INTRODUCTION: Thoughts on Kingdom Culture
DAY 1: First Moves
DAY 2: A Simple Conversation
DAY 3: Morning Dew
DAY 4: Living Low
DAY 5: Fish On…
DAY 6: Perseverance
DAY 7: The Goodness of God
DAY 8: Low on Fuel
DAY 9: Spiritual Terrains
DAY 10: Kingdom Culture
DAY 11: Author and Perfector
DAY 12: Get Out of the Church
DAY 13: Fully Persuaded
DAY 14: Beyond the Mountaintop
DAY 15: The Voice
DAY 16: Building Foundations
DAY 17: The Power of Stillness
DAY 18: Crayons & Crowns
DAY 19: Kingdom Coming
DAY 20: Eyes on the Goal
DAY 21: Made to Be with Him
DAY 22: Clothed
DAY 23: Not a Fan
DAY 24: I Got This…
DAY 25: Liturgy of Love
DAY 26: Perspective
DAY 27: Unmerited & Undeserved
DAY 28: Building Kingdom Character
DAY 29: Flash Flood
DAY 30: Q U I E T
DAY 31: The Responsibility of Prayer
DAY 32: The Better Question
DAY 33: Be Still & Know
DAY 34: Blessing Follows Obedience
DAY 35: The Hunger Within
INTRODUCTION
THOUGHTS ON KINGDOM CULTURE
JOHN MACDONALD, LEAD PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Every culture carries with it a set of values, priorities, and practices that shape how people live. Whether it’s the culture of a nation, a workplace, or even a sports team, culture defines the atmosphere, the expectations, and the way things are done. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to live in and carry a very different kind of culture: the culture of the Kingdom of God. This Kingdom is not defined by trends, traditions, or the shifting opinions of society. It’s rooted in Christ Himself, revealed in His Word, and made visible through His people living Spirit-filled lives.
This is what makes the church distinct. Strategies, styles, and structures may shift with time and culture, but the heartbeat of the church–its values, its principles, and the fruit of the Spirit–must always reflect the early church and the heart of Jesus Himself. That’s what Kingdom culture is about.
When Jesus began His ministry, He didn’t launch a program or erect a building. He started with people. Ordinary people. He called twelve men to follow Him: not the brightest minds, not the most accomplished, not the “spiritual elite.” He didn’t recruit from the rabbinical schools or choose those with impressive résumés. Instead, He went to the fishing boats, the tax booth, and the streets. He called the overlooked, the unqualified, and the underestimated.
And that’s good news for us. Because if Jesus chose ordinary men and women to carry His Kingdom, then there is hope for every one of us. The invitation He gave to Peter, Andrew, James, John, and the rest is the same invitation He gives today: “Come, follow Me.”
This invitation isn’t casual. It’s not about self-help or adding a little inspiration to your week. It is a radical call to reorient everything around Jesus. To follow Jesus is to step into a new reality: a Kingdom reality. It means leaving behind old patterns of living and embracing a new way of life under the authority of the King.
Those first disciples who said yes to His call quickly realized that Jesus wasn’t like anyone they had ever met. His words carried authority. His miracles revealed power over sickness, storms, and even spiritual darkness. His presence radiated mercy and truth.
He didn’t just bring new teachings; He carried with Him the culture of another world. In His presence, the broken found healing, the guilty found forgiveness, and the oppressed found freedom. He carried the very atmosphere of heaven.
When Peter stepped out of the boat and onto the water, he wasn’t just experiencing a miracle; he was stepping into that Kingdom reality. The boat represented the old way: the safe, predictable, earthly reality everyone knew. But Jesus was standing in a place no one had ever stood before, inviting Peter to join Him. That moment was a doorway into a whole new way of living: one defined not by fear or human reasoning, but by the authority of Jesus’ word.
And that is still what Kingdom culture looks like today. It’s choosing to live by the realities of heaven rather than the limitations of earth. It’s stepping into a life where storms, sickness, sin, and even death itself must bow to the authority of the King.
This is why the contrast between worldly culture and Kingdom culture is so important. Worldly culture roots identity in performance, possessions, and popularity. Kingdom culture roots identity in Christ: we are chosen, loved, and called (1 Peter 2:9; Galatians 2:20).
In worldly culture, leadership is about power and control. In Kingdom culture, leadership is about humility and servanthood (Mark 10:43–45). Worldly culture seeks self-comfort and temporary gain, but Kingdom culture seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Worldly culture cancels, excludes, and divides. Kingdom culture forgives, reconciles, and unites (John 13:34–35). Worldly culture says, “Live for yourself. Follow your heart. Build your own kingdom.” But Kingdom culture says, “Deny yourself. Follow Jesus. Build His Kingdom.”
The difference couldn’t be clearer. And when Jesus calls us, He calls us to drop our nets, leave the old way of life, and step fully into His Kingdom. Let’s go!
DAY 1
FIRST MOVES
JOHN MACDONALD, LEAD PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of ObedEdom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” 2 Samuel 6:12–15
In America when a new president takes office, they choose what their first political move will be. What they do first, especially in the first 100 days, will often define and either make or break an administration. The first move is vitally important.
King David was stepping into leadership in one of the darkest, most broken moments in Israel’s history. The nation had drifted so far from God that His presence wasn’t even on the radar anymore. The Ark of the Covenant, what once marked the center of Israel’s spiritual life, had been sitting untouched and forgotten for forty years. Forty years! That’s an entire generation that lived without any real pursuit of God’s presence.
And here comes David: a shepherd boy, worshiper, warrior, and now king. And what’s the first thing he does? He doesn’t build a palace, or strengthen his armies, or roll out a political plan. No, his first move is to go after the Ark of the Covenant. That’s not just bold, that’s a whole new kind of leadership. That’s a man saying, “We’re not moving forward without God.”
First moves matter. They reveal what’s in your heart and what you value most. David could have done a hundred things first, but he made it clear: “God’s presence comes first, no matter what.”
