As we enter into 2025, we’re taking 21 days to set aside the things of this world and focus on what God is saying and doing in this hour. I know that it would be easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions, but I want to strongly encourage you to resist that temptation and ask God the following question:
God, what are you asking of me?
Take some time and ask Him what He wants you to do during these 21 days. Maybe it’s a particular type of food or comfort fast you’ve never done before. Or maybe it’s committing to attend more prayer meetings and spend more time praying and diving into God’s Word. Whatever it is, listen to Him. He’s ready to do a new thing in your life and move like never before.
Let’s seek His face.
Pastor Greg
WHAT IS SEEK? WHY SHOUD I BE A PART OF IT?
SEEK is a season at Velocity where we intentionally minimize the distractions and normal routines in our lives to hear God’s voice better and focus on what He is saying and doing. When we turn down the volume in our day-to-day lives, it has the supernatural effect of turning up the volume of God’s voice.
SEEK is a season that’s filled with daily prayer and church-wide fasting. Something powerful takes place when God’s people come together to lift up one voice.
SEEK is designed for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to Velocity, if you’re young or old, if you’re single or married with kids—we want you to be part of it.
In this hand-out you’ll find everything you need to know about this SEEK season, including curated devotionals that align with each day’s prayer focus and scripture. Parents, we even have weekly prompts and activities to lead with your families.
Ask Him what he wants from you over these 21 days.
WHAT IS GOD ASKING OF YOU?
We’re inviting you to take time, prepare your heart, and ask God what He wants of you during these 21 days. Even if that means fasting longer than you’ve ever fasted, removing more comforts than you’d prefer, or taking time to pray early in the morning and late at night, we’re expecting God to move like never before in our Velocity family.
Once you hear from God and have clarity on what this SEEK season will look like for you, we encourage you to write it down and share it with your community. Making your vision known to your family, or friends is an excellent way to share what God is doing in your life and build accountability.
On the following pages, we’ll show you several different ways you can engage during these 21 days. We encourage you to select at least one item from each category and commit to following through the entirety of SEEK.
FOUR WAYS TO ENGAGE DURING SEEK
1. CHOOSE A FAST
Fasting is an invitation from the Lord for us to engage with Him in a heightened way. There is no right or wrong way to fast, and there are many different kinds of fasts to choose from.
Here are several ways you can participate:
- 1-day fast each week for the entire day
- 3-day liquid fast
- 10-day Daniel fast or liquid fast
- 21-day Daniel fast, liquid fast, or 1 meal per day
COMMON FASTS
Water Fast - Abstaining from all forms of food and drink other than water.
Juice Fast - Abstaining from all solid food and only drink juice and water.
Daniel Fast - Eating only vegetables and abstaining from meat, sweets, etc.
Selective Meal Fast - Abstaining from certain meals and snacks throughout the day and only eating a reduced amount during a single designated mealtime.
Regardless of the type of fast you choose to participate in during Seek, it’s important to pray about what God is leading you to do, as well as consult a doctor and educate yourself if you have any questions or health concerns.
2. REMOVE COMFORT
We encourage you to set aside some of the comforts that consume your time and spend extra time seeking God’s face. Here are a few comforts that you can abstain from: Social Media [Instagram, Facebook, X] / Entertainment [TV, movies, YouTube] / Buying Material Items [instead donate and give to the poor]
3. PRAY & INTERCEDE
Scripture teaches us that something unique and powerful happens when believers gather together in faith to seek God and cry out to Him with one voice. Here are some ways to en- gage through prayer and worship: Set morning alarm 30 minutes early to pray / Attend pre-service prayer meeting before Sunday service
4. READ THE BIBLE
During these 21 days, carve out significant time to spend reading the Bible. Here are a few reading challenges: Start and complete a 21 day YouVersion Reading Plan / Start a 1-Year YouVersion Full Bible Reading Plan / Read the entire New Testament in 21 days / Read the entire Bible in 21 days
MAKE YOUR VISION KNOWN AND WRITE IT DOWN
Choose a Fast: _____________________________
Remove Comfort: ___________________________
Pray & Intercede: ___________________________
Read the Bible: _____________________________
WEEK ONE FOCUS - HEART
This week, we are focusing on praying for our hearts and our relationship with God. As spiritual leaders of our families, we have a unique opportunity to establish an environment for our kids’ hearts to flourish.
We have the responsibility to ask “are our hearts being edified by what we are listening to, what we are watching, and what we are entertained by?
How about our speech? Are we building each other up in love or tearing each other down? These questions make room for the Holy Spirit to guide us into leading our families in a Godly way.
Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Monday January 13
DAY ONE
Devotional Written by Pastor Lee Cummings
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Consecration Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:8
When life feels chaotic, it’s time to connect more deeply with Jesus. This isn’t just about setting aside a few moments for prayer and fasting; it’s about dedicating our whole hearts and minds to Him. True consecration means letting go of anything that might come between us and Jesus, focusing entirely on His love and purpose for our lives. The Bible tells us to trust the Lord with all our hearts. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This means relying on Him completely, knowing He guides us. When we focus our hearts on Jesus, we grow closer to Him. David prayed in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” This is a request for God to help us change and purify our hearts. Through prayer and fasting, we can clear away distractions and listen more closely to God’s voice. Offering our hearts to God can be challenging, but it’s also exciting. Romans 12:1-2 encourages us to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice.” This means constantly renewing our hearts and minds, moving away from worldly distractions and towards God’s will. To truly dedicate our hearts to Christ, we should spend time every day in prayer and reading the Bible. We need to ask God to show us anything in our hearts that needs changing and to help us let go of other distractions or hurts. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” With clean hearts, we’ll see His work in our lives. As you pray and fast, ask Jesus to renew your heart completely. Give your love and thoughts to Him, and He’ll fill your life with grace and love. I hope this season of seeking brings you closer to Jesus, giving you a pure heart and a refreshed spirit. Let’s be ready to shine brightly as we walk closely with Him.
