"Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?"
Romans 9:21
A year or two ago, I decided to try a new craft with my two girls: air-dry clay.
I had watched many videos and tutorials on how to make adorable little animal figurines and was determined to create some of my own. I (unfortunately) hyped my daughters up and convinced them that they would be masters of air-dry clay in a matter of seconds.
You can probably guess how this venture ended.
Air-dry clay is a formidable foe, and at the end of one hour, all we had to show for ourselves were dirty hands and a pile of clay that sort of, slightly, not really, resembled a mushroom, a unicorn, and a cow.
This led me to wonder, am I sometimes difficult to work with in the hands of God? Do I fight the process, resolving early on that my ways are better and that I understand more than He does? Does my distorted perception interfere with my seeing clearly what God is trying to do in my life? Personally, the answer to these questions is more than likely yes.
Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do? Why do you respond and react the way you do? Why do you make the same wrong choices over and over again? If so, you aren't alone in this. Our flesh likes to do its own thing and loathes being told what to do. We can read that even Paul the Apostle struggled with this. Romans 7:15 says "For I do not understand my actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."
Paul has the remedy for this persistent problem, and that is to set our mind on the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6 ESV). Paul recognizes and acknowledges his shortcomings, but does not dwell in condemnation. He rather sets his mind on things above and diligently pursues God.
Daily bible reading, prayer/communication with God that strengths your foundation and establishes a strong relationship, praise and worship, and fellowship with the body of Christ are just a few ways in which we can set our minds on things above.
Allow yourself to be molded and shaped by the Potter today, He has great plans for you!
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jeremiah 29:11
Plans. We women love to make them. We purchase cute, trendy calendars at the beginning of each year in an often futile attempt to plan the next 365 days of our lives. We display calendars on our walls, have apps on our phones, and take mental notes of upcoming events on the schedule we need to plan/attend. I feel flustered and exhausted even typing this.
Too often, our need for control and desire to see into the future bleeds over into our relationship with God. Surrendering control can appear daunting, but I echo the words in Psalms 37:25: "I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." In moments of doubt and uncertainty, when complete surrender seems to be too much of God to ask, I have never been forsaken by the One who authors my story.
The KJV translates the word "expected" in the above verse as "cord, hope, the thing that I long for". I imagine it as a constant connection, always in view of one another as we walk this journey hand in hand together.
Let's take a moment today to surrender our will to His, to check our line of sight to be sure that He is in it, and to release control to the One who holds the world in His hands.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
Psalms 62:8
Have you ever had something you wanted to talk to someone about but thought it might be too heavy for them to handle? That perhaps they would get a glimpse of the deepest, darkest parts of you and run for cover? Or maybe think to yourself that they would never be able to look at you the same way again?
We all have sin; it's just the way it is. We all struggle with different temptations and ungodly desires, but that does not scare God away. He knows about the deep, dark places of our hearts and still loves us unconditionally! Nothing can ever separate you from His unwavering love.
This scripture tells us to "pour out our hearts before him." It does not say "let a little but trickle out." It tells us to POUR. We can lay it all down before Him today, every thought we struggle with, the bitterness we battle daily to let go of, and the pain from the past that haunts us every day.
When you pour it out and get it out in the open before Him, He will be a refuge for you; a shelter. He will cover you with His feathers and will become a safe place for even the darkest of times.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth."
Hebrews 11:13
Have you ever watched an old clip of Winnie the Pooh and noticed how gloomy Eeyore is? His head is hung, his eyes are pointed toward the ground, and his mood is depressed. If he were real I imagine his body would ache from his poor posture, and his mind would be weary.
Some of us have an Eeyore attitude from time to time - I know I do. Down in the dumps, tired, and just worn out from the lows of life.
What would happen if we decided to change our position and look up? What would we see? If we strained our eyes and focused a little bit, maybe we could see a promise on its way. If we looked really hard, perhaps we could see God at work in our lives.
