The Daily Dose

He is calling you

So, Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” ~ Mark 10:49

Have you ever called someone on your phone, listened to it ring several times, and then wondered if they were ever going to answer? Maybe you’ve even looked at your phone to make sure you had the right number. Sometimes our prayers can feel that way. We cry out to God, wait for an answer, and wonder if He heard us at all.

Perhaps you’ve been praying for a breakthrough, a healing, a prodigal child, a difficult relationship, or direction for an important decision. You’ve prayed faithfully, but nothing seems to be changing. The circumstances still look the same, and the answer doesn’t appear to be coming as quickly as you’d hoped. If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone.

In today’s scripture reading, Bartimaeus found himself in a desperate situation. He was blind and sitting by the roadside begging. Yet despite his physical limitations, he recognized something many others missed. Jesus was nearby, and He was the answer. As Jesus passed by, Bartimaeus cried out for mercy. Those around him tried to silence him. They told him to be quiet and stop bothering Jesus. But instead of becoming discouraged, he cried out even louder.

Then something remarkable happened. Jesus stopped. Out of all the people surrounding Him, all the conversations taking place, and all the demands on His attention, Jesus stopped for one desperate man calling out in faith.

I love that picture because it reminds me that no sincere prayer ever goes unnoticed. Jesus heard Bartimaeus, and He hears us too.

When Jesus stopped that day, something changed in Bartimaeus’ situation because the crowd of people that were trying to silence him shifted from saying: “Be quiet” to “Be of good cheer. Get up, He is calling you.”

What a difference one moment with Jesus can make. Sometimes the very people who doubted your breakthrough become witnesses to God’s faithfulness.

Here are some practical ways we can apply this truth to our lives:

• Keep praying even when you don’t see immediate results. Persistence is often a demonstration of faith.
• Spend quiet time with God each day. Prayer is not only talking to Him, but also listening for His direction.
• Read Scripture regularly. God often confirms His guidance through His Word.
• Pay attention to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit and take action when He directs you.
• Refuse to let discouragement, disappointment, or the opinions of others silence your faith.
• Thank God in advance for His faithfulness, even before you see the answer.

One thing I find interesting is that Bartimaeus didn’t stay sitting on the roadside after Jesus called him. He got up and went to Him. He responded to the invitation.

Many believers want God’s answers but aren’t always willing to take the steps He directs them to take. Sometimes we’re praying for guidance while ignoring the instructions and faith action He’s already given.

It’s a little like asking your GPS for directions and then driving the opposite way. Eventually you end up hearing, “Recalculating.” Thankfully, God is much more patient than our navigation systems.

The truth is that Jesus is still calling people today. He is calling us closer to Himself. He is calling us to trust Him, follow Him, and walk in the plans He has prepared for our lives. His voice may not always come through dramatic moments, but He speaks through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through the gentle nudges He places in our hearts.

Some of God’s clearest direction in my life came during quiet moments when I simply sat with Him and listened. Not every answer came immediately, but He was always faithful to guide me one step at a time. Looking back, I can see that while I was waiting for answers, He was often preparing my heart to receive them.

Today I want to encourage you to keep calling out to Jesus and trust that He hears every prayer. Don’t allow delays, disappointments, or the opinions of others to silence your faith. Continue seeking Him, continue listening for His direction, and continue taking steps of obedience as He leads. The same Jesus who stopped for Bartimaeus still stops for those who call upon Him today. He sees you, He hears you, and He is calling you closer. As you follow His voice, you’ll discover that His direction is always worth the wait and His answers always arrive at the perfect time.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 10:46-52

46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 

47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called.

Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”

50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.

51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”

52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

Journal:

• What situation have I been praying about that requires continued faith and perseverance?
• Are there any distractions keeping me from hearing God’s direction clearly?
• What has God already shown me that I need to act upon?
• How have I seen God’s faithfulness in answering prayers in the past?
• What step of faith is Jesus calling me to take today?

A Place Prepared

“To sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” ~ Mark 10:40

Have you ever shown up somewhere with a seat already reserved for you? There’s something comforting about knowing your place has been prepared ahead of time. No scrambling, no wondering where you belong, no awkward moment standing in the aisle looking lost while everyone else seems to know where they’re going.

What if I told you that God has already prepared a place for you, not only in eternity but also in His plan for your life right here and now?

In today’s reading, Jesus makes it very clear that He wasn’t operating independently while He walked the earth. Earlier in the chapter, He told His disciples that He was going to Jerusalem where He would be betrayed, condemned, mocked, beaten, and crucified. None of this surprised Him because it was part of the Father’s plan. Yet He also knew the story wouldn’t end at the cross. Three days later He would raise up from the grave in victory.

Then James and John came with a special request. They wanted the seats of honor beside Jesus in His kingdom. In other words, they were asking for the corner offices in heaven. Jesus gently explained that those positions had already been prepared by the Father. They weren’t available through ambition, self promotion, or personal preference. God had already established His plan.

What amazes me about this passage is that Jesus wasn’t trying to create His own path.  He makes it very clear her in scripture that He didn’t come into the world on His own agenda.  Even though He was the son of God, He was here to carry out the plan that was designed for Him before He was even born. He was faithfully walking out the path the Father had prepared for Him.

