The Daily Dose

No Idea!

And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job 1:21

This is one of those verses often quoted during tragedy, but frequently taken out of context. While it’s meant to offer comfort, it’s often misunderstood. People use it to suggest that we must blindly accept everything that happens to us because “God is unpredictable” or because we have no control over our circumstances.

But that’s not the full picture.

This verse comes after one of the most devastating days in a person’s life recorded in Scripture. Out of nowhere, Job loses everything, his livestock, his servants, his property, and worst of all, all ten of his children in a sudden storm. One moment after another, devastation came knocking. And Job, in his pain and shock, responds with those now-famous words: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.”

But here’s the truth Job didn’t know, he had no idea Satan was behind it all. Job didn’t realize there was an enemy working to destroy his life. In fact, many believers today are just like Job: they love God, they worship Him, they try to live right, but they’re unaware of the spiritual warfare going on behind the scenes.

It is so important to remember that God is a good God, and Satan is a bad devil. God doesn’t send destruction, He sent His Son to redeem and rescue us. Jesus Himself said in John 10:10 that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but He came to give us life more abundantly.

It’s true that God allowed Job to be tested, but God never authored the tragedy. Job responded the best way he knew how. He worshiped. He mourned. He trusted, even when he didn’t understand.

Today, we still have things that happen in our lives.  Here are some ways you can be ready when the unexpected happens:

1. Know your enemy. Recognize that there’s a real adversary (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t blame God for what the enemy is doing.
2. Guard your heart and mind. Stay rooted in God’s Word so you can discern truth from lies.
3. Commit your life to Him. According to 2 Timothy 1:12, God is able to guard what we commit to Him. That means your family, your finances, your future. Whatever you hand over to God, He is faithful to protect and preserve.
4. Stay in a posture of worship. Even when life hits hard, don’t stop praising. Worship isn’t denial of pain, it’s your anchor in the storm.

Today I want to encourage you if you are facing things right now that feel like they came out of nowhere. Maybe you’ve lost something or someone important, or you’re struggling with fear, confusion, or grief. Know that you can take heart because God is not the author of your pain; He is the anchor in your storm. He sees your faith, and He’s holding you through it. Just like Job, you might not see the whole picture, but God is still worthy of your trust. When you choose to worship instead of worry, you declare to heaven and hell alike: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Today’s scripture reading: Job 1:13-22

13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house;

14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,

15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.

21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Journal Prompt:

• What areas of your life feel out of control right now?
• Are there situations where you’ve blamed God, not realizing the enemy’s tactics?
• Write a prayer of surrender, committing those areas into God’s hands. Then declare His promises over your life.

“Where did you come from”

And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” ~ Job 1:7

I love this question that God asked Satan when he showed up among those presenting themselves before the Lord. It’s almost as if God is saying, “What are you doing here?” or “You don’t belong here.” Satan was clearly out of place and God didn’t let it go unnoticed.

Then, almost immediately, God brings up Job. “Did you see my servant Job while you were out there roaming around? There is no one like him on earth. He is blameless and upright. He fears Me and turns away from evil.” It is obvious that God is well pleased with Job.

But Satan is quick to challenge Job’s integrity. He basically says, “Of course Job honors You, look at everything You’ve done for him!” Then Satan lists the blessings God has poured out on Job:
• A hedge of protection around Job and his household
• Favor on everything he owns
• Blessing on the work of his hands
• Abundance in the land

What Satan didn’t realize, though, is key: Job had always been within reach. God wasn’t giving Satan permission as much as He was setting limits. Satan already had access, but God placed a boundary, so he could not touch Job himself.

This is good news for us. Just like Job, we also have a hedge of protection through our covenant relationship with God. The enemy roams the earth, looking for someone unaware of who they are in Christ Jesus, someone whose door of faith might be cracked open just enough for him to squeeze through. But as believers, we have authority. Jesus said in John 10:10 that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but He came to give us abundant life. Satan is a defeated foe and he only has power where we allow him access.

So, how do we stay protected and walk confidently in God’s promises?

