Promise for Today - Overestimating Strength

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)

Failure is part of life. No matter who you are or what your story is, you’re going to experience failure at some point. It’s part of living as an imperfect person in an imperfect world.

Before Jesus went to the cross, on the night that he was arrested, his friend Peter failed him in a significant way. Peter denied Jesus—not just once but three times.

During the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples he was going to be arrested, die, and three days later come back to life. He said to the disciples, “Tonight all of you will desert me” (Matthew 26:31 NLT). Yet Peter kept insisting he would never deny Jesus. In fact, Peter said three times, “I will never”!

Peter overestimated his strength—and it eventually led to his failure.

Overestimating your strength is still a common cause of failure today when you think you’re stronger than you really are—when you believe you can handle temptation.

When people overestimate their strengths, there are dire consequences: Businesses fail, battles are lost, and spouses are tempted into affairs.

You might think, “That could never happen to me.” But 1 Corinthians 10:12 says, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (NLT).

No one is exempt. Given the right situation, you are capable of any sin, and so am I.

When you don’t pay attention to your strengths, they become weaknesses. In other words, an unguarded strength becomes a double weakness because you have a sense of pride about it.

Peter’s biggest failure, denying Christ, happened right after the Last Supper, a very intimate and powerful experience. The very area where you’ve had a major victory may be exactly where you stumble next.

Resist the temptation to overestimate your strengths. Instead, remember you are a sinful human who needs God’s grace and mercy. Keep your strengths in perspective so they don’t become your point of failure.

Talk It Over

When has overestimating one of your strengths led to failure?

What is a strength you know you need to pay more attention to so it doesn’t become a weakness?

How does God’s Word help you keep your strengths in perspective?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

            Help us to remember and trust that our strength comes from You, not from our own abilities, and that we are to walk humbly before You. We come before You today with a heart that longs for confidence - not the kind that boasts in our own strength, but the kind that is rooted in the truth of who You created us to be. You are our Maker, our Shepherd, and our Guide. Yet, Lord, there are moments when we doubt ourselves, when fear and insecurity creep in, and when we feel unworthy or incapable. 

       We confess that we often rely on our own power, forgetting that Your grace is sufficient for us, and Your power is made perfect in our weakness. We ask that You fill us with a holy confidence - not arrogance, not pride, but a deep, unshakable assurance that You have given us everything we need to fulfill Your Plan for our lives and for Your kingdom. Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes, not through the lens of our past failures, our weaknesses, or the opinions of others. 

     When we feel afraid, remind us that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. When we feel inadequate, remind us that Your grace is sufficient and in You, we lack nothing. Lord, silence the lies that tell us we must be strong on our own. Replace them with Your Truth - that our strength is not found in ourselves, but only in You. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen

Promise for Today - Sustaining Grace

My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

1 Peter 5:12 (NLT)

There are three things that can cause you to stumble in your race and not finish well in life. But in each of these situations, God’s sustaining grace will get you through.

1. God’s sustaining grace helps you avoid sinning when you’re tempted.

Temptation is the first thing that can cause you to stumble. The Bible says, “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT). God will provide the sustaining grace you need to escape. It may mean turning the channel, running out the door, or changing the way you’re thinking. But God will provide a way to escape temptation.

2. God’s sustaining grace helps you keep standing when you’re tired.

Sometimes you’re not tempted. Sometimes you’re just tired! Life requires a lot of energy, especially when you’re trying to do the right thing rather than the easy thing. But where do you get the power to do the right thing when you’re tired? “It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has . . . identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NLT). The key is the Holy Spirit in you, who gives you the energy to do the things you can’t do in your own power.

3. God’s sustaining grace helps you keep going when you’re troubled.

There are some hurts in life that are unrelenting and undeserved—and they hurt the most. What do you do in those situations? You first stop playing the “if only” game and instead focus on Christ and his sustaining power. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT).

Talk It Over

How has God’s sustaining grace carried you through difficult times?

What do you think it means to play the “if only” game? When have you used this excuse?

How can you extend God’s sustaining grace to others?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

            We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we cannot save ourselves or sustain ourselves through our own strength. We declare that it is by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not from ourselves; it is Your gift to us according to Your Word. (Ephesians 2:8). We thank You for the salvation, strength, and hope You freely give, and we commit our lives to daily walk in the path You have laid before us. When we feel weak, remind us that Your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help us to lean on You, to trust that Your mercy is always available, and that we may approach Your throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
       Father, teach us to be humble, for You give grace to the humble (James 4:6). When trials, temptations, or burdens come, cover us with Your grace, strengthen us to stand firm, and guide our steps in wisdom and kindness. We pray that our lives will reflect the love of Jesus Christ, that we will forgive as we have been forgiven, and that we will extend to others the mercy You have shown us.
       Lord, let our daily walk be marked by our dependence on You, not on our own strength. Keep our hearts humble, our spirits renewed, and our lives anchored in Your unending grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - What's Your Worth?

Can a mother forget her little child and not have love for her own son? Yet even if that should be, I will not forget you. See, I have tattooed your name upon my palm.

Isaiah 49:15-16 (TLB)

When you find yourself stuck in a cycle of overworking, you need to remember your value to God.

This is the exact opposite of basing your worth on your work, your career, or your full-time role. It is countercultural and may require a major change in your thinking, especially if a little voice in your head keeps saying, “You’ve got to prove you matter.”

One reason people can't relax is that they confuse their work and their worth. They confuse their net worth with their self-worth. They think, “If I work really hard and succeed at work, then I am valuable. If I'm not productive, then I'm not valuable.” That's a lie! But in Western culture, our identity often revolves around our work, so we overwork in an attempt to prove ourselves. We believe that if we achieve a lot, then we must be worth a lot.

But your significance has nothing to do with your job, your career, or your achievements.

You don’t have to prove your worth. God says that you are already extremely valuable. You’ll never be more valuable to God than you are right now, but you’ll never be less valuable to God than you are right now, either.

How valuable are you? Your heavenly Father created you. Jesus died for you. And if you are a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in you.

God doesn’t create anything without purpose or intention. The fact that you’re alive means God loves you and wants you alive. You’re priceless. You’re a masterpiece. It’s not what you do that gives you worth, but Who you belong to.

