Scripture Reading John 14:15 (NIV)"If you love me, keep my commands." Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'" 1 John 3:18 (NIV)"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." Devotional Thought When we consider how to speak God’s love language, we discover that it’s not about eloquent prayers or grand gestures but obedience, devotion, and love in action. In John 14:15, Jesus reminds us that loving Him means following His commands. Obedience to God’s Word reflects our trust and reverence, showing that our love is not just an emotion but a commitment. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus defines love's ultimate expression: devotion to God and care for others. This dual commandment invites us to examine how we prioritize God daily and extend His love to those around us. Loving God with our whole being means putting Him first in our decisions, trusting Him in challenges, and finding joy in His presence. Similarly, loving our neighbors calls us to serve, forgive, and extend grace, just as God has done for us. 1 John 3:18 challenges us to move beyond mere words into action and truth. It’s easy to say we love God or others, but how often do we reflect that love in tangible ways? Acts of kindness, intentional time in Scripture, and prioritizing fellowship are ways to express God’s love language in our lives. Speaking God’s love language transforms our relationship with Him and others. It nurtures intimacy, strengthens trust, and demonstrates our faith through obedience and service. As we align our hearts with His commands, we grow closer to Him and become instruments of His love. Reflection Questions 1. What steps can you take to demonstrate your love for God in obedience this week? 2. How are you showing love to your neighbors, reflecting God’s love through your actions? 3. In what areas of your life can you shift from words to action to deepen your relationship with God? Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me with everlasting love and teaching me how to love in return. Help me to express my love for You through obedience, trust, and service. Guide me in loving others as You love me with grace, kindness, and compassion. Show me where I can act on Your Word and bring Your love to life in my daily walk. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Action Step Take one practical step this week to align with God’s love language. Spend time in prayer and study to better understand His commands. Then, choose one way to show love to a neighbor—whether through service, encouragement, or support. Reflect on how these actions deepen your relationship with God and others.

Scripture Reading Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." James 5:16 (NIV)"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." 1 John 5:15 (NIV)"And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." Devotional Thought In prayer, we connect with God in a way that brings peace, strength, and comfort. We may not always receive answered prayer, but God hears our prayers and works all things for our good. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God, trust Him with our worries, and present our requests with gratitude. When we approach Him in prayer, we open our hearts to receive His peace, surpassing anything we could understand. I know each time I pray the Lord delights, I have come to Him with my cares. This strengthens my relationship with Christ and makes me feel so connected to God. James 5:16 teaches us the importance of confessing and praying for one another. Sharing our struggles with God and others fosters healing, creating bonds that uplift us in times of need. It is vital not to have our prayer hindered by sin. We must confess all sins in order to strengthen our prayer life. When we agree with one another, this strengthens our prayers and reinforces what we ask God for. Additionally, 1 John 5:15 reminds us of the assurance that our prayers are heard and answered according to God's will, giving us confidence in His care for our needs. Strengthening our prayer life is about trust, transparency, and intentionality with God. By being open in our prayers, we grow closer to Him, allowing His peace to guard our hearts, no matter what we face. God is sovereign, and if we ask something through prayer that is His will for our lives, we will see the power of our prayer unfold. Reflection Questions 1. What should you bring to God today in prayer? 2. How does confessing sin and sharing your burdens with others help in strengthening your faith? 3. What would it look like to trust that God hears and answers your prayer? Prayer Dear Lord, Thank You for hearing my prayers and bringing peace to my heart. Help me to trust in Your presence and bring my worries and needs to You daily. Strengthen my spirit and guide me as I seek to live in the assurance of Your love and perfect timing. May my prayer life be a testament to my trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step Set aside a few minutes each day this week to bring your prayers to God. Choose a trusted friend or mentor to pray with and share your burdens, experiencing the strength and peace that come from both personal and shared prayer. Reflect on the ways God meets your needs and answers your prayers.