It's easy to hang our heads and put no effort into seeing the good, but it requires effort and faith to see beyond current circumstances.
We may not see it today, or tomorrow, and perhaps never in this earthly life, but your promise will come to pass! Look up today, and see God's hand at work in your life!
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."
Romans 1:23 ESV
The human race is fickle. We can be easily swayed in one direction or another, tossed about by every wave or wind that comes our way. We struggle with loyalty, and standing up for what is right and good, and most importantly, what is moral.
This isn't something new. Scripture tells us time and time again that God's children wrestled with their flesh and to keep their eyes fixed on Him.
We often settle for what is good instead of what is best. The people in this story decided to worship idols that held no comparison to the glorious, ever-living God they knew.
What are your eyes fixed on today? Are you settling for something less than what God has for you?
His plan for you is perfect, and there is safety in His will.
Take the time today to adjust your focus and allow God to sit on the throne of your heart once more.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth."
2 Timothy 4:17
I've read a quote by Bob Goff that said, "We won't be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose."
When my young daughter asked me what "purpose" was, I explained that it means every single person has something that they are intended to do with their lives. Something good. Something important.
She quickly responded, in her matter-of-fact way, "Daddy has a purpose. You have a purpose. I have a purpose, and my sister has a purpose."
We are all dealt different hands in life, some good and some bad. But no matter what you have been given on this earth, YOU have a purpose. Today has a purpose. Your tomorrow has a purpose. Your past even has a purpose.
When you become too weak to stand, be reminded that God stands beside you and will strengthen you, so that His purpose can be fulfilled in your life.
Every moment of your life is important. YOU are important. Your life matters.
Ignore the lie from the enemy that tells you that you are useless. Ignore the lie that tells you that you are unloved, forgotten, a burden or unqualified.
You, precious woman of God, are absolutely loved by your Father. You have a destiny. You matter. You have a future. You can do incredible things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13)
Let me say it one more time for good measure, you matter.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word."
Psalms 119:161 NLT
When I read the above verse, I questioned myself, "When was the last time I trembled at the Word of God?
We live in scary times, and our world seems to be getting worse by the day. The news is filled with tragedy, hate, and evil. It's easy to become frightened during times of uncertainty. Still, David confidently proclaims that even though he is harassed, he isn't afraid, and does not tremble at their threats.
David only trembles at the Word of God.
How powerful is that? He faced dangerous situations without fear. Instead, he turns to the Word, finds his strength there and trusts his God.
I desire for the Word to change me and stir me up as it did for David. Do you desire for the Word to consume you? To drive you farther into the supernatural? If yes, then dive in!
The bible is a book of love, mercy and hope. God is waiting for you to jump in today and start a new journey of discovery, and a time of drawing nearer to Him.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Anchors are particularly important equipment on any ship, and the crew probably inspects them daily to make sure that they are always ready when they need them. Are they rigidly attached to the ship, and is the cable strong?
I live alone, and I recently obtained a Lifeline. No matter where I am, if I need assistance, pushing a button connects me to someone who can get me the help I need. If I should fall, someone is alerted. But it is of no value to me if I do not charge it daily and wear it all the time.
We have a strong and reliable anchor in the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is important that we daily check to make sure that the connection is secure.
Prayer: I Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Thanksgiving: I Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Word of God: Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Fellowship: Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Serving: Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Keeping the line of communication open to the Lord is essential even when everything seems to be going well in our lives. Checking the connection every day will ensure that when troubles come, we can just whisper the Name of Jesus, and He will be there. Our anchor will hold no matter how stormy the sea.
Thought For Today: "It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand, For 'tis well secured by the Savior's hand; And the cables passed from His heart to mine, Can defy the blast, through strength divine."
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." II Corinthians 5:17
The anchor can also be an indication of a new beginning or a starting point for a life journey. In the early days of Christianity, when the Romans persecuted followers of Jesus, the anchor became a secret symbol to represent Christ. It showed that their lives had changed direction. and they were committed to their faith.