1. Stay in the Word. God’s Word is your sword (Ephesians 6:17). Learn it, practice it and pray it.  Use it when lies and attacks come.
2. Guard your heart. Offense, bitterness, and fear are open doors to the enemy. Forgive quickly and walk in peace.
3. Stay close to God. Job honored and feared God, that’s what made him unshakable. Daily fellowship with God strengthens your spiritual defenses.
4. Recognize the enemy’s schemes. When problems shows up, ask God for discernment. Challenges are punishment, but they are spiritual tests meant to refine and strengthen your faith.

Today I want to encourage you that even when you’re under pressure, know that God is not punishing you, He’s preparing you. Satan wants to convince you that God has left you or is to blame. But don’t believe it. God is still on your side. His hedge still surrounds you. He sees your faith, and He’s pleased with you. When trials come, stand firm and keep your eyes on Jesus. Use the Word. Worship through the storm. You are not alone.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 1:6-12

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?

10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Journal Prompt:

• Has the enemy tried to come into your life through fear, offense, or discouragement?
• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any open doors.
• Then write a prayer or declaration of faith using scripture to speak over your life, home, and family and secure your hedge of protection.

Everything is a test

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. ~ Job 1:1

When I was young, growing up in church, there was a lot of talk about Job. From the conversations I overheard, it seemed like the message was this: God brought all kinds of trouble into Job’s life, and Job just had to take it without complaining. That idea never sat right with me, but I didn’t know enough to question it.

Later, as I read the book of Job for myself, I discovered something much deeper, and far more hopeful. Yes, Job went through intense suffering, but God was not the one causing harm. It was Satan who brought destruction, loss, and pain into Job’s life, but only with God’s permission. And yes, Job did grieve. He did question. He did wrestle with God through it all and that’s where we see the beauty of his faith.

Job was tested on every front, his wealth, his children, his health, and his relationships. He didn’t pretend nothing was wrong. He mourned. He questioned. But at the end of the day, he did not curse God or abandon his faith. And that’s what made him righteous. He passed the test, not because he was perfect, but because he clung to God even in the darkness.

Job’s story is ancient, but his pain feels extremely modern. We may not have herds of camels and oxen to lose, but we do lose jobs, finances, relationships, and even loved ones. We may not sit in ashes scraping our wounds with broken pottery, but we do face deep emotional pain, sickness, anxiety, and fear.

Everything we go through, every struggle, every hardship, every heartbreak, and even every success is a test of our faith. Not a cruel trick, but a refining fire. Will we turn to God or turn away from Him? Will we trust His character when we can’t see His hand?  God is not the cause of suffering, it is a result of the curse this world is under because of sin. But He does use the situations we face to show us how deeply He loves us, walking with us through the to victory.

Here are some ways you can turn to God when going through the pains of life:

1. Be honest with God. Job was! You don’t have to pretend you’re okay when you’re not. God honors real, raw faith.
2. Keep showing up. Even in the pain, go to God in prayer. Keep reading His Word. Keep worshiping.
3. Don’t isolate. Invite godly people into your process. Job had friends, even though they didn’t always say the right thing. You need community too.
4. Remember who’s in control. The enemy may strike, but he doesn’t have the final say. When you turn your cares over to Him, He will bring a good result every time.
5. Ask the right question. Instead of “Why me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I glorify God through this and show me the way through it?”

Today I want to encourage you if you’re in a season of hardship, don’t give up. Don’t believe the lie that God is punishing you or has forgotten you. He sees you, He’s with you, and He’s refining something beautiful in you. Like Job, your faith is being tested, but the goal isn’t to destroy you. It’s to prove the strength of what’s already inside you. It’s to show the world that no matter what the enemy tries to take, you will still bless the name of the Lord and press through to victory. This life will throw you into trials, but you have a God who walks with you through every fire. You are not alone and you are being prepared for something far greater than you can see right now.

Today’s Scripture reading: Job 1:1-5

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him.

3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East.

4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.

Journal Prompt:

• What trial or hardship am I currently facing that feels like a test of my faith?
• How can I choose today to respond like Job, with honesty, but also with trust?

Eyes on Him               

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  Acts 7:55

Persecution. It means to be harassed, oppressed, or punished for what you believe. It’s a very real force coming against the Church, more openly around the world than in America, but it is growing here, too. Scripture reminds us that as believers, we should expect it and not be surprised when it comes.

