Building a House for God

When Good Intentions Need God's Direction

There's something deeply human about wanting to do something grand for God. We look around at our comfortable lives, at the blessings we've received, and feel a stirring in our hearts: "Surely God deserves better than this. Surely I should do something extraordinary."

This impulse isn't wrong—in fact, it often comes from a place of genuine love and gratitude. But what happens when our best intentions don't align with God's actual plans?

A King's Noble Desire

The story found in 2 Samuel 7 presents us with exactly this scenario. King David had finally settled into his palace—a magnificent structure made of cedar, complete with all the comforts befitting royalty.

But as he relaxed in his luxurious home, something troubled him. The Ark of God, the very symbol of God's presence among His people, was housed in a tent. The contrast was stark and uncomfortable.

Here was David, living in splendor, while God's dwelling place remained temporary and modest. It didn't seem right. It didn't seem fair.

And so David conceived a plan: he would build God a magnificent temple, a house worthy of the Almighty.

When David shared this vision with the prophet Nathan, the response was immediate and enthusiastic: "Go ahead! Do whatever is in your heart, for the Lord is with you."

It seemed like the perfect plan—noble intentions blessed by prophetic approval. But that very night, God interrupted the momentum with a surprising message.

When God Says "Not Yet"

God's response to David wasn't angry, but it was clear: "Are you the one to build me a house?"

The Lord reminded David that since He brought Israel out of Egypt, He had never asked for a temple. He had been perfectly content dwelling in a tent, moving with His people, present in their journey.

This revelation must have been startling. Here was David, ready to honor God with the most magnificent building project imaginable, and God was essentially saying, "I didn't ask for this."

The lesson here cuts deep: not every good idea is a God idea. Our enthusiasm, no matter how sincere, doesn't automatically equal divine endorsement.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is pause and ask, "Lord, is this what You actually want?"

The Danger of Impulse

The story reminds us of another king who acted on impulse—King Saul. When the prophet Samuel was delayed, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered a sacrifice he had no authority to perform.

His reasoning seemed sound: the people were scattering, the situation was urgent, something had to be done. But his unauthorized action cost him the kingdom.

In our fast-paced world, we're conditioned to act quickly. We see a need, we jump in. We feel inspired, we make commitments. We want to serve God, so we create programs, launch initiatives, and build our own versions of temples.

But speed isn't always spiritual.

Sometimes the most faithful response is to wait, to listen, to discern whether the voice we're hearing is truly God's or simply the echo of our own good intentions.

What God Actually Promised

While God said "no" to David's temple-building plans, He didn't leave him disappointed. Instead, God made an extraordinary promise: "I will build a house for you."

The word "house" here carries profound meaning. It wasn't about physical construction—it was about dynasty, about legacy, about generations.

God promised that David's descendants would rule forever, that his lineage would be established for all time. This promise extended far beyond David's lifetime.

His son Solomon would indeed build the temple David had envisioned. But more significantly, this promise pointed to Jesus—the ultimate "Son of David" who would establish an eternal kingdom.

When Jesus walked the earth, the blind cried out to Him: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" The promise made to David that night found its complete fulfillment in Christ.

David wanted to build God a temporary house of cedar; God responded by building an eternal dynasty through David's lineage.

Planting Seeds for Future Generations

There's something bittersweet about planting seeds you'll never see grow.

David gathered resources worth billions in today's currency for a temple he would never build. He prepared, he planned, he invested—all for a project his son would complete.

How many of us are willing to work that hard for something we won't personally enjoy?

Yet this is the nature of faithful obedience. Parents raise children, not knowing who they'll become. Teachers invest in students whose future impact remains hidden. Believers share the gospel with those whose spiritual journey may take decades to unfold.

The question isn't whether we'll see the results. The question is whether we're faithful to what God has called us to do right now, in this moment, with the people and resources He's placed in our hands.

Listening for the Right Voice

In a world filled with noise, discerning God's voice requires intentionality.

Our phones buzz with notifications. Social media algorithms feed us endless content. Well-meaning friends offer advice. Our own thoughts and desires clamor for attention.

Yet God often speaks in the "still, small voice"—not in the earthquake or the fire, but in the quiet moments when we're willing to listen truly.

This requires disconnection from other voices. It means creating space for silence. It demands that we submit our plans, our dreams, and our good intentions to God's scrutiny and wait for His direction.

The prophet Nathan learned this lesson. His initial response to David was based on human wisdom and enthusiasm. But when he heard from God, the message was entirely different.

True prophetic ministry—true spiritual leadership—isn't about affirming what people want to hear. It's about faithfully communicating what God is saying.

The Blessing of Obedience

David's response to God's "no" is as instructive as the message itself.

He didn't argue. He didn't build the temple anyway out of stubborn determination. He listened, he obeyed, and he adjusted his plans to align with God's timing and purposes.

This obedience didn't leave David disappointed—it positioned him to receive blessings far greater than he'd imagined.

God promised him rest from his enemies, an established dynasty, and a legacy that would culminate in the Messiah.

Obedience brings blessing. Disobedience brings suffering.

It's a simple truth, yet one we constantly test through our insistence on doing things our way.

A House Built by God

Ultimately, this story isn't just about temples and dynasties. It's about who builds what in the kingdom of God.

We want to build for God; He wants to build through us and in us.

The most important construction project isn't the buildings we erect or the programs we create. It's the spiritual house God is building in our lives—making us living temples where His Spirit dwells.

When we surrender our good intentions to God's perfect will, when we listen before we leap, when we obey even when it means letting go of our dreams, we discover something remarkable: God's plans are always better than ours.

David wanted to build a house for God, but God built David a dynasty that would produce the Savior of the world.

This is the outcome when we trust God's direction over our own good intentions.

Construindo Uma Casa Para Deus

Quando Boas Intenções Precisam da Direção de Deus

Existe algo profundamente humano no desejo de fazer algo grandioso para Deus. Olhamos para as nossas vidas confortáveis, para as bênçãos que recebemos e sentimos algo mexer em nossos corações: "Certamente Deus merece mais do que isso. Certamente eu deveria fazer algo extraordinário."

Esse impulso não está errado — na verdade, ele frequentemente nasce de um lugar de amor genuíno e gratidão. Mas o que acontece quando as nossas melhores intenções não se alinham aos planos reais de Deus?

O Nobre Desejo de um Rei

A história encontrada em 2 Samuel 7 nos apresenta exatamente esse cenário. O Rei Davi finalmente havia se estabelecido em seu palácio — uma estrutura magnífica feita de cedro, com todos os confortos dignos da realeza.

Mas, enquanto relaxava em sua casa luxuosa, algo o incomodava. A Arca de Deus, o próprio símbolo da presença de Deus entre o Seu povo, estava abrigada em uma tenda.

O contraste era nítido e desconfortável. Ali estava Davi, vivendo no esplendor, enquanto a habitação de Deus permanecia temporária e modesta. Não parecia certo. Não parecia justo.

E então Davi idealizou um plano: ele construiria um templo magnífico para Deus, uma casa digna do Todo-Poderoso.

Quando Davi compartilhou essa visão com o profeta Natã, a resposta foi imediata e entusiasmada: "Vá e faça tudo o que está em seu coração, pois o Senhor está com você."

Parecia o plano perfeito — intenções nobres abençoadas por aprovação profética.

Mas, naquela mesma noite, Deus interrompeu o entusiasmo com uma mensagem surpreendente.

Quando Deus Diz "Ainda Não"

A resposta de Deus para Davi não foi de ira, mas foi clara: "Será você quem construirá uma casa para eu morar?"

O Senhor lembrou a Davi que, desde o momento em que tirou Israel do Egito, Ele nunca havia pedido um templo. Ele esteve perfeitamente contente habitando em uma tenda, movendo-se com o Seu povo, presente na jornada deles.

Essa revelação deve ter sido surpreendente. Ali estava Davi, pronto para honrar a Deus com o projeto de construção mais magnífico imaginável, e Deus estava essencialmente dizendo: "Eu não pedi por isso."

A lição aqui é profunda: nem toda boa ideia é uma ideia de Deus. O nosso entusiasmo, por mais sincero que seja, não significa automaticamente o endosso divino.

Às vezes, a atitude mais espiritual que podemos tomar é pausar e perguntar: "Senhor, é isso o que o Senhor realmente quer?"

O Perigo do Impulso

A história nos lembra de outro rei que agiu por impulso — o Rei Saul. Quando o profeta Samuel se atrasou, Saul resolveu o problema por conta própria e ofereceu um sacrifício que não tinha autoridade para fazer.

O seu raciocínio parecia sensato: o povo estava se dispersando, a situação era urgente, algo precisava ser feito.

Mas a sua ação não autorizada lhe custou o reino.

Em nosso mundo acelerado, somos condicionados a agir rapidamente. Vemos uma necessidade e nos lançamos nela. Nos sentimos inspirados e assumimos compromissos.

