Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
A Prayer:
Lord, our eyes are on you
To accept the love of your grace
Fully embracing joy and its healing power
Seeking your peace amidst today’s chaos
Showing others patience even when we are wronged
Treating others with the kindness we wish to receive
Being an example of goodness in the face of evil
Living out integrity as you exemplify integrity in your faithfulness to us
Granting others gentleness instead of judgment
Walking hand-in-hand with the Spirit of self-control
(Verse 1) In the quiet of the morning, Lord, we seek Your face, Through the shadows and the stillness, we receive Your grace. Guide our hearts with patience, let Your mercy flow, In the beauty of Your presence, may our spirits grow.
(Chorus) Oh Lord, You are our refuge, shelter from the storm, In Your arms of mercy, keep us safe and warm. With Your Spirit guiding, we will trust and sing, In Your love unending, we find everything.
(Verse 2) Teach us kindness, teach us the grace, show us how to be, A reflection of Your goodness for the world to see. When the path is heavy, and road is long, Let Your truth sustain us, and Your joy be our song.
(Chorus) Oh Lord, You are our refuge, shelter from the storm, In Your arms of mercy, keep us safe and warm. With Your Spirit guiding, we will trust and sing, In Your love unending, we find everything.
(Bridge) Grant us hearts of gentleness, hands that freely give, May our lives be offerings, in the way we live. Through the trials and the triumphs, faithful we will stay, Walking in Your footsteps, on the narrow way.
(Chorus) Oh Lord, You are our refuge, shelter from the storm, In Your arms of mercy, keep us safe and warm. With Your Spirit guiding, we will trust and sing, In Your love unending, we find everything.
The proud warrior stood in the face of his enemy
To battle with all of his might
The crowd gathered round
They were filled with intensity
To see who would win in the fight
Now most folks would cheer for the proud warrior’s legacy
Hoping for bloodshed and death
The time was approaching
The battle was almost here
When from the shadows the lamb now appeared
Offering a rose to the warrior that day
In total humility and love
But the proud warrior offered no more than a sword
As the battle had finally begun
The news spread like wildfire
The warrior was victorious and strong
But history would prove that his victory wasn’t victory at all
And pride goes before a fall
The lamb died that day for us all
The masses continued to follow the warrior
So proud of the wars he had won
But for those who believed in the humble contender
They bowed the knee for what he had done
They sang “Jesus Rose of Sharon bloom here within my heart
Bloom here with radiance, humility and love
Bloom here within my heart
Just as I Am, oh Lamb of God”
(Repeat)
The proud warrior stood in the face of his enemy to fight
Giving it his all with every strength, every weapon and all his might
The crowd gathered around as the intensity did grow
Waiting to see what weapons they would choose; who would deliver the final blow
Most cheered for the proud warrior, much fewer for the contender
They were hoping for bloodshed and violence, and that the other would have to surrender
Chronos…the battle time came near
The time was approaching as the intensity grew stronger
When will the battle start?, they asked…how much longer?
As the lamb of God in starking humility approached the proud warrior from the shadows
He reached out his hand and simply offered the proud warrior a rose
And with one blow after another, the proud warrior offered to the crowd a slaying
The crowd cheered in delight; but there remained a handful who dropped to their knees and started praying
The news spread like wildfire; how the proud warrior was victorious and strong
But history would prove this victory wasn’t a victory at all, as the score of this battle was called wrong
Kairos…the battle was not over
The masses continued to follow the proud warrior because they themselves were proud
But the lamb of God had a remnant of believers, and to him they humbly bowed
“Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Devotional: The Whisper of Grace
As we grow older and reflect on our past, introspection often leads us to confront our inner turmoil. We may find ourselves burdened by shame and regret, feeling weighed down by a past that seems inescapable. The words we hear echo a profound truth: there are moments when we feel trapped in our own mess, struggling to find our way through the fog of despair. Yet amidst that chaos, the quiet, reassuring voice of our God whispers to us, urging us to turn from our confusion and walk toward His Truth.