Did you know that God has a tattoo of you? The Living Bible paraphrase says, “Can a mother forget her little child and not have love for her own son? Yet even if that should be, I will not forget you. See, I have tattooed your name upon my palm” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Are you perfect? Absolutely not. Are you broken? Yes. Are you a sinner? Yes. But are you of infinite value? Yes! And you are deeply loved by God.

He has already proved your worth on the cross.

Talk It Over

To whom have you been trying to prove yourself? Why?

How does knowing how much God values you help you rest?

How do you think your work experience would change if you were trying to please only God with your work and not anybody else?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

        Help us to see ourselves the way You see us - fearfully and wonderfully made, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works that You prepared in advance for us to do. Reveal and remove every lie that makes us feel less than who we are, and open our eyes to recognize our true worth and identity in You. Let our confidence be rooted in Your Truth, not in our achievements, appearance, or in others’ opinions. Teach us to embrace who You’ve made us to be, to love ourselves as You love us, and to walk boldly in the purpose You’ve set for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - In Light of Failure

When you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 22:32 (NLT)

Before Peter had even failed, Jesus gave him a vision of how God could use his failure for good.

When you’re in the middle of a failure, it can seem like nothing good will ever come from it. But God can always bring good from your failures. In fact, your worst failure can become your greatest success. If you let him, God will use your failures to build his church!

After Peter’s failure (when he denied Jesus three times), Jesus died and then was resurrected. And when he and Peter met again on a seashore, Jesus pointed him to the good that God would bring out of his failure. Here’s how the conversation went:

“Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep’” (John 21:15-17 NIV).

Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Why did he ask that three times? He was giving Peter the opportunity to make up for the three times he had denied Jesus.

And each time, Jesus gave Peter another way to use his failure for good: “Feed my lambs...Take care of my sheep... Feed my sheep.”

On the same night that Peter had denied Jesus, another disciple, Judas, also failed Jesus. But ultimately, Judas became a traitor to Jesus, while Peter chose to become a teacher and a leader.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (ESV).

God is still building his church by using people who’ve failed. In fact, God only uses failed people—because there aren’t any perfect people!

What are you going to become in light of your failure? It’s your choice.

Talk It Over

What is one way you want to see God use your failure for good? Do you believe that he can do more than you could even ask or imagine?

Think of a fellow Christian you admire. How have you seen God turn a great failure into a great ministry in their life?

What big failure have you experienced? Are you ready to surrender it to God today so you can see how he can bring good from it?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

         We come before You, acknowledging the challenges and failures we have faced. We recognize that You are the Source of divine guidance and strength, enabling us to rise above every setback. Help us to remember that failure does not define us but is a stepping stone toward success. Grant us courage to face our fears, wisdom to learn from our mistakes, and resilience to overcome and persevere in every situation. Replace our doubts with faith, our fear with confidence, and our discouragement with hope. We receive Your favor, blessings, and victory in every area of our lives, offering thanksgiving and praise to You, in Jesus' Name. Amen

Promise for Today - Think Eternal

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Two verses in the Bible are written by the same author but seem to send opposite messages:

1 John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (NIV). That’s pretty clear!

But John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world...” (NIV). That looks like a big contradiction right there.

However, “the world” is used two ways in these verses. The first verse refers to the world’s value system, and the second refers to the world’s people. Followers of Jesus are to love people, no matter what choices they make. On the other hand, we are to hate the world’s value system, including things like status, selfishness, and sexual immorality. The problem is that we often get it reversed. We love the value system and hate the people. We do this all the time. Instead of being different, we’re often just as materialistic and hedonistic as the culture we live in. But that’s backwards from how God calls us to live.

For the rest of your life, you’ll face great pressure to conform to the culture. This was Israel’s biggest problem for thousands of years. They wanted to be like other nations. Yet God gave them all kinds of moral, civil, and ceremonial laws to make them different on purpose.

God has done the same for you and me. We don’t live under Old Testament Law, but God has told us exactly how we should live and how to get the wisdom and power to stand out in this world: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

One reason you may not know what God wants you to do in life is that you may be too assimilated to your culture. Often this happens without you realizing it. But you can’t think like the world and think like God thinks. You have to make a choice.

The problem with following culture is that it’s all temporary. You need to follow something eternal: God’s Word.

Fill your mind with God’s truth, and let it transform your life by helping you love people without loving the world’s value system.

Talk It Over

Write down several areas of your life (family, career, church involvement, etc.) and the top five values that drive you in each area. In what ways are those values based on what culture values? In what ways are they based on God’s Word?

Why do you think that temporary things often feel satisfying in the short-term?

In what ways are you loving people like God loves them?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

         Teach our hearts the rhythm of Your own - where patience flows like a quiet river, and kindness blooms without condition. Let us see each soul as You behold them: not by the shadow of their failings, but by the light You breathed into their being. If we are wronged, anchor us in forgiveness deeper than the wound; when we are weary, fill us with the strength that serves without counting the cost. Break the walls of our selfishness, till our love is not ours, but Yours - a love that seeks no return, that gives as the sun gives, that holds as the sky holds, that endures as eternity endures. Teach us to walk in Your love so completely that we extend it to everyone around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Unqualified?

Give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.

Romans 6:13 (TLB)

There is no greater joy than to be used by God for a purpose bigger than yourself. Nothing compares to that feeling you get the moment you realize, “This is it! This is why I’m alive. I get it now.”

If you’ve never had this feeling, you’re missing out. The purpose of life isn’t to get an education, get a job, make money, and retire before you die. Your life is far more significant than your career. You were made for eternal purposes. The Living Bible paraphrase says, “Give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes” (Romans 6:13 TLB).

The problem is, many people secretly fear that God could never use them. Some people feel disqualified because of their past sins and mistakes. Others feel unqualified because they don’t feel like they have the right education, talents, or background.

Maybe you feel one of those two ways—disqualified or unqualified. But you only have to look at the life of the apostle Paul to know that God wants to use you in ways you can’t even imagine.

Nobody in history has been used by God more than Paul. Paul almost single-handedly spread Christianity all over the Roman Empire. He planted churches everywhere. He wrote about half of the New Testament. He lived with purpose to please God.

But do you know what Paul was doing before he became a preacher, a pastor, and a church planter? He was an anti-Christian crusader. He went from village to village persecuting Christians, having them thrown into prison. Paul was the exact opposite of someone you’d think God could use.

