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May 1 “Run With Your Eyes on Jesus” Text: Hebrews 12:1–17 Theme: Endurance through Grace “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus...” – Hebrews 12:1–2 The Christian life isn’t a sprint—it’s a long, often grueling race. And this race isn’t run in neutral territory. It’s full of hardship, temptation, and deep discouragement. If we are to endure, Hebrews tells us how: not by looking inward, but by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the One who ran before us. He is not just our example—He is our Champion. Jesus didn’t just show us how to endure; He endured for us, bearing the cross, scorning its shame, and now sits at the right hand of God. When you feel like giving up, consider Him. He suffered to make you His own. You don’t run to earn God’s approval—you run because you already have it. God’s Discipline Is Love in Action (vv. 5–11) One of the most misunderstood ideas in the Christian life is God’s discipline. Hebrews reminds us: if God is training us, it’s not punishment—it’s proof that we’re His children. We often assume that pain means God is far away. But Hebrews 12 says the opposite: discipline is not the absence of God’s love, but the evidence of it. Think about a loving parent. They don’t discipline someone else’s child. They train their own—because they care. God's discipline may sting, but it always aims at a greater good: making us more like Christ. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness...” (v. 11). Suffering doesn’t mean God is against you; it may be how He is shaping your soul. Straight Paths, Strengthened Knees (vv. 12–17) As we run this race, we’re not just running for ourselves. Others are watching—especially the weak, the wounded, and the discouraged. Hebrews calls us to “strengthen weak knees” and “make straight paths.” In other words, let your life be a source of clarity and strength for others. Holiness matters—not as a way to climb up to God, but because we’ve been brought near by grace. We pursue peace and purity not to earn salvation but to live in light of it. Esau serves as a warning—he traded what mattered most for what satisfied in the moment. Don’t let bitterness, temptation, or weariness pull you off the path. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and help others do the same. Reflection Where in your life are you tempted to give up right now? How might your view of suffering change if you saw it as God’s loving training? Who around you needs encouragement to keep running? Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the founder and perfecter of my faith. When I grow weary, help me to look to You. Thank You that Your love never gives up on me—not even in suffering. Shape me through discipline, and use me to strengthen others. Keep me running until I see You face to face. Amen.

May 2 Devotional: “We Have Come to Mount Zion” Text: Hebrews 12:18–29 Theme: From Fear to Fire – Worshiping God with Awe and Intimacy “You have not come to a mountain that can be touched... But you have come to Mount Zion...” (vv.18, 22) The writer of Hebrews draws a dramatic contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, between the old covenant of fear and the new covenant of grace. At Sinai, God's holiness was so terrifying that even Moses trembled. It was a place of distance, thunder, and warning. But now—through Christ—we have come to Zion, the heavenly city. We don't stand outside in fear, but draw near in worship. This is a gospel reality: we live under a better covenant, with better promises, access purchased by blood—not by performance. Yet this new access doesn’t make God less holy—it draws us into His presence with deeper awe. The Joy of the Unshakeable Kingdom (vv. 22–24, 28) At Mount Zion, we are welcomed into a festal gathering—a Spirit-filled celebration with angels, saints, and Jesus Himself. It’s a glimpse of heaven that has already begun in the here and now. The new covenant is not dry religion—it’s the living presence of Jesus, the mediator whose blood speaks a better word than condemnation. His blood doesn’t cry out for vengeance like Abel’s—it cries out, “Forgiven!” We honor God's sovereign grace that makes this possible. And we embrace the truth that this kingdom is not just theology to study—it is a reality to experience. We taste it in worship, in prayer, in the Spirit’s presence among us. This kingdom cannot be shaken. Everything else—nations, systems, idols—will fall. But Jesus’ reign will remain forever. That’s why we worship with reverence and awe, because our God is a consuming fire (v. 29). Reverence and Fire (v. 28–29) Some hear the phrase “consuming fire” and think only of judgment. But for the believer, fire is also refining, empowering, and purifying. The Holy Spirit came as tongues of fire in Acts 2. God's fire does not destroy His children—it burns away what doesn’t belong. Reflection Questions: Do I come to God more like Mount Sinai (fear, distance) or Mount Zion (grace, confidence)? What does it mean that God is a “consuming fire” for the believer? Am I living like someone who belongs to an unshakeable kingdom? Prayer: Father, thank You that in Christ, I have not come to a mountain of fear, but to Zion—a place of joy, worship, and grace. Teach me to worship with both reverence and freedom. May Your fire consume anything in me that resists Your rule. Fill me again with Your Spirit, that I may live as a citizen of Your unshakeable kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.