But here’s the good news, you can be so filled with the presence of God, so captivated by His goodness, that persecution doesn’t shake you. You can live with such a deep awareness of His love that insults, criticisms, or even harsh attacks lose their power to wound you.

That’s what we see in the life of Stephen in today’s passage. In Acts 6 and 7, Stephen, a man chosen by the apostles to serve in the early church, was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Because of his bold witness for Jesus, he was falsely accused and ultimately stoned to death. Yet in his final moments, Stephen wasn’t overwhelmed by fear or anger. Instead, he looked up and saw the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father, ready to receive him. His focus was entirely on heaven, not on the hatred of the crowd.

How can we live like that? How do we keep our eyes so fixed on Jesus that we aren’t shaken by the world’s chaos?

Here are some practical ways we can keep our eyes fixed solely on Him:

1. Spend time daily in God’s Word. Let truth shape your thinking so that you’re grounded when pressure comes.
2. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ask God for boldness, peace, and wisdom to live faithfully, even when it’s hard.
3. Practice responding with grace. When people criticize or misunderstand you, choose love over retaliation.
4. Stay mission-minded. Remember that your life is about pointing others to Jesus, not defending your own reputation.
5. Pray for the persecuted church. Lift up believers around the world who face severe persecution. Your prayers matter.

You can start today by following these tips:

• Set aside 10–15 minutes today to read Acts 6:8–7:60 slowly and prayerfully.
• Write down what stands out to you about Stephen’s character, courage, and focus.
• Ask God to help you keep your eyes on Him in the face of any opposition, big or small.

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what comes against you, whether criticism, misunderstanding, or even injustice, you are not alone. Jesus stands with you, just as He stood for Stephen. When your heart is fixed on Him, His peace will guard you, and His presence will empower you to stand firm. Don’t be discouraged by what’s happening around you. Stay filled, stay faithful, and keep your eyes on heaven. The approval of man fades, but the smile of Jesus lasts forever.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 6:8 – Acts 7:60

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.

13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”

15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

1 Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”

2 And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

3 and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’

4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell.

5 And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him.

6 But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years.

7 ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’

8 Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him

10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11 Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance.

12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

13 And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh.

14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people.

15 So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers.

16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

17 “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt

18 till another king arose who did not know Joseph.

19 This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live.

20 At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months.

21 But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son.

22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

23 “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.

24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian.

25 For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand.

26 And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’

27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?

28 Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’

29 Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.

30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him,

32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look.

33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.

34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’

35 “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush.

36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37 “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’

38 “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us,

39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt,

40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’

41 And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

42 Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: ‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

43 You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, images which you made to worship;

And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’

44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen,

45 which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David,

46 who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob.

47 But Solomon built Him a house.

48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

49 ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. what house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest?

50 Has My hand not made all these things?’

51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.

52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers,

53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;

58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 Journal Prompt:

• Is there a situation in my life right now where I feel misunderstood, opposed, or criticized for my faith or obedience to God?
• How can I shift my focus from the problem to the presence of Jesus, just like Stephen did?

Church Hurt

_{Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  Acts 6:1}

Maybe you’re familiar with the term “church hurt.” Hopefully, it hasn’t happened to you personally, but chances are you’ve known someone who has experienced it. It’s painful, especially because it’s often so unnecessary.

Recently, I found myself in a situation where I feared I had unintentionally hurt someone I was serving with in my church. My sincere efforts were aimed in the opposite direction, but the outcome didn’t look like it. I was leading a team to launch a new ministry outreach for a hurting group in our community. As we worked together, various team members had differing expectations about how things should go. Despite my attempts to include everyone’s ideas, some were disappointed and lost interest. It broke my heart. These were people with a deep desire to help others, and somehow, my leadership had caused them to disconnect.

Thankfully, praying about it for quite a while, God brought restoration. Over time, the team came back together, and we were able to launch the ministry He had placed in our hearts.

In today’s reading, we see something similar. As the early church grew rapidly, the apostles couldn’t manage all the needs alone. Certain groups felt neglected, in this case, the Hellenists believed their widows were being overlooked. Instead of ignoring the issue or reacting defensively, the apostles listened. They acknowledged the concern and used wisdom to delegate responsibility, appointing Spirit-filled individuals to handle the practical needs of the church. The result was unity, growth, and peace.  It was a supernatural solution to a very human problem.