The same is true for us today. Many people spend years trying to figure out what they should do with their lives, chasing one opportunity after another, hoping to discover their purpose. But Scripture teaches that God already has a plan. Our responsibility isn’t to invent a purpose. It’s to discover and follow the one He has prepared.

The good news is that God isn’t hiding His will from us. He wants to lead us. As we seek Him, spend time in His Word, pray, and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, He faithfully directs our steps.

Here are some practical ways to apply this truth and get started today:

• Begin each day by asking God to guide your steps and show you what He wants to accomplish through your life.
• Spend time reading Scripture regularly. God’s direction will never contradict His Word.
• Pay attention to the opportunities, burdens, and desires God consistently places on your heart.
• When faced with a decision, invite God into the process instead of making plans without consulting Him.
• Take the next step He reveals, even if you don’t yet see the entire path.
• Stay faithful in the small assignments. God often reveals larger opportunities through everyday obedience.

One of the greatest obstacles to hearing God’s direction is becoming so focused on our own plans that you fail to notice His. Sometimes we hand God our completed blueprint and ask Him to bless it, when He’s already prepared a much better one that is already blessed.

God’s plans often look different from what I originally imagined. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life weren’t things I pursued. They were things God opened as I simply followed Him one step at a time. Looking back, I can see His fingerprints all over the journey.

And honestly, it has been the most fulfilling life to follow His path. If I had written my own plan years ago, it probably would have included fewer challenges, unlimited chocolate, no waiting seasons, and a personal assistant to handle all the difficult conversations. Thankfully, God knew better than I did.

The beautiful truth is that God knows exactly where your gifts, experiences, personality, and calling fit into His greater purpose. He has prepared a place for you that no one else can fill.

Today I want to encourage you to stop striving to create your own path and start seeking the one God has already prepared. Trust that your Heavenly Father knows exactly where you belong. Spend time with Him, listen for His direction, follow His leading, and take each step in faith one day at a time. You don’t have to figure everything out at once. The God who prepared your place is also preparing your path. As you walk closely with Him, He will faithfully lead you into the plans and purposes He established for your life long before you ever took your first breath.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 10:32-45

32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 

33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; 

34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

39 They said to Him, “We are able.”

So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 

40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 

42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 

43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 

44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Journal:

• Am I currently seeking God’s direction or primarily pursuing my own plans?
• What opportunities has God placed in front of me that may be part of His purpose for my life?
• Is there an area where I need to trust God’s timing more fully?
• What practical step can I take this week to spend more time listening for His direction?
• How have I seen God’s guidance and faithfulness throughout my life so far?

When the Spirit Moves You

Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused. ~ 1 Samuel 11:6

Have you ever watched someone who normally seems quiet and reserved suddenly become bold when something truly mattered? It’s amazing what happens when a person becomes passionate about a cause bigger than themselves.

I think many of us have experienced moments like that. We may feel uncertain, hesitant, or even overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Then suddenly, a situation comes up that requires us to step up, and God gives us the courage, wisdom, and strength we didn’t know we had.

That is exactly what happened in today’s scripture passage. The people of Jabesh Gilead were facing a terrifying threat from Nahash the Ammonite. Fear had gripped the entire community, and they felt powerless to defend themselves. When Saul heard the news, something changed. The Spirit of God came upon him, and he rose up to lead the people to victory.

What stands out to me is that Saul wasn’t operating from his own strength. The same man who had recently been hiding among the baggage was now leading a nation. The difference was the power of God’s Spirit working through him.

As believers today, we face challenges too. They may not be enemy armies surrounding a city, but they can feel just as intimidating. Financial pressure, family struggles, health concerns, workplace conflicts, and unexpected disappointments can leave us feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that the same God who empowered Saul is still empowering His people today.

Here are three truths from this chapter that can help us when we face challenges of our own.

1. God Can Turn Fear into Courage

The people of Jabesh Gilead were afraid. They saw the size of the problem and felt defeated before the battle even started. Fear has a way of making problems appear larger than they really are. It whispers that things will never change and that we aren’t capable of overcoming what stands before us.

When fear begins to dominate your thoughts, stop and remind yourself who is fighting with you. Maybe you’re facing an unexpected financial challenge. Instead of imagining every worst case scenario, begin thanking God for His faithfulness and provision. Then ask Him for wisdom regarding your next step for whatever it is that you are facing.

In my life, fear loves to show up at 2:00 in the morning when I’m trying to sleep. Somehow every problem seems larger in the dark. Thankfully, God never sleeps and He’s already working on the solution.

2. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes

Saul was not a military hero with years of experience leading armies. He was simply a man whom God had chosen and empowered. Sometimes we think God only uses people who have everything all together. The truth is that God often uses ordinary people who are willing to trust Him.

Stop disqualifying yourself from what God is asking you to do. God could be putting someone on your heart to encourage. You may feel unqualified to help them, but your phone call, text message, or prayer could be exactly what they need in that moment. Don’t underestimate what God can do through your willing heart.

