The Daily Dose

Fully persuaded

_{Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  Acts 10:34}

What a powerful shift we read here in Peter’s life. This same Peter who once denied even knowing Jesus now stands with conviction in the home of a Roman centurion, boldly declaring that Jesus is Lord of all. Not long before, Peter and John had been strictly warned not to speak in Jesus’ name again. Yet here he is, fully persuaded, not just of who Jesus is, but also that His salvation is for everyone, without exception.

This moment in Acts 10 is a direct answer to a prayer prayed just a few chapters earlier in Acts 4:29–30:
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

Notice what they prayed for: not safety or protection, but boldness. Not for persecution to stop, but for courage to keep proclaiming. That boldness is what propelled the early church to reach the world.

That same boldness is needed today. We may not face the same persecution, but we do face the pressure of comfort, convenience, and distraction. In a world that often promotes silence about spiritual truth, we need the courage to speak up about the hope we have in Christ.

Here is how you can begin today:

• Pray for boldness daily. Ask God to give you eyes to see people who are searching and a heart ready to speak truth in love.
• Start where you are. Look for simple, natural ways to share what God has done in your life, at work, in your neighborhood, or even on social media.
• Ask God to bring opportunities. Invite people into your spiritual world through small groups, church services, prayer nights, or coffee conversations about faith.
• Stay filled. Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer so that when opportunities arise, you’re ready to speak from a place of truth and love.

Let’s stop praying only for comfort and convenience. Let’s step into the bold, Spirit-led lives we were created for. Peter went from fearful to fearless because he was convinced that Jesus changes everything and that message was too good to keep to himself. The same is true for us.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that you don’t need a platform to make an impact, you just need to be fully persuaded. When you believe with your whole heart that Jesus is the Savior of all, boldness will naturally follow. You are called to be a light in dark places, a voice of truth in a noisy world. So stand tall, speak out, and trust that God is working through you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:34-43

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.

40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,

41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.

42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.

43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Journal:

• What keeps you from sharing your faith more boldly?
• Write out a short prayer today asking God for the same boldness He gave Peter, to speak His Word without fear and to bring hope to those who need it most.

Worship Him

But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man” ~ Acts 10:26

I’ve never had someone run up to me and try to bow down in worship and honestly, I’m thankful for that. It would be extremely awkward and uncomfortable! Maybe it’s happened to you? Probably not. Most of us would be shocked if it ever did. That kind of attention isn’t common, but some people might enjoy being treated as if they were more than human.

On the flip side, I’ve heard people completely dismiss any recognition they receive. Someone compliments their talent, and they quickly respond, “Oh, that was all God.” I’ve even heard a couple say they had “nothing to do” with the beautiful baby they were holding after having just given birth! Oh, they had something to do with it.  If they hadn’t come together as husband and wife, there would be no baby at all. The truth is, God absolutely works with us, not just in miraculous moments but in everyday things. He partners with us to accomplish His will.

Whether we’re leading, serving, creating, or nurturing, God’s grace empowers us, but we still have a part to play. It’s okay to say “thank you” when someone compliments your work. You can also say, “I had help”, acknowledging God and the people who supported you. That’s not pride, it’s partnership. The problem only comes when we start thinking we did everything by ourselves and we begin to crave recognition for our own self worth.

In today’s passage, Cornelius bows before Peter in reverence. Peter immediately stops him and says, “Stand up; I’m just a man too.” This wasn’t the only time something like this happened in the New Testament. The apostles, though empowered by God and used mightily, were always quick to deflect worship and honor back to God. Maybe the culture of the Roman Empire encouraged that kind of reverence toward powerful people, but the early church leaders knew better: only God deserves worship.

Yet, they never pretended they had no role to play. Peter didn’t say, “I’m nothing.” He said, “I’m also a man” meaning, “Yes, I’m working with God, but I’m not above you.” That balance is powerful. When you acknowledge both God’s part and your own, you point others toward the same partnership with Him. You show them that they, too, can work with Him to accomplish His great purpose.