Paul wrote, “You know what I was like . . . how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. . . . But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace” (Galatians 1:13, 15 NLT).

Your past does not preclude your future. Your past is past. It doesn’t disqualify you from being used by God. The same is true with the kinds of opportunities you’ve had or didn’t have. They don’t make you unqualified. God chose you and called you, and he wants to use you today because of “his marvelous grace.”

Talk It Over

What sins or mistakes from your past make you feel disqualified to be used by God? What aspects of yourself or your story make you feel unqualified?

Who in your life is like Paul—someone who made a lot of mistakes but eventually was used by God in great ways? How does that person’s story encourage you?

Describe a time you knew God was using you for a purpose bigger than yourself. What characterized your life during that time? How can you make yourself available to be used by God in similar ways today?

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family.
It’s ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive. Simply pray this prayer:

 “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and turn toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough on my own to get into a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

- by Pastor Rick

Promise for Today - With Mercy

'Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’

John 8:11 (NIV)

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, God calls you to treat everyone with dignity. It doesn’t matter if they act, think, or worship differently than you. He still wants you to treat them with dignity. Why?

Because that’s what Jesus did.

Jesus accepted everyone. This doesn’t mean he approved of everything people did. He doesn’t approve of everything you do either, but he accepts you and treats you with dignity.

In John 8, Jesus treated a humiliated woman with dignity, but her accusers did not. Instead, they brought her before Jesus and said, “This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4-5 NLT)

Jesus knew they were just trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, so he “stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. . . . [Then] he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’” (John 8:6-7 NLT).

Nobody knows what Jesus wrote in the dirt, because the Bible doesn’t tell us. Some scholars think he wrote down the sins of the woman’s accusers: judgmentalism, arrogance, dishonesty, or spousal abuse. After all, Jesus, being God, knew their secret sins and wanted to get to the heart of the matter.

What did her accusers end up doing? John 8:9 says, “They slipped away one by one . . . until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman” (NLT). They didn’t stick around to condemn her. And Jesus didn’t condemn her either. Instead, he showed her mercy. John 8:11 says, “‘Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’” (NIV).

Did this woman do something wrong? Yes. She cheated on her husband. But Jesus protected her dignity in a public situation and dealt with her sin gently. He, in effect, said, “Don’t do this anymore.” He changed her.

That’s why I love Jesus—because he does the same thing with me. He treats me with mercy, even though I don’t deserve it. That’s what he does in your life, too—and it’s how he wants you to treat others.

Talk It Over

When have you sensed that Jesus was treating you with dignity and showing you mercy instead of condemning you?

What does it mean to you to know that Jesus wants to offer you mercy and dignity rather than condemnation?

In what situation in your life do you have a chance to treat someone with the same kind of dignity Jesus does?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

         We come to You today asking for Your help, to increase our compassion and mercy. We know that these qualities are important for living a life filled with love and understanding for others. Please help us see the world through Your eyes, to understand that everyone is struggling, and show them kindness and compassion no matter what they have done or where they come from. We repent for the times we have not looked beyond self; we pray You will remove the spirit of selfishness in our lives. 
     Help us to be more forgiving and to let go of anger and resentment toward others. Help us to show mercy to those who have wronged us and to extend grace to those who need it most. Lord, You are rich in mercy, to the point of dying for our sins. We want to grow more in our walk to be like You according to Your Word in Ephesians 2:4 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.”
     We pray that You will fill our hearts with Your love and compassion so that we may be a source of hope and comfort to those around us. Let the light of Jesus flow through our lives. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, we will surrender our hearts to You and be the face of Jesus to all those we encounter. This is not something we can do alone, and we humbly ask for Your help and guidance as we strive to become more compassionate and merciful. Change our hearts, O God, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Emotional Well-being

A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity. Blessed are his children after he is gone.

Proverbs 20:7 (GW)

If you won’t get married until you find the perfect wife or perfect husband, you’ll never marry, because no one is perfect. But you do need to marry someone who’s emotionally healthy and growing. And you need to make sure you’re growing in those areas too.

The Bible has a lot to say about emotional health. Here’s a list of emotional health factors from God’s Word:

An emotionally healthy person doesn’t have uncontrolled anger. “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person. Do not associate with one easily angered” (Proverbs 22:24 NIV). An angry spouse will eventually direct their anger toward you.

An emotionally healthy person doesn’t have addictions. “Don’t associate with people who drink too much or stuff themselves with food” (Proverbs 23:20 GNT). Food and alcohol are mentioned here, but there are countless ways to be addicted, including to technology, pornography, and even spending money.

An emotionally healthy person is not bitter. “Make sure that everyone has kindness  from God so that bitterness doesn’t take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many of you” (Hebrews 12:15 GW). Bitterness is like a poison; it eats you alive.

An emotionally healthy person is not selfish. “Selfish people cause trouble” (Proverbs 28:25 CEV). The number one cause of conflict in marriage, when you boil it all down, is simple: selfishness.

An emotionally healthy person is not greedy. “Whoever is greedy . . . brings trouble to his family” (Proverbs 15:27 GW). And Proverbs 23:6 makes it even more blatant: “Don’t eat with people who are stingy” (NLT).

An emotionally healthy person is generous and kind. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV). And Proverbs 11:17 says, “Kindness is rewarded— but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself” (CEV).

An emotionally healthy person tells the truth. “A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity. Blessed are his children after he is gone” (Proverbs 20:7 GW). Love is based on trust, and trust is based on truth.

Maybe you’ve read through this list and realized that many of these qualities are missing in the person you’re with. If you’re already married, it’s never too late for you and your spouse to see where you’re emotionally immature, commit to change, and ask God’s help as you grow toward emotional health. If you're dating, it’s time to reconsider the relationship. And if you see some of these qualities missing in your own life, ask God to help you grow before you commit to marriage.

Talk It Over

Look back over these traits of emotionally healthy people. In what areas are you doing really well?

In what areas of emotional health do you need to grow? What help do you need to grow in that area?