3. Unity Brings Strength

Saul gathered the people together, and they moved forward as one. The victory came because God’s people joined together and responded. The enemy loves isolation because isolated people are easier to discourage. God designed us to walk through life with other believers.

Stay connected to people who strengthen your faith. If you’re facing a difficult situation, don’t withdraw from church, your small group, or trusted Christian friends. Let others pray with you, encourage you, and stand alongside you.

Some people try to fight spiritual battles the same way they assemble furniture without reading the instructions. It usually takes longer and creates unnecessary frustration. God never intended for us to do life alone.

One of the things I love about this chapter is that Saul’s first major victory wasn’t really about Saul at all. It was about God showing His people that He was still with them. The battle became an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed.

I’ve seen this happen in my own life. There have been times when circumstances looked impossible and I wasn’t sure how things would work out. Still every time I trusted God and kept moving forward, He provided strength I didn’t have on my own. Looking back, many of the situations that seemed overwhelming became opportunities to see His faithfulness in action.

Today I want to encourage you to stop focusing on the size of the challenge and start focusing on the greatness of your God. The same Spirit who empowered Saul is at work in your life today. Whatever battle you are facing, God has not abandoned you. He is able to give you courage when you’re afraid, wisdom when you’re uncertain, and strength when you feel weak. Trust Him with the challenge in front of you. Take the next step in faith. Stay connected to the people God has placed around you. Remember that your victory doesn’t depend on your ability alone. It depends on the God who goes before you and fights on your behalf.

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 11

1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and encamped against Jabesh Gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.”

2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, “On this condition I will make a covenant with you, that I may put out all your right eyes, and bring reproach on all Israel.”

3 Then the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Hold off for seven days, that we may send messengers to all the territory of Israel. And then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.”

4 So the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and told the news in the hearing of the people. And all the people lifted up their voices and wept. 

5 Now there was Saul, coming behind the herd from the field; and Saul said, “What troubles the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. 

6 Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused. 

7 So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.” And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. 

8 When he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 

9 And they said to the messengers who came, “Thus you shall say to the men of Jabesh Gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have help.’ ” Then the messengers came and reported it to the men of Jabesh, and they were glad. 

10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you may do with us whatever seems good to you.”

11 So it was, on the next day, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and killed Ammonites until the heat of the day. And it happened that those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

12 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is he who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.”

13 But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.” 

15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Journal:

• What challenge am I currently facing that feels overwhelming?
• Where has fear been influencing my thoughts more than faith?
• How has God strengthened me through difficult situations in the past?
• Is there an area where God is asking me to step out in courage?
• Who are the people God has placed in my life to encourage and support me during this season?

Changed for the Assignment

Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. ~  1 Samuel 10:6

Have you ever accepted a new responsibility and immediately wondered if someone had made a mistake? Maybe you stepped into a new job, a ministry opportunity, a leadership role, or even parenthood and thought, This can’t be right, there has to be someone more qualified than me. If we’re honest, most of us have had moments when we felt completely unprepared for what was in front of us.

That’s exactly where Saul found himself in today’s scripture reading. One day he was searching for lost donkeys, and the next day Samuel was telling him he would be king over Israel. Talk about a change of plans! Saul woke up looking for livestock and went to bed carrying a divine assignment. If there was ever a day that didn’t go according to schedule, this was it.

What encouraged me as I read this chapter is that God didn’t simply give Saul an assignment. He gave him everything he needed to fulfill it. God promised signs, direction, and most importantly, the power of His Spirit.  It reminded me that God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies and empowers those He calls.

The same is true for us today. When God calls us to something, He doesn’t expect us to accomplish it in our own strength. He equips us for every assignment He places before us.

Here are three truths from Saul’s calling that can help us walk confidently in our own God given assignments.

1. God’s Calling Often Begins in Ordinary Places

Saul wasn’t praying for a crown when Samuel found him. He was looking for donkeys. He was simply handling the responsibilities that were already in front of him. Many people spend their lives waiting for a dramatic sign while overlooking the opportunities God has already placed in front of them.  God is always looking for those who are faithful in the little things before giving a great assignment. This is why it is so important to be faithful with what is already in your hands.

For example, if you’re believing God for greater influence, start by serving faithfully where you are. Be faithful at work, faithful in your church, faithful in your family, and faithful with the small opportunities God brings your way. Sometimes we’re asking God for a microphone when He’s asking us to be faithful with a conversation.

2. God Equips Those He Calls

One of my favorite parts of this chapter is that God didn’t leave Saul to figure everything out by himself. He gave him confirmation and empowered him through His Spirit. God never calls us to something and then walks away saying, “Good luck with that.”

Stop focusing on what you lack and start trusting what God supplies. Maybe God has placed a ministry opportunity on your heart, but you don’t feel experienced enough. Maybe you’re considering leading a small group, serving in a new area, or sharing your faith more boldly. Instead of focusing on your limitations, focus on God’s ability to work through you. The truth is, if God only called qualified people, most of us would still be waiting for the phone to ring.

