May 26 | Hold It With Open Hands

June 13 | Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Today’s reading from Ezra 6-8 and John 21 reminds us that God is a God of restoration, renewal, and second chances. Both passages reveal that spiritual formation often happens after disappointment, failure, or seasons that seem unfinished. Rather than abandoning His people, God continues His work in them and through them over time. In Ezra, God's people continue rebuilding and restoring what had been lost. Through obedience, perseverance, and God's faithful provision, the temple is completed, and the people are reminded of their identity as those who belong to Him. The journey back to faithfulness is not instant but steady and purposeful. In John 21, Jesus meets Peter after one of the greatest failures of his life. Instead of condemnation, Peter encounters restoration. Through a series of questions and a renewed calling, Jesus invites Peter to move forward, reminding him that failure does not have the final word when grace is present. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on where past wounds, disappointments, or failures may have shaped the way we walk. They remind us that God often does some of His deepest work after brokenness, gently calling us forward and teaching us to follow Him again.

June 12 | Bring Your Doubts to Jesus

Today’s readings from Ezra 3–5 and John 20 invite us to reflect on what happens when faith encounters uncertainty and how God continues His work even in the face of questions and obstacles. Both passages remind us that spiritual formation often takes place in seasons where confidence is tested, and perseverance is required. In Ezra, God's people continue rebuilding despite opposition, delays, and discouragement. Their calling does not become easier, but they learn to keep moving forward through obedience and trust, believing that God's purposes remain intact even when circumstances seem uncertain. In John 20, Thomas struggles to believe the testimony of the other disciples after the resurrection. Rather than rejecting him, Jesus meets him in his uncertainty and invites him to move from hesitation toward faith. The passage reminds us that honest questions can become places where we encounter the grace and presence of Christ. Together, these passages encourage us to consider where doubt, uncertainty, or discouragement may be shaping our perspective. They invite us to remember that God is often at work in the very places where our confidence feels weakest, patiently drawing us toward deeper trust in Him.

June 11 | Trust the God Who Moves Hearts

Today's reading from Ezra 1–2 and John 19:23–43 invites us to reflect on how God often accomplishes His purposes through people and circumstances we would never expect. Both passages remind us that spiritual formation includes learning to trust God's activity even when His methods surprise us. In Ezra, the return from exile begins because God stirs the heart of Cyrus, a Persian king who was not a worshiper of Yahweh. The passage reveals God's sovereign ability to move rulers, nations, and ordinary people toward His purposes. It reminds us that obedience often begins with recognizing God's hand at work in unexpected places. In John 19, we witness the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, where Roman soldiers, religious leaders, and Joseph of Arimathea each play a role in fulfilling God's redemptive plan. Even in moments that appear chaotic or tragic, God's purposes continue moving forward through people who may not fully understand the significance of their actions. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on where God may be working beyond our expectations. They encourage us to trust that His purposes are unfolding even when the path seems unusual, and to remain attentive to the ways He quietly moves hearts to accomplish His will.

June 10 | Listen to God's Word and Respond

Today's reading from 2 Chronicles 34–36 and John 19:1–22 invites us to reflect on how we respond when God's truth confronts us. Both passages reveal that spiritual formation is not primarily about gaining information, but about allowing what we hear and see to shape the posture of our hearts over time. In 2 Chronicles, Josiah encounters the Book of the Law after years of neglect within the nation. His response is marked by humility, repentance, and a renewed desire to align the people of God with what God had spoken. The passage highlights the importance of listening in ways that lead to faithful obedience and a renewed identity. In John 19, Jesus stands before Pilate and the crowds as the truth is placed directly before them. Some mock Him, some reject Him, and some remain uncertain. The scene reminds us that being near the truth is not the same as responding to it, and that our reactions often reveal what is forming within us. Together, these passages invite us to consider how we respond when God speaks. They encourage us to move beyond simply hearing God's Word and to reflect on what it means to receive it with humility, awareness, and a willingness to be shaped by His truth over time.

June 9 | Don't Let Mistreatment Determine Your Response

Today’s reading from 2 Chronicles 32–33 and John 18:19–40 invites us to reflect on how we respond when life becomes difficult, unfair, or painful. Both passages reveal that spiritual formation often occurs in moments of pressure, when our circumstances tempt us to react out of fear, anger, or self-protection rather than trusting in God. In 2 Chronicles, we see both Hezekiah and Manasseh facing critical moments that reveal the condition of their hearts. One responds with dependence upon God during a national crisis, while the other experiences the consequences of rebellion before eventually humbling himself before the Lord. Their stories remind us that our responses to hardship often reveal what has been forming within us over time. In John 18, Jesus stands before religious and political authorities who misunderstand, accuse, and mistreat Him. Even after being struck and questioned unfairly, He responds with truth, restraint, and unwavering confidence in His Father's purposes. His response demonstrates a strength that refuses to be controlled by others' actions. Together, these passages invite us to consider how we respond when we are hurt, challenged, or treated unfairly. They remind us that while we cannot control others' behavior, we can allow God to shape our hearts so that our responses increasingly reflect the character of Christ.