Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 84

Teaching Our Children to Carry What Matters

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 (NASB 1995)

From spilled toys to broken hearts, our children will see burdens around them. Do they know what to do with them?

Bearing one another’s burdens isn’t about taking over—it’s about coming alongside. The Spirit teaches us to notice, care, pray, and help.

As mothers, we set the example. When we serve in love, they learn what it means to live out the law of Christ.

Family Talk:

  • What are some “burdens” people carry?
  • How can we be a family that helps others carry theirs?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, make our home a place of comfort and strength. Show us how to carry one another’s burdens and love like Jesus. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 84

The Law of Christ = Love

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 (NASB 1995)

You don’t have to “fix” everyone’s problems—but you are called to carry some of them. Not in your own strength, but in the Spirit’s.

Real strength shows up when you lift someone else’s load, even when it’s inconvenient.

That’s love. And that’s what the Spirit empowers.

Challenge:
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one person who’s struggling. Then ask how you can come alongside them.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, make me strong in love. Teach me to carry burdens with others, not just for them. Use me to bring real help and hope. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 84

Help Carry the Load

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 (NASB 1995)

Have you ever helped carry groceries? Or picked up something a friend dropped?

That’s what the Bible means when it says to “bear one another’s burdens.” The Holy Spirit helps us be kind when others are sad, hurt, or in need.

Try This:
Look for one way to help a friend or family member today.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, show me how to help others when they’re having a hard time. I want to be kind like Jesus. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 84

A Spirit-Led Sisterhood

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 (NASB 1995)

We were never meant to carry everything alone. The Spirit draws us into community—a place where burdens are shared, tears are witnessed, and love is proven.

Bearing one another’s burdens doesn’t always mean fixing problems. Sometimes it means simply being there—present, prayerful, Spirit-led.

This is how we fulfill the law of Christ: love expressed in action, led by compassion, powered by the Holy Spirit.

Reflection:
Whose burden have I been avoiding? How might the Spirit want me to come alongside them?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me to walk with others in their pain, not away from it. Help me fulfill Christ’s law through Spirit-filled love. Amen.

Feast of Trumpets, Holy Days

Feast of Trumpets — The King Is Coming

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 23:23–25; Numbers 10:1–10; Matthew 24:29–31; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 11:15


The Feast of Trumpets, known in Hebrew as Yom Teruah, means “Day of Blowing.” It begins at sundown on September 22, 2025. This day was unique among the appointed times of the Lord. It was a memorial day marked by the blast of trumpets and a sacred assembly. No specific reason was given in the Torah—only that Israel was to rest, gather, and listen for the sound.

But Scripture interprets Scripture. And when the trumpet sounds in the Word of God, it announces something critical: the arrival of a king, a call to assembly, or a declaration of war.

A Day of Blowing and Awakening

“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation’” (Leviticus 23:24).

In Numbers 10, trumpets were used to:

  • Call the congregation together (v. 2)
  • Signal the movement of the camp (v. 5)
  • Sound the alarm for war (v. 9)
  • Celebrate joyous occasions and offerings (v. 10)

In this way, the Feast of Trumpets prepares the people—a wake-up call for the coming High Holy Days.

The Prophetic Picture: The Return of the King

Jesus spoke of His return in unmistakable terms:

“And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds…” (Matthew 24:31).

Paul says:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

The trumpet will announce the coming of the true King—Jesus, returning to judge, to redeem, and to reign.

In Revelation 11:15, at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, loud voices in heaven declare:

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”

A Call to Readiness

Yom Teruah calls us to pause, reflect, and prepare. It comes without warning, as the new moon was not visible until it was observed and confirmed. This is why Jesus said:

“Of that day and hour no one knows… but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36).

Just as the feast was dependent on watchfulness, so is our readiness for Christ’s return. Are we listening for the trumpet?