Are you dating, or considering dating, someone who shows signs of emotional immaturity? If you are, what change(s) do you need to make?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You that when You came to live on earth, You experienced every human emotion. We ask You to begin the work of healing broken hearts and binding up emotional wounds. Show us what steps we need to take to move toward wholeness, and we trust You to heal us in Your perfect timing. Thank You for understanding everything we're feeling right now. Restore to us spiritual wellness and wholeness, and restore the joy of our salvation. Deliver us from any forces that stand against You, and align our hearts and spirits with Yours. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Bad Tires

Guest Author - Christopher Glotzbach

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A few months ago, I gave a friend a ride home and when he hopped out of my car, he turned and said:
“Your tires are super bad. You need to get new ones.”

Yeah — sure.  A few days later, same situation. Different friend. Same conversation.
“Yeah, I’ll look into it. I know.”

Nothing... Until last weekend, when I was driving back from Columbus and a pretty bad storm rolled in.
I don’t get scared very often — but there were a few times I thought my buddy and I were going to slide off the road. Why? Because I needed new tires. 

I knew Brittany and I were going to be driving to Florida this week, so I needed to look into new tires. There was no way I thought we’d make the haul with what I had.

You know what’s crazy?

As soon as I pulled out of the shop with the new tires, it felt like I was driving a new car. I was stopping on a dime. I was accelerating like I should have. Look — it was crazy. And this situation has made me think:

How did this happen? How did I let my tires get this bad and not even know it? It happened slowly, over time. And I got used to the bad without even realizing it.

I think if we’re honest, we’re all guilty of letting things get away from us. But most of the time, it doesn’t happen all at once. It happens through slow fades. Drifting. Hebrews 2:1 says: “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

The way we fight against drifting is by paying attention. And that can be hard to do. So stay grounded in truth. Stay humble enough to listen to the people around you when they see something in you that you might not see in yourself. Sometimes someone else can see the warning signs before you do.

My prayer today:

“God, 

         Thank You for friends who hold me accountable, and thank You for keeping me safe all these miles on terrible tires. Help me pay careful attention to what I’ve heard so I don’t drift. Help me stay humble. God, thank You for Your Word that is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Thank You for being worthy to anchor my life to. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Promise for Today - In Search of Joy

They worshiped together at the Temple each day... praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.

Acts 2:46-47 (NLT)

Do you think church ought to be fun? I do!

Worship is a celebration. It’s a festival, not a funeral. It’s a party for the kingdom of God. Joyful worship attracts non-believers to the church, because people are looking for joy.

There’s so much bad news in the world. But “gospel” means “good news,” not “bad news.” The gospel is good news that makes people joyful! So when you gather with other Christians, you can celebrate, not commiserate. That’s what the early church did. Acts 2:46-47 says, “They worshiped together at the Temple each day... praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people” (NLT).

Notice two words there: “praising” and “enjoying.” Their worship was happy! God has given us lots of emotions to express, and one place we can express our happiness is in worship.

As Christians, we have been forgiven of our pasts, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what will! As Peter said on the day the church was born, “Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope” (Acts 2:26 CEV).

We don’t have to manufacture that joy on our own. Peter quoted King David, saying, “You have shown me the paths that lead to life, and your presence will fill me with joy” (Acts 2:28 GNT). When you know your path (God’s purpose for your life) and you feel God’s presence, you’re automatically filled with joy.

But it’s true that sometimes joy can fade. In that case, there are a couple of things to do. First, you can pray like David did, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NLT). And the next answer may surprise you: You can practice generosity! That’s what the early Christians did: “ All the believers . . . shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need” (Acts 2:44-45 NLT).

And how did they do it? “With great joy and generosity” (Acts 2:46 NLT).

Real Christianity is Good News for everyone. And that Good News makes you joyful!

Talk It Over

Why do you think joyful worship can be attractive to non-believers?

When have you experienced joy in worship?

Are you experiencing joy in worship lately? If not, take time to pray like David, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12 NLT).
- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          We come before You today with a heart full of gratitude for Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for the gift of worship, for the music, the words, and the presence of Your Spirit in this place. Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and the Author of Joy. Fill our hearts with Your joy, not the fleeting happiness of the world, but the deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to see Your goodness in every moment, even in the midst of challenges, and to trust that Your joy is our strength. Holy Spirit, guide our hearts to worship You in spirit and in truth, not just with words but with our whole being. Remove every distraction, worry, or heaviness that hinders our praise. Let Your joy overflow into our lives and into the lives of those around us, so that others may also taste the joy of knowing You.
      Father, as we gather as Your people, let our worship be a celebration of Your love, a declaration of Your faithfulness, and a testimony of Your joy. May our time of prayer and praise be a source of renewal for our hearts, a reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - In Fellowship

All the believers continued together in close fellowship.

Acts 2:44 (GNT)

When you’re going through a tough time, no one can care for you like a loving church family. It’s been that way since the church began. In the early years of Christianity, followers of Jesus faced heavy persecution from the Roman Empire. Many of them were even killed. So they banded together and really took care of each other. They loved and supported each other.

There’s a biblical word for that support network. It’s called fellowship. Fellowship means we are as committed to each other as we are to Jesus.

The Bible says this in Acts 2:42: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer” (NLT). Another translation says, “They were like family to each other” (CEV).

Over and over again, the church is called a family. It’s not a business; it’s not an organization; it’s not a social club. The church is a family. The Bible tells us to treat older men in the church as spiritual fathers and older women as spiritual mothers, and to treat your peers as brothers and sisters. In fact, in some Christian traditions, church members still call each other “brother” and “sister.”

What do you do with family? You accept them and stick up for them, even if they’re a little weird. You help them when they’re in trouble. You provide for them when they can’t provide for themselves. You show physical affection to each other, offering a hug or pat on the back when someone needs it.

And this kind of fellowship often happens in each other’s homes. Acts 2:46 says, “They . . . met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” (NLT).

The early church grew quickly because of this loving support. Even when non-Christians didn’t understand Christians’ beliefs, they had to acknowledge that they loved each other really well... Acts 2:44 says, “All the believers continued together in close fellowship” (GNT).

Love attracts. When Christians genuinely love each other, you can’t keep people away. Are you offering that kind of loving fellowship in your church?

Talk It Over

When have you experienced true fellowship in another believer’s home?

How have you seen believers care for each other like family?

