
The Right Dependence
It’s tax season, and there’s so much that comes with it. One of the things my accountant and I always review carefully is everything dealing with my dependents. That part can get a little sticky—so many rules, so many guidelines, and it can all become confusing.
It’s special that God trusts me with people who depend on me. But what’s deeper than taxes and dependents is the fact that I can depend on God.
The truth is, there is nothing in my life that I can do without the Lord. I am completely dependent on Him.
There’s a song by Aaron Williams that says: “You’re the way, the truth, and the life. You’re the well that never runs dry. I’m the branch and You are the vine…”
And then the part that settles in my spirit most says: “Draw me close and teach me to abide.”
Teach me.
Because dependence on God doesn’t always come naturally—we often try to figure things out on our own, carry what we were never meant to carry, and operate as if we don’t need Him.
But abiding… depending… staying connected…that is learned.
Jesus tells us in John 15:4 to abide in Him, because apart from Him, we can do nothing.
So today, my prayer is not just that I depend on God—but that He would teach me how to depend on Him.
Teach me to trust Him more.
Teach me to lean on Him first.
Teach me to stay connected, even when I feel capable on my own.
Because while others may depend on me…
I will always need to depend on God.
Lord, teach us to abide in You. Teach us to depend on You in every moment—not just when we’re struggling, but even when we feel strong. Keep us connected to You, our true source. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t Quit on the Bridge
Another phenomenal Women’s Day is in the books. Our theme was S.H.E. — Strength, Hope, and Endurance.
We heard powerful words of encouragement from several women of God.
Our speaker for endurance reminded us that to endure means we cannot quit in the middle. Endurance means we stay with it until the end.
She shared a visual that really stuck with me. She said that when we feel like giving up, we must remember that we may simply be on the bridge — the space between promise and fulfillment.
And when you’re on a bridge, turning back doesn’t help. The only way to reach the promise is to keep going forward.
The truth is, we don’t always know what the promise looks like. Each of us has a unique plan and purpose designed by God. Our paths will not look the same, and our outcomes may be different from what we imagined.
But there is a promise we can all stand on.
God has promised that He will keep us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
So even when we don’t fully understand the destination, we can trust the One who is walking with us.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
If we stop too soon, we may never see the fruition of what God has prepared.
So today’s encouragement is simple: If you’re on the bridge… keep walking. If the journey feels long… keep enduring. If the promise seems unclear… keep trusting.
Because endurance means we refuse to quit before God finishes what He started.
Lord, help us to trust You even when we cannot see the full picture. Strengthen our hearts to endure and remind us that Your presence is the greatest promise we have. Thank You for walking with us through every season and for keeping us when the journey feels long. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Giving to the Community
Today’s Sunday School lesson is titled “Giving to the Community,” based on Deuteronomy 15:4–11 and Matthew 25:42–45.
When we think about helping our community, prayer is often the first thing that comes to mind—and it should be. Prayer is powerful and necessary. But these scriptures remind us that our responsibility does not stop there. God also calls us to help in practical and tangible ways.
In Deuteronomy, God instructs His people to keep their hearts open and their hands willing to help those in need. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that when we care for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, and those in need, we are serving Him. The kindness we extend to others is seen by God as kindness done directly to Him. Why? Because even the “least of these” are still His.
Now, the reality is that it is not always possible for us to help every person or meet every need. Sometimes we may not have exactly what we wish we could give. But the call is not for perfection—it is for willingness. We are simply asked to give of ourselves in whatever way we can.
We must remember that we are not blessed to be selfish. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing.
So, with intentionality, let us seek the Lord about how we can uplift our communities. Ask the Lord to show us where we can make a difference—whether through encouragement, generosity, service, or compassion.
And as we do, let us keep in mind the command that guides it all, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” — Matthew 22:39
When we care for others, we reflect the heart of God.
Lord, thank You for every blessing You have given us. Help us to have open hearts and willing hands to serve those around us. Show us how we can uplift our community and care for others in ways that honor You. Let our love for people reflect our love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.