He gathers thirty thousand men, not to fight a battle, but to bring back the ark. He’s not just making a spiritual statement; he’s making a national declaration. He’s saying: we’re not going to be like Saul, who treated the presence of God as though it was optional. We’re going to be a people centered around God again.
That one move set the tone for the rest of his leadership. And it wasn’t just a good strategy. It was a prophetic act. He was saying this nation will not be built on politics, power, or pride. It will be built on God’s presence. He is the center of everything.
Let me ask you a question. What’s at the center of your life?
Because whatever is at the center will drive everything else. For Saul, it was his image. It was fear of people, pride, and performance. He built his kingdom around himself—and eventually lost everything. But David built his kingdom around the presence of God—and that changed everything.
When David brought the Ark into Jerusalem, he wasn’t just checking a spiritual box. He was crowning God as King again. He danced before the Lord with all his might, not caring who saw him or what they thought. His own wife, Michal, looked down on him with contempt—but David knew what mattered. He wasn’t dancing for applause. He was dancing because the presence of God had come home.
And then, in the very next chapter, we see David sitting before the Lord. He is just sitting in His presence. No fancy words. No religious performance. Just a man who loved God, sitting with God. And out of that posture came one of the most beautiful prayers in all of Scripture. David didn’t come in with demands, he came in with wonder. He prayed in 2 Samuel 7:18,
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?”
David didn’t just retrieve the Ark, he reorganized the entire nation around it. He set up 24/7 worship, hired thousands of musicians and singers, and invested the equivalent of over a billion dollars in today’s economy to host God’s presence. That’s wild when you think about it. But it tells you something: David believed that when God was in His rightful place, blessing, peace, and provision would follow.
And he was right.
Israel flourished under David’s leadership because David stayed connected to the source. He didn’t depend on his strength or strategy. He lived from a place of worship and humility. He built from the inside out.
Maybe today you feel like the presence of God has been sitting off to the side in your life: forgotten, neglected, or just not prioritized. Maybe you’ve been running on empty, trying to fix everything yourself. Maybe your life, like Israel’s, needs a re-centering.
Here’s the good news: it only takes one move.
One move back toward God. One decision to stop everything and say, “Lord, I need You at the center again.” That’s what David did. And God honored it with favor, blessing, and lasting impact.
David’s first move changed everything, and yours can too. Revival didn’t start when the people got their act together. It started when one man made God the priority again.
So what’s your first move today? What would it look like for you to reorder your world around the presence of God? What might God do if He were truly crowned King in your life again?
Let’s be people like David. Let's be bold in our worship, humble in our hearts, and hungry for God above all else. Because when God is crowned King… everything changes.
PRAYER: Father, we confess that we’ve often put You off to the side. We’ve chased other things and hungered for things other than You. We’ve tried to lead, parent, build, and fix from our own strength. But today, like David, we make our first move to put You at the center. Jesus, bring us back to what really matters—Your presence. Give us a hunger and passion for you that will never wane. Awaken a holy desperation in us. Tear down our pride and self-sufficiency, and help us to rebuild with You at the center.
We crown You King of our hearts, our homes, and our church. And we pray that Your glory would fill every part of who we are. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DAY 2
A SIMPLE CONVERSATION
NIKKI CATHERINCCHIA, TEACHING PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1
Remember the Wizard of Oz? The movie that took the classic age of the silver screen from black and white into Technicolor. When I was a kid, long before streaming, DVDs or even VCRs, I couldn’t wait for the yearly showing of the merry old land of Oz. I would sit glued to the TV in awe. The Cowardly Lion, afraid of his own shadow, was my favorite character. He talked a good game until it was his time to see the Wizard, then fainted before a single word left his mouth. His intimidation got the best of him. As a kid, that always made me laugh. As an adult, I wonder how many people see God the same way: overwhelming and scary. Based on the amount of people who find prayer intimidating, I would think the number is pretty high. However, I am not so sure that people are intimidated by God as much as they are intimidated by prayer itself.
If you want to see people sweat, suggest that everyone pray out loud. Every week congregations listen to pastors and church staff pray and many think, “I could never pray like that.” I know, I used to be one of those people. The first time I prayed out loud, like the Cowardly Lion, I almost passed out. But truth be told, even in my own private prayers I feared I wasn’t doing it right so I often just skipped it. You see, too often we are so afraid to get prayer wrong that we avoid it altogether. But could you imagine your children being so intimidated to talk to you that they never engaged you in a conversation? That would devastate me. This begs the question: when we don’t pray out of fear of getting it wrong, how does that make God feel? The Psalms tell us He comes near to hear the voices of His children. How His heart must ache when He leans in and hears nothing.
Have you ever thought that maybe we overcomplicate prayer? We make it harder than it has to be. Growing up, I learned the Lord’s Prayer as a prayer to be recited. It wouldn’t be until I was older that I understood Jesus was not giving us phrases to recite but an outline of how to converse with our Father. Because that is what prayer really is: a simple conversation with God.
The giving of the Lord’s Prayer is recorded in both Matthew and Luke. In Matthew, it is part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus makes it clear prayer is not a spectacle to impress others. Prayer is intimate conversation. Not spoken like a pastor or podcaster. Not for show, pride, or display. Just a simple conversation between you and your Heavenly Father.
In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples asked, “Jesus, teach us how to pray.” Perhaps they too were intimidated by lofty prayers they had heard from the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of their day. Maybe fear of getting it wrong was paralyzing them from engaging. However, they had watched Jesus pray. They knew prayer was central in His life and they longed to pray like their rabbi. What I love most is that Jesus never belittles His disciples for not knowing.
He simply gives them an uncomplicated way to approach their Father who is always leaning in to listen.
Maybe today you are overwhelmed with how to pray. Maybe your prayer life has grown quiet, or maybe you are simply looking for another tool to grow closer to Jesus. Whatever brings you here, know this: when we follow Jesus’ method, we cannot get prayer wrong.
Today let’s follow Jesus’ outline and pray together.
OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN This is the conversation starter. Begin by acknowledging who you are talking to. Speak to God in your own voice. He doesn’t need or want you to be or sound like anyone but yourself. He loves you! He wants to hear YOU!!
HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME Begin to worship God. Declare who He is… Lord, Savior, Creator. Declare His attributes… He is trustworthy, faithful, full of love and truth. He is the God who sees, who provides, who redeems. He is the beginning and the end. The only One worthy of our worship and praise.
YOUR KINGDOM COME Acknowledge that Jesus is coming back again. Declare the hopeful expectation of that promise being fulfilled. Ask God how He may want to use you to evidence Jesus in our world in the waiting. Then pause and allow for God to speak.
YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN Here we begin to pray for the realities of heaven to come to earth. Surrender your life and your will align to the will of God. Pray for a fresh heavenly perspective or begin to intercede on behalf of others, our community, country, or world. Once again remember to pause and give God space to speak to you.
GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD Every day we must come to God in prayer because every day He gives us what we need for that day. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness receiving manna from heaven; it was just enough for that day. We too must come to God every day for nourishment. What do you need today? Guidance, wisdom, discernment; ask Him. Patience, grace, compassion; ask Him. Self-control, discipline, endurance; ask Him. Healing, comfort, provision; ask Him. God’s mercies are new everyday, all we have to do is ask Him!
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS This is where we ask God to search our hearts and we confess any sin that is known or revealed. NOTHING hinders our relationship with God more than unconfessed sin. The Father can handle anything you might share. In fact, He already knows. He just wants you to trust Him enough to share it yourself.
AS WE ALSO HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS Forgiveness is not just something we receive, it is something we must give. Is there any unforgiveness you’re holding onto? Now is the time to give it to the Lord. Let Him heal your heart and work on the hearts of those who have wronged you.
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE Finally, recognize that Satan would love nothing more than to throw a curve ball into your day, your week, even your year. He loves taking down those whom God loves. This is why we pray for protection from the schemes of the enemy. We pray against strongholds or temptations. We pray against worldly mindsets and ideologies. We pray for victory and freedom, which in Christ Jesus are already ours—we just need to claim them. When we are prayed up, we are armed against every attack of the enemy and we become more than conquerors.
An amen brings it to an end and you did it! The conversation really is that simple!!
This might have been your very first conversation with God or maybe you were picking up where you left off. Either way, I challenge you: every day carve out time for a conversation with your Father. Use the prayer model Jesus taught us. On some days you may focus more on one area than another and other days you might not get to them all, and that’s okay. There is no right or wrong way. It’s just a daily conversation where God leans in, loving the sound of your voice. And the more you do it, you too will fall in love with the sound of His voice too.
DAY 3
MORNING DEW
JESS CIARAMITARO, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
We’ve all experienced it: a dry season, a chapter in life where you still believe in God, but find it hard to feel His presence. These are times of seeking, thirsting, and wondering when the next "rain" will come to quench your weary spirit.
As a young believer, I often relied on big, corporate gatherings to experience that “rain” of His presence. Whether it was a youth conference, a worship night, or a Sunday service, I looked to leaders—worship teams and pastors—to help usher me into God’s presence. And while I still deeply value those collective encounters with Jesus, I’ve learned that if I depend on them alone, I’ll quickly find myself in a spiritual desert.
One summer morning, the Lord gently reminded me of this truth as I noticed the dew glistening on blades of grass. It hadn’t rained in days, yet the grass was still thriving.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1–2
In God’s intentional design, the grass doesn’t need an outpouring of rain every day to survive. It’s the morning dew—quiet, consistent, and life-giving—that sustains it. Dew is not loud or dramatic, but it’s faithful. It reminds me of how God meets us: not always in overwhelming waves, but in gentle moments that bring renewal, growth, and strength.
Just as the earth needs water, our souls need His Spirit. That refreshment begins with a decision—to give Him time and space to nourish us. When we do, His Spirit comes, even in dry seasons or weary cultures. It may not always feel like an outpouring. Often, it’s more like dew—just enough to sustain us, keeping us dependent on Him and walking in humility.
This is how God perfects our faith over time. He always shows up and provides. It might look different than we expected, but He is faithful nonetheless.
The question is: will we give Him room to refresh us? Or will we keep reaching for lesser sources that can’t truly satisfy?
PRAYER: God, I want to take this moment to recognize that You are the true source of life, joy, and peace. Forgive me for neglecting consistent time with You and relying on other things that do not quench my inmost needs. I surrender this time to You to speak to me through Your Word. Refresh my soul and renew my mind, Lord Jesus. May I hunger and thirst for righteousness. And as my day unfolds, may Your presence remain in me and sustain me. Amen.
DAY 4
LIVING LOW
STEVEN DEMICK, WORSHIP PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
What comes to mind when you hear the words “mountaintop” and “valley”? In Christian circles, we often use these words to describe how we are doing spiritually. If a person feels like they are thriving in their relationship with God, they may say they are standing on a “mountaintop.” If they’re struggling, they might say they’re walking through a “valley” or a “wilderness” season. In the church world, we lean on figurative language to give one another a sense of where we are.
Typically, the higher we go, figuratively speaking, the better the season feels. A mountaintop moment means closeness with God, clarity in calling, or victory over obstacles. A valley season, on the other hand, often feels like confusion, dryness, or distance. But what if God is actually calling us to something different? What if, instead of chasing the high road, He’s inviting us to go low?
Earlier this year, God spoke a phrase to me in prayer: “The lower you are, the further you go.” At first, I didn’t fully understand. But as I prayed into it, He began speaking to me about the root system of a tree. At the beginning of a tree’s life, the roots do not stretch upward toward the sun, they go downward into the soil. That downward movement has to happen before there can be any upward growth. Within just a couple of days, a seed bursts open, and the first thing to emerge is its root, digging vertically down. Downward, then upward. Lower, then higher. That is the order.
In the same way, before we can grow into all that God has called us to, our lives must first be rooted in humility. The deeper our roots of humility, the taller our lives of faith can stand. The hidden strength of the tree is not in the branches or the leaves, it lies in its unseen roots. In order to withstand storms, bear fruit, and endure seasons of drought, the tree must first learn to live low.
