As Senior Pastor, I am excited for our season of transition. We transitioned from the COVID-19 pandemic to our Kingdom Worship Center, and hosted the Kingdom Network Leadership Summit to establish a blueprint for kingdom building. During this time of transition our congregation has focused on prayer, the battle for your mind, and trying God through giving. Throughout this time, however, our core values – Gather, Grow, Give, Go –continued to guide us as we remain kingdom focused on God and God’s people.
I believe when we are intentional about seeking the face of God, and seeking to discern God’s will for us, not only will we be blessed, but we will be empowered to bless others. I want to thank the team with a special shout out to Rev. Renee Jones, Rev. Mariah “Mimi” Crews, Rev. Hilda Hudson, Rev. Vince Van, and Bro. Patrick Fruge for their work in developing this devotional tool to guide our prayer and meditation time as a congregation.
Below you will see the format for the devotional as it has been developed in three areas: Read, Reflect, and Respond. As you work through this devotional, don’t forget to visit our website Kingdom.Global for details and updates. Also visit our YouTube page for previous sermons and Bible lessons created for all ages. Lastly, join us daily for our prayer call at 7:00am, 12:00pm, and 6:00pm, 605-474-3235 code 217780#. While reading this devotional, it will be helpful to: READ – Read each passage slowly and thoughtfully.
REFLECT – Notice what stands out to you in the passage. RESPOND – Write down what you hear God saying through the Word. Praying for you and your family in this season as we all remain Kingdom Focused!
Pastor Matthew L. Watley Senior Pastor
DAY 01
READ: James 4:7
“So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.” (NCV)
REFLECT: As Christians, we do not always approach each day with the thought that the devil is constantly on attack. You may be thinking why give the devil an audience to my thoughts and ruin my day. Whether we think about it or not the devil is indeed busy and would love nothing more for God’s people to be ensnared and entangled in sinful thoughts and behaviors. James 4:7 makes it clear that our ability to withstand the subtle temptation of the devil requires effort. While God does empower us through the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit to work powerfully in us, we must intentionally submit ourselves to God’s will and we must resist or stand against the devil. I find it interesting that it’s when we stand up and fight, the devil will “flee” or run from us. We cannot run away from the devil, but we can drive him away with the weapon of the Word and power of the Holy Spirit!
RESPOND: In what way(s) can you submit yourself more to God?
DAY 02
READ: Psalm 46:10
“God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be praised in all the nations; I will be praised throughout the earth.” (NCV)
REFLECT: Trusting God in challenging times is something many of us learned to do in a different way because of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Psalm 46 reminds us that God’s power and provision for His people can be always trusted in any situation. The challenge that so many have with trusting God in uncertain times is resisting the urge to take matters in our own hands. If we are honest, many of us find it easier to trust God for what He can do for us (stuff) rather than for who He is to us (sovereign God). A byproduct of the pandemic forced us to “be still” and take inventory of what really matters; and at the end of the day, it was not our stuff. Be still and know that I am God is a command. A command to let go, to stop hurrying and stop worrying and make time to recognize that God is in control. The idea of being still goes against what we naturally and culturally do. When our natural inclination is to go full speed ahead, God is often saying to us to hit the brakes, slow down, and be still. Stillness with God is not inactivity, but active engagement with God.
RESPOND: How can you be more present with God today?
DAY 03
READ: John 16:20-24
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (NIV)
REFLECT: It is said that the end of the year brings about the highest levels of grief nationwide. Many of us experience grief through losses: friends who we outgrow, dealing with our own sense of failure, career challenges, or the death of people close to us. No matter what we identify with, the reality is grief is not only real but hard. However, Jesus understands this reality as He sympathized with the disciples during his last days before His physical death. Jesus was letting the disciples know that there will be a time when He will physically be away from them, and that season will bring temporary grief. In spite of that, Jesus uses the analogy of the mother who gives birth in pain but is brought to a state of joy after the birth. We, just as the disciples, should be encouraged that though grief is a reality of life, it is not the final destination. Jesus’ words to the disciples remind us that God stands on the other side of grief, with joy that only He can give. It is joy that no one can take away.
RESPOND: What has brought you grief this year? Write out a prayer that asks Jesus to help you deal with situations that have caused you grief.
