By Laura Hardin  (WITHIN Devotional Writer)

“For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
(1 Corinthians 15:21-22 CSB)
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If we are not careful when we wake up in the morning, we can begin our day thinking and living as though we are still in Adam, devoid of hope, dead in sin, unable to follow God, rather than in Christ, full of hope, clothed in righteousness, and empowered to follow God by the Holy Spirit.
 
Sure, we know that our #1 priority should be to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as we love ourselves, but let’s be honest. Based on how exhausted we often feel as our feet hit the floor and all the many things swirling in our heads as we brush our teeth, following God in the strength he supplies sounds more like a nice idea than a real possibility for the day.
 
We must seize these moments in the morning to take our thoughts captive and make them obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). The earlier we do this in the day the better because we live out of what we currently believe. So if there is a thought rising up against the knowledge of God, this is the time to demolish it. Because, according to the word of God, is that we can obey God today. We can know the joy of following his ways. We can know the peace that comes from living out our days in holy surrender.
 
His grace floods us moment by moment for this very purpose. But the question is whether we believe. Do you believe you are still in Adam, dead in your sin and hopeless, or that you are alive in Christ, lavished with grace upon grace upon grace?
 
Today, beloved child of God, you woke up to most incredible reality of being in Christ. Our union with our Savior changes everything. In him, we have everything we need for to live a godly life today. In him, we are flooded with his love, grace, and mercy.
 
Therefore, despite our weaknesses, despite only getting a couple hours of sleep, despite the challenging meeting ahead, I can align my attitude with the good news of his grace and do the next thing.
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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:
Ephesians 1:1-11
Colossians 2:1-4
2 Peter 1:3-5
Titus 2:11-12
Ephesian 1:18-19Questions to Reflect on:

1. What do you foresee will be your greatest challenge today?
2. How does your position in Christ empower you to face this challenge with faith and hope?
3. Have you lost hope that you will experience the transformative grace of God in a particular area of your life? Name that area.
4. If God is a strong help to all in Christ, what is a small step forward you can take in this area?

By Britnee Bradshaw (WITHIN Devotional Writer)
​“Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...” 
(Matthew 11:28)


We all walk through seasons where we need to be refreshed and restored in our souls. This is a place we all come to at some point or another, and it’s a place where Jesus meets us, arms wide open.
Rest in Jesus is a sweet and beautiful promise, but if we’re honest with ourselves, sometimes the journey into His rest isn’t as attractive as we’d like it to be.
Sometimes, we need rest because we’ve exhausted ourselves in the responsibilities of our normal day to day; we’ve given and poured out to others more than we’ve allowed ourselves to be poured into, and we find ourselves spent.
Other times, we’ve actually been running away from God in some area of our life due to fear, shame, disappointment, or deep grief. And in the course of our running opposite of Jesus, we’ve grown tired and weary, desperate for the bread, who is life (John 6:35) and His living water, which never runs dry (John 4:14).
It makes no difference to Jesus what path brings us to the pivotal place of needing to be refreshed. All that really matters to Him is that we come before Him to seek the rest that we need.
If you are in a season where you need the refreshing of the Lord in your mind, body, and soul, journey with me through Psalm 23, specifically, the first three verses. Tucked within this passage is a sort of blueprint that shows us what rest in Jesus looks like, and I’d like to encourage your tired heart.
In the first verse of this Psalm, we are met head on with the issue of identity. From the very beginning, we are told that the Lord is our shepherd, and that in Him, we have all that we need. When we consciously remind ourselves that Jesus is Lord over our lives, we position ourselves to not only see Jesus as He is, but to see ourselves as daughters of the Most High God.
You and I are loved and cared for by the Creator of the Universe! We are His delight and remembering His sovereignty over our lives shifts things back to a right perspective.
The second thing we see in this passage is our very real need for rest and Jesus’ ability to meet that need. The Lord brings rest to our souls in whichever way He chooses, but in this scripture, we read of a peaceful scenery (green pastures and still waters) as the bridge to restoration.
Scripture tells us that the peace Jesus gives is not like the peace that the world gives (John 14:27). The world’s peace is based on merit, acquisition, popularity, and accolades. As good as that may sound or even feel, the world’s peace is a counterfeit. It is fickle in nature and leaves the deepest parts of who we are dry and unsatisfied.
The peace that Jesus gives us, however, is everlasting. We don’t have to achieve any level of success to have it, and we don’t have to think our way into keeping it. It is simply a gift that Jesus gives us because He loves us. Christ’s finished work on the cross brings us  peace with God that is secure. It secures our identity and our purpose. (Romans 5:)  And it brings us the peace of God that can't be taken away by this world. Being in His Word and His presence allows us the opportunity to encounter this peace in a deep, satisfying, and life-changing way.
The last thing we see in this passage is a course direction. In verse three, we read the promise of Jesus’ faithfulness to lead us on paths that bring Him glory. My friend, your steps are ordered by the Lord. All of your ways are known by Him. Nothing is a surprise to Him, and by His Holy Spirit, you are lead into ways that please Him.
You can have rest when you know that Jesus understands exactly where you’ve been (and doesn’t judge you for it), that He sees where you are currently, and that He watches over your future.
I pray this week that you would set your burdens at the Lord’s feet and come into His rest. He desires to fill your cup anew and lead you in ways that satisfy the deep longings of your soul all while bringing glory and honor to His name. Amen.
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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:
Psalm 23:1-3Psalm 37:23
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 14:7