Why do you think non-believers are attracted to a loving church?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,
          Let Your love be the foundation of our fellowship. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us, creating a strong and unified family of believers. Let it be such that the world will know we are Christ's followers by the evidence of Your love in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - You're Not Sidelined

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Acts 2:17 (NIV)

On the day the Church was born, the day of Pentecost, God worked a miracle. He gave Jesus’ followers the ability to speak in different languages so that the people around them could hear the gospel in their own language. People said, “We all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” (Acts 2:11 NLT).

Through this miracle, God showed that the Good News is for everybody!

God has already given you unique gifts that allow you to reach people in other ways.

For example, if you’re a young parent, you might speak “parent of preschoolers.” Through conversations about diapers and bottles and play groups, God might give you a chance to share the Good News.

Or maybe you speak “CEO” or “truck driving” or “retirement” or “knitting” or “soccer.” Everyone has their own unique set of cultural “languages” they speak. And God can use your languages to reach a unique group of people.

In the early church, no one sat on the sidelines; everyone was a contributor. Peter quoted this prophecy to a group of early seekers and believers: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18 NIV)

God’s plan for his church today, too, is for everyone to be involved in proclaiming his message.

You’re never too young or too old to be used by God. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or where life has taken you, you have gifts, abilities, and talents that God has put in you and wants to use to share his Good News.

Talk It Over

Think about when you first heard the gospel. How was it shared in such a way that you were interested in it?

What unique cultural “languages” do you speak that God might use to let you share the Good News?

There are lots of different ways to explain the Good News of Jesus. Take a few minutes to think about the unique way you would share the gospel with someone.

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

       We give You thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be bold witnesses of Your love and grace. Just as the Apostle Paul exemplified in his ministry, we long for our lives to be a testament to Your transformative power. Enable us, God, to be a vessel through which Your signs and wonders will flow. Just as You used Paul to preach the gospel throughout formidable regions, we ask that You empower us to spread Your Word in our community, workplace, and beyond.
     As we reflect on Paul's ministry from Jerusalem to Illyricum, we are reminded that the call to evangelize does not carry geographical limitations. Ignite in our hearts a fierce passion to reach out to every corner of our sphere of influence, encouraging those who do not know You to encounter the saving grace available through Jesus Christ. May we be a mouthpiece for Your truth, presenting the good news with clarity, conviction, and love.
      Father, we also recognize that to fully share the gospel involves much more than mere words. It entails living a life that reflects the love of Christ, demonstrating through our actions what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Let our lives show forth the fruit of the Spirit, that when others see us, they might see an embodiment of Your kindness, patience, and joy. Create in us opportunities for sincere service, that through our conduct and character, the beauty of Your gospel may shine forth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - What Am I Going to Do?

Guest Author – Amber Lausch (In SOAP format: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)
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Scripture:
James 1:5 “..if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Observation:
James doesn’t say, “If you lack wisdom, try harder.” He says “ask God.”

There’s a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is learning and wanting to know “all of the things.“ Wisdom tells us to ask, “God, what do You want me to do with this?”

God isn’t irritated because I don’t know what to do. He doesn’t look at me and say, “You should have figured this out already.” He invites me to keep asking again.

And He is a giving God.

Sometimes I think wisdom should be apparent - and LOUD - an answer we can’t miss. But often God gives us wisdom a little bit at a time. He guides us with what to say, and what not to say (although I know I don’t always listen). He tells us when to act, when to wait, what should be important to us, and what to put down.

Application
This hits me because I spend a lot of time trying to figure things out. Whether through research (mostly through research) or polling friends and family.

I’m a wife, mom, Lolli (grandmother), friend, organizer, problem-solver, people-pleaser, and the person people often come to when something needs to get handled. There always seems to be another decision, another person I want to help, another responsibility, another thing I could worry about, and I carry it willingly, and sometimes unfortunately. Funny enough, my husband ran several lunch suggestions by me on Monday, and I asked him to pick one. He said he didn’t know what I wanted. I told him anything was fine as long as I wasn’t tasked with making another decision because I didn’t have the capacity.

Otherwise, a lot of the time my instinct is: “Okay, how do I fix this?”

This verse is challenging, though. Instead of asking, “What am I going to do?” I want to start asking: “God, what is the wise thing to do?”

Not the fastest thing.
Not the thing that keeps everybody happy.
Not the thing that gives me the most control (and Lord knows I struggle with this)…
The wise thing!!

I need His wisdom in my marriage and family, in raising and loving my girls, in knowing when my grown children need my help and when they need room to make their own decisions, in friendships, in serving others, in all the little responsibilities I willingly (and unfortunately at times) pile onto my plate.

And I need wisdom to know the difference between something God is asking me to carry, and something I have decided is mine to FIX.

Today, before I react too quickly, worry, overthink, send a text, make a decision, or start trying to solve the problem myself, I want to pause long enough to ask: “Lord, give me Your wisdom here.” And then trust that He meant what He said: He will give it generously!

Prayer:

Father,
      I know I don’t have to have all the answers. You know how quickly I slip into problem-solving mode and start carrying things as though everything depends on me. Give me wisdom.
     Give me Your wisdom for my marriage, my children, my family, my friendships, my responsibilities, and the people You’ve placed in my life. Show me what needs my attention and what needs to be placed back into Your hands.
     When I don’t know what to say, give me wisdom to speak, and please give me wisdom to stay quiet when I should. When I don’t know whether to step in or step back, please guide me. When anxiety makes everything feel urgent, help me recognize Your voice over the noise in my own head.
     And Lord, teach me that asking You for wisdom doesn’t mean that I’m failing. It means that I’m learning to depend on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Promise for Today - Plugging In

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Real Christians don’t just talk about God; they experience God. And they’re able to do that through the power of the Holy Spirit... Jesus gave his followers instructions, but he didn’t expect them to carry them out on their own. It’s like he was saying, “The Holy Spirit is going to give you the power you need to do what I want you to do.”

Just after Jesus made this promise, he was taken up into heaven. And his followers waited and prayed. Then, on the day of Pentecost, God gave them the Holy Spirit.

There’s a direct connection in your life, too, between prayer and the power of God’s Holy Spirit. 

Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power. No prayer, no power.

If you don’t ever pray, I guarantee you that you’re not seeing God’s power at work in your life. And you don’t have the energy to get everything done that God wants you to get done.