This voice is ever-present—a gentle yet persistent reminder that we are not alone. I hear Your voice, Lord. Just the whisper of Your voice, pleading with me to turn away from that mess. The choice to turn back to You does not demand grand gestures—it begins with the simple act of turning. And so, I did turn. I took one step, just one step…and then another. Each step is a testament to faith, a testament to hope found in Your grace.
You call out to me in my weariness, saying, “Give me your burden, and I will take care of you.” It is a promise laden with comfort, though I wrestle with the weight of it. After so many years of distancing myself from hope, the question arises: How do I trust after all these years of hardness? My shame feels great, my faith is weak, and honestly, I am just tired.
But in my vulnerability, I hear Your gentle invitation again: “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” This eternal rest is the deep peace my soul craves—a peace that washes over me and quiets the storms within. There is indeed Hell on Earth—and it’s called separation from You. When disconnected from Your love, my spirit wanders in a wilderness of doubt and despair, searching for solace in all the wrong places. Each lie I held onto felt like a step deeper into darkness.
Yet, there exists Heaven on Earth—and it is called Your grace. This grace shines through my shattered pieces, beckoning me back home. It holds the power to restore, heal, and mend what seems irreparable. Just as the hymn beautifully proclaims, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!” It is this divine grace that invites me back into a loving embrace, where shame can no longer hold anything over me.
In a world that offers distractions all too frequently, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of temporary relief. We may seek escape and numbing in substances, worldly wisdom, or fleeting pleasures to mask our pain, only to find ourselves sinking deeper into confusion. But as I turn my attention toward You, I realize that true fulfillment comes not from the outside but from the inside—from knowing I am loved by the Creator of the universe.
The journey back to You may not happen instantaneously. It may come with struggles and setbacks. However, with each step, I am reminded that I am journeying toward healing. Allow me to embrace the truth that our mistakes do not dictate our future. Your grace is big enough to cover my shortcomings, and it is through that grace I can finally let go.
We are invited to bring our burdens before You, Lord, seeking solace and strength. In doing so, we allow Your love to fill the spaces where shame once resided. The trust I seek may feel impossible, yet in this sacred relationship, I find that hope grows stronger, one step at a time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You today weary and overwhelmed, battling the weight of shame and doubt that weighs so heavily on my heart. I long for Your rest, for that eternal peace that only You can provide. Help me hear Your gentle whisper, calling me to turn away from chaos and walk toward Your truth. Teach me to trust in Your unwavering grace, strengthening my faith so that I may embrace the love and forgiveness You so endlessly offer. I surrender my burdens to You today, seeking the confidence that You will take care of me. Thank You for the rest I find in Your presence and the grace that gathers me into Your arms. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Closing Thought
As we reflect on our struggles with shame and the pursuit of truth, remember to listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice inviting you back to Him. With each step you take toward His grace, you open the door to healing and restoration. Seek the eternal rest that accompanies His presence, and trust that His love is far greater than any burden you carry. You are a beloved child of God, and His grace offers you a way back into meaningful connection. Embrace that truth today.
A Writing
What can wash away my shame Or will I forever in its grip remain Squeezing all life out of my soul Leaving me to rot in the grave, in this hole
Have I walked too far beyond the boundary of grace Looking inward and seeing nothing of value to embrace Leaving me to fend for myself in this muck and mire Slipping faster and faster to my death of desire
I didn’t think this was supposed to happen this way Have you turned your back on me, anxious to betray Or maybe you are powerless to do anything Or you simply won’t touch the sins that I bring
Chronos…time marches on…But then what?
So let’s say the answers aren’t found in the liquor store Or the drag I inhale is just a drag and nothing more Or maybe there’s nothing to the line on the table Or the prick of a needle is nothing but a harmless fable
What if there is nothing to anything What if it doesn’t matter and there’s nothing after this worthless fling
What if the glass isn’t half full What if it’s not half empty either What if it does not even exist
Chronos…time marches on…But then what?
