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.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
One Step
I get a knot in my stomach when I think about how far I must climb.
All I can see right now is the hardship of getting there.
It seems daunting…
…and I know there will be sweat and exhaustion involved
…and there will be times when I fall down
…and there will be times when I feel like giving up
…and there will be times when I think it’s not worth it
But then You remind me…
…those thoughts are coming from the one who wants me to fail
…and You promise me, I don’t have to do this alone
…You will be there every step of the way
…and others will help me
…to pull me up
…and to climb to the top, beside me
I don’t have to take it all at once…
…and there will be times of rest.
…and there will be times when I can stop
….and enjoy the view out the windows
…which will get better and better the higher I go.
And I don’t have to jump to the top all at once…
…all I have to do is take
…one
…step
…at
…a
…time
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Devotional: STOP!!! And Make a Decision
Have you ever felt like life is too noisy, like the decisions and voices around you are pulling you in every direction? It’s easy to get tangled in doubts and pressures, thinking, “What’s the right move? Who should I be?” Our hearts feel restless, pulled by the need to make the right choices and prove ourselves. But God’s Word gives us a powerful reminder in Ephesians: our salvation isn’t about what we’ve done; it’s about what He has done for us.
We are saved by grace. This grace isn’t a prize we win for being good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. It’s God’s pure gift, a gift that clears the noise and helps us find true peace. When we feel lost, God reminds us that we are His masterpiece. We are loved, renewed, and given purpose—not because we are perfect, but because He is.
Sometimes, we need to pause, breathe, and simply stop—stop trying to sort everything out on our own. In that quiet place, we can hear God’s voice telling us that our identity isn’t found in the opinions of others or in our past mistakes. We are created anew in Christ, made to do good things that reflect His love and grace. When we rest in that truth, we can make decisions with clarity, guided by His wisdom instead of our own fears.
God calls us to turn to Him, to lay our burdens down and take a step toward His light. If we feel weighed down by guilt, doubt, or shame, He says, “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” His grace is greater than any sin, any past, and any confusion. Today, let’s lean into that grace, stop striving, and make the decision to trust in His love.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your unending grace. Help us remember that we are Your masterpiece, created in Your image and saved by Your love. When life feels overwhelming, let Your voice be the only one we follow. Guide us to make decisions rooted in Your truth and grace. May we find rest in You and live each day reflecting the love You’ve shown us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
I can’t fake it I can’t shake it I can’t make them… go away The voices in my head screaming Skeletons I can’t slay
It’s as it should be It’s my fate to disown me
Am I up or am I chic Am I in or am I meek What’s right, what’s sleek What’s good, what’s weak What’s pure, who’s the freak … it’s me
I can’t seem to sort it out I just want to shout…
“Please God, help me…I pray …Release me from the fray ……Of the choices that I weigh ………Of the voices leading me to stray… away”
That’s the chaos of my life It’s the result of my strife To not know where to turn Toward the peace that I yearn So what should I do How can I be true… to myself and to you
And then your voice… the only sane voice… says to me… “STOP!! And make a decision.”
Silence… now I can hear Your voice alone is clear Lifted is the fear I can feel you… for you are near
All I have to do Is turn toward you And get untangled from the view That I’m not loved by you But that you do love me, it’s true No matter what. I know what I need to do… I just need to… STOP!! And make a decision.
When I see life from your view. I realize it wasn’t you… who flew… away.
Again I hear Your voice Just the whisper of Your voice Pleading with me to turn away from the mess I created To simply turn around and walk toward Your Truth
I just need to… STOP!! And make a decision.
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 But 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!
The Rap
(Intro) Yo, I’m trapped in the noise, I’m lost in my mind, Skeletons creeping, they’re crossing the line. Doubts keep spinning, I’m running in place, But I hear Your voice calling, cutting through the haze.
(Verse 1) I can’t fake it, no, I can’t shake it, The pain in my chest, I just can’t take it. Voices screaming, got me stuck in my head, Skeletons dancing where the angels once tread.
What’s sleek? What’s weak? Who’s real? Who’s fake? I’m drowning in the questions I can’t seem to shake. I’m shouting to the sky, “God, show me the way, I’m tired of the chaos; I’m begging You today.”
(Hook) STOP! Gotta make a decision, Your voice breaks through with a crystal vision. The fear fades out, now I see You’re near, All I gotta do is turn and let You steer.
(Verse 2) You said, “Lay it down, I’ll carry the weight, Let Me take your struggle, it’s never too late.” Step by step, yeah, I’m walking the light, The chains fall off as I step in the fight.
