Seeking God’s Approval Above All Else
Written by Sharon Wooden
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(Galatians 1:10)
In the depths of our hearts lies a longing to be accepted, approved, and affirmed. This desire is not inherently wrong—it reflects the way God created us. But when we seek to satisfy this longing through the applause of man, we risk anchoring our worth to fleeting and fragile approval.
God alone offers the deep, unwavering affirmation our souls crave. His acceptance is not based on performance but on His great love for us through Christ. When we fix our eyes on Him, guarding our hearts from being swayed by worldly validation, we draw closer to His heart, where true satisfaction is found.
Psalm 63:3 reminds us, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” When our hearts are captivated by His love, He fills our mouths with praise. The words that overflow are no longer shaped by insecurity or the need for approval, but by gratitude and adoration for the One who satisfies our deepest desires.
Today, ask the Lord to search your heart. Are you seeking acceptance from others or resting in the approval that comes from being His child? Let Him reshape your desires and align your words with His praise. His love is more than enough to fill every empty space.
Prayer: Lord, help me to seek Your acceptance above all else. Guard my heart from chasing the fleeting approval of man. Let Your love satisfy me so deeply that my lips overflow with Your praise. Teach me to stay close to Your heart, where true joy and affirmation are found. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep Moving Forward
by Ladarius McCullough
On my way to Walmart, I found myself driving down a two-way road. Up ahead, I noticed a train had come to a stop, blocking the road. As I got closer, I saw cars turning around before even reaching the train. Yet, I felt the urge to keep going.
As I approached the crossing, more cars turned back, choosing another route. By the time I arrived at the train, I was the only one left. But here’s the surprising part: I only had to stop for a moment. The train began to move, and the gates lifted, clearing my way.
In that moment, God reminded me of the path of faith. Life’s journey often feels like this road. God calls us to move forward, even when obstacles appear to block the way. Others may turn back, discouraged or impatient, but if we trust Him and keep going, we’ll discover that what seems like a delay is part of His perfect timing.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when we don’t understand the obstacles in front of us. When the way seems blocked, don’t be like the cars that turned back. Trust in the Lord. Keep moving forward, knowing He will clear the way in His time.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I trusting God when the road ahead looks uncertain?
What “trains” in my life are tempting me to turn back instead of waiting on Him?
Keep moving forward. Trust that God is already working to make your path clear.
Prayer: Father, help me to trust You when the road ahead seems uncertain and to keep moving forward in faith. Remind me that Your plans are perfect and that You will make a way in Your timing. Thank You for guiding my steps and strengthening my heart. Amen.
The Dangers of Too Much Idle Time
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV): “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Reflection: Idle time can seem harmless at first glance. After all, everyone enjoys moments of relaxation. However, when this time becomes excessive and unproductive, it can quickly turn into fertile ground for the enemy of our soul to win the battle of the mind. The enemy’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and idle time gives him an open door to do just that.
Have you ever noticed how temptations seem to arise when you’re not actively engaged in something meaningful? Idle time is where negative thoughts creep in, poor decisions are made, and opportunities for spiritual growth are lost. It is also where harmful habits like excessive scrolling on social media, mindless TV watching, or other activities our kids jokingly call “brain rot” can take over. These distractions pull us away from our calling and purpose.
Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us to “be very careful” and to “make the most of every opportunity.” This is a call to action! Instead of letting time slip away, we are encouraged to be intentional about how we use it, especially in these “evil days” where distractions abound.
Practical Application: Consider how you spend your free time. Ask yourself these questions:
Does this activity uplift my spirit or drain me?
Is this time being used to honor God or to indulge in temporary, worldly distractions?
Could this time be redirected toward something more meaningful?
Here are some suggestions for making better use of your time:
Pray More: Dedicate time to intentional prayer, lifting up your needs, your family, and your community to God. Prayer not only aligns our hearts with God’s will but also strengthens our spiritual resilience.
Engage with God’s Word: Spend time reading or listening to Biblical teachings. Let God’s truth fill your mind and guide your actions.
Worship and Meditate: Set aside moments for worship and quiet reflection. Focus your thoughts on God’s goodness and promises.
Invest in Your Relationships: Use your time to strengthen your marriage, bond with your children, or nurture healthy friendships. These investments have eternal value.
