Tag: devotional

Biblical Interpretation, Kingdom Discipleship

Trusting the Holy Spirit — Our Teacher and Interpreter

Rooted & Raised

How to Read the Bible Series

The Bible was written by the Spirit—and must be read by the Spirit.
Too often, believers are taught to depend on scholars, pastors, or historical frameworks to understand Scripture. But while godly teaching is valuable, it is not the source of truth. The Author of Scripture is the One who teaches it best. The Holy Spirit is not a background figure in Bible reading—He is the divine Interpreter.

The Bereans didn’t just search the Scriptures—they did so prayerfully, humbly, and under the guidance of the Spirit. The early Church didn’t lean on seminary systems or institutional approval. They trusted the Spirit to guide them into truth—as Jesus promised He would.

Scripture Focus:

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…”
— John 16:13, NASB1995

The Spirit Is the True Teacher

Human teachers can help. But only the Holy Spirit reveals truth in a way that transforms the heart. Jesus said the Spirit would:

  • Teach all things (John 14:26)
  • Guide into all truth (John 16:13)
  • Disclose what is to come (John 16:14)

The Spirit knows the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). No one else can claim that.

You Have the Anointing

“You have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things…”
— 1 John 2:27

This isn’t a rejection of fellowship or learning—it’s a reminder that the Spirit Himself teaches every believer. The early Christians relied on this. They didn’t have study Bibles or commentaries. They had the Word and the Spirit—and it was enough.

Why This Matters Today

  • Many read through the lens of tradition, not truth
  • Some fear they can’t understand without formal education
  • Others rely more on their pastor’s sermon than on the Spirit’s voice

But Jesus promised the Spirit would teach us. God is not hiding truth from His people. He delights to reveal it to those who ask (Luke 11:13).

How the Early Church Was Taught

The Ante-Nicene believers lived by the Spirit. They didn’t dissect the Word with systems—they obeyed it with hearts yielded to the Spirit. They viewed the Spirit as:

  • The Giver of understanding
  • The Power to obey
  • The Unifier of the body
  • The Guardian of truth

When heresies arose, it was those anchored in the Spirit and Scripture who stood firm.

Return to the Spirit. Read with Him Beside You.

The Holy Spirit is not a theological concept. He is your Guide, your Comforter, your Teacher. To open the Bible without Him is to miss the voice of its Author.

So ask. Invite Him. Trust Him. And let Him teach you as He taught the early Church—through the living Word, into transforming truth.

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Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 52

Rooted & Raised

The Mindset That Brings Peace

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”  — Romans 8:6 (NASB 1995)

There’s a reason anxiety floods our culture—our minds are often set on the flesh. When we dwell on fears, regrets, or worldly desires, we feel it: the death of joy, hope, and peace.

But the Holy Spirit offers a different path. When our minds are set on Him, life and peace follow—not necessarily ease, but deep assurance.

This is not passive thinking—it’s a Spirit-led discipline.

Reflection:
 Is your mind a garden where the Spirit grows life and peace—or where fear and striving thrive?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, fix my thoughts on You. Lead me in peace that cannot be shaken by circumstances. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 52

Rooted & Raised

Peace in Our Hearts

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”  — Romans 8:6 (NASB 1995)

When we only think about getting more toys or having our way, we often feel sad, angry, or worried.

But when we think about Jesus and how He wants us to live, we feel calm and happy inside.

That’s the Holy Spirit helping us feel peace.

Try This:
 Before bed tonight, ask God: “Help me think peaceful thoughts.” Then say something you’re thankful for.

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, help me have a peaceful heart. I want to think about You and all You’ve done for me. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 52

Rooted & Raised

A War of the Mind

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”  — Romans 8:6 (NASB 1995)

What fills your head when you’re alone? Your answer might explain why peace feels out of reach.

Paul makes it clear: thoughts that revolve around the flesh—self, image, pleasure—lead to death. But when your mind is set on the Spirit, there’s life and peace.

You can’t manufacture peace. It’s a byproduct of living in sync with God.

Challenge:
 Today, write down what you think about most. Are those thoughts Spirit-led or flesh-fed?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, I want peace, not pressure. Rewire my mind to seek You, not the world. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 52

Rooted & Raised

Planting Peace Through the Spirit

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”  — Romans 8:6 (NASB 1995)

A mother sets the tone of the home. When her mind is restless, the whole house often follows.

But when her thoughts are anchored in the Spirit—centered on truth, gratitude, and trust—life and peace flow into everyday moments.

Children may not see her inner battles, but they feel the fruit of her mindset.

Family Talk:

  • What’s something that helps you feel peace?
  • What do we need to let go of to have a more peaceful home?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, train our minds to focus on You. May our home be a place of life and peace because we are surrendered to You. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 51

Rooted & Raised

Mindset Matters: Flesh or Spirit

“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”  — Romans 8:5 (NASB 1995)

Your mind is a battleground. What you think about most reveals what you live for.