Here is how you can begin to live this principle out in your life:

• Stay humble: When people acknowledge your efforts, accept it graciously, but remember who gave you the strength, ideas, or opportunity.
• Invite God into your daily assignments: Whether it’s a job, a family task, a ministry, or even a conversation, ask for His guidance and grace to do it well.
• Recognize your team: Whether it’s your spouse, coworkers, church family, or friends, honor those who work with you. God often works through community.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that God is working through you, not just around you. He gives you what you need and invites you to walk with Him daily to accomplish good things. Stay humble, stay available, and give Him the glory while stepping boldly into your role. You are part of His plan, and He delights in partnering with you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:24-33

 24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him.

26 But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!”

27So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.

29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me.

31 He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!

32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’

33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”

Journal:

• Think of a time when you received praise or recognition.
• How did you respond?
• Write down how you could use those moments in the future to both give God glory and acknowledge the part He’s asked you to play.

What’s one way you can invite God into your current work today?

Holding on to your integrity

As long as my breath is in me, and the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Far be it from me that I should say you are right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. ~ Job 27:3-5

Job’s words in this chapter hit deep. In the middle of pain, misunderstanding, and loss, he makes this bold statement: I will not speak evil. I will hold on to my integrity. That’s not just about being right; it’s about staying connected to the truth of who God is and who you are, even when life comes undone.

I remember once when someone misunderstood my motives in a big way. I wanted to defend myself publicly, lash out, and prove I was right. But the Lord showed me, “Let Me be your defender. Don’t give up your peace to win a fight I’ve already taken on.” That was hard. But it was also freeing. I didn’t have to justify myself. I just had to walk in truth.

That’s what Job is doing here. He’s saying, “I may not understand everything, but I will not speak against God, and I will not deny who I am in Him.”

Here’s how you can start living this out in your life today:

1. Watch your words when you’re under pressure.
   When emotions rise, so can careless speech. Ask God to help you speak life, even when things don’t feel fair or easy.
   Start here: Pause before you respond. Pray a simple prayer: “Holy Spirit, help me speak with integrity.”
2. Stay honest even when it’s hard.
   Job didn’t lie to gain favor. He didn’t make himself look better to feel better. Truth has power and when we choose honesty, God honors it.
   Start here: If you’re tempted to twist the truth, ask God to give you courage to be real and trust Him with the outcome.
3. Cling to your identity in Christ.
   Job didn’t let his suffering steal who he was. You may face rejection, disappointment, or hardship, but don’t let it erase your character or identity.
   Start here: Write down one truth about who God says you are (righteous, chosen, beloved) and keep it where you’ll see it daily.

Today I want to encourage you to remember in a world quick to compromise, integrity is a powerful light. Don’t let your pain rewrite your character. God sees your heart, hears your honesty, and walks with you through the fire. You don’t have to shout to prove you’re right, just keep walking in truth. God will honor it. Stay the course, hold fast to your integrity, and let your life preach louder than your words.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 27

1 Job continued speaking:

2 “I vow by the living God, who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty who has embittered my soul.

3 As long as I live, while I have breath from God,

4 my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies.

5 I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die.

6 I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.

7 “May my enemy be punished like the wicked, my adversary like those who do evil.

8 For what hope do the godless have when God cuts them off and takes away their life?

9 Will God listen to their cry when trouble comes upon them?

10 Can they take delight in the Almighty? Can they call to God at any time?

11 I will teach you about God’s power. I will not conceal anything concerning the Almighty.

12 But you have seen all this, yet you say all these useless things to me.

13 “This is what the wicked will receive from God; this is their inheritance from the Almighty.

14 They may have many children, but the children will die in war or starve to death.

15 Those who survive will die of a plague, and not even their widows will mourn them.

16 “Evil people may have piles of money and may store away mounds of clothing.

