Today’s Always Uplifting Verse and Devotional to start your day off right!

Take A Breath Today

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Psalm 29:11 — The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Have you noticed the leaves beginning to change?

There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to slow down a little.

Maybe it’s the cooler air.

The colors in the trees.

Or the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet as you walk along a trail.

And if you’ve ever spent a fall afternoon at Kiroli Park, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

For just a little while, you can step away from the noise.

No deadlines.

No ringing phones.

No problems you have to solve right this second.

Just the trees, the birds, and a world that keeps turning whether you’re rushing around or not.

I was reading recently about Forest Park in St. Louis being named the best city park in America, and it got me thinking about how much places like that mean to us.

Not because they’re flashy.

Not because there’s always something exciting happening.

But because they give us something we don’t always realize we need.

Room to breathe.

And goodness, don’t we need that sometimes?

Because life has a way of making us believe that everything depends on us.

The bills have to be paid.

The deadlines have to be met.

The family needs something.

Work needs something.

And there’s always one more thing waiting for our attention.

Even when we finally sit down, our minds don’t always get the message.

We’re still thinking about tomorrow.

Replaying yesterday.

Trying to figure out how we’re going to handle everything that’s coming next.

And before long, we’re exhausted.

Not just physically.

But emotionally and spiritually, too.

Yet there’s something beautiful about Psalm 29.

If you read the entire chapter, you’ll notice that David spends much of it describing the incredible power of God.

His voice thunders over the waters.

His voice breaks mighty cedars.

His glory fills creation.

It’s a picture of a God whose power is beyond anything we can imagine.

And then, after all those descriptions of His strength and majesty, the psalm ends with these words:

“The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

Isn’t that something?

The same God whose voice shakes the wilderness is the God who offers peace to you and me.

The One who commands the mighty waters isn’t overwhelmed by the things that overwhelm us.

He isn’t worried about tomorrow.

He isn’t surprised by what happened yesterday.

And He certainly isn’t asking us to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.

He’s asking us to trust the One who already holds it.

Now, that doesn’t mean our responsibilities disappear.

The bills will still need to be paid.

The difficult conversations may still need to happen.

And tomorrow may bring challenges we haven’t even thought about yet.

But we don’t have to carry all of that as though we’re facing it alone.

Sometimes, we need to remember that being still isn’t the same thing as being irresponsible.

Taking a moment to rest doesn’t mean we’ve stopped caring.

And stepping away from the noise doesn’t mean everything is going to fall apart.

Sometimes, rest is simply an act of trust.

It’s our way of saying, “Lord, I know there are things I need to do. But I also know that You are God, and I am not.”

And there’s freedom in that.

So maybe today, you need to take a little walk.

Find a quiet spot.

Leave your phone in your pocket.

Listen to the birds.

Watch the leaves moving in the breeze.

And for just a few minutes, let yourself be reminded of how big God is.

You don’t have to solve every problem before you can experience His peace.

You don’t have to have tomorrow figured out before you can rest today.

And you don’t have to hold everything together.

Because the world can keep turning while you take a breath.

And do you know what?

He will still be God when you return.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When was the last time you intentionally slowed down and spent a few quiet moments with God?
  • What responsibilities or worries have you been carrying as though everything depends on you?
  • How does the picture of God’s power in Psalm 29 change the way you think about the challenges you’re facing?
  • Why can taking time to rest sometimes be an expression of faith rather than a sign of weakness?
  • What’s one simple way you could make room for God’s peace in your schedule this week?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

What am I trying so hard to hold together that I need to trust God with today?

/by

Bad Cookies, Good God

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Lamentations 3:22-23 — The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

My oven quit the other day.

Now, I’m pretty sure this oven came over on the Mayflower, so I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised.

It had a good run.

But that meant I needed a new one.

And that’s when I discovered something nobody had bothered to tell me.

Apparently, 350 degrees on one oven doesn’t always bake quite the same way as 350 degrees on another.

Who knew?

Well, I certainly didn’t.

At least, not until I pulled my first batch of cookies out of the new oven.

And let me tell you.

Those cookies were harder than my dining room table.

I didn’t technically burn them, but I’m pretty sure you could’ve lost a tooth trying to eat one.

They were not good.

Not even a little bit.

So, into the trash they went.

And I was frustrated.

Now, was I devastated?

No.

Heartbroken?

Of course not.

They were cookies, for goodness’ sake.

But I was frustrated.

And you know how that goes.

Sometimes, it doesn’t take something big to put us in a bad mood.

A rude comment.

A flat tire.

An email you really didn’t want to receive.

Or a batch of cookies that could probably survive being dropped off the roof.

And suddenly, that one little disappointment starts coloring the way we see everything else.