Queremos servir a Deus, então criamos programas, lançamos iniciativas e construímos nossas próprias versões de templos.

Mas a velocidade nem sempre é espiritual.

Às vezes, a resposta mais fiel é esperar, ouvir e discernir se a voz que estamos ouvindo é realmente a de Deus ou simplesmente o eco das nossas próprias boas intenções.

O Que Deus Realmente Prometeu

Embora Deus tenha dito "não" aos planos de Davi de construir o templo, Ele não o deixou desapontado. Em vez disso, Deus fez uma promessa extraordinária: "Eu construirei uma casa para você."

A palavra "casa" aqui carrega um significado profundo. Não se tratava de uma construção física — tratava de dinastia, de legado, de gerações.

Deus prometeu que os descendentes de Davi reinariam para sempre, que a sua linhagem seria estabelecida para todo o sempre.

Essa promessa estendeu-se muito além do tempo de vida de Davi. Seu filho Salomão, de fato, construiria o templo que Davi havia vislumbrado.

Mas, de forma mais significativa, essa promessa apontava para Jesus — o definitivo "Filho de Davi" que estabeleceria um reino eterno.

Quando Jesus caminhou pela terra, os cegos clamavam a Ele: "Filho de Davi, tem misericórdia de mim!" A promessa feita a Davi naquela noite encontrou o seu cumprimento perfeito em Cristo.

Davi queria construir para Deus uma casa temporária de cedro; Deus respondeu construindo uma dinastia eterna através da linhagem de Davi.

Plantando Sementes para as Próximas Gerações
Existe algo agridoce em plantar sementes que você nunca verá crescer.

Davi reuniu recursos que valeriam bilhões na moeda de hoje, para um templo que ele mesmo nunca construiria. Ele preparou, planejou e investiu — tudo para um projeto que seu filho completaria.

Quantos de nós estamos dispostos a trabalhar arduamente por algo que não iremos desfrutar pessoalmente?

No entanto, essa é a natureza da obediência fiel. Pais criam filhos sem saber quem eles se tornarão. Professores investem em alunos cujo impacto futuro permanece oculto. Cristãos compartilham o evangelho com pessoas cuja jornada espiritual pode levar décadas para se desenvolver.

A questão não é se veremos os resultados. A questão é se somos fiéis àquilo que Deus nos chamou para fazer agora, neste momento, com as pessoas e recursos que Ele colocou em nossas mãos.

Ouvindo a Voz Certa

Em um mundo cheio de barulho, discernir a voz de Deus exige intencionalidade.

Nossos telefones vibram com notificações. Os algoritmos das redes sociais nos alimentam com conteúdo infinito. Amigos bem-intencionados oferecem conselhos. Nossos próprios pensamentos e desejos clamam por atenção.

Contudo, Deus frequentemente fala em uma "voz mansa e delicada" — não no terremoto ou no fogo, mas nos momentos de quietude quando estamos dispostos a realmente ouvir.

Isso requer desconectar-se de outras vozes. Significa criar espaço para o silêncio. Exige que submetamos nossos planos, nossos sonhos e nossas boas intenções ao exame de Deus e esperemos pela Sua direção.

O profeta Natã aprendeu essa lição. Sua resposta inicial a Davi foi baseada na sabedoria humana e no entusiasmo. Mas, quando ele realmente ouviu a Deus, a mensagem foi totalmente diferente.

O verdadeiro ministério profético — a verdadeira liderança espiritual — não consiste em afirmar o que as pessoas querem ouvir. Trata-se de comunicar fielmente o que Deus está realmente dizendo.

A Bênção da Obediência

A resposta de Davi ao "não" de Deus é tão instrutiva quanto a própria mensagem.

Ele não argumentou. Ele não construiu o templo de qualquer maneira por teimosia. Ele ouviu, obedeceu e ajustou os seus planos para se alinhar ao tempo e aos propósitos de Deus.

Essa obediência não deixou Davi desapontado — ela o posicionou para receber bênçãos muito maiores do que ele jamais havia imaginado.

Deus lhe prometeu descanso dos seus inimigos, uma dinastia estabelecida e um legado que culminaria no Messias.

A obediência traz bênção. A desobediência traz sofrimento.

É uma verdade simples, mas que testamos constantemente através da nossa insistência em fazer as coisas do nosso jeito.

Uma Casa Construída por Deus

No fim das contas, esta história não é apenas sobre templos e dinastias. É sobre quem constrói o quê no reino de Deus.

Nós queremos construir para Deus; Ele quer construir através de nós e em nós.

O projeto de construção mais importante não são os edifícios que erguemos ou os programas que criamos. É a casa espiritual que Deus está construindo em nossas vidas — fazendo de nós templos vivos onde o Seu Espírito habita.

Quando entregamos as nossas boas intenções à vontade perfeita de Deus, quando ouvimos antes de agir, quando obedecemos mesmo quando isso significa abrir mão dos nossos sonhos, descobrimos algo extraordinário: os planos de Deus são sempre melhores que os nossos.

Davi queria construir uma casa para Deus, mas Deus construiu para Davi uma dinastia que geraria o Salvador do mundo.

Esse é o resultado quando confiamos na direção de Deus em vez de confiar nas nossas próprias boas intenções.

Day 22: Church Planting: A Multiplication Mindset

Scripture: “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.” — Acts 16:9-10

For many years, our focus at Faith Family Community Church was on revitalization—cleaning up our property, restoring our building, and healing our hearts. But as God began to breathe new life into our congregation, He also began to stretch our vision. We realized that a healthy church doesn't just grow larger; it grows to a point where it can reproduce.
In the book of Acts, Paul was focused on his own region until God gave him a vision that changed everything. Paul didn't hesitate; he moved from a mindset of addition to a mindset of multiplication.

At FFCC, we have embraced this same multiplication mindset by looking beyond our own walls. We have seen this mission take root in Pine Hills, and we are now seeing it expand into Clermont, where we are launching Ebenezer Church. This new work is specifically designed to reach the Brazilian community in that area, answering a modern-day "Macedonian Call" for a people who need the Gospel in their own language and context.
However, multiplication requires more than just a vision; it requires people. In the Gospels, Jesus looked out at the crowds and was moved with compassion because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He turned to His disciples and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

The "harvest" in Clermont and Pine Hills is ready, but the work of church planting depends on the willingness of men and women to step out of their comfort zones. We are not just looking for "pew-sitters"; we are looking for laborers—people willing to pray, to give, and to go. Whether it is supporting a new plant or serving in our own children's ministry, every laborer plays a vital role in the multiplication of the Kingdom.

Church planting is not about losing resources; it is about extending our reach. When we answer the call to help our neighbors, we aren't just building a new church—we are participating in the global mission of God. As we move into 2026, let us remain obedient to the call to go where the harvest is waiting.

Reflection:
Are you praying for the harvest? Ask the Lord today if He is calling you to be one of the laborers sent out to help "reap" what He has already prepared in Clermont and beyond.

Support Our Church Planting Efforts

Day 21: Children: Leading for the Long Term

Scripture: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6

When my family arrived at Faith Family Community Church in August 2017, the pews were quiet. On any given Sunday, there were only a handful of children in attendance. Contrast that with a recent Sunday morning: as I stood in the foyer between services, the building was humming with the energy of boys and girls everywhere. It was a beautiful, tangible reminder of how radically God has shifted the dynamics of our church!

This growth wasn't accidental. Several years ago, during a men’s retreat, God gave our leadership a very specific calling: to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders through intentional discipleship. We realized that children’s ministry is not an optional sideline—it is core to our mission. Early and consistent formation is what shapes a child’s faith, identity, and future leadership potential.

This vision has driven our strategic efforts across our campuses:

• Faith Family Community Church (Winter Garden): In the fall of 2024, we launched Winter Garden Christian Academy. While we are currently serving students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, we have exciting plans to continue expanding the school to serve even more age groups in the future.
• Perseverance Church (Pine Hills): We are currently making a significant impact by serving over 40 children every week. Our long-term hope and prayer is to see both a daycare and a Christian school launched at this location to provide safety, stability, and a pathway for long-term discipleship for families in the community.

In every context, children are navigating a complex world of cultural and social pressures. Our role is to remain a steady, godly influence. Faithfulness in children’s ministry is often "unseen" work, but it is the work that shapes the future of the Kingdom.