DAY 04
READ: Mark 1:34-35 “...and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (NIV)
REFLECT: On June 1, 1980, CNN became the first 24-hour network. Prior to CNN, major channels would sign off close to midnight by playing the Star-Spangled Banner. Yes, contrary to what we see today, there was a time people actually went to sleep before midnight. Today we find ourselves in an overstimulated culture. You can eat, work, and socialize 24 hours a day. However, with so much accessibility in today’s culture, many of us have and are experiencing sensory overload or even burnout. In this passage, we see Jesus intentionally went away in the early morning to reset and pray. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we continue to see prayer as a priority for his self-care. This chapter of Mark should be a blueprint for how we should live our lives. Jesus shows us that despite having a busy daily agenda, His morning routine was critical to the success of His day. It is important that as much as we invest into the lives of others, that we remember to refuel daily with meditation and prayer that connects us to God.
RESPOND: Identify a moment in your daily schedule where you can have personal time with God. How can you incorporate more time with God daily?
DAY 05
READ: 1 Corinthians 12:22-24
“On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it.” (NIV)
REFLECT: Have you ever felt like you are in a lifelong search for purpose within the church? If you’re reading this today, you need to understand that God has given each of us our own special gift for His Kingdom. Paul begins this chapter emphasizing spiritual gifts and their importance, while connecting those gifts metaphorically to the Body of Christ. Paul encouraged the Corinthians through highlighting that we all have at least one gift and therefore a contribution to make towards the church. Some roles may be more noticed, while other roles are rarely acknowledged. It is important to know that God values every part of the body, even if it is hard for you to see the value. No matter where you serve in the church or the channel in which you spread the Gospel, you are valued and needed for the building of God’s Kingdom. For we have a “Father, who sees what is done in secret” and He will reward us (Matthew 6:6).
RESPOND: Identify an area within the church that you can serve and use your spiritual gifts. Are there other areas that you can contribute your spiritual gifts?
DAY 06
READ: Psalm 103:10-14
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (NIV)
REFLECT: Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the one that we see in the mirror.
At the end of the year, many people beat themselves over personal mistakes done throughout the year. A mentor once told me that forgiving myself is the water that flushes the soul. It’s important to remember that the burden of the transgressions was lifted at the moment of repentance and confession to God. In fact, He paid the ultimate price so that we can live with this peace. It’s not easy to resolve this issue, but it’s important for our walk and our own mental health. You may have woken up this morning sensing your mistakes and sins and felt as if the walls are closing in as the year ends. However, if you have confessed your wrongdoing to God, and made the proper adjustments where you can, forgive yourself! Forgive yourself so that you can grow. Forgive yourself so that you can heal. Forgive yourself so that you can embrace the fact that God has forgiven you. Remember Jesus died on the cross for your mistakes. Don’t let fear hold you back from investing in yourself for a better year.
RESPOND: What have you held on to this year that God is pushing you to let go? How will you forgive yourself and move forward this year?
READ: Luke 8:49-50
“While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. Your daughter is dead, he said. Don’t bother the teacher anymore. Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (NIV)
REFLECT: I love this Scripture because it takes place at a truly pivotal moment. (Spoiler alert: If you haven’t read the chapter in its entirety please do, and then come back!) Jesus just healed the woman who’d been suffering for 12 years, and then he proceeds to bring Jairus’ dead daughter back to life. However, Jairus doesn’t know this at this point in our text. Jairus went to Jesus specifically to save his daughter, and he just got word that while they were on their way – she died. Can you imagine how he must have felt at that moment? The hurt, the disappointment – not just in Jesus, but in himself? Jesus’ response is a bit jarring at first because it seems a little insensitive, right? But the truth is, Jesus already knew that Jairus’ daughter would be brought back to life. So, Jesus is responding from a place of victory because he knew that they were only in between miracles. What if your dark season was just a moment in between miracles? God’s Word promises us that the suffering of our present time can’t be compared with the glory that will be revealed. That means that no matter how much it hurts or how often we’ve been let down, victory is still ours. Coming out better, stronger, and healed is still possible. Don’t be afraid, just believe – God has something amazing in store for you.
RESPOND: How will you respond to dark seasons differently, knowing that your miracle is coming?
