Tag: Daily Bread

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Abundant Life Pt. 7: Abundant Love

5 God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:5

As we wrap up our “Abundant Life” journey, let’s pause to marvel at God’s love—the pulse of it all. Paul assures us that “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). This love isn’t a mere drip but a deluge, an overflowing fountain that floods our very souls, saturating our every step because His is a steadfast love that lasts forever, through His Holy Spirit. It’s the thread weaving through “Life More Abundantly,” where Jesus offers fullness (John 10:10), to “Help My Unbelief,” where faith falters yet holds (Mark 9:24). This love—steadfast and eternal—lifts us with grace (Abundant Grace), steadies us with peace (Abundant Peace), and fills us with joy (Abundant Joy).

But Jesus didn’t intend for this love to stop with us. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This isn’t a cozy keepsake—it’s a bold marker of who we are. Hoard it, and it fades; share it, and it blazes, showing the world Christ’s transforming power.

Take Sarah, a single mom drowning in bills and loneliness. Her neighbor, Mark, saw her weary shuffle and offered to mow her lawn—no strings attached. At first, Sarah blinked, unsure, but as the mower hummed, a weight lifted. Then came a hesitant “thank you,” a chat over lemonade, and soon, a friendship. She felt truly seen—not just noticed, but valued—and Mark found purpose. That’s Life to the Full (John 10:10): love poured out, forging connection. We can do it too—tune out distractions, listen intentionally, hear a friend’s struggle, and echo Jehovah Shammah, “the LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). It’s a simple step that heals a fractured world.

Then there’s James, stewing over a friend’s betrayal. Inspired by Abundant Grace, he texted, “I forgive you—let’s move on.” Tough? Yes. But the Spirit’s love fueled it, mending their bond and healing their relationship, Ephesians 4:32 in action. We, too, can choose kindness over venom, letting Romans 5:5 spill into our daily life with words of hope.

Finally, picture Maria, grilling burgers for neighbors. Laughter erupts, stories flow—it’s a slice of Abundant Joy (Psalms 16:11). It doesn’t take much—a coffee, a prayer night—to reflect God’s steadfast love. So pray boldly, “LORD, show me one person to love today.”

This abundant life isn’t just ours to hoard—it’s for sharing. God’s love, flooding our hearts, demands an outlet. As vessels of His grace, peace, and joy, we extend His love through Spirit-led acts, overflowing with Abundant Love to transform our world, one connection at a time.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast love. We love, because Your Son Jesus first loved us. Help me share Your love so that others can be ministered to. Healing comes through Your love, Your steadfast love. Let every soul say, “The steadfast love of God is forever.” In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 6: Abundant Joy

11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ~ John 15:11

The context of this passage is crucial. Jesus was nearing the end of His earthly ministry, fully aware of the trials, suffering, and crucifixion awaiting Him and, in time, His disciples. Yet, He chose to emphasize Abundant Joy over despair—not just any joy, but a powerful, deep-seated force that laughs in the face of danger and smirks in the presence of anguish. Far from a temporary, fleeting emotion, this Abundant Joy is a profound, abiding state flowing from Him, inviting us into a rich, deeply fulfilling relationship untouched by circumstances. It offers comfort that transcends every challenge and affliction, an Abundant Joy independent of favorable conditions, rooted solely in His unshakable presence.

To live in this Abundant Joy means anchoring ourselves in the truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us on the cross. When we embrace Christ’s Abundant Joy, we know it is rooted in the eternal rather than the temporal, and so we eagerly anticipate His return when He will gather His jewels—an event the Early Church called ‘The Blessed Hope.’ As we Christians comfort one another with this truth, Abundant Joy radiates from every fiber of our being, fueled by the promise of seeing our Savior and dwelling with Him forever. This understanding reshapes our perception of Abundant Joy, solidifying it with the knowledge that even in our darkest moments, God is working for our good. Indeed, the Abundant Joy of the LORD is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), empowering us to face challenges with unwavering faith and hope.