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV):"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Psalm 139:14 (NIV):"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Romans 8:1 (NIV):"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Devotional Thought: Understanding free will vs God’s plan is a common question for many believers. We often wonder how our choices fit God’s grand design for our lives and the world around us. The Bible provides clarity by reminding us that while we can make decisions, God’s overarching plan is always unfolding, with His perfect will guiding us. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we are reminded that God makes everything beautiful in its time. There may be moments when we feel lost, as though our choices have led us astray or we've missed God’s best for us. However, God has set eternity in our hearts—a longing to connect with His eternal purposes. Though we may not always understand His plan, we can trust that He is working to bring about beauty in our lives, even when we can't see it. Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. This verse speaks to the care and intention with which God created each of us. We are not random products of chance; God formed us with purpose. Our free will allows us to make choices that reflect this truth, but ultimately, God’s purpose for our lives remains intact, even when we make mistakes. Our identity in Him is unshaken by our failures. Romans 8:1 reassures us that despite our imperfections and the times we stray from God’s path, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Jesus’ sacrifice has covered our shortcomings, and in God’s plan, grace is always available to lead us back to Him. We are free to make choices, but God's redemptive plan is always available, inviting us to align with His will. This balance between free will and God’s plan is a beautiful dance of trust. While we make daily decisions, God’s plan continues to unfold around and through us, reminding us that He is sovereign. Our choices matter, but God’s grace and guidance are always there to lead us back to His perfect plan for our lives. Reflection Questions: 1. How do you view your role in balancing your free will with God's plan for your life? 2. Have there been moments where you've felt like your decisions have distanced you from God's plan? How did you find your way back? 3. What steps can you take to surrender your choices to God’s greater purpose while still embracing the freedom He has given you? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me with purpose and giving me the freedom to make choices. Help me trust Your perfect plan, even when I cannot see the full picture. Remind me that You work all things for good and that my worth is not based on my successes or failures but on Your love and purpose for my life. Guide me in aligning my will with Yours, and lead me back with Your grace when I stray. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Action Step: This week, take some time to reflect on decisions you’ve made recently. Ask yourself whether they align with God’s purpose for your life. In prayer, surrender any areas of control where you struggle to trust God and invite Him to lead you. Consider writing a journal entry about your desires vs God’s plan, and commit to daily prayer asking for wisdom and guidance in your choices.

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Psalm 139:14 (NIV): "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Romans 8:1 (NIV): "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Devotional Thought: One of the greatest struggles many people face is the feeling of unworthiness. Whether it is due to past mistakes, feelings of inadequacy, or the weight of the world’s expectations, it's easy to lose sight of our worth in God’s eyes. Yet Scripture consistently reminds us that our worth is rooted in God's unchanging love and the fact that we are created in His image. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God makes everything beautiful in its time. Even in seasons where we may feel unworthy or broken, God is at work, shaping and molding us according to His perfect will. Our worth is not found in our achievements, appearance, or status but in being His creation. Psalm 139:14 affirms that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." This truth should be the foundation of how we see ourselves—valuable, loved, and uniquely designed by God. He didn’t create us as a mistake but with intentionality and purpose. Romans 8:1 assures us that in Christ, there is no condemnation. Despite our flaws and shortcomings, we are forgiven and made whole through Jesus's sacrifice. Our worth is secure, not because of what we have done but because of what Christ has done for us. When we struggle with feelings of unworthiness, we are invited to turn our gaze back to God and His promises. The spiritual disciplines can help us grow in understanding our worth in Christ. Bible reading reminds us of the truth of who we are in Him. Prayer allows us to voice our struggles and hear His reassurance. Worship reminds us of His greatness and our value as His children. As we incorporate these disciplines into our lives, we come to a deeper understanding of our worth, not based on the shifting standards of the world but on the eternal truth of God’s love. Reflection Questions: 1. How do you typically view your worth? Is it based on the opinions of others, your accomplishments, or God’s love for you? 2. Which spiritual disciplines could help you grow in understanding your worth in Christ? 3. How can you remind yourself daily of your God-given value, especially in moments of doubt? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me in Your image and reminding me of my worth. Help me to reject the lies that say I am unworthy or not enough. Teach me to embrace the truth of Your Word—that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that, in Christ, there is no condemnation. As I engage in spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, and worship, deepen my understanding of Your love for me and the value You have placed on my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Action Step: This week, choose one or two spiritual disciplines that focus on renewing your mind about your worth in God’s eyes. Consider spending time in prayer and Bible reading, specifically on Scriptures that speak of your identity in Christ. Write down verses that resonate with you and place them in visible areas to remind yourself daily of your value in God. Share these truths with a friend or loved one who may also be struggling with feelings of unworthiness.