Tuesday January 14
DAY TWO
Devotional Written by Pastor Agree Thornack
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Humility / Repentance Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:1-8
As we enter day two, I would like to invite you to actively meditate on one of the most powerful yet challenging attributes we are called to embody: humility. Let’s begin by reading Philippians 2:1-8. This is one of my favorite passages, and over the years, it has become a life verse for me. It has served as an anchor during challenging seasons as well as times of success. Walking in humility can be difficult in different seasons of our lives, but it is clear through this passage and throughout Scripture that this is how the Lord calls His people to live. Today, I want to invite you to meditate on humility and pray that the Lord would help you to live it out. As we look at Philippians 2, there are a few things I would like to highlight. First, humility is something that Jesus exemplified. Jesus does not call us to walk in a way that He Himself does not. In fact, He is the greatest example of humility. Take a moment and read verses five through eight once more. Have you ever stopped and thought about the humility of Jesus? He is fully God, yet He humbled Himself and came to earth as a baby, lived a full life, and then died in one of the most humiliating ways possible. One of the greatest ways we can grow in humility is to meditate on the humility of Christ. As we do this, it moves our hearts and affects the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Secondly, the call to walk in humility is for every believer in every season. The qualification Paul gives is clear: have you experienced the love of God? Then be humble and serve others. It does not matter if you are rich, poor, educated, a child, a college student, a pastor, or a plumber—we are all called to walk humbly and serve each other. Thirdly, humility is not just about our actions but our hearts. In verse three, Paul highlights the call to not just be humble in your actions but in your mind. Humility is deeper than just what we do; it’s about the content of our hearts. The greatest way to test this is to consider the internal conversation you have about someone when you are wronged. Finally, humility is not passive but active. The ultimate example of humility was when Jesus laid down His life for us. We put humility into action when we lay down our lives for those around us. We do this by not only being concerned with our own needs but also the needs of others. We intentionally look for opportunities to serve those around us—not just those we enjoy or those from whom we can gain something, but all those the Lord sends our way. Take some time to meditate on the humility of Jesus. Think about the extravagant humility He showed throughout His life, death, and resurrection. Allow this reality to resonate in your heart. Then, as you do so, pray that the Lord would give you the grace and opportunity to walk in active humility with those around you. Be prepared—God loves to answer this prayer!
Wednesday January 15
DAY THREE
Devotional Written by Pastor Spencer Hackert
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Spirit of Revelation Scripture Reference: John 16:5-7, 13-14
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” It’s day 3 of the fast, and this is where the rubber meets the road! The powerful SEEK Nights have come to a close, and now it’s time to press into a more intimate and personal encounter with the Lord. Remember, God has not left you as an orphan; He has given you the Spirit of adoption through the Holy Spirit. Let’s recall some of Jesus’ closing statements on Earth regarding the Holy Spirit: John 16:5-7 NASB 95 “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” Also… John 16:13-14 NASB 95 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.” Can I give you some hard-to-comprehend truth? You are better off right now with the Holy Spirit living inside you and resting upon you than you would be with Jesus in the flesh walking around the Earth. My friend, do you know what you have access to in the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is more than a mist, wind, or fire; He is the third person of the Trinity! He is a person, co-equal, and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son! The same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead now lives inside of you. He not only lives inside you but also longs to lead you into ALL TRUTH! Join me on a theological journey before we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. Jesus said, “He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life.” ( John 14:6) Jesus also said, “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free.” The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17), and He longs to lead us into the TRUTH! Here is a conclusion you can take into your time of prayer: The Holy Spirit would love nothing more than to lead you into a greater revelation of Christ and the many benefits that He has purchased for you through His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and future second coming! YOU HAVE WHAT YOU NEED BECAUSE YOU HAVE HIM! Here are some prayer prompts you can lean into for this topic: Jesus, I thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit that I have access to. Holy Spirit, I welcome You to lead me into TRUTH. Holy Spirit, reveal all that Jesus has purchased for me. Holy Spirit, give me supernatural strength and wisdom for today
Thursday January 16
DAY FOUR
Devotional Written by Pastor Stefan Davis
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Spirit of Wisdom / Fear of the Lord Scripture Reference: Acts 9:31
Yes! Day 4! Typically, the fourth day in fasting and prayer is a day of breakthrough! The first day through day three are honestly challenging for my flesh as I detoxify from my typical diet while simultaneously eliminating habits, mindsets, and distractions to put the Lord first in my whole life. What a challenging process it is to rid ourselves of the norms of our life. Usually, on Day 4, I make a comment to myself, “I got this.” Let me say the same to you, “You got this.” When I say, “I got this,” what I’m declaring is that God has me. Have you noticed in the last few days that with fewer distractions, you are forced to determine how you will find the power and determination to overcome even good desires to lean on Jesus? When I’m faced with these desires of eating or being distracted, I am often reminded of a statement made by Luke regarding the church in Acts 9:31: “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” We find these churches had peace, were edified, were walking in the fear of the Lord, and were comforted by the Holy Spirit. What a powerful reality the early church was experiencing. The question now becomes, is this available to me? Absolutely. What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord? Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” If we are honest with ourselves, the fear of the Lord can be an intimidating concept. Let’s quickly break it down. Simply put, the antithesis of the fear of the Lord is the fear of man. I encourage you to begin by asking yourself: Do you have reverence for the Lord? Do you hold the Lord in high regard and esteem His voice as the highest perspective in your life? Are you more concerned with your relationship with the Lord or with people most important to you? It was said of Jesus in Isaiah 11:3 that “His delight is in the fear of the Lord.” Right now, you can pray and ask the Lord to help you delight in Him and have reverence for Him in every aspect of your life. One of the most poignant statements in Scripture is a prayer Paul prays in Ephesians 1:16-18 (read the whole passage): “…remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…” Whether you feel strong or weak today, Jesus is your Hope of Glory. Arm yourself with this Ephesians 1 prayer from Paul that you would have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation as you fast, pray, and study the Word of God. What brings comfort to your heart, mind, soul, and strength is the continual revelation of Jesus. Ask God to open the eyes of your heart today to His incredible love and comfort by the Holy Spirit, and invite the Lord to walk with you in the fear of the Lord, as we see in Acts 9. You got this!