This is what we can take away from this passage. Whether you’re the one who’s been hurt or the one who has (even unknowingly) caused the hurt, healing and resolution are always possible. 

Here are a few steps to follow to help with the restoration:

1. Start with humility. Recognize that misunderstandings are a natural part of working with people. Be quick to listen and slow to take offense.
2. Seek God’s wisdom. Before reacting, ask the Holy Spirit for insight into the situation, especially if emotions are high.
3. Communicate with grace. Speak directly but kindly with those involved. Honest conversations can heal deep wounds.
4. Stay committed. If your idea isn’t chosen or your efforts go unnoticed, don’t quit. Ministry isn’t about personal validation, it’s about loving and serving others.
5. Value the team. Different perspectives strengthen a ministry. Learn to blend ideas and celebrate what others bring to the table.

You can get started on this today by following the points below:

• Reflect on any recent ministry challenges. Is there someone you need to talk to, forgive, or apologize to?
• Pray specifically for unity among your team and ask God to reveal any blind spots you might have.
• Make a personal commitment to be a peacemaker, even when things get uncomfortable.

Today I want to encourage you to remember thatChurch hurt is real, but it doesn’t have to define your faith or your service. Like the early church, we can grow stronger when we respond with humility, wisdom, and grace. Don’t let offense rob you or someone else, of the blessing of ministry. Let God use even the painful moments to grow your character and deepen your calling. Remember, ministry is never about self, it’s always about pointing others to Jesus.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 6:1-7

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Journal Prompt:

• Have I ever caused or experienced “church hurt”?
• How can I pursue healing and reconciliation in that situation?
• What might God want to teach me through this experience about humility, unity, and servant leadership?

Be Led

The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13

I remember the moment I truly understood and believed that I could hear God’s voice speaking on the inside of my heart, that I could be led by His Spirit in all my life’s decisions. That realization was a turning point. I no longer had to figure everything out on my own. I could lean into the guidance of the Holy Spirit within me.

Sure, I had heard that still, small voice many times before. But for years, I dismissed it as just my “conscience” or a helpful suggestion. When I finally recognized it as the voice of God, it changed everything. I became determined to listen and to trust His direction in all of life’s choices. Even when His guidance didn’t always make sense in the natural, I knew I could avoid the traps that I had previously fallen into time and again simply by following Him.

Ecclesiastes 12 was written near the end of Solomon’s life, and it reads like the reflections of a man who had come to grips with the reality of life’s fleeting pleasures and the enduring value of godly wisdom. I relate to that, because it wasn’t until my 40s that I began consistently following the Lord’s voice. For a while, I grieved the years I had spent chasing other things, feeling like I had wasted time that could have been used for God’s purposes.

But here’s the good news: nothing is wasted with God. Once I surrendered it all to Him, He began redeeming even my past sin and mistakes. The time I thought was lost, He has restored. The pain I thought was pointless, He is now using to encourage and strengthen others. He’s taken what the enemy meant to hurt me with and turning it into a good work for His Kingdom.

Below are some practical steps you can take to apply this truth in your everyday life.

1. Value God’s Word Over Noise
   The “words of the wise” are like goads, meant to keep us on the right path. Prioritize Scripture over self-help trends or endless information. Let God’s Word shape your mindset and decisions and be led by His Spirit
2. Live with Holy Reverence
   “Fear God” doesn’t mean to be afraid of Him, it means to honor, respect, and revere Him as the ultimate authority in your life. Start each day with this mindset, inviting God to lead before you respond to circumstances or move into action.
3. Obey Even When It’s Small
   Keeping God’s commandments includes the little things like being honest, kind, faithful, forgiving. Practice daily hearing and obedience in ordinary moments and trust God with the big picture.
4. Let Eternity Guide Your Priorities
   Verse 14 reminds us that every action, even secret ones, will come under God’s judgment. That’s not a threat, it’s an invitation to live with purpose. Let the reality of eternity give weight to how you live today.

You can start today to tune into where God’s Spirit is leading.  It is likely that you will need to do some healing first, so press into Him by following these simple points.