We can all think of ourselves as ships, sailing on the sea of life. At some point in our journey, we hear the Gospel message. We are faced with a decision, whether to sail on as we have been, or to change direction. When we realize how Jesus loves us, we repent of our sin and accept His forgiveness. We turn our ships around, drop anchor, and wait for His instructions.
We begin to search the scriptures, pray for the Lord's guidance, and listen to His voice each day. We learn how to know when to move and when to just stay still, for He has promised to show us the way.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Isaiah 30:21 "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
John 10:27-28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
He has a plan for each one of our lives, and whether today's journey consists of calm or stormy seas, we have no fear, for He pilots our ship. The anchor is there when we need it, and it will never fail.
Thought For Today: Is Jesus your hope and anchor as you sail life's sea today?
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." Psalm 46:1-3
Earlier this week, we looked at the story of Paul on his journey to Rome. After battling the stormy seas for days, the ship finally found a place where they could use the anchors to hold the ship steady through the night. As we anchor in the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the strength and resistance that we need to face life's challenges.
In Luke 21:25-38, Jesus shares with His disciples some signs of the future.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
As we listen to the news each day, we can see this scripture being fulfilled. Wars, earthquakes, fires, floods, and other upheavals are happening in our world. Fear fills the hearts of people, wondering what will happen next.
Facing these events, we need not fear because we have a strong anchor in Jesus. He is in complete control. Steadfast and secure, we rest in His promises.
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Hebrews 13:5 "for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Thought for Today: Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

A physical anchor prevents a ship from drifting. It provides a sense of security when in troubled waters. So, spiritually, the anchor represents emotional security, inner stability, and calm in uncertain times.
I have been reading the book of Job in my morning devotions. He probably faced more storms in a brief period than any other person who has ever lived. His wife taunted him for his faith, and his friends accused him of all sorts of wrongdoing. Sitting in the ash heap, using a piece of broken pottery to scrape the boils that covered his body, he questioned everything that he had ever believed. He bewailed the fact that he had ever been born, and at one point, he asked the Lord to just take his life. But he had an anchor that held secure. And he maintained his trust in God.
Job 13:15-16 "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him."
Storms will come in every life. There will be times of discouragement, sickness, trials, and difficulties. We do not know what tomorrow holds. But we do have an anchor in the Lord Jesus Christ that keeps us steadfast and secure even in those times. The Lord did not promise we would not have storms, but He did promise to always be with us. Anchored in His love, we can face whatever life brings.
Rom 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Thought For Today: "Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?"
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11
An anchor represents our steadfast hope in the promises of God. We come to the Lord in faith believing that His love for us will never fail, and that we can trust Him to guide us in every aspect of our lives.
Under the old covenant, to enter the most Holy place would mean death. Only the High Priest could enter once a year, bearing the sacrifice for the sins of the people. Tied around his ankle was a rope, so that if he should die while inside, they could remove him without endangering anyone else.
As Jesus drew His final breath on Calvary's cross, something supernatural occurred in the temple in Jerusalem. The veil, that thick curtain which barred the way into the Holy of Holies, tore in two from the top to the bottom. Jesus' death opened the way for all to enter. We can now come boldly into the very presence of Almighty God, for he hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." Hebrews 6:18-19
Paul was a fitting example of one firmly anchored in Christ. No matter what persecution and trials he faced, he said, "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." II Timothy 1:12
Our hope is sure because it is anchored in the Rock of Ages. The cable is strong and will not break even in the worst storms of life. We rest secure in His love, living one day at a time, waiting for the day when our ship will sail into eternity, forever to be in the presence of our Lord.
