Category Archives: Application Season

Playing Your Part in God’s Unfolding Story

Quote

Posted on by
1

Is there a way I can speak of the Lord’s faithfulness throughout my life to someone I meet today? Lord, may I be sensitive to the opportunities I may have with people I meet today. (Lectio, May 27, 26) Are you struggling to do your part in God’s unfolding story?

We long to play our part in God’s unfolding story—but how can we step into that calling if we do not truly know who we are? So many of us have allowed others to define us. Our identity became shaped by labels spoken over us—some careless, some wounding, some simply untrue. We learned to live as the version of ourselves others expected, not the person Christ redeemed.

Yet in Christ, we put on our true name. A name rooted not in brokenness, but in belovedness. A name spoken by the One who formed us, called us, and set His Spirit within us.

Today is the day to lay down every false label, which are the things that are the opposite of what He says we are.

God said we are special, chosen, lovely and unique, we are strong, courageous, smart, kind, compassionate, trustworthy, giving, dedicated, loving and have self control.

Today we release the labels/identities that were never ours to carry and to step into the truth of who Christ says we are.

Image by ChatGPT

Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the pattern of the world. What patterns was Paul telling us not to confirm to? The patterns are the labels placed upon us. Paul said to transform through the renewing of your mind so that we will no longer be captives of the false narrative.

We can find comfort in transforming from who we thought we were to who we truly are because God’s truth empowers us, it sets us free, and is anchored in His unconditional love.

When we begin to walk in the identity God gave us before our birth, we become strengthened to take our rightful place in His unfolding story. Shame loses its grip. Fear loosens its hold. And we find the courage to share our lives—and our faith—with others. Once we are no longer held captive by our false narrative, hiding from who we are, we can speak openly of who Christ is within us. With confidence, humility, and joy, we step into the role God has written for us in His great and beautiful story.

Resting on Galatians 5:16,17

Quote

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s devotional focuses on Galatians 5:16, 17.

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” ~ Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

In these verses, the Apostle Paul offers the ultimate solution to overcoming selfish and sinful tendencies. It focuses on three main concepts:

Walk by the Spirit: To “walk” means to live, conduct your life, and make daily decisions. To “walk by the Spirit” means relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power rather than your own strength.

The Flesh: This refers to human nature apart from God—our natural, selfish inclinations, compulsions, and desires that lead to sin.

The Promise: Paul presents this as a cause-and-effect relationship. As you actively focus on and surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading, you lose the drive to fulfill the desires of your sinful nature.

The verses acknowledge an ongoing internal struggle (detailed in verses 17-23) between what your natural self wants and what God’s Spirit desires.

Paul’s message is that victory does not come from strictly following a list of rules; rather, it happens naturally by cultivating a daily relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

  • Continue to deepen your relationship with the Lord through short prayers and expressions of gratitude throughout the day.
  • Tether yourself to the Holy Spirit who lives in you. He is not a guest; he is a resident.
  • Resist your earthly desires. It will require prayer and positive self-talk.
  • Listen to the Holy Spirit who will serve as your cheerleader as you separate your wants from your spiritual needs.

 Have a blessed day.

 

My Mouth is Filled With Your Praise

Quote

Posted on by
Reply
Bible.com

I learned through BSF that praising God throughout the day profoundly changes the atmosphere around you. I know this because I witnessed it beautifully lived out in the lives of so many women whose faith, joy, and unwavering trust in God reflected His presence even in the midst life’s challenges.

Again and again, I listened to testimonies from women walking through incredibly difficult seasons, yet they still smiled, greeted others warmly, and lifted up the name of the Lord. At first, I wondered, how can they still radiate joy while carrying such heavy burdens?

Over time, I realized their praise was not based on circumstances — it was rooted in faith. They chose to focus on God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His presence instead of allowing hardship to define their hearts. Watching them praise the Lord in both challenging moments and praise-report moments was deeply humbling, inspiring, and life-changing.