May 3 Devotional: “Jesus Is the Same” Text: Hebrews 13 Theme: Unshakable Faith in an Unchanging Savior “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 The world is spinning fast. Everything’s changing—technology, culture, politics, even people. One day you’re up, the next day you're wondering if anything solid still exists. And then Hebrews 13:8 hits you like a lighthouse in a storm: Jesus Christ is the same. The same Jesus who spoke galaxies into existence. The same Jesus who walked on water. The same Jesus who carried your sin on His shoulders. He’s the same today—and He’ll be the same tomorrow. A Life That Looks Like His Kingdom (vv. 1–7, 15–16) Hebrews 13 isn’t just a list of Christian to-dos—it’s a picture of a life built around Jesus: Love like brothers. Show hospitality like Jesus. Remember those in prison. Keep marriage holy. Live free from the love of money. This isn’t about religion—it’s about reflecting the heart of the Savior who loved us when we were unlovable. Worship isn’t just songs—it’s the shape of your life. That’s why the writer says: “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…” (v. 15) Even when it’s hard. Even when you don’t feel like it. Even when life doesn’t make sense—He’s still worthy. Stay Rooted, Stay Bold (vv. 9–14) The chapter warns us: don’t be led away by strange teachings—by things that sound spiritual but aren’t anchored in Christ. Not everything that glitters is gold. And not every “Jesus talk” is gospel truth. Your soul doesn’t need trendy ideas. It needs grace. You don’t need a platform—you need an altar. And our altar is Jesus—the One who suffered outside the camp so we could be brought inside the presence. ➤ Don’t shrink back—go to Him. ➤ Don’t settle—follow Jesus outside the gate. He was rejected so you could be accepted. Live for What Lasts (vv. 14–21) “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (v. 14) This world won’t last. Your job, your house, your titles—they’re all temporary. But Jesus? He’s eternal. So live for what lasts. Build your life around the only thing unchanging—His name, His grace, His mission. And as the chapter closes, the writer prays: “Now may the God of peace... equip you with everything good for doing His will.” (vv. 20–21) You're not left on your own. The God who saved you sustains you. He’s working in you—today—to bring glory to Jesus. Reflection: What part of your life feels shaky right now? Are you living like Jesus is truly enough—unchanging and always present? How can you offer a “sacrifice of praise” today? Prayer: Jesus, thank You that in a shifting world, You remain the same. Anchor me in Your truth, guard my heart from strange voices, and empower me to live a life that reflects Your love. Be my foundation, my King, and my song—today and forever. Amen.

May 5 Ruth 1 Theme: God’s grace meets us in loss. Key Verse: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” – Ruth 1:16 The God Who Works Through Suffering The story of Ruth opens with famine, grief, and exile. Naomi has lost everything—her husband, her sons, her future. She even renames herself Mara, meaning “bitter.” This is not just personal pain; it’s the unraveling of her identity and hope. And yet, the presence of pain does not mean the absence of God. Naomi can’t see it yet, but God is already weaving redemption. Ruth’s loyalty, which at first seems merely relational, becomes the very thread through which God will bring King David—and one day, Jesus Christ—into the world. In suffering, we often feel abandoned. But God does His great work in the shadows. The gospel is not that God rewards the strong, but that He brings hope to the broken. Costly Love and Covenant Commitment Ruth’s pledge to Naomi is astonishing: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” This is not just sentiment—it’s conversion. Ruth, a Moabite, leaves behind her nation, her religion, her family, and any real security, to bind herself to Naomi—and to Yahweh. Why? Because grace had found her. This is a picture of gospel love: loyal, self-sacrificial, rooted in covenant, not circumstance. It points us to the greater Ruth—Jesus, who left heaven, took on our burden, and pledged Himself to us, not because we were lovable, but because He is love. Reflection Where do you feel like Naomi—bitter, empty, questioning God’s goodness? How does Ruth’s example challenge your view of what loyalty and grace look like? Can you trust that, even in loss, God is still writing a redemption story? Prayer Father, when life is bitter and the future uncertain, help me remember that You are still at work. Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see what You are doing. Thank You for Ruth’s faith—and for Jesus, the One who left everything to redeem me. Amen.