Partner With Us

A growing ministry requires a growing team of leaders! If you have a heart for the next generation, we invite you to be part of what God is doing. Whether it's rocking babies, teaching a lesson, or welcoming families, your presence makes a difference. Here are three ways you can be a part of what God is doing at FFCC:

1. Pray in Community: Simply being an active participant in the ministries that are happening, doing what you can to encourage the leaders around you, is a tangible way to make a difference. This ministry of presence coupled with faithful prayer over our pastors, leaders, congregation and outreach is a huge part of what God is calling His church to do. 
2. Giving of Yourself: Many people are so distracted by their own faults and failures that they miss the fact that others need their God-given influence. Some people are self-centered for other reasons: pride, fear, or indifference. God is calling every Christian to live out the self-sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated (Philippians 2). God gives gifts to all people - time, talents, and resources - how are you using these gifts for His glory? Consider making a faith commitment to tithe to the local church today by setting up a recurring offering online: online giving.
3. Leveraging your Time and Talents for the Kingdom: We believe that the role of the church (and specifically pastors) is to "equip the saints for the work of the ministry." Each of our pastors and ministry leaders are actively looking for willing people who can step into the gap and fill a role in building the kingdom of God.
   • Children's Ministry: Connect with Megan Franco today and see how you can be a part of our kids ministry! A background check is required for all kid's ministry volunteers.
   • Worship Ministry: Pastor Matthew is always on the lookout for musicians and tech savvy individuals who want to use their talents for the glory of God! If you sing, play an instrument, or are good with computers, media, cameras and/or audio equipment, reach out to him!
   • Homeless Ministry: Pastor Flavio can connect you with our homeless ministry through Pastor Marcelo Forti. Every week we offer food to many of the most hopeless individuals in our community. 
   • Facilities/Creation Care: God has given us excellent facilities here at FFCC. If your passion lies in working with your hands, perhaps handyman work, light maintenance work or landscaping, we have opportunities for you to serve. Contact Pastor Matthew.
   • Outreach in Pine Hills: As with any church plant, Perseverance church in Pine Hills is exploding with opportunity. Everything from teens and children's ministry. to food distribution, to general facility maintenance - God is working through Pastor Remy and Carline. Ask them how you can be a part!
   • Be a Welcoming Influence: Do you love connecting with people? Maybe part of your calling is to connect other people with the overall community? Contact Karen Ragone about becoming a greeter! This is one of the easiest ways to serve on Sunday mornings. 
   • The Possibilities are Endless: We can never fully know what ways God might use you to expand the Kingdom. If you have a passion for a certain type of ministry that we didn't mention here, reach out to us and let's work together to build the kingdom of God.

Reflection:
How can you invest in the next generation today? Your faithfulness in serving today builds a foundation for a child that will last a lifetime.

Father, please help us to raise up the next generation! Help us to love the children as much as you do! Give us hearts to disciple them lovingly in the truth of your Word! Amen!

Day 20:  Community: Leading with Consistent Presence

Scripture: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” — Galatians 6:9

In March 2017, my family visited three churches in four days—two in Florida and one in North Carolina—as I interviewed for pastoral positions. One of those stops was Faith Family Community Church.

I still remember pulling up for the first time. I passed several chained-off entrances before eventually turning around, getting out of my car, and undoing the chains myself just to enter the parking lot. Signs warned that "all others will be towed." The building looked tired, and the house on the property appeared forgotten, perhaps even abandoned.

The meeting with the board wasn't much more encouraging than the empty lot. While cautiously optimistic, the leaders were overwhelmed by the trauma of previous years. As I listened to their hearts, I felt the magnitude of the task ahead if I chose to come to Winter Garden.

Once we committed to the work of revitalization, I began to pray a simple prayer over our surroundings: “Lord, give us a heart for the people around us, and help us transform the community where You have placed us.”

We started small. We removed the chains and the unwelcoming signs. We cleaned the property and launched a student parking ministry for West Orange High School. We began serving meals to the football team and sought community partners, such as the Driven Volleyball Club, to utilize our space. The church became a local voting precinct. We remodeled the house, revamped the website, started livestreaming, and refreshed the foyer and stage. We did everything possible to make the church a place where the community felt welcome and connected.

As we approach nine years of service at FFCC, I acknowledge it has been a challenging road. At times, it felt overwhelming. Yet, it has been worth it. We have seen the church transformed, and in turn, the church is impacting the community every single day.
I believe the church should reflect the demographics of its community, and over time, the community should begin to reflect the values of the church. This only happens through a consistent, faithful presence.

While many factors contribute to growth, the "secret ingredient" is often simply time. We are now reaping the harvest of the last nine years of labor. I believe that if we remain obedient to God’s call to serve, we will see an even greater impact in the years to come.

Reflection:
Are you weary in your "doing good"? Remember that "due season" requires both faithfulness and time. Stay present; the harvest is coming.

Father, help us to stay present in the moment that you have placed us. Help us to look for your purpose and plan. Help us stay faithful even when it is difficult. Help us to see the fruit of our labor! Amen!

Day 19: Tithing = Faith

Scripture Focus:
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe," says the Lord Almighty. — Malachi 3:10-11

In the rhythm of our daily lives, we often find ourselves gripping our resources tightly, fearing there won’t be enough for the "what-ifs" of tomorrow. Yet, God offers a radical alternative through the tithe. To "tithe" literally means a "tenth." It is the practice of setting aside the first 10% of our income as an offering to God. It isn't about giving God what is "left over" after the bills are paid; it is about giving Him our first and our best.

Tithing is a physical expression of a spiritual reality. It is an act of faith that anchors our hearts in three specific attributes of God:

1. Faith in God’s Promise
Malachi 3:10 contains the only instance in the Bible where God invites us to "test" Him. He makes a staggering promise: to throw open the "floodgates of heaven." When we tithe, we are acting on the belief that God is a promise-keeper. We are choosing to believe that 90% of our income managed under His grace is far more powerful than 100% managed by our own strength.

2. Faith in God’s Provision
By tithing our "firstfruits," we acknowledge that God is the Source of everything we have. It shifts our focus from the paycheck to the Provider. This discipline reminds us daily that we do not serve a God of scarcity, but a God of abundance. When we release the first 10%, we are declaring that we trust Him to provide for our needs, just as He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

3. Faith in God’s Protection
The promise in verse 11 is profound: "I will prevent pests from devouring your crops." In our modern context, this is God’s assurance of protection over our lives and resources. Tithing invites God’s sovereignty into our financial house. It is an act of faith that trusts Him to rebuke the "devourer" and to sustain the work of our hands so that our "vines" do not drop their fruit prematurely.

Practical Steps to Develop a Practice of Tithing
If you want to move from a place of sporadic giving to a consistent practice of tithing, consider these practical steps:

• Look into Your Heart and at Your Numbers: Look at your recent income and calculate what 10% actually is. Pray over that number, acknowledging that it already belongs to God.
• Prioritize the "First": Instead of tithing at the end of the month, make it the very first "bill" you pay. Many people use online giving platforms provided by their local church to automate their tithe so it happens the moment their paycheck arrives.
• Start Where You Are: If 10% feels impossible today, start with a "percentage goal" (like 3% or 5%) and commit to increasing it by 1% every few months until you reach the full tithe.
• Use a Budgeting Tool: Use resources like the EveryDollar Budgeting App to give every dollar a name. This helps you see where your money is going and ensures your tithe is protected from "accidental" spending.
• Keep a "Blessing Journal": As you begin to "test" God in this, write down the ways He provides—whether through unexpected checks, items lasting longer than they should, or peace of mind. Witnessing His faithfulness will fuel your future generosity.

Reflect: Tithing is not God wanting something from you; it is God wanting something for you. Will you take Him at His Word today?

Father, help me to have faith in your promise. You are my provider and my protector. Help me to put action to this belief by putting my finances in your hands. Help me to trust you! You will take care of me! Thank you for your blessings! Amen.

Day 18: God requires Faith
 
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

In the quiet of the morning, imagine standing before a vast, fog-covered valley. You cannot see the path ahead, yet you are told to walk. This is the threshold of the Christian life. According to Hebrews 11:6, "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

True biblical faith is not a vague feeling; it is a three-fold cord that binds the believer to the Creator.

1. Faith is Believing What God Says
Faith begins with the mind accepting God’s Word as ultimate reality. When God declares His character—that He is holy, sovereign, and love—faith responds with a firm "Amen." It is the conviction that even if our circumstances scream otherwise, God’s testimony remains true. We do not believe because we see; we see things for what they are because we first believed His Word. Faith grounds us in an unshakeable reality. The Word of God!

2. Faith is Obeying What He Commands
Belief that does not move the feet is merely an opinion. Throughout Scripture, faith is inseparable from action. When Noah was warned of a flood, his faith took the form of a hammer and saw. When Abraham was called to a new land, his faith looked like a packed tent. To have faith is to align your life with His instructions, trusting that His commands are not a burden, but a blueprint for life.

3. Faith is Trusting and Resting in His Promises
Finally, faith is the emotional and spiritual posture of "resting." It is the quiet confidence that God is the Rewarder of those who seek Him. When the storms of life arrive, faith does not panic; it recalls the promises of God—such as His presence in the fire and His provision in the desert—and leans its full weight upon them.

