– Scripture:

God’s Spirit spoke through me, his words took shape on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke to me, Israel’s Rock-Mountain said, “Whoever governs fairly and well, who rules in the Fear-of-God, Is like first light at daybreak without a cloud in the sky, Like green grass carpeting earth, glistening under fresh rain.” And this is just how my regime has been, for God guaranteed his covenant with me, Spelled it out plainly and kept every promised word— My entire salvation, my every desire. But the devil’s henchmen are like thorns culled and piled as trash; Better not try to touch them; keep your distance with a rake or hoe. They’ll make a glorious bonfire!

                           2 Samuel 23:2–7 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                          Heard GOD Through Others

God communicates through His people, empowering us to act as agents in carrying His messages. This is similar to how Ananias helped Saul and Cornelius assisted Peter, among others. This method of using human agents is one of God’s two preferred ways of communication. Numerous examples of this can be found in Scripture. Additionally, Scripture itself serves as an example, as the Biblical authors acted as His agents in conveying His precious words to us.

Here is how I believe it works. Well, while God uses his still, small voice to reach us directly, speaking into our minds, originating thoughts there instantly, he uses that very same voice to also reach us indirectly; that is, by speaking directly into the minds of others, directing a few of their thoughts, and then allowing them to use their spoken or written words to take his messages the rest of the way, to us.

For example, if I am not paying attention to what God is saying, He might send Charles to me with a message about what I should do. At that moment, I have a choice: I can recognize that I am activated and take the message seriously, or I can ignore it and pretend that a message about my purpose, coming from someone who doesn’t know anything about my life, is just a coincidence.

– Where do we go from here?

Some of us may be struggling to hear from God. This could be because we’re not used to recognizing His voice, we’re not fully paying attention, or perhaps we simply don’t want to listen. Regardless of the reason, it’s evident that God speaks through those who are willing to listen and desire to hear Him. This could be through the inspiring words of a pastor in the pulpit, the encouraging comments of a friend at a coffee shop, or the challenging insights shared among brothers in a men’s group. There are countless ways God reaches others who need to hear His message.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, we want to hear your voice! We have not yet committed ourselves to a group that can speak truth into our lives. Please help us open our hearts so that you can intervene on our behalf, guiding us as we begin the journey of finding a group to join. Thank you for your Son. Amen.

– Scripture:

If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place.

                            Proverbs 24:10 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                     Take Care of You

When people frequently take from your life without giving back, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re making enough deposits to sustain yourself. If you continue to give without replenishing your own energy, you will feel depleted and weak. Avoid adopting a hero mentality that allows others to make constant withdrawals from your well-being without contributing to your renewal. 

When you become spiritually exhausted, emotionally drained, and physically worn out, it can lead to increased blood pressure, heightened stress levels, and a negative impact on your relationships. If you don’t set aside time for rest and self-care, you risk falling short of your true potential. This can affect your ability to be a good parent, spouse, leader, or friend.

– Where do we go from here?

Only you can make this change. If you don’t learn to say no to some demands, you won’t have the strength to face tough times. You need to assert, “I’m adjusting my schedule. My well-being is more important than pleasing everyone.” Prioritize maintaining your balance and taking care of yourself.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for calling us to love and help others, but not to the point of becoming depleted and weak. Please help us to protect our peace and well-being. We declare that we will care for ourselves and be strong for the day of adversity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

– Scripture:

Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

                              Colossians 3:9–11 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                              Be Renewed

You won’t achieve success if you hold a negative image of yourself. Just like a magnet, your self-image will attract your reality. If you view yourself as someone who struggles to get by or has a scarcity mindset, that’s the path you’ll follow. 

Now, imagine if you began to see yourself as blessed, prosperous, talented, and capable of having a wonderful year. By adopting this positive image and aligning your mindset with God’s vision, you would gravitate toward abundance, good fortune, and a fulfilling life. You would stand tall and carry yourself with the dignity and confidence of the royalty that God created you to be.

Where do we go from here?

God’s Word assures us that when we face adversity, “the Lord delivers us out of them all.” It teaches that when the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a barrier. If you see yourself as a victor rather than a victim, you will maintain your confidence and hope, even in tough times. You can expect God’s favor, knowing that He didn’t bring you this far to abandon you. He hasn’t failed you in the past, and He won’t start now.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for giving us the opportunity to start this day with a fresh attitude because You dwell in us all and have given us a brand-new nature. We are grateful that we can align ourselves with Your Word and believe what You say about us. Together, we will strive to be our best and make the most of this day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

– Scripture:

Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king; he reigned sixteen years at Jerusalem. His mother was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. In God’s eyes he lived a good life, following the path marked out by his father Uzziah. Unlike his father, though, he didn’t desecrate The Temple of God. But the people pushed right on in their lives of corruption. Jotham constructed the Upper Gate of The Temple of God, considerably extended the Wall of the Ophel, and built cities in the high country of Judah and forts and towers down in the forests. He fought and beat the king of the Ammonites—that year the Ammonites turned over three and a quarter tons of silver and about 65,000 bushels of wheat, and another 65,000 bushels of barley. They repeated this for the next two years. Jotham’s strength was rooted in his steady and determined life of obedience to God. The rest of the history of Jotham, including his wars and achievements, are all written in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah. He was twenty-five years old when he became king; he reigned for sixteen years at Jerusalem. Jotham died and was buried in the City of David. His son Ahaz became the next king.

                             2 Chronicles 27:1–9 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                             Keep Being Your Best

What God has planned for us is much greater than anything we’ve ever imagined. If He were to reveal to us where He is taking us—showing us the favor, the promotions, and the influence—we would be amazed. We may not be the most qualified or talented individuals, and that’s perfectly fine. God’s anointing on us is far more significant than our talent, education, or hard work. You might not see how this can happen; it may even seem impossible. However, we don’t need to chase after the right people, seek good opportunities, pursue contracts, ideas, and resources, or try to gain influence by relying solely on our own strengths or skills. We don’t have to figure everything out on our own.

Where do we go from here?

If we strive to do our best in our current circumstances—arriving at work on time, going above and beyond, and embodying excellence and integrity—the right people will notice us and the right opportunities will come our way. By honoring and following God’s guidance, we will find favor, wisdom, and promotions beyond what we ever imagined. When we seek God, His blessings will pursue us.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the assurance that when I strive to be my best and seek to honor You in all my actions, Your abundant blessings will find me. I appreciate that I don’t need to rely solely on my own efforts to make things happen. I declare that I will prioritize seeking You and Your kingdom first. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.