Step Into Your Story

by | May 12, 2025 | Step Into Your Story

Day 1: Taking Steps of Faith

Day 1: Taking Steps of Faith

Devotional

Life often presents us with unexpected turns that can leave us questioning our path. Like Naomi, we may find ourselves in situations where our carefully laid plans crumble, leaving us to navigate unfamiliar territory. Yet even in these moments of uncertainty, God remains faithful. When Naomi faced famine and later the loss of her husband and sons, she couldn’t see the bigger picture God was painting. Sometimes our greatest breakthroughs come disguised as our biggest setbacks. What appears as a detour might actually be God’s divine direction. The key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

Bible Verse

“In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, there was a severe famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him.” – Ruth 1:1-5

Reflection Question

What situation in your life currently requires you to take a step of faith, even though you can’t see the full picture?

Quote

Standing still is never a motion. Taking steps is your motion.

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to keep moving forward even when I can’t see where the path leads. Help me trust that You are guiding my steps, even through uncertain times. Amen.

Day 2: Character That Carries

Devotional

In times of hardship, our true character emerges. Ruth’s story powerfully demonstrates how integrity and loyalty can shape our destiny. Despite having every reason to return to her homeland and start fresh, she chose to stay with Naomi, showing remarkable character in the face of adversity. Her decision wasn’t based on convenience or comfort, but on commitment and love. This choice ultimately led her to become part of a greater story than she could have imagined. Our character isn’t just about who we are; it’s about where we’re going and who we’re becoming.

Bible Verse

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.'” – Ruth 1:6-7

Reflection Question

How are your current decisions and actions reflecting the character you want to be known for?

Quote

Your character will either take you places or leave you places.

Prayer

Father, help me develop character that honors You. Give me strength to make choices based on integrity rather than convenience. Shape me into someone who reflects Your heart. Amen.

Day 3: Divine Direction

Devotional

Sometimes what appears as coincidence is actually God’s careful orchestration. When Ruth went to glean in the fields, she ‘happened’ to find herself in Boaz’s field. But this was no accident – it was divine direction. God often works in ways we don’t expect, using ordinary circumstances to fulfill extraordinary purposes. He’s constantly working behind the scenes, arranging details we can’t see and connecting dots we don’t even know exist. Our role is to remain faithful in the small things, trusting that God is weaving them into His bigger plan.

Bible Verse

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, ‘My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?'” – Ruth 3:1-5

Reflection Question

Looking back, can you identify a time when what seemed like coincidence was actually God’s guidance?

Quote

Ruth didn’t question what God had in store. She just kept stepping forward until she stepped right into her story.

Prayer

God, help me trust Your timing and Your ways. Open my eyes to see Your hand at work in the everyday moments of my life. Thank you for Your perfect guidance. Amen.

Day 4: Never Disqualified

Devotional

Ruth’s story reminds us that God doesn’t discriminate based on our background or past. As a Moabite widow, Ruth might have seemed an unlikely candidate for God’s special purpose. Yet God chose her to be part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. This powerful truth still resonates today – no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God can use you. Your past doesn’t determine your future in God’s kingdom. He specializes in taking what others might consider disqualifying and turning it into something beautiful.

Bible Verse

“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” – Ruth 4:13-17

Reflection Question

What perceived limitations or past experiences have made you feel disqualified from God’s purpose?

Quote

You’re never, ever disqualified in God. He’s always for you. Doesn’t matter your past, doesn’t matter what you’ve done. None of it matters. It matters where you are today.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You that You don’t disqualify me based on my past. Help me embrace the future You have planned for me, knowing that You can use all things for Your glory. Amen.

Day 5: Faith Meets Favor

Devotional

When faith intersects with God’s favor, extraordinary things happen. Ruth’s story beautifully illustrates this principle. Her faithful decisions, combined with God’s sovereign favor, led to outcomes far beyond what she could have imagined. She became the great-grandmother of King David and part of Jesus’ lineage. God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans often exceed our expectations. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God is working. When we step out in faith, His favor can turn our simple obedience into something remarkable.

Bible Verse

‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Reflection Question

Where in your life do you need to combine faithful action with trust in God’s favor?

