More Than Able Devotional

In the cacophony of life's demands, expectations, and challenges, there are times when we may feel distant, unworthy, or too burdened to approach the throne of grace. The song "O Come All You Unfaithful" by Sovereign Grace beautifully captures the essence of God's invitation to every heart, irrespective of its state. "O come, all you unfaithful, Come, weak and unstable, Come, know you are not alone." These opening lines, reminiscent of a classic carol, echo a divine call to those who feel they've strayed too far, those battling insecurities, and those weighed down by life's uncertainties. It's a reminder that no matter our condition, God's arms are open wide, beckoning us to find solace and strength in Him. The key scripture from Matthew is a direct invitation from Jesus. In a world that continually pushes us to do more, be more, and achieve more, Christ offers an oasis of rest. But it's essential to understand the depth of this invitation: 1. An Invitation to All: Jesus didn't specify any prerequisites. Whether you feel on top of your spiritual game or distant and doubtful, His call is to everyone. Similarly, the song emphasizes, *"O come, all you questioners, searching for answers,"* highlighting that all seekers are welcome. 2. Promise of Rest: Not just physical rest, but a deep-seated soul rest. The burdens we carry—whether guilt, shame, anxiety, or the weight of our failures—can be exhausting. Jesus offers to trade these heavy burdens for His light and easy yoke. 3. A Journey of Learning: Jesus calls us to learn from Him. He, being the embodiment of humility and gentleness, offers lessons that aren't harsh or taxing but filled with grace and mercy. As the song progresses, we're reminded of the reason behind this divine invitation: "O come, all you broken and broke, Come, helpless and hurt, wounded and worn, Oh come, all you broken and broke, King Jesus, your Saviour adorns." This is the crux of the Gospel. Jesus, the King of kings, chose to adorn, or wear, our sins and brokenness on the cross, offering redemption, restoration, and hope. His sacrifice ensures that no one is too far gone, too broken, or too lost to be welcomed back into the Father's embrace. Today, as the lyrics of "O Come All You Unfaithful" echo in your heart, let them serve as a reminder of this open invitation. If you feel burdened by guilt, remember that His arms bore the weight of all sin on the cross. If you're grappling with doubt, remember His constant faithfulness, even in our faithlessness. Whether today finds you rejoicing in His presence or hesitant at the door, know that the invitation stands. With arms wide open, Jesus says, "Come." And in coming to Him, we find more than just rest; we discover unconditional love, boundless grace, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. In every season, may our hearts respond to this divine call, finding refuge, hope, and rest in the Savior who adorns and adores us.Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The journey of faith is a continuous ebb and flow of drawing nearer to God, of letting our own desires and ambitions fade as the brilliance of Christ shines brighter within us. In the profound worship anthem Christ Be Magnified by Cody Carnes, we hear a heartfelt cry for the exaltation of Jesus in our lives, a desire that mirrors John the Baptist's declaration in John 3:30. The song begins with an earnest plea, *"Were creation suddenly articulate with a thousand tongues to lift one cry, then from north to south and east to west, we'd hear 'Christ be magnified!'”* These powerful words set the stage for a narrative that underscores the importance of Christ's preeminence in all things. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, embodied this sentiment. Though he had a significant ministry, drawing people from all over to the message of repentance, John always retained sight of his primary purpose: to point people to Christ. When his disciples felt a tinge of jealousy because Jesus was drawing bigger crowds, John's response was clear and humble: "He must increase, but I must decrease." How can we embrace this same posture in our daily lives, allowing Christ to be magnified in every situation? 1. Surrender Daily: Each day offers new challenges and new opportunities. By starting our day with a prayer of surrender, we signal to God our willingness to let Him lead. "Christ be magnified" is not just a phrase; it's a daily commitment. 2. Embrace Humility: John's willingness to play second fiddle to Jesus is a powerful lesson in humility. Recognizing that all gifts, talents, and opportunities come from God helps us use them to point others to Him rather than drawing attention to ourselves. 3. Seek His Glory, Not Yours: In every accomplishment, every praise, and every platform, our primary aim should be the glorification of Christ. As the chorus of the song resounds, *"Oh, Christ be magnified! Let His praise arise! Christ be magnified in me,”* let that be our genuine prayer in every season. The bridge of Christ Be Magnified offers a beautiful surrender: *"I won't bow to idols, I'll stand strong and worship You. And if it puts me in the fire, I'll rejoice because You're there too."