5th-11th May 2025
Written by Emma Trueick
MONDAY
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3
I love the story of creation—I love spending time reflecting on what the experience of watching God create everything must have been like. Everything was new, beautiful, and perfect. Too often, we take the beauty of creation for granted, and I know I don’t spend enough time simply pausing, taking a deep breath, and appreciating the wonder of God’s handiwork.
God, thank you for the wonder of your creation and how truly beautiful everything you’ve made is. Through creation, we see your beauty reflected—help us to take more time to breathe you in as we marvel at all you have made. Amen.
TUESDAY
“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Genesis 15:5-6
The story of Abraham is one I always return to in my journey with God. It’s a story that God uses time and again to reassure me that, no matter what challenges I face, he has plans and purposes for my life that will glorify him—and he can be trusted.
God, thank you for how you created each one of us in your image and for the great plans and purposes you have for us—plans only you fully understand. Like Abraham, we are not perfect and will make mistakes, especially when the road ahead feels uncertain or impossible. But remind us that nothing is impossible with you. Help us, no matter how we feel, to keep trusting and believing in you. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
“Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground... Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him. And he remembered the dreams he’d had about them many years before.” Genesis 42:6, 8-9
“Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly reached Pharaoh’s palace. ‘I am Joseph!’ he said to his brothers. ‘Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers were speechless. They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them.” Genesis 45:2-5
I know a lot about waiting. I love that Joseph, right from the start after receiving his dreams, had no idea what they would look like in reality—no idea of God’s purposes in his waiting. His journey was full of twists and turns. Waiting can be long and incredibly hard, but through my own journey, I’ve learned how God uses every moment to shape and refine us, preparing us for his perfect timing. As difficult as waiting is, God has shown me—just like with Joseph—that it’s worth it when his plans are greater than we could ever imagine.
God, thank you for times of waiting. They are hard, full of uncertainty and change—but help us to hold fast to you, especially on the toughest days. Bring comfort and strength, and remind us that our ultimate hope and joy is in you. Amen.
THURSDAY
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16-18
“So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.” Ruth 2:3
Ruth is one of my favourite Bible characters. I remember Alan Wilson teaching on Ruth years ago, and he said of these verses, “Significant outcomes can come from the tiniest of hinges.” That has always stayed with me. Based on her decision to go with Naomi and follow God, Ruth’s life was shaped by a plan more beautiful than she could have imagined. I love that—there is no greater giver of surprises than God!
God, thank you that you give only good gifts to those who follow you. Though the road can be hard, choosing you is always the greatest gift because of your deep love for us. Amen.
FRIDAY
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.” Matthew 14:28-33
I love how Peter had the faith and courage—even if just for a moment—to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. When life’s storms rage around us, this image challenges me: Peter could see Jesus more clearly in that moment than those who stayed in the boat. It reminds me to press into Jesus all the more during the storms of life.
God, thank you that you call us to step out of the boat, even in the middle of our storms. Give us courage to draw closer to you in the hardest moments—and help us remember that you are always with us, right in the heart of the storm. Amen.
SATURDAY
“After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.” Mark 16:9-11
We’ve just finished celebrating Easter, and as someone who constantly has worship music playing, I’ve been singing my heart out to Phil Wickham’s “Sunday Is Coming.” But the resurrection is not just an Easter story—it’s the source of our life every day!
God, thank you for loving us enough to send your Son to die in our place. Help us never to become complacent, but to think daily on your great sacrifice. What a love! Thank you. Amen.
SUNDAY
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-3
Many of us have favourite parts of Scripture, but Romans 8 is mine. It’s filled with such powerful hope. I can almost hear Paul’s enthusiasm bouncing off the page as I read it. The only hope worth holding onto is the one we have in Jesus.
God, because of your great sacrifice, our hope is eternal. Help us to keep our eyes on you. Life in this world is short, and without you we live without purpose, love, or hope. Be our everything, and help us share the joy of knowing you with everyone we meet. Amen.