Tag: devotional

Notice & Updates

Announcement

Rooted & Raised

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your patience and continued support.

Over the past week, I’ve been experiencing some unexpected personal and technical issues behind the scene, everything from system crashes to content delays. As a result, the release of devotionals, articles, and new posts hasn’t been as consistent as I had hoped.

Please know that I haven’t stepped away from the work. I’m still writing, praying, and preparing content, just having to work around a few setbacks in the process. Every piece that’s shared here is created with care, prayed over, and rooted in God’s Word… even if it takes a little longer right now to reach you.

I’m committed to pressing forward and trusting the Lord’s timing as I do. Thank you for walking this road with me, and for giving grace when things don’t go as planned. If anything, this has reminded me that God often speaks through the quiet pauses and the slow moments too.

With love and gratitude,
Debbie
Rooted & Raised: Anchoring Women & Children in Christ

Eighth Day of Assembly, Holy Days

Shemini Atzeret — The Eighth Day of Completion

Rooted & Raised

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 23:36, 39; Numbers 29:35–38; John 7:37–39; Revelation 21:1–7

Shemini Atzeret—translated as “the Eighth Day of Assembly”—begins at sundown on October 13, 2025, immediately following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles. While it is connected to Sukkot, it stands as a separate and distinct appointed time. God calls His people to remain one more day—a sacred pause, a holy exhale, a final dwelling together.

An Assembly Beyond the Feast

“On the eighth day you shall have a sacred assembly… It is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work” (Leviticus 23:36).

In ancient Israel, this day was not marked by new rituals or symbols. Instead, it was a call to linger. After the rejoicing and remembrance of Tabernacles, God says, “Stay with Me one more day.” It is a symbol of completion and a foretaste of eternity.

Jesus and the Living Water

On the last day of the feast, which some associate with Shemini Atzeret, Jesus stood and cried out:

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink… From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37–38).

This was more than an invitation—it was a promise. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was to come, not only to satisfy the soul, but to mark the beginning of new creation life.

The Eighth Day and New Creation

The number eight in Scripture often symbolizes new beginnings:

  • Eight people were saved in the ark (1 Peter 3:20)
  • Circumcision occurred on the eighth day (Genesis 17:12)
  • Jesus rose on the first day of the week, the day after the Sabbath—functionally, the eighth day (Luke 24:1)

Shemini Atzeret points us forward to the final new beginning:

“Behold, I am making all things new… I will dwell among them, and they shall be His people” (Revelation 21:5, 3)

This is not a rehearsal—it is the reality. The joy of Tabernacles becomes the eternal dwelling of God with man.

Devotional Reflection: One More Day, Forever

Read Together: Leviticus 23:36; John 7:37–39; Revelation 21:1–7

Discuss:

  • Why would God call for one more day after the joyful celebration of Tabernacles?
  • How does this feast point forward to eternal life?
  • What does it mean to “stay” with the Lord—not in obligation, but in desire?
  • How can we live each day now in anticipation of His eternal dwelling with us?

Reflect: Set aside time to simply be with the Lord. No agenda. No checklist. Just linger with Him. As Shemini Atzeret teaches us—when the feast is over, the fellowship continues.

Pray: Lord, thank You for calling us not only to remember but to remain. May our hearts long to dwell with You forever. Teach us to rejoice in Your presence, not only in celebration but in stillness. We wait for the day when You make all things new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The feast concludes. The fellowship remains. Eternity is near.

2–3 minutes
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Feast of Tabernacles, Holy Days

Feast of Tabernacles — God With Us

Rooted & Raised

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 23:33–43; Zechariah 14:16–19; John 1:14; John 7:2–39; Revelation 21:3–4

The Feast of Tabernacles—Sukkot—begins at sundown on October 6, 2025, and lasts for seven days, followed by a sacred assembly on the eighth day. It is the grand finale of the appointed times, a joyous celebration of God’s provision, presence, and promise. Israel was commanded to dwell in booths (sukkot) to remember their wilderness journey and to rejoice in the Lord.

But this was no mere camping trip. It was a prophetic rehearsal of something far greater: the coming of Emmanuel—God with us.

Dwelling in Booths: A Temporary Reminder

“You shall dwell in booths for seven days… so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 23:42–43).

During Sukkot, the people lived in makeshift shelters to recall how God sustained them in the wilderness. It was a time of rejoicing and remembering: God led them, fed them, and dwelled among them in the pillar of cloud and fire.

Jesus at the Feast

In John 7, we find Jesus attending the Feast of Tabernacles. On the last and greatest day of the feast, He stood and cried out:

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37–38)

This declaration occurred during the water-drawing ceremony, when priests would pour water at the altar in anticipation of rain and the Spirit. Jesus proclaimed He is the source of that living water. He is the presence of God among us.