• Start your day with a simple prayer: “Lord, help me to hear Your voice and follow Your lead today.”
• Keep a notebook or journal titled “Led by the Spirit.” Write down promptings, scriptures, or moments when you sense God’s guidance and refer back to them when doubts and questions come.
• Choose obedience over overthinking. Don’t delay doing what God is nudging you to do, whether it’s a word of encouragement, an act of generosity, or a step of faith.
• Limit the distractions. Shut down the noise from too many voices (phone, online or in your own head), and make room to hear God clearly.

Solomon concluded that fearing God and obeying Him is the foundation of a meaningful life and he came to that truth after experiencing it all.

So today I want to encourage you if you’ve wandered, wasted time, or wondered if you’ve missed your moment, hear this: it’s never too late to live a Spirit-led life. God can redeem every chapter, restore lost years, and rewrite your story for His glory. Your job is not to have it all figured out. It’s to be led. Be led in love. Be led in obedience. Be led in faith. And when you do, your life will carry the weight of eternal purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

 9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs.

10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.

12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.

14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

📝 Journal:

• Where have I been trying to lead myself instead of letting God lead me?
• What would it look like today to surrender my decisions, schedule, and direction to the Holy Spirit’s guidance?

No one is getting out alive

Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.~ Ecclesiastes 12:7

I see people from every walk of life doing everything they can to get ahead in this world.  They accumulate material wealth, climbing the corporate ladder, and planning for a time when they can finally slow down, retire, and enjoy the “good life.” The irony? Everyone is preparing for the end of life but few are preparing for what comes after.

It’s almost comical when you think about it. We plan for college, careers, weddings, families, homes, and vacations. We invest in retirement, make funeral arrangements, and even decide how we want to be remembered, but many neglect the most certain and significant part: our eternity.

The Preacher in Ecclesiastes doesn’t mince words: this life is fleeting, and all our earthly striving is ultimately “vanity.” As poetic as this chapter is, it’s also sobering. He uses imagery like silver cords breaking, golden bowls shattering, and dust returning to the earth, to remind us that life is fragile, and death is inevitable. Our bodies will fail. Our plans will end. And in that moment, only one thing will matter: the condition of our spirit before God.

Below are some ways we can prepare in light of this truth? Ways to live now that prepares us for forever?

1. Remember Your Creator Now.
   Verse 1 says, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth.” Whether you’re young or seasoned in life, the message is the same: don’t wait. Seek God now. Worship Him now. Don’t push off faith for another day that might never come.
2. Hold Life Loosely.
   Enjoy your work, your family, and your possessions, but don’t cling to them as your source of meaning or happiness. Keep an eternal perspective. Use your time, talents, and treasures to serve God and people.
3. Live with Legacy in Mind.
   Ask yourself regularly: Will what I’m doing today matter in eternity? Invest in relationships, speak truth in love, share your testimony, and disciple others. These things outlast us.
4. Surrender Your Control.
   Death reminds us we’re not in charge. The good news? God loves us and He is taking notes for what you accomplish in life that will count for eternity. Walk humbly, obey His Word, and keep your spirit in agreement with Him.
5. Prioritize Daily Time connecting with Him.
   Make it a habit to be with God every day. Read His Word. Talk with Him in prayer. Confess and repent often. Thank Him regularly. These spiritual rhythms prepare your heart and keep your soul anchored.

You only get one life here but your spirit will live forever. Don’t spend all your energy building a temporary kingdom and forget to prepare for your eternal home. Everything you see will fade. Only what’s done for God’s kingdom will last.

So today, I want to encourage you to remember this: you were created by God and for God. Your spirit will return to Him. Live like it. Love like it. Lead others toward it.

Let the truth of Ecclesiastes 12 reset your priorities, stir your soul, and remind you of what truly matters, not the length of your life, but the legacy of your faith. Because, none of us are getting out of here alive.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 12:6-8

6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well.

7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity.”

Journal Prompt:

• What am I doing today that will matter in eternity?
• Are there areas of my life where I’m overly focused on temporary things?
• Lord, help me to live with eternity in view.
• What steps can I take this week to “remember my Creator” and prepare my spirit for what comes after this life?