* This mirrors the sentiment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, confident that God was with them even in the fiery furnace. Being a Christian doesn't mean we'll escape challenges. In fact, there might be situations where standing up for Christ puts us in difficult positions. However, like the heroes of faith before us, our resolve should remain unshaken. For when we stand with Christ, we are in the best company. Today, as you hum or sing Christ Be Magnified, take a moment to introspect. Are there areas in your life where you've been increasing and Christ has been decreasing? It's never too late to realign. Let's allow this song to become the anthem of our hearts, a continuous prayer that in every moment, every situation, and every season, Christ would be magnified.John 3:30 - "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Sometimes, the path before us seems shrouded in darkness, and the weight of the unknown presses heavily on our hearts. It is in these moments of uncertainty that the soul-stirring anthem "Way Maker" by Sinach provides a beacon of hope. The lyrics echo a timeless truth, reaffirming that our God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. The refrain of the song, *"Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, my God, that is who you are,"* is more than a beautiful set of words – it's a declaration of faith, a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of God. Reflecting on Isaiah 43:19, we're reminded that God has a track record of creating paths where none seem evident. He led the Israelites through the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, and opened up streams in parched deserts. These were not just random acts but divinely orchestrated miracles, tailor-made for those specific situations. How wonderful is it to serve a God who doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution, but instead crafts unique ways for unique challenges! Yet, it's natural for doubt to creep in, especially when God's ways are invisible to our human eyes. The bridge of "Way Maker" acknowledges this reality: *"Even when I don't see it, you're working. Even when I can't feel it, you're working."* Our perception is limited, bound by time and space, while God operates beyond these dimensions. Just because we don't perceive His actions doesn't mean He isn't actively working on our behalf. So, how do we navigate the times when God's ways seem obscured? 1. Recall Past Victories: Just as Israel set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan, it's essential for us to remember past instances where God made a way. This not only strengthens our faith but serves as a testimony for others. 2. Stay Rooted in God's Word: Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, *"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.* Delving deep into Scriptures helps us align our thoughts with His, cultivating patience and understanding. 3. Worship and Praise: When words fail, let your heart sing. Worship has the power to shift our focus from our problems to the Problem Solver. Songs like "Way Maker" aren't just melodies; they're spiritual warfare, pushing back doubts and fears. The wilderness seasons of our lives are not meant to break us but to build us. They teach us to trust not in what we see but in the One who sees all. They compel us to lean not on our understanding but to rely fully on the Way Maker. Today, if you find yourself in a wilderness, feeling lost or overwhelmed, take a moment to declare the truths from this song over your situation. God is making a way right now, crafting paths, opening doors, and ushering in His promises. Even if you don't see it yet, hold onto the assurance that our God – the Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper – is at work. He is faithful, and He will make a way.Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

I'll Praise You … On The Mountain "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." "The Praise and Worship Band will be coming up to lead us." "Praise The Father, Praise The Son." We often talk about praising God. In fact, we often use the word “praise” in Christian circles. But what does that truly mean? And what does that truly look like? A quick Google search will show you that there are at least eight documented words for “praise." Hallah, Yadah, Barak, Tehillah, Zamar, Todah, and Hallelujah. Each has a different connotation – some religious and some not – but each carries a special weight. And if there are eight words for praise, that means that there must be at least eight ways to praise, right? Yadah is worshiping with extended hands. Barak is denoting blessing, often seen at the beginning of a prayer. Tehillah is to sing a song of praise. So, how do we know what it looks like to truly praise the Lord? Let alone, praise Him anywhere? We look to His scriptures and the ways that we have been taught to praise God! Today, we will focus on praising God from the mountaintop, when everything is good and well with our souls. In Luke 17, we get to read about a miraculous event that took place when Jesus healed 10 men of leprosy. Our Savior was on His way back to Jerusalem when 10 men called