May 6 Ruth 2 Theme: Providence is God's invisible hand guiding visible grace. Key Verse: “As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz…” – Ruth 2:3 God’s Grace in Ordinary Places Ruth 2 feels quiet and subtle after the drama of chapter 1. There are no grand miracles here—just a hungry widow, a foreign field, and a man named Boaz. But that’s the point. Ruth sets out to gather leftover grain—an act that was legal, humbling, and uncertain. The narrator tells us that “as it turned out,” she ended up in Boaz’s field. But of course, nothing just turns out in God’s economy. What looks like coincidence is providence. God’s grace often shows up not with fireworks, but with footsteps. This chapter is a reminder that God’s mercy isn’t always loud—it’s quiet, timely, and deeply personal. Ruth wasn't looking for Boaz; she was looking for food. But God had already gone ahead of her. Boaz: The Kindness of the Redeemer Boaz doesn’t just permit Ruth to glean—he protects her, provides for her, and praises her faith. He acts with integrity and generosity, modeling the character of the true Redeemer to come: Jesus Christ. Boaz doesn't ask Ruth to prove her worth. He doesn't keep his distance because she's a foreigner or poor. He moves toward her with compassion. This is how Jesus treats us—not with bare-minimum kindness, but with lavish grace. The Shadow of the Gospel Ruth, the outsider, is brought near. She comes empty and leaves full. Boaz offers not just food, but a glimpse of restoration. He points us to Christ, who welcomes the stranger, fills the hungry, and restores the broken. In Ruth 2, we don’t just see a generous man—we see the fingerprints of a generous God. Reflection Where might God be at work behind the scenes in your life right now? How have you seen His kindness show up through people, provision, or timing? Are you trusting His providence even when the road feels ordinary? Prayer Lord, thank You that You are always working—quietly, faithfully, and lovingly. Help me to trust Your providence when I don’t see the whole picture. And thank You for Jesus, my Redeemer, who shows kindness beyond measure. Amen.

May 7 Ruth 3 Theme: Bold faith rests in the character of the Redeemer Key Verse: “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” – Ruth 3:9 The Boldness of Grace In Ruth 3, we witness a turning point in the story—a quiet, intimate act of courage and covenant. Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz at night with a bold request: not just for provision, but for redemption. When Ruth lies down at Boaz’s feet and says, “spread your garment over me,” she’s asking him to take her under his protection—to cover her shame, restore her future, and make her his. It’s important to see this isn’t romantic manipulation—it’s theological beauty. Ruth is appealing not to Boaz’s feelings, but to his identity as a redeemer. Her hope is not in emotion, but in covenant faithfulness. This is the kind of faith the gospel calls us to—not self-sufficiency, but surrender. Like Ruth, we come empty, vulnerable, and in need. And like Boaz, Christ meets us not with judgment, but with covering. Jesus, the Greater Boaz Boaz responds with integrity and compassion. He doesn’t take advantage of Ruth—he honors her. And in doing so, he gives us a glimpse of Jesus: the One who sees us in our brokenness and chooses to redeem us at great cost to Himself. Ruth came to the threshing floor unsure of the future. She left covered in peace. When we come to Christ, we too find rest—not in outcomes, but in the character of our Redeemer. The Gospel Invitation The invitation of Ruth 3 is the same as the invitation of Jesus: Come to the Redeemer. Rest at His feet. Trust His timing. He has not forgotten you. He will not fail you. Reflection Are you willing to lay your fears and future at Jesus’ feet like Ruth did with Boaz? What would it look like today to place your trust not in your plans but in your Redeemer’s character? How has Jesus already covered you with His grace? Prayer Jesus, I come to You not with my strengths but with my need. Thank You that You do not turn me away. Cover me again with Your mercy. Teach me to rest in Your love and wait on Your perfect timing. Amen.

