Forgiveness.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
Jesus gives clear instruction when hurt happens: go directly to the person. Don't post about it, don't gather allies, don't let bitterness fester—go. Whether you've been offended or you've offended someone else, Jesus says the same thing: pursue reconciliation immediately. This requires fighting FOR the relationship rather than fighting to WIN the argument. Listen to understand their heart, not to prepare your rebuttal. Speak to honor, not to wound. View their faults through the lens of grace God has shown you. Reconciliation isn't optional for followers of Jesus—it's commanded. Is there someone you need to approach today? Don't wait until it feels comfortable. Leave your gift at the altar and go.
Covering One Another in Love
The Power of Forgiveness
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Matthew 18:21–35Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both wha...
Going the Extra Mile
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Matthew 5:38–48Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what...
The Father’s Unconditional Love
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Luke 15: 11-24Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what ...
Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Philippians 1:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 5. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be...
Forgiveness is Our Greatest Need
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Matthew 9:1-8 and Psalm 32. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentiv...
Creating Space for the Holy Spirit
This week, we continue to study the ways in which we must prepare ourselves to follow Jesus. We will look at repentance today, but before we do, would you please join me in prayer.Lord, I ask You to quiet my heart and mind as we dive into a truth that can transform my life and can help me to live the life You have called me to. During this time, help me examine my life for the things that are keep...
Seek the Lord
Most of the stress and anxiety we face in life is due to dwelling upon the very lengthy list of things beyond our control, while overlooking the great power of the short list of things we can control. Today we are taking a look at one of those valuable items on the short list within the power of each one of us to do: seek the Lord.Let’s set the tone for the rest of today’s devotional with prayer:L...
Repentance
We are purposed to set aside Sundays at the Tree Church Daily as a special time to engage our hearts and minds in worship, prayer and fellowship. It is a day to devote to God, and for seeking His will for our lives. This involves praying and asking the Holy Spirit to speak His truth to us. As you start your day, let’s pray… Heavenly Father, there is so much about You that remains a mystery to me. ...
Love Your Enemies
Today’s topic is one of Jesus’ toughest commands, yet He gave us the greatest example of how to emulate it in our own lives. We are going to look at loving your neighbor. Before we get started, would you pray with me?Thank You, God, for being the greatest example to us on how to live out the commands that You have given us. I pray that You help me to have an open heart and an open mind to understa...
Righteousness – Right Standing with God
Today I want us to prepare our hearts for what God wants to do through our time in corporate worship. We need the Spirit to lead us and show us what He is doing currently and wants to do in us. This involves praying and asking Him to allow us to be aware of His activity in our lives. If you are new to prayer and still trying to understand how God speaks to us, pray the prayer below, anticipating ...
An “Everyone” Love
This week, we are talking about how the cross brings clarity to God’s love. More specifically, today we will be reflecting on how God’s love for humanity is unconditional because “everyone” removes any conditions relating to past sins in our lives.I want to begin with a simple prayer to invite God to move in our hearts:God, move in my heart today. Let me be open to the things You want to speak thr...