A while back, I went to the kitchen one morning to make a protein shake. I was pushing all the buttons on the blender and could not get it to work. Then I realized it wasn’t plugged in.

Your life is the same way. You may be a Christian. You may be on your way to heaven. But if you’re not plugged in to the Holy Spirit’s power, you don’t have any energy to do what God has made you to do.

So, today, start plugging into God’s Spirit through prayer. You can pray about anything. The Bible says we’re to come to God as little children. Little children are bold with their parents; they just blurt out whatever is on their heart. In the same way, your heavenly Father wants you to talk to him about anything and everything.

The more you pray, the more you’ll find yourself connected to the power of God’s Holy Spirit and energized to do all he has made you to do.

Talk It Over

God doesn’t expect you to carry out his work on your own; he gives you his Spirit. What does this tell you about God?

When have you experienced a connection in your life between prayer and God’s Spirit? (Maybe you weren’t praying much and didn’t experience God’s Spirit, or perhaps you were praying a lot and could clearly see God at work in your life.)

In what area of your life right now do you need to ask God for more of the Holy Spirit’s power?

 - by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. We ask that You fill us afresh today -  Holy Spirit, we welcome Your presence in every area of our lives. Remove any spiritual dullness, awaken our souls to Your truth, and guide our steps in Your will. Teach us to walk in the Spirit, to be led by You rather than by our own desires. Let Your wisdom be our guide, Your peace our foundation, and Your power our strength.
        Lord, we surrender our fears, pride, and habits that hinder Your work. Fill the gaps in us where You see need — in our hearts, our minds, and our actions. We pray that You will teach us how to “war” in the Lord, using Your Word as our sword and Your Spirit as our strength.
       Holy Spirit, we trust You completely, knowing that You are our strength and our shield. We desire to be a vessel of Your power, to reflect Your fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May Your fruit be ever present in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Void of Power

Guest author, Christopher Glotzbach

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But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5

I was heading over to our rentals to mow. I normally mow with our zero-turn, then hop off to weed eat. But our new tenants have been parking in a way where I have to weed eat a pretty large section. So this time I thought ahead and decided to bring along my push mower. Only problem — I hadn’t used it all year, and it’s battery-operated... And I couldn’t find the batteries. I looked and looked… and looked.
Nothing.

It’s frustrating when things are void of power - and more than frustrating, I would argue, worthless - useless. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be useless. But the reality is, without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are. The Holy Spirit gives us power. Scripture reminds us in Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Thankfully, I eventually found the batteries, and the mower fired right up. But you know what? Our tenants were gone, so I didn’t have to use it. So it came with a teachable moment and a reminder that to be useful in the Kingdom, I need to be tethered to the Holy Spirit.

In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us — apart from Him, we can do nothing.

What about you? Where are areas in your life where it might appear to be operating well, but it is void of the Power?

 
My prayer today:

God, 

         Thank You for the reminder that every good and perfect gift is from You. Forgive me when I walk in the thought that I can rely on my own strength, and help me rest in the peace that everything I need — You have. Help me rely not on my own strength, but in the strength that You give through the Holy Spirit. What a beautiful gift that is. Help me to continue to run after You — for You are worthy of it all.
Amen.

Promise for Today - Promise, Purpose, Place, and Plan of Tithing

The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.

Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB)

God often blesses the areas of our lives where we put him first. That’s why, when it comes to finances, he calls us to put him first with our money. This is the principle of tithing: Giving the first 10 percent of your income back to God.

The Bible provides a framework for understanding tithing. Four passages explain its promise, purpose, place, and day.

Proverbs 3:9-10 gives the promise about tithing: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (NIV). When we honor God with the first part of our income, we can trust him to provide for our needs.

Why does God tell us to tithe? Deuteronomy 14:23 says in The Living Bible paraphrase, “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives” (emphasis added). God doesn’t need your money, but he wants what it represents: your heart. He wants you to trust him.

Where should you tithe? Do you tithe to your local food pantry? Or do you tithe to your brother who’s been out of work for three years? No, that’s charity. Tithing isn’t charity; tithing is an act of worship. It goes to God.

Malachi 3:10 says, “‘Bring to the storehouse a full tenth of what you earn . . . Test me in this,’ says the LORD All-Powerful. ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need’” (NCV). The storehouse is the temple, or the place where you worship God.

When are you supposed to tithe? The Bible points to the first day of the week as a pattern. First Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned” (NLT). When you give to God on the first day of the week, during the first part of your day, and from the first part of your money, you’re declaring, “You’re really number one in my life.”

Notice that the verse says to “put aside.” Tithing should not be an impulsive thing. You’ve got to plan for it so that you are honoring God’s plan and purpose for tithing.

As you put God first and trust him with your finances, you’ll discover that he is faithful to keep his promises and care for your needs.

Talk It Over

In practical terms, what does it mean to you to give God the first part of your income?

Why do you think God wants you to tithe to your church and not to another cause?

How do you need to plan today so that you can be faithful in tithing?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

         We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for every blessing You have poured into our lives. Everything we have - strength, resources, and opportunities - comes from Your hand. We honor You with the firstfruits of all we earn, giving You our tithe with love and obedience, not out of compulsion but as an act of worship. 

        Lord, we trust You completely with our finances. Remove any fear, doubt, or selfishness from our hearts. Help us to give cheerfully, knowing that when we honor You, You will continue to provide for all our needs. 
       Bless our tithe and use it for Your glory, for the work of Your kingdom, and for the needs of Your people. May it bring overflow in provision, peace, and purpose. In the words of Malachi 3:10, open the windows of heaven over our lives, so that there may be room enough to receive Your blessing. We offer You praise and grateful hearts for Your faithfulness and ask that our giving be a testimony of our trust in You. In Jesus’ Name we pray,  Amen.

Promise for Today - Where Your Treasure Is

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Yesterday we talked about investing in eternity by using your money to grow your character, to encourage fellowship in the body of Christ, and to serve others in need. There are two more funds that you should invest in so that you can yield eternal dividends in heaven.

God’s Global Fund. 

This is when you use your money to share the Good News and bring people to Jesus. Luke 16:9 says, “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (NIV).