DAY 7
READ: 2 Samuel 6:20-21
“When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, how distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do! David retorted to Michal, I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord.” (NLT)
REFLECT: This game that my little cousin got me into is essentially a modern variation of Where’s Waldo. It’s a simple game, not much to write home about except this one thing that caught me by surprise. You see, each time I elevate to a new level a small image pops up that simply says, “time to reflect - new level unlocked.” It encourages you to pause and think about the fact that you have succeeded. It asks you to recognize that because of your success, elevation is coming. Our Scripture for today is a spiritual embodiment of this gesture. Our world rarely lets us catch our breath. It seems like right after we’ve won, or accomplished even the smallest of things, we become instantly inundated with what’s next. How can I, when will I, is it even possible for me to win again? Or it’s the negative aspect that comes with tapering our expectations, waiting for the other shoe to come thudding to the ground. But what David does here, is he pauses to dance and give God glory for the elevation, covering, and keeping power of our God. We ought to dance so much more.
RESPOND: What is one thing – just one – that God has done recently in your life that you can pause and give God praise for at this moment? Whatever it is – I hope you dance!
DAY 8
DAY 9
READ: Esther 4:13-14
“He sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (NIV)
REFLECT: I recently found myself on TikTok and came across a very interesting video. Three boys were dancing alongside their friend in an attempt to win his girlfriend back. The video itself had a nice little bop to it and reminded me of the Boys II Men days of yore. In the comment section, there were tons of people talking about how this – showing up to help a friend correct a mistake – was true loyalty. But I couldn’t help but wonder where they were before the mistake was made. Where was their loyalty before he took the “L”? In our Scripture for today, we see Mordecai do just that. Esther was on the verge of choosing not to assist her people for fear that she may be killed. But as valid as her fear was, Mordecai could see that something greater was at stake. He reminds her that should she choose not to step up, at this difficult time – she and her entire family would perish. He reminds her that maybe, just maybe, she was built for the task at hand. And because he did, she is able to save her people, and justice was certainly done. The truth is, we need more people in our lives who won’t just show up after we fall, but who will help us to stay up in the first place.
RESPOND: Do you have people in your life who will tell you the truth even if it is challenging to hear? How can you be that type of friend to someone else?
DAY 10
READ: Acts 8:4-6
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.” (NIV)
REFLECT: This passage reminds us how important it is to be representatives for Jesus and share His Word with others. It also reminds us that everyone, despite where we are, has the power to tell others about Jesus. We do not need to have a Master of Divinity degree or serve in a particular area of ministry. We communicate with people at home, at school, in the grocery store, and at work. Whether we do this in person or virtually, sharing the Good News about Jesus is an important part about being a believer. When we live our lives as kingdom disciples, the Holy Spirit can work through us so that others may see the love of Jesus and believe.
RESPOND: How can you share the Good News of Jesus with others?
READ: Matthew 6:9-10
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (KJV)
REFLECT: Can you imagine a kingdom on earth and how a king rules the kingdom? Now imagine Jesus as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. As we seek to align ourselves with God, we must be ready to take up the cause of His kingdom by serving King Jesus. This is not necessarily an easy task. We may have a tendency to follow our own wants and desires. As we grow as kingdom disciples and learn to pray like Jesus, we must put aside our own path and accept the kingdom mission. This does not mean that we all need to have a career in ministry. However, it does mean that we need to put God first in all areas of our lives and serve Jesus as King!
RESPOND: What are you praying for? Are you ready to let God order your steps so you can walk in His will for your life?
DAY 11
DAY 12
READ: John 17:18-20
“Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” (NLT)
REFLECT: What comes to mind when you hear the word, “legacy?” Do you think about your grandparents, your parents, or future generations? Do you think about money, possessions, or achievements? In this passage, we see what Jesus thought about legacy. Even though Jesus was in the midst of crisis, He did not just pray for himself. He did not just pray for his followers and those closest to him. Jesus looked beyond the immediate days to come and thought about legacy. Jesus prayed for you. Jesus prayed for me. Jesus thought about us! This prayer reminds us of the legacy we can leave as kingdom disciples making a kingdom difference.
RESPOND: What legacy do you want to leave? What can you do to leave a legacy that honors God?
READ: Revelation 7:9-10
“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” (NLT)
REFLECT: Have you every planned a party or event? Was it difficult to narrow down your guest list? Regardless of the occasion, the fact is you could not invite everyone. Someone was excluded. Unfortunately (or fortunately), leaving people off the invitation list is part of the process. However, when John, the author of Revelation, described his vision of heaven, there were people from all nations, races, languages, and socioeconomic classes. Jesus did not put a limit on His invitation. This reminds us that everyone is invited.
