually with the infants and one- two-year-old. This particular day I was with the 4 year olds. I remember cleaning up and this little boy came up to me and said some random words I looked up at him and said huh? Then he yelled your necessary! When he said that I felt the tears coming because I honestly didn’t want to keep going, I wanted to give up because I felt like life shouldn’t be this hard. When this little boy said that to me it gave me hope that God does hear me and he see everything. I felt purposeless and God used him to remind me that I have purpose and I’m here for a reason.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father thank you for allowing us to make it this far in the year I pray that you would continue to be with us especially during the holiday season. Some people lost their love ones or could be all alone during this time. I pray that your love will find them and they will feel your love. I pray that anyone who is struggling with their purpose or with just the will to keep going you will send them someone like you did for me in Jesus name amen.

Scripture:
"And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" — Matthew 7:3 (NKJV)

Reflection:
One of my students often comes to tell me, “Mr. G, your hair is growing back!” I jokingly replied, “Okay, I’ll cut it then.”  But every time, he insists, “No, don’t cut it!” He sees something growing in me that I tend to overlook or take for granted.

That made me realize: what you notice in others might be what you’ve taken for granted in yourself.  We can be quick to celebrate growth, beauty, or progress when we see it in someone else, while ignoring the same potential God has placed within us.

Jesus said we are often good at spotting what’s in another person’s eye, but blind to what’s in our own.  The lesson isn’t just about judgement; it’s about awareness.  God calls us not only to encourage others, but also recognize His work in our own lives.

Take a moment today to ask yourself:

• What gifts has God given me that I’ve overlooked?
• What strengths am I quick to see in others but hesitant to acknowledge in myself?
• Am I willing to celebrate God’s growth in me the same way I celebrate it in others?

Encouragement works both ways: we give it, but we also need to receive it and, most important, believe it.

Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see my growth. Help me not to take everything You have already placed in me for granted, even as I encourage others to see it in themselves. In this I pray, in Your Son Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Reading:
"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.!" — Matthew 6:3-4 (NKJV)

Reflection:
Growth often begins on the inside; discipline, prayer, self-control, and faith.  These internal factors should be enough to keep us going.  But let’s be real, sometimes it’s the external things; a word of encouragement, someone noticing our effort, a small “well done”; that gives us fuel to keep moving forward.
When nobody notices our growth it can feel like our growth doesn’t even matter.  We often think, "Why try when nobody even sees me trying”.  That’s the first issue, equating visibility with value.

But God reminds us in this scripture that he sees everything people don’t.  Every small prayer,  every resistance to temptation, and every small step of obedience, in his name, is recorded. Improvement is not wasted when it is unseen.  It’s like planting a seed; nobody claps or cheers for it to grow, yet after a while you see a tree where they were planted.

Ways to live this out:

• Shift your focus: Try not to measure your progress by how many people notice. Measure it by faithfulness to God.
• Stay steady: Keep showing up in whatever you do and give it your full potential.  Show up in prayer, self-discipline, as well as small acts of obedience.
• Trust God’s timing: The recognition you long for may not come from man, but God has promised He will reward openly what you’ve done in secret.
  
  

My prayer for us today:
Lord, help me to keep growing even when no one notices.  Give me strength to rely on You for all the validation, not people.  Remind me that You see every effort, and that in due time,  You will bring the harvest and I will reap in abundance.  Amen.  

Scripture Reading:
"And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!" — 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (MSG)

Reflection:
October is Clergy Appreciation Month—a time to recognize, uplift, and thank the shepherds God has placed in our lives. Pastors, ministers, and spiritual leaders labor tirelessly in prayer, teaching, counseling, and leading the flock. They carry unseen burdens and often pour out more than they receive.

The Word reminds us that honoring them is not optional—it is a spiritual act of obedience and encouragement. Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands in battle (Exodus 17:12), our pastors need our prayers, support, and encouragement to continue their calling with strength.

When we appreciate our leaders, we reflect Christ’s love and acknowledge that their labor is not in vain. By blessing them, we become partners in the ministry God has entrusted to them.

