The Daily Dose

He’s not for sale

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 8:18-19

Have you ever tried to “earn” something from God? Maybe it wasn’t money, but perhaps it was your efforts, your good behavior, or your performance. It’s something deeply ingrained in human nature, that is the belief that we can somehow “do” enough, give enough, or be enough to gain access to God’s power or presence. But the truth is: God’s presence is not for sale.

In today’s passage, we meet Simon, once a well-known sorcerer who amazed the people of Samaria with his magical tricks. He had a reputation. People actually called him “the Great Power of God.” But when the gospel was preached and the truth of Jesus was revealed, Simon, along with many others, believed and was baptized. However, old habits die hard.

When Simon saw the apostles lay hands on people and witnessed the Holy Spirit being given, he immediately reverted to his old mindset of thinking spiritual power could be bought, just like his influence used to be. He offered money, thinking he could purchase the ability to pass on the Holy Spirit. But Peter sharply rebuked him, exposing the deeper issue: his heart was not right before God. Simon’s request revealed that he still didn’t understand the meaning of God’s gift and that it is not about control or performance; it’s about surrender and relationship.

God doesn’t want your performance, He wants your heart. His gifts are freely given, but they require a surrendered posture. If you want to be used by God, it starts by being with God. The power comes through intimacy, not transaction.

Here are some practical steps to apply this principle in your daily life:

1. Start each day with humility. Begin with a simple prayer: “Holy Spirit, I yield to You today. Lead me, teach me, and shape me.”
2. Stay rooted in Scripture. Read the Word not just to gain knowledge, but to know His heart. Start with Acts 8 and reflect on the difference between Simon’s motives and the apostles’ hearts.
3. Guard your motives. Before acting on what you feel God is calling you to do, ask: “Is this about me being seen, or about God being glorified?”
4. Invite the Holy Spirit. Remember, the Holy Spirit is a person, not a force. He desires daily relationship with you.  He wants to guide, comfort, convict, and empower you.

Today I want to encourage you to recognize that you cannot buy God’s favor, and you don’t need to. His Spirit isn’t earned, it’s received. Let go of the pressure to perform and embrace the invitation to draw near. The closer you get to God, the more clearly you will understand that everything you’re searching for is already available to you through your relationship with Jesus. Like Simon, we may come from a past full of pride or performance, but God’s grace invites us into a better way, one that is built on surrender, not self-promotion. So today, don’t try to earn God’s power, walk in it by walking closely with Him.

If you have never had a personal encounter with God through His Spirit, you can do that right now. All you need to do is start talking to Him and invite Him into your life. You can start your conversation with a pray like the one below. But don’t stop there. Now the door is open, and you can begin to talk to Him about every area of your life. He will lead and He will comfort you. You cannot buy the presence of God; you can only humble yourself and invite Him in. It is personal and it is for you. Trust Him as your best friend today and if you truly turn your life over to Him, He will lead you in the perfect path of righteousness.

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

Today’s scripture: Acts 8:9-25

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,

10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.”

11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,

15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,

19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!

21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

 Journal:

• In what areas of my life am I still trying to “earn” something from God?
• What would it look like to fully surrender that area and receive His presence by faith instead of performance?

It’s good for the kingdom

Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Acts 8:4

Have you ever taken a step you believed God was leading you to, like praying for someone, sending a word of encouragement, or showing kindness, only to walk away wondering if it made any difference at all? Maybe you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit, followed through in obedience, and yet nothing seemed to change. In fact, the reaction might have even been lukewarm or disappointing.

Today’s scripture gives us a powerful reminder that impact often comes in ways we don’t immediately see. Acts 8 describes a time of intense persecution for the early church. Saul (later Paul) was dragging believers from their homes and throwing them in prison. From a human perspective, it looked like defeat. Christians were being forced to flee for safety.  It surely didn’t feel like a victorious moment.

But while chaos and suffering appeared to be winning, God was orchestrating something greater. As the believers scattered, they carried the message of Jesus with them. They didn’t stay silent. They shared the gospel wherever they went, and as a result, the good news spread farther and faster than it ever could have if they had stayed in one place. What looked like loss was actually kingdom expansion. What seemed like defeat became divine strategy.

This is a reminder that your obedience matters, even when the results aren’t visible right away. Whether you share a verse, pray with someone, serve quietly, or offer encouragement, your obedience is a seed planted in the soil of someone’s heart. You may not see immediate fruit, but God sees it all. Just like a seed after it is planted is growing while it is hidden in the ground, the Spirit is working beneath the surface.

Here are some ways you can put this principle into action:

• Take consistent steps of faith. Don’t wait for perfect conditions to obey God’s leading. If you feel prompted to act, do it.
• Keep a journal. Write down moments when you sense God prompting you. Even if you don’t see the result, reflect on what you learned through the experience.
• Pray for hidden impact. Ask God to multiply your obedience and reach people in ways beyond what you can imagine.
• Stay encouraged by Scripture. Read passages like Acts 8 to remind yourself that God often works through trials and transitions.

You may never fully know the impact of your obedience this side of heaven, but rest assured, it matters. God’s Kingdom is never stagnant. He is always moving, always working, and always using the small acts of His people to advance eternal purposes.

Today I want to encourage you to keep walking out God’s plan for your life. Don’t be concerned with seeing immediate result. If you do, then great but ideally you want to see the long-term results so that your obedience to His prompt lives on long after you are gone from that day. Believe that God is doing a good work through your acts of kindness and love for others and even when you just wanted to be a nice person, He will make those seeds grow up to a full harvest.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 8:1-8

1 Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

Journal:

• What is one step of obedience I took recently that felt small or unseen?
• How might God be using that moment for something bigger than I can see right now?

