Tag Archives: Trusting God

Evening Devotions

Rejoicing in God Our Strength

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Beloved, listen carefully. Though the night falls and darkness spreads its quiet veil, you are not forsaken. You are not forgotten. Lift your eyes from the barrenness and behold the One who holds the stars in His right hand. Rejoicing in God our strength is not an empty shout; it is the anthem of the faithful, the testimony of those who have tasted and seen that God is good.

Hear the voice of Habakkuk, a voice like yours, burdened by the sight of desolation: “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no fruit on the vines… yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation!”(Habakkuk 3:17-18, AMP). See how he does not deny the barrenness. He does not close his eyes to the empty stalls and withered fields. No, beloved, he stares at the ruin and still chooses to rejoice.

And why? Because he knows the Lord. He knows the One who said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5, NASB). He knows the One who promised, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB). He knows the One whose strength is made perfect when your strength fails.

Rejoicing in God our strength is a declaration, a holy rebellion against despair. It is the cry of a soul anchored not in circumstances, but in the unchanging faithfulness of God. Even David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, sang in the night, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”(Psalm 27:1, NASB). Fear flees from the heart that is fixed on God.

Beloved, understand this: you are called to more than survival. You are called to walk in victory. “The Lord GOD is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]” (Habakkuk 3:19, AMP). He does not merely steady your feet; He calls you to high places. He sets you on heights where the air is thin and the climb is steep, but the view is glorious.

Do you not remember what Paul wrote? “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NASB). Not barely conquer. Not survive. Overwhelmingly conquer — because He is your strength. Because God is faithful. Because the One who calls you is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory (Jude 24).

You must not let your soul be weighed down by the emptiness of the fig tree or the barrenness of the vine. Lift up your head. The harvest of the Lord is not measured in the fruit of the earth, but in the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB). These fruits never fail. These vines are never barren. And in them, you will find the strength to rejoice.

So tonight, beloved, rejoice in God your strength. Let your praise ascend like incense before the throne. Let your song be loud even in the silence. For He who promised is faithful, and He will not fail you. The One who steadied Habakkuk, the One who upheld David, the One who emboldened Paul — He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Let us be found faithful. Let us be found rejoicing.

Prayer

Father, we bow before You, choosing tonight rejoicing in God our strength. Though our eyes see little, our hearts see much. We trust in Your goodness, we lean upon Your everlasting arms. Teach us to walk with steady feet on the high places, not shrinking back in fear, but pressing forward in faith. Fill our hearts with the unshakable joy that comes only from Your Spirit. Let our song rise before You, a song of confidence, a song of trust. In the mighty name of Yeshua, our Lord and King, Amen.

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See Also

Faith

God’s Faithfulness and Promises

In the beginning, God spoke, and all creation obeyed. From the first breath of life to the stars flung across the heavens, the Word of God stood sure. God’s faithfulness and promises are not mere whispers in the wind; they are the bedrock upon which all life stands.

Throughout the ages, God has never broken a promise. When He covenanted with Noah, He sealed it with a bow in the clouds (Genesis 9:13, NASB). When He spoke to Abraham, He swore by Himself, for there was no one greater (Hebrews 6:13, NASB). In every generation, God’s covenant love has remained steadfast.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9, NASB)

The faithfulness of God is not abstract. It is not distant. It breathes into the heart of every believer. When we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13, NASB). His promises do not depend on man’s strength, but on His eternal nature.

The greatest expression of God’s faithfulness and promises is found in Yeshua, our Messiah. In Him, every promise finds its “Yes” and its “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NASB). The covenant of old, sealed by the blood of bulls and goats, gave way to a better covenant, established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6, NASB).

Beloved, consider the promises of God:

  • He promised never to leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5, NASB).
  • He promised to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NASB).
  • He promised eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16, NASB).
  • He promised to finish the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6, NASB).
Prayer of agreement

God’s faithfulness and promises are not fragile threads but cords of love that cannot be broken.

In our lives, we see His faithfulness in every sunrise, in every answered prayer, and even in every waiting season. His Word stands eternal. When the world shakes, God remains unshakable.

Abraham waited years to see the son God promised. Israel wandered the desert but eventually entered the Promised Land. David, anointed king in his youth, waited decades to sit on the throne. In all of this, God’s faithfulness and promises proved true.