Is this verse saying that you can buy friends? Not at all. It means that God wants you to invest in things that help get people into heaven so that when you get to heaven, they will welcome you there. It’s the greatest investment of your life. Is anybody going to be in heaven because of you?

God’s Treasury Fund. 

This is when you give money to God as an act of worship.

God’s promise in The Living Bible paraphrase of Proverbs 3:9-10 says this: “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.” The “first part of all your income” is your tithe—the 10 percent of your earnings that you give to God through your church.

The Bible says that wherever your treasure is, your heart will also be there. If what’s most important to you are the things of this earth, then every day you are moving further away from your treasure—because every day you are here on earth, you’ve got one less day to invest in eternity. You’re moving further and further away from the things you’re going to leave behind.

But if you’re investing in God’s funds and using your money to serve God’s purposes, then you’re storing up treasure in heaven every day. You’re getting closer and closer to your treasure instead of further away.

Missionary Jim Elliot once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

How will you show God that you are ready to start using your money to invest in eternity?

Talk It Over

What can you start doing with your finances that will help bring people to Jesus?

Why does tithing and being faithful with our finances require planning?

When have you used your money to invest in eternity? How have you experienced God’s blessing through that?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for entrusting us with time, talents, and treasures that are not our own but gifts from Your hand. Teach us to see beyond the temporary and to value what lasts forever. Guard our hearts from distractions that pull us toward selfish gain, and give us wisdom to sow into what matters to You—loving people, sharing Your truth, and serving with humility. Strengthen our faith so that we may persevere in doing good, even when the results are unseen. Help us to live each day with eternity in mind, storing up treasures in heaven where nothing can destroy them. May our lives echo Your love, and may our investments in Your Kingdom bring glory to You.  In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Promise for Today - Wise Investments

They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NLT)

You are going to enjoy forever what you invest in heaven, and you invest in heaven every time you use money for good.

So what’s the best way to store up your treasure in heaven? Any financial advisor will tell you not to put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, you put your money into different funds for a balanced portfolio.

Today and tomorrow, we’re going to look at five different “funds” you can invest in for eternity. These funds are proven. They have a track record. They’re protected. They are risk-free. And they yield enormous dividends.

God’s Growth Fund. 

This is any time you invest in something that is going to grow your character. Proverbs 10:16 says, “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin” (NLT).

You enhance your life with your money when you use it to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. When you use money to develop your skills and become mature, you are investing in eternity.

God’s Mutual Fund. 

This is every time you use money to encourage fellowship and build relationships with other believers. Romans 12:13 says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality” (NLT).

Why does God want you to use some of your money to show love to other believers? There are three reasons: It proves that you’re in God’s family. It creates unity. And it’s a witness to unbelievers.

God’s Service Fund. 

This is when you invest in eternity by using money to serve others. God wants you to take some of your money and use it to help people who are in need.

Proverbs 11:24 says, “One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor” (CSB). In other words, the more you help others, the more God blesses you. Why? Because God is a giver. He is generous, and he wants you to become like him.

You’ll find yourself becoming more and more like God as you invest in your character, other believers, and people in need.

Talk It Over

Do you spend money on things that ultimately damage your character? What could you direct that money toward to build your character instead?

Why is it important to demonstrate to people that you are in God’s family by taking care of other believers?

What is your motivation for being generous? How does your motivation affect your generosity?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          We come before You, asking for Your wisdom, insight, and discernment so that we may serve others with clarity, compassion, and truth. Open our eyes to see the needs of others, to understand their situations, and guide us in how to meet them in love and faithfulness. Grant us the discernment to act with integrity, to speak with truth, and to lead with humility. May Your Spirit fill us with wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy (James 3:17), so that we can grow and help others grow in their walk with You.
     We trust in You completely, knowing that if we lean not on our own understanding but on Your guidance, You will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Help us to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance, and instead to rely on Your wisdom in every decision that affects others. 

     Father, may our words be a blessing, our actions a testimony, and our hearts a channel of Your grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - No Worries

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

You can be a hero one day and a zero the next day, a millionaire one day and bankrupt the next. No matter how much you make or how much you save, finances are an uncertain part of life.

So you worry. But what does the Bible say about worrying over money?

1. It’s unreasonable. 

Matthew 6:25 says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (NIV). You’re going to have fears in life, but you don’t need to fear a lack of finances. Even bankruptcy does not have to defeat you. Life is more than just the accumulation of things. Be concerned about what’s truly important.

2. It’s unnatural. 

Jesus reminded people that there’s no need for God’s creation to worry: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NIV).

3. It’s unnecessary. 

Financial fears come from a misunderstanding about God and what he’s promised to do for you. He’s assumed responsibility for your needs. Jesus said, “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30 NIV). God is your Father; you are his child. He knows what you need better than you do and will provide for you in ways you may not expect.

When you worry, you’re trying to play God. You’re assuming responsibility for something that God has said he will take care of. Paul says in Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (NLT).

God knows what’s going on in your life—and in your wallet. He knows all your needs even before you ask. And you can trust him to take care of you.

Talk It Over

Sometimes money can feel like the most important thing in life. But what things in your life are actually more important than your finances?

How do you balance trusting in God and being a good steward of your finances?

What promises from Scripture encourage you when you start to worry about money?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          We come before You with hearts full of the choice to trust You. We know You are our provider, and You care for us and our families. Please lift up Your standard against every worry, fear, and anxiety in our hearts.
       We release and place our financial concerns into Your hands, knowing You will meet all our needs according to the riches of Your glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Help us to focus on Your kingdom and righteousness, and to live with gratitude for what You have already given us. Give us the wisdom to manage our resources in ways that honor You, and to be generous to those in need. We pray that You will open doors of opportunity to serve and to give to others in need. Provide for our needs, and bring peace to our hearts. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - When It Comes to Giving...

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

When it comes to giving, God cares much more about what’s in your heart than what’s in your wallet. You may think you don’t have a lot to give. But what he really wants is your willingness—not your wealth. God cares about your heart in giving because your heart reflects him. He wants you to grow to be more like him and reflect a heart of generosity.

This verse offers four key heart attitudes you should have when you give.

1. Give thoughtfully. Don’t give impulsively. The most spiritual kind of giving is when you think about it, pray about it, and then make up your mind about it. God wants your giving to be important and meaningful in your life—so he wants you to plan for it.