Devotional Reflection: Awake, Watch, Prepare

Read Together: Leviticus 23:23–25; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Matthew 24:29–31

Discuss:

  • What did the trumpet signify in ancient Israel?
  • How does the sound of the trumpet relate to the second coming of Christ?
  • What does it mean to live in a state of spiritual readiness?
  • Are there areas of your life that need to come under the Lordship of the returning King?

Reflect: The Feast of Trumpets is both a warning and a promise. It reminds us that this world is not the end. Our King is coming, and He will not be late. Let the trumpet stir your heart toward repentance, worship, and joyful anticipation.

Pray: Lord, awaken us to the sound of Your trumpet. Shake us from spiritual slumber. Help us to live holy and alert, with lamps burning and hearts ready. We long for Your appearing. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

The trumpet will sound. The King will return. Are we ready?

2–3 minutes

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Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 83

Gentleness in Restoration

“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” Galatians 6:1 (NASB 1995)

Sometimes we see a sister stumble. Maybe it’s a visible failure, or maybe it’s something more hidden. Our flesh wants to judge—but the Spirit calls us to restore.

Gentleness isn’t weakness—it’s power under the Spirit’s control. Restoration takes grace, wisdom, and humility. Not to “fix” someone, but to walk beside her back to Jesus.

And we must always remember: we’re just as prone to fall.

Reflection:
When I see someone fall, do I restore—or do I retreat, gossip, or judge?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me to restore gently. Guard my heart from pride, and use me to bring healing, not harm. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 83

Help, Don’t Hurt

“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” Galatians 6:1 (NASB 1995)

What do you do when your friend makes a mistake?

Instead of laughing or telling others, the Holy Spirit wants you to help them kindly—just like Jesus helps us when we mess up.

Try This:
If someone does wrong this week, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to help kindly.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help me be gentle and kind when someone needs help. Teach me how to love like You. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 83

When a Friend Falls

“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” Galatians 6:1 (NASB 1995)

It’s easy to cancel, call out, or walk away when someone messes up. But that’s not what the Spirit does—and not what He calls you to do.

Restoration isn’t passive. It takes strength to lean in gently, help humbly, and speak truth without pride.

And it takes wisdom to stay watchful—because you’re not above temptation either.

Challenge:
Think of someone who’s fallen away or struggling. Ask the Spirit to guide your words and attitude as you reach out.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, make me someone who restores, not shames. Use me to lift others up, not tear them down. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 83

Restoration Begins at Home

“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” Galatians 6:1 (NASB 1995)

Children learn how to respond to failure by watching us. Do we scold in pride—or correct in gentleness?

The Spirit doesn’t lead us to harshness, but to healing. Restoration is messy and tender—and it must begin in our homes.

Let’s teach our children that discipline isn’t punishment. It’s love. And love gently lifts, never crushes.

Family Talk:

  • What should we do when someone in the family does something wrong?
  • How can we be gentle and help them get back on the right path?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, let our home be full of grace. Teach us to restore gently and walk in humility together. Amen.

Eschatology, From the Archives, The Last Days

Why Eschatology Matters

From the series: Understanding the End Times — A Biblical Framework

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

When you hear the word eschatology, it may sound intimidating, even academic. But in simple terms, eschatology means “the study of last things.” It’s about what God has revealed in His Word concerning the future — the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the new heavens and earth.

The question is: does this matter for our daily lives? According to Scripture, it matters more than we often realize. Eschatology shapes the way we live in the present, strengthens our faith, and calls us to walk as watchful disciples.


What Is Eschatology?

The word comes from two Greek terms:

  • eschatos = “last” or “final”
  • logos = “word, discourse, or study”

So eschatology simply means the study of the last things. Scripture uses this framework to reveal God’s purposes: the kingdom of Christ, the judgment of the nations, the resurrection of the dead, and the restoration of all creation.