Life Application:
Today, take a moment to:

• Pray specifically for your pastor’s strength, wisdom, and family.
• Speak a word of encouragement or send a note of thanks.
• Consider how you can actively support your church leadership beyond this month.
• Small acts of appreciation plant seeds of joy and endurance in the lives of those who lead us.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the shepherds You have placed in our lives. Bless our pastors with renewed strength, peace, and wisdom. May we never take their service for granted, but continually lift them up in love, honor, and prayer. Teach us to support them as they lead us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Scripture: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. — 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (KJV)

Devotional: In preparing for today God reminded me of a time where there was very little control in my life. It made life extremely difficult and unbearable. I actually found myself in uncontrollable environments quite often and at different points throughout my life. I wish I could explain more, but it involves others and it's their story to tell. But what I can say is God reminded me in a dream of just how hard that time was and how difficult it was to live day to day. When you are living a life out of control, you're not living a life at all.

As believers there is a difference between us and those who are not. In the scripture above it's referenced as day and night. We are to be vigilant, controlled, and disciplined. As believers there are certain fruits that others should see. Fruits of the Spirit that should radiate not only to other believers, but to those who do not yet believe. We should be set apart. In fact the scripture says we are. 

My question today is, are you living a life set apart? Is your day to day filled with chaos and lack of control? Perhaps you are living a life that is described above. One where you are reading your word, studying, and connecting with the Lord. Are you sharing with others? I was challenged recently, when I was asked the question, “Are you sharing with your sister everything that you're learning here?”. Quickly, my sister answered for me. “No!”. Ouch, that really hurt. I am not exactly sharing in a way I wish I could. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was being received, so I made only small attempts.

Sometimes you go through life thinking I'm just trying to make it for myself, but then you realize there are those around you who also need what you have. For me I was thinking I'm the youngest in the family and I'm also the one who although I have the highest education, I'm seen as the “free spirit” type of person and definitely a non-intellectual type of person. I don't see it as a bad thing per say, I have some amazing intellectual type of people around me who inspire me and keep me going. I do the same for them. I remind them of times when they need to let go, relax, just hit cruise control or just free fall. 

So I challenge you, get ready, be ready, stay woke, and share the word once you have it to share. Don’t be sleep, making decisions day to day that are meaningless for the Kingdom. Be intentional about your life, and have self control. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, wake us up Lord. Give us the strength to run this race and give us the wisdom to know when and how to share it. Speak to our hearts Lord, and guide us to the narrow path we are to follow. Open our eyes Lord to all you would have us to do for Your Kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Scripture: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. — Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Devotional: Lately in my prayers I've been asking for the Holy Spirit to help me. I've been asking for Him to help me to read my bible, and reveal my gifting in a way that I understand. I listened to prophecies for the last several months as well as had my own awakening to just how evil the world is and is further turning. I've always had some type of inclination that there was something else out there that I could not see and after going through Demonology with Nexus, I finally had a platform of understanding that matched this internal feeling.

Through a combination of several God ordained things I have been woken up. It has been a very interesting point in my life as I have been trying to navigate what this means for me personally and what it means for those around me. I started making choices for my own life and choices for my children. I started to search for understanding from the Bible on what is required of me, but not in a punitive way, more so in a way where I am longing to be in an alignment with God type of way. I don't want to be out of line.

I'm not sure there's a time in my life where I have felt wholeheartedly this way, but I know I can identify times where I just wanted to do right, but this is different. I want to be in alignment. I want to live my life in alignment with God's word and His will for my life. That means I need to read it.

So here's my confession, I'm not a good reader, and I pretty much hate it. Crazy huh. I have a Master's degree, and I am an intelligent woman with a thriving business, But if you hand me a book I crumble. I fall asleep, or I get immediately intimidated. Now I know how to read, but in my opinion I'm not the best at it. I'm not sure when this narrative started but I know it was when I was a very young child. However when I read the Bible, I find myself interested and invested and wanting to know more. I find myself looking up history. I find myself trying to find things that match what I just read. That doesn't sound like someone that hates to read that sounds like someone who's told themselves for years that they hate it.