3. God Sees More in You Than You See in Yourself

Later in the chapter, when it was time to present Saul as king, he was hiding among the equipment. The future king of Israel was literally hiding in the baggage. I find comfort in that because it reminds me that even people God chooses sometimes struggle with insecurity.

Stop letting fear define your future. If God has opened a door for you, but fear keeps whispering that you’re not ready. Don’t allow insecurity to keep you hidden when God is calling you forward. Trust God’s opinion of you more than your own doubts.

It’s funny how often we’re praying for God to open a door while we’re simultaneously hiding behind the luggage when He does. The truth is that every believer has been given a purpose and assignment. God has uniquely gifted you, positioned you, and equipped you for the season you’re in right now. You don’t need to become someone else before God can use you. He simply wants your willingness and obedience.

I have found that many of the opportunities God has brought into my life didn’t show up looking the way I expected. They often started as small nudges, simple acts of obedience, or opportunities that felt bigger than my ability. Looking back, I can see that God was never asking me to be fully prepared before stepping out. He was asking me to trust Him. With every step of obedience, He provided the wisdom, strength, favor, and His empowering grace I needed along the way.

Today I want to encourage you to stop focusing on what you think you lack and start focusing on the God who called you. The same God who transformed Saul and equipped him for his assignment is working in your life today. You may not feel qualified, experienced, or ready, but God’s calling is not based on your perfection. It is based on His purpose. Trust Him with the next step. Be faithful where you are. Step through the doors He opens. The God who calls you is also the God who equips you, strengthens you, and walks with you every step of the way.

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 10

1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance? 

2 When you have departed from me today, you will find two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys which you went to look for have been found. And now your father has ceased caring about the donkeys and is worrying about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?” ’ 

3 Then you shall go on forward from there and come to the terebinth tree of Tabor. There three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 

4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive from their hands. 

5 After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is. And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying. 

6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 

7 And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. 

8 You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.”

9 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. 

10 When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 

11 And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 

12 Then a man from there answered and said, “But who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 

13 And when he had finished prophesying, he went to the high place.

14 Then Saul’s uncle said to him and his servant, “Where did you go?”

So he said, “To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they were nowhere to be found, we went to Samuel.”

15 And Saul’s uncle said, “Tell me, please, what Samuel said to you.”

16 So Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But about the matter of the kingdom, he did not tell him what Samuel had said.

Saul Proclaimed King

17 Then Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah, 

18 and said to the children of Israel, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all kingdoms and from those who oppressed you.’ 

19 But you have today rejected your God, who Himself saved you from all your adversities and your tribulations; and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us!’ Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your clans.”

20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 

21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 

22 Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, “Has the man come here yet?”

And the Lord answered, “There he is, hidden among the equipment.”

23 So they ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 

24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?”

So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”

25 Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 

26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and valiant men went with him, whose hearts God had touched. 

27 But some rebels said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

Journal:

• What opportunities has God placed in front of me that I may be overlooking?
• Where have I allowed fear or insecurity to keep me from stepping forward?
• What gifts, talents, or experiences has God already given me that I can use to serve others?
• Is there an area of my life where I need to trust God’s view of me more than my own doubts?
• What is one step of obedience I can take this week toward the assignment God has placed before me?

Divine Appointments

 _{Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you will eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart. ~ 1 Samuel 9:19}

Have you ever spent an entire day looking for something, only to discover it wasn’t where you expected it to be? Maybe it was your car keys, your glasses, or your cell phone. I personally think there should be a hotline for people who spend fifteen minutes looking for something that’s in their hand the whole time. 1-800-I T S I N Y O U R H A N D

In 1 Samuel 9, Saul set out looking for his father’s lost donkeys. It seemed like an ordinary errand, nothing exciting, nothing spiritual, and certainly nothing that appeared connected to God’s greater plan. But while Saul was focused on finding donkeys, God was arranging a divine appointment that would change the course of his life. Saul thought he was searching for missing animals. God was leading him toward his future.

What an important reminder for us. Sometimes we become frustrated because life doesn’t seem to be moving in the direction we expected. We think we’re dealing with inconveniences, delays, interruptions, and detours. Meanwhile, God is often using those very circumstances to position us for something greater than we can currently see.

As we look at Saul’s journey, think about these three truths that can encourage us when life doesn’t seem to be going according to plan.

1. God Is Working Even When Life Feels Ordinary

There was nothing glamorous about Saul’s assignment. He was simply helping his father search for donkeys. Many of our days feel that way. We go to work, run errands, answer emails, attend meetings, fold laundry, mow the yard, and wonder if anything significant is happening. But God often does His greatest work in the middle of ordinary moments.

Don’t underestimate the value of faithfulness in everyday responsibilities. For example, if you’re serving at church, caring for family members, leading a small group, or encouraging a friend, remember that God often uses seemingly ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

2. God’s Detours Often Lead to His Destiny

Saul traveled from place to place without finding the donkeys. From his perspective, the mission wasn’t going very well. What he didn’t know was that every step was bringing him closer to Samuel and closer to God’s purpose for his life. We often view delays as problems but God often views them as preparation.