The rest of the day feels harder.

Our patience gets shorter.

And before we know it, we’re allowing one frustrating moment to decide what kind of day we’re going to have.

Have you ever done that?

I know I have.

But that got me thinking about a passage in Lamentations.

Now, Lamentations wasn’t written about a bad batch of cookies.

Not even close.

It’s a book filled with deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of God’s people.

The grief was real.

The loss was overwhelming.

And the circumstances weren’t going to be fixed by simply starting over.

But right there, in the middle of all that heartbreak, we find these beautiful words:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Think about that.

Those words weren’t written because everything was going wonderfully.

They were spoken in the middle of sorrow.

And that’s what makes them so powerful.

God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on how well our day is going.

His mercy isn’t reserved for the mornings when we wake up happy and everything goes according to plan.

It’s there when the day starts badly.

It’s there when we’re disappointed.

It’s there when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or wondering how we’re going to make it through something much bigger than a frustrating afternoon.

And His mercies are new every morning.

Every. Single. Morning.

That means yesterday’s disappointment doesn’t have to define today.

And today’s frustration doesn’t have to steal every bit of joy from what comes next.

Now, I’m not saying we should pretend that difficult things don’t hurt.

Some disappointments are much bigger than others.

Some take time to heal.

And some seasons of life are genuinely hard.

But even in those seasons, we can hold on to this truth:

Whatever changes around us, God’s love for us does not.

So maybe something didn’t go the way you hoped this week.

Maybe somebody hurt your feelings.

Maybe your plans fell apart.

Or maybe, like me, you just wanted a decent batch of cookies and ended up with something that could be used as a doorstop.

Whatever it is, don’t let that one moment convince you that everything else is ruined.

Take a breath.

Give yourself a little grace.

And remember that God’s mercy is still there.

Because even when the cookies are a complete loss, God’s faithfulness never is.

And tomorrow?

Well, tomorrow comes with brand-new mercies.

And maybe, just maybe, a better batch of cookies.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Have you ever allowed one small frustration to affect your attitude toward the rest of your day?
  • Why is it significant that the words about God’s new mercies appear in a book filled with grief and sorrow?
  • How does remembering God’s faithfulness help you respond differently when things don’t go according to plan?
  • Is there a disappointment you’ve been carrying that you need to bring to God?
  • What’s one practical way you can recognize and appreciate God’s mercy in the middle of an imperfect day?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

Am I allowing one disappointing moment to define my day, or am I making room to recognize God’s mercy in what comes next?

/by

You’re Gonna Be Alright

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Matthew 6:25-26 — That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

Some days, faith looks less like standing on a mountaintop and more like hanging on by your fingernails.

You know those days.

When the bills keep coming.

When the doctor’s office calls.

When someone you love is hurting, and there’s absolutely nothing you can do to fix it.

And everybody keeps telling you to trust God, but if you’re being truthful, you’re just trying to make it through the day.

That’s one of the things I appreciate about Matt Maher’s song, “Gonna Be Alright.”

It makes room for those days.

It doesn’t pretend that life is always easy or that we’ll never face something that shakes us to our core.

Instead, it reminds us of something we desperately need to remember.

Even when everything around us feels uncertain, God hasn’t changed.

And that’s exactly what Jesus was teaching in Matthew 6.

He told the people listening to Him to look at the birds.

Now, think about that for a minute.

Birds don’t plant crops.

They don’t fill barns with food for next winter.

They don’t have savings accounts or carefully planned retirement funds.

And yet, God provides for them.

Then Jesus asks a question that I think we sometimes read right past.

“And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

Let those words settle into your heart.

You are valuable to Him.

Not because you’ve managed to keep everything together.

Not because your faith has never wavered.

Not because you’ve figured out how to handle every problem life throws your way.

But because you belong to Him.

Of course, knowing that and feeling it can be two very different things.

The bills still have to be paid.

The medical tests still have to be taken.

The difficult conversations still have to happen.

And sometimes, even when we know God is faithful, we’re still afraid.

But here’s what I want you to remember.

Trusting God doesn’t mean you’ll never feel worried. It means you know where to take your worries when they come.

Jesus isn’t telling us to ignore our responsibilities or pretend our problems aren’t real.

He’s inviting us to stop carrying tomorrow’s burdens as though we’re carrying them alone.

And I think that’s where so many of us struggle.

We spend today worrying about what might happen tomorrow.

And then we worry about what we’ll do if it does.

Before long, we’ve lived through a hundred terrible possibilities in our minds, and none of them has even happened yet.

But our Heavenly Father already knows what we need.

He sees what we’re facing.

And He hasn’t forgotten us.

Now, that doesn’t mean everything will work out exactly the way we hope.

Sometimes the answer isn’t what we prayed for.