RESPOND: Will you invite someone to church this year? Will you extend the invitation to someone who does not know Jesus?
DAY 13
DAY 14
READ: Genesis 2:2-3
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (NIV)
REFLECT: Are we the unfortunate picture of the Energizer Bunny that just keeps going and going? If we maintain the “just keep going mentality,” we will go until our circuits are fried and our batteries are dead. We tell ourselves (or our spouse/kids/friends) that after one more email, we will be done for the night. At times, however, we just keep going. This passage reminds us that God blessed the Sabbath day, setting it apart to meet our spiritual and physical needs. God gave the Israelites the Sabbath as their mandatory off switch. This day of rest was a way they honored God as they remembered that the world’s problems and opportunities did not rest on their shoulders. But it did not only honor God; it was also good for them.
RESPOND: How can you take time to rest and honor God?
DAY 15
READ: Romans 12:4-6
“A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. God has also given each of us different gifts to use.” (CEV)
REFLECT: Have you ever thought about the many parts on a bicycle? The handlebars help us ride straight or turn corners. The gears allow us to shift and climb hills with more efficiency. The pedals move the chain and turn the wheels. The brakes help us stop when we need to. Each part of the bike is essential to making it work properly. This passage reminds us to recognize our individual gifts to serve as one body of Christ. It encourages us to not only look at our church, but also our home, workplace, and classrooms. Some people have administrative gifts while others are extroverts and enjoy building connections. Some people are warm and welcoming while others are quiet and cautious. Some people are creative, and others just tell you exactly what you need to hear. Begin to understand how the many parts in your family, church, office, or school can ultimately serve as one for the body of Christ.
RESPOND: What are some ways you can recognize and honor the diversity God has placed in your home, workplace, school, and church?
DAY 16
READ: Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (NIV)
REFLECT: Every time we make the decision to do good and serve others, we start a countdown until the inevitable moment when we ask, “is it worth it?” People may not notice, we may not get recognized, and there is no guarantee anyone will even appreciate our service. However, this passage reminds us to not give up. Each time you do good, a seed is planted, and a life centered around Jesus causes those seeds to grow and grow. We may not ever know the result of every good deed, but we can trust that God does and that He is helping them grow to their fullest potential.
RESPOND: Identify some areas of your life where you need God’s strength to move forward. How does your faith allow you to keep moving forward as a kingdom disciple?
READ: Philippians 3: 17-20
“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” (NLT)
REFLECT: Do you have someone in your life who is worth following? Are there people in your house, at school, at your job, or in church who you look up to? Are there people in your life who love Jesus and live their lives for Him? In this passage, Paul reminds the people of God to be an example for others to follow. It reminds us to be an example worth following. People are watching and learning from us. While there are plenty of examples not worth following in our world, we have an amazing opportunity to be an example worth following.
RESPOND: Who has modeled a Christ-like lifestyle for you? How can you serve as an example to others?
DAY 17
DAY 18
READ: Deuteronomy 6:5-7
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (NIV)
REFLECT: Repetition is a very effective way to learn. From playing a musical instrument, studying for a spelling test, memorizing multiplication tables, practicing a sport, or driving the same route to work, we use repetition to build muscle memory. This passage reminds us that God’s commands are no different. We read Scripture not just to understand how we should live, but to know and understand Jesus. We learn Scripture and talk about Scripture. This passage even describes how we should be meditating on God’s Word when we are walking, sitting, lying down, and getting up – every aspect of our lives. Eventually, we can become so familiar with God’s Word that it overflows out of us and becomes part of our identity.
RESPOND: Have you fallen in love with God’s Word? In what ways can you use repetition to grow in God’s Word this year?
DAY 19
READ: Colossians 3:15, 17
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (NLT)
REFLECT: Have you ever thought about what it truly means to be a Christian – a kingdom disciple? Is it simply about going to church on Sundays, saying a prayer before eating a meal, and reading the Bible? While these characteristics may be elements to one’s faith, the passage reminds us that everything we do, “whether in word of deed,” should be as a representative of Jesus. Additionally, everything we do or say should lead toward gratitude. While this standard may seem impossible, practicing thankfulness can help lead to a life of gratitude.
RESPOND: What are some ways you can remain grateful and thankful throughout the year?
