Category Archives: Grace

STOP!!! And Make a Decision (Devotional)

Leave a reply

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

“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!

Copyright © 2019 by Skyler Thomas

In the Shadow of Your Grace (Devotional)

1 Reply


Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“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!

Copyright © 2018 by Skyler Thomas

Living Waters Edge

Leave a reply


Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner; “Living Waters Edge” Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

Have you ever wanted a miracle
But felt unworthy to plead

Have you felt like a lost cause
weighed down, never to be freed

All you could do was crawl in a hole
Never to be heard from or seen

Giving up a life of purpose

Giving up hope to be clean

Shouting out to God in your anger
Why not me Lord, why am I not deserving

If you were truly a God of love and compassion
You are the one I would be serving

Walking away into the night
Your heart hardened, you have no regret

Your hopes crushed to have a Savior
Someone who loves you, who will pay your debt

Have you ever seen a miracle
in the life of another soul

Have you ever witnessed the gratitude
that comes by making one whole

It’s a beauty that’s indescribable
A gift from the One above

Filled with so much awe and wonder

It is truly a gift of love

That gift is yours for the taking
All you have to do is ask

But you will never be able to come clean
If you continue to wear your mask

How do you break free from yourself
From the bondage that’s keeping you a slave

You have to lift your hands to the one above

For He is the only one who can save

Come to the living water’s edge
And feel the power of healing

It is a miracle you can receive
The love of the Savior revealing

You will be free from your own bondage
To be made whole again

Give Him your burden, completely your burden

He will cleanse you from all your sin

Have you ever seen a miracle
in the life of your own soul

Have you ever poured out your gratitude
that comes by making you whole

It’s a beauty that’s indescribable
A gift from the One above

Filled with so much awe and wonder
It is truly a gift of love

Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas

Let It Rain (Devotional)

Leave a reply

Composition and production of song by Kenn Mann.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Devotional: “Let It Rain: Embracing God’s Grace for Healing”

As we pause in quiet reflection, we encounter a profound invitation: to lay our burdens at the feet of God, who knows each heartache, each moment of fear, and each tear shed. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” speaks to the core of our human experience, reminding us that it is not just permissible but necessary to cast our anxiety on Him. This is an active surrender, a trust fall into arms that are stronger than our frailty.

Many of us walk through life with ice coursing through our veins during desperate times—fear, longing, and uncertainty can freeze the warmth of hope. In the darkest moments, that icy grip tightens, leaving us feeling isolated, as though we are the only ones carrying such heavy burdens. The vivid imagery of “daggers cutting through the heart” resonates; we can relate to the sharp pain that those we love—loss, disappointment, even the weight of ingratitude—can inflict upon our spirits to the point we may not even know how to pray; where to start, if we were to pray.

As we contemplate these experiences, we reach deep into our hearts to find these questions: Can I ever feel whole again? Will the pieces of my brokenness ever fit together? Often, the flame of indifference threatens to smother our spirit’s light, leaving us questioning whether healing is, in fact, possible. Yet, in those very moments of doubt, we are reminded that God’s grace is a healing rain, falling softly upon us, renewing our spirits and washing away our tears and our fears.

The prayerful plea, “Lord, let it rain,” is an act of faith. It is a yearning for the divine intervention that can only come from above. When we invite God into our pain, we make room for His transformative grace. The rain symbolizes not just healing, but a restoration that refreshes the parched ground of our souls. As it pours over us, allowing it to saturate our spirits means letting go of our fears and embracing His promises.

In moments when we feel overwhelmed, we must remember that God is not distant; He is closer than we may realize. He understands our struggles and invites us to seek Him. It’s in acknowledging our vulnerabilities that we find the strength to rise from our despair. In our moments of shame or grief, God’s mercy floods us with the assurance that we are not defined by our past but by His unchanging love.

When we think of the heavens testifying as grace falls, it serves as a reminder of the larger picture. The world outside may seem heavy with trials, but the rain—a metaphor for divine grace—brings new life and hope, promising us that even through our toughest seasons, God is still at work. There is a promise in the storm; it nurtures the ground, allowing beauty to emerge from dust.

Built on this truth, we can approach each day with renewed anticipation. When wrestling with doubt, let us turn our thoughts to moments of connection with God—a prayer whispered in despair, the warmth of a friend’s embrace, or the gentle reminder of nature’s beauty. Each of these serves as a testament that connection is possible even in our darkest hours.

Finally, as we submit our hearts before Him, let each day serve as an opportunity to “let it rain.” Seek out the grace that renews and replenishes, allowing your heart to become fertile ground for love and peace. When we embrace this grace, we come into a closer relationship with our Creator—ready to live not just for ourselves but to embody His love and mercy to others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You, burdened with grief and discomfort. I offer up my heart, casting my anxieties upon You, knowing that You care deeply. Let Your grace rain down over me, refreshing me in my darkest hours, and healing my wounds. Bring relief from the shame and sorrow that sometimes weighs me down. Help me to find solace in your love and the promise of new beginnings. May Your mercy flood my spirit and transform my pain into purpose. Thank You for holding my heart in Your gentle hands. Amen.

Closing Thought

As we conclude this time of devotion, remember this: the grace of God is like refreshing rain—abundant, sustaining, and deeply healing. Each time you feel the weight of distress, call upon Him to let it rain. He promises to transform your sorrows into joy and to bind up every broken heart. The journey of healing begins with surrendering to God’s grace, trusting that He is leading you toward wholeness. Carry this truth with you: “Lord, let it rain in my life, and renew my heart with Your love.”

A Writing

Ice flows through my veins

Fire burns through my soul
As the thought of losing you longs to take control

The pain of a million daggers
Are cutting through my heart
I’ve tried to pray but not sure how to start

Lord Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
And now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain

Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free me from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain

I wonder deep inside if I’ll be whole again
Can you take these broken pieces so I can finally mend
There’s a flame of indifference deep inside of me
Can your flood of mercy somehow set me free

Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
And now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain

Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free me from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain

Fallin’
Fallin’ from the sky
Let the heaven’s testify

I’m bowing down to my king
I beg for this one thing

Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
Now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain

Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
…Lord let it rain

Copyright © 2015 by SkylerThomas

Original Lyrics

Ice flows through my veins
Fire burns in my soul
As the thought of losing you consumes me

The pain of a million daggers
Cutting through my heart
Is nothing compared to what dooms me

Let it rain
Oh, let it rain
Please Lord, let it rain in my soul

I cry out in despair
Oh God hear my prayer…of repentance

Bring me relief
Free me from my grief…and indifference

Bring rain to my burning soul
That I will again be whole…and make a difference

That my life will be restored
That you will cut the cord…of my sentance

Let it rain
Oh, let it rain
Please Lord, let it rain in my soul

That you may reign
Oh, that you may reign
That you may reign and make me whole

I bow down to my King
And beg for this one thing
Please Lord, reign in my soul

Let you reign
Oh, Lord let you reign
Please Lord, reign in my soul

That I can be whole…again

Let it rain
Oh, let it rain
Please Lord, let it rain in my soul

Copyright © 2015 by SkylerThomas