God speaks to us in powerful ways through His Word, but did you know there are two distinct ways Scripture describes His Word? The Bible refers to Logos and Rhema—both are essential for our faith, but they serve different purposes. • Logos is the written Word of God—the Bible, which reveals His truth, character, and promises. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This is the foundation of our faith, unchanging and eternal. • Rhema is the spoken, revealed Word of God—a personal, Spirit-led word that applies directly to our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word (Rhema) that comes from the mouth of God.” This is when Scripture comes alive in a moment of revelation, providing direction, encouragement, or conviction. We need both. Logos gives us a solid foundation, teaching us God’s ways, while Rhema breathes life into specific moments, guiding us personally. Rhema will never contradict Logos—God’s personal word to us will always align with His written truth. How to Receive Both Logos and Rhema in Your Life 1. Spend Time in the Word Daily (Logos) • The more you immerse yourself in Scripture, the more you understand God’s heart. • Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 2. Ask God for Revelation (Rhema) • Pray that the Holy Spirit will highlight specific verses and give you fresh understanding. • Scripture: “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26) 3. Be Sensitive to His Voice • Sometimes God speaks through a verse, a sermon, or an inner prompting—pay attention to how He leads. • Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) 4. Test Every Rhema Against the Logos • If you believe God is speaking something specific, confirm it through Scripture—God’s voice will never contradict His Word. 5. Live It Out • Don’t just read the Word—apply it! Faith comes from hearing and obeying God’s voice. Why This Matters • Logos gives you foundation; Rhema gives you direction. • Logos teaches you truth; Rhema makes it personal. • Logos prepares you; Rhema activates you. Both work together to deepen your relationship with God and empower you to walk in His will. Question to Ponder: When was the last time God spoke to you personally through His Word? How can you seek both Logos and Rhema today? Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your written Word that gives me a strong foundation in truth. Open my heart to receive Your Rhema word—fresh revelation that applies to my life today. Teach me to listen to Your voice, discern Your will, and walk in obedience. Help me to balance both study and sensitivity to the Spirit so I can grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prophecy is one of the most powerful gifts God has given to His people. It is not just an Old Testament phenomenon—it is a gift of the Holy Spirit, available and encouraged for believers today. 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges us: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” The prophetic is not about fortune-telling or wild predictions; it is about hearing from God and speaking His truth to encourage, strengthen, and guide others. Prophecy is meant to build up the church, confirm God’s will, and reveal His heart to His people. In Acts 2:17, Peter quotes the prophet Joel, declaring that in the last days, God will pour out His Spirit, and sons and daughters will prophesy. This means that prophecy is not reserved for a select few—it is a spiritual gift available to all who walk in the Spirit. When we seek God and ask Him to speak, He is faithful to reveal His heart and will to us. Prophetic words can come in different forms—through Scripture, dreams, visions, or a strong impression in our spirit. The key is to test every word against the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) and seek God’s wisdom in how to steward it. God is still speaking today. Are you listening? How to Walk in the Gift of Prophecy 1. Desire the Gift • Ask God to give you a prophetic sensitivity to hear His voice. • Scripture: “Eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1) 2. Stay Rooted in Scripture • Prophecy will never contradict God’s Word. Test all prophetic words against Scripture. • Scripture: “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) 3. Develop a Listening Heart • Spend time in prayer and quiet before God, asking Him to speak. • Scripture: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9) 4. Speak in Love and Encouragement • Prophecy should always build up, encourage, and strengthen others. • Scripture: “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3) 5. Trust the Holy Spirit’s Leading • If God gives you a word for someone, pray about when and how to share it. Trust that the Spirit will guide you. Why Prophecy Matters Today • It Confirms God’s Will – Prophetic words can affirm what God is already speaking to someone. • It Strengthens the Church – It encourages believers and builds up faith. • It Draws Us Closer to God – The more we seek to hear His voice, the deeper our relationship grows. Question to Ponder: Have you asked God to speak to you prophetically? How can you develop a deeper sensitivity to His voice? Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of prophecy and the way You speak to Your people. Help me to desire and steward this gift with wisdom, humility, and love. Open my ears to hear Your voice, and teach me to speak only what aligns with Your Word and Your heart. Use me to encourage and build up those around me, and let my life be a reflection of Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, it was a miraculous display of His power. He parted the Red Sea, provided manna from heaven, and guided them with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. They were no longer slaves—they were free. But even though they had left Egypt, Egypt hadn’t fully left them. Instead of embracing their new identity as God’s chosen people, they still thought like slaves. When challenges came, they wanted to return to what was familiar, even if it meant going back to bondage. “We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic” (Numbers 11:5). They longed for Egypt, forgetting the pain, suffering, and oppression they had endured. They were free in body, but their minds were still in captivity. The Slave Mentality vs. A Freedom Mindset The Israelites struggled because they were used to chains. For over 400 years, they had been conditioned to live in oppression, to expect suffering, and to follow the commands of their earthly masters. Even when God provided for them, they doubted, complained, and struggled to trust Him. I see this same battle in my own life. God has set me free from sin, shame, and my past mistakes, yet sometimes I still live as though I’m bound. I still think like a slave, even though Jesus has made me free. • When I doubt God’s promises, I’m still thinking like a slave. • When I cling to my past and believe I can’t change, I’m still thinking like a slave. • When I live in fear instead of walking in faith, I’m still thinking like a slave. Jesus tells us in John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” But just like the Israelites, we have to choose to walk in that freedom. How to Break Free from a Slave Mindset 1. Renew Your Mind with Truth The Israelites were physically free, but their minds were still enslaved. Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We have to fill our minds with God’s truth, replacing fear and doubt with faith. 2. Trust God in the Wilderness Freedom doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties. The Israelites panicked when they faced the Red Sea, forgetting that God had already promised to deliver them. We do the same thing—when obstacles come, we sometimes question God instead of trusting that He’s making a way. Exodus 14:14 reminds us: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 3. Stop Looking Back Like the Israelites craving Egypt, we sometimes look back on our past as if it was better than what God has for us. But Jesus said in Luke 9:62: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” True freedom comes when we stop longing for what God already rescued us from. 4. Walk in Your Identity as a Child of God Slaves obey out of fear, but sons and daughters obey out of love. When we truly understand that we are children of God (Romans 8:15-16), we stop living like slaves. We walk in confidence, trusting that God is leading us to the Promised Land. Reflection Question What is one area of your life where you still think like a slave instead of walking in the freedom God has given you? How can you surrender that mindset to Him today? Prayer Father, I know You have set me free, but sometimes I still live as though I’m bound. Help me to renew my mind with Your truth and to trust You, even in the wilderness. I don’t want to long for the things You have delivered me from. Teach me to walk in the freedom You have given me through Christ. Thank You that I am no longer a slave to sin, fear, or my past—I am Your child, and I trust You to lead me forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For so long, I thought my battle was with myself. I thought I was just broken, weak, and beyond hope. But looking back, I see now that there was more going on than just my own struggles. There was a war being waged over my soul—one I couldn’t see but could definitely feel. The enemy’s voice was relentless. It wasn’t just my own negative thoughts; it was something darker, something persistent. It whispered that I was worthless, that I would never be free, that the only way out was to end it all. I can’t count how many times I sat alone, drowning in those voices, convinced that I had no future. But those thoughts were not my own. Neil T. Anderson says in The Bondage Breaker, “The devil’s greatest weapon is deception. He wants you to believe lies about yourself, about God, and about your circumstances. If he can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life.” That’s exactly what was happening to me. I was believing lies—lies that I was unloved, that I was beyond saving, that there was no way out. But those were not the words of God. Those were the words of the enemy, trying to destroy me before I could step into the freedom Christ had for me. It took time for me to recognize that my battle wasn’t against myself. It wasn’t just against addiction or depression. It was spiritual warfare. Recognizing the Real Enemy The Bible makes it clear that we are not fighting against flesh and blood: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12 Satan is real. Demonic forces are real. And their goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). I know this because I’ve felt it firsthand. But the good news? They do not win. Jesus has already won the victory, and when we stand in His truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power. Neil T. Anderson writes, “Victory is not achieved by trying harder, but by realizing the truth of who you are in Christ and standing firm in that reality.” How to Fight Back 1. Recognize the Lies The enemy wants to keep you in darkness, believing lies. But Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). We have to expose the lies and replace them with God’s Word. 2. Take Authority in Christ “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 When we submit to God and stand firm, the enemy must flee. We have the authority in Christ to rebuke those demonic voices and claim victory over our minds. 3. Put on the Armor of God • The Belt of Truth – Standing firm in God’s truth, which holds everything together (Ephesians 6:14). This includes knowing who God is and who we are in Christ. • The Breastplate of Righteousness – Not our own righteousness, but Christ’s righteousness, which guards our hearts and enables us to live in His grace and obedience (Ephesians 6:14). • The Shield of Faith – Trusting in God, which extinguishes the fiery darts (doubts, lies, temptations) of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16). • The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God, our offensive weapon against deception and attacks (Ephesians 6:17). • The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Being ready to stand firm and share the Good News (Ephesians 6:15). • The Helmet of Salvation – Guarding our minds with the assurance of salvation in Christ (Ephesians 6:17). 4. Speak Life, Not Death The enemy speaks death, but God speaks life. We must speak His Word over ourselves: • “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me” (Romans 8:37). • “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). • “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Reflection Question Are there lies you’ve been believing about yourself? How can you replace them with God’s truth today? Prayer Father, I know I am in a battle that goes beyond what I can see. The enemy has tried to convince me that I am worthless, that I have no future, that I should give up. But today, I reject those lies in Jesus’ name. I declare that I am Yours. I put on the full armor of God, and I stand firm in Your truth. Help me recognize the enemy’s schemes and fight back with Your Word. Thank You that I am already victorious in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. A Word of Encouragement If you’ve been hearing the enemy’s lies, know this: You are not alone, and you are not powerless. Satan only attacks what he fears, and if he’s coming after you, it’s because there is a mighty calling on your life. Stand firm. Take up your armor. The battle is real, but Jesus has already won.