From the pain comes ambiguity Which brings more confusion Only to result in obfuscation Which turns to apathy And finally oblivion And then the numbing begins Until I’ve arrived at my destination… …Unconscious immorality …A total lack of caring
I haven’t lost anything Because I have nothing to lose
Chronos…time marches on…But then what?
So if there are no answers This should bring me peace and contentment Right?
Then how come when sobriety returns… I’m not in my happy place? Why do I long for something more? When I don’t even know what that something is?
How come if there are no answers… I keep seeking for them? As if through my journey I will find the answers? As if there really is something greater than me?
Looking around I think I’ve discovered it
I think I’ve found it!!
I get it now!! This…this place…this time in history is what the world calls enlightenment!!
I read it in the blogs I see and hear it in the vlogs It screams at me through Facebook and Twitter
Really? That’s it? That’s the face of Truth? Are you sure?
How am I supposed to act and behave? Am I supposed to bow down to the beholders of such enlightenment? The ones who think they know it all and think they are the most tolerant The ones who walk the red carpet Or the ones who lead the protests…no, the ones who fund the protests This is it, the epicenter of knowledge and wisdom …as a society we have arrived, haven’t we?
Kairos…in His time…But then what?
It is in that place You whisper to me, that I am created in Your image You called us sons and daughters of the most High God You clothed us with Your mercy on the cross And I drop to my knees before You, in the shadow of Your grace
And then You stop this whirlwind of confusion I don’t move in any direction I bow down And the roar of the world is gone for a moment And I listen
And I hear Your voice Just the whisper of Your voice Pleading with me to turn away from that mess To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth
And so I did turn I took one step, just one step…and then another… I heard You say, “Give me your burden And I will take care of you”
How do I trust after all these years of hardness For my shame is great, my faith is weak, and I’m tired I heard You say, “Come to Me And I will give you rest”
Eternal rest. THAT is what I want. THAT is what I need.
There is Hell on Earth…and it’s called separation from You. There is Heaven on Earth…and it’s called Your Grace.
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all my sin!
Your grace has lifted me from shame, Restoring hope, erasing blame. Your mercy shines, my heart is new, Forever, Lord, I’ll worship you.
Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Lifting the burden, the weight erased. Grace, grace, unending grace, Love that restores and fills this place. Oh, Your grace, grace, God’s grace, Stronger than sin, forever the same
Verse 2
You bore my burden, healed my pain, Your sacrifice has broken chains. Through every storm, Your love remains, I lift my voice in endless praise.
Bridge
In the shadow of grace, I find my rest, Your whisper calms the chaos, the test. “Come to Me,” You softly say, “I’ll take your burden; I’ll lead the way.”
Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Lifting the burden, the weight erased. Grace, grace, unending grace, Love that restores and fills this place. Oh, Your grace, grace, God’s grace, Stronger than sin, forever the same
Verse 3
Your grace, a light that leads my way, It fills my soul with joy each day. No greater gift could there ever be, Than grace that flows eternally.
Verse 4
Oh, Lord, You’ve written my name above, Clothed me in mercy, wrapped in love. With every breath, my song will rise, Your grace, my anthem, never dies.
Chorus
Grace, grace, God’s grace, Lifting the burden, the weight erased. Grace, grace, unending grace, Love that restores and fills this place. Oh, Your grace, grace, God’s grace, Stronger than sin, forever the same
Outro
There’s hell on Earth in separation, But Heaven comes in Your salvation. Grace that pardons, grace that frees, Grace that’s calling, even me. Grace, grace, God’s grace, Greater than all my sin and disgrace. I’m alive in Your name. Your grace, my anthem, never dies.
[Verse 1] I’ve been running, I’ve been hiding, Worn out from the fight. Tangled up in chains I fastened, Lost inside the night.
[Pre-Chorus] But You call my name, You take the weight, You step right into my mistake. You tear the veil, You light the way, I won’t go back, I won’t be the same!
[Chorus] Oh, in the shadow of Your grace, Every fear begins to fade. Where mercy meets me face to face, I am free, I’m not the same!