Let this truth sink deep into your soul: God does not lie. He does not waver. What He has spoken, He will accomplish. “God is not a man, that He would lie, nor a son of man, that He would change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19, NASB)

Child of God, you are living proof of His covenant-keeping love. You are a testimony that God’s faithfulness and promises endure. Every breath you take is grace. Every step you walk by faith is a declaration: “My God is faithful.”

Do not grow weary in the waiting. Trust Him. Hold fast to the promises. For it is written: “Let us hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, NASB)

Teach us to pray like Moses
Learn to pray like Moses through Psalm 90—teach us to pray like Moses with awe, humility, and eternal perspective in every word.

God’s faithfulness and promises are the anchor for your soul. In joy and sorrow, in plenty and want, He remains the same. Press into Him. Seek His face. Remember that His covenant with you is sealed by the blood of Yeshua and cannot be undone.

Let us pray.

Father, we stand in awe of Your faithfulness. You have never failed. You keep all Your promises. Anchor our hearts in Your truth. Teach us to trust You even when we do not see. Help us to walk by faith, knowing that You are working all things for our good. Draw us closer to You. Let us live as testimonies of Your unchanging love. In the name of Yeshua, our covenant-keeping King, we pray. Amen.

See Also

Faith

Peace in the Storm

Why Jesus Slept Through the Chaos

In Matthew 8:23–27 (AMP), we witness something both startling and beautiful—Jesus sleeping in the storm. While waves rise and seasoned fishermen cry out in fear, Yeshua remains at rest. His sleeping wasn’t neglect—it was the stillness of perfect authority.

Picture it: the boat is rocking like a cradle in a hurricane. The disciples are soaked, shouting, gripping the sides, probably losing track of which way is up—and Yeshua? He’s asleep. Not meditating. Not pretending. Actually asleep. The kind of sleep you only get when you’re completely unbothered.

Let that settle in.

“And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping” (Matthew 8:24 AMP). There’s a holy irony here. The disciples thought they were dying, but the Lord of heaven was catching a nap in the bow. His slumber wasn’t careless—it was confident. He wasn’t ignoring them. He just wasn’t worried.

And that’s the heart of this passage. Jesus isn’t just Lord when the sea is calm—He’s Lord while it’s raging. His peace doesn’t come after the storm ends. His peace walks into the chaos, lies down in the middle of it, and dares the wind to challenge His authority. This demonstrates how Jesus Sleeps in the Storm, illustrating His unwavering peace.

The disciples didn’t yet understand this. “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” (v. 25). It wasn’t just a prayer—it was panic wrapped in a plea. And when He got up, He didn’t start with the storm. He started with their hearts: “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He turned to creation and told the winds and waves to be still.

And they obeyed.

The same voice that shaped the oceans in Genesis now speaks to their fury and brings “a great and wonderful calm” (v. 26). Not a pause. Not a break. A complete, glorious stillness. Because when Jesus speaks, even storms kneel.

But don’t miss what changed first: not the weather, but the disciples’ view of Him. “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (v. 27). That’s the real revelation here. He didn’t just calm the sea—they saw His majesty in a new light. Faith grows best in stormy soil—that’s the essence of Jesus Sleeps in the Storm.

We’re all going to face storms. Some hit hard and fast. Others drag on, wave after wave. But the question is the same: do you believe the One in your boat is greater than the storm around it? Do you believe that He can rest, not because He doesn’t care, but because He already reigns?

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you… Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid” (John 14:27 AMP). That kind of peace doesn’t come from the world. It comes from the One who sleeps through storms because He already holds the outcome.

The next time you’re panicking and wondering where God is, remember this scene. He’s not pacing the deck—He’s resting in full authority. Jesus Sleeps in the Storm, showing us that’s your Savior. That’s your King.

So go ahead and wake Him with your prayer—but don’t forget to let His peace wake something in you too.

The waves may crash, the wind may roar,
But Christ asleep is peace and more.
His calm rebukes my anxious cry—
He reigns beneath the storm-tossed sky.

Prayer

Yeshua, I admit it—I panic easily. When life crashes over me, I forget who is in the boat. But You are not overwhelmed. You are not shaken. You rest in power, and I want that kind of peace. Speak over my storms today. Teach me to trust not in what I see, but in who You are. I welcome Your authority, Your stillness, and Your humor in my chaos. Let Your peace flood every place where fear once lived. In Your name, amen.