If a door has closed, a plan has changed, or something hasn’t happened as quickly as you hoped, trust that God may be positioning you for something you cannot see yet. For example, a job opportunity that didn’t work out may be making room for a better one. A ministry assignment that changed may be preparing you for greater effectiveness later.

3. God Knows More About Your Future Than You Do

Before Saul ever arrived, God had already spoken to Samuel about him. Nothing about this encounter surprised God. The same is true for us. While we often worry about tomorrow, God is already there. He knows the opportunities, challenges, relationships, and blessings that lie ahead.

Instead of worrying about every detail of the future, focus on being faithful today. Spend time with God, follow His leading, and trust Him with what you cannot control. When uncertainty arises, remind yourself that God is never caught off guard.

One thing I’ve realized over the years is that some of the most important moments in my life began as something completely ordinary. There were times when I was simply trying to be faithful with what was in front of me. I wasn’t looking for a new ministry opportunity, writing books, or planning future projects. I was raising kids, serving in church, helping others grow in their faith, and doing the next thing God placed in front of me. Looking back, I can see how many divine appointments were hidden inside those everyday moments. Relationships were formed, doors opened, and opportunities appeared that I never could have planned myself. Even though they seemed like small events, now I can see that God was connecting pieces of a much larger picture. What felt ordinary to me was actually part of His preparation for what was ahead.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God with the journey, even when it feels like you’re searching for donkeys instead of fulfilling destiny. The God who guided Saul’s steps is guiding yours as well. Nothing in your life is wasted when it’s placed in His hands. The delays, detours, interruptions, and unexpected turns may actually be leading you toward a divine appointment that God has already prepared. Stay faithful in the ordinary things. Keep showing up, keep trusting Him and keep following His leading. You may discover one day that what looked like an inconvenience was actually God’s invitation into something far greater than you imagined.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 9

1 There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 

2 And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.

3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, “Please take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” 

4 So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.

5 When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us.”

6 And he said to him, “Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go.”

7 Then Saul said to his servant, “But look, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread in our vessels is all gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?”

8 And the servant answered Saul again and said, “Look, I have here at hand one-fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.” 

9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: “Come, let us go to the seer”; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)

10 Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said; come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was.

11 As they went up the hill to the city, they met some young women going out to draw water, and said to them, “Is the seer here?”

12 And they answered them and said, “Yes, there he is, just ahead of you. Hurry now; for today he came to this city, because there is a sacrifice of the people today on the high place. 

13 As soon as you come into the city, you will surely find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you will find him.” 

14 So they went up to the city. As they were coming into the city, there was Samuel, coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.

15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, 

16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

17 So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.” 

18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, “Please tell me, where is the seer’s house?”

19 Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart. 

20 But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father’s house?”

21 And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?”

22 Now Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the hall, and had them sit in the place of honor among those who were invited; there were about thirty persons. 

23 And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Set it apart.’ ” 

24 So the cook took up the thigh with its upper part and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, “Here it is, what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat; for until this time it has been kept for you, since I said I invited the people.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.

25 When they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the top of the house. 

26 They arose early; and it was about the dawning of the day that Samuel called to Saul on the top of the house, saying, “Get up, that I may send you on your way.” And Saul arose, and both of them went outside, he and Samuel.

Saul Anointed King

27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went on. “But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God.”

Journal:

• Are there ordinary responsibilities in my life that I may be overlooking as opportunities to serve God?
• What disappointment, delay, or detour am I currently struggling to understand?
• How has God used unexpected circumstances to guide me in the past?
• Is there an area where I need to trust God more with my future?
• What is one practical way I can remain faithful in the season I am currently in?

Dangerous Ground

But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. ~ 1 Samuel 8:6

Have you ever bought something because everyone else seemed to have one, only to discover a few weeks later that you really didn’t need it? Maybe it was a kitchen appliance that now lives permanently in the back of a cabinet, or a fitness machine that became an expensive clothes hanger. Sometimes what looks appealing from a distance isn’t nearly as wonderful up close.

In today’s scripture reading, the people of Israel looked around at the nations surrounding them and decided they wanted what everyone else had. They wanted a king. Never mind that God Himself had been leading them. Never mind that He had delivered them from their enemies, provided for them, and already led them through countless challenges. They wanted to be like the other nations. Samuel was troubled by their request, but he did something wise. He took his concerns to the Lord.

What stands out to me about this chapter is that the issue wasn’t really about having a king. The deeper issue was that the people were no longer satisfied with God’s leadership. They believed something else would give them what only God could provide.

As believers today, we can fall into the same trap. We look around at what others have and begin to think our lives would be better if we had their opportunities, their success, their relationships, or their circumstances. Yet God has a unique plan for each of us.

Below are three points from this chapter that can help us stay focused on God’s best for our lives.

1. Comparison Can Cause Us to Miss What God Has Already Given Us

Israel wasn’t focused on the blessings they already had. Their attention shifted to what other nations possessed.

Comparison is still one of the enemy’s favorite tools today. Social media makes it easy to believe everyone else’s life is more exciting, more successful, or more put together than our own. We see the highlight reel while living our everyday reality.

The next time you find yourself wishing you had someone else’s life, pause and thank God for three blessings He has already given you. For example, you may not have someone else’s career, but you may have a loving family, good friends, a church community, or opportunities to serve that are making an eternal impact.

2. God Often Sees What We Cannot

The people saw a king as the answer to their problems. God saw the challenges and heartaches that would come with their choice.

We often focus on what looks good in the moment. God sees the entire picture. He understands the consequences, the opportunities, and the outcomes long before we do.

Before making an important decision, take time to pray and seek God’s wisdom. If you’re considering a new job, relationship, ministry opportunity, or major purchase, don’t make the decision based solely on appearances. Ask God to show you what you may not be seeing.

3. Prayer Is the Best Response When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Samuel was disappointed by the people’s request, but he didn’t argue, panic, or try to force his own solution. He prayed.

What a powerful example for us. When people disappoint us, when circumstances change unexpectedly, or when life doesn’t go according to plan, prayer should be our first response rather than our last resort.

When something frustrates you this week, stop and pray before reacting. If a coworker says something hurtful, if a family member makes a decision you don’t agree with, or if plans suddenly change, bring it to God first. Prayer has a way of bringing peace and perspective to situations that seem overwhelming.

I’ve watched this happen to othrers more than I can count. There have been many times when I watched people make choices that I knew would lead them away from God’s best. As someone who loves helping people grow in their faith, I wanted to fix the situation, offer better advice, or somehow convince them to stay on course. Instead, God continually reminded me that my role is to pray, encourage, and trust Him with the outcome. Just because someone chooses a different path doesn’t mean God has stopped pursuing them. Over the years, I’ve watched Him work in ways I never expected. Some people eventually returned stronger than before because God continued working in their hearts long after I could no longer see what He was doing. Those experiences taught me that God is far more invested in people’s lives than I could ever be, and His ability to guide them is far greater than my ability to help them.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God’s plan even when it looks different from everyone else’s. Don’t get distracted by comparison or feel pressured to chase what the world says you should want. God knows exactly where He is leading you. The path He has prepared for you is filled with purpose, provision, and opportunities that fit the unique calling on your life. When you find yourself wishing for someone else’s story, remember that God is still writing yours. Stay close to Him, seek His wisdom, and trust His leadership. The God who faithfully led Israel is still faithfully leading His children today.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 8

1 Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 

2 The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. 

3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 

5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. 

7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 

8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. 

9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”

10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. 

11 And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. 

12 He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 

13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 

14 And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 

15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. 

16 And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 

17 He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. 

18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”

19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 

20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the Lord. 

22 So the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed their voice, and make them a king.”

And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Every man go to his city.”

Journal:

• Are there areas of my life where comparison has stolen my contentment?
• What blessings has God already given me that I may be overlooking?
• Is there a decision I need to bring before God instead of relying on my own understanding?
• How can I make prayer my first response this week?
• What would it look like to fully trust God’s plan for my life right now?

Ebenezer moments

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” ~ 1 Samuel 7:12

Have you ever found an old photograph tucked away in a drawer and suddenly been reminded of a season you thought you’d never survive? Looking at that picture, you remember the struggle, the uncertainty, and all the prayers you prayed. Then you smile because somehow, some way, God brought you through.

I think we all need reminders like that from time to time. Life has a way of pulling our attention toward today’s challenges while causing us to forget yesterday’s victories. Sometimes we’re so focused on what God hasn’t done yet that we overlook everything He has already done.

In today’s scripture reading, the Israelites had wandered far from God, but they finally turned back to Him with their whole hearts. As they cried out to the Lord, God intervened and delivered them from their enemies. In response, Samuel set up a stone monument and named it Ebenezer, which means, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” That stone wasn’t just a pile of rocks. It was a testimony. It was a reminder that God had been faithful and would continue to be faithful.

As God’s people in the world today, we need our own Ebenezer moments. We need to remember where God has brought us from and allow His past faithfulness to strengthen our faith for the future.

Let’s look at three lessons we can learn from this powerful chapter.

1. Return Fully to God

Before God delivered Israel, the people had to remove the idols that had taken His place in their lives. They stopped trying to divide their loyalty between God and other things. Sometimes our modern idols aren’t statues. They can be distractions, busyness, comfort, approval from others, or even our own plans.

Ask God to show you anything that has become more important than your relationship with Him.

For example, maybe you’ve become so busy with work, activities, or social media that your time with God has become an afterthought. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to pray and read Scripture. Small consistent steps often produce big spiritual growth.

For me, it can be my phone. Sometimes it gets more attention than it deserves. It’s amazing how quickly I can respond to a text message while somehow forgetting where I put my Bible five minutes ago!

2. Prayer Invites God’s Intervention

When the Israelites gathered together, Samuel prayed on their behalf, and God responded powerfully. The battle was won because God fought for His people. Prayer is not a last resort. It’s one of our greatest privileges as believers and should be our first response. Bring your challenges to God before trying to solve everything yourself.

For example, if you’re facing a difficult family situation, a financial concern, or an important decision, spend time praying before making plans. Invite God into the situation and trust Him to guide your steps.

Some of my greatest breakthroughs came after I stopped trying to carry everything myself and finally handed it over to God. He handles the job much better than I do anyway.

3. Remember God’s Faithfulness

Samuel set up a stone so future generations would remember what God had done. He understood that people tend to forget. The same is true for us. When we remember God’s faithfulness in the past, it strengthens our confidence for whatever lies ahead.

Keep a record of God’s answers to prayer and His blessings in your life. For example, write down prayers that God has answered, unexpected provisions, open doors, healing, encouragement, and moments when He carried you through difficulties. When new challenges come up, revisit those memories and remind yourself that the God who helped you before is still helping you today. Before we move on to the next challenge, it’s important to pause and remember the victories God has already given us. Those memories become fuel for future faith.

Today I want to encourage you to build your own Ebenezer moments. Take time to remember where God has brought you from and celebrate His faithfulness. If you’re facing a challenge today, don’t focus only on the mountain in front of you. Look back at the mountains God has already helped you climb. The same God who answered your prayers before is still working on your behalf today. He hasn’t forgotten you, He hasn’t abandoned you, and He isn’t finished with your story. The Lord has helped you in the past and He will continue to walk faithfully with you every step of the way.

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 7

1 Then the men of Kirjath Jearim came and took the ark of the Lord and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord.

Samuel Judges Israel

2 So it was that the ark remained in Kirjath Jearim a long time; it was there twenty years. And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.

3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” 

4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths and served the Lord only.

5 And Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” 

6 So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew water, and poured it out before the Lord. And they fasted that day, and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the children of Israel at Mizpah.

7 Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 

8 So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”

9 And Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. Then Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 

10 Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel. 

11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and drove them back as far as below Beth Car. 

12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 

14 Then the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered its territory from the hands of the Philistines. Also, there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 

16 He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places. 

17 But he always returned to Ramah, for his home was there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

Journal:

• What are some Ebenezer moments in my life where I clearly saw God’s faithfulness?
• Is there anything competing for first place in my relationship with God?
• What challenge do I need to bring to God in prayer instead of trying to handle on my own?
• How has God answered prayers for me in the past year?
• What practical step can I take this week to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness?

Hard, not impossible

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” ~ Mark 10:23

Have you ever spent ten minutes looking for your phone only to discover it was in your hand the entire time? It’s funny how easy it is to focus on the wrong thing. The same can happen spiritually. Sometimes we spend so much time chasing things we think will make us feel secure, happy, or successful that we forget the One who provides all those things when we turn our attention to Him and give Him first place in our lives.

When many people read this passage, they assume Jesus is against wealth or material blessings. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is not against us having things. But, He is against things having us. He knows that when our hearts become consumed with possessions, money, status, or comfort, those things can slowly take His place.

In today’s key verse, Jesus told His disciples that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. Notice He didn’t say it was impossible. The challenge is not the riches themselves. The challenge is where we place our trust. It’s easy to trust a bank account, a retirement fund, a house, or a career. Yet none of those things can provide lasting peace, eternal security, complete peace or true fulfillment.

The secret is in finding our faith and confidence in our relationship with Him. At the same time, He is the One who gives us the ability to work, create, build, and prosper. The blessings He provides are not meant to become our source. They are meant to be resources to grow His kingdom. The truth is that money makes a terrible god but a wonderful tool.

The things we have are necessary for our time on earth. God wants us to enjoy the blessings He provides. He delights in blessing His children. Yet His blessings were never intended to stop with us. They were meant to flow through us and bless others.

Simply put, God isn’t after your things. He’s after your heart. When our hearts belong fully to Him, we can enjoy His blessings without becoming attached to them. We can give generously without fear. We can help others without worrying that we’ll run out. We can trust that the God who provided before will provide again.

Here are some practical ways to apply this truth and get started:

• Thank God daily for the blessings He has already given you, both big and small.
• Ask yourself honestly where your security comes from. Is it in God or in something temporary?
• Look for opportunities to bless someone this week through your time, encouragement, talents, or finances.
• Practice generosity, even in small ways. A simple act of kindness can make a lasting impact.
• Pray and ask God to show you how He wants to use the resources He has entrusted to you.
• When fear about finances come, remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in previous seasons.

Jesus went on to tell His disciples that anyone who sacrifices for His sake and the Gospel will receive far more in return. In Mark 10:29 and 30, He reminds us that God’s rewards are not limited to eternity. He also blesses His people in this life as they faithfully follow Him.

I’ve found that some of the greatest joys in life don’t come from acquiring more things. They come from watching God use what He’s already given me to encourage, help, and bless someone else. It’s amazing how quickly a possession loses its grip on your heart when you place it in God’s hands and allow Him to work through that gift for His purposes.

Today I want to encourage you to hold God’s blessings with open hands and a grateful heart. Enjoy the gifts He has given you but never let them become more important than the Giver. Trust Him as your source, thank Him for His provision, and be willing to share what He has entrusted to you. As you do, you’ll discover that God’s supply never runs dry, His faithfulness never fails, and His blessings were always designed to flow through you so that others can experience His love, too.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 10:23-31

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 

24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 

30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 

31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

 Journal:

• Where do I tend to place my security besides God?
• What blessings has God given me that I can use to serve and encourage others?
• Is there anything in my life that has become more important than my relationship with God?
• How has God faithfully provided for me in the past?
• What is one practical way I can be a blessing to someone this week?

Follow Me

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” ~ Mark 10:21

What if the thing you’re holding onto is the very thing keeping you from experiencing all that God has for you?

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You can’t take it with you.” When we leave this world, everything we’ve accumulated stays behind. The houses, cars, bank accounts, possessions, accomplishments, and titles don’t follow us into eternity. While that reality doesn’t bother me much, many people spend their lives finding security in temporary things rather than in an eternal relationship with God.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being comfortable just like anyone else. But also recognize that no possession, achievement, or earthly comfort compares to the joy of following God’s plan and purpose for my life. The things of this world may satisfy for a moment, but only Jesus satisfies forever.

In today’s reading, a wealthy young man approached Jesus because he wanted to know how to inherit eternal life. He was concerned about his future after death, but he wasn’t prepared for Jesus’ answer. Jesus identified the one thing standing in the way of complete surrender. His possessions had become more important than following God’s call.

Notice that Jesus looked at him and loved him before He challenged him. Jesus wasn’t trying to take something away from him. He was trying to give him something far greater. He was offering him the opportunity to walk closely with the Savior, to be part of what God was doing, and to experience a life of eternal significance.

Sadly, the young man walked away discouraged because he couldn’t imagine life without the security of his possessions. He had an invitation that many would have dreamed of receiving, but his love for earthly things prevented him from embracing an eternal opportunity.

The same invitation still stands today. Thankfully, Jesus continues to say, “Follow Me.” He may not ask you to sell everything you own, but He will ask you to place Him above it. He wants first place in your heart, above your possessions, your plans, your comfort, your fears, and even your own understanding. Not because He wants to deprive you, but because He has a life already designed for you that far exceeds anything you could come up with or accomplish on your own. Following Jesus begins with surrender and continues through a daily relationship with Him.

Here are a few practical ways to apply this passage and get started:

• Ask God to reveal anything that has become more important to you than your relationship with Him.
• Spend time talking with Jesus each day. Start with just a few minutes of honest conversation and invite Him into every area of your life.
• Read God’s Word consistently. Begin with the Gospels and learn how Jesus lived, loved, and led others.
• Practice generosity. Look for opportunities to bless someone else with your time, encouragement, resources, or service.
• Say yes when God prompts you to take a step of faith, even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Evaluate where you find your security. Choose to trust God more than your possessions, finances, abilities, or circumstances.

If you’ve never received Christ as your Savior, today is the perfect day to begin. Following Jesus isn’t about religion. It’s about entering a personal relationship with the One who loves you, gave His life for you, and has a purpose for your life. You can begin that conversation right now with a simple prayer from your heart:

“Jesus, I want to follow You. I invite You into my life today. Lead me in Your perfect path and plan. Help me know You more and teach me to trust You above everything else. Give me the grace and strength to walk in the purpose You created for me. Thank You for loving me and calling me to follow You. Amen.”

Today I want to encourage you to say yes to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him wholeheartedly. Don’t allow temporary things to keep you from experiencing eternal treasures. The rich young ruler walked away from the greatest opportunity of his life because he couldn’t let go of what he was holding. You don’t have to make the same choice. Jesus is still extending His loving invitation today. Put Him first, trust Him with every area of your life, and discover the joy, purpose, peace, and fulfillment that can only be found by walking closely with Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 10:17-22

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 

19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”

20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Journal:

• What areas of my life compete with Jesus for first place in my heart?
• Where do I tend to find my security besides God?
• What is one practical step I can take this week to follow Jesus more closely?
• How has God been inviting me to trust Him in a deeper way?
• What would change in my life if I fully surrendered every area to Jesus?

Hey Daily Dose Friends!

I’m so excited to announce the release of my new book, Ears to Hear: How You Can Hear the Holy Spirit’s Direction in Your Heart and Life!

This book was written from a passion to help people recognize God’s voice, walk in His direction, and grow in confidence as they follow His leading each day. Whether you’re seeking clarity for a decision, longing to deepen your relationship with God, or simply wanting to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, my prayer is that this book will encourage and strengthen your faith.

I am also especially honored that the foreword was written by my good friend, Alyssa Archer. Alyssa’s heartfelt words beautifully set the stage for the journey ahead and offer wonderful encouragement for anyone desiring to hear God’s voice more clearly and follow His direction with confidence.

Please take the time to order and read it and if it blesses you, I would love to hear your thoughts! One of the greatest gifts you can give an author is an honest review on Amazon. Your feedback not only encourages me, but it also helps others discover the book and be encouraged in their own walk with God.

You can order your copy by clicking the link or scanning the QR code above.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, prayers, and friendship. So many of you have been part of my writing journey, and I am grateful for every one of you. I can’t wait to hear what God speaks to your heart through these pages!

❤️ Lynette

📖 Ears to Hear: How You Can Hear the Holy Spirit’s Direction in Your Heart and Life

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