Enjoy the ride

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”: ~ Ecclesiastes 12:1

If there is one thing I wish I would have done more of when I was younger, and even now midway through life, it’s to have more fun. I have always struggled with being present and truly enjoying the moments as they happen. Sure, I planned many fun activities for my kids as they were growing up, and even now for my grandchildren. But much of the time during those occasions, I find myself busy with preparations and serving everyone’s needs, often distracted from the moments that mattered most. Sometimes, I even forget to take pictures!

Today’s scripture reading is a reminder from Solomon: Don’t wait. Enjoy God. Remember His goodness. Soak in the beauty of life while you can, especially in the seasons when strength, energy, and opportunity are abundant. But even if you’re not “young” anymore, it’s not too late. Every day is a fresh chance to live with joy, gratitude, and a full heart, anchored in the presence of your Creator.

Now my hearts prayer is: God, keep me in the moment. Don’t let me miss one blessing or joy that You are pouring out over my life and my loved ones.

If you need some help enjoying your days, here are some hints that you can turn to along the way:

• Pause and Be Present: Intentionally slow down. Put your phone away during special moments. Look around. Smile. Soak it all in. You don’t have to capture everything on camera, capture it in your heart.
• Practice Gratitude Daily: Start or end your day listing three specific things you’re thankful for. Gratitude helps you stay mindful of the blessings happening right now.
• Plan for Fun Without the Pressure: Sometimes we over-plan and miss the enjoyment. Set simple goals for joy: a walk with a friend, a spontaneous outing, a family game night, without the burden of perfection.
• Let Others Help: When hosting or planning events, delegate tasks so you aren’t carrying the whole load. Free yourself to be present.
• Create Space for Wonder: Notice the little things: a sunset, a child’s laughter, a kind word. Awe softens the heart and anchors you in the moment.
• Talk to God Throughout the Day: Whisper prayers of thanks and wonder in real time. Let your awareness of His nearness shape how you experience each day.

Here are some ideas on how you can get started right now:

• Pick one simple activity this week where you will be fully present: maybe dinner with family, coffee with a friend, or even a quiet moment outside.
• Before the activity begins, pray: “God, help me enjoy this moment fully with You.”
• Afterwards, reflect on how you felt, and thank God for that time.
• Over time, these little decisions to be present will add up to a life you have richly lived, not hurried through.

Today I want to encourage you that life is fleeting. The seasons of strength and energy will not last forever, but God’s presence is constant. Ecclesiastes 12 reminds us to honor God now, to enjoy His gifts now, to live richly now, before the days become hard. No matter your age or season of life, today you can choose to step off the treadmill of distraction and into the fullness of life that God is offering you. Don’t miss it. Remember your Creator, enjoy His goodness, and walk right into the beautiful life He is placing before you.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 12:1-5

1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”:

2 While the sun and the light, the moon and the stars, are not darkened, and the clouds do not return after the rain;

3 In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows grow dim;

4 When the doors are shut in the streets, and the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of music are brought low.

5 Also they are afraid of height, and of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper is a burden, and desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets.

Journal:

• In what areas of your life do you feel hurried or distracted?
• What is one small step you can take today to slow down and enjoy the moment God has given you?
• Write a prayer inviting God to help you be fully present and to savor the blessings He pours out each day.

Start now!

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. ~ Ecclesiastes 11:9

One of the greatest desires of my heart is to encourage others not to waste their lives chasing after what the world says is important. I especially want to encourage young people, those just stepping into adulthood, to get the plan now, to learn early how to hear and follow the call of God on their lives. But if you’re older and just now figuring this out, I have good news: it’s not too late!

It took me years to figure this out. I thought I had started out following God’s plan, but in reality, I was chasing after my own selfish desires. It didn’t take long before I found myself deep in a pit of deception and a pit I couldn’t climb out of on my own.

Thank goodness, when I cried out, my heavenly Father answered. And He will answer you too. If you find yourself stuck in regret, distraction, or disillusionment, call out to Him. His arms are always open.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 reminds us that God wants us to rejoice and live with passion. He made us to dream, to move, to experience the beauty of life. But He also calls us to live with eternity in mind, knowing that everything we choose today will echo into forever. It’s a beautiful balance: to enjoy life fully while walking carefully with God at the center.

