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The Essence of True Friendship

What Is True Friendship?

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (ESV)

Solomon penned these timeless words nearly 3,000 years ago, yet their truth rings just as loudly today. A friend is someone who:

  • Helps with your workload
  • Lifts you in hard times
  • Supports you in illness
  • Defends you from attack
  • Stands with you unshaken

The Elements of Lasting Friendship

True friendship is a two-way street. Deep bonds are built when we:

  • Know each other deeply
  • Serve each other willingly
  • Love each other unconditionally

Jesus gave us the ultimate test of friendship’s depth:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
— John 15:13 (ESV)

He didn’t just say it — He proved it. Jesus laid down His life for you and for me.

That’s true friendship. That’s eternal love.

A Brief Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of true friendship. Help me to be the kind of friend who gives, serves, and loves like You. Remind me daily that in You, I have a Friend who never leaves or forsakes me. Amen.

A Song to Encourage You

🎵 What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Merle Haggard

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Speak From the Spirit

Let Your Life Preach the Gospel

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:17

Some of the most powerful voices for Christ in modern history were not known for their many words, but for the Spirit behind them. Billy Graham and Pope John Paul II rarely used elaborate language, yet their lives proclaimed the Gospel with unmistakable clarity.

St. Francis of Assisi captured this truth best:
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary; use words.”

The true Gospel isn’t found in eloquence—it’s found in the power of the Cross. When we live surrendered to Christ, His Spirit speaks through us. Our actions, our love, and our courage become sermons the world can’t ignore.

You don’t need a pulpit to preach. Your kindness, your perseverance, your humility—these are your Gospel message.

A Simple Morning Prayer

Lord, help me to speak less and live more by the Spirit. Let Your power shine through my words and my actions. Remind me that it’s not eloquence that saves, but the Cross of Christ. Amen.

A Song to Start Your Day

🎵 At the Cross (Where I First Saw the Light) – Hymns of the Heart

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Let your life preach the Gospel. Begin each morning with Scripture, a prayer, and a song.
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Characteristics of Spiritual Growth

Are You Growing Spiritually?

Spiritual growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. Are you moving closer to Christ, or are you stuck in old patterns? True growth shows up in how we live, speak, and love others. Here are 12 characteristics that mark a growing spiritual life.

12 Signs of Spiritual Growth

  1. Obedience to God – Trusting His Word and following His commands, even when it’s hard.
  2. Repentance – A soft heart that turns quickly when convicted of sin.
  3. Being the first to apologize – Humility and love always lead the way.
  4. Walking in forgiveness – Letting go of resentment and bitterness.
  5. Holding your peace – Choosing silence and trust instead of retaliation, allowing God to fight for you.
  6. Talking to God before acting – Making prayer your first response, not your last resort.
  7. Heightened discernment – Sensing right from wrong more clearly as you grow.
  8. Reading your Bible daily – Letting God’s Word shape your mind and decisions.
  9. Fully trusting God’s will – Even when you don’t understand the “why,” you trust the “Who.”
  10. Praying in all circumstances – Not just in crisis, but in every season.
  11. Praising in all circumstances – Worship that doesn’t depend on feelings.
  12. Letting go of toxic influences – Choosing relationships that encourage, not hinder, your walk with Christ.

Self-Check: How Are You Doing?

Take a moment to reflect. Which of these characteristics are active in your life? Which ones need more attention? Spiritual growth is a journey, not a sprint.

Prayer

Lord, help me grow in the areas that are weak. Strengthen my desire to follow You closely. Help me reflect Your love, trust Your will, and walk in step with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Two Songs to Encourage You

1. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong UNITED
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2. Build My Life – Pat Barrett
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Confession Precedes Forgiveness

Confession Precedes Forgiveness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Confession precedes forgiveness. And forgiveness starts with opening your heart to Jesus through the Holy Spirit. This daily dialogue builds trust and invites grace.

Jesus is always faithful. He forgives 70 x 7 times—without limit. His only requirement is simple: believe in Him as your Lord and Savior. When you declare that faith, He hears your confession.

“To cleanse us from all unrighteousness” flows from His grace. But it is a grace that meets us in our repentance.