out to Him, asking for pity: “They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, 'Jesus, Master, have pity on us.'" (Luke 17:12) Now, if someone had leprosy during that time and it had gone away, they would have to go to a priest to be examined and pronounced “clean” before they could re-enter society. So, this is what Jesus commanded them to do. They went in faith before even experiencing healing, and then, on their way, they were fully cleansed. What a wonderful miracle, right? Yes! But the story doesn't stop there. Verse 15 tells us, “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:5) Samaritans were hated by Jews during that time because they regarded them as “half-breeds. They were seen as lesser than, and all around dirty. In fact, most Jews would never even step foot in Samaria (hence the scandal of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman). But, as we know now, Jesus came for all His children. And, as our Savior will point out in this story, this Samaritan was the only one to return to praise God. He recognized the power of Jesus and wanted to praise the God from whom it came from. So He did, and Jesus blessed him saying, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well,” (Luke 17:19). What a declaration! The word for praise in this particular chapter is doxazó, meaning to bestow glory upon. It's a beautiful word showing the beauty of the Samaritan's worship. But he was only one of 10. The truth is, oftentimes we can be a lot more like the nine who never came back to praise Jesus than the one who did. We don't do it on purpose, but sometimes when we experience a blessing or a miracle, we are so enthralled in it that we forget to lift our eyes to the One who gave it to us. However, let this be a challenge to each of us not to forget about God on the mountaintop. After all, He guided us there. He walked with us there. And He probably even carried us to the top of it. Take a moment to listen to “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake and reflect: Is there a mountaintop or blessing that you have forgotten to praise God for? If so, take the time to praise Him now. Based on the song Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake. Original post by Essential Music available on YouVersion.

There are moments in life when the path ahead seems daunting, the obstacles too great to overcome. Yet, in the midst of our challenges, the song Even Here, Even Now calls us back to the truth that we serve a God who is faithful to the end. The message of this song reminds us that God has moved mountains before and He will do it again. No situation is too great for Him to overcome. The opening verse declares, "There is nothing that my God can't do, I've seen Him move the mountains." This is a bold declaration of faith, rooted in the experiences we've had with God in the past. When we face "giants" in our lives, whether they are personal struggles, health crises, or moments of doubt, we can draw on the truth that God has already demonstrated His power. He doesn't need to prove Himself again—He has already conquered sin and death! And because of this, we can stand firm in the knowledge that He will continue to be faithful. The chorus echoes this assurance: "God didn't lead us this far to leave us where we are. Even here, even now, He'll finish what He starts." God's faithfulness is not limited by our circumstances. He hasn't abandoned us in our present situation. Instead, He promises to complete the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). The very trials we face are opportunities for God to show His power once more. In the second verse, the focus shifts to God's resurrection power, reminding us that Jesus' victory over death is the ultimate testimony to God's ability to overcome the impossible. It's this resurrection power that gives us the strength and faith to face whatever comes next. Our hope is rooted in the victory of the cross, and it is this same power that will see us through our current challenges. The bridge of the song invites us to turn the present moment into holy ground, acknowledging God's presence right where we are. As we lift our praises to Him, the "walls come down." This image of walls falling reminds us of the story of Jericho (Joshua 6), where the seemingly impenetrable barriers came crashing down as God's people faithfully marched and praised. Just as He did then, God works in our lives as we continue to praise Him—even when the breakthrough hasn't yet come. The final tag repeats the truth that God is "faithful to the end." This is not just a hopeful sentiment; it is a truth deeply grounded in the character of God. He is unchanging, steadfast, and true to His word. So, even when we find ourselves waiting—whether for healing, provision, or direction—we can rest in the certainty that God will finish what He has started. If He has delivered us before, He will do it again. Today, wherever you find yourself—whether in the midst of victory or trial—know this: Even here, even now, God is with you. His faithfulness endures forever, and He will see you through to the end. Keep singing, keep believing, and let your praises rise, for God will move the mountains again.