This runs counter to the values of our culture. The world preaches “upward and onward.” In the workplace, the expectation is to get the promotion, take on more responsibility, and climb the corporate ladder. Ambition, achievement, and recognition are championed. While responsibility itself is not wrong, and success is not sinful, the posture of elevating self often misses the way of God’s Kingdom.
In scripture, when men and women encountered the presence of God, the response was not to climb, but to bow. When John saw the heavenly vision in Revelation, the elders and angels cast their crowns before the throne, falling to their knees in worship. When Paul met Jesus on the Damascus road, he was struck down and thrown to the ground. When Moses stood before God in the wilderness, he hid his face in the dust. Over and over again, the right response to God’s presence is not to get taller but to go lower.
The Bible doesn’t just give us examples; it gives us commands:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
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
Humility is not optional for the believer, it is required. It is the doorway to blessing, the soil of holiness, and the character of our King Himself.
But here’s the challenge: humility cannot be manufactured. You can’t just will yourself into being humble. True humility is born in the presence of God. That is why the greatest way to get low, and the only way to stay low, is in the secret place of prayer.
Prayer is where we learn to bow before Him, unseen by others and unmeasured by applause. Prayer is where the noise of ambition fades, and the voice of the Father becomes enough. In hiddenness, there is no stage to perform on, no spotlight to chase, no ladder to climb. There is only the Father’s gaze. And when His eyes are on you, that is the only validation your heart will ever need!
This is the beauty of worship. When we are alone with Him, shut away from the eyes of people, our hearts bend low before His throne. Every crown, every accomplishment, every failure, and every burden is laid down. Pride cannot prosper in the atmosphere of prayer. Inprayer, God silences the lies of comparison and draws us into the reality that our worth and righteousness is found only in Him.
The world may chase platforms and recognition, but the child of God finds joy in being hidden. The unseen place is not wasted, it is where roots grow deep. The soil of prayer is where God develops humility in us. It is where He strengthens us to endure, anchors us when storms come, and prepares us to bear fruit in due season.
So, if you want to live a life of lasting impact in God’s Kingdom, learn to live low. Let your roots sink deep in humility. Bow before Him daily. And most of all, give yourself to prayer. Not for the eyes of others, but for the eyes of your Father.
PRAYER: Lord, today I choose to live low. Instead of elevating myself, chasing man’s approval, or worrying about how others see me, help me to deny myself and follow You. In the secret place, eliminate any traces of pride in my heart. Teach me to delight in being hidden with You, where Your eyes alone are on me. Remind me that Your presence is enough. Purify me and make me holy—not to impress others, but to exalt You to Your rightful place as my King and the Lord of my life. May I always bow low so that You may be exalted in my life. Amen.
DAY 5
FISH ON…
JOHN MACDONALD, LEAD PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 1:3
I love family vacations, I always have. I love spending focused time with the family doing things and experiencing things we aren’t able to do and experience living here in Michigan. On our last family vacation, I took Hudson, my oldest son, and his friend Eli out for a deep sea fishing trip. Maddox, my other son, doesn’t like fishing. Instead he opted to stay back with his mom to go clothes shopping—I think he made out alright. One of the fish on Hudson’s bucket list to catch is a Goliath Grouper. The largest Goliath grouper ever caught was over 7 feet long and weighed close to 700 pounds. These fish get big!
Out on the water that day, something big took the large bait we had lowered down into the deep! As the pole bent down into the water, the guide yelled “fish on,” and the fight was underway. Hudson pulled and grunted as he put maximum effort into reeling up the behemoth on the other end of the line. The problem was the grouper was swimming with all its effort straight down in the opposite direction. Both were contending, but for very different outcomes. Hudson wanted to pull the fish to the surface, while the fish pushed its way down into the deep water.
I love this word contend. One definition of contend reads: to strive, wrestle, or fight with intentional effort; especially for something of great worth.
That’s exactly what we’re called to do as believers. We are to contend for intimacy with God. We are to contend for our families, for our children. We are to contend for the lost.
As a pastor, I contend for the presence of the Holy Spirit to fill our church and our community every time we gather—whether in our sanctuary or in someone’s living room. I contend for unity in the body of Christ, for revival fire to burn bright, and for righteousness and holiness in my own life and in the lives of those I’m honored to lead.
But here’s what the Lord has been showing me: The first act of contending is surrender.
It sounds backward, doesn’t it? Contending implies strength, grit, effort. Surrender sounds passive. But spiritually, one fuels the other. And there’s a powerful story in 2 Chronicles 20 that illustrates this tension perfectly.
This story involves Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. For the most part, King Jehoshaphat was a really good king who honored the Lord. He made a couple of decisions that I'm sure he regretted but I think we could all probably say that.
In this story King Jehoshaphat faced a terrifying situation: a vast coalition of enemies. The Moabites, Ammonites, and the people of Mount Seir were coming to wipe out Judah. It says in verse 3,
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah.
I love that. The king resolved to seek God first. Instead of reacting in fear or strategizing on his own, he surrendered the situation in prayer, and he called all of Judah to do the same. He gathered the people. The men, women, and children all gathered and prayed a powerful prayer that ended with this humble declaration:
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. (v.12)
This is the very heart of surrender. And the Lord was compelled to respond.
Through a prophet named Jahaziel, the Spirit of the Lord declared:
Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. (v.14–17)
As the Army assembled and headed out for the battle the next morning, what happened next would make no sense to any military strategist. Jehoshaphat didn’t send his fighting men with swords first, he sent the worship team. Literally.
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him… as they went out at the head of the army saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” (v.21)
Again, this doesn’t sound like a military strategy to me. “Hey, send the worship team and singers ahead of us. Yeah, put them out on the front line. They’ll be our first line of defense…the musicians!” Wait, what? Can you imagine the harp players thinking, “Hold on... we're going first?”
But as they began to sing praises, the Lord moved.
