June 17 — "Encountering The Spirit— With. In. Upon."

Today's Reading: Acts 1

Jesus made a powerful promise in Acts 1:8 a promise that flipped everything upside down in the best way possible: the promise of supernatural power! When Jesus made this promise, His disciples had already received the Spirit within them when He breathed on them in John 20:22. But this? This was something more. A divine empowerment from above that would transform them into bold, unstoppable witnesses.

And here’s the Good News—that same promise is for you and me today! There are three ways the Holy Spirit works in a person’s life. First, He is WITH you—before you were saved, convicting you and drawing you to Jesus. Second, He comes INTO you at salvation, giving a spiritual rebirth, making you a new creation, and sealing you as His own child. But third and don’t miss this He comes UPON you, to empower you for ministry. A few days earlier, in Luke 24:49, Jesus had told His believing disciples to wait for this experience.

When the Spirit was about to come upon them at Pentecost, everything would change. They would go from timid to bold, from hiding to heralding the Gospel, from living in human energy to living with supernatural empowerment!

Picture a sailboat on a still lake. The boat is built, the mast is raised, and the sail is set but with no wind, it doesn’t move. Then a breeze fills the sail, and suddenly it surges forward. Thats the difference between the Spirit dwelling in you and the Spirit coming upon you. Salvation equips you; the Spirits power propels you!

Sadly, many believers stop short. There forgiven but not empowered, saved but not bold, followers but not witnesses. God wants more for you! The Spirit’s power is for every believer to live victoriously and shine brightly in a dark world. So how do you receive it? Jesus made it simple in Luke 11:13: How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Thats it! Ask! Ask in faith, surrender fully, and seek His filling.

If you ask for the Holy Spirit to come upon you, here’s what you can expect: You’ll experience boldness like never before; you’ll sense a deeper love for Jesus, for people, and even for your enemies; you’ll receive spiritual gifts; you’ll live with greater purpose and clarity; and you may be overwhelmed with joy, tears, worship, and peace.

Today, may the Lord pour out His Spirit upon you in a fresh and powerful way, filling your sails with boldness, love, and power—so you can shine for His glory in a world desperate for truth. 

June 16 — "Faith in Action: The Onesimus Test!"

 

Today's Reading: Philemon 1

Paul’s letter to Philemon is a hidden gem in the New Testament—a short but stunning display of Gospel grace, forgiveness, and restoration. In just a few verses, Paul reveals a powerful truth: the Gospel isn’t just something we believe; it’s something we live. It is faith in motion, love in action, and reconciliation empowered by Christ.

At the heart of the story is Onesimus, a runaway servant who had wronged his master, Philemon. But while on the run, Onesimus has a divine encounter—he meets Paul, hears the Gospel, and gives his life to Jesus. A man once useless becomes useful. A man once lost is now found. That’s grace!

Now Paul writes to Philemon, not just to smooth things over, but to urge something radical: receive Onesimus back—not as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ. And then Paul makes a breathtaking offer: “If he has wronged you or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” With that one sentence, Paul becomes a living picture of Jesus. Just as Paul was willing to pay Onesimus’ debt, Jesus stepped in to pay our debt—the full weight of our sin—at the cross.

The world had labeled Onesimus as a failure, a thief, a runaway. But Paul saw redemption, not ruin. Jesus does the same with us. And now Philemon is given the opportunity to put his faith into action—to forgive, restore, and love like Christ.

Paul’s prayer in verse 6 is essentially that this faith we hold in common shows up in the good things we do. Faith isn't passive. It shows up in real ways—by reconciling, forgiving, and stepping into uncomfortable grace.

So, who is your Onesimus? Is there someone you need to forgive? Someone who doesn't “deserve” it? Neither did we—yet Jesus paid it all. Today, don’t let your faith sit idle. Live it out! Unleash grace. Pursue peace. And reflect the redeeming love of Jesus.