And John had already declared:

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt [tabernacled] among us…” (John 1:14).

The Future Fulfillment: Dwelling Forever

The Feast of Tabernacles looks not only backward and inward—but forward:

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people…” (Revelation 21:3)

In the age to come, God will dwell permanently with His people. There will be no more need for temporary shelters. No more tears. No more separation. Just God with us, forever.

Devotional Reflection: Joy in His Presence

Read Together: Leviticus 23:33–43; John 7:2–39; Revelation 21:1–4

Discuss:

  • Why did God command Israel to rejoice during this feast?
  • How does Jesus fulfill the symbols of Sukkot?
  • What does it mean to experience His presence now, even before the final fulfillment?
  • How can we cultivate joy as we await His dwelling among us?

Reflect: Build a small booth or tent as a family, or sit outside under the stars. Remember how God has sustained you. Rejoice in His faithfulness. Let your heart long for the day when the dwelling of God will be fully with us.

Pray: Lord, You are our shelter, our provision, our joy. Thank You for coming to dwell among us through Christ. Help us rejoice in Your presence now, and long for the day when we will see You face to face. Amen.

The booth is temporary. His presence is eternal. Rejoice, for God will dwell with us forever.

2–3 minutes
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Day of Atonement, Holy Days

Day of Atonement — The High Priest Enters In

Rooted & Raised

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 16; Leviticus 23:26–32; Hebrews 9–10; Romans 3:21–26; Isaiah 53

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, begins at sundown on October 1, 2025. It is the most solemn of all the appointed times—a day of affliction, of sacred assembly, and of deep reflection. On this day, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, not without blood, to make atonement for the sins of the people. It was a day when the weight of sin was acknowledged and the mercy of God was sought.

The Shadow in Leviticus

“For it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean from all your sins before the Lord” (Leviticus 16:30).

Leviticus 16 provides the most detailed account of the Day of Atonement. Two goats were chosen:

  • One was sacrificed, its blood sprinkled on the mercy seat.
  • The other, the scapegoat, bore the sins of the people and was led into the wilderness, never to return.

Only once a year could the high priest pass beyond the veil with the blood of atonement—a temporary covering for a sinful people before a holy God.

The Fulfillment in Christ

The Book of Hebrews reveals that Jesus is the greater fulfillment:

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come… through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11–12).

Unlike the Levitical high priests, Jesus did not offer blood for His own sins. He had none. He entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, securing not a temporary covering but eternal forgiveness.

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The scapegoat, too, finds its fulfillment in Jesus. As Isaiah 53 declares:

“The Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him” (v. 6).

The Meaning for the Believer

Though we no longer sacrifice animals or await a priest to enter a physical temple, the spirit of Yom Kippur remains:

  • It is a call to humble ourselves before the Lord.
  • A time to reflect on the cost of atonement.
  • An invitation to draw near to the throne of grace with awe and gratitude.

We rejoice in the finished work of the cross—but we do so with reverence. For the veil was torn, the way made open, and the mercy seat sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb.

Devotional Reflection: Mercy Beyond the Veil

Read Together: Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9–10; Isaiah 53

Discuss:

  • What did the high priest’s actions on Yom Kippur teach about sin and holiness?
  • How does Jesus fulfill both the role of priest and sacrifice?
  • Why is it important to approach the Lord with both confidence and reverence?
  • How can we live in the power of His atonement daily?

Reflect: Spend time in prayer and repentance, not out of fear of condemnation, but in wonder at the price that was paid. Let the weight of Calvary deepen your worship and renew your love for the One who bore your sin.

Pray: Jesus, our great High Priest, thank You for entering the holy place on our behalf. Thank You for offering not the blood of goats, but Your own perfect life. Cleanse us afresh today. Let us live humbled, forgiven, and set apart. In Your holy name, Amen.

The veil is torn. The mercy seat is open. The High Priest has entered in.

2–4 minutes
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Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 83

Rooted & Raised

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

Rooted & Raised

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

Rooted & Raised

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.

Feast of Trumpets, Holy Days

Feast of Trumpets — The King Is Coming

Rooted & Raised

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?

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Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 83

Rooted & Raised

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.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 82

Rooted & Raised

The Spirit Silences Comparison

“Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” — Galatians 5:26 (NASB 1995)

Boastfulness. Comparison. Envy. These are the fruit of the flesh—not the Spirit. And they steal joy from women walking faithfully with God.

Reflection:
 Do I celebrate others in the Spirit—or secretly compare myself to them?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, cleanse my heart from envy and pride. Teach me to love well and walk humbly. Amen.