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV): "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Psalm 27:14 (NIV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Devotional Thought: In our fast-paced world, taking intentional time for God can seem challenging, but it is essential for deepening our faith and relationship with Him. The 12 spiritual disciplines—Bible reading, prayer, fasting, journaling, solitude, chastity, generosity, service, rest, fellowship, confession, and worship—are powerful tools that help us grow spiritually and draw closer to God. Bible Reading immerses us in God's word, providing wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for our daily lives. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us understand God's character and His will for us. Prayer connects us directly with God, allowing us to communicate our needs, express gratitude, and seek His guidance. Consistent prayer fosters a deeper reliance on God and strengthens our faith. Fasting helps us focus on God by setting aside distractions and physical needs. This discipline sharpens our spiritual awareness and dependence on God. Journaling is a reflective practice that allows us to document our spiritual journey, prayers, and God's responses. It helps us recognize His faithfulness and growth over time. Solitude provides an opportunity to disconnect from the noise and busyness of life, allowing us to listen more closely to God's voice and experience His peace. Chastity involves maintaining purity and honoring God with our bodies, fostering self-control and respect for His design. Generosity reflects God's love and provision, encouraging us to give freely and serve others. This discipline cultivates a spirit of gratitude and selflessness. Service involves using our gifts and time to help others, embodying Christ's example of love and humility. Rest is a discipline that honors God's design for Sabbath and renewal. It reminds us to trust in His provision and take time to refresh our bodies and souls. Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith, provides mutual encouragement and support, and builds a sense of community and shared purpose. Confession allows us to acknowledge our sins before God and receive His forgiveness. This practice fosters humility and a deeper sense of God's grace. Worship is an expression of our reverence and adoration for God. We honor God and renew our commitment to Him through singing, praying, and meditating on His word. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a season for every activity under heaven. We create a rhythm that keeps God at the center by incorporating these spiritual disciplines into our lives. Psalm 27:14 encourages us to wait for the Lord with strength and courage, using these practices to deepen our faith and reliance on Him. Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, and through these disciplines, we find the renewal and sustenance we need. Reflection Questions: 1. Which spiritual disciplines do you currently practice, and which ones can you incorporate more intentionally into your life? 2. How have these disciplines helped you grow in your relationship with God? 3. How can you prioritize these disciplines in your daily routine? Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to take intentional time for You through spiritual disciplines. Teach me to seek You earnestly in Bible reading, prayer, fasting, journaling, solitude, chastity, generosity, service, rest, fellowship, confession, and worship. May these practices draw me closer to You and strengthen my faith. Renew my strength and guide me as I strive to live according to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: This week, choose one or two spiritual disciplines to focus on and incorporate into your daily routine. Set aside specific times for these practices and observe how they impact your relationship with God. Reflect on your experiences and consider sharing your journey with a friend or prayer partner. Notice how these disciplines foster a more profound reverence for God and help you exercise your faith meaningfully.