May the Lord empower you to forgive as you’ve been forgiven, to love as you’ve been loved, and to walk boldly in the freedom Christ has purchased for you.

June 15 — "Salty Speech, Gracious Words"

Today's Reading: Colossians 4

Words carry weight—sometimes heavier than we realize. They have the power to build up or tear down, open doors or slam them shut. That’s why Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, urges believers to let their speech be “gracious, seasoned with salt.”

Think about salt for a moment. Salt was essential for preserving food, preventing decay, and maintaining purity. When Paul spoke of speech being “seasoned with salt,” the Colossian readers would have connected it to keeping conversations pure, truthful, and free from corruption.

Paul’s challenge comes in the context of a discussion about walking in wisdom toward outsiders. Every conversation is an opportunity for the Gospel. Grace-filled speech isn’t just kind—it’s also truthful. It never distorts or compromises the message, but delivers it with love. Like salt, gracious words preserve what is good, purify what is impure, and make the truth of Christ appealing to those who hear it.

Now, imagine sitting down to a meal that looks absolutely mouthwatering—fresh ingredients, beautifully plated, prepared with care. You take a bite… and something is missing. No salt. No seasoning. No flavor. It’s bland, unappetizing, and disappointing. You chew, but nothing makes you want another bite.

When Paul urged believers to let their speech be “seasoned with salt,” he wasn’t just talking about making words more pleasant—he was calling them to speak with wisdom, purity, and a Gospel-centered purpose.

Words without grace are just like that. Conversations that lack wisdom, kindness, or love feel empty, unappealing, even harsh. They turn people away before they can digest the truth. But when our words are seasoned with salt, everything changes! Just as a well-seasoned meal awakens the senses and keeps people coming back for more, gracious speech awakens hearts and stirs a thirst for Christ.

In a world filled with sharp and divisive words, our speech as followers of Jesus should stand out. Do your conversations reflect grace—or do they mirror the bitterness of culture? The way you speak reflects on the One we follow. A harsh tongue can drive people away from Christ, but a gracious response can open hearts. Every interaction is a chance to represent Jesus.

May the Lord fill your heart with His love and season your words with His grace today. May they overflow with wisdom, kindness, and truth, drawing others to the beauty of Christ. 

June 14 — "Holy Hustle: Working for Christ"

Today's Reading: Colossians 3

Today’s verse is a game-changer: Your work—yes, ALL of it—is for Christ, not for your boss or other people. He is the true Master, the One who sees every late-night effort, every unnoticed sacrifice, and every quiet act of faithfulness. The world may ignore your labor, but God never does. When you work for Him, no task is mundane, no effort is wasted, and NO reward is forgotten. Whether you're scrubbing floors, leading meetings, designing rockets, or chasing toddlers, do it as unto the Lord!

Paul wrote these words to believers, many of whom were servants—workers in roles that seemed small, overlooked, or even thankless. But Paul shattered that perspective, elevating their view: When done for Christ, ALL work is sacred. Whether you stand in the spotlight or serve behind the scenes, your calling is to work with sincerity and excellence—because you serve the Lord, not just an earthly boss. And the reward? Not just a bonus or promotion, but an eternal inheritance from God Himself!

This is liberating! When someone shifts their mindset to see their work as worship rather than mere obligation, everything changes—energy, attitude, even the weight of daily burdens.

Instead of feeling trapped in the cycle of mundane tasks, they start experiencing purpose. That morning commute? No longer just a necessary evil—it’s time to pray, reflect, and prepare their heart for serving Christ. The frustrating assignments? They become opportunities to display faithfulness and excellence before Him, not just human bosses.

A deep sense of joy replaces frustration. Work is no longer just about hitting deadlines or earning a paycheck—it’s a chance to honor God, to serve others, to make an eternal impact. Even unseen tasks carry weight because they’re seen by the One who matters most.