Questions to Reflect on:

1. Do you know that God’s love for you isn’t based on anything you have or haven’t done? His love for you is total and complete sans any work on your part.
   
2. What areas of your life are draining you of the rest that Jesus promises to give you? How can you make small adjustments throughout the week to bring yourself back into His peace?
   
3. We’re all graced for the things and relationships God has called us to steward, but if we aren’t careful, we can pour out into these things from an empty or broken cup. When is the last time you’ve taken stock of your own Grace tank? What can you begin to incorporate into your life this week that will give you the time and space you need to come into the Lord’s rest?
   

And if Christ had not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” 
(1 Corinthians 15:14-16)

 One of my favorite weeks in the year is this week,what we call Holy Week. Every year, it becomes more and more apparent to me how much there is to rejoice in the days leading to one of the most tragic but most life transforming days in History: The death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For us who profess Christ as Lord and Savior, this historical event was more than just a spectacle. This event is what makes us who we are. It’s what we receive. It’s what we stand on. It’s how we are sanctified. And it’s what we are called to host fast to (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).
It’s the Gospel.

As we take the time to reflect this week, I want to encourage you to rejoice in these glorious truths of the resurrection of Jesus Christ that will celebrate on this coming Sunday. Because the truth is, if Christ had not resurrected, it would be as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15: 14-16:

“And if Christ had not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” 

But ladies, we know that Christ was raised! (I Corinthians 15:20).

And because Jesus rose:

1. God was satisfied in the atonement

You see, Christ’s resurrection is evidence that God was satisfied with Christ’s perfect sacrifice. His wrath was satisfied in Christ so we didn’t have to bear it. And now we stand justified (Romans 3:24) and have peace with God (Romans 5:1). We no longer have to keep going back and forth in the battlefield of our minds about whether God accept us or is mad at us because when He sees us, He is satisfied. Why? Because He sees His Son, Jesus. Hold fast to this truth found in His word.

1. Our sins are forgiven

Hallelujah that “in Him, we have redemption through His blood, forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” (Ephesians 1:7). We are no longer a slave to sin but we are, by the Holy Spirit, slaves to righteousness. We are not condemned but free in Him from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Shame no longer has bondage over us. We no longer have to run, cover and hide. We’ve been forgiven. We overcome. Hold fast to this truth found in His word.

1. We have real HOPE

This world sees hope as something intangible, a wish that isn’t grounded or rooted in anything but our own will. But in Christ, our HOPE is not elusive. It’s a PERSON! All that He is for us is HOPE. Our life isn’t based on wishful thinking rooted in our own understanding.  Christ is an anchor for our Hope and it is built on the promises He gives us in His word (1 Peter 3-6). This hope sustains us in a fickle world. In Christ, our hope is beyond this world, because if it was only in this world, we would be as Paul said, “all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:9). So, let us hold fast the confession of our Hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

1. Jesus intercedes for us

How incredibly loving is it for Jesus to not only rise from the grave and defeat sin and death, but He’s helping us endure this walk of faith by interceding for us (Romans 8:34). Others pray for us and we pray for ourselves but one of the most encouraging truths to know is that Jesus, Himself, is interceding for us. So, it’s obvious that NOTHING can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35). When the enemy, the father of all lies, tries to make you believe otherwise, hold fast to this truth found in His Word.  

1. All authority has been given to Him and to us to make disciples

God has given all authority to Christ (Ephesians 1: 20-23) and because of that, when He commands us in Matthew 28: 19 to go and make disciples by preaching His Gospel, the authority of Christ that we carry has power to do what we can’t do—save.  Let’s preach the gospel with that authority found in Him. He promises that He with us always (vs. 20). Hold fast to this truth found in His word.  

1. We now can LIVE for Him

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will ALSO give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8: 11). We have the Holy Spirit in us and because of that powerful truth, we are able to produce the fruit of the Spirit in every area of our life (Galatians 5:22) And the freedom we have in Christ will not be used for our own selfish gain but through love, to serve one another (Galatians 5:13). And while temptation is at every door, we can like Paul say confidently, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Hold fast to this truth found in His word.  
 