The Four Steps of Repentance

True repentance is more than a quick apology. It’s a heart journey. These four steps help lead us back to the presence of God:

  1. Confession – Acknowledge the sin and take responsibility.
  2. Contrition – Feel genuine sorrow for having sinned.
  3. Conversion – Let God strengthen you to overcome the weakness.
  4. Atonement – Honor God through good deeds done in His name.

A sin is anything that separates you from the Spirit of God. But God is always eager to welcome you back when you return with a sincere heart.

A Prayer of Confession and Repentance

Lord Jesus,
I come before You in honesty. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Fill me with strength to turn away from sin and walk in Your light. May my life bring You honor. Amen.

Two Songs to Encourage You

I’ve Been Redeemed – Redeemed Quartet
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Jesus Paid It All – Kim Walker-Smith | Worship Circle Hymns


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Honoring Our Mothers

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, may we take a moment to honor our Mother’s and cherish the precious women who shaped our lives. The Bible is rich with reminders of the strength, wisdom, and comfort mothers bring—gifts from God we should never take for granted.

A few of God’s Words About Mothers

Scripture lifts up mothers in many ways:

  • Proverbs 31:28:
    “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
  • Proverbs 31:25-26:
    “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
  • Exodus 20:12:
    “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
  • Ephesians 6:2-3:
    “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
  • Isaiah 66:13:
    “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

These verses remind us not only of the deep value of our mothers, but also of the blessings that come when we honor them.

A Prayer for Mother’s Day

Lord,
Thank You for the incredible gift of mothers. We praise You for their strength, wisdom, and tender love. Bless every mother today with joy, peace, and Your presence. Comfort those who are missing their mothers today, and help us honor the women who’ve shaped us. Amen.

My Mom  – Sadie

I have a stone in my garden inscribed with the following:

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of my Mother, I could walk in my garden forever.” 

I love you Mom.

Songs for reflection:

1. “My Hero” – Tribute to Mothers
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2. “A Mother Like You” – JJ Heller


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Favored to Love and Serve

Opening

God’s favor equips us to reflect His love in every moment. Life is a precious gift, and when we walk in His favor, our lives shine with divine purpose.

Devotion

God’s favor equips us
“For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12, ESV).
God’s favor is not just a sign of His love for us—it’s also a calling. We are protected, blessed, and positioned to make a difference in the lives of others.

Love is the Greatest Gift
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV).
Love is more than a feeling—it’s a powerful force that turns everyday moments into memories and transforms ordinary lives into testimonies of grace.

Serving with Purpose
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).
You are favored, not for your comfort alone, but to be a blessing. God has uniquely gifted you—your talents, your story, your presence all matter. When you offer them in love, you fulfill your divine purpose.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for covering me with Your favor. Help me to love deeply and serve joyfully. Remind me daily that I am blessed to be a blessing. May my gifts honor You and brighten the lives of those around me. Amen.

Two Songs to Encourage You

1. Merle Haggard – Precious Memories
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2. Kenny & Dolly – Love Lifted Me
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You are covered in divine favor—don’t keep it to yourself! Let love guide your steps and service bless others.
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What Generation Are You?

Opening Reflection:

Are you believing the Gospel? It isn’t just a personal decision—it’s a generational responsibility. As D.A. Carson once observed, “One generation believes the gospel, the next assumes the gospel, and the following denies it.” Where do you stand in that cycle?

The Generational Cycle

Believing the Gospel is critical. Life tends to move in patterns, especially for men. Speaking from personal experience, here’s how I’ve seen it unfold:

  • Ages 22–45: Men think they know everything.
  • Ages 45–60: Men are convinced they do know everything.
  • Ages 60+: Men realize they now have all the questions.

It reminds me of the priest in Rudy, who said, “I have studied the Bible my whole life and concluded there is a God; and I am not Him.” That kind of wisdom comes late for many—but it’s never too late to shift your focus.

Stay Focused on What Matters

Paul offers a lifeline of focus and clarity:

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:13–14 (ESV)

No matter your age or stage, there is one thing to do: press on. The prize isn’t perfection—it’s the upward call found only in Jesus.

A Prayer for Focus

Lord, help me to break any cycle of assumption or denial in my life. Keep me anchored in Your truth. Let me live in full belief, pressing toward the prize You’ve called me to. Amen.

