The Daily Dose

Out of Control

And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.  ~ Acts 27:1

If you are anything like me, you like feeling as if you are in control of most areas of your life. Even if it is only on the surface, I tend to feel safest when I am the one deciding what comes next. For many years I made choices based on what seemed popular or what I wanted in the moment, but those choices often placed me in situations where I ended up with no control over the consequences. I was not following wisdom, so I had to deal with the results of those decisions. At times I became frustrated because I found myself calling out for help, usually financial, since I lived with a mindset centered only on me and mine. In those seasons it would have been easy to fall into a victim mentality, and sometimes I did. But mostly I realized that I had created the mess, and it was up to me to fix it. Thank God I still had enough sense to call on Him, even when I had pushed Him out of most parts of my life.

Now I try to make my decisions based on God’s direction. When I do not know what to do, I no longer ask opinions from people who do not follow the Lord. I seek godly counsel and press into the Holy Spirit for His plan. He is faithful every single time, and He always has a way prepared. My part is to follow His plan. God’s instructions are almost always different from what I would have chosen on my own, and they always require me to take steps of faith, trusting that God will do His part as I do mine.

In today’s reading, Paul was facing circumstances completely outside of his control. He was a prisoner, and most prisoners had no rights and no voice. Yet because Paul was following God’s assignment, he experienced supernatural favor. Julius, the centurion in charge, showed kindness to Paul and even allowed him to visit friends and receive care and provisions. Paul was given a level of freedom that prisoners did not normally receive. He was trusted to go on his own while the ship was docked at Sidon. This happened because Paul stayed in step with God’s plan, even when the path placed him in difficult and unpredictable situations.

This gives me hope because God offers the same favor in my life. I can experience His goodness in places where I have no control. At work, in public settings, or during seasons of intense pressure or trial, I can be sure that God’s favor can find me right where I am.

Below are some ways you can apply this truth in your life:

• I can pray each morning for God to lead my decisions with wisdom
• I can identify one area where I have been trying to stay in control and surrender it to God
• I can seek counsel from people who love God instead of relying on opinions that pull me away from Him
• I can look for traces of God’s favor during challenging moments
• I can choose gratitude when circumstances feel uncertain

You can get started right away by asking God to show you one decision today that needs His direction. Pause before reacting so you can ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Then write down one situation in your life that feels out of control and give it to God in prayer. Spend time reading scripture to strengthen your trust in God’s plan. Pay attention to small ways God makes a way for you even when things are difficult.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God with every area of your life that feels out of control. As you listen to His voice and follow His direction, you will see His hand guiding, protecting, and providing for you. You will experience favor in unexpected ways and discover that God is in full control even when you are not. You can only control one person, and that is you, but God is more than able to handle everything else.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 27:1-8

1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 

2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 

3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. 

4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 

5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 

6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.

7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 

8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Journal:

• What situation in my life feels most out of control right now?
• Where do I sense God asking me to trust Him instead of trying to fix everything on my own?
• Where have I seen God’s favor even when circumstances have been difficult?
• What is one step of obedience I can take today that shows I am trusting God’s plan?

Except for

Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” ~ Acts 26:29

All of us have “exceptions” in our lives. I have things that I would never want someone else to carry or deal with. My desire is to help others grow in their love for God and to share His love with the people around them. That is what discipleship is. I teach others to love God and to walk in His purpose, and my hope is that I am becoming the kind of Christian others want to learn from. There are also things inside of me that I never want to pass on, things like insecurity, pride, or negative attitudes. These habits live quietly in many of us, tucked away where we hope no one else notices.

In today’s passage, Paul makes a statement that echoes something many believers feel. When he stood before King Agrippa, he boldly declared that he wanted every person who heard him to become like him, except for his chains. Paul was not talking about a flaw in his character. His except for had nothing to do with a weakness or a personal struggle. It was simply the place he was in at that moment. He longed for every person to know Jesus, to walk in truth, and to live with boldness, but he did not want anyone to suffer imprisonment as he did.

Each day I am given opportunities to share my faith and invest in the people around me, yet the only way I grow into boldness is by staying filled with God’s love and carrying a genuine desire to impact others. Paul lived with that passion. He wanted everyone to know the Father who changed his life. He carried a hope that every person would experience the unconditional love of God and encounter Jesus in life-changing ways. His desire for people to be saved was so strong that he prayed everywhere he went.

So what about us today? Are we filled with enough of God’s love that I want others to know the truth? Are we praying for people in our daily path to meet Jesus? Do we truly desire for others to know God’s unconditional love and experience it in real and practical ways? If not, we can start today.

Here are some things you can do to get started:

• Start each morning by praying for God to soften the hearts of the people you encounter.
• Ask God to help you speak with kindness, courage, and compassion.
• Choose one person each day to pray for intentionally.
• Study the word of God so your confidence in sharing grows
• Ask God to remove any spiritual chains that stop you from stepping forward
• Practice small acts of obedience such as offering prayer, giving encouragement, or sharing scripture.