Sometimes the road is harder than we imagined.

And sometimes, we have to keep trusting God without knowing how the story is going to unfold.

But even then, His love doesn’t disappear.

His mercy doesn’t run out.

And His presence doesn’t depend on our circumstances.

So maybe today, you don’t feel particularly strong.

Maybe your faith feels a little shaky.

Maybe you’re holding on by your fingernails.

If that’s you, I want to encourage you to do something Jesus told us to do.

Look at the birds.

Really look at them.

Watch them for a moment.

And remember that the same God who created them, who knows their needs and provides for them, knows yours too.

You don’t have to figure out every detail of tomorrow today.

You don’t have to pretend you’re not afraid.

And you certainly don’t have to face any of it without Him.

Because the God who holds tomorrow is the same God who’s holding you today.

And even when you don’t know what’s coming next, you can rest in the love of the One who does.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What is one worry about tomorrow that has been stealing your peace today?
  • Why do you think Jesus used something as ordinary as birds to remind us of God’s care?
  • How does knowing that you are valuable to God change the way you think about your circumstances?
  • What’s the difference between trusting God and expecting Him to make everything turn out the way you want?
  • What practical step could you take today to bring a specific worry to God instead of continuing to carry it alone?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

What am I trying to carry into tomorrow that I need to place in God’s hands today?

 

L Y R I C S

Gonna be alright
Lilies of the field
They don’t toil they don’t spin
Sparrows in the wind
They sing of where they’ve been

If the hairs on my head are counted
And the tears that I cry, are too
Then why would I be anxious
If? It’s all just the same to you

Chorus:
I lift my eyes I know
Everything gonna be alright
My Lord
So why should I worry

Not a thing
That I lack
You’re with me
That’s a fact

I’m alive
It’s a ride
Where I go Lord I know
It’s gonna be alright

V2
Best days or my worst,
If i’m last or if i’m first
Sunshine or rain
The sky might fall but You remain

If the whole world’s in your hands Lord
and mercy’s always new
Then why would I be anxious
When It’s all just the same to you

There’s peace for the trouble this day
There’s hope that everything could change
Tomorrow’s gonna find it’s way
If you’re hanging on the edge of faith
Don’t be afraid

Songwriters: Matt Maher, Simon Dumas, Cecily Hennigan

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Love Smells Like Donuts

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1 Timothy 1:5 — The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

Is there a smell that can take you back to a certain place in an instant?

Maybe it’s your mama’s cooking.

Freshly baked bread.

Or something simmering on the stove.

For me?

It’s donuts.

And not just any donuts.

I’m talking about the homemade kind, fried fresh and served warm.

You see, when I was growing up, my grandma had a Halloween tradition that was a little different from everybody else’s.

While the neighbors were handing out little pieces of chocolate and hard candy, Grandma was standing on her front porch with an electric frying pan.

Making donuts.

Yes. You heard that right.

Fresh, homemade donuts.

Right there on the porch.

And let me tell you, the neighborhood kids knew exactly which house to visit.

They lined up for those donuts.

And so did their parents.

Because apparently, even grown-ups will abandon all dignity when a warm donut is involved.

And I can’t say I blame them!

But here’s what I remember most.

Grandma wasn’t doing anything fancy.

She wasn’t hosting some big event.

She was simply sharing something she loved making with the people around her.

And somehow, all these years later, I can still picture that porch.

I can still imagine the smell.

And I can still remember how special she made everyone feel.

Years later, when my two nieces started spending the night with me, we created our own little donut tradition.

The next morning, we’d get up and make homemade donuts together.

Now, I don’t know if they loved the donuts more or just loved being together.

But I know those mornings became something special to all three of us.

So special, in fact, that anytime I saw something with donuts on it while shopping for their birthdays or Christmas, you can bet I was buying it.

Donut pajamas?

Absolutely.

Something with a donut printed on it?

Into the shopping cart.

Because those silly little donuts had become a reminder of something much bigger.

Love.

Family.

Time spent together.

You know, these days I’ve heard people are putting all kinds of things on donuts.

Ham.

Cream cheese.

Fancy toppings I never would have imagined.

And hey, if that’s your thing, go right ahead.

But I’ve decided the best part of a donut has never been what’s on top.

It’s who you’re sharing it with.

And that makes me think about something Paul wrote to Timothy.

In 1 Timothy 1:5, he explains that the purpose of his instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

Think about that.

With all the things Paul could have emphasized, he wanted Timothy to understand that the goal was love.

Not just knowing the right answers.

Not simply looking like a good Christian.

But becoming the kind of person whose faith is genuine and whose love flows from a heart being changed by Jesus.

And here’s what I find so beautiful about that.

Love doesn’t always have to be something big.