Just as a branch draws sustenance from the vine, we too draw Abundant Joy from our Savior. As we happily bear one another’s burdens, we also share in each other’s joys, united as a body grounded in Christ. Our circumstances may shift—struggles may emerge, pains may pierce our hearts, and trials may test our foundations—but the Abundant Joy of Jesus remains an unshakable constant.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth that the Joy of the LORD is my strength. Please help me to make that a reality. Help me to rise above my circumstances and immerse myself in the joy of the LORD, Your Abundant Joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 5: Abundant Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7NIV

In today’s world, anxiety pervades every stratum of society due to financial struggles, health concerns, relationship challenges, and the heaviness of life. No one is immune; everyone faces moments of worry and doubt. Yet, Jesus promises us a peace that surpasses all understanding, woven into the Abundant Life He offers. It is deeply reassuring to know that the source of His Abundant Peace—His shalom—lies not in our surroundings but in the unshakable presence of the Blessed Savior.

Shalom peace is no ordinary calm, no simple truce—it’s a mighty, divine force of wholeness, a gift of peace so powerful it unleashes God’s mighty power that conquers chaos and renews our very being. It defies storms, overthrows despair, and mends our brokenness, filling every void within us. Anchored in God’s unwavering covenant love, it wields the authority to heal and restore us, triumphing over any and every circumstance we face. It’s a gift to us from Jesus, our LORD and Savior. This unshakable gift of Abundant Peace is a foretaste of the eternal fullness that awaits all those who believe.

This portion of Scripture reveals the key to receiving God’s peace, echoing the old hymn ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus,’ which tells us to ‘Take it to the LORD in prayer.’ The Apostle Paul encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer with a heart full of thanksgiving. It’s hard to feel anxious when you are filled with gratitude. This serves as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about the burdens we carry. When we shift our focus from our worries to God’s faithfulness, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. There is Abundant Peace knowing that He has seated us with Him in heavenly places. This understanding reshapes our perception of Abundant Peace, solidifying it with the knowledge that even in our darkest moments, God is working for our good—the shalom peace that restores and sustains us.

Julie, a mother whose young son, Isaac, had been battling a rare form of cancer, was devastated when doctors informed her that there was nothing more they could do. Isaac’s condition had deteriorated rapidly, and Julie faced the crushing reality that she was about to lose her son. Amid endless hospital visits, treatments, and sleepless nights, Julie’s heart was heavy with fear, anxiety, and helplessness. On one particularly difficult day, after receiving the news that Isaac’s time was running out, Julie felt overwhelmed by grief and despair. In the quiet of that hospital room, she didn’t have the words to pray, but she cried out to God from her heart, asking for His peace. As she whispered, ‘God, I can’t do this without You,’ a calm, overwhelming peace filled her spirit. It wasn’t the peace that changed the circumstances, but the peace that steadied her heart, knowing Jesus was with her. A few days later, Isaac passed away, but Julie continued to experience the peace of God, knowing that Jesus was by her side in her darkest moments, holding her heart together when everything else felt like it was falling apart.

Let me encourage you today to examine your own heart. Are there areas where you’re struggling to trust God? I invite you to bring those worries before Him in prayer today, keeping in mind that Jesus has promised us the Abundant Life, which includes His surpassing peace—His shalom. He purchased it for us, and now He offers it to us unconditionally. Isaiah wrote, ‘The chastisement that brought us peace was upon Him’ (Isaiah 53:5, NIV). And before Jesus was taken up, He said, “My peace I give you, My peace I leave with you” (John 14:27 NIV), giving us the peace that He purchased for us.