Begin by asking God to give me a heart that longs for others to know Him. Set aside time to pray for open doors throughout the day.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words and create divine appointments. Pay attention to moments where you feel a gentle nudge to speak or encourage others. End each day by thanking God for every opportunity He placed before you

Today I want to encourage you to ask God to prepare the hearts of the people around you and to give you the boldness to speak the good news with love and confidence. Pray for supernatural opportunities and simple ways to share Jesus. He has given you everything you need to be a witness, but it is up to you to take the steps. Start today by becoming the kind of Christian whose life inspires others to know Jesus, while letting God remove every chain that has held you back.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:24-32

24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 

26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 

31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Journal:

• What do I believe is my own except for and how has it affected my confidence?
• Who is one person I can pray for today to come to know Jesus in a deeper way?
• What has kept me from being bolder in sharing my faith?
• What steps can I take today to become the kind of Christian I want others to imitate?
• Where do I feel God inviting me to step out in courage this week?

The Light that never goes out

“Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually. ~Leviticus 24:2

Have you ever wondered how to keep your spiritual fire burning when life feels heavy, busy, or unpredictable? Many people hope to stay passionate for God yet find themselves running on empty or drifting into routine. Today’s reading gives a powerful picture of what it looks like to keep a continual flame burning, not only in a place of worship but also in a heart devoted to God in everyday life. God shows me that He is not asking for perfection, only for consistency, dedication, and trust. The same way the priests tended the lampstand day and night, God invites me to fan the flame of His presence in my life in simple and steady ways.

Below are three truths from this passage that you can apply in your life:

1. God calls me to bring Him something pure to work with.

The children of Israel brought pure oil for the lamps. In my own life that means I offer God open and real worship, honest prayer, and a willing heart. I start with giving God the first moments of my day. I can sit with Him, open my Bible, talk to Him about my concerns, and offer Him my thoughts and intentions. When I give Him purity, even in small ways, He keeps the flame in my heart burning bright.

2. The light was to burn continually, not just in certain moments.

This shows me that God desires ongoing connection, not occasional attention. I do this by inviting Him into my daily routines. When I am driving, folding laundry, or talking with someone, I can whisper a prayer. I can tell Him what I am feeling and ask Him to guide my steps. These simple acts keep His presence active in my day and help the flame stay strong.

3. The priests tended the lamps regularly so that the flame would not go out.

This shows me that staying spiritually strong requires steady participation. I do this by begining with deciding to be consistent. I can choose a weekly time to gather with other believers, pray intentionally for someone, or set aside a moment each evening to thank God for what He has done. These small choices prepare the oil that keeps the flame of my faith alive.

There have been many times when I felt like my flame was dim. I was tired, overwhelmed, or dealing with more than I knew how to handle. In those moments I would give God whatever I had, even if it was only a quiet prayer or to whispered “I need help.” Each time, He met me in that small offering and breathed strength into me again. Now I understand that it was never about how strong I felt, it was about choosing to bring Him something, trusting that He would do the rest.

Today I want to encourage you to bring your oil to God, even if it feels small. Offer Him your honest heart and trust that He will keep your light burning. Invite Him into your day and allow Him to guide you in simple, steady ways. You are not responsible for making the flame perfect, only for giving Him something to work with. He will sustain the fire in you and strengthen you in every moment.

Today’s scripture reading:

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually. 

3 Outside the veil of the Testimony, in the tabernacle of meeting, Aaron shall be in charge of it from evening until morning before the Lord continually; it shall be a statute forever in your generations. 

4 He shall be in charge of the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the Lord continually.

5 “And you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it. Two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. 

6 You shall set them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure gold table before the Lord. 

7 And you shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 

8 Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. 

9 And it shall be for Aaron and his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place; for it is most holy to him from the offerings of the Lord made by fire, by a perpetual statute.”

10 Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel; and this Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought each other in the camp. 

11 And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed; and so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) 

12 Then they put him in custody, that the mind of the Lord might be shown to them.

13 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

14 “Take outside the camp him who has cursed; then let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

15 “Then you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. 

16 And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death.

17 ‘Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death. 

18 Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, animal for animal.

19 ‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him— 

20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. 

21 And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death. 

22 You shall have the same law for the stranger and for one from your own country; for I am the Lord your God.’ ”

23 Then Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they took outside the camp him who had cursed, and stoned him with stones. So the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Journal:

• What is one area of my life where I want God’s light to shine more clearly?
• When can I intentionally invite God into my day in a simple and steady way?
• What small offering can I bring to God this week that will help keep my spiritual flame burning?

