Tag: hope

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 8

Rooted & Raised

“The Spirit Prays When We Can’t”

📖 “…the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us…”
 —Romans 8:26b (NKJV)

There are moments in family life when words fail—when emotions are high, exhaustion takes over, or fears press in. In those moments, prayer may feel difficult, even impossible.

But the Lord has not left us alone in those silences.

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us—He prays when we don’t know how. He searches our hearts and brings our needs to the Father, even when all we can offer is a sigh or a tear.

This brings deep comfort. As mothers, we don’t need to have all the answers. We don’t need polished prayers. We simply need hearts that lean on Him.

Let your children see this too—let them know that when words run out, the Spirit still speaks.

Family Reflection:

  • Have we had moments as a family when it was hard to pray?
  • How can we encourage one another to trust the Spirit in those moments?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for being near when we are tired, unsure, or afraid. Teach us to trust You, even in silence. Pray for our family when we don’t know how. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 8

Rooted & Raised

“When You Don’t Have the Words”

📖 “…the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us…”
 —Romans 8:26b (NKJV)

There are days you don’t know what to pray—when life feels too heavy, your thoughts are a mess, or your heart is just numb.

God knows.

The Holy Spirit steps in and prays for you. Seriously. When you can’t put words together, He does it for you. He doesn’t just guess what you need—He knows. He speaks to the Father on your behalf with perfect understanding and deep love.

This isn’t weakness—it’s grace. You’re not less spiritual because you’re struggling to pray. You’re human. And the Spirit was sent to help you in your weakness, not shame you for it.

Challenge:
 Next time you feel like giving up on prayer, pause. Breathe. Whisper, “Holy Spirit, help me.” Then let Him carry what you can’t say.

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for knowing what I can’t express. Teach me to trust You in the silence and to lean on You when I’m too tired to pray. Amen.

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.

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Ark of the Covenant, The Last Days

Witnesses, 144,000, and the Great Harvest

Rooted & Raised

From the Series: The Ark of the Covenant as a Prophetic Game Changer

“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” — Revelation 7:14 (NKJV)

Though the Tribulation will be marked by deception and judgment, it will also be a time of unprecedented salvation. God will not leave Himself without a witness. Through His chosen messengers, He will bring multitudes from every tribe and nation to faith in Christ.

The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11 introduces two prophetic figures who will testify in Jerusalem for 1,260 days:

  • Their mission — to proclaim truth, call for repentance, and expose Antichrist’s lies.
  • Their power — to strike the earth with plagues, shut heaven, and consume enemies with fire.
  • Their martyrdom — they will be killed, their bodies displayed in Jerusalem, and the world will rejoice.
  • Their vindication — after three days, God will raise them to life and take them up in a cloud.

Their ministry will pierce the deception at the heart of Antichrist’s reign.

The 144,000

Revelation 7 and 14 describe 144,000 sealed servants of God — 12,000 from each tribe of Israel:

  • Their identity — Jewish believers, sealed for protection.
  • Their mission — to proclaim the gospel during the Tribulation.
  • Their fruit — through their witness, countless multitudes come to Christ.

This fulfills God’s covenant promise that Israel will one day be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6).

The Great Multitude

Revelation 7:9–14 paints one of the most hopeful pictures in all of Scripture:

  • A great multitude no one can number, from every nation.
  • Clothed in white robes, holding palm branches.
  • Crying out: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
  • These are those who came out of the Great Tribulation — saved in the darkest hour of human history.

The Ark’s Ripple Effect

If the Ark of the Covenant’s discovery ignites the Tribulation sequence, its ripple effects will continue:

  • Antichrist’s betrayal will drive many Jews and Muslims to reconsider Christ.
  • The Witnesses and 144,000 will proclaim the truth with clarity and power.
  • The Great Harvest will be gathered, proving that even in judgment, God’s mercy abounds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the Witnesses and the 144,000 demonstrate God’s faithfulness to Israel?
  2. Why is it significant that multitudes will be saved during the Tribulation?
  3. How does this give us confidence in God’s power to save even now?

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You that even in wrath You remember mercy. We praise You for the Witnesses, the 144,000, and the great multitude who will come to You in the last days. Give us courage to proclaim Christ now, while there is still time, and keep us looking for the day of His appearing. Amen.

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Note on Prophetic Theories

The Man of Lawlessness (Antichrist) is a prophetic certainty (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). The Ark of the Covenant is seen in heaven (Revelation 11:19).

However, the role of the earthly Ark in end-times prophecy is a matter of theory, not doctrine. Its rediscovery could align with prophecy (Temple rebuilding, Antichrist’s deception, global conflict), but Scripture does not require this for God’s plan to unfold.

We handle prophecy with reverence:

  • Certainties we hold tightly.
  • Theories we explore carefully.
  • Speculation we avoid.

Let Scripture remain our anchor as we watch and wait for Christ’s return.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 7

Rooted & Raised

“Letting the Spirit Lead Our Home”

📖 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
 —Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

There are days in family life when everything feels scattered—schedules are tight, emotions run high, and peace feels far away.