Thought For Today: "My soul is firmly anchored in the Rock of Ages. Though angry waves may roll, I am secure and fearing not,"
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern and wished for the day." Acts 27:29

For fourteen days, the wind and crashing waves had bombarded the ship. They cast everything they could spare overboard. Fear filled their hearts. It looked like all hope was gone. But one man among the two hundred and seventy-six aboard had a promise that he would reach Rome. In the night, God appeared to Paul with a message:
Verse 23-26 "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island."
That night, realizing they were nearing land, they put down four anchors to hold the ship steady until daylight came. As the crew tried to escape in the lifeboat, Paul warned them that only those who stayed with the ship would survive. As day dawned, they saw a way they could reach land, so they raised the anchors and steered for shore. Even though the ship broke apart, everyone on board made it safely.
Storms will come. Winds of difficulty will rise. Waves of life will sometimes overwhelm us. But when we submit our lives to Jesus Christ, we have an anchor that keeps us steadfast. We have His promise to never leave nor forsake us. He will always keep His promises.
Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
During the time of Roman persecution, early Christians used the anchor as a symbol to represent their faith, because it resembles a cross.
What do the four anchors mentioned in the above verses represent? Join me for the next few days as we look at what they could mean to us as followers of Jesus.
Thought For Today: "In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil."
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." Hebrews 6:18-19
When our children were young, and finances were low, we spent time together doing simple things. On Saturdays, we would go for drives in the country, exploring unfamiliar roads, and just enjoying being together. One of our favourite places to end up was Iroquois on the St. Lawrence River. It was interesting to watch as a large ship would enter the locks, the gates would close, and the water would slowly rise. Then the gates on the other end would open so the ship could leave to continue its journey.
Often, there would be other ships in the river a short distance away. They were at anchor, waiting patiently for their turn to go through the locks. Their anchors held them securely in place until it was their turn.
When I was praying and asking the Lord for direction for this week's devotions, the word "anchor" kept coming into my mind. Words of songs we used to sing about Jesus being our anchor started flowing through my mind:
"My soul is firmly anchored in the Rock of Ages."
"Will your anchor hold in the storm of life?"
"I've anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I'll brave."
"The anchor holds in the midst of the storm."
"Be very sure. Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock."
"In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil."
An anchor provides security for a ship. The anchor symbolizes our steadfast hope in the promises of Jesus and the assurance of salvation. Through all the storms and difficulties of life, Jesus is our strong anchor.
Join me this week as we look further into what an "anchor" signifies. May we realize anew just how important it is for us to be "anchored in Jesus."
Thought For Today: We need not fear what life holds when Jesus is our anchor.
Devotion by: Anne Johnston

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you must not show favoritism… (James 2:1-4, 9 NIV)
These scriptures really hit home for me. I think if we are honest, we can admit that we have either shown favoritism by judging someone based on how they look or act.
This passage doesn't just describe the early church, but it describes us. Even with the best intentions, we can easily fall into the trap of favoritism or quiet judgment. I never want my actions or attitudes to make someone feel unworthy of love or grace. Jesus never made anyone feel "less than." He made everyone feel seen, valued, and accepted.
The Bible is very clear; it teaches that showing favoritism is a sin… God's Word leaves no gray area - favoritism is not a flaw in character, it is a fracture in love.
My constant prayer is this: "Lord, help me to love the way You love." Every person, no matter how they treat me, is deeply loved by God. If I don't reach them with His love, they may never reach Heaven.
Mother Teresa said, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
Earl Nightingale said, "When you judge others, you do not define them - you define yourself."
When we sense judgment creeping into our hearts, it's an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves…
1. What do my eyes perceive? Instead of seeing a person made in the image of God, maybe you see their sin, their lifestyle, or their religion. Pray that God would help you see their soul in eternity, just as He does.
2. What does God see? If you look at that person through the lens of God Almighty, you will see someone He died for and loves unconditionally.
3. Who am I to judge someone else? "Galatians 6:1 encourages us to restore people who have fallen down spiritually. We need to pray God would trust us enough to restore a soul.