Some practical application:

• Read the Word - In order to understand who God is you need to know what He has said about himself. It is more difficult to have faith when you haven’t grounded yourself in the knowledge of the one who calls you to faith!
• Take that next step of obedience - What is God asking you to do today? What does obedience look like for you? If you know that next step, go ahead and take it!
• Rest in what God has said -  Just because you walk in obedience does not mean that you won’t have trials and tribulations. Rather, you should expect to face challenges. But during the storm of life keep trusting in what God has said! This is faith!

Father, help me to have faith! Help me to see you for who you are. Help me to obey what you have asked of me. Help me to trust in your promises for my life. Amen!

Day 17: The Test of Manna

In Exodus 16, we find the Israelites in the "In-Between." They were no longer slaves in Egypt, but they were not yet homeowners in Canaan. In this wilderness of uncertainty, God responded to their hunger with a miracle: manna.

The Blessing and the Test
God did not merely dump a lifetime supply of food at their feet. Instead, He rained down daily bread, but the blessing came with a specific condition. As God told Moses, "In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4). The manna was a gift, but the timing of the manna was a test of the heart.

The Failure of Hoarding
The instruction was simple: gather only what you need for the day. However, fear is a powerful motivator. Some Israelites, unable to trust that God would show up again tomorrow, attempted to hoard the manna. They wanted to control their future supply rather than rely on the Provider. The result? The hoarded bread bred maggots and began to smell (Exodus 16:20).

When we try to secure our own future through "hoarding"—whether that is through anxiety, greed, or refusing to be generous—we find that the things we grasp too tightly eventually spoil.

The Miracle of Rest
The test shifted on the sixth day. They were told to gather twice as much because the seventh day was a Holy Sabbath. On this day, the rules changed: the manna didn't spoil, and none fell from the sky.

Yet, even after seeing God’s faithfulness, some people still went out on the Sabbath to work (Exodus 16:27). This revealed a second layer of distrust. They didn't trust God to provide through their effort on the weekdays, and they didn't trust Him to provide through their rest on the Sabbath. By going out to gather on the day of rest, they were essentially saying that God’s "new and different" way of providing—provision through cessation—wasn't enough.

Practical Application
The test for the Israelites is the same test for us today: Do we trust God’s provision enough to obey His boundaries?

1. Trust Him in the Work: Obedience means taking what we need for today and trusting Him for tomorrow. Don't let anxiety turn your daily bread into a "spoiled" hoard of worry. Do what you can do and leave the rest to what God can do!
2. Trust Him in the Rest: Rest is an act of faith. When we pause on the Sabbath, we declare that it is God who sustains us, not our constant labor. 

Whether you are working hard or intentionally resting, the goal is the same: stay within the word of God. Today, ask yourself: Am I hoarding out of fear, or am I resting in His promise? Both work and rest are holy when they are done in obedience to the Provider.

Tomorrow we will see what God can do when we live a life of faithful obedience! Specifically through our tithes!

Father, help me to trust you in my work and in my rest. I look to you for everything I need! You are my provider! Jesus, you are the bread of life! Send you Spirit to breathe life into me. Help me to have more faith in your daily provision! Amen!

Day 16: From Bitterness to Blessing

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called [d]Marah. 24 And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.
There He made a statute and an [e]ordinance for them, and there He tested them, 26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters. (Exodus 15:22–27)

The Short Memory of the Heart
Only three days prior, the Israelites stood on the shores of the Red Sea, watching the greatest military power on earth dissolve beneath the waves. They sang songs of triumph, yet after just seventy-two hours in the Wilderness of Shur, the melody of praise turned into the noise of complaining. Faced with the thirst of the desert, they forgot the miracle of the sea.

We often mirror this spiritual amnesia. When a bill comes due, a relationship fractures, or a health report returns negative, our first instinct is often to panic rather than remember. We allow the "bitter water" of our current difficulty to drown out the "massive victory" God provided just days or years before.

The Tree that Changes Everything
When the people cried out at Marah, God didn’t tell Moses to dig a new well; He pointed to a tree. When that tree was cast into the bitter waters, they became sweet.

This is a profound foreshadowing of the Gospel. In our own lives, we encounter "Marahs"—circumstances that taste of disappointment and sorrow. The solution is to lean into what Christ has done. Just as the wood transformed the water, the "tree" of Calvary transforms our suffering. When we bring the sacrifice of Jesus into our bitter moments, He doesn't just help us endure them; He turns them into sweet, life-giving miracles of grace.

Jehovah Rapha: The Lord Who Heals
In the midst of this desert trial, God reveals one of His primary names: Jehovah Rapha, "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). He proves that He is not just concerned with our destination, but with our restoration.

The New Testament clarifies how this healing flows to us today. We are reminded in 1 Peter 2:24 that "by His stripes you were healed." Furthermore, James 5:16 instructs us to "confess your trespasses to one another... that you may be healed."

From Healed Wells to Flowing Rivers
The miracle at Marah was about water going into the people to sustain them, but Jesus takes this promise a step further for the believer. He says in John 7:38, "He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

Through the Holy Spirit, we are no longer just stagnant wells waiting for a miracle; we become conduits of it. When we allow Christ to heal our bitterness and we walk in honest confession with one another, the "bitter water" of our past is replaced by a spring that never runs dry. God heals us so that His life can flow through us to a thirsty world. Like the twelve wells at Elim, your life can become a place of refreshment for others who are still wandering in their own wilderness.

Practical Application

1. Remember God’s Deliverance: Identify a "bitter water" in your life right now. Instead of complaining, list three specific ways God has delivered you in the past.
2. Apply the Cross: In prayer, "cast the tree" into your situation. Ask Christ to take your resentment or fear and transform it into spiritual growth.
3. The Healing of Connection: Is there a struggle you are carrying alone? Practice James 5 by finding a trusted friend to whom you can confess your struggle.
4. Be the River: This week, look for someone stuck at their own "Marah." Offer them a word of encouragement or a prayer, letting the "living water" of Christ flow from your heart to theirs.

Prayer: 
Lord, forgive me for forgetting Your faithfulness. When I encounter the bitter waters of life, remind me of the Tree of Life. Heal my heart, fill me with Your Spirit, and let Your living water flow through me to refresh others. Amen.

Day 15: Legacy Moments

Yesterday we read from Joshua chapter three where the children of Israel crossed over the Jordan river. Today I would like to draw your attention to chapter four and another command that God gives them.

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-9

“And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: ‘Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, “Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.”’ Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: ‘Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, “What do these stones mean to you?” Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.’ And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded... Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.”

We often focus so intently on surviving the "river" in front of us that we forget to mark the ground where God showed up. In Joshua 4, the Israelites were in the middle of a transition—moving from the wilderness into the Promise. But God knew that human memory is short. He knew that the awe of the dry riverbed would eventually fade into the mundane struggles of tomorrow. So, He commanded them to stop and gather stones.

The Purpose of the Stones

The question in verse six is one of the most vital questions a parent or mentor can ever answer: “What do these stones mean to you?” Legacy is not just about what we leave behind; it is about the stories we tell. If we don’t identify our "stones"—the specific moments where God provided, healed, or redirected us—our children will only see our struggles, not the God who carried us through them.

Legacy Born of Difficulty

It is important to notice where these stones came from: "out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm." These were not pretty stones gathered from a peaceful meadow; they were heavy, water-worn rocks pulled from the depths of a place that should have been impassable.

Your most powerful legacy moments often come out of your seasons of greatest challenge. The "stones" you carry today might be a financial breakthrough after months of lack, a restored marriage after a season of silence or pain, or a sense of peace during a health crisis. When you follow God’s lead with faithful obedience in the middle of the river, you are literally mining the materials for your next memorial.

Practical Application: Creating Your Memorials

How do we apply this to our lives in 2026?

1. Identify Your Stones: Take a moment today to look back at the last year. What did God do that deserves a "stone"? Find things to be thankful for and specifically celebrate the moments where the "waters were cut off" for you.
2. Tell the Stories: Don’t assume your children or those you mentor know why you are at peace or how you survived a trial. Be intentional. When they see your joy or your perseverance, tell them: "Let me tell you what this moment means to me. God was faithful here."
3. Create Tangible Reminders: Whether it is a gratitude journal, a framed verse that keeps you going, or even a physical stone on a shelf, create a "memorial" in your home. Let it be a conversation starter that allows you to point away from your own strength and toward God’s provision.

When we are obedient to God's leading, we don't just reach the other side of the river; we bring back evidence of His goodness to share with everyone who comes behind us.

Reflect: If someone asked you today, "What do these stones mean to you?", which story of God’s faithfulness would you tell first?