Friday January 17
DAY FIVE
Devotional Written by Dane Mallernee
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Love: 1st & 2nd Commandments Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:34-40
Take a moment with me and place yourself in a story from the gospels, specifically in Matthew chapter 22. For this exercise, allow Jesus’ words to be a response to YOUR questions, and let His instruction speak to YOUR heart. In the latter part of this chapter, Jesus has just finished a sequence of being questioned by the religious leaders of His day. They attempted to entrap Him, confound Him, and entangle Him in His words, but they came up EMPTY. Matthew 22:22-33 describes this: verse 22 says, “When they heard Him, they marveled, and they left Him and went away,” and verse 33 notes, “…and when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at His teaching.” After all this questioning, one of the Pharisees, a lawyer, asks Him a final question: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus responds by quoting the Shema (a central Jewish prayer and statement of faith, cited twice a day and every Sabbath): “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He continues, “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” In a crowd of people, and pressed with the question of what is most important in obeying God, Jesus responds with two answers. Love the Lord with ALL—your affections, thoughts, and resources. In other words, love Him with your whole being and all that is available to you. Similarly, love your neighbor in the way you love yourself. He quotes a reality so common to them, often cited to push past all their religion and emphasize this preeminent point in what it looks like to follow Him: Love God with all that you are and all that you have, and love and care for others with the same attention and care you give to yourself. This is the first and great commandment, and on it stands all else that we do. I invite you to pray today about two things: Ask God to address the questions and areas in your heart where you have overcomplicated following Him. Pray, “God, help me to love You with all of my heart, my soul, my mind, and the resources You’ve given me. Show me areas where I have stopped fully loving You.” Ask the Lord for fresh grace and opportunities to love Him by serving others. Think of people you see every day—coworkers, family members, fellow church members, etc. Pray, “God, am I loving them as myself? Help me to do that!”
Saturday January 18
DAY SIX
Devotional Written by Pastor Jane Cummings
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Strength / Endurance Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:29-31
In our fast-paced world, where true wisdom seems scarce, fasting and prayer are powerful ways to connect with God. These practices need strength and endurance—not just physically, but spiritually. Isaiah 40:29 tells us, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” This promise of strength helps us as we seek a deeper relationship with Him. During fasting, we may feel physically weak, but this is when God’s strength and grace become clear. Fasting isn’t just about giving up food; it’s about inviting God’s presence into our lives. As Isaiah 40:31 assures us, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” In fasting, we let go of distractions and fill our hearts with God’s love and wisdom. Reflect on your purpose as you fast. Are you simply abstaining from food, or are you taking the opportunity to align with God’s will? Ask Him to look into your heart and guide you in areas that need His touch. Trust Him to shape your spirit into one of gratitude, obedience, and trust. Find Renewed Strength: Pray for strength and endurance, letting God’s power support you through your fast. His grace is sufficient, as He comforts us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Let His strength see you through. Check Your Heart: During prayer, seek God’s help to uncover any pride or distractions. Aiming for a pure, aligned heart, pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10), to refresh your spirit. Build a Deeper Connection with God: Use fasting as an opportunity to grow closer to God. Seek His heart and purposes for you. In Jeremiah 29:13, He promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Make fasting a chance for profound connection with Him. Anchor your fasting journey in faith and reliance on God. His strength will refresh you continuously. Embrace this season with trust, allowing His Spirit to strengthen your heart and draw you closer to His love and wisdom.
Sunday January 19
DAY SEVEN
Devotional Written by Pastor Richard Adolph
Weekly Focus: Heart Daily Topic: Healing / Deliverance Scripture Reference: Psalm 51:10-12
A few years ago, I was sitting in a staff meeting when the teacher began talking about the sails on a sailboat. She challenged us to picture ourselves in a sailboat and imagine raising our sails high into the air. For some of us, she said, our sails might be in great shape—strong and ready for the journey ahead. For others, we might notice our sails are tattered or worn, beaten by a previous storm and hardly suitable for what lies ahead. The challenge she posed was to choose in faith to raise our sails, regardless of their strength or condition, as a symbol of our “yes” to Jesus in whatever season we find ourselves. Welcome to Day 7 of SEEK! At this point, I typically find myself knee-deep in information and revelation and have experienced some powerful moments in God’s presence. I’ve also noticed that each year we go through SEEK, my “sail” is always in a slightly different condition than the previous year. There have been times when I’ve felt ready to lift high the sail of my heart with strength and passion, while other years I have felt worn and weary, looking up to see it torn and broken. During these times, I have clung to Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV), “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” If today you find yourself looking up at a rough and tattered sail that mirrors your weary soul, I want to remind you that we have a God who longs to meet us in our brokenness and reach out His hand of healing. Maybe you’re seeking healing from your past, hurt from others, trauma, or decisions you’ve made. I have good news for you: today, your sail can be mended. We can be healed because Jesus is our healer. We can be delivered because Jesus is our deliverer. Throughout this first week of SEEK, some of you have been praying for physical or emotional healing, while others have been believing for deliverance from an addiction. If that is you, I encourage you to write down this prayer that King David prayed at one of his lowest moments, filled with complete and utter brokenness. Place it somewhere you’ll see it daily, as you invite the Lord to create in you a heart that is clean. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV) As you contend today for healing and deliverance, remember that you are not alone. Let’s raise our sails with authenticity and faith today. Whatever condition yours is in, raise it high as a symbol of your “yes” to Jesus in this season. He is with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Happy sailing!
WEEK TWO FOCUS - HOME
This week, we are focusing on praying for our homes and families. Our homes are sacred spaces. It’s where our daily walk with the Lord is formed.
As families, one of the most powerful things we can do is invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our homes. Just like we might have our name on a deed to a house or our signature on the lease in an apartment, our homes have spiritual ownership as well.
Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to create a family altar to God in our homes. We also have the authority to rebuke anything seeking to disrupt or hinder our families from flourishing in God’s calling for us.