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV): "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Psalm 27:14 (NIV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Devotional Thought: Patience is a virtue often tested by the fast-paced world we live in. We tend to desire immediate results, answers, and relief. However, God's timing is perfect and infinitely wiser than our own. What are you waiting on God for? We are reminded that there is a time for everything, orchestrated by God's divine plan. Trusting in His timing requires faith and patience, knowing that every season of our life has a purpose. Seasons do change, and focusing on the here and now in the hopes of a better tomorrow while placing our faith in god's perfection is what He is looking for. God's word encourages us to wait for the Lord with strength and courage. Waiting is not passive; it is an active display of faith. In our waiting, we develop resilience and deepen our trust in God. We learn to depend on His timing rather than our own. God will come through typically in the last hour, and we need to be expectantly waiting with peace, knowing He hears us and cares. Scripture promises that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. When we align ourselves with God's timing, we find ourselves uplifted and sustained, able to endure and flourish. God's timing brings renewal and strength that we cannot find in our rushed schedules. Embracing patience for God's perfect timing allows us to experience His best for our lives. It shifts our focus from immediate gratification to eternal significance. Trusting God's timing means surrendering our plans and desires to His greater wisdom and finding peace in His perfect plan. Reflection Questions: In what areas of your life do you struggle with impatience and need to trust God's timing? How can you cultivate patience and hope in the Lord during seasons of waiting? What steps can you take to align your daily life with the understanding that God's timing is perfect? Prayer: Dear Lord, Grant me the patience to wait for Your perfect timing in all areas of my life. Teach me to trust Your plan and find peace in Your sovereignty. Help me to be strong and take heart as I wait for You. Renew my strength and fill me with hope, knowing that Your timing is always perfect. Align my desires with Your will and lead me on the path that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: This week, identify areas in your life where you feel impatience. Reflect on these areas in prayer, asking God to help you trust His timing. Spend time in Scripture, emphasizing verses encouraging patience and trust in God's plan. As you go about your daily routine, remember that God's timing is perfect, and look for ways to practice patience and surrender to His will. Observe how this shift in perspective impacts your peace and trust in God.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:32 (NIV): "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Colossians 3:13 (NIV): "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV): "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Devotional Thought: Forgiveness is a cornerstone of a healthy, enduring marriage. In a relationship where two imperfect people come together, misunderstandings and mistakes are inevitable. However, the strength and beauty of marriage are magnified when forgiveness becomes a natural, ongoing practice. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another just as Christ forgave us. This call to forgiveness is not merely an obligation but a reflection of the grace we receive from God. By forgiving our spouse, we emulate God’s unconditional love, fostering a nurturing and loving environment in our marriage. Holding onto past grievances can create emotional barriers and hinder the growth of intimacy. Colossians 3:13 urges us to bear with each other and forgive grievances just as the Lord forgave us. Forgiveness liberates us from resentment, paving the way for a deeper connection and a joyful union. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14-15 highlight the reciprocal nature of forgiveness. Our willingness to forgive reflects our understanding and appreciation of the forgiveness we receive from God. In marriage, this means continually letting go of hurt and embracing healing, creating a resilient and loving partnership. Reflection Questions: Are there past grievances in your marriage that you must forgive or seek forgiveness for? How does practicing forgiveness impact the emotional and spiritual health of your marriage? How can you cultivate a habit of forgiveness in your daily interactions with your spouse? Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of forgiveness that You have lavished upon us through Jesus Christ. Help me to extend that same forgiveness to my spouse, reflecting Your love and grace in our marriage. Heal our hearts from the wounds of unforgiveness and fill our relationship with Your peace. May our marriage be a beautiful reflection of Your enduring love, marked by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Guide us to continually choose forgiveness and grace, strengthening our bond and bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: This week, reflect on any unresolved conflicts or hurts in your marriage. Make a conscious effort to forgive your spouse and seek their forgiveness where necessary. Consider starting a daily or weekly practice of prayer and reflection together, focusing on areas where you can grow in forgiveness and grace. Notice how this practice transforms your relationship and deepens your connection.

Scripture Reading: 1. Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 2. Colossians 3:2 (NIV): "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." 3. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Devotional Thought: Our lives reflect what we prioritize. Our decisions, actions, and words align with His will and purpose when God is at the center. This intentional focus transforms us and our interactions with the world. Matthew 6:33 calls us to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first. When we prioritize God above all else, everything in our lives finds its proper place. This doesn't mean we neglect our responsibilities, but rather we trust that God will provide and guide us as we follow His lead. Scripture encourages us to set our minds on things above. Focusing on heavenly values rather than earthly concerns gives us a perspective that shapes our daily lives. Our goals and desires shift from self-centered ambitions to God-centered purposes, allowing us to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. God's word reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Submitting to God in all our ways involves acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance. When we do this, He directs our paths, leading us toward His perfect plan for our lives. This alignment requires faith and a willingness to let go of our own understanding in favor of God's wisdom. Reflection Questions: What areas of your life do you need to realign to put God first? How can you actively focus on the things above in your daily routine? What steps can you take to fully trust God and submit to His guidance? Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to place You at the center of my life. Teach me to seek Your kingdom and righteousness above all else. Guide my thoughts to focus on heavenly things and help me to trust You with all my heart. May my actions, words, and decisions reflect Your ways, love, and wisdom. Align my life with Your will, and lead me on the path that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: This week, evaluate your daily schedule and activities. Identify areas where you can more intentionally seek God and align your priorities with His. Whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or serving others, commit to making God the center of your life. Reflect on the changes you notice in your perspective and actions as you consistently put Him first.