See Also

Faith

When God Speaks, Stand in Faith

If you know me personally, you know I sometimes say things others won’t. Some are hard truths; others are simply fresh perspectives on common situations. What follows is one of those hard things. It speaks to the tension between obeying what you believe God has spoken and facing the disagreement of others—especially when those others are people of faith.

Beloved, when God speaks to you—when His whisper ignites something deep within, when your heart leaps and faith awakens—you must not shrink back. Do not let the voice of doubt, even when it comes clothed in religious garments, silence the voice of your Shepherd. Stand in faith when God speaks.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27, NASB).

Search my heart O God
I trust you Lord

This isn’t about arrogance. It’s not about being stubborn. It’s about trusting the One who called you, the One who formed you, the One who knit you together for such a time as this. When the Holy Spirit breathes something into your spirit, and you test it by His Word, and you know it aligns—then stand. Stand in faith when God speaks, believing His guidance completely.

Others may disagree. They may say you’re wrong. They may question your hearing, your motives, your understanding. Some may even do it in the name of discernment. But hear this: God does not need a committee to confirm His voice. He is the same God who spoke to Elijah in the cave, not through earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11–12). He speaks in ways that bypass human reasoning and go straight to the heart.

“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, NASB).

You don’t follow the crowd. You follow Yeshua, your Good Shepherd. Even if you walk alone, you are not alone. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:1,4, NASB).

Test what you’ve heard. Yes. Bring it before Him again. Ask: “Lord, was that truly You?” He will not rebuke your humility. He will confirm His word through His Spirit, His Word, and His peace.

“Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold firmly to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, NASB).

If after testing, your spirit still burns with the flame He lit, stand in faith. Don’t let man talk you out of a God-ordained word. Don’t exchange the voice of Heaven for the applause of earth. Stand in faith when God speaks, ensuring you’re aligned with His will. You weren’t called to please men. You were called to obey the Lord.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6, NASB).

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB).

If you heard Him, and His Word confirms it, and the fruit leads to righteousness and obedience, then obey. Though you may be misunderstood. Though you may be accused. Though you may be alone in the doing—God stands with you.

Think of Noah. He built when it had never rained. Think of Mary. She said “yes” when it made no earthly sense. Think of Paul. He followed a vision that turned his whole world upside down. If they had waited for consensus, they would have missed the call.

Beloved, stand in faith when God speaks.

You are not crazy. You are not rebellious. You are not deluded. If you have tested the word, humbled yourself, and still know it’s Him—walk it out in obedience.

But if those who question you are the leaders of your local church, pause and weigh their counsel with humility. “Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17, NASB). God often uses spiritual authority to refine us—not to silence His voice, but to shape our character in how we carry it. If your word is from Him, it will withstand testing. Bring it back before the Lord in prayer and fasting. Seek peace, not pride. If your leaders walk in truth and godliness, heed them carefully. But if their opposition is rooted in fear or control, and your conviction remains, then like Peter, you must say gently, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, NASB). Do not stir division, but walk quietly, faithfully, and in step with the Spirit. God honors the one who walks in both truth and love.

He is your reward. He is your audience. He is your guide.

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You whispered, and I woke—
The thunder of men behind me,
But the silence of God before me.
Yet I will not turn back.
Your voice is enough.

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Let Us Pray

Father, give Your servant strength to stand in the word You have spoken. Let no voice be louder than Yours. Confirm what You have said by Your Spirit, and give peace that surpasses all understanding. When others rise to challenge, let faith rise stronger. Teach us to walk in humility, but never in doubt. May we live to please You, not man. Let every step be in obedience to Your call. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

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See Also

Faithful Living, Testing

God in the Trial

Finding His Hand Through the Fire

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing…
— 1 Peter 4:12–13 NASB

The fire came uninvited. It came as a word—cancer—and that word pierced deeper than a sword. What followed was a battle not just for the body, but for the soul. Weeks turned to months. Doctors, chemotherapy, surgery. In that furnace, hearts turned to El Shaddai, God Almighty. Prayers rose like incense. Tears watered the floor like offerings. And now, with the worst behind them, a quiet, aching question rises: Where was God in the trial?

The answer, beloved, is nearer than breath. God was there in the fire.

God is never absent in suffering. We serve the God who walks into furnaces (Daniel 3:24–25), who enters the storm (Mark 6:48), who weeps at the tomb even when He plans to raise the dead (John 11:35). He does not always take away the pain, but He sanctifies it. Every chemo session, every sleepless night, every moment of anguish was not wasted. He was refining them, shaping something eternal through temporal sorrow.

