
Watch for Hidden Things
This morning I almost slipped on a rug in my bathroom. It’s not usually slippery, so I lifted it up to see what was going on—and found one of my daughter’s bath toys underneath. I’m not sure how it got there (probably the little munchkin), but I quickly picked it up and put it back in its place so neither I nor she would slip.
It made me think about the hidden things in our lives that can cause us to fall. Sometimes, they’re things we’ve hidden ourselves—sins, hurts, or habits we’ve tucked away. Other times, they’re unseen weapons formed against us. But in either case, there is rescue.
Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all fall short, but we can take those hidden things before God and work to get better. And Isaiah 54:17 assures us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
We have to stay on spiritual alert, watching for the hidden evils that can trip us up. And if we do fall, we can rise again—confident that we are still loved, still forgiven, and still covered.
“Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.” —Psalm 118:13
Prayer: Lord, reveal the hidden things in our lives that may cause us to stumble. Help us stay alert to spiritual traps and strengthen us to rise when we fall. We thank You for Your mercy, protection, and unfailing love. Amen.
The Balance of Relationship
Relationships are important. Having friends we can confide in. Family we can depend on. Coworkers we can trust and communicate with safely. Every relationship—whether friendship, family, or professional—can impact our well-being, either positively or negatively.
Sometimes, it’s hard to know who’s truly a friend, an acquaintance, or even an enemy. The lines can get blurry because, truthfully, humans can be a mess.
But there should be no uncertainty in our relationship with the Lord. He is always constant—guiding, protecting, hearing, forgiving, and loving us unconditionally. The uncertainty comes from us. We are the ones whose loyalty wavers. We are the ones who show fairweather commitment.
Healthy relationships require balance. They don’t thrive when one person is always giving more than the other. The same is true in our walk with God.
James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”
So, let our hearts be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments (1 Kings 8:61).
Prayer: Lord, in a world of uncertainty and disloyalty, we desire to commit to You, being steadfast in our relationship with You. We choose to draw closer, to stay faithful, and to honor You with our hearts and actions. No matter what changes around us, our devotion to You will remain firm. We need You and we thank You for welcoming us as Your children. We praise You that You remain the same, and we will work to improve our commitment and loyalty to You. Amen.
Sunday School Reflection: The New Covenant of Grace and Freedom
Jeremiah 31:29–34
Today’s lesson reminds us of God’s immeasurable grace and mercy toward the House of Israel and Judah. In this passage, God introduces a new covenant—one that would transform lives and deliver His people from their former captivity.
“I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people… For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” — Jeremiah 31:33–34
“Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”— John 1:17
A Message of Hope: A portion of Jeremiah is known as The Book of Consolation because it offers hope—reminding us that captivity is not the final word. The same truth applies to us through Jesus Christ. Our hope of salvation and eternal life flows from the freedom purchased for us on the Cross.
How Does This Affect Us? When we face struggles and trials yet choose obedience in the midst of them, we will experience God’s grace, compassion, and forgiveness. Through our faithfulness, transformation begins to take place. We are no longer bound by guilt, shame, or sin—we begin to walk in freedom again.
Even though the world around us may be filled with chaos and evil, we can rest securely in the peace that comes from God’s forgiveness and His promise of freedom.
So today, let us rejoice in the freedom and love of God. We are partakers of the new covenant, rescued from sin’s grip through Christ Jesus. God’s law is written in our hearts, and His grace empowers us to live in peace, purpose, and victory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the new covenant You established through Jesus Christ. Thank You for writing Your law upon our hearts and for giving us the freedom that comes from forgiveness and grace. Help us to walk boldly in that freedom, living as examples of Your love and mercy. When trials come, remind us that captivity is not the end—Your promises still stand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.