Scripture Reading: 1. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 2. Matthew 6:34 (NIV) "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 3. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Devotional Thought: Anxiety is a common struggle, affecting millions of people every day. Even as Christians, we are not immune to the worries and stresses of life. However, we have a unique and powerful resource in our faith to combat these anxieties. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul advises us to replace anxiety with prayer. This is not just a simple suggestion but a transformative practice. By presenting our worries to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His peace into our lives. This peace surpasses all human understanding and can calm our minds and hearts during turmoil. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:34 reminds us to live in the present. Worrying about the future steals our ability to focus on the present moment, where God is actively working. Each day has its challenges, and Jesus encourages us to trust Him daily, step by step. 1 Peter 5:7 offers a comforting assurance that God cares deeply for us. This verse encourages us to cast our burdens onto Him, recognizing that we do not have to carry them alone. God’s love and concern for us are boundless, and He invites us to rest in that love. Reflection Questions: 1. How does presenting your worries to God in prayer change your perspective on the situations that cause you anxiety? 2. What practical steps can you take to focus more on the present rather than worrying about the future? 3. How does understanding God's deep care for you impact how you handle stress and anxiety? Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your endless love and care. Help me to remember to bring my anxieties and worries to You in prayer. Grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to trust You with my future. Teach me to live in the present, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Thank You for caring for me so deeply. May Your presence guide me through every challenge and calm every fear. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: This week, make a list of the things that cause you anxiety. Take a few minutes each day to pray over this list, asking God to take each worry and replace it with His peace. Reflect on any changes in your feelings and thoughts as you consistently bring your concerns to God.

Scripture Readings: 1. James 1:3-4 (NIV) "Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 2. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." 3. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV) "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." Devotional Thought: In the Christian's journey, trials and tribulations are not mere stumbling blocks but growth opportunities. James, in his letter to the early Christians, emphasizes the transformative power of trials. He reveals that our faith is refined in the crucible of adversity. When we face trials, it's natural to question why they happen. Yet, James urges us to view them through a different lens – as refining fires, shaping us into the image of Christ. Just as gold is purified by fire, our faith is not just strengthened, but transformed through challenges, giving us hope and optimism for the future. Consider the character of Joseph in the Old Testament. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph's faith was not shattered by each trial. Instead, it endured, serving as a beacon of resilience and hope for the entire Christian community. In the end, he emerged as a leader, instrumental in saving his family and nation, a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity that we all can draw strength from. Similarly, our trials serve a purpose. They cultivate perseverance within us, the ability to endure and remain steadfast in our faith despite adversity. Each trial becomes a stepping stone, leading us closer to spiritual maturity. Yet, perseverance isn't just about enduring; it's about allowing the process to transform us. James encourages us to let perseverance complete its work. As we embrace the lessons learned through trials, we grow in maturity and completeness, lacking nothing. In the midst of trials, let us not lose heart. Instead, let us cling to the unwavering promise that God is at work, shaping us for His purpose. May we find peace in the assurance that each trial is not a punishment but a refining process, a testament to His love and care for us. As we persevere, we are being transformed into vessels fit for the Master's use, a comforting thought in the midst of life's storms. Reflection Questions: 1. How can viewing your trials as opportunities for growth change your perspective on difficult situations? 2. What are some practical ways you can embrace perseverance during times of adversity? 3. How does the story of Joseph inspire you to maintain faith and resilience in your own trials? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us trust in Your plan during trials. Give us the strength to persevere, knowing that You are at work in our lives, shaping us for Your purpose. May each trial draw us closer to You and refine our faith. Thank You for using every challenge to make us more mature and complete. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: Reflect on a recent trial you've faced. Identify ways this experience has strengthened your faith and cultivated perseverance. Write down these insights and pray for continued growth and maturity through future challenges.