"I hear the Savior say, 'Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.' Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." These words have echoed through generations of believers, offering a poignant reminder of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. The hymn Jesus Paid It All, originally penned by Elvina M. Hall in 1865, has a powerful simplicity that invites us to reflect on the boundless grace extended to us through the cross. The Story Behind the Hymn Jesus Paid It All was born in an unexpected way. Elvina Hall, a member of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, wrote the lyrics during a Sunday service. As she sat in the choir loft, her mind drifted during a prayer, and she began reflecting on the great debt we owe to Christ. With no paper available, she quickly jotted down the words on the flyleaf of a hymnal. Soon after, the church organist, John T. Grape, composed a tune called All to Christ I Owe. When the pastor realized the lyrics and melody fit perfectly, the hymn we now know and love was born. Hall's simple yet profound words, combined with Grape's melody, speak to the heart of the Gospel message: Christ's atoning death covers all our sins, making us white as snow. Devotional Reflection The hymn opens with a humbling acknowledgment of our weakness: "Thy strength indeed is small." It reminds us of our utter dependence on Jesus for salvation. The strength we often try to muster on our own is inadequate. Whether we wrestle with sin, guilt, or fear, this hymn points us to the truth that Christ alone is our sufficiency. In Him, we find not only forgiveness but the strength to live each day in His power. As believers, we are often tempted to bear the weight of our sins or attempt to earn God's favor. But Jesus Paid It All offers a liberating message: the debt has already been paid. Every failure, every shameful moment, and every sin was laid on Jesus at the cross. In His great love, He took our crimson stain and washed it clean. We are free—not through our own efforts, but by grace. This new arrangement by Travis Cottrell breathes fresh life into the hymn, adding a contemporary worship expression while preserving the rich theological truths. With powerful orchestration and dynamic vocal arrangements, Cottrell captures the triumphant joy of knowing our sins are forgiven and that Jesus' sacrifice was enough. A Call to Worship As you listen to or sing this hymn, consider the weight of Christ's sacrifice. The cross stands as a reminder that we no longer carry the burden of our sin—Jesus has paid it all. The guilt, the shame, and the consequences of sin have been nailed to the cross. In return, we owe Him our lives, our devotion, and our praise. The final verse resounds with hope: "And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat: Jesus paid it all!" One day, we will stand before the throne of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Until then, we live in the joy and freedom of knowing that our sins have been washed away. Take time today to thank God for the gift of His Son. Let this hymn remind you that Jesus paid the ultimate price so that you can live free. No matter what you face, His grace is enough. Prayer Lord, we thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We acknowledge that we could never pay the debt of our sin, but in Your mercy, You have washed us clean. Help us to rest in Your grace, knowing that the price has been paid in full. May we live each day in the freedom and joy of Your salvation, giving You all the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. This newly arranged version of Jesus Paid It All by Travis Cottrell invites both choirs and congregations into a moment of worship and reflection. With modern orchestration and timeless lyrics, this arrangement captures the depth of gratitude and worship that this hymn has inspired for over 150 years. Whether in a traditional or contemporary setting, the message remains the same—Jesus paid it all, and all to Him we owe.

In Lakewood Music's song “Faithfulness,” the chorus resounds with the beautiful reminder:“Your mercies are new every morning, Your steadfast love will never end… Lord, how great is Your faithfulness.” These words echo the heart of Lamentations 3:22-23, which proclaims:"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." God's faithfulness is one of His most comforting and reassuring attributes. Whether we find ourselves in moments of joy or seasons of struggle, He is unchanging. His love is steadfast, His mercy is fresh each day, and His presence carries us through every trial. The song captures this with honesty, recognizing that every minute of our lives is part of His design, even the hardest moments. Every Hour, Every MinuteThe lyrics reflect the truth that every season—good or bad—serves a greater purpose in God's plan. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hands,” and similarly, Lakewood Music reminds us that God meets us in every trial and every battle with His grace. There is not a moment that slips from His sovereign care. What we often view as challenges are opportunities for God to display His unwavering goodness, even when we don't fully understand. Through It AllThe pre-chorus declares, “Through it all, You've been so, so good,” reminding us to reflect on our past and see how God has kept His promises. When we look back, we can see His goodness woven into the fabric of our lives. Sometimes His faithfulness is most evident in hindsight—those moments when we realize how He held us together when everything else seemed to fall apart. Mercies in the Morning, Hope in the EveningAs we move from morning to evening, the song reminds us that God's faithfulness does not waver. He offers new mercies each day, no matter what we've faced. When we wake, His love meets us afresh. When the day ends, we can rest in His unwavering presence. As Psalm 36:5 affirms, “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.” This hope will never fade, even as the day comes to a close. God's faithfulness is constant, and we can trust Him through all seasons, knowing that His love for us will never fail. Takeaway Thought:Wherever you find yourself today—whether in a trial or a season of blessing—take a moment to reflect on God's faithfulness. His mercies are new every morning, and His steadfast love never ends. Let this truth anchor your heart in hope, and trust that He is with you through it all.