17 But the righteous will wear that clothing, and the innocent will divide that money.

18 The wicked build houses as fragile as a spider’s web, as flimsy as a shelter made of branches.

19 The wicked go to bed rich but wake to find that all their wealth is gone.

20 Terror overwhelms them like a flood, and they are blown away in the storms of the night.

21 The east wind carries them away, and they are gone. It sweeps them away.

22 It whirls down on them without mercy. They struggle to flee from its power.

23 But everyone jeers at them and mocks them.

 Journal Prompt:

• Where have I been tempted to speak out of pain instead of truth?
• What’s one area I can invite God into today to help me walk in integrity with peace?

The Wisper that holds the world

By His breath the heavens are cleared; His hand has pierced the fleeing serpent. ~ Job 26:13

There’s a sense of awe and wonder in Job’s voice as he speaks in chapter 26. Though he is still in deep pain and confusion, he pauses to recognize the greatness of God. He looks up at the skies and considers the depth of the seas, the thunder in the clouds, and the breath of God that clears the heavens. He’s overwhelmed by how powerful and capable God is, even when nothing in his life feels certain.

I’ve had moments like Job, when everything in my life felt heavy, out of control, and unfair. But there’s something grounding about stopping to remember Who God is. Not just what He does for me, but who He is. Creator. Sustainer. The One Who stretches out the skies and calms the storm with a whisper. In those moments, my problems don’t necessarily disappear, but my heart starts to settle. My questions grow quieter, and my faith grows stronger.

Job’s words in verse 14 are humbling:
“These are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”

Even the most breathtaking parts of nature are just a glimpse of what God can do. We’re living in the edge of His majesty and still, it’s enough to move mountains, stir oceans, and calm our anxious hearts.

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

1. Remember that God is always bigger than what you’re facing.
When life feels overwhelming, take time to consider the works of His hands by looking at the sky, the wind, the stars. Let your soul remember that the God who made all this is the same God holding you.

Get started: Go outside today. Take five minutes to notice creation.  Take a long look at the clouds, trees, birds, wind and say this out loud: “God, You are bigger than what I’m facing. Help me trust You even in this storm.”

2. Speak His power into your current situation.
Even if your circumstances don’t change right away, your mindset will. Reminding yourself of God’s strength, His faithfulness, and His authority can shift your heart from fear to confidence.

To get started, take one area you feel weak or uncertain in and declare this:
“The breath of God clears the heavens. He will clear a path for me too.”

3. Worship the God who is near, even when His ways feel far beyond us.
Job acknowledges that we only see a whisper of what God is capable of, but even that whisper is enough. You don’t need all the answers to worship Him. You just need to trust that He is near.

You can begin this by listening to a worship song that magnifies God’s greatness. Let it stir your spirit to praise, even if you’re in a storm.

Today I want to encourage you that even if you are walking through a season where nothing makes sense, like Job, you can still pause to remember who your God is. He hangs the earth on the nothing. He stirs the waters. He clears the heavens with His breath. This is your loving Father and He hasn’t forgotten you. You’re not walking alone, and you’re not left to figure things out in your own strength. If His whisper can hold the stars in place, it can hold your heart in perfect peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 26

1 But Job answered and said:

2 “How have you helped him who is without power? How have you saved the arm that has no strength?

3 How have you counseled one who has no wisdom? And how have you declared sound advice to many?

4 To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit came from you?

5 “The dead tremble, those under the waters and those inhabiting them.

6 Sheol is naked before Him, and Destruction has no covering.

7 He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing.

8 He binds up the water in His thick clouds, yet the clouds are not broken under it.

9 He covers the face of His throne, and spreads His cloud over it.

10 He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness.

11 The pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at His rebuke.

12 He stirs up the sea with His power, and by His understanding He breaks up the storm.

13 By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.

14 Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?”

Journal Prompt:

• What part of Job 26 stands out to you the most, and why?
• Where in your life do you need to trust the power of God’s whisper?
• Write a prayer asking Him to help you see His greatness in your current season.

The Enforcer? Or the Ever-Faithful Father?