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. (v.22–26)
Wow, I didn't see that coming! The Lord gave Jehoshaphat and all of Judah victory not by lifted swords but by lifted voices in praise! Trust me, I will never take our worship team for granted ever again… I’m sending them in first!
Back to the idea of contending. When we contend for something, we’re fighting for it—standing in the gap, refusing to back down. That’s exactly what Jehoshaphat was doing—fighting for the very survival of his people and his nation. But again what the Lord has been teaching me is the first act of contending is always surrender.
In God’s Kingdom, one empowers the other. Surrender is what gives your contending its strength. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us:
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord.
God can accomplish more by His Spirit than we could ever dream of achieving in our own strength.
The Lord calls every one of us to contend—for our faith, our families, our church, our future. But the most effective way to contend is to surrender first. We surrender the situations we can’t control. We surrender our kids and our marriages. We surrender what’s most dear to us—and then we contend for God’s mercy, His grace, and for the outcome that brings Him the most glory.
Yes, we still show up. We still pray with boldness and resolve. But we do so knowing the battle is the Lord’s. And when we release the fight into His hands, He moves with power. If we want God’s outcome, it always starts with surrender, is shaped through contending in prayer, and ends with the Lord’s victory.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, Hudson did land that Goliath Grouper. He even jumped in the water (hoping there were no sharks nearby!) and got an awesome photo with his 170-pound bucket list Goliath Grouper. A battle worth fighting and one none of us will forget.
PRAYER: Spend some time and surrender to the Lord what you need to surrender, and start contending! You can begin with the following prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to be someone who contends for the right things-but not in my own strength. Teach me what it means to surrender first, to start every battle by looking to You. When I don’t know what to do, help me keep my eyes on You. I give You my family, my church, my decisions, and my future. I take up my position in prayer, in worship, in trust, knowing that You go before me. Fight for me, Lord. I will stand and watch You move. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY 6
PERSEVERANCE
RENEE ROSOLINO, MISSIONS DIRECTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2–4
Perseverance, commitment, determination, and tenacity are strong words, but they are often difficult to live out when faced with overwhelming trials. Collectively, they are defined as the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.
Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and often, it is in the valleys where we find ourselves facing the most daunting challenges. Adversity can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to become discouraged when the storms of life rage around us. These difficult circumstances often shadow the blessings and joy in your life. Yet, as believers, we are called to embrace these trials with a spirit of perseverance.
When I was young and thought about my future, I knew I wanted to get married, have babies, watch them grow up to be strong, healthy, compassionate, successful men and women, and then see them marry and raise families of their own. I couldn’t wait to be Nana. My husband, Gary, and I had dreams and plans to serve on the mission field together in retirement, to travel the world, and to enjoy the family with which we had been blessed. However, life’s not that simple. We don’t write the script. Our dreams are often not our reality. So, the scope of our future and our mission field has changed.
I never imagined that my family would face so many challenges over the years. There have been many, but the most life-altering came when we learned our son was born with special needs. Later, my husband was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis, and I’ve watched this disease deteriorate his body and diminish his quality of life. We also walked through my son’s unwanted, unexpected divorce, and most recently, our granddaughter was born with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, as well as having no immune system. It is easy to go to a dark place and want to give up, especially when faced with one devastating obstacle and heartbreak after another. Feeling helpless, anxious, devastated, heartbroken are just a few of the words that would describe my world at times. This is when my faith is everything!!
The Bible reminds us that trials are not merely obstacles; they are opportunities for growth. Why does growth have to hurt so badly? James encourages us to consider it "pure joy" when we encounter difficulties. Honestly, often in my quiet time, I do not feel joyful. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is through these challenges that my faith is tested and strengthened. Each struggle I face has brought me to a deeper reliance on God and has cultivated my perseverance in my faith journey.
When I find myself amid hardship, it is essential that I remember that I am not alone.
God walks with me through every trial, bringing me comfort and strength. In Isaiah 41:10, He reassures us, "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; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This promise is a beacon of hope and reminds me that even in my darkest moments, God is my steadfast anchor. Even when I want to be alone, I am never alone. It is not healthy for us to isolate ourselves and to let despair consume us. It is imperative to find joy amid adversity which requires intentionality. A few ways to cultivate a positive spirit during difficult times are:
PRAY AND SEEK GOD’S PRESENCE In prayer, we can pour out our hearts to God, sharing our fears and frustrations. As we seek His presence, we will find peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
FOCUS ON GRATITUDE Even in the darkest times, there are blessings to be found. Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. This practice has shifted my perspective to help me see the light amidst the shadows.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT Community is vital. Lean on friends, family, or your church community for encouragement. Do not isolate yourself. Sharing your burdens can lighten the load and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles.
HOLD ONTO GOD’S PROMISES Scripture is filled with promises of hope and deliverance.
Meditate on verses that speak to your situation and let them be a source of strength. Romans 15:13 reminds us,
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
SERVE OTHERS Sometimes, the best way to find joy is to give it away. Look for opportunities to serve those around you. Acts of kindness can uplift your spirit and remind you of the goodness in the world. The blessings you give away come back to you tenfold.
As we navigate the challenges of life, remember that perseverance is not just about enduring; it is about thriving in the midst of adversity. With faith as our foundation, we can face each trial with courage, knowing that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
May we find joy in the journey, trusting that every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to our Creator. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him, the author and perfector of our faith, and embrace the beautiful transformation that comes through perseverance.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my constant source of strength and hope. Help me to embrace the trials I face with a spirit of perseverance. Do not let me dwell in the darkness, but search for the light. When I can't breathe, may You fill me with fresh breath and renewed strength. When I can’t see past my own hurt and sorrow, may you remove the scales from my eyes so I can clearly see You. Show me how to use my trials and adversities to help others. Teach me to find joy in the journey and to trust in Your promises. May I lean on You in my times of need and be a light to others who are struggling. Thank You, Lord, for always being there for me in good times and in bad. I love You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY 7
THE GOODNESS OF GOD
NIKKI CATHERINCCHIA, TEACHING PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, “What do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them, “They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.” These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever. Joshua 4:6–7
I am a self-proclaimed history nerd. I am a book reading, documentary watching, museum going nerd. But more than a lover of facts, I love stories. The first time I sailed into New York Harbor and gazed upon the Statue of Liberty, I cried. My tears were in remembrance of my four grandparents who between 1939 and 1951 stood on ships staring in awe at Lady Liberty, as they arrived in what would become their new home. They left behind their country of Italy, their family, friends, language, and way of life to create a better future here in America. The sacrifices they made for the life I now live has never been lost on me. As I walked through the empty halls of Ellis Island, once overflowing with the masses, it was the stories that echoed. Looking at the faces now on display as historical remembrance, I recognized that behind every face is a story, a story of freedom.
