MONDAY: PRACTICING GOD’S PRESENCE
KEY PASSAGE
”’So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’” Matthew 6:31-34
DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Practice makes perfect,” or even, “Practice until you can’t get it wrong”? I’d like to offer another perspective: practice makes progress.
When we think about being with God, this idea helps us establish habits that allow us to practice God’s presence in our everyday lives.
In our Christian walk, it can sometimes feel unclear how to do this. Yet we already practice presence daily with the people we love. When we talk with our parents, our kids, or our significant others, we practice presence by asking questions, listening carefully, and sharing part of ourselves.
Practicing God’s presence doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as talking with Him - sharing our struggles, thoughts, and feelings. It can also be more structured, such as reading our Bible, praying, and listening for His voice. As Psalm 37:7a reminds us, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”
The goal is not perfection, but progress - aiming to be just 1% better today than we were yesterday. If you read one verse of Scripture yesterday, read two today. If you prayed when you woke up and before your meals yesterday, take time today to pray before walking into work or school, or even before entering the grocery store. Ask God to reveal Himself to you throughout your day.
In this walk of life, perfection is unattainable, but progress is always within reach.
CHALLENGE
What can you practice today to make progress in your relationship with God?
TUESDAY: WORSHIP IS A WAY OF LIFE
KEY PASSAGE
'Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God
Or riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.'
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. '
Romans 11:33 - Romans 12:2
DEVOTIONAL
We hear the word worship used in many different ways— in church, in the Bible, and often in regard to music. But what does this word worship actually mean, and what does it have to do with you?
At its core, worship means to sacrifice, show submission, or lower yourself in reverence or respect. Throughout the Bible, we see worship expressed in many forms: offering sacrifices, singing, dancing, declaring God’s Word, speaking truth, bowing down, lying facedown, and more. Yet all of these expressions share one common purpose: To acknowledge God for who He is and what He has done, so that our lives respond in obedience to Him.
Notice Romans 12:1 starts with the word “therefore.” This indicates that we need to look at what the writer says right before it. At the end of Romans 11, Paul acknowledges who God is by describing His character and giving Him honor and praise.
The “therefore” in Romans 12:1 calls for a response to who God is and what He has done: “In view of God’s mercy… this is your spiritual act (or natural response) of worship.” Worship, then, is not just something we say or sing - it is a response to God’s mercy.
Romans 12:2 goes on to say, “Do not conform… but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This describes the life-changing obedience that comes with a true understanding of who God is and how He has forever changed our lives.
CHALLENGE
Take five minutes today to practice the discipline of worship:
Tell God who He is and what He has done for you
Notice your natural response to this. Is it gratitude? Reverence? Joy? Peace? Admiration?
Ask God how He wants you to respond to Him today, then go do it.
WEDNESDAY: WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC
KEY PASSAGE
2 Chronicles 20:5-30
DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever wondered why we sing as a church? In His infinite wisdom, God chose something as abstract as music and singing to be a powerful weapon for His kingdom. One of the clearest examples of this is found in 2 Chronicles 20, where a battle is won - quite literally - through worship.
God’s people once again found themselves up against multiple enemies who sought to wage war against them. When King Jehoshaphat was notified of the approaching threat, he did not respond by preparing for battle. Instead, he stood in front of God’s people and cried out to God saying, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (v.12).
As he prayed, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through the prophet Jahaziel, saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (v.15, 17).
Rather than picking up weapons of war, the people chose weapons of worship. They fell face down before God, worshiped, praised, and sang, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord for His love endures forever.”
As they sang with a heart of worship— acknowledging God for who He is, what He has done and responding in obedience to Him— the armies that were against them turned on one another, defeating themselves. When the singing was over and God’s people marched to the battlefield, they discovered that God Himself had already fought the battle on their behalf. They chose praise over panic and faith over fear - and God moved powerfully.
CHALLENGE
What battle are you facing today? What situation causes you to say, “God, I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on You”? Bring that situation to God, pick your favorite worship song and sing it to Him. As you worship, watch and listen - pay attention to how God meets you and ministers to your heart as you give Him the praise He deserves.