Monday January 20
DAY EIGHT
Devotional Written by Pastor Pastor Buckie Thornock
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: Strengthening of Marriages Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:14
Today, we are focusing our prayers on strengthening marriages! Whether you’ve been married for years or you’re just getting started, marriages need prayer— sometimes, we forget just how much. Here’s the thing: prayer is the foundation of a strong marriage. A husband and wife are strongest when they seek the Lord together and engage as their own prayer team! In my own experience, I can diligently work on my marriage and still fall short! How can we face the daily challenges of building a strong marriage? It takes dedication, hard work, and lots of prayer! Praying for our marriages isn’t just a “nice idea”—it’s essential. It’s a continual reminder to put God at the center because we can’t hold everything together ourselves, right? The truth is, God designed marriage to be a unity between a husband, a wife, and Himself! Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “If one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” It’s not just you and your spouse doing life together; God is the third strand holding it all together. When we invite Him into our marriages through prayer, we’re saying, “God, we can’t do this without You.” And guess what? He loves that kind of invitation! So, for today’s focus, take time to pray for your marriage. Perhaps your marriage is going great, or maybe it feels like you’re hitting a wall. In the highs and lows, we must depend on God for the strength of our marriage. Need a place to start? Try this: Pray for Unity: Ask God to unify you and your spouse in His love, wisdom, and grace. Pray for your part in promoting unity in your marriage and resisting the temptation of division. (Ephesians 4:3) Pray for Wisdom: Pray for God to guide you both with His wisdom. Bring up the heavy hitters of your schedule, finances, kids, or any other pressing issues. ( James 1:5) Pray for God’s Blessing: Partner with God by asking for His favor over your marriage and speak a blessing over your spouse. (Numbers 6:24-26) But let’s not stop there. Remember, you’re not the only one who needs prayer for your marriage—our entire church does! And if you’re not currently in the season of marriage, this is where you can make a difference. The future of our church families is deeply intertwined with the strength of our marriages. So, let’s extend our prayer focus to the marriages around us: Pray for Strength: Ask God to protect and strengthen the marriages in our church. Pray for husbands and wives to remain committed and full of grace for one another. (Ephesians 3:16) Pray for Healing: We all know someone who’s struggling. Ask God to heal broken places and restore what’s been lost in marriages that are hurting. (Psalm 147:3) Keep praying, keep trusting, and watch how God strengthens not only your marriage but the marriages all around you!
Tuesday January 21
DAY NINE
Devotional Written by Pastor Pastor Nathan Schaffner
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: Gatekeepers [Parents / Guardians] Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
It’s Day 9 of SEEK! We’re almost to the halfway mark! I hope God’s presence has felt near to you during these past eight days. As a father of three, I often grapple with questions that run through my mind daily: “How am I doing?” “Am I a good father?” “Are my kids going to follow the Lord?” “What are we going to cook for dinner tonight?” “Maybe I can put off bath night for one more night?!” Just to name a few… If you have kids, maybe you’ve thought similar things. As parents, we hold a sacred and powerful responsibility. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 reminds us of our duty to love God wholeheartedly and to impart that love to our children: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This isn’t just a call for personal devotion to Christ; it’s an invitation to create a faith-filled atmosphere in our homes. When we truly love God, this love naturally spills into every aspect of our daily routine. Imagine sitting down for dinner and sharing stories of God’s faithfulness, or taking a walk and pointing out the beauty of creation as a testament to His glory. Each moment is an opportunity to teach our children about the God who loves them deeply. You, as parents and guardians, are the gatekeepers of your home. This is one of the most extraordinary responsibilities you will ever have. You are responsible for what you allow and do not allow in your home. How have you taken on this responsibility that the Lord has given you? What does it look like to take this sacred duty as gatekeeper seriously and to lead your children in the way of the Lord? Make it easy and practical. When you are “sitting in your house” or “walking along the road,” it might feel overwhelming, especially in our busy lives, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about being intentional. Perhaps you could start by reading a verse during breakfast, sharing a short prayer before bed, or placing Scripture on your fridge as a reminder. Small, consistent acts of faith can make a significant impact. Recently, I’ve started leaving “lunch box notes” for my kids on the counter when I set out their vitamins before leaving for work. I write a short prayer with a brief Scripture attached. It’s simple but consistent! Verses 8 and 9 emphasize the importance of tangible reminders of our faith: “Bind them as a sign on your hand… write them on the doorposts of your house.” Consider how you can incorporate these reminders into your family’s environment. Create a “scripture wall” where your kids can display their favorite Bible verses, or hang a “reminder” by your front door. These can serve as simple daily prompts to pray or acknowledge the Lord. So, what is just one thing you could start tomorrow as the gatekeeper of your home to begin being more intentional with your family?
Wednesday January 22
DAY TEN
Devotional Written by Pastor Sean Downs
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: Family Altars Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:15
Hello, and congratulations on reaching Day 10! You are doing great! Today’s focus is on building Family Altars in our homes. What is a Family Altar, you may ask? (Great question!) Creating a Family Altar isn’t about physical stones or fire; it’s about dedicating time and space to seek God together as a family. As we individually seek God, we transform our homes into sacred places where prayer and worship become a natural rhythm in our daily lives. Why is this important, you may ask? (Wow! You have great questions.) You already have rhythms and habits in your life—some intentional and some unintentional. What’s the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning? What’s the last thing you do before closing them at night? Odds are, you do something similar every day. Is it intentional? What if you made an intentional habit focused on praying and worshipping together as a family? Imagine the impact and transformation that would have on your lives! How do I even begin, you may ask? (There you go again!) Easy. Here are 5 simple steps: Establish a Routine: Set a specific time each day for your family to come together in prayer. It might be five minutes or an hour—consistency is what matters. Include Everyone: Encourage each member of your family to participate, no matter how small. Invite the youngest to say a simple prayer or sing a worship song. Read Scripture: Read a chapter (more or less) of Scripture. You can even take turns having the kids read and ask questions. Pray with Purpose: Begin with gratitude. Thank God for your family and His blessings. Then pray for each other’s needs and the needs of the world around you. Worship Together: Spend some time worshipping together. You can play a worship song and sing along or read a Psalm aloud. Bonus Points: Consider how your family can join and engage with our corporate prayer meetings downtown! Remember, this Family Altar is a testimony of God’s presence and leadership in your home. We can let the enemy have his way in our homes, or we can take a stand and say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Embrace this sacred time, no matter how messy, and watch how God transforms your home into an altar of His love and grace. Keep going!