2. Give enthusiastically. Don’t just think, “I have to give.” Give because you know God’s going to do something big in your heart when you become a generous person.

3. Give voluntarily. Any time someone pressures you to give, don’t do it. God’s not going to bless that kind of giving anyway. But when you feel God challenging you to give, that’s the time to give generously and voluntarily.

4. Give cheerfully. Give with joy! One of the Greek words for “offering” has the same root as the word “hilarious.” God wants you to enjoy giving to him and to others.

Next time you’re considering whether to give or how much to give, remember that God’s greatest concern is your heart. When you give thoughtfully, enthusiastically, voluntarily, and cheerfully, then you know that’s a gift God will bless!

Talk It Over

God wants you to give thoughtfully, enthusiastically, voluntarily, and cheerfully. Which of these attitudes is most difficult for you? Which is easiest for you? Why?

What is a healthy, proper way to respond in situations when you feel pressured to give?

What is God doing in your heart through your current giving habits and choices?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

        We come before You today with grateful hearts, asking that You shape our giving to be mindful, intentional, and aligned with Your will. Help us see every blessing — whether it is time, resources, talents, or love — as a gift from You, entrusted to us for Your glory and to help build Your kingdom.
      Remove from us any reluctance, fear, or selfishness that might hinder true generosity. Teach us to give not out of obligation, but from a place of joy and love for You. Let our giving reflect Your heart, marked by compassion, kindness, and patience. Guide us in how, when, and where to give, so that our acts of generosity are wise and purposeful, meeting needs without causing harm or imbalance. Whether it is through material support, time, encouragement, or acts of kindness, may our giving overflow with blessing for others and for You.
      Help us to give with a cheerful spirit, knowing that You are our Provider. May our lives become a channel of Your grace, bringing comfort, hope, and encouragement to those around us. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Promise for Today - Keeping Record

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)

If you want to be financially strong, you need to start writing down what you spend until you know where all your money is going. This is the principle of accounting. You’ve got to keep track of your finances!

Have you ever made it to the end of the month and wondered, “Where did all my money go?” Ignorance of your financial condition plus easy credit equals disaster.

You’ve probably heard this phrase: “Money talks.” It does not. It just walks away quietly, and it doesn’t tell you where it’s going. To know what you’re spending your money on, you have to keep good records.

When it comes to your finances, you need to keep good records of four things: what you own, what you owe, what you earn, and where it’s going. This kind of record-keeping is the framework for budgeting.
There are several ways to budget, and you need to figure out which one is best for you. You need to get online, get to your bank, get to your accountant’s office, get into your books—whatever it takes for you to get on track and understand your money so that it works for you and not against you.

Proverbs 23:5 says, “Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle” (GNT). That’s a pretty descriptive picture. If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s just going to fly away like an eagle. Fortunately, for those of us in the US, our government is kind enough to remind us of this by putting an eagle on every dollar bill!

The financial plan that God blesses starts with recognizing that he is your source of income and your security. Then, by keeping good records, you can more easily see how God is providing for you and blessing your good stewardship of his gifts.

Talk It Over

How can budgeting your money give you more freedom financially?

What steps do you need to take today to be able to better track and allocate your money?

How do you want God to bless you financially? In what ways are you being faithful to him with your finances?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for every resource You have placed in our hands. We acknowledge that all we have comes from You, and we are merely stewards of Your provision. We ask for wisdom in managing our finances—to make decisions that honor You, avoid unnecessary debt, and prepare for the future. Teach us to distinguish between needs and wants, to budget faithfully, and to invest wisely. Forgive us for, and protect us from, greed, pride, and scarcity thinking. Help us cultivate a spirit of generosity, trusting that You provide for all our needs. Let every financial choice bring stability, peace, and blessing. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen

Promise for Today - Time Delayed

Let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.

Galatians 6:9 (GNT)

I talk to people all the time who say, “One of these days, I’m going to . . . ” They promise to serve more or give more when they retire, or when they get a raise—one of these days.

But “one of these days” is none of these days. You can’t wait for things to get better; you need to start planting now. Why? Because the sooner you plant, the longer you’re going to enjoy the harvest in your life. But the harvest is not always going to come in your expected timeframe. There’s always a delay between sowing and reaping. You plant in one season, and you harvest in another.

You have to be patient and not give up!

This is one of the principles that the kingdom of God operates on. In Mark 4:26-28, Jesus says, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head” (NIV).

The results will come, but they will come slowly and as part of a process. And because it takes time, you have to choose to be patient: “Let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest” (Galatians 6:9 GNT).

Choose to forget about last year’s crop failure. Instead, start focusing on the long-term harvest in your life. If you’re in financial difficulty, you didn’t get that way overnight. You took years to mess things up, and it’s going to take a while to put things back together. There is a time delay between sowing and reaping.

The Bible says in Psalm 126:5-6, “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest” (NLT).

What loss have you been grieving over? Maybe you’ve lost your job. Maybe you’ve lost your health. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one. Maybe you’ve lost your savings. Maybe you’ve lost half of your retirement in the last few years. Maybe you’ve lost your dream.

Mourning is okay; moaning is not. Instead of moaning, get moving!

Today is the day to plant the seed.

Talk It Over

If you could give financial advice to your younger self, what would you say? What can you learn from your financial mistakes that you can apply to your current situation?

What past mistakes and financial failures do you need to let go of? What do you need to start doing today to move forward with your finances?

What do you want to receive more of in your life? How can you plant that seed so that you will one day reap your own harvest?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          Just as the farmer waits patiently for the precious fruit of the earth, so we wait for the harvest of Your promises. Teach us to be like the husbandman—faithful in our labor, trusting in the early and latter rains of Your provision
      Thank You for the seasons You have given us, for the growth You have allowed in our lives, and for the foundation You have laid. We place our hope in You, knowing that if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. Strengthen our hearts so that we do not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.
       Lord, calm our anxious thoughts and fill our souls with peace. Let our patience be a reflection of Your goodness, and may our waiting be an opportunity to grow in faith, trust, and gratitude. We trust in Your sovereignty, for to everything there is a season, and we accept Your timing in every matter. Thank You for the harvest You have already begun to gather for us, and we look forward to the fullness of Your promises. May our patience be a light to others, showing them the beauty of waiting on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen