Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Matthew 21:12–13

12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

In this passage, we see Jesus drive out everyone who was conducting business in the temple. Instead of witnessing people gathered for worship and prayer, the temple had become a marketplace for buying and selling.

Jesus responded radically because the people had strayed from the true purpose of the temple. Conducting business had taken priority, when worship and reverence for God had become secondary.

Today, we must ask ourselves: What are we brining into the house of God? Are we coming with hearts ready to worship and seek God's presence? Or are we robbing ourselves of the opportunity to hear the Word of God because we are distracted by what's happening outside-- or even inside--the church?

Sometimes, this happens when:

• We attend church out of routine or obligation rather than hunger for God.

• We prioritize aesthetics, production, or performance over spiritual depth

• We check our phones, scroll social media or me tally check out during service.

As believers, we have a responsibility to uphold God's standards and guard our churches from the enemy’s influence.

Church should never become just another event or opportunity for self-promotion--it's a sacred space for communion with God.

Jesus sought to restore the true meaning of gathering in the temple. Coming together as a community to pray and seek God should be our main focus--not engaging in the things that displease Him.

Today, if we allow him, Jesus is willing to cleanse our hearts and remove those things that's preventing us from truly connecting with him. If you are struggling, ask Jesus to turn over those "tables" in your life that is easily besetting you. When you do, you will becoming a living sacrifice ready to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #bibleverse #devotional #dailybread #Jesus #houseofprayer

Take the Test

James 1:2-3 (ESV)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

We all can remember a time when we took a test we felt ill-prepared for. We dreaded sitting at our desks only to find an exam filled with questions and problems reflecting everything we should have learned throughout the semester. At that moment, we probably all whispered a desperate prayer: "Lord, I need Your help--please bring back to my remembrance what I've learned so I can pass this test." With a big sigh, we dove in, believing that God would help us where we couldn't help ourselves.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit is with us during our spiritual tests. He knows we can't do it alone. He provides the strength, guidance, and grace we need to walk through deep valleys and overcome the pitfalls of temptation. When life throws challenges our way, and we feel ill-equipped, we can call on Him for help.

The Holy Spirit is our teacher, guide, and coach—we never have to face the test alone. One of the blessings of testing is that it reveals the spiritual state of our hearts and the depths of our trust in God. In those moments, we can invite the Holy Spirit to teach us the truths of God's Word and to dispel the lies we may have believed.

Tests are also building blocks that strengthen our faith and cultivate a steadfast spirit. With each test we pass, we mature in our walk with God and in our relationships with others. And sometimes, we have to retake the test—not because God is punishing us, but because there's still a lesson He's patiently waiting for us to learn.

Every test comes with a few lessons. There's a lesson before the test—something we must pay attention to, as it will carry us through the trial. And there's a lesson after the test—one that reveals God's love and faithfulness to us in a deeper way.

So, don't be intimidated by the test that stands before you. Rest assured, the Holy Spirit is with you, cheering you on to victory.

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #bibleverse #devotional #dailybread #passyourtest #testingofyourfaith #yougotthis #Godisforyou

Lean into God

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

Feeling tired is expected after a hard day at work, taking care of the kids, managing a household, being a caregiver, attending school, or serving in ministry. With all the hats we wear daily, it's easy to become discouraged, especially when doing everything we can yet seeing nothing working in our favor.

There are seasons in the life of a believer when our faith is tested, and the easiest and fastest option seems to be throwing in the towel and walking away. But even when we feel like giving up, something deep within us simply won't let us. We find supernatural strength in our lowest moments, and somehow we keep pressing forward.

Staying persistent and motivated in discouraging times can be challenging, but time and again, we've proven that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. When you're doing what God has called you to do, He will sustain you and uphold you with his mighty right hand. Regardless of what's on your plate, it all matters to God. 

Let's not forget that the Holy Spirit is our ever-present help in times of need. Often, we overlook the many benefits available to us as children of God. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to keep going when we feel tired of mundane tasks or discouraged by seeing little to no progress.

He also encourages us—sometimes through a song, sometimes through scripture—helping to redirect our focus back to Jesus. In everything we do, we ought to do it unto the glory of God.

In the end, God's timing is perfect. Everything you've labored and prayed over will yield a harvest of blessings. Giving up is not an option, but leaning into God is!

#freshmanna #freshmannainspired #bibleverse #devotional #dailybread #tired #beencouraged #harvesttime #stickwithit