THURSDAY: BEING IN COMMUNITY
KEY PASSAGE
”Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20
Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
DEVOTIONAL
There is an old saying: “Birds of a feather flock together.” The Bible echoes this with two verses:
1 Corinthians 15:33: ”Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
Now, imagine holding up your hand and counting your fingers - each finger represents one person in your life who has the biggest influence on who you are becoming. If three of those people are making a particular decision - whether good or bad - you are more likely to follow their lead. In other words, who you associate with is who you become.
As we aim to live in a way that glorifies Jesus, a question to consider is this: Who are you allowing to influence who you are becoming?
Our community is crucial because the people around us are the ones who build us up, encourage us, and challenge us to reach higher. They refuse to let us stay stuck when all we want to do is settle.
The people we surround ourselves with should constantly point us back to Jesus, not pull us away from Him. Our community should help us become who God has created us to be.
CHALLENGE
Do you have five people who speak life into you? If not, consider checking out our small groups to get connected with others who can encourage and support you on your journey.
FRIDAY: RULE OF LIFE
KEY PASSAGE
Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
DEVOTIONAL
Do you realize you’ve been building something in your life? I’m not referring to the number of zeros in your bank account or even the Lego sets that may litter your house. Instead, you have been building a rhythm for your life. Jesus speaks to this idea in Matthew 7:24-27. When we practice the teachings of Jesus in our lives, we are building a solid foundation. Jesus calls His followers to more than just belief. He invites us to active obedience, to develop a new rhythm, and to build our lives on Him.
Over the past few weeks, we have been exploring what it means to be with God. Will we heed Jesus’ words and become mindful of what we are building in our lives? What can we take from these recent devotionals, and what rhythms can we intentionally build into our daily lives?
You already have a rhythm shaping your life, but does it align with Jesus’ words and teachings? In our being, God is calling us to become more like Him and to establish rhythms that help us look more like Jesus.
CHALLENGE
As you reflect, consider which rhythms you want to build into your life:
Time with God
Studying Scripture
Slowing down
Taking a Sabbath
Silence and solitude
Reflection
Self-denial
Practicing God’s presence
Worship with our life
Worship with music
Community
Choose two or three rhythms that you want to intentionally build into your own life.
MONDAY: SLOWING DOWN
KEY PASSAGE
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
DEVOTIONAL
What do you answer when someone asks, “How are you?” Do you say things like: “I’m tired,” “I’ve been busy,” or “Life has been crazy”? Those are surely honest responses, but they reveal something about what we value. Our culture values speed, busyness, and hustle - and we often wear our tiredness like a badge of honor. The busyness of our lives, the crazy pace at which we live, is a kind of validation, proof that our days are meaningful and that we are important and productive. We hold up our exhaustion as evidence that we are working hard and moving quickly towards our goals, right? But should we value what culture values? What if we’re not meant to live tired, busy, and exhausted by the craziness of life?
Romans 12 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world. The world expects us to do more, make more, buy more - causing us to move faster, work harder, and thoughtlessly wear ourselves out. That is what the world does. But we are called to live differently, to live by God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will.” God wants us to follow a different pattern. We must slow down our pace because we cannot move toward God at the pace our culture demands.
What do you answer when God asks “How are you?” Are you moving too fast? Are you too tired or too busy to spend time with Him? Being with God requires slowing down our pace so that when He speaks, we are ready to hear Him.
CHALLENGE
Take a minute right now to allow God to renew your mind, refocus on His perfect will for your life, and His immense love for you.
Take a moment to breathe more deeply . . . .
Begin to thank God for His goodness. . . .
Set aside your to-do list for a few minutes . . .
Allow God’s grace to enter your day.
TUESDAY: SABBATH
KEY PASSAGE
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
DEVOTIONAL
It is easy to think that if we can just get to the end of the day, put on comfy clothes, and sink into the couch, then we’ll finally be happy. TV and bed are always waiting for us, but how often do they actually satisfy our needs? We arrive at the time of rest, yet the worries of the day linger, now combined with the worries of home and the worries of tomorrow, leaving us restless. The rest we need is on the other side of all the tasks that clutter our lives and weigh on our minds.
Why did God rest on the seventh day? Certainly not because He needed rest. He wasn’t tired. The creation of Earth and the universe didn’t wear Him out. God rested because He was finished. The Hebrew word for rest is shabat, which has multiple meanings - not only to rest, but also to stop or cease. God rested because His work was done.