Day 14: The Soles of the Feet

9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God.” 10 And Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. 12 Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from every tribe. 13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.” (Joshua 3:9-13)

In Joshua chapter three, the Israelites stood at the edge of a transition that felt impossible. Ahead lay the Jordan River, cresting its banks at flood stage, and beyond it, a land filled with fortified cities and formidable enemies. In the days and months ahead they would leave behind the familiar rhythm of the last forty years in the wilderness, the manna from heaven and the many miracles that they had witnessed. They were embarking on a new mission, filled with challenges and battles that they had never experienced. In this moment of tension, Joshua calls the assembly together not to strategize, but to listen.

1. The Priority of the Word

Before the miracle occurred, God spoke. Joshua’s first command was for the people to distance themselves from their own anxieties and "hear the words of the Lord" [Joshua 3:9]. In our lives, the "flood" often screams louder than the promise. Perhaps your focus is on the challenges ahead and not on the God who has promised to win the victory! Yet, the narrative in Joshua reminds us that divine action is always preceded by divine revelation. We cannot navigate our transitions if we are not first anchored in what God has said.

2. Wonders as a Witness

Joshua promised that the upcoming miracle wasn't just for convenience; it was for confidence. He stated, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you” [Joshua 3:10]. The stopping of the Jordan served as a "down payment" on future victories. God knew they would face many different enemies in the land of Canaan; He gave them the miracle of the water so they would have a memory to lean on when they faced the battles ahead. God provides "landmark moments" in our lives to prove His presence, ensuring we know that the One who handles the river can also handle the giants.

3. The Requirement of a Step

The most striking detail of the passage is the timing of the miracle. The waters did not roll back when the priests arrived at the bank, nor when they began to pray. The text says the waters were cut off only "as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests... shall rest in the waters" [Joshua 3:13]. God required a physical demonstration of faith. They had to get their feet wet while the river was still rushing. Many of us wait for the path to clear before we move, but God often waits for us to move before He clears the path.
 
Practical Applications

• Silence the Noise: When facing a major decision or obstacle, make a conscious effort to stop "scouting the river" and instead "hear the words of the Lord." Use your days to meditate on God's specific promises rather than your own fears.
• Audit Your "Jordan River" Moments: The Jordan River has echoes of a past victory over the Egyptians at the Red Sea! If you are doubting your future victory, list three times God has "stopped the water" for you in the past. Use these past wonders to fuel your current confidence that He is still "among you" [Joshua 3:10]. 
• Take a Step into the Water: Identify one area where you are waiting for God to move before you act. Faith in this passage is defined as moving toward the obstacle while it is still there. Whether it’s starting a difficult conversation, applying for a new role, or committing to a ministry, take a tangible step of faith and watch how God shows up!

Father, help us to hear your voice. Silence the noise of the challenges around us. Remind us of past victories and help us to take a step of faith today! Amen!

Day 13: The Battle in the Garden

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:36–46

Central Verse: "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

It is late in the evening during Holy Week. Jesus and His disciples have just finished the Last Supper and walked to a grove of olive trees called Gethsemane. The air is heavy; Jesus knows that within hours, He will be betrayed, arrested, and sent toward the cross.

Overwhelmed with a sorrow described as "swallowed up... to the point of death," Jesus pulls Peter, James, and John aside. He asks them for one simple thing: "Remain here and stay awake with Me". He then goes a short distance away and falls facedown in prayer, agonizing over the "cup" of God’s wrath He is about to drink for the sins of the world.

When He returns, he finds His closest friends—the ones who just hours ago swore they would die for Him—fast asleep. They weren't being malicious; they were exhausted by grief and a long day. In this moment of human failure, Jesus delivers a diagnosis that defines every single one of us: "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak".

This scene in Gethsemane exposes the "chasm" that exists in every believer: the gap between our high spiritual intentions and our physical limitations.

1. The "Willing" Spirit: Like the disciples, perhaps your heart in 2026 is eager to seek God. You began this 21-day fast with "spirit-level zeal," wanting a breakthrough, a deeper walk, or a fresh word from the Lord.
2. The "Weak" Flesh: Yet fasting quickly unmasks our "flesh"—the part of us susceptible to hunger, fatigue, and irritability. When your body is deprived of its usual comforts, the flesh begins to "war" against your spiritual convictions.
3. The Only Solution: Jesus didn't tell the disciples to "try harder." He told them to "Watch and pray". Vigilant prayer is the only bridge that connects your willing heart to the supernatural strength needed to carry out your commitment.

As you continue your fast, remember that weakness is not an excuse to fail, but a signal to pray.

• Be Alert (Watch): Identify the moments when you are most "fleshly"—perhaps mid-afternoon when hunger hits or late at night when you're tired. Recognize that these are the "Gethsemane moments" where temptation is highest.
• Lean on God’s Strength: When your body complains, acknowledge it: "My flesh is weak, Lord, but Your Spirit is strong". Use your physical hunger as a "bell" to trigger an immediate prayer for someone else or for your own spiritual growth.
• Follow the Model: Just as God strengthened Jesus when He prayed, God promises to supply everything you need when you admit your own inadequacy and seek Him.

Today’s Prayer:

"Father, thank You for the example of Jesus in the Garden. I confess that while my heart is eager to seek You, my body is weary and my resolve is thin. I choose to 'watch' today for the subtle temptations of the flesh. Fill the gap of my weakness with Your power so that my willingness to do becomes my actual doing. In Jesus’ name, Amen". 

Day 12: Trusting the Unseen God

Scripture Reading:

“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.”  (Job 23:8–14)

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

God’s silence is not His absence
In Job 23:8–9, we find Job in a state of spiritual disorientation. He looks forward, backward, to the left, and to the right, yet he cannot find a visible trace of God. Have you ever felt that "holy silence"? You pray, you seek, and you examine your circumstances, but God feels absent. It is vital to remember that God’s silence is not His absence. Just because you cannot behold Him working on the one hand or the other, doesn’t mean His hands have stopped moving. Our feelings are not the compass of God’s activity.

The God Who Sees
While Job cannot see God, he grounds himself in a powerful reversal of perspective in verse 10: “But he knows the way that I take.” We may lose sight of God, but He never loses sight of us. He is not a distant observer; He is a purposeful refiner. Job understands that his current trial is not meant for his destruction, but for his purification. When you are in the furnace of life, remember that the Goldsmith never leaves the side of the crucible. He is watching the reflection in the metal, waiting until He can see His own face in you. You will come out as gold.

Obedience is the Greatest Act of Trust
Verses 11 and 12 provide us with a blueprint for how to act when we don’t understand our circumstances. Job’s response to the "unseen God" is not to wander, but to hold fast. He doubles down on obedience, treasuring God’s Word more than his daily bread. When you can’t see the next mile marker, focus on the step you are taking right now. Obedience is the greatest act of trust. We don’t follow God because we see the map; we follow Him because we know the Guide.

The Unstoppable Purpose
The final verses (13–14) remind us of God’s sovereignty. He is unchangeable, and His decrees are final. This might sound intimidating, but for the believer, it is the ultimate comfort. If God has appointed a plan for you, no person, no trial, and no delay can thwart it. Paul echoes this in Philippians 1:6, assuring us that the good work God started in us will be completed. God is not a finisher of small insignificant things; He is the Finisher of our faith! He will complete what He appoints for you.

As we continue in this season of prayer and fasting as a church, use these three steps to lean into trust and obedience:

1. Pray the Reverse: When you feel like you can't see God, stop trying to "find" Him in your circumstances and instead pray: "Lord, I thank You that You see me. Even though I am in the dark, I am fully visible to You."
2. Trade Your Hunger for His Word: Job treasured God’s words more than his "necessary food." As you fast, when you feel physical hunger, let it be a trigger to feast on Scripture. Every time your body asks for a meal, go to the Word instead. Let this fast prove to your own soul that His presence is more vital for your survival than any physical portion.
3. Hold Fast to the Last Command: If you aren't sure what God wants you to do next, do the last thing He told you to do. Stay on the path of obedience (Job 23:11) until the fog clears. Trust that while you are holding onto His steps, He is holding onto your hand.

Day 11: Stand Still and Move Forward

The echoes of celebration had barely faded. Behind the children of Israel lay centuries of bondage and the miraculous display of the ten plagues. They had walked out of Egypt with silver, gold, and the taste of freedom. But as the dust settled, the geography changed. According to Exodus 14:3, Pharaoh observed their route and concluded, "They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in."

This ancient scene reveals a sobering spiritual reality: a major victory—a "personal Exodus"—is often followed immediately by a desolate wilderness.

1. The Enemy Strikes in the Aftermath

We often expect a straight line from deliverance to the Promised Land. Instead, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the jagged peaks of the desert and the approaching roar of Pharaoh’s 600 chosen chariots.

Just as Pharaoh refused to let his prize go without a fight, the enemy of our souls rarely concedes after a spiritual breakthrough. When you finally break an addiction, heal a relationship, or deepen your commitment to God, do not be surprised by a sudden "counter-attack." The wilderness is not a sign that you took a wrong turn; it is often the location where the enemy tries to reclaim what he lost.