Along the way, you’ll encounter key words like:

  • Millennium (Revelation 20:1–6) — Christ’s 1,000-year reign.
  • Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) — a unique time of distress and judgment.
  • Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) — the church caught up to meet Christ.
  • Apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3) — the great falling away before the man of sin is revealed.

Don’t let these terms overwhelm you. They are simply markers that help us explore what God has already revealed.


Why Study Prophecy?

Some Christians avoid prophecy, thinking it’s too divisive or complicated. But God says otherwise:

  • Hope“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
  • Holiness“Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
  • Mission“This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
  • Comfort“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Far from being speculative, prophecy is intensely practical. It strengthens our endurance, calls us to holy living, fuels our urgency for the gospel, and comforts us with the promise of Christ’s return.


Can We Trust the Bible’s Prophecy?

Skeptics often ask: “How do you know these ancient texts haven’t been corrupted?” The evidence is overwhelming:

  • The Dead Sea Scrolls (dated ~150 BC) show Isaiah’s words copied with astonishing accuracy for over 1,000 years.
  • The New Testament is preserved in more than 5,800 Greek manuscripts — more than any other ancient document.
  • Archaeology repeatedly confirms Scripture:
    • The Cyrus Cylinder validates Isaiah’s prophecy of Cyrus by name (Isaiah 44:28).
    • The Tel Dan Stele confirms the dynasty of King David.
    • The Pilate Inscription affirms Pontius Pilate as prefect in Judea.

Even more compelling is fulfilled prophecy itself:

  • Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1).
  • His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4–5).
  • His piercing and suffering (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22).

If God has been this precise in what’s already fulfilled, we can trust Him for what is yet to come.


Apostasy — The Last Days Backdrop

Before the glory of Christ’s return, Scripture warns of a great departure from truth:

  • “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
  • “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
  • “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

This isn’t mere personal struggle. Apostasy is a deliberate turning away from God’s truth — and it is the hallmark of the last days.


Watchfulness, Not Date-Setting

There is a danger on both sides:

  • Neglect — ignoring prophecy altogether.
  • Speculation — trying to set dates, which Jesus forbids (Matthew 24:36).

Instead, Christ commands: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)

The call is to watchfulness, not panic. We may not know the exact day or hour, but we are called to recognize the season (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6).


Reflection

Eschatology is not meant to confuse us but to anchor us. God has given prophecy not to entertain our curiosity but to equip our faith. To ignore it is to ignore part of His Word. To abuse it is to twist His truth. But to embrace it rightly is to live with hope, holiness, mission, and comfort.


Reflection Questions

  1. When you think of prophecy, do you feel overwhelmed, skeptical, or encouraged? Why?
  2. Which of the four purposes of prophecy (hope, holiness, mission, comfort) do you most need to strengthen in your life right now?
  3. How can you practice watchfulness without slipping into fear or speculation?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You that You have revealed the end from the beginning. Thank You for the hope of Christ’s return, the call to holiness, the urgency of mission, and the comfort of Your promises. Guard us from deception in these last days. Teach us to live as watchful disciples, ready for the return of our Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.



References & Further Reading

Scripture:

  • Titus 2:13 — the “blessed hope.”
  • Matthew 24:42 — command to watch.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 — crown for those who love His appearing.
  • Revelation 1:3 — blessing for reading prophecy.

Early Church Witnesses:

  • Papias (AD 60–130), fragment recorded by Eusebius, affirming a literal 1,000-year reign.
  • Justin Martyr (Dialogue with Trypho, ch. 80) — affirms premillennial hope.

Archaeological & Textual:

  • Dead Sea Scrolls (1947–) — confirming OT prophetic manuscripts preserved with high accuracy.
  • Codex Sinaiticus (c. AD 350) — one of the oldest complete NT manuscripts.

Extra-Biblical Sources:

  • Josephus, Wars of the Jews (Book 6) — description of Jerusalem’s fall in AD 70.
  • Tacitus, Annals (Book 15) — Roman historian noting early Christians and persecution.

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