It doesn’t always require a lot of money.

Or a perfectly planned moment.

Sometimes, love looks like an electric frying pan on a front porch.

Sometimes, it looks like two sleepy nieces making donuts after a sleepover.

Sometimes, it’s a cup of coffee with a friend, a phone call to someone who’s lonely, or an extra place at your dinner table.

Little things.

Ordinary moments.

But when they’re offered with genuine love, they have a way of staying with people.

I doubt my grandma ever imagined that decades later I’d still be talking about those Halloween donuts.

She probably just wanted to make the neighborhood kids smile.

But that’s the thing about love.

You don’t always know how far a small act of kindness will travel.

Sometimes, it travels all the way from a grandmother’s front porch into the hearts of another generation.

And maybe that’s worth thinking about today.

You don’t have to do something extraordinary to show someone the love of Jesus.

You just have to be willing to love the people God puts in front of you.

Because when Christ changes your heart, that love has a way of finding its way into everyday life.

And sometimes?

It smells a whole lot like homemade donuts.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What smell, food, or family tradition reminds you of someone who showed you love?
  • Who has made a lasting difference in your life through a seemingly small act of kindness?
  • In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul connects love with a pure heart, clear conscience, and genuine faith. How do those qualities work together?
  • Have you ever underestimated the impact of something simple you did for someone else?
  • What ordinary opportunity do you have today to show someone the love of Jesus?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

What small act of love could I offer today that someone might remember for years to come? 

/by

The Songs Mama Sang

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Ephesians 1:7 — He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 

I can still smell the butter beans simmering on the stove.

And the pot roast browning in the kitchen.

Growing up in Tallulah, Louisiana, our kitchen wasn’t very big, but somehow, Mom always managed to fill it with the most wonderful smells.

And if she was making her famous rice and gravy, well, you could count on finding me somewhere nearby, waiting impatiently for supper.

But there was something else that filled that little kitchen.

Music.

You see, Mom loved to sing while she cooked.

And not just any songs.

She sang the old hymns.

“At the Cross.”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

“The Old Rugged Cross.”

I can still hear her voice.

And isn’t it funny how a song can take you back?

All these years later, I can hear one of those hymns and suddenly I’m that little girl again, standing in Mom’s kitchen, waiting for supper.

But lately, something has changed.

I’m listening to those songs differently.

Especially the ones about the Cross.

You know, I’ve known about Jesus’ death and resurrection for as long as I can remember.

I’ve celebrated Easter.

I’ve heard the sermons.

I’ve sung the songs.

But lately, during my quiet time with God, I’ve found myself thinking more deeply about what happened on that Cross.

Not just the familiar story.

But the reality of it.

Jesus.

The Son of God.

Suffering.

Bleeding.

Giving His life.

For me.

And sometimes, when I sit quietly and think about that, it almost takes my breath away.

Because the Cross wasn’t just something that happened a long time ago. It was the price of my freedom.

Ephesians 1:7 says, “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.”

Think about those words.

Purchased our freedom.

Forgave our sins.

And not because we’d earned it.

Not because we’d somehow managed to be good enough.

But because God is so rich in kindness and grace.

You know, we talk a lot about generosity.

About giving what we have.

About making sacrifices for the people we love.

But when I think about the Cross, I realize that every act of love we offer is only a small reflection of the love Jesus has already shown us.

He didn’t give us something He could spare.

He gave Himself.

And through His sacrifice, He made a way for us to be forgiven, redeemed, and brought into a relationship with God.

That’s a gift we could never afford.

And one we could never repay.

But we can receive it.

We can live in gratitude for it.

And we can allow that love to change the way we love others.

I think that’s what has been stirring in my heart lately.

The more I understand what Jesus gave for me, the more I want my own life to reflect His love.

Not because I’m trying to earn His approval.

But because I’ve already been given more grace than I could ever deserve.

And now, when I hear those old hymns, I hear something I didn’t fully understand as a little girl.

Back then, I heard Mama singing while she made supper.

Today, I hear her singing about the Savior who gave His life for mine.

About forgiveness.

About grace.

About a love so great that it went all the way to the Cross.

And suddenly, those familiar songs mean more than they ever have before.

So the next time you hear an old hymn about the Cross, don’t let it become just another familiar song.

Listen a little closer.

Think about what Jesus gave.

Think about what His sacrifice means for you.

And let your heart be filled with gratitude.

Because all those years ago, in that little kitchen in Tallulah, Mama wasn’t just singing hymns while she cooked supper.