The next time a guest walks in to your church, instead of going up to your close friend to catch up, maybe take some time to get to know the stranger in your midst. Yes, they may seem standoffish, but wouldn't you be quiet if you were in a new place? Just think about how brave they are to go to a place where they do not know anyone. Your indifference to their appearance, your warm smile, and your genuine, Christ-like love can make an eternal impact on their soul. Love is reaching beyond comfort zones and familiar circles. One act of kindness can change the trajectory of a soul.
Let's strive to have a heart of love. Today, you can make a difference in someone's life.

"But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10 (KJV)
Job's words, "I shall come forth as gold," were spoken from the depths of unimaginable pain. He was enduring the trial of his life. It felt as though the blessings and favor of God had been stripped away forever.
Job was in anguish. His heart grieved the loss of his children. His body ached with sickness and sores. And, in the very moment when he needed comfort most, his wife and friends betrayed him with their words. He was grieving, in pain, and alone.
He KnowS The Way That I Take
And the more he cried out to God, the more distant God seemed, or so it appeared. Yet even in his silence, Job clung to a truth that anchored his soul:
"But He knoweth the way that I take."
Job understood that even when he couldn't feel God, God still knew every step of his journey. Though everything around him had been shaken, Job's faith held steady because he believed God was refining him - not rejecting him.
Gold is not found shining and pure; it must be refined by fire. The heat draws out the impurities until what remains is strong, radiant, and valuable. That is what God was doing in Job's life - and it's what He is doing in yours.
God knows exactly what you're walking through and why. He sees the tears you've cried in secret. He feels the weight that seems too heavy to carry. And He promises: "When I'm done refining you, you will come forth as gold."
God is not finished with you… not now, and not ever.
You are in the process of perfection. One day, you'll look back and see how the fire did not destroy you, but purified you into a priceless, golden vessel of His glory.

"And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock… and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night." 2 Samuel 21:10
There is grief that is so deep that it refuses to be hidden. Rizpah's grief refused to remain silent.
In 2 Samuel 21, a famine plagued Israel for three years. When King David sought the Lord, he discovered the cause: Saul had broken covenant with the Gibeonites, and the land was reaping the consequence of his unfaithfulness.
Though Saul was gone, the effects of his sin lingered, and it cost seven of his descendants their lives. Among them were the two sons of Rizpah, one of Saul's concubines.
Her sons had died unjustly, but Rizpah refused to let their story end in dishonor. She spread sackcloth on a rock and kept vigil - guarding their bodies day and night, fighting off vultures and wild beasts, standing as both mother and intercessor.
Her persistence moved the heart of the king. When David heard of her vigil, he was stirred to act. He gathered the bones of Saul, Jonathan, and the seven executed sons and gave them a proper burial. Then - and only then - did God lift the famine from the land.
Persistence That Causes A Paradigm Shift
Rizpah couldn't change the past, but her faithfulness changed what happened next and her persistence to bring honor to her sons became the turning point for a nation.
Your grief is not in vain.
Rizpah's son's had no voice in their death, but she is now standing in the gap for her sons who deserved dignity.
If you are grieving today, I would like you to be encouraged that your grief can bear witness.
If someone we love is grieving, then we need to learn how to sit with the, protect the dignity of the one they love, and honor the memory. We even see this when the public grieves together through a vigil or a memorial that those public acts will oftentimes confront the injustices of our world and it can move leaders to respond and act. It can also bring healing and restoration to communities, because they are grieving together, or standing together, and supporting one another.
The seven men who were killed as retribution for someone else's sin, were finally laid to rest with dignity. And then and only then did the blessing of God return to the land and the famine ended.
Do You Feel Like Rizpah?
Maybe you have lost something. Perhaps it is a relationship, a dream, or even your hope.
Maybe you're standing in the middle of grief, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. And the enemy has been circling like vultures, trying to devour what's left of you.