Thursday January 23
DAY ELEVEN
Devotional Written by Pastor Rick Burmeister
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: Family Altars Strength / Protection Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:10
Hello, Radiant! I hope your SEEK journey is progressing positively; we’re just over halfway! You are seeking the Lord—great job! I want to encourage or “strengthen” you today with commands and promises from God. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” This verse gives me such strength, and I’ve leaned on it many times in my life. It steadied and strengthened Kristin and me as we were expecting Heidi, our firstborn. Around 12 weeks into the pregnancy, our doctor reported that Heidi may have a large brain birth defect that could be fatal. We stood on the commands and promises of Isaiah 41:10. I challenge you today, with whatever you’re going through—personal, family, vocational, etc.—to pray through Isaiah 41:10 and ask God for strength and help. Let’s examine this verse with a very literal interpretation: God commands us, “Do not fear.” Fear is often the opposite of faith. Fear can be defined as projecting a future hypothetical reality that has not come to pass. Choose faith today. Faith is believing in God for our future, believing in His goodness and plans for your future. God promises, “For I am with you.” God will not leave you or forsake you. He is with you. He knows your emotions, hopes, and weaknesses. He knows everything there is to know about you and IS WITH YOU. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. God commands us, “Do not be dismayed.” Dismay can be seen as a stronger version of fear that leads to mental paralysis or high anxiety. It causes us to “freeze.” I have felt frozen. I have felt time stop. What helped me in those moments was redirecting my eyes to Jesus, specifically by reading scripture and seeking Him through prayer. God promises, “I am your God.” God has taken possession of us. He has claimed us as sons and daughters. In John 10:29, Jesus says, “No one is able to snatch them [His sheep] out of my Father’s hand.” God promises, “I will strengthen you and help you.” God doesn’t say that He MAY strengthen and help you. He says He WILL. Stand on God’s promise. So what do we do with this? How do we respond? Today, make time in prayer to stand on God’s promises and obey His commands. Recite the verse out loud piece by piece and add your own situation, language, and emotions to it. “Lord, I do not fear [insert situation, emotion, person]; I stand on the promise that you are with me and you cannot and will not leave me. Lord, I am not dismayed [insert situation, emotion, person]; I am an overcomer by the blood of Jesus. God, thank you for adopting me as a son or daughter. God, thank you for strengthening me and helping me in this situation. Amen.”
Friday January 24
DAY TWELVE
Devotional Written by Pastor Pastor Jeff Parshall
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: Unity / Restoration Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:23-24
Radiant Fam, we’re on Day 12! I hope and pray that through the rumblings of your stomach, the Lord is bringing you into the depths of His presence and revealing His secrets to you, His friend! Keep pressing in; your labor is not for nothing! I have found that Jesus speaks very clearly to us through what gets under our skin when we’re fasting. If you’re like me, one of the primary ways I “feel” the effects of fasting is through increased sensitivity to offense. There’s something about an empty stomach that makes believing the best and striving toward unity with others challenging. If you know me personally, you know that I am very much a people person—but typically only after I’ve eaten. Naturally, when I am fasting, one of the things that happens is He tends to reveal offenses in my heart that I have towards others. Sometimes, I’ve wrongly nurtured an offense intentionally because I’ve been wronged. Other times, offense has built up, but I’ve been unaware until the Lord reveals it. It is amazing how quickly offense can rise up in our hearts. If we’re not careful, holding onto offense can actually hinder us from receiving the freedom that Jesus wants to give us. One of my favorite passages in all of Scripture is the most epic public speaking moment of all time—the Sermon on the Mount. There are two verses that always convict me when I read them: Matthew 5:23-24: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Jesus desires that we walk in unity with those around us! Even before we offer our sacrifice of worship, He is asking us to seek reconciliation with each other. I am constantly challenged by this, and it’s especially during the SEEK season that I feel the Lord bringing this to my attention. Because of this, I am intentional about reconciliation. I want to fight for unity—not because it’s easy, but because I don’t want anything to hinder my unity with the Father. I fight for reconciliation because Jesus fought for reconciliation with us. We love because He first loved us. The Holy Spirit may bring up known or unknown offenses in your heart during these next few days of intentional prayer. Don’t dismiss these as fleeting thoughts; instead, take them as opportunities to pursue unity. Ask yourself questions like, “Have I allowed offense to rise up in my heart towards a person?” “Have I forgiven this person for how they’ve wronged me?” “Do I need to call this person, humbly repent, and embrace the road to reconciliation?” It’s a difficult road, but unity and reconciliation are so dear to the heart of Jesus. How beautiful it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity! I challenge you, throughout the rest of SEEK, to fight for unity. Seek reconciliation. Ask the Lord for wisdom and opportunities for this! You may be surprised at just how willing the Holy Spirit is to help. Many broken hearts are healed when believers humble themselves and walk the way of Jesus in unity.
Saturday January 25
DAY THIRTEEN
Devotional Written by Pastor Tim Matthews
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: Prodigals / Lost Family Scripture Reference: Luke 15:21-24
Do you have any family members who aren’t following Jesus? I do. My mom, sister, and brother haven’t decided to follow Him yet, even though they’ve heard the gospel in different settings—at church, funerals, and even from me. But I always remind myself of that word “yet.” When I pray about this, I find it’s easier to pray for others and their families than my own. Maybe it’s because I worry that my family has heard the gospel so many times that it’s lost its impact on them. But then I remember the parable of the prodigal son, and it gives me hope again. Luke 15:21-24 “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” I’m deeply moved by how the father responds to his son’s return in this parable. Earlier, Jesus describes how the father saw his son from a distance, ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him, without hesitation or shame. When I reflect on this, it’s as if God is inviting me to experience the joy and anticipation of seeing my own loved ones come or return to Him. How would I respond if—when—they decide to lay down their lives and follow Jesus? It challenges me to have a heart as open, loving, and ready as the father’s. I believe that heaven not only rejoices when prodigals return but also waits with loving anticipation. Our Father is eagerly waiting to embrace those who respond to His call and are drawn to Jesus. It’s a beautiful picture of God’s heart—full of grace, ready to welcome His children home. In light of the Father’s response in the parable, I invite you to join me in prayer today with these steps: Write down the names of three individuals—family members or friends—who don’t yet know the Lord or who have drifted away from following Jesus. Pray that their hearts would be softened and drawn back to Him, and that they would respond to His love. Ask the Father to fill your heart with hope, faith, and trust, believing that they can and will return to Him. Finally, think of creative ways you can celebrate when they come back to the family of God—just as heaven rejoices over every lost soul found. Let’s stand together in prayer and faith for the ones we love. One more thing: My mom’s name is Tracy. My sister’s name is Kristen. My brother’s name is Terrell.
