Tag: hope

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 The Fruit of the Spirit — Day 4

Rooted & Raised

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
— Galatians 5:22–23, NASB1995

Fruit That Grows Inside

Have you ever seen a fruit tree?
It takes time for apples or oranges to grow. And guess what? God grows fruit in your heart too!

The Holy Spirit helps you be loving, kind, patient, and joyful—even when things are hard. You won’t be perfect every day, but He helps you grow!

You can ask Him to help you show “Jesus-fruit” wherever you go.

Try This:
Draw a fruit tree and write one word on each fruit (love, joy, peace…). Hang it where you’ll see it and pray: “Grow this in me!”

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help me grow Your fruit inside. Teach me to love and be kind like Jesus. Amen.

Kingdom Discipleship, Love In Action

Be Merciful, Just as Your Father is Merciful

Rooted & Raised

From the series “The Commands of Christ — Love in Action”

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
— Luke 6:36, NASB1995

In a world that rewards retaliation and celebrates harshness as strength, Jesus calls His disciples to something radically different: mercy. Not a vague kindness. Not a passive tolerance. But divine, active mercy—poured out in the likeness of our Father in heaven.

This mercy isn’t based on merit. God doesn’t wait for us to be worthy of His compassion. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). That’s the measure of His mercy—and the model for ours.

The command is not simply to be merciful, but as your Father is merciful. This is not human compassion raised slightly; it is a divine attribute extended through Spirit-filled people. And it reaches beyond those who love us. Jesus makes that clear. The merciful do good to those who hate them. They bless those who curse them. They pray for those who mistreat them (Luke 6:27–28).

The early Church understood this calling well. Their mercy wasn’t limited to emotional sympathy—it translated into action. They rescued abandoned infants from Roman garbage heaps, cared for plague victims when others fled, and fed both Christian and pagan neighbors during famines. Their acts of mercy confused the empire and reflected the heart of their King.

They were not trying to earn salvation. They were living out the nature of the One who saved them.

Tertullian observed, “It is our care of the helpless, our practice of lovingkindness, that brands us in the eyes of many of our opponents. ‘Look!’ they say, ‘How they love one another!’” (Apology, ch. 39). Mercy was their reputation.

And it should be ours.

We don’t get to choose who deserves mercy. We simply extend it—because our Father has extended it to us. The merciful show God’s heart to a hardened world. They reflect His character and reveal His kingdom.

So, we must ask ourselves: Do our enemies see mercy in us? Do the broken, the ignored, the undeserving find the compassion of the Father in our lives?

Mercy does not ignore justice. But it doesn’t wield justice as a sword of pride. It offers restoration, dignity, and love. It leans in when the flesh wants to pull away. It opens its arms when fear says to close them.

This is what the Kingdom looks like.

Sources:

Luke 6:27–36, NASB1995

Romans 5:6–8

Tertullian, Apology, Chapter 39

The Didache (ch. 1–2): Early instructions on showing mercy to the poor, forgiving quickly, and imitating the meekness of Christ

Lactantius, Divine Institutes, Book 6: Advocates for mercy as a divine attribute believers must mirror

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Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 You Will Receive Power — Day 3

Rooted & Raised

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
— Acts 1:8a, NASB1995

Real Strength Isn’t Loud

Power today is loud, self-promoting, and usually fake. But the power Jesus promised is different.
It’s holy. Quiet. Unshakable.

When the Holy Spirit fills you, He gives you boldness to share the gospel, strength to stand apart, and love that doesn’t quit—especially when your peers don’t get it.

The early Church wasn’t influential—they were empowered.
You don’t need to be popular. You need to be filled.

Reflection:
What kind of power do you rely on most—God’s, or your own?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I need Your power to live differently. Use me to show who Jesus is, even if it costs me comfort or status. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 You Will Receive Power — Day 3

Rooted & Raised

Did you know that God’s Spirit gives you power too?
Not superhero power—but the kind that helps you love others, tell the truth, and share Jesus with your friends.

You Are Not Too Small

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
— Acts 1:8a, NASB1995

The Bible says the Holy Spirit helps us be brave and kind. You don’t have to be big or perfect—just willing.

Even kids can show others what Jesus is like!