In the book of Joshua, we encounter a powerful declaration of faith and commitment: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). This proclamation by Joshua serves as the foundation for the song "As For Me And My House," reminding us of the intentional choice we must make daily to honor and serve God in every aspect of our lives—especially within our families. In a world where distractions and competing priorities can easily pull us away from our core values, this song stands as a rallying cry for households to stand firm in faith. The message is simple yet profound: God's sovereignty extends to every corner of our homes, and we are called to lead our families with the same unwavering trust and obedience that Joshua displayed. The Sacred Call to Lead As Christians, we are given the responsibility to lead those in our care toward a deeper understanding of God's love and truth. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, spouse, or friend, this call to leadership transcends roles. "As For Me And My House" challenges us to examine the spiritual climate of our homes and to ensure that Christ remains at the center of our daily rhythms—through prayer, worship, and biblical instruction. The song echoes the sentiment that faith is not passive but an active choice. It's not simply a set of rules to follow but a lifestyle of grace and commitment to Jesus. It's about creating an environment where God is glorified and where His truth is lived out in love and service. Leading your family doesn't require perfection; it requires faithfulness. The Power of Unity in Christ One of the most beautiful aspects of the song is how it emphasizes unity in Christ within the household. A home built on Christ's foundation is one that flourishes in peace, love, and understanding. The lyrics serve as a reminder that when we commit to serving the Lord together as a family, we experience the fullness of His blessing and grace. In a culture that often encourages division and individualism, this song redirects our focus to the biblical mandate of unity. When our homes are centered on Christ, our relationships become healthier, our conflicts are resolved with grace, and our love for one another reflects the love God has for us. This unity becomes a powerful witness to the world of God's transforming power. Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition Joshua's declaration was made in a time when the Israelites faced numerous external pressures and temptations to follow other gods. Similarly, today's families encounter countless challenges and distractions that can pull us away from God's path. "As For Me And My House" encourages us to stand firm, even when society pushes us in a different direction. We are reminded to remain steadfast in our faith, boldly proclaiming that our homes belong to the Lord. A Prayer for Our Homes As we reflect on the message of this song, let us be intentional in making our homes places of worship, love, and spiritual growth. Let us pray for God's guidance in leading our families, asking for His strength to remain faithful and His wisdom to instill His truth in our hearts. Prayer: Lord, we dedicate our homes to You. Help us to lead our families with grace and faithfulness, always keeping You at the center. Let our homes reflect Your love and truth, and may we stand firm in our commitment to serve You, no matter the challenges we face. Amen. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let this be the anthem of our lives, not just a momentary decision but a lifelong commitment to honor God in every part of our family's journey.

I'll Praise You … In The Valley As we jump into day two of learning to praise God anywhere, we find ourselves on the opposite side of the mountain: deep in the valley. We all learned about valleys fairly early in life, probably in a science/history/geography type class. In between two mountains is a valley, a low area where the sky is darker and the nights are colder. And then there's the metaphorical valley, where the nights are full of shadows and darkness. We feel doubt, we feel alone, and we feel fatigued. It's hard to see God, let alone praise Him, when we are in a valley. However, Psalm 42 can be our road map in times of deep struggle and stress. The writer of Psalm 42 (called the “sons of Korah”) holds the key to praising God in a valley, and it starts with deep honesty. “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'... Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:3, 5) In the valley, your tears can feel like the only things you feel, that sting of saltwater on your cheeks. In the valley, God feels like a question mark. Where is He? Is He real? In the valley, your soul feels weak and heavy. You feel ruined. You feel tired. You feel disturbed by the sin and pain of the world. If you have felt these things or if you are feeling them now, please know that you are not alone. The author of Psalm 42 has felt them. Psalm 42, however, then takes a unique shift. In the midst of depression and deep grief, the Psalmist turns to praise and remembrance. In fact, verse 5 alone shows a sweet juxtaposition of grief and praise, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God,” (Psalm 42:5). For I will yet praise Him – what a POWERFUL piece of scripture! The Psalmist recognizes that he will not immediately feel better. Praise may not lift him out of the valley. But, he will turn his eyes to God and what He's done before. Praising Him for the past, present, and what He would do next. The word used for praise here is yadah, one that we discussed on day one. It's a type of praise in which one is casting out worship, with their hands extended. There is surrender embedded in this type of praise, and that's what we need in the valley. That's how we find the strength to praise God anyway and anywhere, despite our circumstances. It's turning our eyes to Him – recognizing His love and compassion for us, despite the valley that may surround us. Just like God was carrying us to the mountaintop, He also is holding us in the valleys. Verse 6 brings us another note for praising God in the valley: remembrance. “My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you…” (Psalm 42:6). When we turn our eyes from the valley to God Himself and all He's done before, we can praise Him for the mountains of the past, even while in the valley. He is faithful and He will continue to be faithful, always. Take a moment to listen to “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake and reflect: Where are you experiencing a valley in life right now? Where does it feel hardest to praise God? Remember one thing where God showed up, and take a moment to thank Him for that moment. Based on the song Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake. Original post by Essential Music available on YouVersion.

I'll Praise You … In The Ordinary We've taken the time to learn about praising God in the mountains and in the valleys, but what about the in-between? In the song “Praise You Anywhere,” Brandon Lake sings: “Sometimes you've gotta welcome the wonder, wait for the answer, worship with your hands in the air.” And sometimes, we find ourselves just waiting. We walk through the days with a mundane feeling - nothing is bad but nothing is great either. And yet, God calls us to praise Him anywhere with faithfulness. You may know the story of Stephen, the first martyr in the Church, who was stoned to death for his faith in God (found in Acts 7). This was a courageous act of faith, one that we can all look up to. However, if we flip back to Acts 6, we can see the background of who Stephen really was - and His ordinary praise towards God. Acts 6 included a conversation between the 12 apostles who were struck with the problem of widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. To remedy this, the 12 decided to choose seven men to whom they would delegate the task of food distribution. “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). And one of these men was Stephen. He was a faithful man, full of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's wisdom, which is why he was chosen for the task. Yet the task was a small one. It wasn't a valley task, after all. He was chosen for something, but it certainly wasn't a mountain task. Even the 12 mentioned the difference between their ministry of the word of God to the idea of waiting tables (Acts 6:2), meaning that the mission of God should not be stopped by the struggle of administration. Yet, Stephen was deemed worthy of the responsibility of taking care of the widows in his community and he did it with praise. In fact, the reason Stephen was then seized by the Sanhedrin came down to the fullness of God's grace and power that was upon him. He glorified God well, even in the ordinary. And Stephen used his ordinary days to serve God faithfully, thus preparing him to be chosen by God for a deep sacrifice. More than often, our days won't be spent in a valley or on a mountaintop. Instead, we'll have to praise God faithfully in the mundane. And sometimes, praising God looks like serving His people well. After all, He loves His Creation (so much so that He sent His Son for us), and we can glorify Him well in spaces of service. Take a moment to listen to “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake and reflect: What is something that you do every day? How can you bring God into that simple act or habit? How can you currently be faithful with what you have right now? Take a moment to breathe in and out. You are cared for by the heavenly Father, and He enjoys every moment you spend praising Him. Based on the song Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake. Original post by Essential Music available on YouVersion.