In closing, Psalm 71:8 declares, “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” This verse reflects a life committed to continual worship and gratitude, regardless of circumstances. It reminds us that praise shifts our perspective — from fear to faith, from discouragement to hope, and from struggle to the splendor of God’s enduring love and strength.

Check In

To reflect on an earlier devotional, have you recently ended a conversation by saying, “Have a blessed day”? Did you notice even the slightest change in the other person’s demeanor? Those simple words have a way of breathing life into the soul, reminding people they are seen, valued, and covered by God’s grace.

Jesus Christ Is Life

Quote

Posted on by
Reply
Give your life to Christ and Receive Eternal Life

The gift of life is knowing Christ. Jesus became like us so we could become more like Him. Growing in Christ is a journey of transformation, becoming more aligned with His Spirit each day. (FB-Cal Jernigan, Central Christian Church, Mesa, Arizona)

Through the sacrifice of Christ, who bore our sin, we no longer fall victim to sin, which is the wager of death. Instead, we have been gifted with eternal life when our human bodies are shed.

Hebrews 2:17 (NIV) explains: “For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) states: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1.Eternal life is the free gift 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The idea here is that we cannot earn eternal life through good works. It is given freely through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ took the penalty for sin so that anyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness and life with God that starts now and continues forever.

2. Abundant life right now 

In John 10:10, Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” 

This points to more than just life after death. It is about restored relationship with God, peace, purpose, and the Holy Spirit living in believers. The “gift” is not just heaven later but a different quality of life today.

3. New creation/Born again 

2 Corinthians 5:17 describes it this way: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.” 

So, the gift includes a new identity, a cleared record, and adoption into God’s family.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ties it together: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

I Forgive Me

Quote

Posted on by
Reply

I was listening to Gospel/Christian music this morning, and a song titled “I Forgive Me” by Soul Medicine was playing as I jogged. I believe one of the greatest challenges we face is not forgiving others—it is learning to forgive ourselves. We are both our own best friends and our own worst enemies. We are both saved by grace and sinners. God forgives us but in opposition, Satan tirelessly undermines our blessing by introducing doubt.

Biblestudytoold.com

If we doubt and listen to our own negative self-talk we are negating God’s forgiveness. We must learn to master the authority God gave us to silence the voice Satan whispers in our minds. His voice is very convincing, His temptation is seductive to ignore. After we succumb, he accuses us of our wrongdoing and tells us we are shameful. To truly accept God’s grace, we must learn to silence the voices of doubt and shame. We are willing to accept God’s forgiveness but unwilling to forgive ourselves, thus negating God’s forgiveness. As long as we live in this world, we will struggle and fall short, but Christ’s sacrifice has freed us from eternal condemnation. While God’s forgiveness is assured, Satan works relentlessly to sow seeds of doubt. Doubt steals self-acceptance. When we listen to negative self-talk, we risk undermining the grace God has given us. Accepting God’s forgiveness means silencing the voices of shame and regret. If we do not do this, our past mistakes linger, holding us back from moving forward and fully embracing forgiveness.

Biblestudytools.com

God has given us the authority to silence the whispers of the enemy. However, Satan’s voice is persuasive and he continually tries to convince us we are beyond redemption. If we are beyond redemption, forgiving ourselves seems impossible. True acceptance of God’s grace requires us to master these doubts. When we do not forgive ourselves, we keep the memory of our sins alive, nullifying the freedom God offers.

To profoundly move forward, we must forgive ourselves as God forgives us—letting go of shame, silencing doubt, and embracing the new life Christ has made possible.

As true believers, let us embrace the power of forgiveness—not only towards others, but also ourselves. Just as God has graciously forgiven us, we are called to release self-doubt, shame, and regret, and to accept His grace wholeheartedly. This year, I encourage you to make self-forgiveness a priority, allowing God’s love to renew your spirit and guide you toward a future filled with hope and confidence.

I am attaching the track, I Forgive Me below:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-forgive-me/1819791680?i=1819792226