[Verse 2] I’ve been restless, wide-eyed, sleepless, Haunted by my past. But Your blood is still my ransom, And Your love is built to last.
[Pre-Chorus] You call my name, You take the weight, You step right into my mistake. You tear the veil, You light the way, I won’t go back, I won’t be the same!
[Chorus] Oh, in the shadow of Your grace, Every fear begins to fade. Where mercy meets me face to face, I am free, I’m not the same!
[Bridge] No more hiding, no more grave, Hell is shaking, heaven stays! Chains are falling, fear erased, I am free in Jesus’ name!
[Tag] I won’t bow down, I won’t break, Darkness runs when I say His name! I won’t bow down, I won’t break, I’m alive in Jesus’ name!
[Final Chorus] Oh, in the shadow of Your grace, Every fear begins to fade. Where mercy meets me face to face, I am free, I’m not the same!
The light of the Sun shines down upon me I see the colors of the rainbow all around The warmth fills my soul and I am happy I can’t get enough of this great feeling So I stare at the Sun with eyes wide open Until I am blinded and I can see no more
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
The coolness of the rain refreshes my soul I dance like a child enjoying its miracle I can’t get enough of the claps of lightning and rolls of thunder I climb to the mountain top to experience its fullness From its peak I reach high with arms spread wide I am struck by lightning and burned to the core
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
The ocean waves crash with power to the shore Sand between my toes, I step in the water pushed to and fro I know if I can get out there beyond the shore, I will experience their greatest might So I grab my dinghy, raising its sails high Leaving the safety of the harbor to be surrounded by waves of beauty The perfect storm engulfs me in its power and I am no more
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
From the base of the mountain I see the flames of fire shooting high As if calling me to come closer to study its spectacle Camera in hand I capture picture after picture of its evolving creation Of a mountain being created from the core of the earth Not heeding the warnings of its pending eruption I am buried by the ashes, frozen in time by the cooling lava
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light that I may see
For in all the power and beauty contained in this Earth There is a delicate balance to be understood and respected For life out of balance is an act of destruction Learning this balance is what our journey is about To sprout forth new life from the disaster we have created And allow His Holy Spirit to restore us to healing
Heaven shine your light down on me Shine your light so that I will be free
Verse 1 The morning sun breaks through the night, Colors dance in golden light. Your love is warm upon my face, A whisper of Your boundless grace.
Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Verse 2 The rain pours down, my soul is new, A river runs where dust once blew. I lift my hands, the thunder cries, Your mercy echoes through the skies.
Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Verse 3 The ocean waves crash at my feet, Your voice is strong, yet soft and sweet. You calm the tide, You still the sea, You speak, and fear must bow to Thee.
Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Bridge Through every fire, through every rain, Through every sorrow, through every pain, You are my refuge, You are my peace, Forever faithful, never release
Final Chorus Oh, heaven, shine Your light on me, Open my eyes, help me to see. Through every storm, through every trial, Lead me in love, Lord, all the while.
Outro Shine Your light, oh, shine on me… Let Your love be all I need…
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:18–19
Devotional:
The rising sun paints the morning sky with hope, inviting us into the beauty of a new day. It whispers of fresh starts and the promise of renewal. Yet, for many of us, the wounds of yesterday refuse to let go. The shadows of failure, shame, and trauma cling tightly, replaying scenes of despair in the theater of our minds. It’s as if we’re trapped in a never-ending game of “Whack-a-Mole,” fighting one emotion or thought only to have another rise up in its place.
This is the reality of being stuck. It’s not just about our circumstances; it’s about the battle within—those moments when a song, a picture, or a memory catapults us back into the heart of our pain. It feels like an endless loop, and we wonder, Will I ever be free?
The answer lies not in fighting harder, but in surrendering deeper. God’s invitation to us isn’t to conquer the game but to unplug it. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” These words remind us that freedom doesn’t come from our striving, but from resting in the One who holds the power to heal, restore, and renew.