That's why I've been calling on the Holy Spirit and being intentional about reading the Bible. Firstly I realize I need Him, and secondly I realize my relationship with reading is not going to be a hindrance for me reading. I'm changing my narrative.

I'm intentionally reading several books and putting myself in spaces we're reading is mandatory. This narrative that I'm not good at it or that I hate it will be demolished. I want to live my life intentionally for God and to do that I need to know Him in a way that I haven't allowed myself to know Him. I know God exists, my life tells me He exists, but being intentional and reading my Bible and living out what I read is the next level I have been working on.

My challenge to you is to get intentional. Maybe for you it's not about reading, maybe for you it's a prayer life. Answering the call to get up and pray for others at 4:00 a.m. is something else that I have been intentionally trying to accomplish. Whatever it is for you my prayer is that you get in alignment. Ask yourself, what is it that I need to do in order to get closer to God and to know Him?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father we thank you for the continued Grace that you give us and the time that we are allowed to get intentional. Father, we ask that your Spirit falls on us daily and helps to guide us to perfect alignment with you. Help us Dear Lord to change narratives in our lives that keep us away from you and help us to recognize actionable things that we can do to close gaps in our lives from the alignment you would have us live. Dear Lord we ask for abundance of wisdom to live intentional lives and draw closer to you in order to advance Your Kingdom and Save Souls.

Scripture: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33 (NIV)

Devotional: Oftentimes my mind works like a non-stop machine that doesn’t seem to turn off, produces masterpieces, and at the same time can break down like the broken ice cream machine at your favorite fast food spot. I get overwhelmed quickly, and at times, if the right recipe is brewing, I get overwhelmed and shut down. The average person would never know. I am great at hiding it, and stuffing it. I believe pushing through has become a norm. However, God doesn’t want us to live a life where we hide our truths, or struggle through life day to day.

Now, with my overworking mind, I have built an amazing company, helped hundreds of people over the years, and raised beautiful children. I have made a pretty good life for myself (With God’s provision and help. He must get the glory here, as at no point will I ever say He was not with me, or made it a way for me to have what I have). Life is not troublesome for me right now. I say right now as trust I do have a past full of pain and heartache. Trauma knows my name.

Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed has known me most of my adult life. I have tried to break up with them many times, and at one point, I just told God, I guess this is how you made me, so I just stopped praying about it. But how many of you know that there is freedom in God?

With all the emotions I can ever feel, He can provide peace in just one single second, when I speak to Him. When I cry out to Him, when I pray, or look up and just breathe, God sees me, He hears me, and He gives me peace that is unexplained.

Before Jesus died he was overwhelmed. Jesus was so overwhelmed it was to the point of death. What did Jesus do with His agony? He sought out a peaceful place, spoke what He was feeling, gathered His friends for support, and went to His father in prayer. Jesus was intentional.

Today, I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I want you to know that you have a built in lifeline in God. You can call on Him at any time and He will provide you with peace. He will guide you, He will provide rest, and He will turn off that overthinking mind. Being overwhelmed doesn't have to be your daily routine. Get intentional about solving the burdens that captivate your mind and go to God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you know our minds and you know our burdens. We lay both at your feet. We ask that you remind us that perfectionism is not possible, and that doing our best is just enough. We pray that you guide our steps and provide us with a road map to where we need to be. God, we ask that you provide us with peace, even when it doesn't make sense for us to have it. Lord, we thank you that we can come to you for all concerns and we love you for loving us. Cover our minds and lighten our hearts God. In Jesus name we do pray, Amen!.

Scripture: Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10 (NIV)

Devotional: There is a song I used to sing. In some of the most dark points in my life this quiet hymn would come out of nowhere. “Lord….Keep Me, Keep Me, Jesus, Keep Me.” I never knew where it came from. Did I make it up or was it from some song back in the day that never left my soul?

If I wasn’t singing this song to God, I was repeating over and over again, “Your Grace Is Sufficient”. I was saying that line until I started to have just an ounce of belief that it was true. Over the years I have had to sing, or repeat scripture to myself to get the courage to keep going. To muster up enough strength to try, and then try again, then turn around and try again. I have not always seen the “light at the end of the tunnel”, but I have always known that all I had to do was call on Jesus. Ask God for help, or plead with the Holy Spirit to show up and show out.