She was singing about the greatest gift I would ever receive.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Is there a hymn or worship song that brings back a special memory of someone who helped shape your faith?
  • When you think about Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, what part of His love and grace moves you most deeply?
  • Ephesians 1:7 says our freedom and forgiveness were purchased through Jesus’ blood. How does that change the way you view God’s grace?
  • Have familiar Bible stories or worship songs ever taken on a deeper meaning during a particular season of your life?
  • How can remembering what Jesus gave for you influence the way you love and serve others today?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

Have I become so familiar with the story of the Cross that I’ve forgotten to stand in awe of what Jesus did for me?

/by

Seven Dollars and Thirty-Two Cents

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Proverbs 15:16 — Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. 

There was coffee brewing at the radio station the morning of our fundraiser.

Which was appropriate, because Tammi and I are both coffee girlies.

And if you know us, you know we take our coffee seriously.

As we were sipping, Tammi started telling me about her morning drive-through routine.

“I know I could make coffee at home,” she said, “but it just tastes so much better when someone else makes it.”

Yes.

Amen.

I couldn’t agree more!

There are just some things in life that are better when somebody else does the work.

And coffee is definitely one of them.

But somewhere in the middle of our conversation, Tammi remembered she had a little cash in her wallet.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I hardly ever carry cash anymore.

So she pulled it out and started counting.

A few bills.

Some change.

And when she finished, she had exactly seven dollars and thirty-two cents.

$7.32.

She looked at it for a moment and said, “You know what? I’m going to give this.”

And just like that, she did.

Now, Tammi knew exactly where that money probably would have gone.

Another trip through the coffee drive-through.

Another cup of coffee she didn’t really need.

And listen, there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a good cup of coffee!

But in that moment, she decided there was something else she wanted to do with those dollars.

And I just loved that.

Not because $7.32 was some enormous sacrifice.

Not because it was going to change the entire fundraising total.

But because she didn’t stop to ask whether what she had was enough to matter.

She simply decided to use it for something that mattered to her.

And I’ve been thinking about that ever since.

Especially when I read Proverbs 15:16.

“Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.”

Now, that verse isn’t saying it’s wrong to have money.

And it isn’t saying that having less automatically makes us more spiritual.

It’s reminding us that the amount we have matters far less than the place it holds in our hearts.

Because you can have a lot and still feel like you never have enough.

Or you can have a little and discover a deep sense of peace because you know where your security really comes from.

Not your bank account.

Not your possessions.

But the Lord.

And that changes how we think about generosity.

Because sometimes we convince ourselves that we’ll be generous later.

When we have more.

When the bills are paid.

When there’s a little extra sitting in the bank.

And of course, we need to be wise with our money and take care of our responsibilities.

But generosity doesn’t always have to wait for some future season when everything feels financially comfortable.

Sometimes it begins with a simple question.

What do I have right now that I could use to bless someone else?

You know, that reminds me of another story in the Bible.

A little boy with five loaves of bread and two fish.

Not exactly enough to feed a crowd of thousands.

But he offered what he had.

And in the hands of Jesus, that small lunch became part of something extraordinary.

Now, I’m not suggesting every small gift will turn into a miracle like that one.

But I do think there’s something beautiful about being willing to offer what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t.

Tammi had $7.32.

The little boy had five loaves and two fish.

And maybe today, you have something you could share, too.

It might be money.

It might be time.

It might be a talent, a kind word, or an opportunity to help someone who needs it.

Whatever it is, don’t dismiss it just because it seems small.

Because generosity doesn’t begin with having a lot. It begins with a heart that’s willing to share.

And sometimes, that looks like seven dollars and thirty-two cents.

And one less trip through the coffee drive-through.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Have you ever put off being generous because you felt you didn’t have enough to give?
  • What does Proverbs 15:16 teach you about the difference between financial wealth and spiritual contentment?
  • How can small, intentional choices help us become more generous people?
  • What is something you regularly spend money or time on that you could occasionally redirect toward helping someone else?
  • How might your attitude toward giving change if you focused less on the size of the gift and more on the heart behind it?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

What do I already have that I could use to bless someone else today?

/by

From Hobby to Hero

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2 Thessalonians 1:3 — Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 

It all started with a YouTube video.

Thirteen-year-old Zach watched someone using a 3D printer and thought, Hey, I want to try that!

Now, most kids might use a 3D printer to make something fun.

A toy.

Something cool for their bedroom.

Maybe something they could show off to their friends.

But Zach had a different idea.

He heard about a little girl with special needs who needed a wheelchair.

And instead of thinking, Somebody should do something about that, he decided to see what he could do.

So he got to work.

And let me tell you, this wasn’t some little weekend project.

Zach spent 300 hours that summer designing and building a wheelchair for her.

Three hundred hours!

But here’s what makes this story so special.

He didn’t just design a wheelchair.

He designed a wheelchair for her.

He thought about what she needed.

