Psalm 115 - 5.26.25

Scripture

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭115‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

Observation

This psalm is a call for all of God’s people to give God all the glory, honor, and praise that He deserves. This psalm reminds us to not put our trust in false idols that are merely man-made. Rather, it urges us to trust in The One True Living God, Who is our ultimate source of help and protection.

Application

In God We Trust.

I know we’ve all heard or seen this phrase before. After all, it’s written on our all of our currency. But, can we actually say that we live it out? 🤔

This psalm reminds us that we serve the One True Living God; the Creator of the universe; the One Who parts the seas and moves the mountains; the One Who heals the sick and raises the dead; the One whose love for us is so great that He came out of the comforts of Heaven. He humbly came to this earth. He showed us how to live godly lives and although He was sinless in every way, He willingly laid His life down on that cross and died a sinner’s death, to pay for our sins. Jesus was God in the flesh and His resurrection proves that. While others put their hope and faith in things that wither and fade away, we as Christians should stand strong in our faith knowing that we serve a God Who can do the impossible. We serve a God Who conquered death and everything in this world. But most importantly, we serve a God Who lives! So where or who is our trust going to today? I know Who I am trusting in…Jesus Christ! Let’s give Him all the glory and honor and praise. 🙌🏽

“Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.” -Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.”-Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭8‬ ‭

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” -Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭

““But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” -Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭

Prayer

Father God, I praise the name of Jesus today. Thank You for all that you have done and all that You continue to do in my life. You are so faithful! Please forgive me for the times I may turn to other things in life when troubles come my way. May I always remember to run to You first. May You always get all the praise and glory so that others will know of Your love and faithfulness. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi 

Romans 13 - 5.23.25

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[c]

Observation

Paul is reminding believers that we are “Morning People”. The dawn is coming, the alarm is ringing, the day is at hand. We need to wake up and be aware of what God is doing in this world. We need to put on the Armor of God and fight our battles on our knees. We need to clothe ourselves in righteousness and anticipate the Coming of Jesus.

Application

Jesus has given us “Night Vision” so we can see the darkness, but anticipate the hope of His salvation.

Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We need to wake up as Believers in Jesus Christ and fight against the darkness. We are summoned to battle, not with other people, but with the forces of destruction that enslave and divide humanity through hatred and fear. We need to be on our knees, praying fervently; we need to walk in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Not arguing and fighting amongst ourselves, but lifting each other up and encouraging them to fight. We need to have an urgency in our spirits to share Jesus with the lost and welcoming and embracing them just as Jesus did with us.

If you watch the news and see what’s happening around the world there is so much evidence that God is on the move and Jesus is coming back soon. Are you awake? Are you ready? Are you clothed in Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Wake us up! Help us to be the Men and Women of Christ that you died and rose again for. Make us Strong and Courageous knowing that you go before us in all situations. Help us to use our “night vision” so we don’t get swept away by lies and schemes of the devil. Help us to clothe ourselves in Jesus and shine our light. Let us live our lives as more than conquerors…Awake and Ready!

- Michelle Craig

Romans 12 - 5.22.25

S – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. “ Romans 12:2

O - Romans 12 serves as a pivotal chapter in the book of Romans, emphasizing practical Christian living and the transformation that comes from faith. It also marks a transition from the theological teachings of the first eleven chapters to practical applications for Christian living. Paul urges believers to respond to God's mercy by living sacrificially and using their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and the world (Biblehub.com)

A – A few ways we can live out the practical application are Daily Dedication - begin each day by consciously dedicating your actions and decisions to God, seeking to honor Him in all you do. We need to be renewing our minds - engage in regular Bible study and prayer to renew your mind, which will allow God's Word to shape your thoughts and attitudes. We need to know what our gifts are and use them - identify your spiritual gifts and find ways to use them in service to the church and our community, which helps foster unity and growth. And we should all be practicing genuine love. Make a deliberate effort to show sincere love to those around you, including acts of kindness and forgiveness, even when it is difficult.

P – Lord I pray first and foremost our commitment would be to YOU. I pray for the strength and willingness to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, fully dedicated to Your purposes, and not our own. I pray for a renewing of our minds, giving us Your daily wisdom and guidance in all areas of life. I pray for humble hearts that seek to serve others with the gifts You have given each of us. I pray that we would fill our hearts with Love and Forgiveness and that you would help us to love others sincerely, and to forgive those who have wronged us, reflecting Christ's love in our relationships. And may we be inspired to live lives that are transformed by God's grace, marked by sincere love and humble service, which will draw out others to You! In Jesus’ name!

- Crystal Flory