We have all heard this: “We were created to worship.”

There is a deep longing in our souls to connect with a greater being—from the atheist who tries to convince themselves that God doesn’t exist to the most pious person who has dedicated their entire life to living for God. We all desire that connection.

How can I prove this? Simply go to any sporting event, and you will see worship—worship of a game, a team, or a player. Crowds on their feet, screaming, cheering, showing deep passion, and even shedding tears.

In Romans 12, Paul encourages us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. He says this is our spiritual worship. But what does a living sacrifice that offers spiritual worship look like? In verse 2, he breaks it down even further: “Do not conform to this world.” True worship is not superficial but a surrender of mind, body, and soul.

A person who lives as a living sacrifice will be tested “so that you may prove for yourself what the will of God is.” Yes, worship should be a lifestyle—a daily surrender of who we are. We are imperfect living beings who are called to be a living sacrifice.

Worship isn’t music or something we do simply to fill time before a preacher speaks or a musical moment. Worship is surrender—a posture of the heart that says, “God, You are greater and worthy.” Worship can happen all day, in every moment of our lives.

As it says in Hebrews 13:15, “Through him, then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

As we enter this new year, let’s choose to live in worship—in song, in service, in gratitude. Worship in your car, your kitchen, your workplace. Let praise lead you through every victory and every valley. True worship is a life surrendered to God.

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my days, my hours, minutes and seconds to you. My life belongs to you. The fruit of my lips is to acknowledge your great name.

Reflection Questions:

• How can I bring a spirit of worship into my daily routines?
• What songs, Scriptures, or habits help me keep my heart lifted toward God?
• How does worship help me see my circumstances differently?

I have always understood that prayer is simply talking to God, like a friend. I still believe this to be true, but I am coming to understand that it is much more. That assuring passage in Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

I love this, and I thank You, God, for listening and caring about my needs. Today, though, I encourage us to look deeper into what it means to have access to an all-knowing, all-caring God. Prayer is not about changing God’s mind—it’s about aligning ours with His. In prayer, we surrender control and invite God to speak into our lives, plans, fears, and dreams.

Can I be completely vulnerable right now? I have struggled with coming to God for the small, everyday things. With a God who has the entire world to care for, does He really care about my laundry getting done, my cooking, or my everyday to-do list?

I do believe that through Jesus, I have everything I need. What more can I ask for? I am free, delivered, and I have a secure future. But does God need me to come to Him with my mundane problems? I have unconsciously said to God, “I’ve got this.” It’s as if I don’t want to burden Him, so I carry the weight of that burden myself. But Paul encourages us not to worry; instead, to come to God in prayer—tell Him what we need and be grateful.

I must confess that when I am worried or overwhelmed, I am often less grateful, and at times, I can even be mean. I am human—please don’t judge me. Gratitude produces peace, and that peace guards our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus. I believe that the product or a result of a prayerful life is peace. Prayer isn’t just asking God for things—it is abiding in Him, abiding in His peace.

As a compass always points north, so should our prayer life always point and lead us to Jesus—the Prince of Peace.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Let us, in this New Year, begin our days with morning surrender, midday gratitude, and evening reflection. (As I write this, I invite you to join me in creating daily reminders on our phones.)

As we come to the Lord and surrender our daily lives, may we live as in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

PRAYER: Jesus, Thank you for you are my peace. I surrender everything to you, from the big to the small. I know you love me and desire to bless me with the presence of your peace.

Reflection Questions:

• What areas of my life do I try to control instead of surrendering to God in prayer?
• How can I make prayer a natural part of my daily rhythm?
• Who can I begin praying for consistently this year?

From Faith and Purpose, it is THE WORD OF GOD...

"It is the foundation of everything—the Word of God, which is inspired and breathed by the Holy Spirit."

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Are you like me—someone who finds it challenging to follow through on those New Year’s resolutions?

We all begin with the best intentions, determined to grow and stay committed, but as the days get busier and more hectic, it becomes harder to finish what we started. I’m not here to shame anyone, because I’m guilty of this every year. But today—this new year, this new season—I want to help myself and anyone who doesn’t know where or how to start. This time, we’ll finish together.

In this three-day devotional, we’ll focus and meditate on three vital elements we’ve been empowered to use in our walk of faith: the Word of God, prayer, and worship.

Let’s start at the foundation of everything—the Word of God, which is inspired and breathed by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 119:105 describes it as “a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

God’s Word reveals His heart, His promises, and His direction for our lives. Every great awakening, reformation, or revival began when God’s Word was rediscovered and shared.

John 6:63 says, “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

The power of God’s Word lies in the truth it proclaims.

It’s vital to our spiritual journey to read and meditate on God’s Word daily. Why? Because it’s compared to a living seed, a sharp sword, a lamp and light, water, and fire. The Word of God is like a seed that produces life and nourishment; it’s a mighty weapon of warfare; it illuminates the darkness, refreshes the spirit, and ignites a relentless passion for more of God’s presence and power.

Without the Word of God hidden in our hearts, we are void of His life within us. Reading Scripture isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about gaining alignment with God’s heart.

The beauty of it all is that God’s Word remains true and essential. All we need to do is come willing to grow in faith and love.

Every new year feels like a blank page—and God’s Word is the ink that fills it with truth, hope, and direction. His Word gives wisdom when life feels uncertain and strength when faith feels weak.

This year, make His Word your daily companion. You don’t need hours—just consistency. Read a chapter, a few verses, or even a single passage each day, and begin praying, inviting the Holy Spirit to breathe His truth and revelation into your heart, mind, and spirit.

Romans 10:17 ESV – “ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

PRAYER: Lord as I begin this new year, I dedicate it to you. My greatest desire is to grow in you and I commit myself to seeking you. Jesus, because of your love and sacrifice on the cross I can come to the Father. Holy Spirit guide me to all your truth and wisdom. I desire to know you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• How often do I truly make space to hear from God through His Word?
• What time or habit could I set to make daily Bible reading part of my rhythm?
• What one verse can I carry into this new year as my “theme verse”?