God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens. ~ Job 25:6

This is where many people still stand today, seeing God as distant, strict, or even angry. It’s an image shaped by misunderstanding, fear, and, sometimes, religious tradition. Some think of Him as the divine “Enforcer,” ready to punish anyone who steps out of line. Even believers can fall into this mindset, feeling unsure of His affection and hesitant to draw near.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The clearest evidence of God’s heart is the cross. God sent His only Son, not because He had to, but because He wanted to. He wanted us with Him forever. Jesus didn’t come to condemn, but to rescue. He willingly suffered so we wouldn’t have to be separated from God. That’s not the act of a harsh judge, it’s the heart of a loving Father.

Yes, God is holy. Yes, He is powerful. But He is also kind, compassionate, patient, and deeply invested in our lives. His laws were not born out of anger but out of a desire to protect us from the self-destruction of sin until the fullness of redemption came through the Lord Jesus.

I remember a season in my life when I felt too broken to be lovable. I believed in God’s love in theory, but I didn’t feel it personally. Shame clouded my connection with Him. One day, John 3:16, a passage so familiar since my childhood, pierced through that shame like a spotlight:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
That moment was transformative. It wasn’t about me earning love, it was about Him choosing to give it.  It had nothing to do with who I was and everything to do with Who He is, my loving Father who did whatever it took to get me back.  He has done the same thing for you too.

Here are some powerful scriptures that reveal God’s goodness and His heart toward you:

• Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”
• Exodus 34:6 – “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
• Romans 2:4 – “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”
• James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”
• Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
• Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning…”
• Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.”

You can begin to believe and apply this in your life today by follow the suggestions below:

• Start your day with a verse about God’s goodness. Write it somewhere you’ll see it often.
• Speak truth over yourself out loud. Say things like, “God is kind toward me,” or “I am loved because of who He is.”
• Reject guilt-based thinking. God doesn’t use shame to draw you in. Guilt and shame repels.  Instead, He uses grace and truth.
• Be kind to yourself in the way you think, speak, and treat yourself. You’re His child and He wants you to live in that identity.

Today I want to encourage you to recognize that Job’s friend Bildad got one thing right, God is powerful. But he missed the deeper truth: God’s power works through love, not fear. He enforces peace not with iron fists, but with open arms, through the Prince of Peace, our Savior, Jesus. You don’t have to be afraid of Him. You were created to know Him, enjoy Him, and trust Him, because He is your good, good Father.

You are not worthless. You are not a maggot. You are God’s most precious creation, made in His image, redeemed by His blood, and loved with an everlasting love. Step into your identity as His beloved child, today and live from that place of freedom and grace.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 25

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:

2 “God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens.

3 Who is able to count his heavenly army? Doesn’t His light shine on all the earth?

4 How can a mortal be innocent before God? Can anyone born of a woman be pure?

5 God is more glorious than the moon; He shines brighter than the stars.

6 In comparison, people are maggots; we mortals are mere worms.”

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Journal Prompt:

• In what areas of your life do you still see God as a strict enforcer rather than a loving Father?
• What scriptures about His goodness speak to your heart today?
• Write them down and ask the Lord to help you live out of the truth of His kindness.

He knows where I am going

_{“But He knows where I am going, and when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” ~ Job 23:10}

There was a season in my life when I felt completely overlooked, by people, by opportunities, and honestly, even by God. I was doing everything I knew to do: praying, serving, giving, and staying faithful. But everything around me seemed quiet. Doors I had hoped would open stayed shut. Questions went unanswered. I started wondering if I had somehow missed God’s direction or if He had forgotten about me.

That’s why Job 23 has always stood out to me. Job is in the middle of unimaginable suffering. His friends have turned on him. His world has crumbled. And God, who once spoke so clearly, now seems silent. Yet even in all of that, Job makes this powerful declaration: “But He knows where I am going.” What a truth to hold on to! Even when God is silent, He is still present. Even when we don’t understand, He knows exactly where we are and what we’re walking through.