Sisters, Jesus has Risen and He lives. May our lives continue to be deeply transformed by these truths. Receive it. Stand in it. Rejoice in it. And hold fast to it!
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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:Matthew 28: 19-20
1 Corinthians 15 (whole chapter! You will be blessed)
Romans 3:24
Romans 5:1
Romans 8:11/34-35
Ephesians 1:7
Ephesians 1:20-23
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 5:13
Galatians 5:22
Hebrews 10:23
1 Peter 3:3-6
Questions to reflect on:

1. Take time to go through each truth and ask, Do I believe this? If you don’t, ask the Lord to help you believe. If you do, reflect on how it is seen in how you live your life

By Wisdom Hunters

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” 
(1 Samuel 16:18)

 Those who are most talented are the most tempted to stop trusting in the Lord. Talent alone can get results, but at the expense of God not being glorified and humility lost. However, talent under the control of the Holy Spirit is beautiful to behold, like a champion race horse sensitive to his jockey’s every instruction—he see obstacles as opportunities to learn from his master. Our abilities unrestrained by self-reliance have exponential impact in the hands of the Lord.

David was a handsome multi-talented: musician, dancer, poet, warrior, leader and communicator who enjoyed the favor of God. But in spite of his incredible giftedness, he suffered a couple of major setbacks in his life: once as a young man due to his reactive anger and fearful panic toward his father-in-law King Saul, and again later in life due to his hubris from success—he committed adultery and murder. Though a man after God's heart, David sadly had seasons where he isolated himself and took matters into his own hands, resulting in the consequences of sin’s devastating effects.

He cried out in contrition:
“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:7-9).

Do you regularly dedicate your gifts and talents to God to be used for His purposes? A gifted speaker sees themselves as a channel of truth to help others follow God’s will—merely a messenger with words from the One who is the creator and sustainer of all good things. A talented leader reminds themselves often to first follow Christ before they attempt to lead others. It is through the ongoing process of self-surrender to your Savior that people are able to see Jesus in your life.

We are on the right track when we view our work and service as worship to the Lord. Thus a parent remains a dependent child of God—so they can gently, wisely and patiently parent their child. Praise to God frees us to appropriately praise another and not ourselves. We enjoy the Spirit's habitation, as He quietly and precisely leads us in our moment by moment activities. A worshipful life focuses its admiration on Jesus Christ and refuses to take credit for good fruit. Humility gives credit to the originator and sustainer of all gifts and talents—Almighty God.

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change” (James 1:16-17).
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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:Psalm 20:7
Psalm 85:12
Isaiah 31:1
John 3:27
John 15:5
James 3:15-17
Questions to reflect on:

1. How have I let my gifts distract me from serving God purely?
2. When have I relied on my gifts more than I relied on God?
3. Have I let my gifts make me feel I am deserving of what God gives?
4. How can I daily submit my gifts to Him so it can be used for His purposes?

By Brittney Smith
(WITHIN Devotional Writer)

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
(Luke 22:31-32)

 Before the enemy comes for you, he has to ask for you. Good thing he is asking a God who is also your Savior, Creator and Lover-of-Your-Soul. He is the Lifter-of-Your-Head, your Present-Help-in-Trouble, your Comforter, and your Keeper. God may grant the Enemy permission, but it comes with limitations. While Satan may ransack our lives, our health, our loved ones he knows our souls belong to Jesus.

              He can’t take our salvation that is for eternity. Instead, he touches our temporal lives. He may even come for our faith that we may be destroyed with doubt. Yet, Jesus came as the Suffering Servant, was obedient to death on a cross and rose again so He could live as our High Priest who constantly intercedes on our behalf. We can be confident that because His prayers prevail, our faith will not fail!

              Yes, I know there are times when it feels like your faith has failed. I know what it’s like to stumble so gravely in unbelief that the fall seems fatal. Besides confidence in the intercession of Jesus, also know there is provision in Christ’s sacrifice for our failures. Jesus knew this before Peter denied him 3 times. Jesus knew His resurrection also meant restoration and unending grace even for His own disciples.

Peter was told to return to Jesus and to strengthen his brethren. If you have experienced setbacks in your faith I encourage you to do the same. Return to Jesus through humility and repentance. Say those prayers as often as needed. Your failure wasn’t final. There is no need to fear any past, present or future failure any longer. Through Christ, you can now make others stronger.


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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:1 Peter 1:6-8
Jude 1:20-21, 24
Luke 18: 8
Ephesians 2:8
1 John 5:4
2 Timothy 2:13
Romans 10:17
Questions to reflect on:

1. What specific things are you believing God for?
2. What scripture(s) strengthen your faith as you wait?
3. What scriptures will you rely on to help you fight against your doubts?
4. How can you strengthen someone else in their faith this week?