Two Songs to Encourage You

Lauren Daigle – Turn Your Eyes


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Zach Williams & Dolly Parton – There Was Jesus


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STEWARDS OF GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

Opening

Use your Spiritual gifts. Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents—divinely assigned and Spirit-empowered. As stewards of God’s grace, we are called to recognize, develop, and use these gifts in service to one another. This is not just a suggestion—it’s a command with eternal significance.

Devotion

In 1 Peter 4:10, we read:

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

This verse makes it clear that every believer has a role to play. No one is giftless, and no gift is useless. The real tragedy—the greatest sin of omission—is failing to examine ourselves, discover our gifts, and activate them for the Kingdom. By not discerning our calling, we remain spiritually idle, disconnected from the power God intends for us to use.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 further explains:

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”

God has designed diversity in the Body of Christ, and yet He unites us through one Spirit, one purpose, and one power source—Himself. When we function in our gifted areas, we bring glory to God and build up others in the faith.

Let’s stop walking through life with spiritual blinders on. It’s time to turn on the power by identifying what God has placed inside you—and using it boldly, joyfully, and consistently.

As you begin this day, give thanks to “the Giver of all good gifts” (James 1:17), and ask Him to reveal what He’s equipped you to steward.

A Prayer to Activate Your Gifts

Lord,
Thank You for blessing me with spiritual gifts, uniquely designed for service and impact. Help me to examine myself honestly and diligently. Awaken what has been dormant, and give me courage to use my gifts to glorify You and bless others. Make me a faithful steward of Your amazing grace.
Amen.

Two Songs to Reflect and Respond

🎵 Chris Tomlin – Gifts From God ft. Chris Lane
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🎵 Give Your Best to the Master – Eastward Missions
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LOVE GENEROSITY

If the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, then perhaps the love of generosity is the root of all kinds of good.

— C.S. Lewis

Paul gives us a clear picture of the spirit of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

God loves a cheerful giver. God invites us to give in many ways—not just financially, but also with our time and talents. The beauty of generosity is that it originates in the heart, not from obligation. When we give cheerfully, we align with God’s heart and open the door to His miracles.

The outcome of our giving doesn’t depend on us—it’s in God’s hands. Just like the boy with five loaves and two fish, who likely never imagined feeding thousands, our small offerings can become part of God’s great works.

A Prayer for a Generous Heart

Lord, thank You for Your example of extravagant love and giving. Help me to give with joy, not for recognition or reward, but out of love for You and others. Use what I offer—my time, talents, and treasure—for Your glory. Amen.

Two Songs to Inspire Your Giving

1. Give It Away – Gaither Music TV
Live at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC


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2. Take My Life and Let It Be – Islington Baptist Church


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What Is a Theophany?

In the beginning was Jesus—and He shows up throughout Scripture, not just the New Testament. Many believers are surprised to learn that Jesus appears in bodily form multiple times in the Old Testament. These appearances are known as Theophanies, or more specifically Christophanies when referring to Jesus. The Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—is the story of Jesus.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created… all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
(Colossians 1:15–16)

Jesus Appears in the Old Testament

The phrase “No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18) might seem confusing—until you understand that Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, is often the visible expression of God in the Old Testament.

Here are some examples of Theophanies (bodily appearances of God, pre-incarnate Christ):

  • Abraham
    • Genesis 12:7–9 — The LORD appeared to Abraham.
    • Genesis 18:1–33 — Three visitors, one identified as the LORD.
  • Jacob
    • Genesis 32:22–30 — Jacob wrestles with “a man” and says, “I have seen God face to face.”
  • Moses
    • Exodus 3:2–4:17 — The burning bush; “I AM” sends Moses.
    • Exodus 24:9–11 — Moses and others see God and eat in His presence.
    • Deuteronomy 31:14–15 — The LORD appears in the tent in a pillar of cloud.
  • Job
    • Job 38–42 — God speaks directly to Job, answering out of the whirlwind.

These were not dreams or visions—these were real, physical encounters with God. And since “no one has ever seen God,” the One being seen is Jesus Christ before His incarnation.

“He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”
(John 14:9)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to us throughout all of Scripture. Help us to see You from Genesis to Revelation and to worship You as the eternal Son of God. Amen.

Two Songs to Reflect and Worship

1. There Was Jesus – Zach Williams & Dolly Parton
“In the waiting, in the searching, in the healing and the hurting… there was Jesus.”
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2. Give Me Jesus – Fernando Ortega
A simple, powerful longing: “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.”
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