Quote

Faith plus favor equals something amazing. When you have faith and God’s favor together, these two things are a recipe for something phenomenal.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to step out in faith, trusting in Your favor. Thank You that Your plans for me are greater than I can imagine. Give me courage to trust You completely. Amen.

Acts 2 – Next Steps

by | May 6, 2025 | Acts 2 - Next steps, Thrive Church Weekly Devotional

Day 1: The Nature of Truth

Devotional

In a world where everyone seems to have their own version of truth, it’s crucial to understand that real truth isn’t flexible or personal – it’s absolute. Just like gravity doesn’t change based on our opinions or feelings about it, God’s truth remains constant. When we try to create our own version of truth, we’re actually building on shifting sand rather than solid ground. Understanding this fundamental principle is the first step in our spiritual journey.

Bible Verse

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life have you been tempted to create your own version of truth rather than accepting God’s absolute truth?

Quote

If it’s your truth, it’s just truth. And if it’s just your truth, then it’s called crazy like this. Like, the truth is there is gravity. It’s not your truth or my truth. It’s jump off the roof and find out.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me recognize and embrace Your absolute truth. Give me the courage to align my life with Your unchanging standards rather than creating my own version of truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 2: The Deceptive Heart

Devotional

We often trust our hearts to guide us in making important decisions. However, our emotions and feelings, while important, aren’t always reliable compasses for truth. Our hearts can be influenced by our desires, fears, and past experiences, sometimes leading us away from God’s best for us. This is why we need something more reliable than our feelings to guide us – we need God’s truth as our foundation.

Bible Verse

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” – Jeremiah 17:9

Reflection Question

Can you recall a time when following your heart led you away from God’s truth? What did you learn from that experience?

Quote

Our heart is sick and our ways are sick. And without an absolute truth, we stay sick.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust Your truth above my feelings. Give me discernment to recognize when my heart might be leading me astray. Guide me in Your truth. Amen.

Day 3: Quality Over Quantity

Devotional

In our fast-paced world, we often prioritize quantity over quality, even in our spiritual lives. We might pride ourselves on reading multiple chapters of the Bible daily but miss the deep, transformative truth within each verse. God’s Word isn’t meant to be rushed through – it’s meant to be absorbed, understood, and applied to our lives. Taking time to truly understand and apply even one verse can be more valuable than quickly reading several chapters.

Bible Verse

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4

Reflection Question

How might your relationship with God’s Word change if you focused more on understanding and applying what you read rather than the amount you read?

Quote

Never mistake quality for quantity. People call me all the time. I read seven chapters of the Bible and what did it say? It says something about Jesus, right?

Prayer

Father, help me to slow down and truly digest Your Word. Show me how to apply Your truth in my daily life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 4: Inside-Out Transformation

Devotional

True spiritual growth isn’t about following a set of rules or modifying our behavior to look good on the outside. Real transformation happens from the inside out when we allow God’s truth to penetrate our hearts and minds. This kind of change is lasting because it addresses the root causes of our actions rather than just the symptoms. When we focus on internal transformation, the external changes naturally follow.

Bible Verse

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:19-20

Reflection Question

What areas of your life need internal transformation rather than just external behavior modification?

Quote

How about you heal from the inside out rather than trying to have Christianity be behavior modification.

Prayer

God, work in my heart to transform me from the inside out. Help me focus on genuine change rather than just appearing different on the outside. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 5: Unity in Truth

Devotional

God’s family extends beyond blood relations. When we embrace His truth, we become part of a larger family – the church. This family isn’t defined by our backgrounds, past mistakes, or current struggles, but by our shared commitment to God’s truth. In this family, there’s no ‘us’ and ‘them’ – we’re all on this journey together, supporting and encouraging one another as we grow in truth.

Bible Verse

“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” – Judges 21:25

Reflection Question

How can you help create a more welcoming and unified church family that embraces all people while standing firm in God’s truth?

Quote

Can we stop calling them those people? Just call them us. We’re all welcome.

Prayer

Lord, help us see others as You see them. Give us hearts of love and acceptance while remaining grounded in Your truth. Unite us as one family in Christ. Amen.