May 8 Ruth 4:1–12 Theme: Redemption requires a willing and worthy redeemer Key Verse: “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property... and have also acquired Ruth the Moabite.” – Ruth 4:9–10 Redemption Is Not Just Kindness—It’s Commitment The final movement in Ruth’s story begins not in a romantic scene, but in a legal one. Boaz steps into the city gate—the place of contracts and public life—to do what must be done: to redeem Ruth and Naomi not just with words, but with action. Another man had the right to redeem, but not the willingness to bear the cost. Boaz, on the other hand, counts the cost and moves forward. This is not a small transaction—it’s a sacrificial one. It involves land, legacy, and marriage to a foreign widow. But Boaz embraces the cost for the sake of love and justice. True redemption always involves sacrifice. It’s never sentimental. It’s covenantal. A Portrait of the Greater Redeemer Boaz points us forward to a greater Redeemer—Jesus Christ—who not only had the right to redeem, but the will. He did not shy away from the cost. He didn’t redeem us with silver or land, but with His blood. On the cross, Jesus made a public declaration before heaven and earth: “These people are mine.” Like Boaz, Jesus didn't simply provide relief—He gave us restoration, relationship, and a new identity. Witnesses to Grace The elders and people respond to Boaz’s actions with blessing: “May this woman be like Rachel and Leah... may your house be like the house of Perez.” They see that this redemption is not just about one family—it’s about God's bigger story. And it still is. When we witness the grace of Christ, we are called to respond as they did: with worship, hope, and participation. Our Redeemer’s work invites us to live as people shaped by His mercy and justice. Reflection What is one area of your life where you need to trust in the Redeemer’s commitment, not your circumstances? How does Boaz’s public act remind you of what Christ has done for you? In what ways can you live as a witness to God's redeeming love today? Prayer Lord, thank You for being a Redeemer who did not turn away from the cost. Thank You for claiming me as Your own and restoring what was lost. Teach me to live in the security of Your love and to reflect Your grace in how I treat others. Amen.

May 9 Ruth 4:13–22 Theme: God turns personal pain into a greater purpose Key Verse: “And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” – Ruth 4:17 When God Redeems a Story The book of Ruth ends not just with a wedding, but with a birth—and not just a birth, but a genealogy. Ruth and Boaz marry, and God gives them a son, Obed. This child becomes the grandfather of King David—and through David, the line of the Messiah. It’s easy to read this as a satisfying ending to a beautiful love story. But it’s more than that. It’s God revealing that the ordinary faithfulness of two people—shown in kindness, humility, and covenant love—has been woven into His eternal plan of salvation. From the beginning, the book of Ruth has shown us a God who works through famine, loss, foreignness, and risk. He never wastes pain. He turns bitterness into blessing, emptiness into fullness, and obscurity into significance. Your Story Is Not Too Small Naomi couldn’t have imagined that her grief in chapter 1 would end with her holding a child in chapter 4—a child who would be part of Israel’s royal lineage. Ruth likely didn’t know that her decision to stay with Naomi would echo through generations. But that’s how God works. He redeems in both personal and cosmic ways. This passage invites you to trust that your story, even in its hardest chapters, is not insignificant in God's hands. When you walk in faith—even in weakness—you are part of something far greater than yourself. God's redemption is never random; it's purposeful. The Greater Son of David Obed’s name appears again in the New Testament—not just in David’s genealogy, but in Jesus’. Ruth’s story finds its fulfillment in Christ, the true Redeemer, the ultimate King. Jesus is the One who enters our broken stories to bring about an eternal ending we never could have written on our own. In Him, every loss will be restored, and every sorrow will find meaning. Reflection Can you trace any part of your own story that God has used, even after pain? How does this ending reshape the way you think about faithfulness in small things? Where do you need to trust that God is still writing your story? Prayer Lord, thank You that You redeem even the parts of our stories that feel broken or hidden. Thank You for Ruth, for Obed, and for the line that led to Jesus. Help me walk by faith, trusting that You are at work in ways I cannot yet see. Write my story into Yours. Amen.