Now give thanks and receive the peace that Jesus offers. Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus, who endured the punishment that brought me peace. Help me to be thankful and grateful, knowing that You hold all things together with the word of Your power, and that You worketh everything to my good. I receive Your peace right now in the midst of my storm, hold me as I learn to trust You and depend upon You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 4: Abundant Grace

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. ~ Titus 2:11-12NIV

In a world where we often feel weighed down by our shortcomings, failures, and struggles, God offers us something extraordinary: His Abundant Grace. This grace isn’t earned or deserved—it’s freely given, a lavish gift flowing from His heart of love. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God declares, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” What a promise! When we’re at our lowest, when our strength fails and our weaknesses loom large, His Abundant Grace steps in—not just to patch us up, but to empower us, transforming our frailties into a canvas for His strength.

This Abundant Grace meets us in our deepest need, offering forgiveness where we’ve fallen short and mercy where we’ve strayed. It’s the grace that lifts us from the mire of guilt and shame, assuring us that we are seen, known, and loved by a Savior who bore our burdens on the Cross. Through this Abundant Grace, we experience the Abundant Life Jesus promised—a life not defined by our perfection but by His provision. Paul himself embraced this truth, boasting gladly in his weaknesses so that Christ’s power could shine through (2 Corinthians 12:9). And so can we. When we surrender our inadequacies to Him, His Abundant Grace becomes our sufficiency, turning our brokenness into a testimony of His mercy.

Let’s pause and reflect: Are there places in your life where you feel weak or unworthy? Bring them before God today. His Abundant Grace is more than enough, and it’s freely given, endlessly sufficient, and powerfully transformative. It’s the heartbeat of the Abundant Life, where forgiveness washes us clean, mercy restores our souls, and His strength carries us forward. Receive it with open hands, and let it lead you into the fullness of His love.

Heavenly Father, I surrender all to You. All of my cares, my worries, and all of my concerns. I confess all of my shortcomings and all of my mistakes. Please forgive my straying, help me to live a life worthy of Your Abundant Grace that You have lavished on me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 3: Life To The Full

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ~ John 10:10

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us, His sheep. Pause and consider this truth: if Jesus willingly sacrificed everything so that we might have eternal life, will He not also provide for our needs? Will He not respond to the desperate cries of our hearts when we cry out in faith? Of course, He will. His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just to secure our eternal salvation—it was to ensure we could experience life in its fullness, a life marked by His provision, care, and abundance right here and right now in this life. He promises an abundant life.

Let me share a story about a young woman from Iran whose story proves this truth. Her mother was a moderate Christian, and her father was a non-practicing Muslim. After her mother’s death, she veered off course—spiraling out of control, she began drinking and sleeping around. By her early adulthood, she was an unmarried mother of two, burdened by the consequences of her choices. Her reckless lifestyle strained her relationship with her family. Her stepmother eventually gave her father an ultimatum: “It’s her or me.” Her father told her she had to leave. With nowhere to go, she and her children ended up homeless, hungry, and sleeping in a park.

At her lowest point, she felt utterly defeated. She went to her daughter’s grandparents and told them she was considering placing her daughter in an orphanage in hopes that it might give her child a better chance. The girl’s grandparents stepped in and told her she could stay there with them instead.

Eventually, the young woman found a job and rented a small apartment, scraping by to rebuild her life. But food remained scarce, and desperation crept back in. One day, she remembered a Bible she’d been given years earlier—a rare treasure in her country, valuable enough to sell for a decent sum, perhaps enough to buy groceries. Yet she hesitated. The man who had given her the Bible had said, “If you don’t need it, give it away for free, just as you received it for free.” Convicted by those words, she decided to keep it.

Hungry and hopeless, she opened the Bible and read the story about Jesus and His disciples in John 21. The disciples had fished all night but had caught nothing, and now they were returning exhausted. Jesus called out from the shore, “Do you have any fish?” They replied, “No.” Yet when they reached the shore, He had breakfast waiting—broiled fish and bread, a meal prepared by His own hands. A surge of anger and despair welled up in her. “You had Jesus,” she accused the disciples silently, “but who do I have? Who cares for me?”

That same morning, still hungry, she arrived at work. Near her desk sat two potatoes and some food—no one was around. When her coworker arrived, she asked, “Where did this come from?” Her coworker smiled and said, “I put it there. We don’t have much ourselves, but we wanted to share with you.” In that moment, she saw it: Jesus was with her, just as He was with His disciples, providing through unexpected hands.