Learn a New Skill: Take up a new hobby or skill that brings joy and growth into your life. This could be cooking, learning a musical instrument, or volunteering to serve others.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of time. Help me to be wise and intentional in how I use it. Guard my mind and heart against distractions that pull me away from You. Teach me to value the opportunities You give each day to grow closer to You, to love others well, and to fulfill my purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge for Today: Identify one “brain rot” activity in your life. Replace it with something uplifting or productive. For example, if you usually scroll through social media for an hour, use that time to pray, read Scripture, or call a loved one instead. Small changes can lead to significant growth.
And You Promised Me
Scripture Text: Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac - O LORD, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ - Genesis 32:9
Jacob’s journey of faith offers us a powerful lesson in trusting God during fearful times. In Genesis 32:7, we find Jacob “greatly afraid and distressed.” His past mistakes—especially his betrayal of Esau—seem to have caught up with him. Although Jacob had matured and changed, he feared Esau hadn’t and still harbored thoughts of revenge (Genesis 27:41).
This was a God-sized problem that Jacob couldn’t solve on his own. But God had been preparing him, as shown in His recent deliverance of Jacob from a tense encounter with his father-in-law (Genesis 31). That trial strengthened Jacob’s faith for this new challenge.
In Genesis 32:9-12, Jacob’s heartfelt prayer demonstrates how we, too, can approach fearful situations. He repeatedly reminds God of His promises, saying, “as You promised me.” In moments of fear, we must anchor ourselves in God’s promises—both those found in Scripture and those spoken to us personally. Speak these promises aloud to reaffirm your faith, for “faith comes by hearing.” Declaring His words strengthens our confidence and enables us to walk forward boldly.
Had Jacob allowed fear to paralyze him, he might have missed the beautiful destiny God had planned for him and his family. Instead, by leaning on God’s unfailing promises, Jacob passed another critical test of faith. May you, too, trust in God’s promises and move forward into the plans He has for you, no matter the obstacles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing promises that guide and strengthen us. When fear tries to take hold, remind us of Your faithfulness and the truths You’ve spoken over our lives. Help us to declare Your promises with boldness, trusting that You are with us in every trial. Just as You guided Jacob, lead us into the beautiful plans You have prepared for us. We place our trust in You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How to Get Closer to Jesus
Written by Chris Chappell
Scripture Focus: James 4:8 – "Come near to God and He will come near to you."
When someone struggles with life’s challenges, the advice to "get closer to Jesus" is often given. While this is absolutely true, it can feel incomplete. What does it actually mean to get closer to Jesus? For seasoned believers, this may seem obvious, but for those newer in faith—or even those who feel stuck—practical steps are essential.
Here are a few steps that have personally helped me grow closer to Jesus:
Step Away from Harmful Relationships. Begin by distancing yourself from relationships or influences that pull you away from Christ. These may tempt you to live, think, or speak in ways that go against God’s will. This step can be incredibly difficult, but God’s grace will sustain you. Trust Him to replace what you lose with something far better.
Spend Time in Scripture Daily. Whether it’s through a devotional or reading a portion of the Bible, even a few minutes a day can transform your life. Start with the Gospel of John or ask a spiritually mature believer for a devotional recommendation. Highlight or jot down verses that resonate with you, and turn them into prayers.
Worship Daily. Worship is more than music—it’s a doorway to God’s presence. Download worship songs and sing them to Him, even if it’s just one song a day. Jesus said, "Knock, and the door will be opened to you." Worship is the act of knocking, and it invites Jesus to fill your heart with peace and power. Like Mary sitting at His feet (Luke 10:42), choose the “better thing” and spend time in His presence.
Turn Off the Noise. We often avoid silence, but Jesus invites us into it. He frequently withdrew to quiet places to pray, showing us that silence is essential for hearing God’s voice. Prayer isn’t just talking—it’s listening. Turn off the distractions, find a quiet space (even if it’s your car or a closet), and wait on Him. You’ll be amazed at how His voice brings clarity, healing, and peace into your life.
Remember, getting closer to Jesus is a journey, not a one-time act. Take these steps daily, and trust that as you draw near to Him, He is already drawing near to you.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to step closer to You each day. Show me the areas in my life that need change and give me the courage to follow Your lead. Let me hear Your voice and feel Your presence as I seek You with all my heart. Amen.