When we unplug the game, we stop trying to manage our emotions or control our past. Instead, we place them in God’s hands, trusting His perfect timing—kairos, the appointed moment of grace and breakthrough. In His presence, the relentless ticking of chronos time fades, and we find the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Today, let the Spirit of God meet you in your stuckness. Release the battle to Him, and allow Him to write a new story over your life—one of hope, courage, and renewal. Remember, you are not defined by your failures or bound by your trauma. You are held by a loving God who declares, “See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
Prayer: Thank You for being the God who makes all things new. Today, I surrender the weight of my past to You. Help me to let go of the things that keep me stuck and to trust in Your power to heal my brokenness. When reminders of pain arise, let me rest in Your peace and listen for Your voice. Lead me into the newness You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
The dawning sun throws brilliant colors across the canvas of the sky It’s a new day, a new beginning, a new chance to experience life Let me forget the failures of the past and engulf myself in the fullness of the NOW Inhaling the goodness and fullness of His Spirit, taking in the beauty of His creation With anticipation of all today brings, I will lean into the possibilities that await me I will open every door and every window of opportunity and grab them with gusto
And then it happens…like it has dozens of times before… I hear a song I see a picture Words are spoken Thoughts intrude Emotions unwind
I’m a failure I’m unworthy I’m hopeless I can’t I won’t I give up It’s not worth it I’m not enough It’s time to quit I can’t go on
Chronos – time marches on
I find myself in the bizarre Whack-a-Mole fight for my life I whack the mole of failure, but unworthiness pops up its ugly head I whack the mole of unworthiness, but hopelessness pops up its ugly head With every tick of the clock, it’s another mole Boom Whack…On and on and on…Boom Whack… Beating down addictions, defeating thoughts, destructive emotions and isolating behaviors When will this end, this endless game of self-defeat?
Kairos – His time is now…the right time is now
And His Spirit speaks to my soul… …and whispers… …unplug the game…
And the clock stops… …everything goes dark… …silence surrounds me… …the game is over… …and in that moment I know… …I’m going to be ok…
The dawning sun throws brilliant colors across the canvas of the sky It’s a new day, a new beginning, a new chance to experience life Let me forget the failures of the past and engulf myself in the fullness of the NOW Inhaling the goodness and fullness of His Spirit, taking in the beauty of His creation With anticipation of all today brings, I will lean into the possibilities that await me I will open every door and every window of opportunity and grab them with gusto
And the sun sets And the moon and stars shine bright And my head rests on my pillow And His Spirit comforts me It’s been a good day Let me do THAT again tomorrow
[Verse 1] The morning breaks, the sky glows bright, Your mercy wakes me with the light. But echoes whisper in my ear, Reminding me of doubt and fear.
[Pre-Chorus] Every fault I try to hide, Still keeps pulling me inside. But You are calling, strong and true, Breaking through with something new…
[Chorus] Be still, my soul, let go, let go, He is making all things grow, don’t you know? No more striving, no more shame, He’s the healer, He’s the same. So I’ll unplug the game, lay it at Your feet, And find my peace complete.
[Verse 2] The clock keeps ticking in my mind, I chase the past but fall behind. I fight the thoughts, but they won’t leave, A lie I always seem to believe.
[Pre-Chorus] Then You whisper, soft and strong, “Child, you’ve fought for far too long.” “Keep on striving, for I am near,” And suddenly, it all is clear…
[Boom Whack Bridge] But the past shouts back… Boom whack—down it goes! Another fear, another foe! Boom whack—I swing again, But still, the fight won’t end! Tick-tock, another round, Trying hard, but still I drown. Boom whack—I hear You say… “Child, unplug, and walk away…” (Bridge fades into silence—building anticipation for the final chorus!)
[Final Chorus – Soft to Powerful] Be still, my soul, let go, let go, He is making all things grow, don’t you know? No more striving, no more shame, He’s the healer, He’s the same. So I’ll unplug the game, lay it at Your feet, And find my peace complete.
[Outro] And the sun sets, the stars shine bright, Your Spirit holds me through the night. It’s been a good day, I let go, Tomorrow, Lord, let’s do it again.