Throughout my childhood, it was around the kitchen table that my grandparents told me and my cousins about their story. With a plate of pasta and after dinner espresso, I learned not only my lineage, but also what it truly means to be an Italian American. I can still smell my Nona Dora’s cooking, and hear my Grandpa Cesare’s thick Italian accent as he said, “Thanks to God. Look at the family He has given me.” My grandfather, a poor farm boy from nowhere in Italy, knew the source of his greatest blessing. In spite of sacrifices and difficulties, his family’s triumph and the life they created in America was a gift from God. Who would have ever thought that an unassuming kitchen table could become a sacred place of remembering the goodness of God?
This concept of knowing your history and remembering God’s goodness is nothing new. It has been practiced for thousands of years. Throughout the pages of Scripture we see God’s people creating physical, tangible remembrances to God's faithfulness. Jacob laid a stone of remembrance in Bethel after his dream of the ladder reaching heaven. It had been a place where God had revealed Himself and promised His presence. Jacob never wanted to forget. As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground Joshua commanded that 12 stones, one for each tribe of Israel, be laid. This was so that every generation moving forward would always remember God’s faithfulness to do the impossible. Joshua never wanted to forget. When God gave Israel victory over the larger and stronger Philistine army, Samuel the prophet set up the Ebenezer stone as a remembrance, a physical representation that the God who sees is also the God who helps His people. Samuel never wanted to forget. Passover is a time to remember how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. The Feast of Booths is a celebration to remember how God provided for His people as they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. So that the people of God would never forget. The Lord’s Supper, which we still participate in today, is a sacred sacrament of remembering what Jesus Christ did. That while we were still sinners He died for us. His sacrifice was given so that we might know the love of God. So that we might never forget!
In each of these stories, in each of these acts of remembrance, God reminds us of our collective history. We are a people who have been on the receiving end of the goodness of God from the onset of human history. His faithfulness has followed humanity in every generation. His grace is available to anyone who would dare to take the greatest adventure of this lifetime: following Him. This is our history, may we never forget! As someone who journals prayers, my journals have become my stones of remembrance. I trace the handprint of God’s goodness and faithfulness all throughout my life on every page written. When I was lost, He was there. In my brokenness, He was there. In my doubt, uncertainty, and victories, He was there. He collected my tears, comforted me, carried me, cheered me on, celebrated with me, and led me in every season. Remembering, I declare that all my life God has been faithful. His goodness has surrounded me. This is my history and I never want to forget it. Around a table with my children and future grandchildren, God willing, this is the story I will share, so we will always remember who we are and who our God is.
Today as you pray, lay your stones of remembrance. Look back and reflect. How have you experienced the goodness of God? Where can you trace His handprint? If you look, you will find it. And once you do, you will never want to forget. In the remembrance, you too will proclaim the goodness of God.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of remembering. Just as You gave Your people stones of remembrance throughout Scripture, remind us to see the ways You have worked in our lives. Help us never to forget that it is Your hand that has carried us, sustained us, and blessed us in every season. Give us hearts that trust You in times of trial and rejoice in times of victory. May our lives always point others to Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY 8
LOW ON FUEL
MATT CIARAMITARO, GENERATIONS PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Fuel is an essential part of our lives. Whether it’s food for our bodies or gas for our cars, fuel is something everyone can relate to. I have noticed a couple of contrasting practices in my life when it comes to fuel.
When it comes to my truck, I rarely fill it up. Seriously, I fill it up no more than once a month. I’m pretty sure I should qualify for some sort of insurance discount, because I put on average 4,000 miles a year. The problem with that is, I can drive for days with the gas light on. Yep, since church is only about a mile away, I rarely go beyond a one-mile radius. I live day to day, knowing I can put off refueling just a little longer.
Alternatively, when I go on one of my adventure trips, I always start with a brand new canister of fuel for my JetBoil (a JetBoil is a cool little gas stove designed to boil water in under 60 seconds.) There is no way I am going out into the wilderness with a partial can. In my garage, I have a bin full of gear, and you can find tons of spare cans that are partially used, marked in Sharpie: ¼, ½, or ¾ full. Would they work? Probably, but it’s not worth the risk.
If I run out of gas in my truck, it’ll be annoying, maybe a little embarrassing. If I run out of gas in the wilderness, I don’t eat.
I think many of us get caught treating our spiritual fuel the same way. When it comes to our ordinary grind we try to get by with what we have, without worrying about topping off. We live as if we don’t require new fuel. When something special comes around - a ministry assignment, serving opportunity, leadership role, small group night, conference, or retreat - we then feel the need to make sure we are ready.
As we look at Scripture, there are multiple examples of God wanting His people to be filled with fresh fuel, treating every day like a grand adventure. We see God’s intention for this in the Old Testament through His instructions for priestly duties.
The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out. Leviticus 6:12–13
This simple physical task was a spiritual reminder of how they should live every day, adding new fuel to the fire. As we look even deeper, we understand the original fire was supernatural, and if it wasn’t cared for properly, it was at risk of being corrupted. Also, even though the fire persists throughout the evening, the morning fire is singled out because that’s when the altar was cleansed of its old ashes and “a new fire” made. Cool, Pastor Matt. We should add fresh fuel to our fire, but what does that look like practically? In Matthew, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, which says,
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
The fuel we so desperately need is the voice of God. One word from the Lord can sustain us better than any protein bar ever could. Today as you spend time with the Lord, determine to refuel as if your life depended on it. Don’t settle for running on empty and just getting by. Sit before the Lord and ask Him for His divine direction, listen for his still small voice, and let his words fill you up today.