Adjustable footrests and a headrest so the chair could grow with her.

Space for her medical equipment.

A tray.

A cup holder.

And even pink accents.

Why pink?

Because pink was her favorite color.

Now, I love that detail.

Because it tells me Zach wasn’t just trying to solve a problem.

He was thinking about the person who had the problem.

He wanted her to have something that would make her life easier, but also something that felt like it belonged to her.

He could have stopped at making a chair. Instead, he made her chair.

And isn’t that a beautiful picture of what love looks like?

Love pays attention.

Love notices the little things.

And love is willing to put in the time to make a difference.

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes something beautiful to the believers there.

He says, “We can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.”

I love the connection between those two things.

Their faith was growing.

And so was their love.

Because when faith grows in our hearts, love should begin showing up in our actions.

And sometimes those actions look pretty ordinary.

Maybe you don’t have a 3D printer.

I certainly wouldn’t know what to do with one!

But you have something.

Maybe you’re good at fixing things.

Maybe you love to cook.

Maybe you have a gift for music, or teaching, or making people laugh when they’ve had a terrible day.

Maybe you’re the person who knows how to listen without interrupting.

Or the one who always seems to notice when somebody needs a little encouragement.

You might not think those things are anything special.

But to the right person, at the right moment, they could mean more than you realize.

You see, Zach didn’t have to wait until he was older.

He didn’t have to become an engineer.

He didn’t have to have a lot of money.

He started with something that interested him.

And then he looked for a way to use it to help somebody else.

That’s what I want us to remember today.

God can use what’s already in your hands to meet a need that’s on somebody else’s heart.

And sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t the thing we make or the money we give.

It’s the love and thoughtfulness behind it.

It’s taking the time to notice what someone really needs.

It’s caring enough to make something personal.

Just like Zach did.

So today, take a moment and think about what God has given you.

Your abilities.

Your interests.

Your experiences.

Your time.

And ask Him a simple question.

“Lord, how can I use what You’ve given me to love somebody else?”

Because somewhere nearby, there may be someone who needs exactly what you have to offer.

And who knows?

What seems like an ordinary gift in your hands might become something extraordinary in theirs.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What detail about Zach’s wheelchair shows you that he was thinking about the little girl, not just the project?
  • How does 2 Thessalonians 1:3 connect growing faith with growing love for others?
  • What talents, abilities, or interests have you overlooked because they don’t seem particularly important?
  • Can you remember a time when someone used an ordinary skill or small act of kindness to make a meaningful difference in your life?
  • Who in your life might benefit from something you already know how to do?

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

What has God already placed in my hands that I could use to make someone else’s life better? 

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The Sound of Two Coins

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Philemon 1:6 — And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

There are some gifts you can hear.

A big check landing in a church offering plate has a certain sound.

So does a pocketful of change when somebody drops it all at once.

But I want you to imagine a much quieter sound.

Clink.

Clink.

Just two little coins.

That’s all.

There’s a story in the Bible about a widow who walked into the temple one day while Jesus was watching people bring their offerings.

The wealthy were giving large amounts.

And then came this woman.

A widow.

Someone who likely knew what it meant to live with very little.

She stepped forward and dropped two small copper coins into the offering.

Clink. Clink.

No applause.

No big announcement.

Nothing that would have caused the crowd to stop and stare.

In fact, if you’d been standing nearby, you might not have noticed her at all.

But Jesus did.

And what He said next probably surprised everybody.

He called His disciples over and told them that this poor widow had given more than all the others.

Now, wait a minute.

More?

The wealthy people had given far larger amounts.

Her two coins were worth almost nothing.

But here’s what Jesus understood that everyone else seemed to miss.

He wasn’t measuring the size of her gift. He was seeing the sacrifice behind it.

The others had given out of their abundance.

But this woman had given everything she had to live on.

And suddenly, those two tiny coins didn’t seem so small anymore.

You know, I think there’s something about this story that challenges the way we look at generosity.

Because we tend to measure gifts by numbers.

How much was given?

How much was raised?

How big was the contribution?

But Jesus looked beyond the amount.

He saw the person.

He saw what the gift represented.

And He saw something nobody else could see.

Her heart.

Now, this story isn’t a command for everyone to empty their bank accounts or ignore their responsibilities.

But it does remind us that God sees generosity differently than we do.

And that’s where today’s Scripture comes in.

In Philemon, Paul prays that generosity flowing from faith will grow as believers recognize all the good things they have in Christ.

I love that.

Because generosity doesn’t begin with looking at what we have in our wallets.

It begins with remembering what we’ve already received from God.

Grace we could never earn.

Forgiveness we could never deserve.

A Savior who gave Himself for us.

And the promise that we belong to Him.

When we remember those gifts, something begins to change.