I’ve always had a habit of overthinking—analyzing every decision, worrying about every outcome, and second-guessing even the simplest things. I could take a simple truth, like “God loves you” or “Trust Him with your burdens,” and somehow turn it into a mental maze. I’d think, But what if I mess up? What if God’s disappointed in me? What if I make the wrong decision? What should have been simple faith became a complicated, exhausting battle. Instead of trusting God with my worries, I tried to control and figure everything out on my own. But God’s Word gently reminded me that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does. In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), we’re told: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It doesn’t say we need to have every detail figured out. It simply says to trust Him and let Him do the guiding. The Problem with Overthinking 1. It Distracts Us from God’s Simple Truths When we overthink, we complicate what God intended to be simple. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). But instead of coming to Him, we often wrestle with our thoughts, thinking we have to “solve” our problems before bringing them to God. 2. It Keeps Us Stuck in Fear Overthinking is often rooted in fear—fear of making the wrong choice, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God doesn’t want us to be paralyzed by fear. He wants us to trust Him, even when we don’t have all the answers. 3. It Blocks Us from Experiencing God’s Peace Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Overthinking happens when we hold on to our worries instead of handing them over to God. But peace comes when we let go and trust Him. What I’ve Learned About Letting Go of Overthinking 1. God Doesn’t Require Me to Understand Everything It’s okay to not have all the answers. My job isn’t to figure out how everything will work—it’s to trust that God is working (Isaiah 55:8-9). 2. Faith Is Simpler Than We Think Faith is simply trusting that God is who He says He is. I’ve learned that instead of trying to overanalyze every aspect of my faith, I can just say, “God, I trust You with this.” He doesn’t need a perfect explanation—He just needs our heart. 3. Rest Comes When I Surrender Overthinking is exhausting. Rest comes when I surrender my need to control and let God lead. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) has become a reminder to stop overthinking and rest in His presence. Reflection Question What’s one area of your life where you’ve been overthinking instead of trusting God? What step can you take today to simplify your faith and surrender that to Him? Prayer Lord, I confess that I often overthink what You’ve made simple. I try to figure everything out, and in doing so, I carry burdens I was never meant to carry. Help me to trust You with a childlike faith, believing that You are working even when I can’t see the full picture. Teach me to surrender my worries and rest in Your promises. Thank You for loving me through my doubts and for being patient with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Final Thought Faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as taking God at His word, trusting that He loves you, and believing that He’s in control. Stop overthinking the simple, and let God’s peace guide you.

If I’m honest, trusting God in the process hasn’t always been easy for me. There have been seasons where I prayed, waited, and did everything I thought I was supposed to do, yet nothing seemed to change. I’d cry out, God, where are You? Why aren’t things moving forward? I felt stuck—like I was in a waiting room with no end in sight. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that God’s delays aren’t His denials. What felt like silence wasn’t abandonment—it was preparation. But at the time, all I could see were closed doors and unmet expectations. I wanted the breakthrough now, but God was more concerned with building my faith than meeting my timeline. There was a time when I thought I was ready for the things I was praying for, but looking back, I see how much growth still needed to happen. The waiting wasn’t wasted. God was using the process to shape me, to teach me to depend on Him, and to trust His timing instead of my own. I remember clinging to Philippians 1:6 (NIV): “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Even when it felt like nothing was happening, God was working in the process, doing a good work within me. The Struggle of Surrender One of the hardest parts of trusting God through the process was surrendering control. I wanted to know the “how” and “when.” But Proverbs 3:5-6 kept coming to mind: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I realized that trusting God in the process didn’t mean understanding everything—it meant trusting that He understood. When I finally let go of trying to control every outcome, I found peace. I learned to celebrate the small victories and see the waiting season not as punishment, but as preparation. I started thanking God, not just for what was to come, but for what He was doing in me right now. Lessons from Trusting the Process 1. The process builds perseverance. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that trials produce perseverance, character, and hope. Every delay strengthened me. 2. God’s timing is always better than ours. If I had received what I prayed for when I wanted it, I wouldn’t have been ready. His plan was better. 3. He’s working, even when we can’t see it. Seeds grow underground before they sprout. Just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Reflection Question: What area of your life are you trying to control? How can you surrender it to God and trust that He’s working, even if you can’t see the progress yet? Prayer: Father, I admit that trusting You in the process is hard. I often want to see the full picture or have things go according to my plan. But I know Your ways are higher, and Your timing is perfect. Help me to trust You in the waiting, to believe that You are working all things for good, and to find peace in knowing that You will complete what You started in me. Thank You for loving me through every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Trusting God in the process isn’t about rushing to the destination—it’s about allowing Him to shape us along the way. What feels like a delay is often God’s grace, preparing you for what’s ahead. Let go, surrender, and trust the One who knows the end from the beginning.