Renewing Our Desires
Written by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Just as we can train our bodies to crave healthier foods, fasting helps us retrain our hearts to desire the things of God. When we constantly fill ourselves with spiritual "junk food"—distractions, entertainment, or busyness—we leave little room for the nourishing presence of the Holy Spirit. But when we fast, we reset our appetites and refocus on what truly matters.
Take time today to identify areas in your life where you’ve been settling for less than God’s best. Surrender those things to Him and invite Him to renew your mind and heart. Spend the time you would normally eat engaging in prayer, worship, or reading the Bible. Let fasting be a tool to clear away the clutter and make room for God’s transforming work in your life.
Prayer: God, I want to crave You above all else. Transform my desires and help me to walk in alignment with Your will. Renew my mind and make me more like You. Amen.
Fasting with Purpose
Written by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Psalm 34:8 – "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."
We often rush through meals, barely tasting what’s on our plate, much like we rush through life without truly savoring God’s goodness. Fasting gives us the chance to slow down and shift our focus from physical food to spiritual nourishment. It’s not just about abstaining from something but about pursuing something greater: intimacy with God.
As you fast today, set a specific goal for what you want to see God do in your life. Write it down, pray over it, and seek Him wholeheartedly. Replace every craving for physical food with worship, prayer, and the Word. Remember, fasting is not a diet but a declaration of dependence on God. Let the hunger you feel draw you closer to Him, and taste His goodness in new ways.
Prayer: Father, help me to experience the sweetness of Your presence today. Let my fasting be a pleasing offering to You as I seek to grow closer to You. Amen.
Changing What We Crave
Changing What We Crave - by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:6 – "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Fast food is often our go-to because it’s quick and easy, but it leaves us longing for something more. It’s a lot like our spiritual lives. We settle for the fast and convenient—scrolling through social media or rushing through a quick prayer—when God is calling us to feast on His Word and presence. Fasting is an opportunity to realign our cravings, both physically and spiritually.
As you begin this day of fasting, ask yourself: What am I truly hungry for? Spend intentional time with God instead of seeking temporary satisfaction. Worship, read Scripture, and meditate on His promises. If you feel hunger pangs, let them remind you of your need for God’s sustenance. Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Let’s trade the junk food of the world for the nourishing bread of life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to crave You more than anything else. Fill the empty places in my heart and life with Your presence and truth. Amen.
Walking Through God’s Blessings
“Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” – Genesis 13:17
God invites us, like Abram, to actively walk through the areas of our lives He has entrusted to us. Whether it’s our marriage, home, business, finances, or church, we are called to take possession of them according to His divine plan. The New Testament reminds us in Ephesians 1:3 that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. As we walk in faith, trusting His promises, we also fulfill the instruction of Colossians 3:23, working wholeheartedly as for the Lord.
Taking possession means prayerfully stewarding these blessings, seeking wisdom (James 1:5), and resisting fear or doubt (2 Timothy 1:7). Let us boldly declare, as in Philippians 4:13, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Walking through God’s promises requires action, trust, and alignment with His will.
Today, arise and walk! Dedicate your marriage, home, business, and every area of your life to God, knowing He desires to bless and prosper you for His glory (Jeremiah 29:11).
Use a Little Foresight
Use a Little Foresight by Don Wooden
As the prodigal son left his home with half of his inheritance, he was focused on himself and what he believed was owed to him. You might say he had an entitlement mentality.
It wasn’t until he had spent everything he had on himself—indulging in things that brought him temporary pleasure—that he realized he was in a bad situation, one he couldn’t buy his way out of.
We know the story ends with him returning home and being forgiven, which is a powerful message of the Father’s mercy. But what if the son had used a little foresight in this story? Things would have been much different, wouldn’t they?
There are times in our lives when we might face the same temptation—to think we owe it to ourselves to indulge outside of the Father’s will. But if we take a step back and use a little foresight, we can often clearly see the consequences our actions would bring.
Think about it: we could save ourselves—and those closely connected to us—from the grief, pain, hurt, and ultimately the dark places that kind of indulgence would lead to.
Pray for wisdom and discernment so that you can have the foresight to avoid the pitfalls of the enemy and of self!
Luke 15:11-14