Here are some ways to apply this passage personally:

1. Remind Yourself of What God Knows:
   Job couldn’t see God in that moment, but he trusted that God could see him. When you’re unsure of the path ahead, say out loud: “God knows where I am going.” Speak it when doubt comes. Speak it when your prayers feel unanswered. That truth steadies your steps.
2. Stay Faithful Through the Silence:
   Job didn’t stop seeking God, even when God wasn’t responding the way he hoped. Don’t stop praying, serving, or doing what you know to do. Your faithfulness in the unknown proves the strength of your trust.
3. Trust That Testing Has Purpose:
   Job said, “When He has tested me, I will come out as pure as gold.” The fire may be uncomfortable, but it’s purifying. If you’re in a trial, know that it’s not to destroy you, it’s to bring out the gold in you.

Here are some steps you can take to get started today:

• Start by praying this simple prayer:
  “Lord, even when I don’t see the way, help me to trust that You do. I believe You’re still working, even in the silence.”
• Write down one area in your life where God feels silent and begin speaking Job 23:10 over it each day this week.
• Keep a gratitude list. Thank God for at least one thing daily, even when it’s hard. Gratitude keeps your heart soft and focused.

Today I want to encourage you that when God feels silent, it’s not because He’s absent. He’s watching, shaping, purifying in those times. He knows your path, even when it winds through pain or confusion. If you keep walking, keep trusting, and keep showing up, you will come through as pure as gold.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 23

1 Then Job spoke again:

2 “My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud.

3 If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his court.

4 I would lay out my case and present my arguments.

5 Then I would listen to his reply and understand what he says to me.

6 Would he use his great power to argue with me? No, he would give me a fair hearing.

7 Honest people can reason with him, so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.

8 I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him.

9 I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed.

10 “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

11 For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.

12 I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.

13 But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does.

14 So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny.

15 No wonder I am so terrified in his presence. When I think of it, terror grips me.

16 God has made me sick at heart; the Almighty has terrified me.

17 Darkness is all around me; thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.

Journal Prompt:

• Where in your life do you feel like God is silent right now?
• What would it look like to keep walking in trust, even without answers?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you trust that He knows the way you take.

The Power of Faith-Filled Words

You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; ~ Job 22:28

This verse has carried me through many seasons of uncertainty. There have been moments when I didn’t know what to do, where to go, or how to move forward. But when I began to speak the truth of God’s Word over my life, even before a breakthrough came, my perspective of the entire situation shifted and hope re surfaced.  So many dark moments when I felt so overwhelmed with just whisper of a scripture promise brought the hope of heaven on the scene and things began to move.  Now I know that the words I speak from a place of faith open the way for God’s promises to come alive in my life personally.

Job 22 is part of a conversation, and while not every word in the chapter is direct instruction from God, there is a powerful truth tucked in verse 28. God honors declarations of faith that line up with His Word and His character. When we speak life, truth, and hope based on who He is, what He has said in His Word and what He has given us in our salvation through the blood of Jesus, we begin to participate in what He wants to do in and through us.

Here are some ways you can begin to implement this truth into your life’s circumstances:

1. Start your day with a declaration. Say out loud what you believe God is doing in your life. For example: “God is opening doors for me today. I walk in peace and wisdom. I am growing stronger, and His favor surrounds me.”
2. Use Scripture in your speech. Speak God’s Word into situations. Instead of saying, “I’m overwhelmed,” say something like, “God gives me peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
3. Write it down. Keep a journal of faith declarations. When God answers, you’ll have a record of how His light truly shined on your path through your confession of faith in what He has already promised you.
4. Keep your circle strong. Surround yourself with people who speak faith. Hearing others boldly speaking God’s goodness will inspire you to do the same.

Take one area of your life where you’re unsure or struggling. Find a Scripture that speaks to that area. Write a short declaration based on that verse and begin speaking it out loud every day. Do this consistently, not because your words have magical power, but because your faith, when spoken, releases God’s power into your life circumstances.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that we are not powerless. Our words matter. When they are anchored in faith, heaven listens and responds. God hasn’t asked you to figure it all out. He’s simply asking you to speak His truth, walk in His light, and trust Him to establish what you say over your life in faith.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 22

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:

2 “Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him?