Jesus came that we might have life—abundant life. He’s our Good Shepherd, our Provider, our unfailing resource. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus offers hope, a future, and provision beyond our imagination. Hebrews 13:5 echoes His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That woman’s potatoes weren’t just food—they were a sign of His care, a whisper of the abundant life He died to give us. When we’re at our lowest, He’s still near, meeting needs in ways we might miss if we don’t look for Him. So, trust Him today. Ask boldly. The Good Shepherd who gave His life for you won’t hold back what you need to thrive.

Father, thank You that no matter how desperate my life might become, no matter how hopeless my circumstances may seem, You are there with me. You are always by my side. Thank you for giving us life to the full, LORD Jesus. Help me never to lose hope no matter the situation or the circumstance because I know there is a greater reward, an even more abundant life coming in eternity. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 2: Help My Unbelief

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” ~ Mark 9:20-24

This father’s desperate plea reveals a struggle we can all relate to: the battle between faith and doubt. He brought his son to Jesus, confident in His power to heal. Why else would he come? He had likely heard stories of Jesus’ miracles—perhaps even knew someone touched by His hand. John tells us that Jesus performed so many wonders that the world couldn’t contain the books if they were all written down (John 21:25). So, this father arrived expecting a miracle. But when the disciples failed to cast out the demon, his confidence faltered. Doubt crept in, and he began to question Jesus’ authority, saying, “If you can do anything …”

Jesus’ response is striking: “If you can? All things are possible for one who believes.” The father’s words had betrayed his wavering faith, and Jesus called it out—not to condemn, but to challenge. Realizing his struggle, the father cried out for help with his unbelief. His story mirrors a challenge we often face today. We know God’s power. We’ve seen Him move. Yet, over time, familiarity can dull our expectations. Like this father, we can become “inoculated” against the fullness of God’s promises.

In the 18th century, doctors inoculated patients against smallpox by exposing them to a small dose of the disease, triggering immunity. Similarly, we can be around church, prayer, and God’s Word just enough to grow complacent. We’ve witnessed half-hearted faith and tepid prayers, and it numbs us to the miraculous. Doubt sneaks in, and we start to wonder if God will really act.

But Jesus offers a better way. He paid the ultimate price—not just for our salvation, but for our healing: spirit, soul, and body. Isaiah 53:5 proclaims, “By His stripes, we are healed.” The abundant life He promises includes freedom from sickness. So, if you’re battling illness today, don’t settle for doubt. Proclaim your healing, ask Jesus to uproot any unbelief, and trust in His finished work on the cross. Let’s reject inoculation and embrace the complete transformation God desires for us. Heavenly Father, help me with my unbelief. I know that for those who believe, all things are possible. Please help me reach that point so that I can live the abundant life that You promised. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 1: Life More Abundant

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” ~ John 10:7-11

In this devotional series, we will explore what Jesus meant when He said He came so we might have life—and have it more abundantly—and how we can experience this abundant life.

Jesus declares He came so that we—those who accept Him as LORD and Savior—might live an abundant life. What does that look like? It’s more than spiritual vitality alone. It includes your spirit, yes, but also your physical health and emotional peace. You’re not living abundantly if illness traps you in bed or limits what your youth should enjoy, nor if setbacks steal your joy. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy—through disease, despair, or temptation—but Jesus, our Door, leads us to green pastures. He feeds our souls.