But hear me today: don't leave your post. Don't walk away from the rock of your salvation. Don't let the enemy pick apart what God has called you to guard.
Your persistence in grief, your faith in the midnight hour, your refusal to let go will move the heart of your King.
Rizpah's vigil teaches us this: if you stay, God will see. If you cry out, God will hear. If you refuse to let go, God will respond.
If you've been grieving, if you've been battling in the night, if you've been waiting on God to move - make an altar of prayer in your home.
Lay your sackcloth on the Rock that is Christ Jesus. Don't fight alone anymore. Bring your grief, bring your pain, bring your persistence to Him.
Grief does not have the final say. It has a place in your story, but it is not the end of your story. There is hope.
I am here to tell you that the famine will not last forever. The night will not always be dark. God has the final say.
He will bring restoration and healing.
Stand on the Rock, and watch the King move on your behalf.
Prayer
Lord, You see the vigil I've been keeping, the prayers whispered through tears, the things I've lost, and the pain I've carried. Thank You for being close to me in the middle of my grief. Teach me to stay on the Rock of Christ, even when the night feels long. Move, Lord. Bring healing, bring restoration, and let my grief become a testimony o...

"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2.
Before God ever filled the earth with life, He first gave it form. The Spirit of God hovered over chaos, and then God began to separate, to define, and to bring order.
On the first day, he divided light from darkness. The second day, He divided the waters from the sky. And, on the third day, He separate the land from the sea.
It was only after He established boundaries by separating aspects of three different realms when He begin to fill what He had formed. He created the stars, birds, fish, animals, and finally, humanity on days four, five, and six.
This divine rhythm of form, then fill reveals a timeless principle of how God works in creation and in us.
When Separation Is Preparation
When God begins to move in your life, His first act is often separation. He may separate you from old friendships or relationships that are not conducive to a holy life. Or, He will separate you from habits, addictions, or environments that no longer align with His purpose. It can feel like a great loss and you may even feel alone at times, but it is preparation for something greater.
2 Corinthians 6:17 says, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
God never separates without the intention to add. He will not leave you feeling empty for long because there is a calling, talents, giftings, and a ministry He desires to add to your life.
Just as He ordered the world to come into existence, He will bring order to your heart. God does not fill chaos; He forms first, then fills with His glory.
So if you find yourself in a season of transition or stillness, trust the process. The Spirit of God is moving and shaping the empty places that will soon be filled.
God will never separate without the intention to fill, and today He wants to fill you with His glory.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being a God of order and purpose. When I feel empty or uncertain, remind me that You are a creative God who will do a new work in my life. Teach me to trust the process and to see it as a sacred preparation. Fill every space You've shaped in me with Your Spirit, Your wisdom, and Your presence. In Jesus name, amen!

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite,
slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, … And there was yet a battle in Gath… And when he defied Israel,
Jonathan the son of Shimeah the brother of David slew him.
2 Samuel 21:19-21
When I was reading 2 Samuel 21:15-21 last week the words, "slew the brother of Goliath," spoke to my spirit directly.
These scriptures explain that Goliath had four descendants who attempted to kill David - one of these giant's was Goliath's big, bad brother.
You have fought and been victorious over some giants in your life… but that giant you have slain in your past,
he has a brother. That spirit you fought, bound, and overcame has descendants.
The enemy of your soul may be whispering lies to you all over again. That spirit may be tempting you or rising to war over your salvation.
Just as Goliath was a reproach to Israel, this giant that is coming against you is a reproach to your spiritual walk with God.
The battles that are waged against you today are going to affect your bloodline tomorrow.
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR LOVED ONES BECAUSE GOLIATH HAS A BROTHER.
There is a genealogy to every decision we make.
If you think that giving up and giving in isn't going to matter, think again. Every choice you make, every battle you forfeit, every inch of spiritual territory you surrender is going to affect your bloodline. If you've become lackadaisical in your walk with God, it is going to affect your decedents.