2. The Disorientation of the Desert

In the shadow of the Red Sea, the Israelites’ confidence shattered. The vastness of the desert felt like a prison rather than a path. Their discouragement was so profound that they cried out in Exodus 14:12: "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness."

Trials and tribulations have a way of distorting our memory. Under the pressure of a current crisis, the "safety" of our past bondage can start to look more appealing than the "uncertainty" of our future freedom. The wilderness disorients us; it makes us feel small, overwhelmed, and forgotten. It is the place where our faith is tested not by our strength, but by our perceived helplessness.

3. The Solution: Stand Still, Then Move Forward

In the midst of the panic, Moses issued a command that felt counterintuitive: "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord... The Lord will fight for you" (Exodus 14:13-14).

However, God’s response to Moses added a crucial second step. In Exodus 14:15, the Lord asked, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward."

There is a divine balance in the wilderness:

• Trust the Battle to God: You do not have to defeat the "Egyptians" in your life through sheer willpower. God is the combatant.
• Keep Your Feet Moving: Trust is not passive. God did not part the sea while they were sitting in their tents; He parted it as they moved toward the water.

If you feel "closed in" by your circumstances today, remember that the wilderness is the stage for your next miracle. The disorientation you feel is temporary, but the deliverance God is working is eternal. When the desert screams "give up," the God who has already won the victory says, "Go forward."

Father, help me to stand still and trust you with my battle! Help my faith in you to move me forward. As I struggle through the wilderness of life, remind me of your past victories and your promises of future glory! I praise you for what you have done, what you are doing and what you are going to do! Amen!

This week, if you are going through a wilderness in your life, I would love for you to reach out to me so that I can pray for you. Either through a comment on this article or by emailing me directly, I would love to hear how you are doing and be able to encourage you to keep going forward! Pastor Melvin

Day 10: Determined to Obey

"The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed." — (Isaiah 50:5-7)

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)

The prophetic words found in Isaiah 50 provide a staggering first-person account of the Messiah’s heart centuries before He took His first breath as a man. In this passage, we hear Jesus speaking through the prophet about His future mission on earth. It is a testimony of absolute, unwavering resolve.

The Messiah begins by declaring, "The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious." This speaks directly to the sinlessness of Christ. Unlike every other human being who has turned away from God’s voice in favor of their own path, Jesus remained perfectly attentive. He did not turn away from what God asked of Him, no matter how staggering the cost.

Isaiah then moves into a vivid, prophetic description of the physical and emotional price of our redemption. The Messiah says, "I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting." It is impossible to read these words without seeing the fulfillment in the Gospel accounts—the Roman scourging that shredded His back, the mocking of the soldiers who tore at His beard, and the vile spitting of those He came to save. Jesus gave Himself willingly to these horrors; He did not hide His face.

This willingness to endure humiliation ties directly to the "mind of Christ" described in Philippians 2. Paul tells us that Christ "made Himself of no reputation," setting aside His heavenly rights to take the form of a bondservant. The "shame" that Isaiah mentions is the very shame of our sin that He carried. He allowed His reputation to be destroyed so that we might be restored.

Throughout this ordeal, the Messiah possessed a supernatural determination. Isaiah records Him saying, "I have set My face like a flint." Flint is a stone of legendary hardness; it represents a focus that cannot be broken. Jesus was determined to do what God had asked Him to do. He could endure the temporary shame of the cross because He had a profound, settled knowledge that God would not leave Him in a position of shame. He knew that the Father would help Him and that His ultimate vindication was certain.

Because of this flint-like obedience, the shame of the cross was transformed into the glory of the resurrection. As Philippians declares, because He was obedient to the point of death, God has now highly exalted Him, ensuring that the face once covered in spit is now the face before which every knee in heaven and earth shall bow.

Application
The determination of Jesus is not just a theological fact to admire; it is a pattern for us to follow.

1. Trust in the Finished Work: When you feel the weight of your own failures or the "shame" of your past, remember that Jesus set His face like a flint toward the cross to carry that shame for you. He did not turn away from the pain because He refused to turn away from you. You can live in freedom today because He refused to hide His face then.
2. Adopt His Resolve: Paul begins the Philippians passage by saying, "Let this mind be in you." We are called to have the same "flint-like" determination in our own walk with God. When following God’s will becomes difficult or socially costly, we must decide not to be rebellious. Like our Savior, we can set our faces toward obedience, trusting that if we humble ourselves, God is faithful to sustain us and will never let us be put to ultimate shame.

Prayer
Father, please remind me of how Jesus carried my shame. I don’t have to hold on to my past failures. But I can live in the freedom and power today of my Saviour! Give me the determination of Christ Jesus and help me to obey you no matter the cost. Amen!

Day 9: A Word in Season

"The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned." — Isaiah 50:4

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

Reflection
Long before Jesus walked the earth, the prophet Isaiah captured a sacred dialogue between the Father and the Son. Isaiah 50:4 reveals the Messiah not as a distant ruler, but as a Suffering Servant who possesses "the tongue of the learned." His wisdom, however, isn’t used for academic debate or displays of power; it is precision-engineered for the exhausted.
God gives the Messiah a "word in season" specifically for those who are weary. A word in season is timely—it arrives exactly when your strength has failed, not a moment too late. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 11, we hear that "learned tongue" in action. Jesus looks at a crowd burdened by religious legalism and the weight of daily survival and offers the ultimate "word in season": Rest.
Notice the discipline of the Servant in Isaiah: “He awakens Me morning by morning.” Jesus lived in constant, rhythmic submission to the Father so that He could offer us a "yoke" that is easy and a "burden" that is light. He doesn't just give us advice; He gives us Himself. He is the Word made flesh, the seasonal answer to our perennial exhaustion.

Application

1. Listen for the "Morning by Morning" Voice: If you are weary, realize that the Savior has been "awakened" on your behalf. He has spent time with the Father specifically to have a word ready for your current situation.
2. Trade Your Yoke: Weariness often comes from carrying "yokes" that weren't meant for us—perfectionism, people-pleasing, or self-sufficiency. Today, consciously "take His yoke" by admitting your inability to carry the load alone.
3. Receive the Season: You may be in a season of heavy labor, but Christ has a "word in season" for you. Ask Him today: "Lord, what is the word You have for my weariness right now?"

Prayer
Lord God, thank You for sending the Messiah to be a Servant to the weary. Jesus, I confess that I am heavy laden. I thank You that You have been given the tongue of the learned just to speak to my heart. I trade my heavy burdens for Your easy yoke today. Give me the rest for my soul that only You can provide. Amen.

Day 8: Healing in His Wings

But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; (Malachi 4:2a)

When you look at Malachi 4:2, it’s easy to picture a sunset or a majestic bird, but there is a "technical" depth to this prophecy that is absolutely mind-blowing. When you dig into the Hebrew, you see that God wasn't just being poetic—He was being precise.

1. The Prophetic Connection to Jesus

This isn’t just a nice verse for a greeting card; it’s a specific Messianic "identity badge." For centuries, the Jewish people were looking for the Sun of Righteousness. They believed that when the Messiah arrived, he would be recognizable by a very specific trait: healing in his wings. Fast forward to Matthew 9, and we see a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years.

20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22)

She didn’t just "happen" to grab the bottom of His robe because she was short; she was acting on a deep-seated scriptural conviction. She believed if He was truly the one Malachi spoke of, the healing would be right there at the edge of his garment. Jesus recognized that faith! And he healed her!

2. The Secret in the Hebrew: Kanaph

The "aha!" moment comes when you look at the word for wings—the Hebrew word kanaph. While it definitely means wings, it’s also the exact word used for the hem, corner, or edge of a garment.

Specifically, it refers to the corners of the Tallit (prayer shawl) where the tzitzit (tassels) were attached. According to Numbers 15:38, these tassels were reminders of God's Word. So, when the woman reached out for the "hem," she was literally reaching for the kanaph—the "wings" of the Messiah. She was saying, "I’m not just touching a man; I’m touching the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy". This is the faith that Jesus recognized in her!

3. Appropriating This Faith Today

So, how can we "touch the hem" when Jesus isn't walking past us in a physical robe?

• Move Past the Crowd: The crowd was pressing in on Jesus, but only one person touched Him with expectation. You can be "around" church and "around" the Bible all day and still be bleeding. Real faith requires a deliberate, personal reach that says, "I'm not just here for the noise; I'm here for the transforming power of Jesus." 

• Focus on the Word: The kanaph (hem) represented the commandments and the Word of God. To touch His hem today is to grab hold of His promises with that same "if-I-can-just-touch-it" desperation. It’s moving from "I know what the Bible says" to "I am clinging to what the Bible says until something changes".

• Fear His Name: The promise in Malachi starts with, "But to you who fear My name". This isn't being afraid; it's having that "awe-filled reverence." When we approach Him with the honor He deserves, the "Sun" starts to rise over our situation, and that's when the healing—physical, emotional, or spiritual—begins to flow.