He works it all for good

‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. ~ Leviticus 23:4

Have you ever looked back at parts of your life and wondered how God could ever use any of it for something good? Many people carry moments from the past that seem wasted, broken, or insignificant, yet God specializes in taking whatever is placed in His hands and weaving it into His purpose. Today’s scripture reading shows that God can work with anything that is given to Him. Israel brought harvests, offerings, and celebrations to the Lord, and He turned each one into something meaningful. He took ordinary moments and set them apart for His glory. The same is true for you today.

Below are three truths for you to consider today:

1. God uses seasons of your life

Leviticus 23 outlines appointed times, each with a purpose. God used every season Israel walked through and turned them into opportunities for worship and growth.

He will do the same for you today if you give God the season you are in right now, whether it feels joyful or heavy. Talk to Him about what you are carrying and ask Him to show you how He wants to work through it. When you give Him the day in front of you, He will use it to develop your faith one step at a time.

2. God uses your ordinary offerings

Israel’s feasts were built on what they brought to God. Grain, firstfruits, and simple gifts became part of His divine plan because they placed them in His hands. Your offerings might be your time, your mistakes, your talents, or your broken moments. When you surrender every area of your life over to Him, He can turn even your darkest days into a tool to reach the world around you.

Go ahead and give Him something that is within you today no matter how simple or complex it seems. Offer a prayer, a decision, a habit, or even a past mistake that you have been carrying. Trust that once you put it in His hands, He can shape it into something meaningful and powerful for your future purpose.

3. God uses what is imperfect and makes it holy

The feasts were never about perfection. They were about surrender. When Israel obeyed and gave God what they had, He made it holy. The same truth applies to your life. God can take your good, your struggles, your successes, and even your failures and use them in His purpose.

Tell God the parts of your life that feel too messy or too broken to be impactful. Ask Him to take those areas and work through them. When you place them in His hands, He will turn them into opportunities for healing and testimony.

Even in this season of my life, I have been walking through a struggle that has lasted more than two years. Each time it comes to my mind, which happens often, I bring it back to the Lord and thank Him for what He is doing in it and through it. This is not my plan A, and it is certainly not my plan B. Since I cannot change it by my own strength, I have begun calling it plan C, the place where I choose to pray and trust God completely. This situation has opened doors for me to encourage others who are facing something similar in their own homes and families. I know God is turning it toward a good outcome and that He is working everything and everyone involved toward His purpose, even though walking through it has not been easy. Now I am beginning to see how He is using these circumstances in ways I never imagined He could redeem. As I surrender my will and fears to Him, even when it feels like I am offering very little, He shapes it into something that brings Him glory. He has not wasted a single part of my story.

Today I want to encourage you to give God whatever you are holding. Offer Him your past, your present, your weaknesses, your strengths, and every piece of your story. He can use anything you surrender to Him and turn it into something that builds your faith and impacts those around you. Nothing is wasted when it is placed in His hands. Let Him take what you give Him and use it in ways that go far beyond what you can see today.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 23

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.

3 ‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.

The Passover and Unleavened Bread

4 ‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. 

5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 

6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. 

7 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. 

8 But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.’ ”

9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. 

11 He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 

12 And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the Lord. 

13 Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the Lord, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. 

14 You shall eat neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15 ‘And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 

16 Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. 

17 You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the Lord. 

18 And you shall offer with the bread seven lambs of the first year, without blemish, one young bull, and two rams. They shall be as a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the Lord. 

19 Then you shall sacrifice one kid of the goats as a sin offering, and two male lambs of the first year as a sacrifice of a peace offering. 

20 The priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest. 

21 And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

22 ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God.’ ”

23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 

25 You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’ ”

26 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

27 “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. 

28 And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. 

29 For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. 

30 And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. 

31 You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 

32 It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”

33 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

34 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. 

35 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. 

36 For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.

37 ‘These are the feasts of the Lord which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the Lord, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day— 

38 besides the Sabbaths of the Lord, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the Lord.

39 ‘Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the Lord for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest. 

40 And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. 

41 You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 

42 You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, 

43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.’ ”

44 So Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.

Journal:

• What part of my past still feels unusable to me, and why have I held on to it?
• What can I give to God today, even if it feels small or imperfect?
• How have I already seen God use unexpected areas of my life for good?
• What step can I take this week to offer Him more of my story?

A life that honors God

_{“Therefore you shall keep My commandments, and perform them: I am the Lord. ~ Leviticus 22:31}

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “Is what I am offering God in my daily life truly honoring Him?” Today’s reading reminds me that God cares about the way I come to Him and what I bring before Him. This chapter is not only about Old Testament sacrifices. It is about the heart behind my worship, my choices, and the way I approach God today. God is not demanding perfection. He is inviting me to bring Him my best because He knows that offering Him my best shapes the person I am becoming.

Here are three key points to consider:

1. Honor God with what you offer Him

In Leviticus 22, God gave instructions about presenting offerings that were whole and without blemish. He wanted His people to bring Him something that showed value and intentionality.

Choose one area of your life to give God your best in a practical way, such as setting aside intentional time with Him in the morning, choosing a positive attitude before your day begins, or giving someone kindness when you feel drained. These small but sincere offerings honor God and draw you closer to Him.

2. Protect what God has entrusted to you

The priests were responsible for handling holy things with care. God wanted them to treat what He gave them as valuable.
Identify something God has placed in your life that deserves greater care, such as your words, your relationships, or your personal character. Take one simple step today to guard that area, like slowing down before speaking or giving attention to someone who needs encouragement.

3. Come to God with a sincere heart

God did not want empty rituals. He wanted His people to approach Him with intention and reverence. Today, God still welcomes me to come close with honesty, openness and love.

Before you pray or study the Word, pause and ask, “God, I give You my heart today. Help me come before You with transparency and faith.” This sets a tone of humility and peace that prepares you to hear His voice.

For years, I thought offering God my best meant being flawless. I felt pressure to perform, and when I fell short, I felt unworthy. However, now I realized that God was not asking me to be perfect. He was asking me to be present and open, allowing Him into every area of my heart and life. When I began offering Him simple, intentional moments, whether it was a quiet prayer in the car or choosing a godly response in a difficult moment, I felt His peace grow in my life. Those small choices changed my heart more than any attempt to impress Him ever could. God met me in every honoring offering, no matter how small it looked to me.

Today I want to encourage you to give God your best in the simple things. Your honoring heart matters to Him. Your daily offerings, your choices, and your desire to please Him are precious in His sight. Let this chapter remind you that God sees value in what you choose to offer Him and He honors those who honor Him.

Today’s scripture reading:

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they do not profane My holy name by what they dedicate to Me: I am the Lord. 

3 Say to them: ‘Whoever of all your descendants throughout your generations, who goes near the holy things which the children of Israel dedicate to the Lord, while he has uncleanness upon him, that person shall be cut off from My presence: I am the Lord.

4 ‘Whatever man of the descendants of Aaron, who is a leper or has a discharge, shall not eat the holy offerings until he is clean. And whoever touches anything made unclean by a corpse, or a man who has had an emission of semen, 

5 or whoever touches any creeping thing by which he would be made unclean, or any person by whom he would become unclean, whatever his uncleanness may be— 

6 the person who has touched any such thing shall be unclean until evening and shall not eat the holy offerings unless he washes his body with water. 

7 And when the sun goes down he shall be clean; and afterward he may eat the holy offerings, because it is his food. 

8 Whatever dies naturally or is torn by beasts he shall not eat, to defile himself with it: I am the Lord.

9 ‘They shall therefore keep My ordinance, lest they bear sin for it and die thereby, if they profane it: I the Lord sanctify them.

10 ‘No outsider shall eat the holy offering; one who dwells with the priest, or a hired servant, shall not eat the holy thing. 

11 But if the priest buys a person with his money, he may eat it; and one who is born in his house may eat his food. 

12 If the priest’s daughter is married to an outsider, she may not eat of the holy offerings. 

13 But if the priest’s daughter is a widow or divorced, and has no child, and has returned to her father’s house as in her youth, she may eat her father’s food; but no outsider shall eat it.

14 ‘And if a man eats the holy offering unintentionally, then he shall restore a holy offering to the priest, and add one-fifth to it. 

15 They shall not profane the holy offerings of the children of Israel, which they offer to the Lord, 

16 or allow them to bear the guilt of trespass when they eat their holy offerings; for I the Lord sanctify them.’ ”

17 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

18 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘Whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, who offers his sacrifice for any of his vows or for any of his freewill offerings, which they offer to the Lord as a burnt offering— 

19 you shall offer of your own free will a male without blemish from the cattle, from the sheep, or from the goats. 

20 Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it shall not be acceptable on your behalf. 

21 And whoever offers a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, to fulfill his vow, or a freewill offering from the cattle or the sheep, it must be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it. 

22 Those that are blind or broken or maimed, or have an ulcer or eczema or scabs, you shall not offer to the Lord, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to the Lord. 

23 Either a bull or a lamb that has any limb too long or too short you may offer as a freewill offering, but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

24 ‘You shall not offer to the Lord what is bruised or crushed, or torn or cut; nor shall you make any offering of them in your land. 

25 Nor from a foreigner’s hand shall you offer any of these as the bread of your God, because their corruption is in them, and defects are in them. They shall not be accepted on your behalf.’ ”

26 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

27 “When a bull or a sheep or a goat is born, it shall be seven days with its mother; and from the eighth day and thereafter it shall be accepted as an offering made by fire to the Lord. 

28 Whether it is a cow or ewe, do not kill both her and her young on the same day. 

29 And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it of your own free will. 

30 On the same day it shall be eaten; you shall leave none of it until morning: I am the Lord.

31 “Therefore you shall keep My commandments, and perform them: I am the Lord. 

32 You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you, 

33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord.”

Journal:

• What is one area of my life where I want to offer God something better than before?
• What has God entrusted to me that I need to handle with more care?
• How can I approach God with greater sincerity this week?
• What small, intentional offering can I give God today that will draw me closer to Him?

Set apart for His purpose

_{They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy. ~ Leviticus 21:6}

Have you ever wondered why God cares so deeply about the way you live, serve, and carry yourself? Sometimes life feels like a constant squeeze of expectations, responsibilities, and pressures. In moments like these, it can be easy to forget that God has marked you with purpose. Today’s reading gives a powerful reminder that God sets apart His priests, not only to keep them holy, but to protect their purpose and empower their calling. God does the same for you. When He sets you apart, He does it because your life carries meaning, value, and influence.

In this chapter, the priests were entrusted with responsibilities that required intentional living. Their calling was unique, and God gave them instructions so they could remain positioned for His presence. This chapter is not just about rules, it is about purpose. It reminds you that whenever God calls you, He equips you, preserves you, and prepares you for everything He has placed in front of you.

There are three points that I want to focus on today.

1. You are entrusted with influence

God gave the priests responsibilities that impacted the spiritual lives of the people. In the same way, God has entrusted you with influence right where you are. Your words, decisions, and actions carry weight.

Look for one place today where you can bring encouragement or strength. Speak life to someone who seems tired. Offer help without being asked. Your influence grows every time you choose kindness and courage.

2. You are protected by God’s covering

The priests were protected through boundaries that God set for their good. Those boundaries were not limitations. They were safeguards that kept them close to Him. God has placed His covering over your life as well.

When you sense God nudging you away from a situation, conversation, or habit, choose to step back. Trust that His “no” is protecting something valuable in you. Ask God to show you where He is keeping you safe.

3. You are prepared for what God has called you to do

The priests were prepared and set apart so they could carry out their calling. God prepares you the same way. He uses experiences, challenges, and lessons to equip you for what is next. Nothing in your life is wasted.

Take one step today toward something God has placed in your heart. Start the project, make the call, ask the question, or commit to learning something new. Preparation starts with simple obedience.

In full honesty, I once believed purpose was only for certain people. I thought I had to earn it or reach a level of perfection before God could use me. But over time, God showed me that purpose begins with willingness. Every time I said yes to something small, He opened a door to something bigger. I started noticing how He used simple moments, quiet decisions, and unseen obedience to build strength in me. I found confidence in places I once felt unsure, and I began to see how God had been preparing me long before I realized it. What felt ordinary became meaningful when I surrendered it to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to carry yourself with confidence in the purpose God has placed on your life. God has entrusted you with influence, He has covered you with His protection, and He is preparing you for everything He has spoken over you. You are set apart for something meaningful, and God is shaping you every day to walk it out boldly.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 21

1 And the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: ‘None shall defile himself for the dead among his people, 

2 except for his relatives who are nearest to him: his mother, his father, his son, his daughter, and his brother; 

3 also his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband, for her he may defile himself. 

4 Otherwise he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

5 ‘They shall not make any bald place on their heads, nor shall they shave the edges of their beards nor make any cuttings in their flesh. 

6 They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy. 

7 They shall not take a wife who is a harlot or a defiled woman, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for the priest is holy to his God. 

8 Therefore you shall consecrate him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I the Lord, who sanctify you, am holy. 

9 The daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by playing the harlot, she profanes her father. She shall be burned with fire.

10 ‘He who is the high priest among his brethren, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes; 

11 nor shall he go near any dead body, nor defile himself for his father or his mother; 

12 nor shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the Lord. 

13 And he shall take a wife in her virginity. 

14 A widow or a divorced woman or a defiled woman or a harlot—these he shall not marry; but he shall take a virgin of his own people as wife. 

15 Nor shall he profane his posterity among his people, for I the Lord sanctify him.’ ”

16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

17 “Speak to Aaron, saying: ‘No man of your descendants in succeeding generations, who has any defect, may approach to offer the bread of his God. 

18 For any man who has a defect shall not approach: a man blind or lame, who has a marred face or any limb too long, 

19 a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, 

20 or is a hunchback or a dwarf, or a man who has a defect in his eye, or eczema or scab, or is a eunuch. 

21 No man of the descendants of Aaron the priest, who has a defect, shall come near to offer the offerings made by fire to the Lord. He has a defect; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. 

22 He may eat the bread of his God, both the most holy and the holy; 

23 only he shall not go near the veil or approach the altar, because he has a defect, lest he profane My sanctuaries; for I the Lord sanctify them.’ ”

24 And Moses told it to Aaron and his sons, and to all the children of Israel.

Journal:

• What part of my life shows that God has entrusted me with influence?
• Where do I sense God protecting me, even if I don’t fully understand it?
• What is one area where I can take a step of obedience toward my purpose today?

Set apart fully for God

Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 20:7

Have you ever paused in the middle of a decision and wondered why choosing God’s way sometimes feels harder at first but always brings more peace in the end? Leviticus 20 reminds you that God is not trying to restrict your life. He is inviting you to experience a life that is set apart, protected, and blessed. In today’s world, where compromise is common and truth is often blurred, God gently calls you to live with purpose, conviction, and closeness to Him.

There are three important truths in this passage that I want to focus on today, each one showing how to walk out holiness in a real and practical way.

1. God calls you to a higher standard

God was not restricting His people. He was protecting them. His instructions were meant to guard their hearts, keep their identity strong, and help them stay connected to Him. When you face choices that test your convictions, pause and ask, “Does this honor God or pull me away from Him?” You can respond by choosing the option that brings you peace and integrity even when it is unpopular. One way to do this is to slow down before making decisions and ask God for wisdom, then choose the path that strengthens your spiritual life instead of draining it.

2. God desires to protect what He has placed in you

Just as God protected Israel from harmful influences, He protects the purpose He placed inside you. He knows the environments and connections that help you grow and the ones that harm your soul. When you sense God nudging you away from something that seems normal to others, trust that He sees what you cannot. Practice this by paying attention to anything that steals your joy or pulls your thoughts away from God, then choose what brings you closer to peace, purpose, and spiritual strength.

3. God wants you to live in the blessings He designed for you

The call to holiness is not about perfection. It is about direction. God leads you toward the life filled with His goodness and favor that He designed for you before you were born. Every time you choose His way, you step into more of what He has planned for you. You can apply this by inviting God into your daily routines. Ask Him to guide your words, your schedule, and your decisions, then follow His leading even when it requires courage.

In full transparency, I did not lived this holy life for many of my years. Take it from someone who has experienced the difference and I assure you that God’s way is the better way. Living holy used to feel overwhelming because I thought I had to get everything right. Over time, I learned that God was not asking me for perfection. He was inviting me into closeness with Him. Every time I made a simple choice to honor Him, even when it felt inconvenient, I sensed His peace settle over my life. I gained clarity about who I was and what He wanted for me. These moments of obedience became turning points in my journey with Him and still are today.

Today I want to encourage you to choose God’s way one decision at a time. You do not have to be perfect. You only have to be willing. God is calling you to a life that is set apart so you can experience His protection, His peace, and His best. Holiness is not a burden. It is a pathway to blessing.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 20

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Again, you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘Whoever of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who gives any of his descendants to Molech, he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. 

3 I will set My face against that man, and will cut him off from his people, because he has given some of his descendants to Molech, to defile My sanctuary and profane My holy name. 

4 And if the people of the land should in any way hide their eyes from the man, when he gives some of his descendants to Molech, and they do not kill him, 

5 then I will set My face against that man and against his family; and I will cut him off from his people, and all who prostitute themselves with him to commit harlotry with Molech.

6 ‘And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. 

7 Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 

8 And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

9 ‘For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him.

10 ‘The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death. 

11 The man who lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. 

12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have committed perversion. Their blood shall be upon them. 13If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. 

14 If a man marries a woman and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you. 

15 If a man mates with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. 

16 If a woman approaches any animal and mates with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood is upon them.

17 ‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter, and sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a wicked thing. And they shall be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his guilt. 

18 If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has exposed her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from their people.

19 ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister nor of your father’s sister, for that would uncover his near of kin. They shall bear their guilt. 

20 If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. 

21 If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.

22 ‘You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out. 

23 And you shall not walk in the statutes of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they commit all these things, and therefore I abhor them. 

24 But I have said to you, “You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples. 

25 You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean, between unclean birds and clean, and you shall not make yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. 

26 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.

27 ‘A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.’ ”

Journal:

• What areas of my life feel the hardest to surrender to God’s way?
• Where have I experienced peace when I chose obedience?
• What is one decision I can make today that will draw me closer to God?

Obtain help from God

_{Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come. ~ Acts 26:22}

I have had many opportunities in my lifetime to call out to God for help. He was always faithful to rescue me, even when the messes I was in were because of my own bad choices. Most of the time, God’s help did not show up the way I imagined it would. I could dream up elaborate ways He might rescue me, but His ways were usually simple and subtle. One example is the many times I fell behind on bills as a single mom. I would imagine a sudden increase of income coming in so there would be no more struggle. But the help I received in those moments was always exactly what I needed for that day. Of course, I was thankful, but I didn’t understand why He didn’t send a huge overflow. Now as I look back, I can see that He stayed with me step by step. By meeting my needs one at a time, He taught me to keep calling on Him as the next need came up.

Now I call on Him before the needs come. I talk with Him first thing in the morning so I never have to worry about the supply for that day. I know He is with me and I know He is providing, again step by step.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul told King Agrippa that he obtained help from God. I am sure that when Paul cried out for help, he never imagined that part of that help would include being dragged off to prison. It did not look like help, but the help God gave him was grace to carry out God’s plan right in the middle of difficult circumstances. Paul obtained help from God to be obedient to the heavenly vision Jesus gave him, to turn people toward repentance, and to do good works that showed the transformation happening in his life. He did all of this with God’s help wherever he found himself. He did not pray to escape hardship, although God often delivered him. He prayed for grace to continue doing the will of God.

What about you? Do you obtain help from God in times of trouble? Often His help looks different than what you imagine. God shows up when you call on Him, but rarely in the timing or the way you expect. His grace flows into your weaknesses and strengthens you to stand. He does not simply conquer the problem for you. He makes you more than a conqueror and gives you the power to overcome what once overwhelmed you.

Here are some ways to apply this message in your everyday life:

• Begin each day by talking to God about the day ahead, asking Him to guide your steps.
• invite Him into the places where you feel pressure or fear so His strength can rise up inside you.
• Trust Him to provide the help you need in the moment you need it, even when His answer looks different than what you imagined.
•  Keep your heart open to His direction so you can obey each leading of the Holy Spirit.
• Thank Him when the help arrives, even if it feels small, and watch how He shows you His faithfulness over time.

Here is how to get started:

• Set aside a few quiet moments when you wake up and ask God to walk with you through the entire day.
• Tell Him honestly where you feel weak or unsure so He can meet you there.
• Pay attention to the small helps He sends, such as a solution, an idea, or unexpected peace.
• End your day by thanking Him for the strength He gave you, even in the moments that felt ordinary.

Today I want to encourage you to obtain help from God in every part of your life. Calling on Him when trouble comes is good, but calling on Him before the trouble arrives is way better. Start your day by asking Him to prepare your path and to stand with you in anything unexpected. He does not cause the trouble, but He gives you the grace and strength you need to walk through every situation with victory. The same God who helped Paul stand boldly before kings is the same God helping you today.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:19-23

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 

20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 

21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 

22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 

23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

Journal:

• Where do I most need God’s help in this season of my life?
• How do I usually imagine God will help me, and how has He shown up differently?
• What small helps has God given me recently that I may have overlooked?
• How can I begin calling on Him before trouble comes instead of only during difficult moments?
• What steps can I take to obey Him in the place I am standing right now?

A Light from heaven

At midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. ~ Acts 26:13

I lived in the dark for a lot of years. I had the Light inside me, but He was buried deep down and could not be seen. Then one day I realized that I no longer wanted to hide Him. I turned back in the direction of my Lord and began to follow Him. Now His Light shines for all to see in my life. When I go out into the dark world, I bring Him with me to light my steps along His path. Sometimes people are drawn to the light and sometimes they run away. His light can be blinding to those who have been in the dark for so long. They fear the Light because they do not understand what it is.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul told Festus and Agrippa about the day he was knocked to the ground by the light of Love. His testimony about the day he met Jesus is an extraordinary picture of what takes place in the heart of every person who encounters the Lord Jesus. It unfolds in a few simple movements.

1. One day in every person’s life they hear about or experience the presence of God. He comes as a bright light that exposes the darkness an individual is living in. This meeting places them before the transforming power of God’s love, shown through the blood of Jesus. His light penetrates even the darkest corners and proves that no darkness is stronger than His love when it is received.
2. When the light comes, the Holy Spirit speaks to the heart. He reveals God’s desire to have a personal relationship with each person and to guide them out of the darkness. This is when each one is faced with the decision to receive or reject the invitation of His love.
3. Once the Light is received, a call comes. Just as Paul heard Jesus speak to him on the road, each one hears the call to follow Him and turn in a new direction. This is the moment to repent and walk into the life God designed.
4. At that point, Jesus rescues that person from the darkness they once walked in. Now they carry the Light of God within them wherever they go. These are the ones who shine His presence into the world so others can find their way out of the pits of life and into His marvelous love.
5. Others begin to hear the message of salvation and forgiveness. They no longer have to wander in the dark, guessing at every turn. They begin to live in the light and can help lead others toward His goodness.

What about you? You have had your own version of a Damascus Road experience. It may not have been as dramatic as Paul’s moment, but it changed your life like nothing else ever could. You carry His light and His love. You can share that message with those who need the light to break through their own darkness. As you shine, you will lead others into the freedom and hope you have found.

Here is how you can begin today:

• Ask God to make His light shine clearly through your life today, then take one intentional step to show His love to someone who is hurting.
• Spend quiet time talking with the Holy Spirit. Invite Him to reveal any area of your life that needs His light so you can walk in greater freedom.
• Think about one person who may be walking through darkness, then reach out with encouragement, prayer, or a simple word of hope.
• Start your day by speaking out loud that you belong to Jesus and that His light guides your steps. Say it until it becomes confidence inside your heart.

• Read Acts 26 slowly and imagine what it must have been like for Paul to encounter that light.
• Write down one step of obedience you can take immediately and commit the day to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to welcome the light of Jesus into your life in a fresh way. Let His presence shine through every word you speak and every choice you make. If you have never experienced the light of heaven personally, invite Him into your life and turn your heart in His direction. He receives all who come to Him. When you do, you will encounter His light and then carry it with you for others to see His great love and salvation.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:12-18

12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 

13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 

14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 

15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 

16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 

17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 

18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Journal:

• When did I first experience the light of God in my life?
• What areas of my heart still feel like they need His light today?
• Who in my life needs encouragement, hope, or a reminder of God’s love?
• What simple step can I take today to shine His light in a dark place?

A life set apart

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. ~ Leviticus 19:2

Have you ever wondered what it truly looks like to live differently in a world that normalizes compromise? Everywhere you turn, people are defining truth by what feels good instead of what God says is right. It can leave you questioning how to stand strong when everything around you seems to go in the opposite direction.

Leviticus 19 gives a simple answer. God calls His people to live set apart. This chapter is full of practical instructions that show what holiness looks like in day-to-day living. It is not about perfection. It is about choosing God’s ways over the world’s ways, one decision at a time. It is not “blind faith,” it is a response that grows from trusting His faithfulness and knowing that His way is the blessed way.

Here are three truths from Leviticus 19 that help you walk this out today:

1. Holiness starts in the heart

God begins by addressing the condition of the heart. He tells His people to love Him fully, honor others, and avoid anything that corrupts their inner life. Holiness is not just about avoiding wrong actions, it is about cultivating a heart that desires Him more than anything else.

When you feel tempted to entertain thoughts that drain your peace or stir up fear or comparison, stop and invite God into that moment. Ask Him to give you thoughts that build up your mind and bring you closer to His presence.

2. Holiness is seen in how you treat people

Throughout this chapter, God repeatedly points His people back to kindness, honesty, and compassion. He commands them to leave the edges of their fields for the poor, avoid gossip, refuse to hold grudges, and love their neighbors as themselves. In a world driven by self, God calls you to choose love above everything.

The next time someone irritates you or disappoints you, pause before responding. Choose a tone or a word that brings peace instead of tension. Even a small act of kindness can soften a hard moment and make room for God to work.

3. Holiness requires intentional obedience

Leviticus 19 shows that holiness is not accidental. It happens through simple choices made one step at a time. God’s instructions were clear because He wanted His people to thrive. Your obedience today positions you for His blessed life tomorrow.

Take one intentional step of obedience in an area where you have felt hesitant. It might be forgiving someone, giving generously, or saying yes to something God has placed on your heart. Each small step strengthens your walk with Him.

In full transparency, I did not live a holy life for many years. But take it from someone who has experienced both sides, God’s way is the better way. Living holy once felt overwhelming because I believed I had to get everything right. Over time the Holy Spirit has shown me that He is not asking for perfection. He was inviting me into closeness with Him. Each time I made a simple choice to honor Him, even when it feels inconvenient, His peace settles over my life. Now I can see more clearly who I was and what He desired for me. Those small moments of obedience have became powerful turning points in my journey as a child of the most High God.

Today I want to encourage you to choose holiness one decision at a time. You do not have to fear falling short. God’s grace meets you at every step. When you choose His ways over the world’s noise, you step into the peace, favor, and purpose He has prepared for you. Holiness is not a burden. It is the pathway to the abundant life your heart has been longing for.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 19

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

3 ‘Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.

4 ‘Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God.

5 ‘And if you offer a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, you shall offer it of your own free will. 

6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it, and on the next day. And if any remains until the third day, it shall be burned in the fire. 

7 And if it is eaten at all on the third day, it is an abomination. It shall not be accepted. 

8 Therefore everyone who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned the hallowed offering of the Lord; and that person shall be cut off from his people.

9 ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. 

10 And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the Lord your God.

11 ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. 

12 And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

13 ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning. 

14 You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. 

16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.

17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 

18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

19 ‘You shall keep My statutes. You shall not let your livestock breed with another kind. You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.

20 ‘Whoever lies carnally with a woman who is betrothed to a man as a concubine, and who has not at all been redeemed nor given her freedom, for this there shall be scourging; but they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. 

21 And he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, a ram as a trespass offering. 

22 The priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the Lord for his sin which he has committed. And the sin which he has committed shall be forgiven him.

23 ‘When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as uncircumcised. Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. 

24 But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the Lord. 

25 And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to you its increase: I am the Lord your God.

26 ‘You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying. 

27 You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. 

28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.

29 ‘Do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry, and the land become full of wickedness.

30 ‘You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord.

31 ‘Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.

32 ‘You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.

33 ‘And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. 

34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

35 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. 

36 You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.

37 ‘Therefore you shall observe all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them: I am the Lord.’ ”

Journal:

• What is one area of my heart where God is inviting me to choose holiness today?
• How can I show God’s love to someone who has been difficult for me to deal with lately?
• What is one step of obedience I can take this week that will draw me closer to God’s plan for my life?