DAY 20
READ: Psalm 25:2-3a, 5
“My God, I trust you. Please don’t let me be put to shame. Don’t let my enemies rejoice over me! For that matter, don’t let anyone who hopes in you be put to shame; Lead me in your truth—teach it to me—because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long.” (CEB)
REFLECT: As children of God, we are called to embody hope. Do we? After all we have experienced just since March 2020, can we honestly say with conviction, My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. When I began to contemplate the question, I experienced a sense of calm for the seemingly hopeless times in which we live. David reminds us in the text to look beyond our circumstances to the God of hope. Yet, there are times we get so bogged down with the ways of this world that we forget our Heavenly Father is waiting to commune with us daily. He is waiting to tell us despite all that is going on or has gone on, nothing is a surprise to Him. He is waiting to tell us that He has chosen us for His honor and glory. He is waiting to tell us that all we need to do is put our hope and trust in Him. But what is hope?
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I had a former professor to define hope as “an aspect of God’s stirring presence within each of us. A personification of God’s Spirit assuring us of God’s presence, power, and fidelity. Hope evokes yearning for wholeness and well-being and calls us to lend our hands to God’s loving, just and restorative work in the world.” Can you think of a time in your life when a circumstance seemed hopeless, but God revealed His hope to you? In the Old Testament, the word “hope” most often invites us to look ahead eagerly with trust and confident expectation. It also reminds us that the fulfillment of hope lies in the future. Not just future of when we all get to heaven, but the future of the here and now, tomorrow or many more tomorrows. For Jesus said, He came that we may have life and that life more abundantly even in the earth.
Saints, hope is not wishful thinking, but trusting that God will keep His promises, which are both dependable and pertinent. The psalmist pours out his heart to teach us to find rest in God, seek Him, and put our hope in Him.
In seasons of suffering, we often question why God would allow us to experience so much pain. During these times, we find ourselves, like Job, wrestling and questioning God. We cry out to God asking why, why now, why me, why us? I don’t understand why we experience all that we do. Could it be that God allows our circumstances so that He can display His warm sense of presence in our lives? Giving us the assurance of His constant presence in us and pointing us to “Know Hope”?
I am reminded of the hope that Christ embodied on that First Christmas morning. It is that hope that propels us forward, lifts us up and ensures us that we will be alright.
RESPOND: You are blessed to see a new year. How will you rely on hope regardless of what comes your way?
DAY 21
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV)
REFLECT: What is your name? Who are you? Have you ever stopped to contemplate these types of questions as they relate to who you are in Christ Jesus? Have you ever found yourself straddling between opinions, who God says you are and who you say you are? Do you find yourself holding onto thoughts others have of you?
To take it a step further, some of us have incorrectly taken on labels as our names. But God doesn’t settle for labels that limit. Instead, He gives us names that call us into a new identity that He has crafted just for us – names with meanings and names that speak to who we will become. Could mislabeling ourselves be preventing us from living out our new name and life purpose?
The Old Testament tells of a wicked king named Ahab, who did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him (1 Kings 16:30). Ahab worshiped false gods and led his country to do the same. God sent the prophet Elijah to confront the people for their sin of idolatry.
In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah asks the people, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” In a similar way, God is asking us, how long will we waver between two opinions? Will we be known by the sins of our past? Or will we seek God, persevere through the wrestling as Jacob did, and fight to believe we are forgiven and made new?
How did the Israelites respond to Elijah’s question? But the people said nothing (1 Kings 18:21). Can you imagine God speaking to you today, asking you one of His profound questions, and you say nothing? I’m afraid we do all the time, either by ignoring His voice or choosing not to live out the life He designed for us. God speaks to us; He reveals His heart to transform us. Our silence reveals our ambivalence about allowing such transformation to take place. The absurdity of saying nothing in the face of this astonishing invitation speaks for itself.
Maybe you have trouble hearing from God. Maybe you don’t take the time to listen for your new name. Maybe you don’t believe God has a new name for you. Maybe you are comfortable in the same old patterns of identity and action you have known for so long. One author wrote, “You don’t need a codependent relationship with your old self.” The question is: are you willing to say goodbye to the labels that limit you and embrace the new name God has for you?
The people during Ahab’s time straddled the fence and wavered between two identities. Are you carrying on their practices or are you ready to take a stand? For we cannot be new creations and live out our old names. In Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! When you hear your new name, you are tasked with believing and becoming all God has created you to be.
RESPOND: Are you ready to leave your name and identity behind and anticipate the bright future God has for you?