We stop thinking of generosity as a way to impress God.

And we begin to see it as a response to His goodness.

We give because we’ve been loved.

We share because we’ve been blessed.

We look for ways to help because Jesus has already given so much to us.

And sometimes, what we have to offer may seem small.

A few dollars.

A little time.

A simple act of kindness.

Something that might never get noticed by anyone else.

But don’t underestimate what God can do with a willing heart.

Because the widow’s two coins remind us that the value of a gift isn’t always something you can count.

Sometimes it’s found in the love behind it.

Sometimes it’s found in the trust it represents.

And sometimes it’s found in a quiet act of faith that nobody else even notices.

Nobody, that is, except Jesus.

So today, don’t spend your time comparing what you can give with what somebody else can give.

Instead, ask God to help you recognize all He’s already given you.

And then look for an opportunity to let that gratitude become generosity.

Because the gifts that matter most aren’t always the ones that make the biggest noise.

Sometimes they sound like this.

Clink.

Clink.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Why do you think Jesus noticed the widow’s two coins when others may have overlooked her?
  • Have you ever felt that what you could give wasn’t enough to make a difference?
  • How does remembering God’s grace, forgiveness, and love change your attitude toward generosity?
  • What’s the difference between giving to impress others and giving as an expression of gratitude to God?
  • What is one way you can practice meaningful generosity today, whether through money, time, encouragement, or kindness? 

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

Am I measuring what I have to give by its size, or by the love and faith behind it? 

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Running Low, But Not Running Out

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Psalm 34:10 — Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. 

Have you ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Lord, I have absolutely no idea how this is going to work”?

The house payment is due.

The car payment is coming.

The grocery list keeps getting longer, but the money seems to be getting shorter.

And suddenly, tuna fish sandwiches are looking pretty good!

If you’ve ever been there, you know those are the moments when trusting God isn’t just a nice Christian phrase.

It’s something you desperately need.

Because faith feels a whole lot easier when the bills are paid and there’s money left in the bank.

But what about the seasons when there isn’t enough?

When you’re doing everything you know to do, and the numbers still don’t add up?

When you’re praying for provision, but you’re not sure where it’s going to come from?

That’s when Psalm 34:10 offers us a beautiful reminder.

“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”

Think about that.

Even lions, some of the strongest creatures in the wild, aren’t guaranteed a full stomach every day.

Their strength doesn’t mean they’ll never experience hunger.

And our faith doesn’t mean we’ll never experience hardship.

But here’s what I love about this verse.

Our circumstances may change, but God’s goodness doesn’t.

Now, that doesn’t mean God promises to fill our bank accounts or make every financial problem disappear.

Sometimes His provision comes through an unexpected opportunity.

Sometimes it’s through the kindness of another person.

And sometimes it’s the strength, wisdom, and peace we need to make it through a difficult season.

But whatever the situation, we can trust that God sees us, knows what we need, and hasn’t forgotten us.

And there’s something else I’ve been thinking about.

When we know God is our provider, we don’t have to let fear make every decision for us.

That changes how we think about generosity, too.

Because isn’t it easy to say, “I’ll be generous when I have a little more”?

When the bills are caught up.

When the savings account looks better.

When there’s something left over.

And listen, we absolutely need to be wise with what God has entrusted to us. Taking care of our families and meeting our responsibilities matters.

But generosity isn’t always about money.

Sometimes it’s sharing a meal.

Sometimes it’s offering your time.

Sometimes it’s giving someone a ride, making a phone call, or helping a neighbor who’s having an even harder day than you are.

And yes, sometimes, when we’re able, it’s sharing financially even when we don’t have an abundance.

Because generosity isn’t measured by how much we have. It’s revealed in how willing we are to love.

Maybe you’re in a lean season right now.

Maybe you’re staring at bills and wondering how everything is going to come together.

If that’s you, I want you to hear something today.

Having a need doesn’t mean you’ve failed at trusting God.

And struggling doesn’t mean He’s stopped taking care of you.

You can bring those worries to Him.

You can ask Him for help.

And you can trust Him one day at a time, even while you’re still waiting for answers.

But maybe you’re in a season where you have a little extra.

If so, ask God to show you someone who could use some encouragement or help.

You never know.

The very provision someone else is praying for might be something God has placed in your hands to share.

And whether you’re the one who needs help or the one who can offer it, remember this:

God’s goodness isn’t determined by the balance in your bank account.

So trust Him with what you need.

Thank Him for what you have.

And keep your heart open to what He might do through you.

