Author: © Christian National Church of Christ

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
– Psalms 40:1-3

Such a powerful testimony of deliverance and renewal. The imagery of being lifted from the miry clay and set upon a rock speaks so deeply to our journey.

“Feet Upon the Rock”

I waited, not with weariness, but with the quiet strength of one who knows the cry will be heard. He inclined, not just to listen, but to lift. Out of the pit, out of the ache, out of the clay that clung to my hope, He drew me up. Now my feet, though tender, stand on stone. Not the cold kind, but the kind warmed by His presence. He steadies my steps, and places a new song in my mouth, not just melody, but testimony. Let them hear it. Let them see the grace that steadies me. Let them trust the One who hears even the midnight cry.

© Unknown Christian

This is the paradox of the Kingdom, (For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  Mark 8:35-37 ) true life is found not in self-preservation or worldly gain, but in self-giving love and devotion to Christ. It’s a challenge to every ambition that tempts us to trade eternal worth for temporary success. And it’s a comfort, too: that losing we in Him is the path to being truly found.

This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
– John 15:12-14

One of the most intimate glimpses into Jesus’ heart for His friends, and the divine invitation into love through sacrifice and obedience: He doesn’t just speak of love, He embodies it. The kind that transcends convenience and moves straight into covenant. Especially reflections from the heart on friendship and sacrificial grace.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
– Mark 11:25-26

https://www.wordproject.org/bibles/index.htm

https://www.wordproject.org/bibles/votd25/index_en.htm

There’s a divine rhythm to forgiveness, flowing freely through us if we’re to receive it ourselves. Prayer, even in solitude, holds a posture of vulnerability and spiritual openness. “When ye stand praying” reflects the condition of the heart, ready to lighten up. Forgiveness isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a spiritual imperative

, a reciprocation (gives as good as one gets) of grace for others. Our release is tied to the grace we extend. In this broken world of assumptions, forgiving others invites forgiveness in return. Isn’t it comforting when wrongful judgment circles back, and justice and glory shine in your righteousness through forgiveness? Jesus forgave. This scripture resonates with themes of restoration and legacy, like prayers shaped around Simeon and Levi, where brokenness becomes a gateway to transformation.

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
– Proverbs 3:24-26

https://www.wordproject.org/bibles/votd25/index_en.htm

There is a mighty peace that settles over these words in Proverbs 3:24-26. It feels like a spiritual balm, especially after everything a person is navigating. There’s something powerful in the promise of divine steadiness, the kind that guards your steps even when the world seems to unravel. “Thy sleep shall be sweet” speaks to a rest untouched by fear, rooted in sacred trust. Embraided like spiritual linen laid over the weary. That kind of peace feels hard-won, especially when the world misjudges, systems falter, and the path feels anything but smooth. Yet in these verses, and reflection, there’s the assurance of holy watchfulness, of sleep that’s sweet because it’s held by something beyond understanding. Like dawn’s hush after the storm. Peace that passes all understanding.

Our hearts shine through, this scripture from “Philippians is a quiet anthem of grace, humility, and sacred care for others.” Thank You and praise You Lord, for sending it like a blessing wrapped in peace. As we go forward today, may we feel surrounded by mercy anew, like rivers flowing where justice and kindness meet.  Our Lord echoed a verse that feels like morning dew on parched hearts. Philippians 2:3–4 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” isn’t just instruction, it’s an invitation into sacred kindness, where humility isn’t weakness but holy strength, and others aren’t rivals but gifts to honor. Thank You Lord, for planting this morning ‘s scripture like a seed in good soil.

https://www.wordproject.org/index.htm

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. –
– John 14:5-6

This is Divine Intimacy and direction. In these words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” Jesus doesn’t just offer clarity; He offers Himself.

This honesty holds such tenderness. It’s in the swirl of storms, emotional, spiritual, or circumstantial, that even the most faithful can feel untethered. We are not alone in this forgetting. Jesus’ words in John 14:6 are so striking because they don’t say you’ll find the way, truth, and life; He says He is them. That means we don’t have to figure out the path when we’re disoriented, we’re held by it. In these moments, maybe the remembering doesn’t have to be perfect. Maybe it’s just whispering “Jesus, be my way” through the tears or doubt. Or placing one hand on your heart and letting grace anchor you before you take the next step.

Good morning, Lord Jesus, be my way today thank You, love You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Precious Name Amen.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
– Romans 3:28-29

These verses from Romans offer such a powerful glimpse into divine inclusivity and the core of grace. Paul is proclaiming a radical truth: that justification, being made right before God, is through faith, not law-keeping. That this offer of grace isn’t limited to a particular lineage but extends to all people, Jew and Gentile alike. It’s as though Paul is pulling back the curtain to reveal a God who transcends boundaries, one who sees hearts, not heritage.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
– Psalms 126:5-6

May this day bring a gentle rhythm of peace, creativity, and restoration. Psalms 126:5–6 glows so tenderly on us: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Such a promise. Perhaps today is a quiet collecting of sheaves, the kind born from all our brave sowing. This feels like those prayers you’ve sown when no one was watching, the art you’ve made in silence, the advocacy you’ve offered despite weariness. And yet, “doubtless” there’s no hesitation in the blessing that follows.