Try This:
Think of one friend you can be kind to today—and ask the Holy Spirit to help you do it with love.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for being strong in me. Help me show Jesus to others in how I talk, play, and care. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 You Will Receive Power — Day 3

Rooted & Raised

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
— Acts 1:8a, NASB1995

Power for Everyday Parenting

The power of the Spirit isn’t just for pulpits—it’s for parenting.
You don’t need to have all the answers or say all the right things. You need to be filled with the Spirit, who gives you wisdom, patience, and courage.

Whether you’re helping with homework, setting boundaries, or praying over your child’s choices, remember: His power is made perfect in your weakness.

Let your life witness of Christ—not by perfection, but by Spirit-empowered love.

Discussion Prompt:
Ask your child:

  • What makes you feel nervous about talking about Jesus?
  • Did you know the Holy Spirit helps us be brave?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help me be a strong and gentle witness to my child. Fill our home with Your power and peace. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 You Will Receive Power — Day 3

Rooted & Raised

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
— Acts 1:8a, NASB1995

Power with a Purpose

Jesus didn’t send the Holy Spirit to make you feel strong—He sent Him to make you bold.
To speak truth when it’s easier to stay silent.
To stand firm when the world calls you to compromise.
To love when you feel empty.

This power is not for performance—it’s for witness.
Whether you’re serving in your home, praying in secret, or standing for truth in a dark world, the Spirit equips you. His power strengthens your resolve and fuels your obedience.

Reflection:
Where in your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s boldness today?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power—not for my own strength, but to be a faithful witness of Jesus. Give me courage to obey. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 He Will Teach You All Things — Day 2

Rooted & Raised

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
— John 14:26, NASB1995

The Spirit Makes It Make Sense

Ever opened your Bible and felt… lost?
Jesus knew that would happen. That’s why He promised the Holy Spirit as your Teacher.

He doesn’t just help pastors. He helps you.
He teaches you to discern lies, reveals truth, and makes the words of Jesus come alive. He reminds you what you’ve read when you need it most—before a test, in a hard conversation, when you’re battling temptation.

Don’t just scroll past truth. Ask the Spirit to make it stick.

Reflection:
Do you expect the Spirit to speak when you read Scripture?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, open my eyes to Your Word. Teach me. Correct me. Help me grow. I don’t want to just know things—I want to live like Jesus. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 He Will Teach You All Things — Day 2

Rooted & Raised

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
— John 14:26, NASB1995

Learning Together by the Spirit

As your child grows, so do their questions—and sometimes your answers feel insufficient. That’s okay.
Jesus sent the Spirit not only to comfort us, but to teach us and our children. He brings clarity, conviction, and remembrance.

Invite the Spirit into your conversations, your quiet times, and even your discipline. Don’t rely on your own wisdom—rely on the One Jesus sent to lead you both.

The same Spirit who moved the early Church empowers your home today.

Discussion Prompt:
Ask your child,

  • What’s something hard to understand about God?
  • Can we ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand it together?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, lead our hearts and minds. Make the Word come alive in our home. Teach us Your truth, and help us remember what Jesus said. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 He Will Teach You All Things — Day 2

Rooted & Raised

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
— John 14:26, NASB1995

He Helps You Remember Jesus

The Holy Spirit is like a teacher who lives in your heart.
Have you ever forgotten something important? The Spirit helps you remember what Jesus said—especially when you need to make a good choice or feel afraid.

When you read your Bible or listen at church, He helps you understand. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

He’s always with you—and He’s really good at helping!

Try This:
Before you read or pray, say:
“Holy Spirit, help me understand.”

Prayer:
Thank You, Holy Spirit, for teaching me about Jesus. Help me remember His words and live like Him today. Amen.

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 He Will Teach You All Things — Day 2

Rooted & Raised

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
— John 14:26, NASB1995

Your Divine Teacher

The Spirit of God isn’t just present—He’s active.
He teaches, illuminates, and reminds us of what Jesus said—right when we need it. When you sit down with your Bible, it’s not just study time; it’s Spirit-led instruction.

You don’t need a theology degree to understand God’s Word. You need the Teacher Jesus promised.
He helps you recall truth in temptation, lifts Scripture from the page into your heart, and whispers gentle conviction when you’ve strayed.

As you walk with Him, you’ll find He never contradicts Jesus—He glorifies Him. Always.

Reflection:
Do you invite the Holy Spirit to teach you when you open the Word?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I welcome Your voice. Teach me truth and bring to mind the words of Christ. Don’t let me rely on my own understanding. Amen.