Each battle and downfall required more and more faith, more and more prayer, more and more wisdom, and dear Lord, more and more patience.

Today I stand before you as a different person. A more healed person. My past is my past, and one day, I can share it with you. Today, however, I am connected to God in a different way. He trusts me with more, and if you know anything about that, then you know it requires more too. I am learning what that looks like, and what that means day to day. I don’t always get it right. Sometimes I hear Him, and other times, I feel like Hide and Seek is His favorite game to play with me.

I feel like God leaves me breadcrumbs. I follow His clues and go in the direction He leads me too and then Boom!, He disappears on me. I am left standing there playing Marco Polo by myself and no names are being called. Then He has jokes too, He will send people my way to say, “Well you know what God wants.” I am literally standing there like “Um, no I don’t”, we were good until the breadcrumbs ran out. That’s when God shouts out “Cold” or “Hot” letting me know if I am going in the right direction. Of course He never left, and I have also learned that once you reach a new level, your breadcrumbs have to go up a level too. He is not always going to spoon feed me, I will need to learn to feed myself, and learn to seek Him and His direction.

So I leave you with this today. I know life can be messy and mucky. I know life can feel crazy and overwhelming. Please know, not only is it all a part of the plan, but He is there with you. He is guiding you, and His Grace is Sufficient. I mentioned God is trusting me with more, but the amazing thing about this journey is, I am learning to trust Him with more too.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we may not always understand your ways, and in fact your word says we won’t, but God help us to lean on you and to trust you with all aspects of our lives. May we find your path that you leave for us clear as day. May we feel your presence with us daily, and may you continue to increase our territory for your Kingdom's sake and for the glory of your name. God grant us all we need day to day, and may your Grace forever be sufficient for us, in our weakness and your strength. Amen!

Scripture: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Fathers in heaven.” Matthew 5: 16 (NKJV)

Reflection: Jesus calls us the “light of the world” just as he is the light. The light is meant to be seen, it pushes back darkness and provides direction. As believers our lives are not meant to be hidden. The way we live, speak, and serve should reflect the love of Christ so that others are drawn to him.

Jesus doesn’t say shine so people will praise you, he says shine so that people will “glorify your Father in Heaven.” If we are truly believers, we will draw attention away from ourselves and always redirect it back to God. We are supposed to resist to hiding the light because fear, pride and the pressures of the world can tempt us to keep quiet like everyone else. But Jesus calls us courageously to shine even if it’s uncomfortable so that others can seek him. 

Life Application: Ask yourself, “Where can I shine today?” It can be at work, at home or even in your community. Every good work becomes a beam of light that points back to God. 
Ask yourself, are you living in a way that reflects Christ to others? Do people see his love through your actions? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. Help me to live in such a way that others see Your love through my actions. Keep me humble so that my life points people to You, not to myself. Use me today to reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture:  “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” — Psalm 16:8 (KJV)

Reflection: David’s words in Psalm 16:8 reveal a deep confidence and security that flows from living with God’s presence at the center of life. To “set the Lord always before me” is not simply acknowledging God exists, but intentionally keeping Him as the focus in every decision, thought, and action. David declares that because the Lord is at his right hand, he will not be moved. The “right hand” in biblical imagery represents strength, guidance, and protection. In other words, David is saying: When God is near, I cannot be shaken by life’s storms. We live in a world where uncertainties and challenges can easily overwhelm us fear of the future, financial pressures, broken relationships, or health struggles. But when our eyes are fixed on God, His presence steadies us. Just as a tree with deep roots stands firm against the wind, we too can remain unshaken when our roots are grounded in Him.

Life Application: Ask yourself today, What am I keeping before me? Is it fear, worry, or my own strength? Or am I setting the Lord always before me, inviting Him into every situation? Practically, this means:

• Starting your day with prayer and Scripture, aligning your heart with His.
• Turning to God in moments of stress instead of leaning solely on your own understanding.
• Speaking truth from His Word over fear and doubt.