PRAYER: Jesus. As I sit before You today, all I desire is to hear Your voice. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. God, Your words are a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path. Your word is my greatest need. Your word sustains me. As I sit in the stillness of waiting, my ears are open.
DAY 9
SPIRITUAL TERRAINS
LAUREN GRACA, KIDS PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Terrain (noun): A geographic area; a piece of land; the physical features of a tract of land. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The word “terrain” is an interesting word. It refers to any “piece of land,” but when using it in a sentence, it depends on more description. For example, “I expect the terrain will be rough and rugged on our hike today,” or “The terrain was so flat and smooth.” Both of these examples fit the definition, yet the illustrations are opposite.
The Bible is full of opposite types of terrains, and right now, you are likely standing in one of them. You may have been visiting there for a while, or you might be finding yourself in a new or different terrain for the first time. There are blessings and lessons in every type of spiritual terrain, but the one factor that is constant in them all—the Presence of God is there.
THE MOUNTAIN TOP
I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1–2
There is something majestic about a mountain; it is overwhelmingly grand. If you have ever had the opportunity to stand on a mountaintop, you know you can see forever! When we read about mountains in the Bible, we may think of stories like Moses meeting with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). Or during the transfiguration of Jesus, when He took Peter, James, and John up to a mountain and revealed His glory (Matthew 17). Mountains are where leaders meet with God, where miracles happen, and where we are privileged to see the vast stretch of God’s reach. Are you having a mountaintop moment, where everywhere you look you are in tremendous awe of God’s magnificence?
Living on a mountain can literally take our breath away. You don’t have to climb Pikes Peak, Mount Rainer, or Mount Kilimanjaro to know that the air is very thin at the top of a mountain. Not many living things actually live on the mountain tops; the oxygen levels are too low. The only way to remain there for long periods of time is to have a source of oxygen close by.
If you long to live on a mountaintop, or you find yourself there at this very moment, let me give you one crucial piece of advice: It is absolutely essential that you are connected to God. You cannot last on the mountain without Him. The moment you remove the oxygen (your dependence on the Lord), the vastness of the mountain will cripple you and lead you into a panicked state. Don’t think that living on the mountain means you don’t need God; you desperately need Him with every breath you take. He alone is able to sustain you.
THE VALLEY
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
The definition of a valley is literally a “depressed state.” And as David writes in the twenty-third Psalm, typically one has to walk through the valley, not climb out of it. This familiar Psalm is not the only time a “valley” is mentioned in the Bible. In Ezekiel chapter 37, the Lord takes the prophet Ezekiel to the middle of a valley full of dry bones, completely void of any life. And recall the story of David and Goliath, where the Israelites assembled in the valley of Elah, to battle in a war against the Philistines. A valley is not the ideal place to be during a battle, for you can find yourself stuck, targeted from all sides.
n a valley, you are surrounded by shadows, grief, confusion, darkness, death, and despair. It is here where you find yourself in a depressed state of mind. All the obstacles you face feel bigger than you. Hopelessness covers you.
If you find yourself in the valley at this moment, I want to encourage your heart with this truth: There is still life in the valley. It may seem like hopeless terrain, but it's not. David reminds us in the second part of the verse above, “...you are with me.” You are never alone in the valley. When the Lord took Ezekiel to the dry bones, He was there. He spoke to the dead, dry bones, and brought them back to life. No one is too far gone that the living breath of God can’t reach them. A valley also has water running through it; it carries the water that runs down from the hills and mountains around it. Water gives life. In fact, water creates the valley. God’s breath and living water sustain us. And finally, remember the ending of the story of David and Goliath. With the Lord’s help, David conquers the enemy in the valley. You have the power from the Holy Spirit to defeat the enemy - even in the middle of a valley.
THE WILDERNESS
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
There are many stories from the Bible where we find people in the wilderness. Moses and the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness (Numbers 32:13). The prophet Elijah fled to the wilderness, fearing for his life after King Ahab and Jezebel threatened to kill him (1 Kings 19). In the New Testament, Paul spent three years in the wilderness, in solitude (Galatians 1:17–18). And don’t forget, Jesus Himself was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, immediately after He was baptized (Matthew 4).
I have wondered several times, why does God place us in the wilderness? Why would He rescue the Israelites from slavery, only to have them wander for 40 years in the wilderness? Why did He send His only Son into the wilderness, without food or water, where He was tempted by Satan himself? I’ll never know all the answers, but I do know there is a reason for everything God does. Perhaps there are lessons we can only learn in the wilderness terrain?
Lessons of humility, endurance, dependence, and preparation for what is to come.
In the midst of the testing and times of hardship the Israelites experienced, God provided everything they needed. In Deuteronomy 8:2–5, Moses reminded the people:
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.
If you find yourself wandering through the wilderness terrain, accept it, and allow God to refine you. Surrender to his purposes and plans for your life. Hunger and thirst for His Word more than anything (or anyone) else. Don’t just read Scripture, digest it; let it shape you into more like Christ.
THE PROMISED LAND
So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed, every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:43–45
Perhaps you find yourself embarking on new terrain, just like the Israelites when they were finally allowed to enter the Promised Land. But being invited into the Promised Land is not the same thing as God saying, “Welcome! You are now entering a Promised Easy Life!” A land flowing with milk and honey sure sounds easy to me, but for the Israelites, it involved a battle to get there, a battle they were scared to face. The Promised Land terrain was occupied by someone else, and the Spirit was calling upon Israel to reclaim that territory for His Kingdom.