Paul tells us there are only two mindsets: one according to the flesh—self-centered, temporary, impulsive; the other according to the Spirit—God-centered, eternal, and peace-filled.

The Holy Spirit renews our minds as we fix our thoughts on truth. He empowers us to say no to fleshly desires and yes to what pleases God.

Reflection:
 Where is your mind most often set? What thoughts do you need to surrender to the Spirit?Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, teach me to set my mind on things above, not on the things of this world. Let Your thoughts shape my life. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 51

Rooted & Raised

Thinking About God’s Way

“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”  — Romans 8:5 (NASB 1995)

What do you think about most? Snacks? Toys? Games? God wants to help you think about the best things—like loving others, doing right, and knowing Jesus better.

When we ask the Holy Spirit to help us, He reminds us of what’s good and true.

Try This:
 Whenever you have a bad thought, ask: “Is this how Jesus would think?” If not, tell the Holy Spirit, “Help me change it!”

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, help me think good thoughts. Remind me to be kind, to listen, and to love like Jesus. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 51

Rooted & Raised

What You Think About Shapes Who You Become

“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”  — Romans 8:5 (NASB 1995)

Culture bombards you with images and ideas that feed your flesh—“Do what feels good,” “Put yourself first,” “Follow your heart.”

But Paul draws a line: live according to the flesh—or according to the Spirit.

What you scroll, binge, repeat, and imagine matters. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just convict—He redirects. He teaches you how to think differently.

Challenge:
 Ask the Spirit today to reveal any pattern of thought that feeds the flesh. Replace it with Scripture.

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, guard my mind. Show me where I’m entertaining lies, and help me set my thoughts on You. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 51

Rooted & Raised

Training Our Minds to Follow the Spirit

“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”  — Romans 8:5 (NASB 1995)

In a home, habits of the mind shape the mood of the household. When our thoughts drift toward worry, resentment, or comparison, it impacts the atmosphere.

But the Spirit teaches us a better way—to set our minds on what is true, noble, and eternal. As mothers, our example invites children into a Spirit-led thought life.

Let’s model how to take thoughts captive and set them on Christ.

Family Talk:

  • What kinds of things do we think about most in this home?
  • How can we encourage each other to think like Jesus?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, renew our minds. Help us notice when our thoughts wander and bring them back to what is good and true. Amen.

Kingdom Discipleship, The Six Solas

This Ancient Path — A Call to Return to the Faith Once Delivered

Rooted & Raised

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.’”
— Jeremiah 6:16 (NASB1995)

Returning to the Roots

We’ve walked through the Six Solas—not as distant doctrines, but as living truths anchored in Scripture and embodied by the early Church.

From the days of Pentecost through the fires of persecution, the Ante-Nicene believers lived with unwavering devotion:

  • Rooted in Sola Scriptura—holding fast to God’s Word alone
  • Empowered by Solo Spiritu Sancto—taught and led by the Spirit
  • Redeemed by Sola Gratia—transformed by grace, not license
  • Faithful through Sola Fide—a faith proven in obedience and endurance
  • Centered on Solus Christus—Christ alone, without mediators or politics
  • Living for Soli Deo Gloria—in life, death, and every ordinary moment

This wasn’t theory for them. It was Kingdom reality.

And it can be ours too.

The Church Before the Systems

Before councils. Before creeds. Before theology became divided by men.

There was a Church that:

  • Feared God more than Caesar
  • Knew the Word by heart
  • Followed the Spirit without apology
  • Loved one another with sacrificial joy
  • Rejected the world’s approval
  • Refused to compromise Christ

They were unknown on earth, but honored in heaven.

They had no denominations. No seminaries. No political clout.
Yet the gates of hell could not prevail against them.

A Call to Us Today

This series was never about information—it was always about invitation.

To return.
To rebuild.
To resist what is man-made.
To rediscover what is Spirit-led.

To ask:

“Is my faith shaped by the Word and Spirit—or by the systems of man?”
“Is Christ central in my life—or simply included?”
“Does my life glorify God—or merely reflect religious culture?”

Walk the Ancient Path

This is a call to:

  • Open your Bible and believe it as written
  • Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher, not your backup
  • Let grace train you—not excuse you
  • Walk in faith that obeys and endures
  • Exalt Christ—not platforms or personalities
  • Live to glorify God in the hidden places, not just the public ones

The early Church walked this path.
So must we.

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”
— Jude 3

Kingdom Discipleship Reflection

  • Which of the Six Solas challenged me most? Why?
  • How am I living differently because of what I’ve seen in Scripture and the early Church?
  • What systems, assumptions, or comforts is the Spirit asking me to lay down?

This week, go before the Lord with empty hands and a ready heart. Ask:

“Lord, lead me back to what is true, pure, and eternal. Show me how to live the faith once delivered, by the power of Your Spirit.”

Let the ancient path become your daily walk.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
— 1 Timothy 1:17

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