We must never see doctors as hindrances to God’s will. They are His servants—whether they know Him or not. Luke, beloved physician of the New Testament, served God not in a pulpit but with a stethoscope. God can work through a Word, through prayer, through anointed oil—or through medicine, wisdom, and skilled hands. All healing belongs to God, whether by miracle or by means. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 NASB).

So then, what is their testimony? It is not simply survival—it is transformation. To be crushed and yet not destroyed. To feel the shadow of death, and yet walk through it with Yeshua at their side. Their testimony is not merely what God did to the tumor—it’s what He did to their hearts. He taught them to trust when the outcome was unclear. He stripped them of every false comfort. He called them to Himself.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:67 NASB). Affliction became the shepherd’s rod.

So how do we find God in the trial? We press in. We stop looking for escape and start looking for Emmanuel—God with us. We find Him in the peace that made no sense, in the strength that showed up when theirs was gone, in the unity between husband and wife forged in the furnace. We find Him not just in healing, but in hope that does not disappoint(Romans 5:5 NASB).

Beloved, you may not understand it all now. But God wastes nothing. Even this will bear fruit—perhaps a deeper ministry, perhaps compassion for others walking the same valley, perhaps a hunger for eternity that burns brighter than before. Keep your eyes on Him. Thank Him for what He’s done, even as you ask Him what He’s doing still.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

God in the trial is still God on the throne. Let the testimony rise—not just that you were healed, but that you found Him in the fire.

Prayer

Father, we thank You—not just for outcomes, but for Your presence through the process. You are the Healer, the Sustainer, the One who never leaves. We praise You for every doctor and every prayer, every battle fought and every peace granted. We ask that You complete what You have started—not only in the body but in the soul. May this trial produce endurance, and endurance proven character, and character hope. Use this testimony to awaken others. Let them see You in the fire. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Anchored in Peace

Winning the Battle Against Anxiety

Article 12 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

Beloved, the storm is real—but so is the anchor. The waves of anxiety crash with fury in this generation. Fear of the future. Pressure to perform. Thoughts that spiral in the silence of night. But hear this: you were never meant to be ruled by fear. You were made to be anchored in peace.

This is not the peace the world offers—temporary, shallow, and easily broken. This is the peace that flows from El Shalom, the God of peace Himself. This peace surpasses understanding, guards your heart, and anchors your soul through every storm. It does not come from circumstance. It comes from presence—the presence of God.

The Battle Begins in the Mind

Anxiety is more than emotion—it is war. A spiritual battle that begins with a whisper: “What if…?” and ends with sleepless nights and restless hearts. But God does not leave you helpless. He gives you truth, the sword of the Spirit, to cut through every lie.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7, NASB).

This is not denial of reality—it is defiance of fear. It is not pretending the storm isn’t there—it is choosing to trust the One who walks on water.

Peace is a Person

To win the battle against anxiety, you must know this: peace is not a feeling—it is a Person. “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14, NASB). The closer you draw to Yeshua, the more the chaos around you loses its power.

He does not promise a life without storms. He promises His presence in them. He does not silence every wave—but He still speaks, “Peace, be still,” and it still holds authority over wind and water (Mark 4:39).

You will not find peace in control. You will not find it in explanation. You will only find it at His feet.

The Anchor and the Drift

Picture a small boat on open waters. The sky darkens. The wind rises. Without an anchor, the boat drifts—farther and farther until it cannot find its way home. But the one who drops anchor early remains steady, even when the sea rages.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19, NASB). You have an anchor that reaches into the very presence of God. His promises are secure. His covenant is unbreakable. You do not need to drift.

Drop anchor, hold fast to the Word, press in through worship, and speak the truth out loud until your heart believes it again.

How to Stay Anchored in Peace

  1. Name your anxieties. Don’t hide them—bring them into the light before God.
  2. Pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude shifts your focus from fear to faith.
  3. Meditate on truth. Fill your mind with God’s promises, not the enemy’s predictions.
  4. Rest in His presence. Don’t rush. Sit quietly before Him. Let peace be planted.
  5. Speak peace aloud. Declare God’s Word over your life daily. Let your tongue lead your heart.