The battle is not only physical, but mental as well. The Promised Land includes change, getting uncomfortable, unfamiliar views, unanswered questions, and unrealistic expectations. No wonder the Israelites wanted to turn back and live in the wilderness. Sure, they were in the desert, but at least it was strangely comfortable. Sometimes the wilderness will look more appealing than the Promised Land. You will overcome these thoughts by going to battle with your mind. You win the battle by allowing God to place a spiritual lens over your physical eyes.
If you are feeling called to The Promised Land… Go! Don’t hesitate! God just taught you how to rely on Him in the wilderness; He just demonstrated how He would always be with you and provide what you need… Now let Him prove it! Yes, you may have to battle the enemy, but stand firm (Ephesians 6), live with faith, trust God’s plan, take the next obedient step (Proverbs 3:5–6), and know that God always keeps His promises.
THE GARDEN
There is one more terrain I want to mention, and that’s The Garden. Perhaps you find yourself walking with God in this season, surrounded by miracles, beauty, and favor. You walk with God in the cool of the day. Even work is easy! Your burden is light; all you have to carry is the joy in your heart. When you look over your shoulder, you see the goodness and mercy of the Lord following you. The Garden is my goal.
PRAYER: Wherever you find your feet today, this prayer prompt is for you. The truth is, because of Jesus, we are all able to have a gardenmindset. Regardless of where our feet are, we can experience blessing, joy, and most of all, the Presence of the Lord.
While he was in prison, Paul wrote to the church about having joy and being content in every situation. Even in the middle of rough or unfamiliar terrain, we can still walk with Jesus as if we are walking with Him in The Garden. Read these words from Paul and allow them to speak life into you:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:4–7, 11–13
DAY 10
KINGDOM CULTURE
JOHN MACDONALD, LEAD PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:22–33
When Jesus began His public ministry, one of His first and most important acts was to call twelve ordinary men to follow Him. These twelve disciples would become His closest students and eventually the foundational leaders of the early Church. But here’s the remarkable thing, Jesus didn’t choose the best or the brightest. He didn’t pick the religious elite or scholars from the top schools. Instead, He called fishermen, a tax collector, and everyday workingclass men.
This wasn’t an accident or a mistake. It was a deliberate choice that says a lot about the Kingdom of God. It also says a lot about you and me.
Imagine the disciples for a moment. They weren’t shining examples of perfection or achievement. They weren’t intellectual giants or social celebrities. According to the Jewish educational system of the day, these men hadn’t made the cut for advanced religious training. They worked with their hands, made an honest living, and probably would have faded into the background of society.
Yet, Jesus saw something far beyond their resumes and their backgrounds. He saw their hearts. He saw their willingness to leave everything behind and follow Him.
If you’ve ever doubted whether God could use you because you don’t have the right qualifications or background, take heart. Jesus’ call to these ordinary men proves that what matters most to God isn’t what you’ve done or how impressive you seem, but your willingness to say ‘Yes’ to Him.
As these twelve men walked with Jesus, they quickly realized He was unlike anyone they had ever met. His words carried an authority and clarity that cut straight to the heart. His miracles revealed power over sickness, nature, and even the spiritual forces of darkness.
The disciples saw broken people made whole, eyes once blind opened, cripples walking, and even death defeated. They witnessed Jesus cast out demons with a word. They watched Him command the wind and waves to be still. In every moment, they glimpsed the Kingdom of God breaking into their world—a kingdom where mercy reigns, truth stands firm, and power is wrapped in humility.
This was not just a new set of religious teachings; it was a whole new reality.
One of the most vivid stories in the Gospels is when Jesus walks on the water and calls Peter to join Him. Picture Peter gripping the side of the boat with white knuckles, heart pounding, wrestling with fear and faith. Then he steps out, literally stepping out of the familiar into the impossible.
This moment is a powerful picture for all of us. The boat represents everything we consider safe and sensible. The boat is the familiar patterns, the worldly systems, the limits of human reasoning. Jesus stands outside that boat, inviting us to step into a new reality, His Kingdom reality. Where the impossible becomes possible because of who He is.
Peter’s first steps were miraculous; he was actually walking on the water. But when fear crept in and he looked at the wind and the waves, he began to sink. What happened next is just as important. Jesus reached out His hand and lifted him up, not to condemn, but to restore him to His Kingdom reality.
Each follower of Jesus faces the same invitation Peter received: stay safe inside the boat, clinging to what’s known and “secure,” or step out in faith and live by the authority and power of the Kingdom of God. The worldly kingdom is ruled by fear and limitations, but the Kingdom of God operates by faith and divine authority.
Which will you choose?
Will you live within the boundaries set by the world’s definitions of safety, success, and control? Or will you say “Yes” to Jesus’ call to walk in the supernatural power and presence of His Kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit here and now?
Jesus’ choice to call ordinary, rough-around-the-edges men to be His first disciples offers incredible hope to all of us. It says that no matter where you come from or what your past looks like, you can be part of God’s Kingdom purposes. Your doubts, your mistakes, your lack of credentials: none are a barrier to God’s grace and calling.
You don’t have to be perfect or polished. You just need to be willing to say “Yes” and follow Jesus.
Living out Kingdom culture means more than just believing in God. It means embracing the truths and realities of heaven right here on earth. It means knowing that the same power that healed the sick, calmed storms, and defeated darkness is available to you.
It means stepping out of your boat. It means leaving behind fear, limitation, and comfort to enter a life marked by faith, authority, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
You may not always walk perfectly. Peter didn’t either. You may face storms and doubts, but the difference is that Jesus is right there, ready to lift you up and bring you back into the fullness of His Kingdom.
REFLECTION: Where in your life are you still holding onto the “boat” of safety and comfort rather than stepping out in faith?
What fears or doubts keep you from living fully in the reality of God’s Kingdom?
How can you begin to trust Jesus more deeply and walk in His authority today?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people like me to follow You. Help me to hear Your voice above the storms and to step out of my comfort zone into the new reality of Your Kingdom. When fear tries to pull me back, remind me that You are reaching out Your hand to lift me up. Teach me to live by faith, walk in Your authority, and carry Your presence wherever I go. I choose to say “Yes” to You today. In Your name I pray, Amen.