Scripture Readings: 1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." 2. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 3. Psalm 37:5 (NIV) "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this." Devotional Thought: What does surrender mean to you? How would you define it in the context of your relationship with God? Please take a moment to reflect on these questions, as they can deepen your understanding of surrender and its significance in your spiritual journey. Surrendering to God is an essential aspect of our faith journey. It requires letting go of our desires, control, and understanding and submitting ourselves to God's will. Surrendering to God opens the door to experiencing His peace, guidance, and blessings. Sometimes, this can be challenging; we might fear surrendering a situation or not even notice we are not leaning on God. Ask God if there are any areas in which He would like you to let go and allow Him to direct your path. Trusting in the Lord with all our heart, as Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, involves a deep sense of surrender. It means relying on God's wisdom rather than our understanding. This trust is active, requiring us to acknowledge Him in all our ways, ensuring He guides our paths. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God's plans for us are for our good, to prosper us, and to give us hope. When we surrender to His plans, we align ourselves with His divine purpose, experiencing the fullness of His promises. Psalm 37:5 further emphasizes the need to commit our ways to the Lord and trust in Him. This commitment is a form of surrender, where we place our lives in His hands, believing He will act on our behalf. Surrender is not a one-time act but a daily practice of faith and trust. It’s about letting go of our plans and embracing God's greater purpose for our lives. As we surrender, we invite God's peace, guidance, and blessings into every aspect of our journey. Reflection Questions: 1. What does surrendering to God look like in your daily life? 2. Are there specific areas in your life where you struggle to let go and trust God's plan? 3. How can you practice surrender and trust in your relationship with God this week? Prayer: Heavenly Father, I surrender my plans, desires, and ambitions to You, trusting that Your ways are higher and Your plans are perfect. Help me to trust in You with all my heart and not rely on my understanding. I acknowledge You and invite Your guidance in every area of my life. Teach me to let go of control and fully trust Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: Identify one area where you need to surrender control to God. Pray specifically about this area, asking God to help you let go and trust Him. Write down your prayer and revisit it throughout the week, reflecting on how you can continually surrender and seek His guidance.

Scripture Readings: 1. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (NLT) "Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God." 2. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV) "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." 3. James 3:17 (NIV) "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." Devotional Thought: Paul warns us of the danger of deception within the so-called wisdom of this world. Do you behave as though you are wise by the standards of this world? How can we know? Is being wise in the sight of God more important than in the sight of the world? It can be hard sometimes to navigate being successful in life while maintaining who we truly are and the way God wants us to be through wisdom. Let us reflect on the foolish thoughts we have had in our lives about worldly wisdom and how we have been deceived. We have all been deceived at some point, and this is ok, but recognizing this deception for what it is is powerful. It is through understanding that our foundation is God, and His wisdom is what counts, not this world. Sometimes, this outlook changes everything regarding priorities and finding true wisdom and happiness. In Proverbs 2:6, we are reminded that true wisdom comes from the Lord. This wisdom is not about acquiring knowledge or achieving status by worldly standards, but about seeking understanding and knowledge from God Himself. James 3:17 further describes the characteristics of heavenly wisdom. It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere. These qualities often contrast with the competitive, self-serving nature of worldly wisdom. By aligning our lives with God's wisdom, we shift our focus from the fleeting and often deceptive values of the world to God's eternal and truthful guidance. This shift alters our priorities and brings us closer to true contentment and spiritual fulfillment. Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways have you been influenced by the wisdom of this world? 2. How can you distinguish between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom in your daily decisions? 3. What steps can you take to seek and apply God's wisdom more intentionally in your life? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me see through worldly wisdom's deception and seek the true wisdom that comes from You. Guide my thoughts and actions to reflect Your values and truths rather than those of this world. Give me the discernment to recognize and reject the foolishness of worldly wisdom and the courage to embrace Your divine wisdom in all aspects of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. Action Step: Reflect on a recent decision or challenge where you relied on worldly wisdom. Reevaluate this situation in light of God’s wisdom as described in James 3:17. Seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture, and consider how you might have approached the situation differently with His wisdom. Write down your reflections and any steps you can take to apply God's wisdom more faithfully in the future.