The lies I believed, now they crumble and fall, Your love lifts me higher, breaking through it all. I was lost in my shame, but You called my name, Now I’m running toward You, never the same.
(Hook) STOP! Gotta make a decision, Your voice breaks through with a crystal vision. The fear fades out, now I see You’re near, All I gotta do is turn and let You steer.
(Bridge) Grace, grace, it’s greater than sin, It pulls me from the darkness I was living within. Hell on Earth? That’s the weight of my shame, But Heaven is Your love, now I’m praising Your name.
You whispered to me, “Give me your pain, I’ll take what’s broken and make you whole again.” Eternal peace, yeah, it’s all that I need, So I follow Your voice, let it take the lead.
(Chorus) Grace, grace, God’s grace, Pulling me out of my darkest place. Grace, grace, it’s a holy embrace, Now I’m running with Your love, set a brand-new pace.
(Outro) So I STOP, and I make the decision, To follow Your path, walk the perfect vision. The shame is gone, my heart feels new, I’m stepping in faith, God, I’m trusting in You.
Scripture Verse: “So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
Devotional: A Reflection of the Creator
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered if you were enough? If you were worthy? If you had purpose? The world is quick to measure our value by external factors—accomplishments, social status, appearance, or the approval of others. But God has already spoken the greatest truth about who you are: You are made in His image.
Being made in God’s image doesn’t mean we are all-powerful, all-knowing, or perfect. It means we carry something of Him within us—His creativity, His love, His capacity for relationship, and His longing for what is right and good. It means we are set apart, created with purpose, and designed for connection—with God and with each other.
Yet, we struggle. We struggle with our imperfections, our weaknesses, our past mistakes. Sometimes we allow these struggles to define us, forgetting the divine imprint on our souls. But God’s image in you is not erased by your failures, nor is His love for you diminished by your doubts. His truth stands firm: You belong to Him.
So rather than seeking approval from the world, seek the One who formed you with love. Rather than defining yourself by what you are not, embrace what He says you are: precious, chosen, and created for His glory. In that truth, we find our purpose—not to strive endlessly for worldly validation, but to live as reflections of His love and grace.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me in Your image. When I feel lost, remind me of who I am in You. When I struggle with doubts, let Your truth be my foundation. Help me to embrace the identity You have given me—not based on my achievements or failures, but on Your unchanging love. May I live each day as a reflection of Your grace, seeking to honor You in all I do. I surrender my fears and insecurities to You, and I choose to trust in Your perfect plan for my life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Writing:
You may struggle, like me, to know God Sometimes I feel I have been misled by people claiming to know God And them trying to convince me that I do not know God in the right way And that I must follow their version of Truth, whatever that may be
While even I applaud their passion, I feel at times it is misguided in selfish ambition As if they get points if I sign up to be on their team; join “their” church
But, I want to know God on my terms…or rather, on His terms for me
I cannot deny His existence; I will not Neither do I choose a mediocre ambivalence Maybe I want something more meaningful than a passive aggression
Let’s just say I DO want to know God; to seek Him; truly seek Him Where shall I start?
To be made in the image of God? What does that mean?
Does it mean I am like Him… …In His wisdom? …In His knowledge? …In His power? …In His supremacy?
Exactly how am I made in the image of God? I think HE even said I am made in HIS image HE said that…the one who claims to have made ME
Clearly though… …I am not almighty …I am not omniscient …I am not omnipotent …I am not invincible …I am not the creator of all things
I’m not even like Captain Marvel or any of the Super Heroes; Let alone God
I’m just little ole me But I am ME And HE said I am made in HIS image
Truth is… …I act out imperfection …I act out weakness …I act out failure …I even act out not wanting to be loved or accepted
But… …I am not failure …I am not imperfection …I am not weakness
…I am worthy of love …I am worthy of acceptance …I am worthy to attain beyond what my flesh can
Because… HE said so…and HE said I am made in HIS image
I can deny it… I can ignore it… I can turn and run away from it… I can close my eyes… I can cover my ears… I can pretend not to see or hear it
Or… I can recognize it…for what it is I can acknowledge it….for what it is I can embrace it…for what it is
Embrace what, you ask?
That I am made for emotion… That I am made for love… That I am made for acceptance… That I am made for being valued… That I am made for compassion… That I am made for connection…to be more than just me… That I am made for Worship of the One who made me in HIS image…just as I am
That’s how I’m wired… That’s how I’m created… In the image of God
Therefore because I am made in HIS image, I bow down…and worship YOU, oh God
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…
