Held Down

DAILY VERSE

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:19

DEVOTION

If you’ve ever had to take your child in for vaccinations, you know the internal pain that causes, to see your child in pain. Sometimes you have to hold them down so they can get the injections. God does the same to us. As we wrestle through the hard times and trials placed before us, God holds us still because, in the end, these times bring about change and the good things He has in store.

Habakkuk’s name means: To wrestle and to embrace. Both at the same time.

God’s Spirit in You

DAILY VERSE

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

DEVOTION

There are many times where I forget that I have God’s very Spirit in me. I wonder why God seems so far off, but in all actuality, He is in me. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our helper, able to help us navigate the speed bumps we encounter and give us the words to speak life into someone’s life who has never met Jesus. Rely on God’s power within you, you will certainly see the fruits of His Spirit when you do!

Lost & Found

DAILY VERSE

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psalm 119:15

DEVOTION

Often, when churches open up their bins of lost-and-found items, the highest percentage items are notably Bibles. I think many of us need to dig through our personal lost-and-found and reconnect with God’s Word. Without it, we have no defense against the trials that can wash over us like waves. This Bible makes up the fortification that guards our souls and keeps us upright. Meditating on it is our muscle to combat negative thoughts, anxiety, and doubt. 

God Protects

DAILY VERSE

And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.”

2 Chronicles 14:11

DEVOTION

No matter how seemingly insurmountable your circumstances appear to be, God has you surrounded and protected. He fights for you, unseen by the naked eye but nonetheless working with purpose. Could He simply make things happen in an instant? Yes, but that would not bring about the outcome He seeks in you as you grow through the adversity.

A Humble Heart

DAILY VERSE

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 4:10

DEVOTION

God can use any of us to do great things, but many times pride gets in our way. Some of the greatest businessmen and businesswomen have been those who were humble, not looking for accolades, but putting the best interests of the company before their own. Some of the most influential pastors mirror these same qualities. Moses was probably the most humble man in the Bible, he stepped back and served God with all of his might. Does pride get in your way? Ask God for a humble heart and watch as He transforms you into a true servant.

The Ultimate Prize

DAILY VERSE

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

John 6:38

DEVOTION

Jesus was all-in, chasing after God’s will as if it were the ultimate prize. Are you chasing after God’s will, or pursuing your own? Ask God daily to reveal His plan for your life, chase after His will, pray that He would reveal it, that you would hear His voice and know Him more.

Dig into God’s Word

DAILY VERSE

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…

2 Timothy 3:16

DEVOTION

It’s important to realize that the Bible is not merely a collection of tall tales and stories handed down by elders. The Bible is the story of God. It’s His way of exposing who He is to His creation. If you’ve ever read it from front to back more than once, you’ve experienced how it is alive. It changes with every reading, exposing you to new truths and things relevant to everyday life. Dig in and feast on God’s Word!

A Wife Who is All-In

DAILY VERSE

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

DEVOTION

I’ve noticed one thing about many of the most effective male church leaders I’ve admired over the years, each of them has a wife who is all in for Jesus. I’ve been blessed in the same way. My wife always brings a level head and calm when I’m too quick to judge or resolve a situation. I’m sure every one of those pastors would agree that without the strong encouragement and rock-solid faith of their wives, they’d be less effective.

Allow Him to Free You

DAILY VERSE

Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears!

Psalm 34:4

DEVOTION

When you feel the pressure weighing down on you like a truck, when the steam finally spews forth, cry out to God! There’s not a circumstance He doesn’t understand. Allow Him to free you from your burdens and remove the weight of your situation.

Ample Opportunity

DAILY VERSE

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3

DEVOTION

As we face trials and seasons where God wants us to wait on Him, remember that God has a purpose. When God completes whatever it is, there’s a testimony there as well. Your waiting will be rewarded and there will be ample opportunity to glorify God for all He has accomplished!