And here’s the best part—there’s a peace that comes with it. Promotions, recognition, success—they stop defining a person’s worth. Knowing that God sees, rewards, and is pleased with faithfulness makes the pressures of the world feel a lot less suffocating. The result? People live with a sense of freedom, purpose, and joy, knowing their efforts are never wasted when done for Him!

So shift your mindset! Instead of thinking, “I have to do this,” start saying, “I get to serve Christ through this.” When challenges come, remember Who you’re truly working for. Begin your tasks with prayer, dedicate them to His glory, and trust that He sees, He rewards, and He is pleased.

May the Lord strengthen your hands and renew your heart as you labor for Him. May He open your eyes to see the deep, eternal significance of your work and fill you with joy, knowing that every effort done for Him will never go unnoticed. 

June 13 — "Cunning Deceptions: When Lies Seem True"

Today's Reading: Colossians 2

Deceivers. Hackers. Scammers. False Teachers. It's a battle out there! The battlefield is real—and the enemy? He’s no rookie. Satan is a master strategist, and Colossians 2:8 warns us of one of his sharpest weapons: Deception—the art of making lies seem like truth. He wraps human traditions, worldly philosophies, and spiritual-sounding lies in attractive, persuasive packaging.

The devil doesn’t barge in with obvious falsehoods. He prefers stealth. False teachers, twisted doctrines, deceptive ideologies, these infiltrate quietly, creeping into the church and capturing unsuspecting believers. His tactics range from doctrinal distortion and worldly reasoning to busyness, distractions, and doubt. Thats why Paul urges: See to it that no one takes you captive by anything not according to Christ. Using philosophies that sound "wise" but oppose Christ and His word, Satan cloaks lies in smooth words and religious-sounding ideals.

In Colossae, one major deception was angel worship and mystical visions. Certain teachers pushed believers to seek deeper spiritual experiences through these practices, suggesting that Christ alone wasn’t enough. Paul calls this out, affirming that Jesus is supreme and sufficient. Any teaching that shifts focus away from Him—even if it sounds holy—is dangerous.

A modern example? The watering down of Biblical truth to align with cultural trends. Some churches soften or sideline clear teachings on sin, repentance, and holiness to seem more "welcoming" and inclusive. Some have coined the label, "seeker friendly" to describe these churches. While there is certainly nothing wrong with churches being welcoming and friendly, this approach—if taken too far—has the possibility of compromising truth and leaving believers spiritually weak. Famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon, remarked on this matter: “If men will not come to hear us because we preach the Gospel, draw them by no other means!”

A soldier who lets down their guard in enemy territory is easy prey. So are Christians who aren’t anchored in God’s Word. If we let deception creep in, our thoughts can be bound, our faith shaken, and our focus shifted from Christ. So, stay battle-ready! Measure every idea against Scripture. Stay alert, armored in truth, and loyal to Christ. Reject every lie that pulls you from Him. The fight is real—but so is our ultimate victory!

May the Lord sharpen your discernment, fortify your spirit, and strengthen your resolve. May He guard your heart from deception and equip you to stand firm against every scheme of the enemy. Your victory is in Christ hold the line! 

June 12 — "Christ’s Daring Rescue"

Today's Reading: Colossians 1

Paul’s letter to the Colossians is nothing short of a spiritual earthquake. In it, he lays out the breathtaking supremacy of Christ—He’s not just a wise teacher or a good man or a moral guide; He is the fullness of God, the One who holds everything together, deity incarnate. Paul passionately refutes false teachings regarding Christ’s deity and urges the church to stay deeply rooted in Christ, their unshakable foundation and the very source of their redemption.

One of the most striking images in Colossians 1:13–14 is that of a rescue mission. I’m reminded of the rescue mission labeled, “Operation Entebbe” —the audacious hostage rescue carried out by Israeli forces in 1976. Over 100 hostages were held by terrorists at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. With no way out, they were completely at the mercy of their captors. Then, in a daring nighttime raid, Israeli commandos stormed the airport, neutralized the threat, and whisked the captives away to safety.