Sunday January 26
DAY FOURTEEN
Devotional Written By Pastor Rachel Culver
Weekly Focus: Home Daily Topic: ProLife [Unborn] / Spirit of Adoption Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:8
Two of the most special moments of my life happened when I held each of my two babies in the hospital after they were born. Time stood still as I looked into their eyes and became lost in the wonder and awe of the moment. Who they were, who they would become, their tiny hands and itty-bitty fingers; realizing the treasure I was holding and the gift that was bestowed upon my husband and me. Life is truly a gift from God. Every life matters and is beautiful to the Lord. Today, we are praying for the lives of the unborn. These are children, real lives in the wombs of their mothers. As abortion rates increase with it being a legal and accessible option, there is a cry that should rise in our hearts for the ending of abortion and for LIFE. Proverbs 31:8 tells us to, “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.” In the state of Michigan alone, there have been over 30,000 abortions performed each year for the last three years. Today, will you be a voice for the voiceless? Will you cry out for the unborn, that God would have mercy and these little children forming in the womb would have an opportunity to live? As we join together and pray for the ending of abortion, another prayer that goes hand in hand is for the spirit of adoption that allows us to call God Abba Father—to grab hold of the hearts of the Church so that we may be willing to care for and adopt children in need. One of those babies I held in the hospital room was not a baby I birthed. She was a precious little one birthed by a brave young woman who dared to give her unborn baby life instead of death. God impressed it upon my heart and Caleb’s heart to adopt. And God led us to this most precious birth mom, and we were ready and prepared to adopt her child as she made the courageous decision to choose life and carry a baby she would not plan to keep. I am praying for miracles today. I am praying for pregnant women to choose life for their unborn child. I am praying for the ending of abortion in our state and in our nation. I am praying for many in the Church to rise to the call of fostering and adoption. Join me! I charge you, on Day 14 of SEEK, to pray earnestly today for life, for the ending of abortion, and for the spirit of adoption to be released upon the Church.
WEEK THREE FOCUS - COMMUNITY & WORLD
This week, we are focusing on praying for those outside of our immediate family and church. This is a great time to teach our kids to pray for those in our schools, city, and world who do not know Jesus yet.
It is so important to pray for our own hearts and our families, but God will begin to pour out His Spirit on our city and send revival when our kids start to pray for those who are lost.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life.” God loves the world! He made a way for everyone to find life in His name!
Monday January 27
DAY FIFTEEN
Devotional by Pastor Zach Dillon
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Spirit of Prayer on the Church Scripture Reference: Romans 8:26-27
Hey, you! How’s prayer going? Way to make it this far into the Seek book—but how are you really doing? If you’re anything like me, by Week Three of SEEK, you might feel at the end of your rope. I typically start SEEK strong, with a full stomach and over-optimistic faith, as I charge into my prayer list for the new year. During the second week, my optimism starts to fade as the LORD begins to challenge and reprioritize what I thought I needed from Him. Then Week Three hits, and I run straight into the WALL. The Wall is the end of myself—the end of my energy, self-control, faith, and ability to muster up spiritual strength. Boredom, frustration, fatigue, and scrolling through food videos start setting in. Here’s the SECRET I’ve learned over the years: the Wall is where the fun begins. What do you do when you don’t know what to pray anymore? Romans 8:26–27 (CSB) says, “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! There’s so much that could be said here, but one of the most significant revelations that has impacted my faith is that right now, in this very moment… God is praying for me. What an incredible mystery of our faith! Within the very Godhead, your name is being mentioned in loving and passionate intercession according to the will of God. This should give us immense faith and hope when we come to the limitations of our human weakness. When my strength runs out and I don’t know what to ask for anymore, the Holy Spirit Himself promises to help me. Prayer is not an opportunity to prove to God how spiritual you are. God is not impressed by your external passion or spiritual words. Your strength and wisdom are not a part of this divine exchange of faith. God is looking for the poor in spirit who will align their hearts with His will and purpose. He’s looking for a people who will be consumed with a spirit of prayer, contending for His perfect will to be accomplished first in their lives and then in the world around them.
Here are some ways you can respond to this invitation: Still your heart and ask the Holy Spirit what He is interceding for you today. If you have a prayer language, pray in the Spirit for five minutes, and then begin to pray in English what the Lord brings to mind. So today, embrace the Wall. What if the boredom and barrenness are actually the start of a breakthrough into new levels of faith? Happy seeking!
Tuesday January 28
DAY SIXTEEN
Devotional by Pastor Caleb Culver
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Scripture Reference: Acts 2:1-4, 29-32
Toward the end of Jesus’ life here on earth, He had strategic moments with the masses and His disciples. One specific area he chose to focus on was the person of the Holy Spirit. He describes Him as the Spirit of Truth, the Helper, and the Promise from the Father. More than just describing Him, Jesus made this proclamation: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 ESV
This statement had to create a tremendous amount of confusion in the hearts of the disciples. I can almost hear Peter saying, “Jesus, what do you mean it’s better if you go? What can be better than having you here with us right now?” Although this Scripture can be difficult to grasp intellectually, it does not nullify the truth that resides in Jesus’ statement.
Let's zoom forward to Acts chapter 1 now. The resurrected Jesus has been visit- ing his disciples and other followers for 40 days on the earth, and right before He ascends into Heaven, this is what He shared: And while staying with them, he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, “you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Keep in mind that this is after the resurrected Jesus breathed on His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. We know that when we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord, His breath of Life comes into our spirit, and we are born again. However, we cannot ignore that the Holy Spirit wants to do more than live inside of us;
Why do we need to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit? There are two primary ways the Holy Spirit relates to us - He moves in us and He moves through us. The Holy Spirit indwells us from the moment of salvation ( John 20:22). This is Him moving IN us–and this is for our regeneration and renewal. We never need to pray for His indwelling to increase because He already lives fully within us. We can ask for our awareness and surrender to grow, but we don’t need to ask for more of His indwelling Spirit, since He has been poured into our hearts fully (Romans 5:5). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different–the Holy Spirit comes ON us to empower us to release what’s INSIDE of us to those AROUND us. After Jesus breathed on the disciples to receive the indwelling Spirit, He told them to tarry in Jerusalem until the promise of the Father (the baptism of the Holy Spirit). You can read about this account in Acts 1 and 2–the Holy Spirit, who already indwelt the 120, came upon them, and they were filled with boldness and spoke in new tongues and prophesied. The Holy Spirit is the multiplier. When His gifts and baptism are poured out, multiplication is always the result. Jesus says in John 7 that what you take in like a drink (infilling) comes out of you (baptism) like a river! In just 3 hours of operating in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Church in Jerusalem went from 120 to 3,000! What’s incredible to me is these same apostles who were baptized in Acts 2 regathered and asked to be filled AGAIN in Acts 4:29-31, and we once again see the Holy Spirit come upon them, and they’re filled with boldness, and the result is more salvations. When we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we are praying for the multiplication of the gifts, person, and power of the Holy Spirit. We are acknowledging our need for Him, and are waiting for Him to come rest on us to release what’s inside of us to those around us. Let us come to Jesus thirsty, that we can drink deeply of the Holy Spirit, and through faith, activate His gifts to the world around us.