Because even when life feels like there’s not enough, God’s goodness has not run out.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Have you ever experienced a season when your financial circumstances made it difficult to trust God? What helped you through it?
  • Psalm 34:10 reminds us that even strong lions sometimes go hungry. How does that change the way you think about hardship and faith?
  • Have you ever experienced God’s provision in an unexpected way, perhaps through another person’s kindness?
  • How can fear about not having enough affect our willingness to be generous?
  • What is one way you could show generosity this week that doesn’t necessarily involve money? 

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

Am I allowing what I don’t have to overshadow my trust in the God who knows what I need? 

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Tree Climber Theology

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Luke 15:4 — If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

Have you ever noticed how quickly we can decide we know someone?

Maybe we’ve heard a story about them.

Maybe we know something they did years ago.

Or maybe we’ve just watched them make a few bad decisions, and we’ve already made up our minds about who they are.

It’s funny how easily a person’s reputation can become their entire identity in our eyes.

But aren’t you glad Jesus doesn’t see people that way?

There’s a story in the Bible about a man named Zacchaeus.

And let me tell you, Zacchaeus had a reputation.

He was a wealthy tax collector, and in those days, tax collectors weren’t exactly winning popularity contests.

They were known for taking advantage of people, and Zacchaeus certainly wasn’t someone the crowd was eager to welcome.

But one day, Jesus was passing through Jericho.

And Zacchaeus wanted to see Him.

There was just one little problem.

Zacchaeus was short.

And with all those people crowding around Jesus, he couldn’t see a thing.

So he did what any determined grown man would do.

He climbed a tree.

Now, can you imagine that?

Here’s this wealthy, important man perched up in a tree like a little kid, just hoping to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

I wonder what he was thinking up there.

Maybe he figured he’d watch Jesus pass by and then quietly climb back down.

After all, why would Jesus want anything to do with a man like him?

But then something happened Zacchaeus probably never expected.

Jesus stopped.

He looked up.

And He called Zacchaeus by name.

“Zacchaeus! Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Now, notice what Jesus didn’t say.

He didn’t say, “Zacchaeus, straighten out your life first.”

He didn’t say, “Explain yourself.”

And He certainly didn’t say, “Once you’ve earned everybody’s approval, maybe we can talk.”

No.

Jesus simply called him down and invited Himself over.

Jesus saw the man everyone else had already decided they knew.

And that changes everything.

Because in Luke 15, Jesus tells us about a shepherd with a hundred sheep.

When one wanders away, the shepherd goes looking for it.

Not because that one sheep is worth more than the other ninety-nine.

But because the one that’s missing matters, too.

And isn’t that exactly what we see in Zacchaeus?

While the crowd saw a sinner, Jesus saw someone worth seeking.

While others grumbled that Jesus would spend time with a man like him, Jesus was already doing what He came to do.

Reaching the lost.

In fact, at the end of Zacchaeus’s story, Jesus says something that connects these two passages beautifully.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

And here’s what I love.

Jesus didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to get his act together before He approached him.

But that encounter didn’t leave Zacchaeus unchanged, either.

Zacchaeus responded with repentance and generosity. He promised to give half his wealth to the poor and repay those he had cheated four times over.

The man who had spent so much of his life taking from others was now ready to give.

Jesus didn’t overlook his sin. He offered him something powerful enough to change his life.

Grace.

And friend, I wonder how many people around us are a little like Zacchaeus.

People carrying reputations they can’t seem to escape.

People who’ve made mistakes and wonder if that’s all anyone will ever see.

People who feel like they have to watch from a distance because surely Jesus wouldn’t want anything to do with them.

But He does.

He knows their names.

He knows their stories.

And He hasn’t stopped seeking people who are lost.

So here’s a question I’ve been asking myself.

Am I seeing people the way the crowd saw Zacchaeus, or the way Jesus saw him?

Because it’s easy to notice someone’s failures.

It’s easy to remember their past.

It’s easy to decide who they are before we ever take the time to know them.

But love looks closer.

Grace makes room.

And sometimes, the most Christlike thing we can do is simply refuse to overlook someone everybody else has written off.

Maybe there’s someone in your world who needs that kind of love today.

Someone who needs to know their story isn’t finished.

Someone who needs to hear that their past doesn’t have to define their future.

Someone who’s waiting to be noticed.

So today, look around.

And maybe, just maybe, look up.

Because you never know who’s sitting in a tree, hoping someone will see them.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Have you ever felt that someone judged you by your past rather than who you are today?
  • What does Jesus’ decision to call Zacchaeus by name reveal about His heart for people who feel rejected?
  • Why is it important that Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus before Zacchaeus demonstrated a change of heart?
  • Is there someone you’ve written off because of their reputation or past mistakes? How might God be challenging you to see them differently?
  • What could you do this week to help someone feel noticed, valued, and welcomed? 

QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU TODAY

Who might Jesus be asking me to notice that everyone else has overlooked?

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