We are meant to work and create, but we are meant to rest as well. The Sabbath is a gift from God that allows us to pause our work for a time and enjoy creation, God, and the people around us. Your work today may not be finished, and there will surely be more work to do tomorrow. That is why it is so important to take Sabbath - set aside your to-do list and intentionally rest with the Lord. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
CHALLENGE
Sabbath is a designated day of the week for rest. Maybe you can't set aside an entire day this week. Maybe all you can manage is an evening or a few hours in the afternoon. Whatever it looks like for you, take a step today to make intentional rest with God part of your routine. Set a reminder in your phone or put it in your calendar. Ask God to help you create a rhythm of rest in your daily life.
WEDNESDAY: SILENCE & SOLITUDE
KEY PASSAGE
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’”
DEVOTIONAL
Are you an extrovert or an introvert? We love to define ourselves by these simple categories, don’t we? As an introvert, you may feel drained after a social interaction. Church on Sunday may be followed by a crash of exhaustion, leading you to seek some quiet time alone to recharge after being around so many people. If you’re an extrovert, being with people recharges you. Leaving church might be difficult because you feel energized around others. Time alone may feel unwanted or even draining.
Whichever side you find yourself on, it is important to recognize that time with God requires both solitude and silence.
In Luke 5:16, we see that Jesus sought “lonely places” to pray. Was He an introvert? No, Jesus - perfect in every way - is beyond such human categorization. Yet, He recognized the necessity for silence and solitude as a way to connect with the Father.
We have access to the same Presence. When we are alone and quiet before God, we allow Him to work in the hidden places of our hearts - places only He can see. Silence allows us to hear His voice and acknowledges our surrender to His will rather than our own (Luke 22:42). Solitude allows us to come into His presence unguarded and fully known.
CHALLENGE
Silence is hard to come by. Most of us would rather do almost anything - scroll on our phones, listen to a podcast, turn on the TV - than sit for a moment in silence. Challenge yourself today to find a quiet place and allow God a space to speak. You will find that God is close.
Solitude may come more easily for you, or you may prefer not to be alone. Either way, remember this: when you find yourself alone, you have an opportunity to connect with the Father. We are never truly alone. Take some time today to seek a quiet place to spend time with God.
THURSDAY: REFLECTION
KEY PASSAGE
DEVOTIONAL
This week you have been challenged to break from the busy, to slow your daily pace, institute a Sabbath, and practice silence and solitude. How has this made you feel? It probably has been harder than you thought to slow down and sit with God, but even harder to sit with yourself. What do you do with all of this?
David prioritized slowing down to take personal inventory of his thoughts, feelings and activities in the light of knowing his Heavenly Father. The closer that David drew to God, the more he realized God knew everything about him. David spends the first 22 verses of this Psalm expressing in great detail the magnitude of God’s knowledge of him. God knows his actions, his thoughts, his past, present and his future. On first glance, this seems scary—to be fully known by God.
If God knows everything about me, how will he respond? But, we see here in this passage that David is not confident in himself, but he is confident in the character of God.
Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
David knew that God’s presence was the safest place to bring all of himself. He knew that there was nothing in his heart that would disqualify him from receiving mercy and love by God. And so, David asked the Lord to search his heart and God tended graciously to it. God desires to meet you in this place too. What are your hesitations to ask God to search your heart? There is absolutely NOTHING in your heart that hasn’t already been paid for by Jesus on the cross. There is joy in being fully known and loved by God!
CHALLENGE
Have you ever seen a child run frantically and unsettled, until their parent intervenes with an enveloping embrace? At first the child resists, but then collapses into their parent’s arms. Maybe today, you relate to this child. Your busyness is on purpose, because if you take a moment to slow down you will have to address the things in your heart. You have stuffed thoughts, frustrations, actions, sin in the back of your mind and decided not to address them. God is inviting you into this moment.
Pray Psalm 139:23-24 out loud. Take a few minutes to answer these questions:
What do my words and actions reveal about the condition of my heart?
What fears and anxieties do I need to hand over to God?
What sins or habits have hardened parts of my heart?
What do I need to confess to God?
What changes is the Holy Spirit inviting me to make?
FRIDAY: SELF-DENIAL
KEY PASSAGE
Luke 9:23-25
DEVOTIONAL
What if one day Jesus showed up at your workplace and asked you to leave your occupation (your boats), possessions (your nets), and even your family to follow Him? That’s how Jesus approached the fishermen He called as His first disciples. He said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we give up our personal desires for the direction of our life. This may not require leaving our occupation or our families as it did for those early disciples, but it does mean that God now has authority over our lives. He calls each of us to come and follow Him.
Jesus makes a requirement for those who choose to follow Him: to deny yourself and take up your cross (vs. 23). Self-denial is “the willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God.”
In our humanity, our natural inclination is to serve ourselves, but God calls us to self-surrender. This means placing your life fully in His hands and trusting that His plan is far greater than anything you could imagine for yourself.
The Apostle Paul exemplifies this kind of surrender in his life. Paul describes his earthly achievements a loss (or as rubbish) in comparison to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). When we die daily to ourselves, we gain the privilege of truly knowing Christ—and Christ is all that we need!
CHALLENGE
Reflect on these questions today: Are there any personal desires or patterns in your life that serve you but are not aligned with Christ? What comforts or perceived rights might God be asking you to surrender for His purpose?
Make a plan to lay those things down, and ask God what He is calling you to pick up as you follow Him.
MONDAY: TIME WITH GOD
KEY PASSAGE
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”
DEVOTIONAL
In this scripture, the twelve disciples had just returned from being sent out by Jesus to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick. They returned to Jesus full of excitement in all they had seen God do through them. They were filled with joy, but they were also exhausted and in need of rest and nourishment. It is in this moment that Jesus extends a gentle invitation: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place.” They go with Him, but soon encounter a large crowd waiting for ministry. There was still more to be done.
Maybe this resonates with you today. There always seems to be more to do - more places to go, more people to see, more things to check off, and more goals to accomplish. It can feel endless, and you are tired. This is the pace at which many people live today: hurried, anxious, and worn out by a constant state of doing.
Yet Jesus extends the same invitation to you that He offered the disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” There may be many important things to do, but the most important thing is to begin by being alone with Jesus. When we prioritize time with Him - at the start of our day and in the moments throughout it - we find the rest and nourishment that our mind, body, and spirit so desperately needs.
CHALLENGE
Today, before you do anything else, simply be with Jesus. Choose to start your day from a place of rest and nourishment. The invitation is for you - right now. Spend a few moments resting with Jesus, and then go.
Try setting a timer on your phone for five minutes and simply pray “Lord, here I am,” or “God, help me rest in You today.”
TUESDAY: UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE
KEY PASSAGE
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
DEVOTIONAL
How silly would it be to drive toward a new destination with a map and GPS, yet refuse to use either one? Often, this is how we treat the Word of God as we navigate through life.
Scripture tells us that the Bible is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). It is God’s very Word, written for us. Through Scripture, God guides us, reveals who He is, and teaches us how to follow Him. Scripture equips us as believers and lights our path.
Maybe today you feel a bit lost, or you’re seeking God’s wisdom for a situation or decision. The good news is that God is eager for us to know Him. He has given us His Word so that we can hear from Him every single day. There is always something to learn and understand when we open our Bible, and the Holy Spirit helps us understand what we read.
If we are honest, reading the Bible can feel intimidating. We ask questions like, “Where do I start?” or “How do I begin?” Those are great questions. The most important thing to remember is this: the best way to read the Bible is to simply read it. A great place to start is in the Gospel of John. Remember, God wants you to know Him. As you open your Bible today, ask God to help you understand His Word and to know Him more deeply. Before long, you will experience Scripture as a lamp for your feet and a light for your path.
CHALLENGE
Try the SOAP Bible Study Method using John 3:16-17.
SCRIPTURE
Write out the Scripture or note the verses you are reading.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
OBSERVE
Make an observation about what you are reading. Who is speaking? Where are they? What words or phrases are repeated? What themes stick out to you?
In these verses, the Apostle John records a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus is explaining what it means to be “born again.” The theme of God’s love stands out to me, how God the Father’s love for the world moved Him to send His Son to save and redeem it.
APPLY
Ask how this passage applies to your life. What does it teach you about God? What promises or commands are present?
These verses explain to us the Gospel. Through faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life. We see the promise here that if we truly believe, we will truly receive the gift of salvation. This gift is offered to everyone - the whole world.
PRAY
Let your prayer be guided by what the Lord has shown you. Ask Him to speak personally to you. Ask the Lord to convict your heart and for His Word to bear fruit in your life and relationships.
WEDNESDAY: THE WORD OF GOD
KEY PASSAGE
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…”
DEVOTIONAL
The Bible isn’t just a historical record or a collection of advice - it is alive and powerful. God’s Word pierces our hearts, challenges our habits, and refines our thoughts. Yet, many of us only skim the surface by rushing through Scripture without allowing God’s Word to take root in our lives. Or, we may choose not to read it at all, missing the opportunity to hear God’s voice for ourselves through His Word.
Today, choose to anchor yourself in Scripture. What has been made available to us is not just ink on a page, but a powerful encounter with God’s presence - working in and through His Word.
CHALLENGE
Take a moment to reflect on your current state of mind. Are you feeling anxious? Tired? Guilty?
Find a verse that speaks to that specific feeling today. Feel free to use Google!
Write it on a sticky note and place it somewhere you’ll see it often - on a mirror, desk, or phone.
Each time you notice it, pause and reflect on what the verse says and what it means to you in that moment.
THURSDAY: PRAY CONTINUALLY
KEY PASSAGE
“pray continually,”
DEVOTIONAL
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes to encourage the believers in Thessalonica, praising their faith and urging them to continue their good work. He also reminds them of what to focus on as Christ-followers who are eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus. One key point that Paul emphasizes as he closes his letter is a reminder to “pray continually” (or “pray without ceasing,” as some translations say).
What does this mean for us today? Like the Thessalonian believers, we also wait expectantly for the return of Jesus. This means we should adopt a posture of continual prayer. However, this does not mean God wants us to go to our prayer closet and never leave. While the quiet space of prayer is very needed and important, to pray without ceasing involves staying consciously aware of God throughout the day. It is about acknowledging Him in every moment.
For example, we can lift up prayers of thanks and gratitude while we drive. We can express our worries or concerns to Him before walking into a stressful situation. We can ask for strength and wisdom in moments of anxiety. We can pray for loved ones when they come to mind during lunch. These are all ways we can “pray continually” throughout our day.
CHALLENGE
Today, before you go about your day and handle your responsibilities, ask God to help you remain aware of His presence throughout the day. Practice praying continually by simply acknowledging Him in small ways. You can do this by lifting up someone’s name to God when they come to mind, or by saying “Thank you” to Him when something makes you smile. We can pray continually, because He is always with us.
If prayer seems difficult for you, consider using the acronym PRAY to help you get started:
PRAISE
Focus on who God is. Tell Him how great and awesome He is, and express love and appreciation for His attributes (Holy, Awesome, Mighty, Merciful, etc.).
REPENT
Ask God for forgiveness. Is there something you’ve thought, said, or done that you recognize as sinfull? Bring it to God in repentance, asking for forgiveness, and asking for His help to change.
ASK
What is going on in your life? What do you need? God wants to hear from you. Bring your needs to Him - be specific!
YIELD
Surrender your will to God. Acknowledge that His plans and ways are truly better than yours, and say “Yes and Amen” to His will. Trust Him with His plans for you.
FRIDAY: PRAYER & PETITION
KEY PASSAGE
“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.”
DEVOTIONAL
Paul’s encouragement to “pray in every situation” can often feel like one of the hardest things to do. However, what we must realize is that prayer is not a last resort, but a weapon to use as our first response. What might be preventing you from praying in every situation? Four things that could deter us from praying are:
1. Distraction - Our attention is pulled away from God.
2. Priority - We allow tasks, plans, and responsibilities to take priority over prayer.
3. Discipline - We fail to regularly practice prayer.
4. Doubt - We believe something other than the truth about God and His response to our prayers.
CHALLENGE
Begin today by assessing and addressing each of these four deterrents of prayer.
Eliminate distraction by putting your phone away.
Make prayer a priority by placing it before any other task you must do today.
Commit to discipline by dedicating at least ten minutes to prayer.
Pray with faith by bringing God your deepest concerns, your wildest dreams, and your greatest challenges.