3 Is it any advantage to the Almighty if you are righteous? Would it be any gain to him if you were perfect?

4 Is it because you’re so pious that he accuses you and brings judgment against you?

5 No, it’s because of your wickedness! There’s no limit to your sins.

6 “For example, you must have lent money to your friend and demanded clothing as security. Yes, you stripped him to the bone.

7 You must have refused water for the thirsty and food for the hungry.

8 You probably think the land belongs to the powerful and only the privileged have a right to it!

9 You must have sent widows away empty-handed and crushed the hopes of orphans.

10 That is why you are surrounded by traps and tremble from sudden fears.

11 That is why you cannot see in the darkness, and waves of water cover you.

12 “God is so great—higher than the heavens, higher than the farthest stars.

13 But you reply, ‘That’s why God can’t see what I am doing! How can he judge through the thick darkness?

14 For thick clouds swirl about him, and he cannot see us. He is way up there, walking on the vault of heaven.’

15 “Will you continue on the old paths where evil people have walked?

16 They were snatched away in the prime of life, the foundations of their lives washed away.

17 For they said to God, ‘Leave us alone! What can the Almighty do to us?’

18 Yet he was the one who filled their homes with good things, so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.

19 “The righteous will be happy to see the wicked destroyed, and the innocent will laugh in contempt.

20 They will say, ‘See how our enemies have been destroyed. The last of them have been consumed in the fire.’

21 “Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.

22 Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored— so clean up your life.

24 If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river,

25 the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver!

26 “Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God.

27 You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him.

28 You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you.

29 If people are in trouble and you say, ‘Help them,’ God will save them.

30 Even sinners will be rescued; they will be rescued because your hands are pure.”

Journal:

• What is one area of your life that feels uncertain or heavy?
• What does God’s Word say about it?
• Write a faith declaration you can speak daily based on that truth.

Open Doors

_{Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Acts 10:20}

It’s been a full couple of weeks. This past weekend was an annual conference at church, and the days leading up to it were packed with activity. In addition to the conference prep, I was invited to speak at two smaller events, which added more preparation and planning to my already full schedule.

I’ve realized over the years just how valuable my time is, so when unexpected opportunities come along, I now pause and seek direction from God as He often opens doors when we are busiest. I used to think that a full schedule was reason enough to say “no.” But now I realize something deeper.  Sometimes, those unexpected invitations are God’s way of not only growing others but strengthening me, too. When I trust God’s grace to provide the time and resources I need, He always makes room and even blesses me with margin I didn’t expect.

In today’s passage, there is an unplanned interruption in Peter’s life. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like he was busy because he was simply staying at a friend’s house, waiting for a meal. But what happened next was a major shift. Three men arrived unexpectedly, sent by Cornelius, and Peter welcomed them and left with them the next morning. That wasn’t just a small adjustment. Peter wasn’t just anyone, he was a leading figure in the early church, likely carrying many responsibilities. Yet, he made space for God’s assignment.

Notice when the vision came to Peter: while he was spending quiet time in prayer. That’s when the Spirit told him about the men who were coming. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of having a daily plan that includes intentional time with God. That time will equips you to recognize His voice and respond when He speaks.

I hear a lot of talk these days about boundaries, and yes, wisdom is necessary. But I want to encourage you to stay open to what God may be inviting you into, especially if it’s outside your comfort zone. Don’t automatically say “no” just because it disrupts your routine, seems costly, or doesn’t fit neatly into your calendar. When God calls, He equips. When He opens a door, He provides what’s needed to walk through it. Remember Philip? God told him to go, and he did and was even supernaturally transported to his next assignment. God is still that intentional and powerful.

Here are some ways you can practically apply this in your own life:

• Start each day with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your schedule and decisions.
• Pay attention to unexpected opportunities, not all interruptions are distractions. Some are divine assignments.
• Ask God for discernment when you’re unsure whether to commit. He knows what you can handle and what He’s equipped you to do.