This is not a one-time victory—it is a daily rhythm. But whenever you choose truth over fear, worship over worry, trust over control, you win. You are walking free. You are becoming who you were always meant to be: anchored in peace.

Prayer:

Prince of Peace, I come to You with my fears, restless thoughts, and weary soul. I confess I have tried to carry what only You can hold. Forgive me. Speak peace over my mind. Guard my heart. Be the anchor that holds when everything around me shakes. I trust You—not because I see the outcome but because I know who You are. Keep me near. Keep me still. Keep me anchored. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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See Also

Personal Holiness, Sin

Generous by Design

Conquering the Grip of Greed

Article 9 in the 12-part series on Overcoming Sin

You were not made to hoard. You were created in the image of a generous God, whose hands are always open, whose gifts overflow, whose nature is to give—not sparingly, but lavishly. To walk in His likeness is to walk free from the grip of greed. You were made to be generous by design.

Greed disguises itself as security, ambition, and stewardship—but its fruit is fear, control, and isolation. It whispers that you never have enough, that God won’t provide, that giving is loss. But the truth is, generosity is not subtraction—it is multiplication in the Kingdom. You cannot outgive El Shaddai.

“Then He said to them, ‘Watch out and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions’” (Luke 12:15, NASB). Greed is not just a wealthy man’s temptation. It dwells in every heart that clings tightly and trusts sparingly.

You weren’t made to hoard, you were made to pout out.

The Heart That Grips

Greed is a clenched fist. It tells you that your provision comes from your own effort. It hoards because it fears tomorrow. But Yeshua told us plainly—“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20, NASB). The problem is not in having—it’s in holding too tightly.

A greedy heart is never satisfied. The more it gets, the more it needs. It cannot rest because it is never full. But when you know the heart of the Father, you begin to live with open hands. You give because you trust Him to refill. You bless because He has first blessed you. You lose nothing in generosity—you reflect Heaven.

The Warehouse and the Well

Picture this: a man builds a massive warehouse to store all his crops. He insulates it, protects it, and stands back proud. “Now I can rest,” he says. That night, he dies. And the warehouse—full but lifeless—sits cold and silent. Beside it, another man walks to the village well. He draws water daily and freely shares it. The well never runs dry. His hands are empty, but his heart is full.

Which one lived well?

Greed builds barns and dies alone. Generosity draws water and shares life. You were never meant to be a warehouse. You were made to be a well.

God’s Grace Poured Out

Everything you have—your breath, your gifts, your resources—is from God. You are not an owner. You are a steward. And when you release what is in your hand, He releases what is in His. “Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6, NASB).

Greed says, “I’ll give when I have more.” Grace says, “I give because I’ve received.”Generosity flows from gratitude, not surplus. It begins in the heart before it touches the wallet.

Whether it’s money, time, talents, or encouragement—give. Not reluctantly, not for praise, but because you trust the Giver.

How to Break Free from Greed

  1. Confess the lie. Greed begins with believing God won’t take care of you. Bring it into the light.
  2. Practice open-handed living. Give intentionally—even when it’s uncomfortable.
  3. Celebrate others’ blessings. Rejoice instead of comparing.
  4. Ask God to make you a channel. Pray: “Let it flow through me, not just to me.”
  5. Store up treasure in heaven. Give where moth and rust can’t reach.

Greed breaks when you remember who your Provider is.

You were made to give, not grasp. To pour out, not store up. You are generous by design.

Saving Isn’t Hoarding—But the Heart Still Matters

Let’s be clear: wisdom plans ahead. Scripture never condemns wise stewardship. The ant stores food in summer (Proverbs 6:6–8). Joseph stored grain in Egypt to prepare for famine (Genesis 41). And in our day—when pensions vanish, systems shake, and even family support can’t be assumed—preparing for retirement is not a lack of faith. It’s often an act of faithfulness.

But here is where the grip of greed tries to twist the truth: when saving becomes your savior, when the size of your account determines your peace, when giving feels unsafe because your plans must come first—that’s when stewardship has crossed into slavery.

God is not against saving. He is against fear disguised as wisdom.

You are called to plan, but not panic. To prepare, but not obsess. You can store without hoarding when your trust is not in the stock market, the 401(k), or the balance sheet—but in the unshakable hands of El Shaddai.

So yes, save wisely. Plan for tomorrow. But live with open hands today. Because the God who provides for your future is also watching how you steward the present.