Don't settle for just being in the crowd. There is healing in those wings, and they are still within your reach.

Lord Jesus, Help us to reach out in faith and touch you! Help us to grab hold of your promises and to trust your perfect plan. I pray that you would heal bodies, heal marriages, and heal relationships. Bring us into the light of your glorious day and help us to walk in complete faith and trust in you! Amen!

Day 7: The Church, the mouthpiece for God

Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29)

The story of the Israelites is one of extreme highs and extreme lows! One of these lows came earlier in Numbers chapter eleven during a period of “intense craving.” The people of Israel were complaining about the manna from heaven and longing for cucumbers and melons! This makes no sense to me since I don’t like cucumbers to begin with!

After this, Moses gets frustrated with the people and asks God for some help. He says, “I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me.”  

So the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. (Numbers 11:14,16-17)

Now we move to an extreme high! In verse twenty five God takes the Spirit that is on Moses and “placed the same upon the seventy elders.” What happens next is absolutely incredible! It says that these seventy elders began to prophesy! They began speaking the word of the Lord! Isn’t this incredible!? I believe this is a foreshadowing of a future event. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost! 

If we continue reading in Numbers, we find that there were two men who didn’t make it to the tabernacle of meeting but they were part of the seventy elders. God put his Spirit on them as well! They were still in the middle of the camp and started prophesying. Apparently Joshua, Moses' assistant, was upset that these two hadn’t gotten to the tabernacle in time for the outpouring of the Spirit and asked Moses to forbid them from prophesying. Moses' response is so prophetic! Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) 

This is exactly what God intended to do! Hundreds of years later God spoke through the Prophet Joel, 

“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.

And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29)

The Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost quoted this exact passage in order to explain what was happening! God’s Spirit had been poured out on the church! And the church was proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ!

It has always been God’s intention to give us His Spirit! Listen to what Peter says as the end of his sermon in Acts chapter two.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”(Acts 2:38-39)

My prayer today is the same as Moses. “Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” God wants to pour out his Spirit on the church! The church is his mouthpiece in the world! Lord, fill us with your Spirit! Help us to proclaim your words of truth and love in this world! May the church stand in the power of your Spirit against the darkness of this age! Help us to march your kingdom forward in the anointing of the Holy Spirit! To the glory of Jesus Christ, fill your people with yourself! Amen!

Day 6: The Shepherd’s Voice

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:1-5)

I cannot express the importance of hearing and listening to the voice of Jesus. In our world today there are many voices vying for our attention. Podcasters, newsmedia, social media all try to speak into our mind and get us to buy into one thing or another. We’re bombarded with advertisements and propaganda from every direction. All with the intended aim of sucking us into a particular belief system. 

One of the more popular advertisements of 2025 paired two of my favorite things! The Grinch and McDonalds! It was so popular that all of the Grinch paraphernalia was already gone from the Winter Garden location before I even got to participate in the festivities! It’s amazing how people rush to purchase a McDonalds meal just because they have an obsession with a green hairy man! 

It’s easy to get sucked into the hype and the propaganda. To hear the voices around us and to become enamored or disillusioned depending on the circumstances. It actually reminds me of sheep when they get in a frenzy. When one sheep bolts, the whole herd stampedes after it. Jesus must have understood this when he described himself as the shepherd and us as the sheep! People just act so much like sheep! They tend to rush to whatever is popular or appealing to their flesh. They will bolt into whatever belief system that is trending on social media or is being promoted by their favorite podcaster. Convince one sheep and the rest follow suit. That’s why trends go “viral” online! It’s so easy to get sucked into the noise around us.

You may be asking yourself, how do I recognize the Shepherd's voice in all the noise around me? Ultimately, the difference between the noise of the world and the voice of the Savior comes down to three things:

Proximity Breeds Recognition. Just as those crowds in Winter Garden knew exactly when the Grinch merch dropped because they were hovering over their apps, we recognize the Shepherd because of constant presence. If you want to know His voice, you have to be near Him. You can deepen this recognition by staying consistent in the Word—tools like the Comeafterme.com Bible Reading Plan are great for keeping that daily connection.

The "Stranger" Test. In John 10:5, Jesus says the sheep will "flee" from a stranger. If a voice—whether it’s a podcaster, a politician, or a peer—promotes fear, division, or selfishness, it fails the character test of the Good Shepherd. If it doesn’t sound like Jesus, don’t just ignore it—run from it.

Leading vs. Driving. This is the biggest giveaway of all. The world "drives" the herd through fear of missing out and high-pressure tactics. It wants to stress you out until you stampede. But Jesus "goes before" His sheep (John 10:4). He leads by example and invitation, never by manipulation. He doesn't push you from behind; He calls you from the front.

So, the next time you feel that "viral" pressure to rush into a new trend or a heated argument, take a breath. Tune out the Grinches and the gurus. Listen for the calm, steady voice of the One who actually knows your name. He’s already ahead of you on the path, waiting for you to follow.

Jesus, help us to hear your voice clearly amidst all of the noise. Thank you for being our good shepherd. We trust in you for all our needs and we expect to hear your voice today! Amen!

Day 5: Who speaks for God?

And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)

One of the questions that I have often asked myself is, “How do I know if God has spoken to me?” Maybe you are asking yourself a similar question. Maybe you are getting mixed signals and you don’t know which way to go. You would like clarity but you have several voices speaking into your life, each one speaking a conflicting opinion. Perhaps all of these voices are well respected and maybe even spiritual mentors who you trust! What should you do?

Let me submit a couple of thoughts about this that may help you know if it is God speaking through someone or if it is just a person with an opinion. 

First, God can speak through anyone, at any time, in any way he sees fit. But he will never contradict himself! If someone says, “God told me… to move in with my girlfriend.” I have news for you! They are not speaking for God! God will never invite us to sin or live lives in contradiction with his inspired word!

Secondly, God is interested in us being more like him! Don’t believe someone who tells you that there is only blessing in your future! God will use pain and suffering to make you more holy. Jesus himself promised that if we followed him we would face trials and tribulations!

Some years ago my wife was going through chemotherapy to treat cancer. I remember attending a birthday party during this time and listening to a conversation between several individuals who were sitting near me. The young lady was bemoaning the fact that her boyfriend had broken up with her… the other person made the comment that good things were coming her way “because God wanted her to be happy!” Because I knew this young lady and her situation and because I myself was going through some rather unhappy times I recognized that this was not a God inspired word that she was hearing. I spoke up and explained to her that she should not expect to just “be happy” but that she should look for how God was trying to make her holy. What areas of her life needed to be changed so that relationships could thrive? What areas of her life were not fully surrendered to God? Was she seeking God’s plan for her life?

Unfortunately this young lady followed the path of the “false prophet.” She has spent the last years seeking to be happy. She hasn’t learned from her many relationship mistakes and has even pursued a relationship with at least one married man. Why? Because she keeps justifying her actions through ideas like, “God wants me to be happy.” 

Lastly, not all false prophets are lying intentionally. I don’t believe the aforementioned person meant this lady any harm. I am sure they were just trying to encourage her. And what they said sounded good! But they were not speaking for God!

My prayer for today is that God would give us discernment to hear his voice and to also know when a false prophet is speaking into our lives. Father, Help us to know your voice and respond to it. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Day 4: A Better Word

…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24)

In Genesis chapter four we find the story of Cain and Abel. The story goes that both of them were sacrificing to God, Cain some of his leftover vegetables and Abel the firstborn lamb of his flock. God proceeds to accept Abel’s sacrifice and rejects Cain’s. 

Hebrews 11:4 tells us why God accepted Abel’s sacrifice. It says that, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.” He gave his first and best, not knowing if he would ever see another lamb come from the mother sheep, and this showed his faith. He believed that God would take care of his needs and acted accordingly! Oh that we would have faith like Abel! To put our trust in Jesus and to trust him to be everything we need!

Hebrews gives us a beautiful contrast between Abel’s sacrifice and Jesus’ sacrifice. We could look at Hebrews and say that Jesus is the better lamb. He is the better sacrifice. Abel’s lamb and the sacrificial system that was in place in temple worship in the time of Jesus is lesser than the new covenant that Jesus brings. And that is true of course! He is the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. But what the author of Hebrews is speaking about in chapter twelve has a deeper meaning. 

The author describes Jesus as “mediator of the new covenant.” He also references that Jesus' blood speaks better things than Abel’s blood. What is a mediator? And what is it that Abel’s blood is speaking?

In the simplest terms a mediator is someone who goes between two parties and negotiates a deal for one or the other or both parties. As for what Abel’s blood is speaking, if you continue the story in Genesis we find out that Cain murders Abel. And when God speaks to Cain, in Genesis 4:10, he references Abel’s blood. He says, “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.” So what was Abel’s blood saying? And what is Jesus’ blood speaking that is so much better?