That Didn’t Go as Planned – Wk 4

by | Apr 21, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: The Power That Changes Everything

Devotional
The empty tomb stands as the most powerful symbol of hope humanity has ever known. When Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ mother Mary approached the tomb that morning, they weren’t just discovering an empty grave – they were witnessing the dawn of a new era where death itself had been defeated. This wasn’t just a historical event; it was the beginning of a revolution that continues to transform lives today. The resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to us now, offering hope for every seemingly impossible situation we face.

Bible Verse
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1

Reflection Question
What areas of your life feel like they need resurrection power today? What would it look like to invite God’s transformative power into these situations?

Quote
If God can raise Jesus from the dead, then God can raise you from the death that you’ve created in the life that you’ve chosen.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection power that’s still active today. Help me to believe that no situation in my life is beyond Your ability to transform. Give me faith to trust in Your power to bring new life to every area of my existence. Amen.

Day 2: Staying Connected to the Source

Devotional
Just as a lamp needs to stay connected to its power source to give light, we need to maintain our connection with Jesus to experience His resurrection power in our lives. This isn’t about religious routine – it’s about building a genuine relationship with the One who conquered death. When we stay close to Jesus, His power naturally flows into every aspect of our lives, bringing transformation, healing, and renewal.

Bible Verse
“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question
What practical steps can you take today to strengthen your connection with Jesus? What distractions might be keeping you from staying close to Him?
Quote
If you want to see resurrection power in your life, you’ve got to maintain your proximity to Jesus.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, draw me closer to You today. Help me prioritize our relationship above all else, knowing that Your presence is the source of true transformation in my life. Amen.

Day 3: Dying to Live

Devotional
Transformation requires letting go of the old to embrace the new. Just as Jesus had to die before His resurrection, there are parts of our old nature that need to die so we can experience new life. This might mean releasing old habits, forgiving past hurts, or surrendering control. While this process isn’t always comfortable, it’s essential for experiencing the fullness of God’s resurrection power in our lives.

Bible Verse
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1

Reflection Question
What aspects of your old nature is God asking you to surrender today? What’s making it difficult to let go?
Quote
There’s a bad version of all of us. There’s a sinful version of all of us. Paul said I have to die to that guy every day because every time I think I’m doing good, I kind of show back up with the old me.

Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to die to my old nature so I can fully experience Your new life. Help me trust Your process of transformation, knowing that You have my best interests at heart. Amen.

Day 4: Love's Transforming Power

Devotional
God’s resurrection power flows through love, not force. When we understand that transformation comes through His gentle, patient love rather than through harsh demands or rigid rules, we begin to experience true change. This same approach should characterize how we share God’s love with others – not through pressure or manipulation, but through genuine care and compassion.

Bible Verse
“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question
How has God’s love transformed your life? How can you show that same transforming love to others around you?
Quote
Love them into the kingdom, don’t mug them into the kingdom.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your patient, transforming love. Help me to receive it fully and share it freely with others. Let Your love be the power that changes lives through me. Amen.

Day 5: Never Beyond Hope

Devotional
No situation is too desperate, no person too far gone for God’s resurrection power. The same power that rolled away the stone from Jesus’ tomb can break through any barrier in our lives. Whether facing addiction, broken relationships, or seemingly impossible circumstances, God’s power offers hope and the possibility of a fresh start. He specializes in bringing life from death, hope from despair, and beauty from ashes.

Bible Verse
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1

Reflection Question
What situation have you given up hope on? How might God’s resurrection power bring new life to this situation?
Quote
So many people would rather take suicide. They’d rather give up. They’d rather just cut the line than deal with the problem. And what Jesus said was this: I’ve come to deal with the problem, the problem, sin. But I’m the way out.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me believe that nothing is beyond Your power to transform. Give me hope for the situations that seem hopeless, and faith to trust in Your resurrection power. Amen.

That Didn’t Go As Planned – Wk 3

by | Apr 17, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: The Power of Simple Faith

Devotional
Sometimes we make faith more complicated than it needs to be. Consider the thief on the cross – he didn’t have time for Bible study, baptism, or years of service. His faith journey consisted of a simple acknowledgment of his sin, recognition of Jesus as Lord, and a humble request to be remembered. That was enough. This profound truth challenges our tendency to add requirements to salvation that God never intended. The beauty of the gospel lies in its accessibility to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. God’s heart is to welcome, not to create barriers. He’s made the path to reconciliation as straightforward as possible because His ultimate goal is relationship, not religion.