Sound familiar? It should because you and I were once hostages too—not trapped in an airport, but bound by sin, locked in spiritual darkness, utterly powerless to free ourselves. But God, in His boundless mercy, launched a rescue operation that makes Entebbe look like child’s play. Jesus didn’t just sneak in and negotiate a better deal for us—no, He stormed the stronghold of sin and death, overpowered the enemy, and transferred us into His glorious kingdom. We now enjoy the life of redemption and the forgiveness of our sins.

And just like those hostages at Entebbe had no way out on their own, we couldn’t save ourselves either. Someone had to free us. Our freedom came at the cost of Christ’s own life. But here’s the best part: the mission is complete, the victory is won, and we are forever free!

So why live like you’re still captive? The enemy has lost his grip on you. Your past doesn’t own you. Guilt can’t define you. You’ve been rescued, redeemed, relocated to God’s glorious kingdom.

Walk boldly in that freedom! Reject the enemy’s lies. When temptation whispers, stand firm and say: I am free. I belong to Jesus. The victory is already mine!

May the Lord strengthen you to live in the fullness of His kingdom, to embrace the joy of redemption, and to rejoice in the overwhelming grace that declares—you are forever His. 

June 11 -- "𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗼𝘅: God’s Prescription for Anxiety"

Today's Reading: Philippians 4

Worry drains the soul. But prayer fills it with overflowing peace! Thats the excellent and precious promise of Philippians 4:6-7 where we learn Gods powerful antidote to anxiety. Here's His divine prescription: Turn your worries and fears into PEACE through communing with your Heavenly Father. The moment you surrender your troubles to the Lord, He exchanges them for something far greater—His perfect peace.

This isn't just peace "from" God, it is the peace "of" God. It refers to the very peace that God Himself possesses and experiences. The unshakable, eternal tranquility that defines His nature.

Paul insists on something bold and radical here: Do not be anxious about anything. Quite the statement! But he doesn’t just hand us a command and walk away no, he gives us practical steps to make it a reality. Instead of letting anxiety take control, were called to bring everything to God in prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Prayer is simply talking with God. Supplication means earnest, heartfelt asking, while thanksgiving shifts our focus from life’s problems to Gods unwavering faithfulness. This isn’t passive resignation; its a fierce act of trust!

Lets be real—we  live in an anxious world. Uncertainty lurks around every corner: finances, health, relationships, crime, disease, political unrest, natural disasters—the list is endless. The enemy whispers fear, but God beckons us closer. When we lay our burdens at His feet, we are never dismissed or ignored—we are embraced. Prayer places our heaviness into the hands of the One who is mighty enough to carry it effortlessly.

And here’s the best part: in exchange for your worries, the Lord promises that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will flood your soul. The miraculous result of bringing our fears and worries to the Lord is His supernatural peace. Anxiety is loud and chaotic. It races through the mind like crashing waves, demanding attention, draining energy, making everything feel heavier. But when peace steps in, it’s as if the storm surrenders. It’s like stepping out of a raging thunderstorm into a quiet, sunlit meadow. His peace is a deep, steady calm—not necessarily the absence of trouble, but the presence of something greater: a warmth that settles in the heart, like the reassuring embrace of a trusted friend.

When you replace anxiety with prayer, God doesn’t necessarily transform your circumstances, but He does something infinitely greater! He transforms YOU! So, catch yourself when anxiety sneaks in. Instead of letting it spiral, turn it into prayer. Speak your concern before God, ask for His help, and thank Him in advance for His faithfulness. Then, by faith, receive His incredible peace and serenity in your soul.

May the Lord shield your heart and mind with His supernatural peace as you bring your cares to Him. May your prayers be saturated with trust, your supplications with bold faith, and your thanksgiving with unshakable joy.