Because Abel had been murdered, his blood was crying out to God for justice! This is the cry of all of creation. The injustice that is in the world through abuse, greed, lust, hatred, racism, jealousy, and violence, it all cries out for justice. Sin deserves punishment! We deserve to be punished for our sinfulness. We have transgressed and just like the blood of Abel, the injustice, pain and suffering that we have caused calls out for justice.

But thank God for Jesus! His blood does not call for justice. His death on the cross has paid the penalty for our sin and justice has been fulfilled. Rather than justice, his blood calls out for mercy! When Christ entered with His own blood into God’s holy presence he mediated once and for all on our behalf. “Justice has been served. Have mercy on them for my sake! I have paid the price for their sin.” This is why the author says that his blood speaks a better word than that of Abel. A word of mercy, not justice. A word of forgiveness, not vengeance. A word of grace, not of guilt. 

I often hear the voice of the evil one speaking shame and guilt over my life. The accuser, the devil, brings all of my brokenness, mistakes and stupidity to the forefront of my mind. He speaks words of condemnation over my life. It is easy to feel discouraged and ashamed when this happens. But what helps me to overcome this is the voice of Jesus that speaks a “better word” over my life. FORGIVEN, son, child of God, beloved, made righteous, saint, highly favored, chosen, sanctified, set apart… the list goes on. 

Today, as you seek God and listen for his voice, remember that God’s word is a better word. Acknowledge your sin, your brokenness, your mistakes. Own all of that and then let God change the narrative of your life. 

Thank you God for Jesus' blood. Thank you for mercy and grace. Thank you for your perfect plan of redemption. Thank you for the better word that you have spoken over my life. Speak to me today through your Word and through your Spirit. Amen!

Day 3 - Test the spirits

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)

Yesterday we looked at the fact that God speaks to us. But God’s voice is not the only voice competing for our attention. There will always be voices that are diametrically opposed to Jesus that try to get a foothold in our hearts and minds. 

In this chapter the apostle John is speaking directly to a specific heresy that was prevalent in that time. The heresy was called Docetism (from Greek dokein, "to seem"): This specific heresy taught that Jesus only appeared to have a human body, not a real one. This was an outflow of another heresy called Gnosticism which viewed physical matter as evil, making a truly physical Jesus impossible for God. These ideas attacked the doctrine of the incarnation, the doctrine that Jesus was both fully God and fully human. Perhaps this is why John so specifically refers to Jesus having “became flesh” in the first chapter of the Gospel of John. 

John was not the only New Testament author to address heresy. Paul and Peter both addressed false teaching in their writings. The importance of correct theology cannot be overstated! This is why it is important to know your Bible, understand theology, and to be able to trust the voices that are speaking into your life.

What voices are you allowing into your life? What podcasters, influencers, politicians, pastors, or other voices are you allowing to speak into your worldview? Who is influencing your thoughtlife? Your theology? Your life choices and opinions?
I personally listen to multiple voices from different sides of the spectrum. I think it is important to hear what is out there. HOWEVER, you should never consume false ideas without first being well versed in the correct theology and worldview! Know your Bible! The wrong voice can distort dramatically the truth of God’s word!

My prayer for each of you is that you are grounded in truth. That you can clearly differentiate which voices are from God and which ones are not of God. That you experience the freedom and fullness that comes from God’s truth! May God direct your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus today. Amen!

Day 2 - Why has God spoken?

Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)

One of our core values at FFCC is that God is working. He is always working! And we know that he is working for specific purposes and according to his perfect will. We also know that he doesn’t need us to accomplish his plans. And he definitely doesn’t have a cosmic obligation to keep us, his finite, insignificant creations, in the loop! 

This realization makes the words of the prophet Amos so intriguing. What does he mean when he states that God does nothing without first revealing it to his servants the prophets? Why would God obligate himself in this way? Why would an infinite, matchless God, who needs nothing, box himself in like this?

Let me submit to you this thought. God wants to be known by his creation. He wants you and I to experience his glory and his presence in our life. And he wants us to know what He is doing and why He is doing it. He wants us to be able to recognize the works of his hands and the plan of salvation.

When God tells us in Genesis that the serpent's head will be crushed by the seed of a woman, or that Abraham's descendents will be like the stars of the heavens He is revealing something to us so that we will recognize it when it comes to pass. Or when God tells David that his descendent will be on the throne and it will be an eternal throne. Or when Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant who will be the redemption of mankind, we see God again detailing how his plan will unfold. All of these Biblical prophecies are part of this revelation through the prophets, for the people of God. 

If God did not reveal his secrets to us through the prophets, how would we be able to give him praise for what he has done? Would we even know that Jesus had come? Would the wise men have recognized the star as a sign of the Messiah? Would the religious leaders have known that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem? The apostles would not have been able to explain why Jesus was the Christ! There would not even have been an understanding of the redemptive sacrificial process! 

God speaks to humanity and reveals what he will do before he does it. Throughout history and through the scriptures, we see God’s plan for mankind being played out. Over the next few weeks we’ll take a look at some of these prophecies and how they came to reality. It is an amazing thing!

In today’s context, God also speaks to us in a lesser sense about our lives and what God’s plans are for us. Not every detail, but enough for us to recognize when God does what he said he will do! He does this for our benefit and for his glory! I want you to encourage you to listen for the voice of God each and every day! He is trying to reveal what he is doing and how he is working. He wants to work in your life and through your life! Pay attention as you read God’s word. Pay attention to what is happening around you. Pay attention to the still small voice that is God’s Spirit nudging you in a specific direction. 

Lord, help us to listen. Help us to know your voice! You are speaking. Help us to hear and to respond correctly! Help us to see what it is that you are up to! Your plan is perfect! We want to be a part of it! Amen!

Day 1 - How God has spoken?

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4)

In theological terms God has revealed himself in a couple of ways. The first and more general way is through what we would call “General Revelation.” This is when God uses creation and his handiwork to show us something about himself. For instance, because the world has creative design, is organized and follows basic laws of nature that remain constant we can deduce that God is a God of creativity and order! When we look at the vast ocean or a high mountain range or the expansive universe we see the infinite nature of God. 

When we stop and breathe a prayer out of our lungs, or we pause to thank God for our food, or we say a prayer of thanksgiving for safety following a close call on the highway we are acknowledging this revelation of creation and our material existence and experience. 

There is also a more specific way that God reveals himself to us. He does this through the Holy Scriptures and through the person of Jesus Christ. We call it “Special Revelation.” 

The inspired word of God, specifically the Old Testament, is a compilation of writers who God spoke to and through. In Hebrews chapter one the author describes how this method was the preferred way that God had spoken to mankind but that now he has chosen to speak through Jesus! God literally became human so that he could reveal himself to us in a very real and personal way!

Over the next few days we are going to look at the specific ways that God spoke through the prophets. And we will eventually also look at some of the new testament writings as well. Both the apostles and the prophets had something to say to us from God. But the most specific way that God has revealed himself is through the person of Jesus! 

My prayer for today is that God would use his word to speak to you today. Wherever you open your Bible, may God speak to you! But I also pray that the person of Jesus would become real to you. May “the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person” become so real to you that Jesus assumes his rightful place in your life! As the King of your life! As your Lord and Savior! Amen!

God’s word to us. - The Foundation of Prayer.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

As we begin 2026 and our time of prayer and fasting we would do well to ask ourselves the following question. “What are the most important parts of a healthy prayer life?” 

One important part of a healthy prayer life is consistency! The apostle Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing!” Prayer should be something that we do on a daily basis. It should be a consistent rhythm of our life. 

Another important part of a healthy prayer life is faith! The scripture reminds us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! We should always come into God’s presence with the belief that He is for us and that the miraculous can happen!

There are many other things that I could mention as well but perhaps the most important foundational part of prayer is God’s Word. If prayer is a conversation between God and ourselves, then we must have God’s voice speaking to us. This is why we frame prayer with the language of “Scripture fed.” This is the idea that the word of God must guide or “feed” our conversation with God. 

In order for this to be an effective means of communication we must believe that the Bible is God’s Word. We must anchor our lives and our prayers in the truth of God’s written word. We must never discount portions of the Bible that we don’t understand, don’t enjoy, or simply disagree with. ALL of scripture is God’s Word. From Genesis chapter one all the way through to the end of the Revelation of John. 

If we allow scripture to feed our prayer life we will naturally begin to align our hearts and lives with God’s purposes for our life. God’s truth, not our feelings or opinions, will shape reality. 

As we prepare for the next twenty one days, let us commit to feeding our prayer life with the Holy Scriptures. Let us align ourselves under the authority of God and humbly acknowledge his lordship in our lives. May His word shape us and make us more like him.

Father, I pray that your word would come alive to me. Help me to see you and your plan for my life. Help me to hear your voice! Help me to obey when you speak. Do this so that I may “be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Amen!