Bible Verse
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” – Luke 23:42-43

Reflection Question
What unnecessary requirements or expectations might you be adding to your relationship with God that He never asked for?
Quote
“I’m not making it as hard as I can for you to get to heaven. I’m making it as easy as I can for you to repent.”

Prayer
Lord, thank you for making salvation simple enough for anyone to receive. Help me to embrace the pure simplicity of faith and trust in Your finished work rather than my own efforts. Amen.

Day 2: Beyond Human Understanding

Devotional
God’s mercy operates on a scale that often challenges our human logic. We tend to measure forgiveness with human metrics – weighing the severity of the offense, the sincerity of the apology, or the amount of time that’s passed. But God’s forgiveness transcends these limited parameters. He forgives completely and immediately, regardless of the circumstance. Whether someone comes to faith as a child or on their deathbed, His mercy remains equally powerful and complete. This isn’t because sin doesn’t matter – it’s because His grace matters more.

Bible Verse
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

Reflection Question
How might your view of forgiveness change if you truly believed that God’s mercy extends beyond what makes sense to you?
Quote
His mercy extends beyond what you think makes sense.

Prayer
Father, help me grasp the magnitude of Your mercy. Teach me to accept Your forgiveness without trying to make it fit within my human understanding. Amen.

Day 3: Breaking Free from the Past

Devotional
Many of us carry chains of past mistakes, dragging them behind us like heavy weights. Even after receiving God’s forgiveness, we continue to punish ourselves, attempting to pay a debt that’s already been settled. This self-imposed penance not only diminishes the power of Christ’s sacrifice but also prevents us from fully embracing our present and future in Him. God’s forgiveness is complete – when He forgives, He chooses to remember our sins no more. Our challenge isn’t earning forgiveness; it’s accepting that it’s already been given.

Bible Verse
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” – Psalm 23:1-3

Reflection Question
What past mistakes are you still carrying that God has already forgiven and forgotten?
Quote
“I believe that some people are so chained to their past, they can’t live in the present and they can’t see the vision for their future.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me release the burden of past sins that You’ve already forgiven. Teach me to walk in the freedom You’ve provided. Amen.

Day 4: Fresh Mercies Daily

Devotional
Unlike human memory, which tends to hold onto past hurts and failures, God’s forgiveness operates on a different system entirely. Each morning brings a fresh start, unmarred by yesterday’s mistakes. This isn’t because God has a poor memory – it’s a deliberate choice born from His infinite love. When we truly grasp this truth, it transforms how we approach each new day. We’re no longer defined by our past failures but by His present grace. This daily renewal of mercy invites us to live boldly and confidently in His love.

Bible Verse
“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” – Matthew 21:16

Reflection Question
How would your approach to each day change if you truly believed God’s mercies are new every morning?
Quote
“My mercies are new for you every day because I’ve already forgiven you from yesterday. I don’t even remember it.”

Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your fresh mercies each day. Help me to embrace the new start You offer and live in the freedom of Your forgiveness. Amen.

Day 5: Moving Forward in Grace

Devotional
God’s kingdom is not a showcase of perfect people, but a mosaic of redeemed souls. Each person’s story of transformation adds to the beautiful diversity of His family. Our role isn’t to judge who’s worthy or to give up on ourselves or others because of past mistakes. Instead, we’re called to embrace and extend the same grace we’ve received. When we understand this, we become active participants in expanding God’s kingdom, welcoming others with the same open arms that welcomed us.

Bible Verse
“Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question
How can you better reflect God’s welcoming heart to others who might feel unworthy or excluded?
Quote
“The kingdom of God doesn’t look sterile. It looks like this collective of mosaics of black and white and Latino and white rappers and black opera singers.”

Prayer
God, help me to see others through Your eyes of grace. Use me to share Your love and welcome others into Your kingdom. Amen.