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Prayer:

Father, You have given me more than I deserve. Forgive me for the times I’ve clung to blessings instead of trusting You to provide. I renounce greed in all its forms—fear, pride, selfishness—and I receive the heart of Yeshua, who gave all. Make me a well, not a warehouse. Teach me to live open-handed and joyfully generous. Use me to reflect Your heart to a world in need. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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See Also

Devotion to God

The Heart Before God: Trusting Him Over Ourselves

“Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD and whose hope and confident expectation is the LORD.” — Jeremiah 17:7 AMP. This is a reflection of The Heart Before God.

The heart before God is a sacred battleground. It’s the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23)—yet God says it is also deceitful above all things. That contradiction arrests us. We long to follow God, yet wrestle with thoughts, motives, and desires that war against His Spirit. In Jeremiah 17:7-10, God shows us two kinds of people: one who trusts in the Lord and one who trusts in man—including himself.

The one who trusts in El Shaddai is likened to a tree planted by the water. This isn’t a casual believer—this is a person whose hope and expectation are rooted in God alone. When heat comes, this believer doesn’t fear. When drought strikes, he continues to bear fruit. Why? Because his strength isn’t in his own heart, but in the presence of Yahweh. He lives by the river of God’s Spirit. He is nourished daily. He is not shaken.

But then comes the divine diagnosis: “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). This is not poetic exaggeration. The Hebrew word translated “desperately wicked” can mean incurable or sick beyond healing. The heart before God, left to itself, cannot be trusted. It justifies sin. It hides selfish ambition behind religious behavior. It seeks applause while pretending to serve. And the terrifying truth? We don’t even see it.

Only God can.

“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10, NASB). Here is divine justice—not based on appearance or confession, but on the hidden motivations behind our actions. Jesus echoed this in Matthew 15:19 (NASB): “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander.” He made it clear: our actions are the fruit, but the heart is the root.

This is why the psalmist cried out: “Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23, NASB). David understood that the heart before God must be laid bare—not hidden, not justified, not excused. We cannot cleanse ourselves. We cannot diagnose ourselves. But when we offer our hearts to Adonai, He begins the work of transformation.

Paul reminded the Romans that true change begins in the heart: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, NASB). This transformation isn’t external—it’s inward, by the Spirit. And again, he wrote, “With the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness…” (Romans 10:10, NASB). The heart must believe in Yeshua. It must trust in God, not in its own instincts or emotions.

Jesus declared, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NASB). A pure heart isn’t a perfect heart—it’s a surrendered heart. A heart tested by fire, cleansed by truth, and kept by faith. A heart that no longer exalts self but bows in awe before the throne of grace.

The Heart Before God Requires Daily Surrender

The heart before God cannot be treated casually. It must be surrendered each day, tested by His Word, and yielded to His Spirit. God is not looking for religious effort—He’s searching for hearts that are fully His (2 Chronicles 16:9). Hearts that don’t trust in circumstances, strength, or emotion, but in the faithfulness of God Almighty.

So we must pray like David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, NASB). This is not a one-time request. It’s the daily cry of those who desire to walk with God—not with hollow religion but with authentic faith.

Prayer

Father, I surrender my heart to You. I confess that it is deceitful and often led by emotion or pride. Search me, test me, and purify me. Plant me by Your waters and anchor me in Your truth. Let my roots grow deep in You so that I may not fear when trouble comes. I desire a heart that is clean, steady, and full of faith. Show me where I trust in myself, and lead me into full dependence on You. Let the heart before You be honest, humble, and wholly Yours. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

Want more fruit in your life? Start with the heart.

When we get the heart before God right, everything else begins to align.

See Also

Devotion to God, Spiritual Growth

Guard Your Heart and Seek God’s Presence

In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy for our hearts to become burdened by things that pull us away from God. But as believers, we are called to guard our hearts, seek His face, and pursue His presence above all else. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence continually. If we are not intentional, we may find ourselves drifting—settling for what is good instead of pressing into God’s best.

Why Guarding Your Heart Matters

Scripture reminds us:

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

Everything we do flows from the condition of our hearts. If we allow sin, distractions, or discouragement to take root, our faith can become weak. But when we guard our hearts—aligning them with God’s Word and seeking His presence—we walk in the abundant life He has promised. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence to maintain a strong, unwavering faith.

The enemy wants to fill your heart with doubt, fear, and compromise. He wants you to believe that the things of this world will satisfy you. But the truth is, only God can fill the deep hunger of your soul. That’s why we must be vigilant, continually surrendering our hearts to Him.