In the mosaic of life, where diverse experiences, voices, and circumstances often shape our self-perception, it's essential to anchor our identity in an unchanging truth. The song Who You Say I Am by Brooke Ligertwood powerfully redirects our focus from external labels to the eternal words of our Creator. "Who am I that the highest King Would welcome me? I was lost but He brought me in Oh His love for me Oh His love for me! Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I'm a child of God Yes I am!" These poignant lyrics encapsulate a journey from feeling lost and unworthy to a profound realization of divine love and acceptance. They mirror the transformative truth found in our key scripture from John: in Christ, we are truly free. Reflecting on "Who You Say I Am" and John 8:36, several foundational truths come to light: 1. Freedom in Christ: One of the song's core declarations aligns perfectly with our key scripture: "Who the Son sets free, Oh is free indeed." This freedom is multi-dimensional. It's freedom from sin, from the bondage of past mistakes, from societal labels, and from the weight of others' expectations. In Christ, we are free to be who we were created to be. 2. Identity as God's Child: The world may assign numerous labels to us, some flattering and others not. Yet, the most significant identity we can hold is that of being a child of God. The song's chorus emphatically states, "I am who You say I am." This understanding roots us in love, grace, and purpose, ensuring that we're not swayed by fleeting definitions of worth. 3. The Depth of Divine Love: The lyrics ponder, "Who am I that the highest King Would welcome me?" It's a reflection shared by many in scriptures, like King David in Psalms. This marveling at God's love underscores the depth and breadth of His affection for us. Despite our imperfections and irrespective of our past, we are welcomed, cherished, and loved by the Creator of the universe. Today, as the melodies and messages of "Who You Say I Am" resonate in your heart, consider the voices and labels that have tried to define you. Are they in alignment with God's words about you? Remember, the world's definitions are often transient and shallow, but God's words about you are eternal and profound. If you've felt chained by past mistakes, societal expectations, or feelings of inadequacy, let today be a turning point. Embrace the freedom that Christ offers. Recognize and relish your identity as God's beloved child. Bask in the profound love He has for you, knowing that you're not defined by worldly measures but by divine declarations. In moments of doubt, let the words of "Who You Say I Am" echo as a reminder in your heart. And with every beat, may your soul grow more anchored in the unchanging truth of your identity in Christ, leading you to live with confidence, purpose, and unwavering joy.John 8:36 - "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

The older I get, the more I think I'm turning into my grandmother. And that's not a bad thing. My grandmother was genuinely excited about going to be with Jesus in heaven. All throughout my childhood, she would regularly (and excitedly) say, “Jeremy, today could be the day! Today could be the day that Jesus comes back for us.” As a young boy, I was honestly more excited about my friends upcoming birthday party. If Jesus wouldn't mind holding off a few more days, that would be preferable.... But after a few more trips around the sun, I'm now beginning to see that my grandmother was really on to something. I Corinthians 2:9: However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen,what no ear has heard,and what no human mind has conceived”the things God has prepared for those who love him (NIV) Life can be complex. Filled with both moments of extreme challenge and unbridled joy, our Lme here on earth is an incredible journey of ups and downs. Jesus himself promised that "In this life, you will have trouble. But take heart...." (John 16:33). Paul gave praise to the "God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles..." (II Corinthians 1:3-4) as Paul went on to talk about all of the trials he went through in his Lme here on earth. Life can be complex. But this life is not permanent. Psalm 39 tells us that our Lme here on earth "... is but a breath." I recently went out of town for a few days and things were OK but.... I was away from my loved ones, sleeping in a strange place, living out of a bag, etc. The broken hot water heater (COLD showers) was the final detail that allowed me to shrug my shoulders and say, “It's only for a few days.” Acknowledging that things weren't ideal but knowing that the trip would soon be over enabled me to gain perspecLve. “I can put up with anything for a few days...” was my thought. I'll be home soon. The illustraLon was powerful for me. If the reality of an eternity in heaven is true (and I believe it is), then our short Lme here on earth is quickly put into perspecLve with the promise of heaven with Jesus. This earthly existence will feel like a few short days in comparison with our never-ending existence in our forever home. We'll be home soon. We can easily get wrapped up with earthly challenges and distracLons. Instead of focusing on those passing things, I want to think more about the reality of heaven. I want to live in light of my eternal home. In John 14:2, Jesus said: My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (NIV) Allow me to challenge us today to not make light of our very real and present earthly struggles but rather live in light of an eternity with Jesus. An eternal home where we are promised "every tear is wiped away" (RevelaLon 21:4), where there is joy unspeakable. Knowing that we have an incredible future FOREVER in heaven with Jesus helps put things in perspecLve today. Church, let's be encouraged today as we experience both earthly joy and sorrow. We have an incredible eternity awaiLng us that far outweighs anything we can experience during our Lme on earth. Let's ask God to help us remember the great promise of heaven that awaits the followers of Jesus. Written and based on the song Heaven Enough by Jeremy Good. Follow along with lyric video here.