Promise for Today - Up a Tree

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

No matter how insignificant you feel, you can always be sure that Jesus notices you.

Zacchaeus was a very wealthy man, but he was also very lonely. He was very short and had probably been ridiculed his entire life for it. He was also a tax collector, which means everybody hated him.  When he heard Jesus was coming to his city, Zacchaeus wanted to see him. But there was one problem: A lot of people wanted to see Jesus that day, and Zacchaeus couldn’t see over the crowd because he was too short.

So Zacchaeus did two things no wealthy, self-respecting man of his time would have done: First, he ran ahead of the crowd, and then he climbed up in a tree. But Zacchaeus didn’t seem to care what other people thought of him in that moment. He was just hoping to see Jesus.

Then Jesus did something even more shocking when he got to the tree Zacchaeus had climbed. The Bible says, “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up” (Luke 19:5 NIV). In a packed crowd, Jesus paused and paid attention to Zacchaeus.

Can you imagine how Zacchaeus’ heart must have been racing? He was just hoping for a glimpse of Jesus, and suddenly Jesus had stopped and looked straight up at Zacchaeus. The man who had been overlooked his whole life had Jesus’ full attention.

I don’t know what you’re going through right now. You may feel like you’re up a tree financially. You may feel like you’re out on a limb relationally. You may feel like you’re in a hole spiritually - and nobody even knows you’re there.

But Jesus knows where you are, and he’s paying attention to you. He notices you. There’s never been a moment of your life when God has taken his eyes off you.

Do you feel all alone right now? You’re not! God is not a million miles away. He is paying close attention to you. God notices you because you matter to him.

Talk It Over

Why is giving someone your attention such a powerful way to show love?

What spiritual habits do you need to develop so that you are more aware of and confident in God’s presence?

Do you believe that God cares about the details of your life? How does that change the way you relate to him?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You that You are always watching over us — never sleeping, never absent, never forgetting our needs. We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, knowing that You are our shield and our shepherd. We know according to Your Word that Your eyes are upon us, and Your care surrounds us day and night. Thank You for being our refuge in trouble, our strength in weakness, and our guide in every step. We trust that You see our struggles, understand our fears, and hold our future in Your hands. Like the sparrows, we are valued and protected by You, and even the hairs on our head are numbered.
     Father, we release all our anxieties into Your hands, knowing that You care for us and will not let us fall. We declare that we walk in the shadow of the Almighty, safe under Your wings. We affirm that we are never alone — You are with us now and forevermore. Thank You for watching over us, guiding us, and keeping us safe. We rest in the peace that comes from knowing You are always near. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Sum Total

We shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.

Ephesians 4:13 (GNT)

Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ. It’s a journey that will last a lifetime!

This is how it works: Every day God wants you to become a little more like him. As the Bible says, “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Today, people are obsessed with speed. But God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. You might want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. Maybe you’re looking for a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release you from all growing pains.

But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Message paraphrase says, “Our lives gradually [become] brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

People often build their identity around their defects. You might even tell yourself you can’t change, saying, “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if you let go of your habit, your hurt, or your hang-up, you won’t know who you are anymore. This fear can slow, or even stop, your growth.

So how do you let go of those old habits and grow to be more like Christ? How do you conform your character to his? By developing Christ-like habits to replace those old habits.

Your character is the sum total of your habits—and habits take time to develop. You can’t claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind, showing kindness without even thinking about it. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest. A husband or wife who is faithful MOST of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character.

There’s just one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: You have to practice them, over and over, until they become part of your identity. And that takes time!

But over time, you—and the people around you—will see the difference. As Paul urged Timothy, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).

Talk It Over

What old habit have you been hanging on to? How can you begin to replace it with a Christ-like habit today?

What is one character trait that you want to be known for?

Who in your life can help and encourage you as you work to develop that habit of Christ-like character?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

        We come before You with humble hearts, longing to reflect the love and purity of Christ in all we do. Strengthen us when our spirit feels weak, and guide our thoughts, words, and actions so they honor You. Teach us patience when life tests our resolve, kindness when others wound us, and humility when pride tries to take root. Fill us with courage to choose righteousness over convenience, and grace to forgive as You have forgiven us. Daily, shape our hearts, so that our character shines with compassion, integrity, and truth. May our lives be a living testimony of Your goodness, drawing others closer to You.
In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Promise for Today - Keep Going

We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. 

2 Corinthians 4:9 (TLB)

If you’ve ever been at a race, you’ve probably heard spectators shout, “Keep going!” to motivate the athletes. That’s also great advice for anyone who feels emotionally, mentally, or spiritually exhausted from running the marathon of life: Keep going!

Scripture includes many examples of people who had determination to keep going in the face of opposition, including Jesus and Paul.

Jesus faced constant opposition. Religious and political leaders tried to intimidate him. They repeatedly tried to stop him from teaching and helping people. At one point, they even warned him that King Herod wanted to kill him.

But Jesus said to them, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way” (Luke 13:32-33 NLT).

Nothing was going to stop Jesus from accomplishing his purposes—not fear, opposition, or criticism. He was resilient and had the endurance to keep on keeping on. 

Paul also faced obstacles that threatened to slow him down. In the Living Bible paraphrase, he said, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Maybe that sounds familiar, because you feel like troubles are coming at you from every direction. You’re tired and worn out, and you don’t think you’ll make it to the finish line.

How do you keep going? You get the power to keep going from the same place Jesus and Paul did: God.

The Message paraphrase says, “We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work” (2 Timothy 1:8-9).

God doesn’t expect you to fulfill your purpose and do his will in your own power. First, he saves you, and then he gives you the power for daily living. He will give you everything you need to keep going and finish what he has called you to do.

Talk It Over

What kind of fear, opposition, or criticism tempts you to pull back from doing the things God has called you to do?

In what way do you feel “pressed on every side by troubles” today?

Where do people turn, other than to God, looking for power to endure hardships? When have you seen God’s power carry you through a difficult time?

by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

Please renew my spirit, quiet my fears, and give me the courage to take just one more step today. Remind me that I do not need enough strength for the whole journey—just enough grace for this moment. Surround me with Your peace, hold me steady when I stumble, and help me keep going. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Community

Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NCV)

Did you know that God has special work for you to do? That’s why you’re alive. He made you to do good works that he planned before you were even born. Ephesians 2:10 says, “God made us to do good works” (NCV). But God never meant for you to do good works by yourself. He knows that would only lead to fatigue.

Sometimes we think that people do their greatest work alone. For example, there’s a misconception that Mother Teresa served on the streets of Calcutta all by herself. But she actually had an army of sisters helping her. Like her, you need other people helping you fulfill the work that God has for your life. By yourself, you won’t be able to do a lot. But working with other people, you can get more done.

A snowflake by itself doesn’t make much impact. But if enough of them stick together, they can stop traffic! People are the same way. On our own, you or I may not be able to create much change. But together, we can make a greater difference, with each person doing what God made them to do.

Maybe you’re feeling exhausted today. Do you have anyone helping you? If not, you’re missing out on one of the benefits of being connected to a church family. You may attend a church, but that doesn’t mean you’re connected to its people.

Community is God's answer to fatigue. Do yourself a favor and get connected this week.

Talk It Over

Have you discovered the work God has for your life? What is it, and how are other people helping you to fulfill it?

Think of a time when you worked with others to accomplish God’s work. How did working together ensure the best outcome?

How has your small group or church family helped you learn to serve without becoming burned out and exhausted?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for bringing together brothers and sisters in Christ, each with unique gifts and backgrounds, to worship You and serve one another. Lord, we invite Your presence to dwell richly among us, guiding us to love, serve, and encourage each other with grace and compassion. Remove any bitterness or division from our hearts, and teach us to be patient, kind, and forgiving. Let our words and actions reflect the character of Your Son, and may our church be a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and at home.
    We pray that you strengthen our leaders - pastors, elders, deacons, and all who serve - granting them wisdom, humility, and integrity as they shepherd Your people. Comfort the weary, heal the hurting, and renew the discouraged.
     We also lift up our community beyond our church walls. Cause us to be Your light in our neighborhood, bringing hope to the lost, healing to the broken, and reconciliation where there is division. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Don't Go There

Come to me and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 (CEV)

When Jesus says, “Come to me and I will give you rest", what kind of rest is he talking about? Jesus offers a rest for your soul that’s much deeper than physical rest—because he knows that the problem you need help with right now is probably not overworked muscles.

When you come to Jesus in your emptiness, what you probably have is an overloaded mind, soul, and spirit. You need rest not just from physical work but from tension, stress, anxiety, hurry, and worry. You need the kind of rest that a good nap or a vacation can't give.

Most people unwind differently when they’re physically tired than when they’re emotionally and spiritually exhausted. Maybe when you’re tired, you watch a movie or spend time on your phone. Maybe you lie down or take a walk. Maybe you choose to spend time with friends, or maybe it’s better for you to be alone. Those can all be good things—but none of them can restore your soul.

Only God can restore your soul. That’s why, when you have soul emptiness, soul depression, or soul overload, Jesus wants you to come to him. The Living Bible paraphrase says, “He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

When you’re empty inside, culture says you need to do more. You need to make more money, get more stuff, do more things, travel more places. Go, go, go. More, more, more. But that’s the very reason you’re empty!

Jesus wants you to do the opposite: Don’t go. Come. Come to him—and come just as you are.

Your soul will never find rest in anything the world has to offer. That’s because your soul was not created to be filled by anything in this world. You were made for God, and you only find true rest when you bring your weary soul to him.

Talk It Over

Do you ever feel guilty when you slow down and rest? What will you remind yourself of when you start to feel this way?

How do you know when your weariness comes from your soul and not just your body?

When Jesus restores your soul, what do you feel empowered and equipped to do?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for the gift of this day, filled with moments both joyful and challenging. As we seek rest, we're reminded of Your unwavering faithfulness. Help us to focus on the blessings that surround us, even in the midst of turmoil. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude, transforming our worries into praise. May Your peace envelop us, guiding us into a night of restorative sleep, where we can awaken renewed and ready to serve. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Hold Off

The one who gives an answer before he listens—this is foolishness and disgrace for him.\

Proverbs 18:13 (CSB)

One of the problems with humans is that we like to fix things. When we see a problem, we want to quickly jump to how we can solve it so we can move on. But God wants you to be a feeler before you’re a fixer. He wants you to feel someone’s pain before you try to solve the problem.

You may be barely into a conversation before you think, "I know how to fix this." But that's not loving. People don't care what you know until they know that you care. They want to feel heard. They want to feel loved. They want to feel understood.

There is healing in sharing. Your ear is a healing tool God can use if you'll learn to listen without trying to fix anything.

In John 11, when Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, he delayed and took three days to travel what should have taken less than a day. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had died. His sisters were grieving and told Jesus that if he had come sooner, Lazarus would not have died.

Jesus’ delay might seem callous, but he had a plan: He didn’t want to heal Lazarus. He wanted to raise him from the dead to show that he, Jesus, was the Son of God. He already knew the solution before Lazarus even got sick.

"Jesus saw her weeping, and he saw how the people with her were weeping also; his heart was touched, and he was deeply moved. ‘Where have you buried him?’ he asked them. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they answered. Jesus wept” (John 11:33-35 GNT).

Jesus was not unconcerned about their pain. When he saw everybody around him grieving, he mirrored it. He entered into it. Jesus knew the solution, but it didn’t keep him from sharing their grief. He shared their feelings, not his solution.

You may know the solution to someone’s problem, but you need to hold off. If you're going to be a great listener, you've got to listen to their feelings and enter into their pain.

Talk It Over

How does sharing in someone’s grief help that person heal?

When might be the right time to share your thoughts on a solution with someone who is in pain or grieving?

What is one way you can practice patience in your life?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          Give us the grace to truly listen to others. Help us to be quick to hear and slow to speak, not waiting for our turn to share, but fully present in the moment. Grant us the humility to set aside our own opinions and provide the strength to hear without judgment, criticism, or impatience. Let our hearts be open, our minds quiet, and our spirits receptive, so that we may understand not only their words but also their needs, hopes, and fears. 

Father, teach us to be a safe space where others feel valued and heard, and may we represent Your love. Give us the patience to hold space for their pain, their joy, and their truth, and to respond with kindness and compassion. In Jesus’ Name we pray,  Amen

Promise for Today - To Live Without Fear

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

God is a God of radical freedom. In fact, the Bible says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NIV). What does God’s freedom give you? It gives you many things, like a clear conscience, direct access to God, and the power to do what’s right. It also gives you freedom from the fear of death.

Death is a universal fear, yet it’s a fear that few people want to face. It may be tempting to go through life pretending you’re not going to die. But only a fool would go through life unprepared for what they know is inevitable.

Here’s the good news: Jesus came to set you free from the fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-16 says, “For only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death. Only in that way could he deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread” (TLB).

I can say, in all honesty, that I am totally free from the fear of dying. Why? Because I know God, and I’m not afraid of him. I’ve been his friend for more than 60 years. The only people who are afraid of God are people who don’t know him. The more you get to know him, the less you’re afraid of him, because God is love. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV).

How could you fear someone who loves you unconditionally? How could you fear someone who thinks about you more than you do? God knows every detail of your life. He even knows how many hairs you have on your head! So why would you be afraid to go be with him forever?

If you know the Lord when you die, you’re not leaving home—you’re going home! You’re going where you were meant to be for all eternity, to “the kingdom [God] prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34 NIV).

Praise God, you can live free! You can live without guilt, able to talk to God anytime and anywhere, free to do what is right, and confident there’s no need to fear death—all because you belong to Jesus.

Talk It Over

How has your salvation changed the way you feel and talk about death?

In what areas do you live as though this life is all there is?

Whom do you need to talk to today about the hope and freedom God offers them through Jesus?

You don’t need to fear death.

Many people are afraid to die—but Jesus can give you freedom from that fear. If you want that freedom and the assurance that you will be with God forever, you can pray something like this:

Dear God, 

                I know I’ll stand before you one day. I confess I’ve ignored you and gone my own way, but I want that to change. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins so I can have eternal life with you.
Jesus, thank you for taking my guilt and giving me your grace. I believe in you, and I trust your promise to forgive me, guide me, and bring me home to heaven one day. In your name I pray. Amen.

- by Pastor Rick
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email Pastor Rick at Rick@PastorRick.com and let him know about it. He’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.