When God is at the center, He gives us peace, confidence, and stability, even when life is uncertain.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your presence. Help me to set You always before me, to remember that You are at my right hand, guiding, strengthening, and protecting me. When fear or doubt try to shake me, remind me that in You I cannot be moved. Teach me to walk daily with my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: “For the Lord is our judge, the lord is our lawgiver, the lord is our king, he will save us.” - Isaiah 33:22 (NKJV)

Reflection: Isaiah 33:22 is a rare verse that brings together three powerful truths about who God is to His people. He is our judge one who sees all, knows all, and will make all things right. He is our lawgiver the one who sets the rules for how we are to live, guiding us in truth. He is our king the one is known to reign. with authority, provides for His people, and fights for their deliverance. When life feels unstable, this verse offers us a steady foundation. We don’t have to wonder if justice will be serve our judge is forever righteous. We don’t have to guess how to live our lawgiver has spoken through His Word. We don’t have to fear the outcome our King has the final say and promises to save us.

Life Application: When you see injustice: Trust that God, as Judge, will ultimately set things right in His perfect timing. When you are tempted to follow your own way: Let God’s Word, your Lawgiver’s voice, be your guide even when it’s not popular.When you are overwhelmed by fear: Remember that your King is not passive—He is active in saving, protecting, and leading you. Make a conscious choice today to submit every area of your life to God’s authority. Don’t just acknowledge Him as King, live like you believe he is King.

Prayer:  Lord I thank you for being my judge, lawgiver, and king. I submit my life to your authority and I trust your wisdom to guide me. When I tempted to go my own way, draw me back to your word. When I feel fearful, remind me that i will be saved. Help me to live in confidence knowing that YOU are in control. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Scripture: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction - Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)

Life Application: Wisdom is knowing how to live rightly, how to choose what honors God, and how to walk in truth. And according to Proverbs 1:7, the starting point for that kind of wisdom isn’t books, degrees, or experience—it’s the fear of the Lord. What does it mean to fear the Lord? It means to revere Him, to respect His holiness, and to acknowledge that He is God and we are not. When we fear God, we begin to see the world—and ourselves—through His eyes. But the verse also warns us: “Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” A fool is not someone who’s unintelligent—it’s someone who rejects God’s truth and lives by their own rules. When we push away God’s correction or think we know better, we fall into this kind of foolishness.

The choice is simple, but life-altering: Will you fear God and grow in wisdom, or will you trust yourself and risk living foolishly?

Prayer: Lord help us become wise in your word. Help us to fear You, and to honor You above my own understanding. Soften our hearts to receive Your instruction, and give us the courage to follow Your ways, even when they’re difficult. Let everything I do begin with You. In Jesus name, amen.

Scripture: But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city! Joshua 6:15–16 (NKJV)

Life Application: Victory often comes after obedience and endurance. The Israelites circled Jericho for seven days—and on the seventh day, they saw the wall fall. Victory was a result of following God’s unusual instruction completely. Victory requires consistency and surrender. Even when the walls don’t fall immediately, your obedience shakes the foundations.

Character Focus: Joshua led Israel faithfully into the Promised Land. Victory didn’t come by might but by trust, obedience, and worship.

Reflection:  Where are you circling, waiting for the walls to fall? Are you obeying God fully even before the breakthrough?

Prayer: Lord of Hosts, I trust You for victory. I will obey even when it seems pointless. Strengthen my faith to march forward until the walls fall. Amen.

Scripture: He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Life Application: God is not done. His promises are in motion. Fulfillment may feel delayed, but it is never denied when rooted in His Word. Be faithful in the waiting. God is moving, even in the silence. Rejoice in advance for what He will fulfill.

Character Focus: Years of infertility led Hannah to a breaking point, but her prayer produced a prophet. Samuel became a fulfillment of her faith.

Reflection: What promise have you stopped praying for?

Prayer: God, reignite my hope. I trust You to fulfill what You’ve spoken. I believe You are faithful, even in delay. Amen.

Scripture: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. — Exodus 20:8–11 (NKJV)

Life Application: Covenant is more than a promise—it's a holy relationship. The Sabbath is a sign of belonging, a sacred pause to connect with God. Set aside sacred time with God each week. Covenant living invites discipline, honor, and intentional connection.