Do you know what is incredible about this story in 2 Samuel 21:19-21?
David's bloodline defeated Goliath's ancestor.
David didn't have to engage in war against this evil mercenary that is coming against Israel, because his nephew Jonathan slew him.
This young man learned something from His uncle, David; he learned how to be a giant slayer. He learned that any reproach against the ONE TRUE LIVING GOD and HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE was already a defeated foe.
You might not think the giant you slew ten years ago matters much anymore. Maybe it has become a forgotten part of your past, but what it has done is position your sons, your daughters, and your family to win a war against that giant's descendent.
You are putting powerful tools in your family's bloodline with every victory that ensues in your life. You are making an eternal impact.
The decision I made to dedicate my life to God at an altar when I was 18 years old is going to affect my daughter's life. The giants I have slain in my past may have descendants that are going to knock at the door of Jubilee's heart one day and tempt her. But, I am a living testimony of God's grace and power. She is going to hear stories about her mommy and daddy's giant-slaying status and by the grace of God, she will be equipped to engage in war against the enemy of her soul one day.
1 Peter 5:8, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
It is time to silence the enemy. It is time to shut the mouth of the lion.
David did not speak to Goliath in natural terms; he spoke to him in spiritual terms. He didn't say, I'm coming after you today, Goliath. David said, "you lowly uncircumcised Philistine who isn't in covenant with the one true God. I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied," (1 Samuel 17:45).
Once you defeat Goliath, you will learn that Goliath has a brother. That brother is going to come against you and your family, but it's not going to be as difficult to overcome and defeat this time. You will not have to exhaust as much energy because you have gained strength from previous battles.
Call To Action
What spiritual declarations can you make today in opposition to your giant? When you feel overwhelmed, plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, over your home, and over your loved ones. There is power in the name of Jesus. You can be victorious and you can be an overc...

"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb." Exodus 3:1
Have you ever found yourself in a "backside of the desert" kind of season? The kind where nothing seems to be growing, your strength feels like it's running on fumes, and even your prayers sound a little dry? The desert can feel barren - a place of disapproval, health struggles, or heartbreak.
That's the kind of place Moses found himself in. Gone were the royal robes of Pharaoh's palace. Now, he was wearing shepherd's sandals and smelling like sheep. Imagine that résumé: "Former prince, current shepherd." According to the worlds standards, Moses was demoted.
And yet, it was not in Egypt's luxury, but in the lonely backside of the desert, where Moses met God.
DESERT EXPERIENCES
The desert has a funny way of forcing reflection. When everything slows down (and there's no Wi-Fi, literally or spiritually), the silence starts asking questions:
"Did I miss God's leading?"
"Was that decision really the right one?"
Sometimes the answer is, "yes, you took a wrong turn." But sometimes, the desert isn't punishment; it's preparation.
Moses probably had plenty of time to replay his past. "Lord, wasn't I supposed to be the deliverer? Why did You let me grow up in Pharaoh's house just to end up here?"
Yet, it was in the middle of nowhere, on the backside of the desert, where the bush caught fire, and Moses caught a fresh revelation of God. The same ground that looked lifeless became holy ground when God showed up.
THE PARADOX OF THE DESERT
The paradox of the desert is this: when life feels driest, that's often where you'll find the deepest wells of God's presence. It's where your striving ends and His voice becomes clear. And, it's where your self-sufficiency runs out, and His grace begins to overflow.
Desert seasons don't last forever, but they do shape forever. Moses entered that wilderness as a fugitive, and left it as a deliverer.
So if you're in a desert right now, don't despair. There's an oasis for your soul. God does some of His best work in barren places.
PRAYER
Lord, meet me on the backside of my desert. When everything around me feels dry, help me see that You're still working beneath the surface. Teach me to trust You when I question my purpose. And let me find Your miraculous presence - even in the middle of nowhere. Amen.