May 10 Psalm 2 Theme: The reign of Christ brings both warning and refuge Key Verse: “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way... Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” – Psalm 2:12 A World in Rebellion Psalm 2 begins with a question: “Why do the nations rage?” It’s a picture of global defiance—rulers and peoples united in one thing: resisting God's authority. They say, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” At its heart, this is a cry for autonomy. Humanity wants freedom from God's rule, not realizing that such freedom only leads to ruin. We see this rebellion in the world around us, but also within us. We resist the Lord's commands when they challenge our comfort, control, or desires. Psalm 2 reminds us that all rebellion—personal or political—is ultimately against God’s Anointed King. The Lord Laughs—Then Speaks God isn’t anxious or threatened by human opposition. “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” But this isn’t cruel laughter—it’s a declaration of unshakable sovereignty. Then God speaks: “I have installed my King on Zion.” This King is no ordinary ruler. He is the Son, given authority over all nations and the ends of the earth. In the New Testament, this King is revealed to be Jesus Christ (see Acts 4:25–28 and Hebrews 1:5). Jesus: King, Judge, and Refuge Psalm 2 warns us: This King will not be ignored. “He will break them with a rod of iron.” It’s a sobering truth—Jesus is not just a gentle Savior; He is also the righteous Judge. We must not remake Christ into someone more “acceptable” to modern tastes. He is God’s enthroned Son, and His reign is real. But the psalm doesn’t end with judgment—it ends with mercy. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” This is the paradox of grace: the King we once rejected offers us shelter. The Judge becomes our Savior. We are invited not only to submit but to take refuge in His mercy. Reflection In what ways do you resist the Lordship of Christ in your life? What does it look like practically to “kiss the Son”—to honor and submit to Jesus? How can you live today in light of both the warning and the refuge this psalm offers? Prayer Jesus, You are the true King over every nation and every heart. Forgive me for the ways I resist Your rule. Teach me to love Your reign and trust Your power. I take refuge in You—not just from judgment, but from every fear. Amen

May 12 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1 Modern life trains us to rush—emails, errands, obligations. We often enter our days with our eyes fixed on what’s urgent, but not necessarily what’s ultimate. Yet Scripture calls us to a different posture: Set your hearts on things above. This is not a call to withdraw from the world, but to engage it with a heart rooted in heaven. To be “raised with Christ” is not just about our future hope—it’s about our present position. If Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and we are united with Him, then our truest identity and security are already anchored beyond the shifting tides of today. This shifts how we live. It means we don’t start our days with anxiety or performance, but with quiet confidence in the One who holds all things together. Setting our hearts on things above is not a moment of escape, but a daily reorientation to what’s real and eternal. Even a simple pause—five minutes of stillness before Scripture, before emails, before decisions—can remind us that Christ reigns, and we are His. We don’t need more noise. We need presence. We need to sit with Jesus. Reflection: What would change today if you lived from the reality that you are already raised with Christ? What small but meaningful habit can help you begin each morning by setting your heart on things above? Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that I am already raised with You, already held in Your grace. Quiet my anxious thoughts and reorient my heart to Your presence. Help me today to live from the reality of heaven, not the urgency of earth. Teach me to pause, to listen, and to seek You above all. Amen.