Character Focus: God’s covenant with Abraham established a generational blessing. Though Abraham waited decades for Isaac, he trusted the God who made the promise.

Reflection: How are you maintaining your end of the covenant?

Prayer: Father, I recommit to honoring our covenant. Let my life reflect the depth of our relationship. Amen.

Scripture: "As for God, His way is perfect; the Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him." Psalms 18:30 (NIV)

Life Application: Perfection doesn’t mean problem-free. It means that God’s ways, though mysterious, are without error. His path always leads to purpose.When things fall apart, ask yourself: what if this is God’s perfect detour? Let go of control and lean into His flawless path.

Character Focus: Joseph- Sold, betrayed, imprisoned—yet in the end, Joseph saw that all things worked together for good. God’s perfect plan elevated him to a position of influence and restoration.

Reflection: When things fall apart, ask yourself: what if this is God’s perfect detour? Let go of control and lean into His flawless path.

Prayer: God, Your ways are higher. I release my need to understand and ask for faith to follow. Perfect all that concerns me. Amen.

Scripture: 
Genesis 2:1–2: "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work."

Life Application: 
Creation was not abandoned midway—it was completed. God’s nature is to finish what He starts, and He models rest as the final step in His finished work. Identify what God has started in your life. Trust that He hasn’t forgotten it—even if it seems incomplete now.

Character Focus: 
Noah: Noah faithfully completed the ark despite years of waiting and ridicule. After the flood, God gave the sign of the rainbow, sealing His completed work with a covenant.

Reflection: 
What have you been tempted to quit? Invite God to give you endurance to finish.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being a God of completion. Strengthen my hands to finish what You've called me to build. Amen.

Scripture:
"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
 (NKJV)

Reflection:
Love is the key to all we do in our Christian Life

RELATIONSHIP – MINISTRY – VICTORY

WHAT IS LOVE?  Many people have their own definition or feeling of what they feel and think love is.

Although Love is mentioned in the Bible Thousands of times it still is not the most used word. In my reading and research it has been stated that it is in the Bible 442 times. (Charity 24 times)

4 very Important Kinds of Love in the Bible:

1. Eros-Romantic
2. Storge-Family Love
3. Phillia-Brotherly
4. Agape-God's love for mankind

What good is it to practice without substance. (not presented as real we just go through the motions)

The biggest part of Love is to present with substance. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!!

I Corinthians 13:1-13 Paul wrote after receiving disturbing information about the community of Corinth regarding actions which included jealousy, rivalry and immoral behaviors.

Love defines Christianity. God is love and Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the greatest love of all. We are commanded to love one another like we have been loved and how we were forgiven because of this great sacrifice.  It also defines who and where we are. The source of Christianity is Christ, Love exists because of the Holy Spirit in us. Love isn’t just important IT IS CHRISTIANITY

I pray today that you are not just talking about God’s love but putting it in action because Christ like love is the key to acceptable service.

Scripture:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." -— Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV)

Reflection:
I am delivering a package to you. This package has a sweet aroma and its is full of color. It is good for the body but especially good for the soul.  Receiving this gift will make you smile  and maybe even shed a tear. I present to you FRESH FRUIT!

The staple of our character as outlined in the book of Galatians makes it clear that carrying these qualities signifies us as being children of the KING!!

Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.

Imagine receiving a fruit basket . The fruit basket is decorated nicely with a bow. Its contents are full of color. When opened there is a sweet aroma. Apples oranges grapes pears and maybe strawberries too. Its appealing to the eyes and savory to the tongue.

What if that basket came and the fruit were all rotten and the basket was crushed or opened. How would you feel? The aroma wouldn’t be pleasant and you would not be happy.  

So, the question I have for you today is HOW FRESH ARE YOUR FRUIT? WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR FRUIT? ARE THEY FRESH OR ROTTEN? WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

When you present your fruit to others what aroma are they getting?  What we present represents the Spirit of God.  

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray that the sweet aroma of your spirit is represented in my life today and everyday. AMEN

So be sure today that your basket is full of FRESH FRUIT!

