Changing What We Crave
Changing What We Crave - by Sharon Wooden
Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:6 – "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Fast food is often our go-to because it’s quick and easy, but it leaves us longing for something more. It’s a lot like our spiritual lives. We settle for the fast and convenient—scrolling through social media or rushing through a quick prayer—when God is calling us to feast on His Word and presence. Fasting is an opportunity to realign our cravings, both physically and spiritually.
As you begin this day of fasting, ask yourself: What am I truly hungry for? Spend intentional time with God instead of seeking temporary satisfaction. Worship, read Scripture, and meditate on His promises. If you feel hunger pangs, let them remind you of your need for God’s sustenance. Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Let’s trade the junk food of the world for the nourishing bread of life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to crave You more than anything else. Fill the empty places in my heart and life with Your presence and truth. Amen.
Walking Through God’s Blessings
“Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” – Genesis 13:17
God invites us, like Abram, to actively walk through the areas of our lives He has entrusted to us. Whether it’s our marriage, home, business, finances, or church, we are called to take possession of them according to His divine plan. The New Testament reminds us in Ephesians 1:3 that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. As we walk in faith, trusting His promises, we also fulfill the instruction of Colossians 3:23, working wholeheartedly as for the Lord.
Taking possession means prayerfully stewarding these blessings, seeking wisdom (James 1:5), and resisting fear or doubt (2 Timothy 1:7). Let us boldly declare, as in Philippians 4:13, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Walking through God’s promises requires action, trust, and alignment with His will.
Today, arise and walk! Dedicate your marriage, home, business, and every area of your life to God, knowing He desires to bless and prosper you for His glory (Jeremiah 29:11).
Use a Little Foresight
Use a Little Foresight by Don Wooden
As the prodigal son left his home with half of his inheritance, he was focused on himself and what he believed was owed to him. You might say he had an entitlement mentality.
It wasn’t until he had spent everything he had on himself—indulging in things that brought him temporary pleasure—that he realized he was in a bad situation, one he couldn’t buy his way out of.
We know the story ends with him returning home and being forgiven, which is a powerful message of the Father’s mercy. But what if the son had used a little foresight in this story? Things would have been much different, wouldn’t they?
There are times in our lives when we might face the same temptation—to think we owe it to ourselves to indulge outside of the Father’s will. But if we take a step back and use a little foresight, we can often clearly see the consequences our actions would bring.
Think about it: we could save ourselves—and those closely connected to us—from the grief, pain, hurt, and ultimately the dark places that kind of indulgence would lead to.
Pray for wisdom and discernment so that you can have the foresight to avoid the pitfalls of the enemy and of self!
Luke 15:11-14