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

1. Rejoice today!
   Thank God for the season you’re in. Embrace the opportunities, energy, and dreams He has placed in your heart.
2. Seek God’s wisdom for your dreams.
   Ask Him daily to guide your passions and plans according to His purpose.
3. Stay mindful of your choices.
   Remember, your actions matter. Choose joy, but choose it God’s way. His way always leads to lasting peace and fulfillment.
4. Put away anything that pulls you off course.
   Whether it’s toxic habits, relationships, or thought patterns, make intentional decisions to remove what doesn’t agree with God’s best for you.

Here are some steps to take to get started:

• Spend quiet time with God each day. Ask Him, “What is Your dream for my life, Lord?” and listen.
• Write down your passions and dreams, and pray over them, surrendering them to His direction.
• Take one small step toward a God-honoring dream, whether it’s serving, learning, building relationships, or simply saying “yes” to something new He is stirring in your heart.

Today I want to encourage you to not wait until tomorrow, next week, or some “better” season to begin living with purpose. Start now! Whether you are 18 or 88, today is the best day to line up your heart with God’s call and His plan. Rejoice in the journey, stay attentive to His voice, and walk boldly knowing that your life, surrendered and joyful, is a beautiful offering to Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

 9Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.

10Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.

Journal Prompt:

• What dream or desire has God placed in your heart that you need to start pursuing today?
• Are there any distractions, sorrows, or sins you need to lay aside in order to move forward?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you rejoice, live wisely, and walk in His purpose, starting today.

Something New

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”  Acts 5:38-39

This scenario has shown up time and time again throughout history and clearly, it was happening even in the early days of the of the first Church. A dynamic speaker or charismatic evangelist would suddenly rise up and gather a large crowd. Many times, it would only last for a short season, and then you’d never hear about them again. When things like this happen, there’s often a lot of talk and even concern among onlookers, but rarely is there an outright arrest, unless, of course, criminal activity like embezzling or fraud is involved. Still, when these individuals rise up, the outcome usually ends the same: their following dissolves and fades away.

The situation in today’s reading was a little different, though, because the power of the Holy Spirit was at work. God was building His Church and moving quickly to spread the gospel throughout the earth. No matter what the religious leaders did to try to stop it, the movement just kept growing. Finally, someone spoke up with wisdom. Gamaliel, a Pharisee highly respected by all the council, asked for a private meeting without the apostles in the room. His advice brought clarity and peace instead of more stress and tension.

In short, Gamaliel reminded them that other leaders had risen up in the past, but once they were gone, their followers scattered, and nothing lasting came of it. Then he gave a wise warning: leave these men alone. If their movement was not from God, it would fail on its own. But if God was behind it, fighting against them would be fighting against God Himself, a battle they could never win.

This wisdom is still so relevant for us today. When we see someone gaining fame or influence in the Church and it doesn’t sit right with us, our first response should be to turn it over to God. If He is in it, we don’t want to stand in the way. If He’s not, it will eventually fall apart. We don’t have to carry the weight of policing or judging other ministries; we can trust God to reveal what’s real and what’s not in His perfect timing.

Here area some steps you can take when you feel the weight of tension toward a minister or ministry:

• Pray first. Before forming an opinion about a popular preacher or movement, bring it to God in prayer.
• Stay focused on your assignment. Don’t get distracted by what’s happening “out there.” Stay faithful to where God has called you to serve and grow.
• Resist gossip. If others around you are criticizing or speculating, choose to stay out of it. You don’t need to weigh in.
• Encourage discernment. If someone close to you seems caught up in the hype, pray for them and gently encourage them to seek God’s wisdom.
• Trust God to work it out. Whether a ministry stands or falls is ultimately in God’s hands, not yours.

Today, I want to encourage you: don’t get sidetracked by flashy popularity or growing crowds. Keep your heart focused on Jesus. If something is not from God, it will eventually come to nothing. But if it is from God, no one and nothing can stop it. Trust Him to build His Church His way. Stay faithful. Stay prayerful. And remember, we are called to be builders of unity, not critics from the sidelines.

Let’s keep our hands on the plow, our eyes on Jesus, and trust Him to take care of the rest.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:33-42

33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.

35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.

36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.

38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;

39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.