Wednesday January 29
DAY SEVENTEEN
Devotional by Pastor Preston Coles
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Awakening the Next Generation Scripture Reference: Psalm 78:6-7H
Hey, everyone! How are you holding up? Less than a week to go! I’m praying that your fasting and seeking is drawing you ever closer to Jesus. I know this journey can be both rewarding and challenging. Today, I want to invite you to pray for something truly transformative and close to my heart—the awakening of the next generation. If you’ve spent any time around young people lately, you may have noticed something: a hunger for meaning, truth, and a desire to be part of something bigger. But that hunger can also be drowned out by the noise of culture, the fear of failure, and the overwhelming pressure to fit in. It’s our privilege and responsibility to stand in the gap for them and pray for God to awaken their hearts to who He is. Key Verse: Psalm 78:6-7 (CSB) says, “so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands.” What an amazing vision for the future—a generation that not only knows about God but puts their trust in Him, remembers His works, and walks in His commandments. Praying for an awakening in this next generation isn’t just about emotional experiences; it’s about a deep and lasting transformation, a relationship with Jesus that carries through every aspect of their lives, even for the generations to come. Today, let’s pray for a generation that knows God intimately, a generation brave enough to trust Him even when it doesn’t make sense, and with the courage to live counter-culturally for the sake of His kingdom. Here are some ways you can pray: Pray for Personal Encounter: Ask God to reveal Himself in a personal way to the young people in our city. Pray that they would encounter His presence in a way that changes everything. Pray for Boldness: Pray that God would raise up young people who are unafraid to stand for truth—Truth that is Jesus. Ask for courage for them to share their faith, even when it’s hard. Intercede for Leaders: Pray for those who are discipling the next generation—parents, teachers, mentors, and youth leaders. Ask God to fill them with wisdom and passion to guide these young hearts faithfully. Pray for an Outpouring of the Spirit: Let’s ask God to pour out His Spirit, igniting a fire in this generation that no amount of cultural pressure can quench. Pray for a revival that starts with them and spreads to every corner of our community. God wants to do something powerful in the lives of the next generation. They’re not just the church of tomorrow—they’re part of what God is doing right now. Let’s agree in prayer and believe for an awakening that leads to lasting change. Thank you for standing in prayer today. Let’s not just pray for them; let’s expect God to move in ways that are beyond what we could imagine.
Thursday January 30
DAY EIGHTEEN
Devotional by Pastor Sonny Misar
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Unity in the Church Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:3-6
Hey, church family! Today, let’s consider something near and dear to the heart of Jesus: Christian unity. In a world filled with differences—whether in opinions, traditions, politics, or lifestyles—it’s easy for us to get divided into our separate corners. But here’s the thing: God calls His Church to a higher standard. Ephesians 4:3-6 encourages us to: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Paul urges us to “make every effort” to keep the unity of the Spirit. The Greek word Paul uses here is “spoudazó,” which means to make haste, be earnest, or strive after a goal. It’s a command that challenges us to actively pursue harmony among believers. So, what does this look like in our everyday lives? First, we must have God’s perspective. If a person confesses Christ as Lord and Savior and the only way of salvation, they are your brother or sister in Christ! They may baptize differently, take Communion differently, or hold views you disagree with, but in God’s eyes, we are family. God may choose to build their mansion in heaven right next to yours! Next, unity requires humility. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul reminds us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” When we put others first and seek to understand their perspectives, we create an environment where unity can thrive. Now, pray for them—it’s a game-changer in fostering unity. When we bring our differences to God, asking Him to help us see each other through His eyes, we begin to understand the depth of His love for every person. Plus, praying together can create bonds that deepen our relationships. I have a confession to make: As a pastor, it was easy to drive past other churches and see them as “the competition.” I can subtly carry resentment if they are prospering, growing, building, and expanding. It’s easy to feel that we have it right, but they are “a bit off.” But the Holy Spirit has challenged me to speak a blessing over every Christian church I drive by. Not like: “Oh Lord, correct their error,” but “Lord, let Your word go forth in power from this church. Bless them with an outpouring of Your Spirit and love. May their pastor be blessed and led by You.” This kind of prayer pleases the heart of our Father! So, as we go through SEEK season, let’s commit to “making every effort” to nurture the unity we have in Christ. Unity isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Let’s reflect Christ’s love in how we treat one another. After all, when the world sees us loving and supporting each other despite our differences, they’ll know we’re His disciples ( John 13:35). Here’s to unity—let’s embrace it together!
Friday January 31
DAY NINETEEN
Devotional by Pastor Daniel Stenger
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Salvation in the Community Scripture Reference: Romans 10:13-14
Here we are—Day 19 of SEEK! You’ve been praying, fasting, and leaning into God. As we enter the home stretch, I want us to focus on something close to the heart of God: salvation in our city. Salvation isn’t just about individuals being saved—it’s about lives being transformed by Jesus in such a powerful way that they go on to transform entire communities. Imagine what our city could look like if we prayed and lived in such a way that God’s kingdom broke through in every corner. What if we saw every workplace as a mission field and every school as an opportunity for God to move? What if your prayers today became the foundation for revival tomorrow? God has a plan for salvation in this city, and here’s the key: it starts with us! You don’t have to be a pastor or work in full-time ministry to be used in mighty ways for God’s kingdom. God is calling each of us—whether in an office, factory, classroom, or at home—to be His hands and feet. Just as Jesus sent His disciples into the world, He sends us to the places we live, work, and play, to be His representatives and share His love with those around us. Romans 10:13-14 (ESV) reminds us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” People in our city are waiting to hear about the hope of Jesus. But how will they know unless we, as God’s people, share it with them? This is where prayer and action meet. I remember fully surrendering my life to the Lord as a teenager right before my senior year of high school. I encountered God in such a real and life-changing way that I couldn’t keep it to myself. As I returned to Comstock High for my senior year, I felt God challenging me to share my faith with others. Like many of you, I struggled with the fear of being rejected or made fun of. So, I began praying for my classmates, asking God to soften their hearts and open doors for me to share the Gospel. One day, I decided to push through my fear and started a Bible study. What began as a small group of friends on a Saturday night quickly grew into a move of God where many of my classmates gave their lives to Jesus. God showed me that when we step out in faith, He meets us in our obedience.