Today I want to encourage you because you don’t have to navigate every decision alone. God is faithful to guide you and give you wisdom. When He calls you into something new, whether big or small, He will provide all you need. Stay close to Him. Keep the conversation going throughout the day, and trust that He knows how to make everything fit perfectly into your time.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 10:17-23

 17 Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate,

18 they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

19 Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you.

20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

21 So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.”

23 So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

 Journal:

• What recent opportunity or interruption might actually be an open door from God?
• Write it down, pray about it, and ask God to show you if He’s inviting you to say “yes.”
• Write out what trusting Him with your schedule would look like this week.

Make sure

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.  ~ Acts 10:1-2

This is one of my favorite accounts in Scripture. Cornelius and his family were the first Gentiles (non-Jewish people) to receive the new birth. This moment was groundbreaking—and if God hadn’t initiated it, the disciples likely would’ve never taken that step on their own. Even when Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, he admitted that, by Jewish law, he wasn’t supposed to associate with Gentiles. He had even argued with God when God told him not to call unclean what He had cleansed.

Now, let’s pause and consider what we know about Cornelius. Acts 10 is both the first and last time we hear about him in the Bible, but his story is amazingly significant. In verses 1–2, we read that he was a Roman centurion in the Italian Regiment, devout, God-fearing (along with his household), generous in giving to the poor, and faithful in prayer. Later in verse 30, we find out he even fasted. He already sounds more spiritually disciplined than many who claim to follow Jesus today.

So why did Peter need to preach the gospel to him? Cornelius was already doing many things Christians are supposed to do. He talked to God, and God listened.  Even an angel even appeared to him! Yet with all of this, Cornelius still needed salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. He needed to receive forgiveness of sins and be born again. It wasn’t enough to be good or religious. He had to put his trust in the finished work of Jesus, not in his own efforts.

The encouraging truth here is that God sees the hearts of those who are genuinely seeking Him. Cornelius wasn’t yet part of God’s family, but God made sure the gospel got to him. That’s how faithful and loving our God is. If someone is truly longing to know Him, He will always make a way. You can count on that!

Here’s how you can begin to apply this principle in your life today:

1. Examine your foundation. Ask yourself if you are trusting in your own goodness or if you’ve truly surrendered your life to Jesus.
2. Make sure. Don’t leave your eternity to chance. Salvation isn’t about church attendance, good deeds, or spiritual habits. It’s about knowing Jesus personally as Lord and Savior.
3. Start today. If you’ve never invited Jesus into your life, or if you’re unsure, stop and talk to Him now. The invitation is open.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that God isn’t looking for perfection, He’s looking for surrender. Cornelius was devout, but what changed his life forever was saying yes to Jesus. If you’ve said yes today, heaven is celebrating! If you’ve already made that decision, let this be a reminder to never base your confidence in your performance, but in the One who saved you by grace.

If you’ve never received salvation through the blood and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, pray this prayer with a sincere heart:

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 10:1-8 & 34-43

1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment.

2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.

3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.

4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.

And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!

5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.

6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”

7 As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants.

8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.

34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.

35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.

36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism.

38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,

40 but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear,

41 not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.

43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.

 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.

46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked,

47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?”

48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.

Journal:

• Take a few quiet moments today and write down your answer to this question: “Do I know for sure that I’ve received Jesus as Lord of my life?
• If yes, what fruit in my life shows that decision?”
• Let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts and let today be a day of certainty and peace.

Listen

“Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me. ~ Job 21:2

If you’ve ever had a close friend or loved one going through a tough time, you know how hard it can be to find the right words. Whether it’s a loss, a diagnosis, or a broken relationship, there’s no perfect script for comforting someone in pain. But there is something you can give, something that might seem small but is often exactly what’s needed, that is your full attention. Listen to them. Let them process. Let them speak, even if they don’t say everything perfectly. Being present and willing to hear someone’s heart may be the most powerful comfort you can offer.

In Job 21, Job made a desperate plea to his friends: “Just listen. Let me speak. That alone would comfort me.” His friends spent chapter after chapter accusing, correcting, and trying to explain Job’s suffering. But Job didn’t want explanations, he wanted ears. He wanted empathy. He wanted someone to just sit in the sorrow with him.