Seek God’s Face, Not Just His Blessings

Too often, we focus on seeking God’s hand—His provision, His guidance, His blessings. But true fulfillment comes from seeking His face.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

God doesn’t just want to direct your steps—He wants a relationship with you. When we prioritize His presence, everything else falls into place.

Think about the moments when you’ve felt closest to God. Were they when everything was perfect, or were they when you were desperate for Him? Often, the deepest encounters with God come when we remove distractions and press into His presence.

Follow the Voice of the Good Shepherd

“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27 (NASB)

God is always speaking, but are we listening? If your heart feels heavy, if you sense a shift in your spirit, take time to seek His voice. He may be calling you into a new season, asking you to let go of something that no longer aligns with His purpose for you.

Don’t settle for what is comfortable—pursue His best. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence, for God’s ways are higher than ours, and even when we don’t understand, we can trust Him completely.

Seasons Change, But God’s Presence Remains

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)

Every believer walks through different seasons—times of growth, rest, pruning, and preparation. If you feel a shift in your heart, don’t resist it. Bring it before the Lord and trust that He is leading you for a reason.

This is your time to draw near. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence. Let nothing pull you away from His presence. Seek Him with all your heart, and He will meet you in ways you never imagined.

Final Encouragement

God is calling you deeper. Guard your heart, listen for His voice, and pursue His presence relentlessly. The more you seek Him, the more you will find Him. Guard your heart and seek God’s presence. He is your greatest reward.

If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded to seek God first. Let’s pursue His presence together!

See Also

Faith

God’s Promises: Healing & Blessings

  1. It is written that the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven (James 5:15, AMP).
  2. It is written that He Himself took our infirmities [upon Himself] and carried away our diseases (Matthew 8:17, AMP).
  3. It is written that the Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18, AMP).
  4. It is written that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power] (James 5:16, AMP).
  5. It is written that ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7, AMP).
  6. It is written that whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive (Matthew 21:22, AMP).
  7. It is written that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, AMP).
  8. It is written that the Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:24-25, AMP).
  9. It is written that He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power (Isaiah 40:29, AMP).
  10. It is written that blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be [completely] satisfied (Matthew 5:6, AMP).
  11. It is written that blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8, AMP).
  12. It is written that He forgives all your sins, He heals all your diseases; He redeems your life from the pit, He crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy (Psalm 103:3-4, AMP).
  13. It is written that He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3, AMP).
  14. It is written that I am the Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26, AMP).
  15. It is written that those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles (Isaiah 40:31, AMP).
  16. It is written that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4, AMP).
  17. It is written that the righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord rescues him from them all (Psalm 34:19, AMP).
  18. It is written that I will restore you to health and I will heal your wounds, declares the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17, AMP).
  19. It is written that God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8, AMP).
  20. It is written that the Lord is my shepherd [to feed, to guide, and to shield me], I shall not want (Psalm 23:1, AMP).

Every word You speak, Lord, is a promise that You keep. You are not a man that You should lie, nor a son of man that You should change Your mind (Numbers 23:19). What You declare, You fulfill. What You promise, You bring to pass. You have spoken healing, blessing, and power over those who believe, and Your word does not return void, but accomplishes everything You have sent it to do (Isaiah 55:11).

You said, “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you shall honor Me” (Psalm 50:15, AMP). That is a promise, not a suggestion. You said, “I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26, AMP), and You have never failed. You declared, “Ask, and you shall receive” (Matthew 7:7, AMP), and You stand by that word.

How can we doubt when the evidence of Your faithfulness fills the pages of Scripture? Abraham believed, and You counted it as righteousness (Romans 4:3). David called on You, and You delivered him from every enemy (Psalm 34:4). The leper asked, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean,” and You answered, “I am willing. Be cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3, AMP). You never speak in vain, and You never fail to keep Your word.

So today, we believe. We take You at Your word. We stand on every promise, knowing that what You have spoken will come to pass. You said You would bless, and You will bless. You said You would heal, and You will heal. You said You would hear and answer prayer, and You will answer.

Lord, let faith arise in every heart that reads this. Let doubt be shattered by the truth of Your unshakable word. You are faithful, You are true, and You will do what You have said.

Amen. It is written. It is spoken. It is done.

See Also