As His sheep, we face a spiritual battle, but through Him, we overcome. He laid down His life, took our chastisement for peace (Isaiah 53:5), and left us His peace (John 14:27). So don’t let the world’s troubles conquer you. Lean on Him in prayer when storms hit, trusting His strength to carry you. Fix your eyes on His promises—like Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—to rise above fear or failure. With His Spirit, we are more than conquerors through Christ, who saves and strengthens us.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for sending Your beloved Son to die on Calvary for us. Thank You, Jesus, for being obedient even unto death so that we might have life and life more abundantly. Teach me how to rely on Your grace so that I might be an overcomer. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Approach Wisely

Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

[13]  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. [14]  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We now live in a society that wants to box is on to labels. Labels that we now just throw around and try to self-diagnosis in a 60-second short. When comforted by anyone, the response is always “if you don’t want opinions, then don’t post it on social media.” Now while I do agree with that statement, there’s also no reason that random people should be labeling and boxing in people they don’t know and have never met because they think they know everything and are just the smartest person in the world.

Someone posting a cute video about their life or their children should never result in arrogant people trying to be therapists or projecting sexualization of something sweet and innocent. Yes, even though posting something online for the world to see allows for any and every one to comment their opinions, doesn’t mean every opinion should be posted. Sometimes it’s okay to remain silent. Sometimes it’s okay to keep scrolling. The idea that your random and 99% always wrong opinions are ever warranted is only allowed by delusion and pride.

Not everything needs to be said. Not everything needs to be posted. There will always be those who overshare, and there will always be those who overstep, but we, the body of Christ, have no right to negatively react to either. Our place is to be Christ to the world. Nothing more. Nothing less. A light in the darkness. And salt in the earth. Sometimes, the saltiest thing we can do is stay quiet, and the brightest light is the one that doesn’t demand attention

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Approach Wisely.

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Give No Opportunity

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I recently saw a post-match interview with a mixed martial arts fighter named Connor McGregor. The interviewer relayed Connor McGregor’s own words to him before the fight took place, saying:

“I knew his right hand was twitching. I knew when that right hand was going to come, he would regret it. I knew it.”

Apparently, Connor McGregor studied his opponent, saw the weakness, and capitalized on it as he anticipated that his opponent’s eagerness to strike would leave him vulnerable, which ended up being true when McGregor countered with a knockout punch.

He studied his opponent as his opponent became cocky. Then he used what he learned against him and ultimately defeated him. Our enemy is much like this, but much worse. Our enemy studies us day and night. He’s never without eyes on us, yet we act as if he isn’t a threat. We act as if he is a defeated foe. We don’t need armor against a defeated foe. We don’t need to fight against a defeated foe. When we believe these lies, our hands begin to get twitchy, and the enemy waits for the perfect opportunity, that we ourselves give him, to strike.

So, what do we do? We remove the opportunity from him. We don’t need to strike, we just need to build. Build what? The Kingdom of our God. When we focus on building the Kingdom of God, the attacks of the enemy don’t land the same as when all of our focus is on him and what he has done. When we are about our Father’s business, our Father is about us. He will defend us, we just need to remain in Him.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Give No Opportunity.

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Wisely Choose Partners

[9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: [10] If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. [11] Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? [12] Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12NIV

I saw a video the other day entitled, What We Mean When We Say Marriage Is Hard. In the video, it was a husband and wife playing a game together. There were 5 bottles on top of 5 hidden bottles. They had to work together in order to find the pattern of the 5 hidden bottles. Every time the husband made progress, the wife would argue with him and undo the progress on her turn. She’d tell him that he was wrong and (apparently) that even the judge was wrong. What could’ve been a quick, easy win within just a few moves turned into a difficult uphill battle.

Who you choose to spend your life with and who you choose to keep around you will either build you up or tear you down. They will either help you reach your goals or hold you back.  They will either propel you towards your God-given call, or they will become an obstacle blocking your path. They will either lift the load or add to it. So be careful who you invite into your private world. Be careful who you invite into your private circle.

We are to be uplifting and encouraging towards each other, only building up and never tearing down. We are the body of Christ; we can’t work together if we’re fighting one another. We can’t be one if our desire is to destroy and dismantle anyone who isn’t exactly like us. We should never be dictators or narcissists in our relationships. Our actions should always point others back to Christ. They should always point back to the love of God. They should always cause those around us to see the Light of Christ in us.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Choose Wise Partners.

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