But God hasn’t called us to run our homes in our own strength. He’s given us His Spirit—to lead us, guide us, and calm the storms that rise even in godly homes.

The mark of being God’s child isn’t perfection—it’s direction. It’s a willingness to say, “Holy Spirit, help us.” He leads us into patient parenting, gentle correction, spiritual conversations, and peace that doesn’t make sense on paper.

When we let Him lead our hearts, He can lead our homes.

Family Reflection:

  • What area of our home or schedule needs the Spirit’s guidance most right now?
  • How can we practice pausing together to invite Him into our day?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, lead our family. Show us how to love one another well. Guide our choices, quiet our hearts, and help us reflect the love of Jesus in our home. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 7

Rooted & Raised

“Being Led Is More Than a Feeling”

📖 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
 —Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

We live in a world that says, “Follow your heart.” But Scripture says something different: follow the Spirit.

Feelings change. Emotions can lie. But the Holy Spirit never does. He leads with truth, not trends—with purpose, not pressure.

Being led by the Spirit isn’t about some mystical experience—it’s about surrender. It’s saying, “God, not my way, but Yours.” And then actually obeying when He speaks through the Word, convicts your heart, or redirects your steps.

Want to know if you’re walking closely with God? Ask yourself: Am I letting the Spirit lead my decisions, my attitude, and my life?

Challenge:
 Before you decide something big—or small—pause and ask, “Holy Spirit, lead me.” Then listen.

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, I don’t want to be led by my feelings. I want to be led by You. Guide my steps, change my heart, and keep me walking in truth. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 7

Rooted & Raised

“God’s Spirit Leads Me!”

📖 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
 —Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

When you go for a walk with someone who knows the way, do you let them lead? That’s what it’s like when we follow God’s Spirit.

The Holy Spirit knows everything—where to go, what’s safe, what’s right, and what’s best for you. When we trust Him, He leads us to make good choices, stay away from wrong things, and grow closer to Jesus.

Even if we don’t always understand, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us obey. He is gentle, loving, and always with us.

So next time you’re not sure what to do, stop and ask, “Holy Spirit, will You lead me?”

Think About It:

  • Have you ever felt a quiet “nudge” not to do something wrong? That’s the Spirit leading you.
  • What’s one way you can let Him lead you today?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for leading me. Please help me follow You and make good choices. I want to walk with You every day. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 7

Rooted & Raised

“Led by the Spirit”

📖 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
 —Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

There’s a difference between being saved and being led.

Many women come to faith in Jesus but then try to walk through life on their own. They make decisions, face trials, and carry burdens without ever asking the One who was sent to guide them: the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:14 tells us that being led by the Spirit is a mark of being a child of God. It’s not just a mystical feeling—it’s a daily reality. He leads through Scripture, through conviction, through peace or warning. He leads us away from temptation, into obedience, and sometimes into the unknown, where faith grows deepest.

Being led by the Spirit is how we walk with God—moment by moment, choice by choice.

Reflection Questions:

  • Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me, or am I still leading myself?
  • Is there a decision I need to surrender to His guidance today?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, lead me today. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions. I trust You more than I trust myself. Help me follow where You go. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 6

Rooted & Raised

“The Spirit Is Our Teacher at Home”

📖 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… He will teach you all things…”
 —John 14:26a (NKJV)

As mothers, we often feel the pressure to have all the answers—for our children’s questions, for their behavior, and for the challenges of each season.

But Jesus didn’t ask us to parent in our own wisdom. He promised us the Holy Spirit—the Helper who teaches, reminds, and guides us into truth. He is not just our children’s Teacher… He’s ours too.

There will be moments when we don’t know what to say. Moments when discipline feels overwhelming. Moments when we ourselves need correction. And it’s in those moments the Spirit gently leads us.

He reminds us of what Jesus said. He helps us teach with grace, listen with discernment, and parent with humility. He even teaches us how to apologize when we fall short.

We are not alone in this calling. The Spirit teaches mothers too.

Family Reflection:

  • Are we asking the Holy Spirit for help when we teach, correct, or comfort our children?
  • What is one way we’ve seen Him gently guide us this week?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for being our Helper. Teach me to guide my children in truth, and teach me through every season of motherhood. I need You. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 6

Rooted & Raised

“He’ll Teach You What Google Can’t”

📖 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…”
 —John 14:26a (NKJV)

We’re used to looking things up online. Need answers? Just Google it. But some of life’s biggest questions can’t be answered by search engines.

Who am I? Why do I feel so distant from God? How do I deal with temptation or fear or doubt?

That’s why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit—to be your Helper and Teacher. He doesn’t just give you information; He gives you revelation. He connects what’s in the Bible to what’s happening in your life. He teaches you how to live with truth and courage in a world full of lies.

You won’t always get it right. But the Spirit is patient. If you listen for His voice and open His Word, He will teach you—not just once, but daily.

Challenge:
 Before reading Scripture or facing a hard situation today, ask: “Holy Spirit, will You teach me what I need to know?”

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, You know everything I’m going through. Please teach me how to walk with Jesus. Help me understand the truth and apply it to my life. Amen.