That Didn’t Go as Planned – Wk 2

by | Apr 8, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: When Plans Go Sideways

Devotional
Life rarely follows our carefully crafted plans. Whether it’s a Monday morning commute disrupted by unexpected traffic or a major life event that catches us off guard, we often find ourselves navigating uncharted waters. These moments can leave us feeling frustrated, anxious, or even questioning God’s presence in our circumstances. Yet, these unexpected turns often become the very pathways through which God demonstrates His faithfulness and wisdom. Just as the crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus seemed to derail God’s plan, it actually fulfilled His perfect purpose for salvation. When our plans crumble, God’s purposes prevail.

Bible Verse
“Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.” – Matthew 27:15-16
Reflection Question
How do you typically respond when your plans don’t work out as expected? What might God be teaching you through these moments?

Quote
“Every Sunday we come to church and things don’t go as planned. Every Monday I get up and Things don’t go as planned. And every Tuesday when I get up, things don’t go planned because life just doesn’t go the way we think it should.”

Prayer
Lord, help me trust Your perfect plan even when life takes unexpected turns. Give me the faith to see Your hand at work in every circumstance. Amen.

Day 2: Standing Against the Crowd

Devotional

Following Jesus often means walking a different path than the majority. The crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus, demonstrating how popular opinion doesn’t always align with God’s truth. In our own lives, we frequently face situations where following Christ requires us to make choices that others might not understand or support. This journey isn’t about winning popularity contests or seeking others’ approval – it’s about remaining faithful to God’s calling on our lives, even when it means standing alone.

Bible Verse

“Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life might God be calling you to take a stand that differs from the crowd’s expectations?

Quote

“If you’re gonna really do what God wants you to do in your life, you’re going to have to figure out that generally it’s going to be opposite of what the crowd does.”

Prayer

Father, grant me the courage to follow You faithfully, even when it means going against the crowd. Help me find my identity and approval in You alone. Amen.

Day 3: Embracing God's Mercy

Devotional

Like Barabbas, we all stand guilty before God, deserving punishment for our sins. Yet through Jesus’s sacrifice, we receive something extraordinary – mercy. This isn’t about earning God’s favor or achieving perfection; it’s about accepting His incredible gift of grace. When we truly understand the magnitude of what Jesus did for us, it transforms how we view both ourselves and others. We’re all recipients of undeserved mercy, which should humble us and inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.

Bible Verse

“But Pilate asked them, ‘Why? What crime has he committed? But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!'” – Matthew 27:23

Reflection Question

How has understanding God’s mercy changed the way you view yourself and others?

Quote

“Grace is the unmerited favor of God. You didn’t do anything to do it. God just blesses you, right? But mercy is when you’re guilty and should be punished. But God let you off the hook because of what Jesus did on the cross.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless mercy. Help me to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness and share that mercy with others. Amen.

Day 4: Living in Freedom

Devotional

The story of Barabbas reminds us that Jesus’s death wasn’t just about religious ritual – it was about setting prisoners free. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice, we’re released from the burden of our past sins and future failures. This freedom isn’t a license to sin but an invitation to live fully in God’s purpose. Jesus knows we aren’t perfect, yet His blood covers all our mistakes – past, present, and future. This truth should fill us with joy and peace, knowing we’re completely accepted and loved by God.

Bible Verse

“‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.” – Matthew 27:21

Reflection Question

How does knowing that Jesus’s blood covers all your sins impact how you live your daily life?

Quote

“Jesus knows you’re going to screw up. So what does the blood of Christ do? It covers all your sins, past, present and future. It’s not a license to sin, but is forgiveness for sin.”

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for the freedom You’ve given me through Your sacrifice. Help me live in that freedom while honoring You with my choices. Amen.

Day 5: Simple Salvation

Devotional

Sometimes we complicate what God has made simple. The path to salvation isn’t about perfect performance or complex religious rituals – it’s about accepting Jesus’s gift of grace. Just as Barabbas simply walked free because Jesus took his place, we too can experience freedom through Christ’s sacrifice. We don’t need to earn it or deserve it; we simply need to accept it. This beautiful simplicity of salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

Bible Verse

“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.” – Matthew 27:22

Reflection Question

In what ways might you be making your relationship with God more complicated than it needs to be?

Quote

“We try to make being right with Jesus so hard and Jesus tries to make it so easy.”

Prayer

Lord, thank You for making salvation so accessible. Help me embrace the simplicity of Your grace and share this good news with others. Amen.