I’m thrilled to officially announce the release of the newly revised edition of my Proverbs Daily Dose Journal. A 31-day devotional designed to help you grow in wisdom, deepen your walk with God, and apply the timeless truths of Proverbs to your everyday life.

This updated edition has been a labor of love since last year, and I’m so excited it’s finally available! It features a fresh, beautifully updated cover and expanded content that includes deeper practical applications, clearer next steps, and brand-new journal prompts to help you reflect and track your spiritual growth more intentionally.

But that’s not all…

🌟 Coming later this year, the Daily Dose Journal series will be expanding with three more books focused on the books of Matthew, Acts, and Revelation. Each will feature stunning new covers and enriched content to guide you through scripture with practical insights and tools for spiritual growth.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your quiet time or dive deeper into the Word, these journals are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow into who God created you to be.

📖 The Proverbs Daily Dose Journal is available now at Amazon.com — 👉 Order Now

Let’s grow together, one day, one verse, one dose at a time.

You Don’t have to have all the Answers

So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. ~ Job 2:13

Over two years ago, I went through training at my church to serve on the Lay Ministry Team.  It’s a group of people who care for others during times of need and crisis. One of the biggest takeaways from that training was this simple truth that you don’t have to have all the answers. When someone is hurting, struggling, or grieving, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there, to sit quietly, to listen, and to love.

That’s what today’s scripture reminded me of. Yes, later in the book of Job we’ll read that his friends didn’t always get it right when they started talking, but for a moment, let’s recognize what they did do well. When they heard about Job’s suffering, they came. They didn’t just send a message or offer to lift him up in prayer, they showed up in person. They wept with him. They tore their clothes, threw dust on their heads, and sat in silence beside him for seven days and nights. SEVEN WHOLE DAYS AND NIGHTS! I can’t even imagine sitting in torn clothes with ashes on my head and 3 close friends sitting with me for an hour let alone an entire week! But that’s what Job’s friends did. No words. Just presence.

That kind of compassion is rare, and powerful. It’s a model for us today. You don’t have to fix someone’s pain. You don’t need the perfect scripture or just the right words. You just need to be present.

Here are some ways you can be there for your friend in need:

• Be intentional. When someone in your life is hurting, take the time to reach out, not just through words, but through presence.
• Practice the ministry of silence. If you don’t know what to say, that’s okay. Your quiet support can speak louder than words.
• Stay spiritually prepared. Pray and ask God for wisdom and sensitivity in how to support others with grace and gentleness.
• Follow up. After the initial crisis, check in with your friend. Healing takes time, and continued support matters.

Think of someone in your life who is going through a tough time. Write them a note, give them a call, or better yet, go sit with them. Let them know they’re not alone. You don’t have to solve anything. Just show up with love and compassion.

Today I want to encourage you by reminding you that Job’s friends weren’t perfect, but they got one thing right, they showed up and they stayed. We don’t have to be theologians or counselors to comfort others. We just have to be willing. In times of suffering, God uses our presence to bring His peace. So when you don’t have the words, let your love be loud in silence. Trust that your willingness to walk with someone through pain will make a difference.  Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers.Top of Form

Bottom of FormToday’s scripture reading: Job 2:11-13

11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him.

12 And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven.

13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

Journal Prompt:

• Who in your life needs your quiet presence right now?
• How can you be a source of comfort without needing to say a word?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you be a friend who shows up with compassion and grace.

Get God’s Attention

_{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? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” ~ Job 2:3}

Here’s something I hadn’t really noticed before. Even though I’ve read the book of Job before, it never really dawned on me that Satan had more than one encounter with God. It makes sense though, when the first attack didn’t work, Satan went back. Job wasn’t breaking. No matter what was taken from him, his livestock, his livelihood, even his children.  Through it all, Job held on to his integrity and refused to curse God.

In this second meeting, God again points Job out with deep affirmation: ““Look at my man, Job. There is nobody in the world like him.” Despite all the loss and pain, Job still feared God and shunned evil. That kind of faith got God’s attention.

Imagine that. A created person, living through unimaginable grief and confusion, is still so spiritually grounded that the Creator of the universe highlights him in a heavenly conversation.

What a powerful example for us today. We live in a world filled with distractions, compromises, and spiritual apathy. But when we choose to walk with integrity, reverence God, and resist evil, we too can walk in God’s blessing. He sees it. He honors it. He speaks about it.

Here are some things we can do to life this life of faith:

1. Fear (reverence) God daily. Make Him the highest priority in your decisions, time, and lifestyle.
2. Intentionally turn away from evil. Turn away from compromise, even in the small things. Guard your heart and mind.
3. Hold fast to integrity. Be the same person in private as you are in public. Don’t let hardship give you a reason to lower your standards.
4. Stay anchored in the storm. When the enemy presses in, press in harder to God and His promises to see you through. Worship. Read the Word. Pray. Remain unshakable.

Today I want to encourage you to realize you don’t have to be perfect to get God’s attention, but you do need to be faithful. Like Job, your life can stand out in a world that’s turned away from God. The more you fear the Lord, resist temptation, and walk in His ways, the more you display His glory, here in our world. Just like Job, even in suffering, you can remain a light that shines in the dark. A light that heaven notices and celebrates. Don’t be discouraged by the trials around you. Be encouraged that you’re seen, known, and valued by the One who matters most. You’ve already got His attention, now live in a way that keeps it.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 2:1-10

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

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

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

3 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? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”

4 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”

7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

8 And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes.

9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Journal Prompt:

• What does it mean for you to walk in integrity right now?
• Are there areas where you need to recommit to reverencing God and turning from compromise?
• Write a prayer of commitment today, asking God to help you live a life that honors Him, even when it’s hard.

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?