Poem:
FRESH FRUIT
A Basket of fruit being delivered to you today
Carries a lot of LOVE
Each fruit gives the aroma of LONGSUFFERING, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS and GENTLENESS
Wrapped with JOY and PEACE
Tied with a beautiful Bow of SELF CONTROL
And a note attached saying:
Be careful when opening.
Keep in a place to prevent spoiling or rottening
This is a delivery that will come everyday
So savor the taste and be sure to share with others
FRESH FRUIT APPEALING TO THE BODY AND GOOD FOR THE SOUL
                                                                          LOVE GOD

Reflection:
If we concentrate on perfecting the abilities he gave us and not trying to push ourselves to perfect the abilities he didn’t then some of us would be ok. No I didn’t say you can't try new things. Just perfect the ones you have. It takes a real man or women to admit when things need to change. It’s time to exhale. We take in the things that put pressure on us. The negative things that cause us so much harm. We take in all the hurts and pain of our past. The negative thought that someone doesn't care or appreciate. The pressure of life pushing us over the edge.

Sometimes stand back and look at what God gave you. Weigh the good against the bad. How does it look? Are their things you can exhale from? Are their things you need to release yourself from? After looking, are their things that don’t appear to be what you thought?

When I was given this topic my first thought was the movie “Waiting to Exhale” -- 4 women waiting with painful anticipation to enter into a real relationship of commitment and nurture where they could let their guard down and be valued. Ultimately building their esteem and self love to allow them to EXHALE!

To give you a definition from Merriam Webster:
Exhale – is to breathe out in a deliberate manner; blow out, breathe out
My definition would be: To release or be released from
Now I want everyone to do something. Take a deep breath with me. Breathe in breath out. Again…
Breathe in Exhale. How do you feel? Even though you were asked  to do this some of you will hesitate to do so. Or you just couldn’t. Like the air in your belly after you eat something you shouldn’t. It causes gases to fill your belly and it hurts. Until the gases are released there is no relief. Some of you can relate.

When you exhale you let out all of the air that’s contained in the lungs. With that exhale you also get rid of some germs. You get rid of the nasty nuisances that attack your immune system. And be careful not to inhale the germs of someone else.

We have all inhaled hurt, despair, anger, destruction, pain sickness and so on. Trying to breath normally only to inhale all our problems. We are walking helium balloons. The air seeps out but never enough. We hold onto things that wont allow us to grow or prosper.

Well today the wait is over. Its time to get a Breath of fresh Air! The word of God gives us a different word. Breath is defined as the Spirit.  Which is mentioned more than 800 times in the Scripture. It is very important to understand its meaning.  Two words – one in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament. Hebrew word- Ruwach in the old testament means a violent exhalation, a blast of breath, a strong wind. Ref. Genesis 1:2  Greek word- Pneuma in the New testament conveys as a breath or wind, a current of air, a strong breeze. Comes along side to encourage and empower us with Gods presence. Gives life. Ref. John 6:63.  So every time you hear the word Spirit it means breath.

God is ready to breath fresh life into you today. Job 33:4 within Elihu’s prayer to Job reassured him that – the spirit of god has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Are you ready to release or be released from? Are you ready to stop waiting and just exhale? Are you ready? God formed us all and has breathed in us life. Genesis 2:7 – and the lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.  Are you ready for a renewed life. Psalms 51:10-Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me

Poem:
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Inhaling the trials of life
Inhaling year after year
Trying to keep and hold back the tears
Trying to breath normally each and every day
Struggling and toiling all along the way
Floating by life feeling blocked and distressed
Getting little peace and not much rest
I’m Feeling like a balloon filled with lots of air
If stuck with a pin I would explode beyond compare
I’m not understanding what I am going through
Can someone please tell me what I have to do
I know I study and read my word most of the days
But I can’t quite get why I can’t make a way
To release the air that is deep down within
I am ready for change so I can win.
I am ready to exhale 
To be full of His Grace 
To open up my heart to run this race 
Breathe into my soul oh God
To relieve me from dispair
I’m ready to receive a Breath of Fresh Air !!!!