I’ve experienced this myself. I’ve sat across from people I loved, hoping they would offer peace or help carry the weight. But instead, they tried to explain it away and tried to fix me or give a reason for what I was walking through. I’ve done the same to others at times, jumping into advice mode instead of listening. We often fear silence, but what hurting people often need most is presence without pressure.

There are some practical things you can do to begin putting this simple truth into action:

1. Choose presence over answers. When someone around you is hurting, ask if they want to talk, and then listen without interrupting. You don’t need a solution. You just need to be there.
   1. Resist the urge to explain someone else’s pain. Job’s friends assumed they knew why he was suffering, but they were wrong. Be slow to speak and quick to listen.
   1. Be honest with God about your own questions. Like Job, it’s okay to wrestle. Ask the hard questions: Why do the wicked prosper? Why do the righteous suffer? God is not afraid of our questions.
   1. Check your compassion. Ask yourself, “Am I offering comfort, or am I trying to correct?” Let kindness lead your conversations.

Next time someone around you is in pain, don’t overthink your response. Sit with them. Listen to what they share. Create space for them to speak without judgment. You don’t have to fix it, you just have to be near. If you’re the one who hurts, ask for what you need. Job asked his friends to simply listen. Sometimes that one request opens the door for real healing.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that not every question has a quick answer, and not every pain needs a solution. God sees the injustice. He hears the cries and even when others misunderstand or offer empty clichés, He is not silent and He is not absent. You may be in a place where you don’t need explanations, you just need someone to listen. Know this, God does and He cares more deeply than you could ever imagine.

Today’s scripture reading:  Job 21

1 Then Job spoke again:

2 “Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me.

3 Bear with me, and let me speak. After I have spoken, you may resume mocking me.

4 “My complaint is with God, not with people. I have good reason to be so impatient.

5 Look at me and be stunned. Put your hand over your mouth in shock.

6 When I think about what I am saying, I shudder. My body trembles.

7 “Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful?

8 They live to see their children grow up and settle down, and they enjoy their grandchildren.

9 Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them.

10 Their bulls never fail to breed. Their cows bear calves and never miscarry.

11 They let their children frisk about like lambs. Their little ones skip and dance.

12 They sing with tambourine and harp. They celebrate to the sound of the flute.

13 They spend their days in prosperity, then go down to the grave in peace.

14 And yet they say to God, ‘Go away. We want no part of you and your ways.

15 Who is the Almighty, and why should we obey him? What good will it do us to pray?’

16 (They think their prosperity is of their own doing, but I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.)

17 “Yet the light of the wicked never seems to be extinguished. Do they ever have trouble? Does God distribute sorrows to them in anger?

18 Are they driven before the wind like straw? Are they carried away by the storm like chaff? Not at all!

19 “‘Well,’ you say, ‘at least God will punish their children!’ But I say he should punish the ones who sin, so that they understand his judgment.

20 Let them see their destruction with their own eyes. Let them drink deeply of the anger of the Almighty.

21 For they will not care what happens to their family after they are dead.

22 “But who can teach a lesson to God, since he judges even the most powerful?

23 One person dies in prosperity, completely comfortable and secure,

24 the picture of good health, vigorous and fit.

25 Another person dies in bitter poverty, never having tasted the good life.

26 But both are buried in the same dust, both eaten by the same maggots.

27 “Look, I know what you’re thinking. I know the schemes you plot against me.

28 You will tell me of rich and wicked people whose houses have vanished because of their sins.

29 But ask those who have been around, and they will tell you the truth.

30 Evil people are spared in times of calamity and are allowed to escape disaster.

31 No one criticizes them openly or pays them back for what they have done.

32 When they are carried to the grave, an honor guard keeps watch at their tomb.

33 A great funeral procession goes to the cemetery. Many pay their respects as the body is laid to rest, and the earth gives sweet repose.

34 “How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies!”

Journal:

• When have you felt truly heard during a painful season?
• Who can you be that kind of listener for this week?