May 13 Theme: From One Degree To Another "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor 6:18 Change rarely happens in a moment. It is more like the slow, silent growth of an oak tree than the instant blooming of a flower. Spiritual transformation, too, unfolds gradually—one degree at a time. This can be both comforting and convicting. It's comforting because it frees us from the pressure to become perfect overnight. We can stop pretending we’re further along than we are. God is not disillusioned with our slowness; He’s patient and present in the process. The Spirit works quietly, shaping us through ordinary means—prayer, Scripture, worship, repentance, community. Small acts, consistently practiced, carry transformative power. But this truth is also a challenge. It calls for perseverance. Growth comes through habits of grace repeated over time. There are no shortcuts. No instant upgrades. Only the faithful rhythm of becoming more like Christ. When we behold Jesus—when we look to His beauty, grace, and love—we are changed. Slowly, but surely. From one degree of glory to the next. Transformation is not about trying harder but seeing Jesus more clearly. Reflection: What small but meaningful changes have you noticed in your spiritual journey this past year? How have they reminded you that God is at work, even in the slow seasons? Prayer: Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Sometimes I want instant change, but You are teaching me to trust the slow work of grace. Help me not to grow weary in doing good. Give me eyes to see the beauty of Christ more clearly, and a heart that responds with love and obedience. Transform me, one degree at a time, into the likeness of Your Son. In His name I pray, amen.

May 14 Theme: Do not Give up Doing Good "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 Life often feels like a long journey, a path that requires endurance, especially in our walk with God. In the busyness of daily life, we may find ourselves feeling drained or discouraged, questioning whether the spiritual disciplines we commit to are truly making a difference. It's easy to become impatient, longing for instant results or visible fruit. But the truth remains: God has established a divine rhythm of sowing and reaping, and this principle holds firm in every aspect of our lives. Whether it's prayer, Bible study, acts of kindness, or moments of worship, every spiritual practice is a seed sown into the soil of our hearts. These seeds, though often unseen or small in the moment, are not without purpose. They are investments into the eternal, and in God's perfect timing, they will yield a harvest. It is easy to focus on the immediate, to want a quick fix or a breakthrough right now. But God's economy is one of patient, persistent sowing. We may not always feel the fruit of our labor in the moment, but we are promised that if we do not grow weary, a harvest is coming. Not just any harvest, but a harvest of righteousness, peace, and the fullness of life that comes from a deepening relationship with Him. The key is to keep moving forward, not by striving in our own strength but by depending on His grace and power. Even when the results aren't immediately visible, we are promised that He is faithful to bring forth fruit from the seeds we sow in faith. Remember, the Spirit within us empowers our efforts. It's not about perfection—it's about staying faithful, knowing that the seed planted today is part of the bigger story of God's work in us and through us. Reflection: Is there an area in your spiritual life where you feel like you're not seeing the results you expect? How might it change your perspective to view those moments as part of the larger harvest, trusting that God's timing is perfect? Prayer Father, thank You for the promise of a harvest that comes from our persistent faith and obedience. We often grow weary in the journey, wondering if the seeds we sow are truly making a difference. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to keep sowing, even when the results are hidden from our eyes. Empower us with Your Spirit to persevere in prayer, in studying Your Word, and in loving others. Let our hearts remain focused on the eternal harvest You are cultivating in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May 15 Walking Humbly, Acting Justly, Loving Mercy “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8 In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, recognition, or a polished image. We often seek to prove our worth through what we accomplish or how others perceive us. But God’s desire for us, as revealed through the prophet Micah, is far different from the world’s standards. The way of God is not about striving for perfection or building a reputation—it’s about living out a posture of humility, justice, and mercy. Micah 6:8 calls us to a life of genuine, inner transformation that flows out into the world around us. It is a holistic call, one that impacts every part of who we are—our thoughts, actions, relationships, and even our heart posture before God. First, we are called to act justly—to align our lives with God’s righteous standards, not just in theory, but in practice. Justice in God’s kingdom is not only about advocating for fairness in the world, but it’s also about reflecting His heart in every decision, every interaction, and every relationship. Second, we are to love mercy. This is not just an act of kindness, but a heart of compassion. It’s the ability to show grace, to forgive, and to love others the way God loves us. Mercy isn’t something we do out of obligation, but something we embrace with joy because we’ve tasted it ourselves. When we fully experience God’s mercy, it compels us to extend it freely to others. Finally, we are called to walk humbly with God. This speaks to an ongoing, intimate relationship with Him. Humility is not self-deprecation or pretending to be less than we are; it is recognizing that