Scripture: ‘“Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28 ‘As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.’ Genesis 35:18   Observation: How much have you allowed your life’s shame to…

Scripture: ‘And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.’ Luke 2:40   Observation: Are you a life-long learner? In what ways do you continue to grow intellectually, spiritually, and relationally?    Application: Be intentional this week about seeking out relationships and resources that…

Scripture: ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with…

Scripture: ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:11   Observation: Of course, you can! Would the people in your life say that they hear these types of encouraging words from you or do you speak more words of discouragement?   Application: We have…

Scripture: ‘This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live!’ Duet. 30:19   Observation: Our daily decisions, even the simplest ones, set the path for our lives and…

Scripture: ‘Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.’ Philippians 4:4-7   Observation: Don’t worry, be happy. Period. That sounds so simplistic but for many of…

Scripture: ‘His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.’ Job 2:9 ‘Though he slay…

Prayer: God I pray for those that are struggling to find their purpose in life. God I ask that you reveal to them right now that you have a plan and a purpose for their life, and that you ordained it before even one of their days came to be. I ask that you help…

Scripture: “O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me… Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:1; Psalm 139:23   Observation: Sometimes we’re an open book with God, and sometimes we want to shut the pages and ignore the pain that comes from…

Scripture: “Then I said to myself, ‘Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!’ It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.” Psalm 139:11-12 (MSG)   Observation: The dark seasons of our lives aren’t daunting to…