Later, I worked at a local shoe store, and honestly, I hated the environment. It was negative, and I felt drained every day. I remember asking Pastor Jon Zondervan to pray that God would help me find a new job. But his response caught me off guard: “I’m not going to pray for a new job,” he said, “because I believe God has you there for a reason. Light shines brightest in dark places; go and be the light.” He prayed instead that I’d have the boldness to be a light to my co-workers. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I took his words to heart. I began praying for my co-workers and looking for ways to love them. It wasn’t always easy—I was constantly criticized for my faith—but slowly, things started to change. Over time, several of my co-workers came to know Jesus because of consistent prayer and small moments of obedience and sharing my faith with them. I share these stories not to boast about anything I’ve done, but to show what God can do when we’re willing to say “yes” to Him, even in uncomfortable situations. Just as God used me in my high school and workplace, I believe He wants to use you to impact your sphere of influence in this city!
Today, let’s pray for salvations across our city. And beyond prayer, let’s commit to being active participants in the Great Commission. You might be the only Gospel someone encounters this week! Here are some ways we can respond to this invitation: Pray for an Acts 2 outpouring in Kalamazoo. Ask God to break through spiritual darkness and bring His glory into every church, neighborhood, workplace, and school. Pray for those who are far from God or have never encountered Jesus. Ask for divine appointments and opportunities to share the Gospel. Commit to praying for one person in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. Ask God for boldness and wisdom to share His love with them.
Saturday February 1
DAY TWENTY
Devotional by Pastor Joel
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Justice in the Community Scripture Reference: Micah 6:8
Twenty days in and you’re still in it—keep it up! We’ve got a saying in the missions world: “prayer is the work.” Simple but true. I believe it with all my heart. Prayer is a powerful agent of change, a beautiful partnership between heaven and earth, but it is also work. If you’re tired, you should be! We’ve been working a lot lately! Today’s focus, “Justice in the City,” is a hot topic for most people, as it should be. All of us, to varying degrees, have a deep desire for justice at the core of our being; there’s no exception. We were all created in the image of God, and God is the author of all justice. When we think about justice in our city, it’s important to remember that nobody wants to see justice in our city more than God, and there’s nobody who can do a better job of carrying it out. I’m a simple man, and I love simple truths. There’s a very good chance you’ve heard the phrase “Jesus IS justice,” or another popular one, “No Jesus, no justice. Know Jesus, know justice.” Both are true. The main reason we have a justice issue in the city is because we have a Jesus issue. It does not matter how passionately we fight, how loudly we advocate, how vigorously we serve—on our best day, we will get it wrong, and it will never be enough without Jesus at the center. We need God’s help to transform our regular personal daily grind into something that leads people to Jesus and, as a result, leads our city to justice. This is very simple, and at the same time, super difficult. We can’t do this without help from heaven, so we need to pray. We know the Great Commandment verse: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Our guideline for living this out practically is our scripture reference for Day 20: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, ESV) God gives a voice to the voiceless, defends the defenseless, restores the broken, and sets the captives free. This is how God does justice, and this is how He asks us to do justice. In your prayer time today, I’d encourage you to ask God: Personally: Help me to see the broken people and the broken systems in my city through Your eyes. Help me to trust You, that You will bring justice to every unjust situation. To seek You first as the solution. Give me wisdom, patience, and humility. Teach me to love well, leading people to You. For our city: Jesus: Pray that Jesus would be revealed and known. Unity: Pray for unity everywhere the devil has sown division. Brokenness: Pray that God would heal and restore every broken situation. Evil: Pray that God would protect our city from evil. Leaders: Pray that God would raise up leaders in our city with His heart. Let’s join in prayer and action, knowing that God is with us as we work towards justice in our city.
Sunday February 2
DAY TWENTY-ONE
Devotional by Pastor Toby Cavanaugh
Weekly Focus: Community & World Daily Topic: Unreached People Scripture Reference: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
Today, we have the privilege to pray for two things that are most precious to God’s heart. In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Paul writes, “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.” When Paul makes his prayer requests in this letter to the church at Thessalonica, he asks for two things. First, he asks them to pray that “the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored.” The Greek word translated as “speed ahead” literally means “to run.” Paul doesn’t ask us to pray for the word of the Lord to “stand” where it already has gone. He also doesn’t ask us to pray that it would “walk” forward slowly into new areas. He asks us to pray that it would “run ahead” into new territories where the gospel has not yet gone. Around the world, there are about 17,000 different people groups. Out of those 17,000, over 40% (7,400) are considered unreached people groups because they still have little to no access to the gospel. The word of the Lord still needs to speed ahead to these peoples! Let’s pray today that the word of the Lord would “run” to each of these remaining 7,400 people groups! Second, Paul also asks us to pray that as they bring the gospel to new territories, they “may be delivered from wicked and evil men.” Unfortunately, one of the things that usually accompanies an unreached people group is that the few Christians among those peoples are persecuted for their faith. Today as you pray, let’s pick one nation and pray for: The word of the Lord to speed ahead to all the peoples there. Pray that everyone in that nation would have a chance to hear the gospel in their own language. God’s protection, comfort, and encouragement to be with any Christians there who are being persecuted for their faith. If you have a nation God has already burdened your heart for, pray for that country. If not, you could choose from India, Iran, Morocco, Thailand, or China. Each of these nations is full of unreached people groups and persecuted believers. Lord, let Your Gospel speed ahead and be honored!