everything we are, everything we have, is a gift from Him. Walking humbly means we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit to His will in all things. It’s a daily choice to follow Him, surrendering our own desires to align with His perfect plan. When we live this out—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God—we don’t just reflect God’s heart, but we also invite the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us more into His image. It is in this posture that we experience real, deep change—not a change motivated by guilt or striving, but by the grace and power of God at work within us. Micah 6:8 paints a picture of how we are meant to live in harmony with God, with others, and with the world. It’s not about doing things perfectly but being willing to walk with God in the everyday moments, allowing His love to shape how we act, think, and relate to those around us. Reflection Questions: What areas of your life are you struggling to align with God’s justice, mercy, or humility? How does the mercy you’ve received from God shape the way you interact with others? Are there people you’re struggling to show mercy to? In what ways can you cultivate a deeper humility in your walk with God? How can you grow in surrendering your plans to His will? How can your actions in the world reflect God’s justice and mercy in practical ways today? Prayer: Father, we thank You for the profound simplicity of Your call on our lives. You have shown us what is good, and we ask that You would help us to live in alignment with Your heart. Teach us to act justly in every situation, to love mercy deeply, and to walk humbly before You with hearts surrendered to Your will. We confess that we often strive for recognition or success in ways that don’t reflect Your kingdom, but we ask for Your grace to help us turn from that and embrace a life that is truly rooted in Your love. Empower us by Your Spirit to reflect Your heart in the world and in our relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May 16 Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19 In a world of constant noise, rapid-fire opinions, and social media debates, James offers us a powerful principle for living well in relationship with others: quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. These words are simple, yet they carry profound implications for how we engage with the world around us. In a culture that often values being heard above all else, God calls us to a radically different way of communicating. At the heart of this passage is the invitation to cultivate a spirit of attentiveness, humility, and grace. Being “quick to listen” means more than just hearing someone’s words; it means taking the time to understand their heart, to truly hear what they are saying, and to engage with their perspective. It’s about practicing the presence of the moment, putting aside distractions, and valuing others enough to fully hear them. Being “slow to speak” speaks to the importance of reflecting before we respond. In a society where everyone feels the pressure to have an opinion on everything, the call here is to pause, to pray, and to listen to the Holy Spirit before we offer our thoughts. Our words have power, and we are called to use them wisely, with discernment and grace. Quick reactions often lead to misunderstandings, while a thoughtful response can bring peace and build understanding. Finally, James reminds us to be “slow to anger.” Anger often arises out of a sense of injustice, misunderstanding, or frustration, but unchecked anger can lead to division, hurt, and destruction. As we walk with God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to control our emotions and to respond in a way that reflects the peace and patience of Christ. We are called to live above the emotions that can so easily govern us, and instead to be led by the love of God and His peace. Living this way, with a posture of listening and humility, is not natural. It requires the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The more we yield ourselves to God’s presence, the more we allow the Spirit to shape our responses and to calm our hearts in moments of tension. This kind of listening, speaking, and anger management isn’t about self-effort or trying harder—it’s about being open to the transforming power of God at work within us, making us more like Christ. As we walk in the Spirit, we will find that we become not only better listeners but also more measured in our speech and slower to give in to the rush of anger. In a world full of noise and conflict, the church is called to be a place of peace, wisdom, and grace, where our words and actions reflect the heart of God. Reflection Questions: How do you respond when someone shares something difficult or challenging with you? Are you truly listening, or are you waiting for your turn to speak? What situations in your life tend to provoke anger in you? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you manage your emotions in those moments? In what ways can you create space to pause before speaking, asking God for wisdom and grace in your conversations? How might your relationships be transformed if you committed to being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry in all your interactions? Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which teaches us how to live in harmony with one another. We confess that we are often quick to speak, slow to listen, and quick to anger. We ask for Your grace to help us reflect Your heart in our conversations and relationships. Holy Spirit, fill us with patience, wisdom, and discernment. Help us to be attentive listeners who genuinely seek to understand others. Teach us to respond with grace and humility, rather than reacting impulsively. Let Your peace rule in our hearts, that we might represent Your love and wisdom in a world that desperately needs it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.