SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 1:37 (NLT)
"For the word of God will never fail", or some translations read, "For nothing is impossible with God."

MEDITATION:
Every word from God is filled with the supernatural power to accomplish what God desires. In the beautiful story of when Mary is learning for the first time that she will be carrying the Son of God, and questioning in verse 34, "Mary asked the angel, 'But how can this happen? I am a virgin.'" Or the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, when learning that they too would have a son. Zechariah questioned the angel, "How can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years."
We can all relate to the questions that life presents, especially when what we hear God speaking feels so different than what we see in our circumstances. We can take comfort in knowing that in spite of the questions God's word will never fail. As we enter a new year, the questions may still follow, questions from our past or about our future, so lay these questions at His feet, and open your heart with expectation as you soak in the knowledge that the word of God will never fail.

PRAYER: 
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your voice, that You would lead me in prayer today.
Father, thank you that Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Help me to pause today recognizing Your presence is with me even now. Lord, give me an expectant heart, uninhibited by my questions. You are all knowing and Your word never fails. Father every promise You have made will be fulfilled. Lord, your timing is everything, it is perfect, and beyond our understanding.
In the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen
 
David Vasquez | Associate Campus Pastor

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 2:10 (NLT)
"but the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.'"

MEDITATION:
Often the birth of Jesus can seem so familiar that we are tempted to speed through it in scripture or only visit it during the holiday season. Today, we jump into Luke 2:10 immediately after Jesus was born and the first thing we read is of a messenger delivering the good news to people nearby.
As you continue in this chapter you see that they believed in this good news and wanted to meet this savior for themselves.
The word Gospel literally translates as "good news!" What an honor we have to be modern day messengers of this same good news. Today we remember that this isn't just a birth story or something to remember at Christmas every year. This is the Gospel, that a loving God came in the form of man to live a sinless life so ALL would believe in Him would have everlasting life.
 
PRAYER: 
God, today we thank you for the transforming power of the Gospel. We ask that the Holy Spirit begin to reveal to us in a new way what it really looks like to be a messenger of the good news of Jesus. We pray that not just our words, but our lives begin to look more like Jesus and that you shine through us in everything we do. God, we have faith in the power of the Gospel and, just like the shepherds in Luke, as people around us hear the news that they would desire to meet this savior for themselves. Thank you for the promise of joy, and for commissioning us to carry that to the people around us! May all nations and peoples know of your goodness and love through the work of your body. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!

Jeremiah Miller | North Campus Youth & Young Adult Pastor

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 3:3 (NLT)
"Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven."
 
MEDITATION:
As I was reading through Luke 3, I was humbly reminded that we are called to repentance. Just like John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus the Messiah, to come and spread the Good News of repentance and salvation, our repentance makes a way for us to be right with God. As we're coming into this new season, ask yourself, "What do I need to repent of to be right with God?
What do I need to let go of to make a way for God to do in me what He wants to do this year?"

PRAYER: 
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for a brand-new year, full of hope and possibilities. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the opportunity for repentance. Lord, I ask that you reveal to me what I am holding onto and need to lay down. Reveal to me the hurts, wounds, and offenses I've buried deep in my heart and not surrendered to you. Show me Father what I need to repent of. I ask you to show me anything holding me back and not allowing me to be who you've called me to be. I believe 2025 is a year of more. More life and freedom as we repent and lay it all down. I declare in Jesus' name I will not be held back by the hurts of yesterday, but I will look to the future full of excitement and anticipation for I know the plans you have for me are good. In Jesus name I pray,  Amen.
 
Melanie Jackson | North Campus Children's Pastor

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 4:43 (NLT)
"But he replied, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent."

MEDITATION:
At the end of Luke 4, we see Jesus in Capernaum going out to an isolated place after a previous day of preaching in the synagogue, casting out demons, and healing the sick. As he went out, the crowds searched for him until they found him. They wanted him to stay. His reply was simple, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent."
Jesus knew he was sent. In John 20:21 Jesus says, "As the Father has sent me, I also send you." YOU ARE SENT TOO! You are sent by the one who was sent by God! Jesus could have stayed and continued to heal and preach in Capernaum, but he knew his assignment. That assignment: to spread the Good News.
 
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father! I thank you for the One who was sent. Your precious Son, Jesus. Thank you for sending Him to redeem me. Today I pray that you give me an understanding of what it truly means to "be sent." Holy Spirit, I ask you to fill me today with a grace to spread the Good News. Would you give me the words to share this Gospel story to those who have never heard it. God, place people in my path who need to hear the Good News. I bless you Lord and lift your Holy Name! In Jesus Name, Amen.
 
Nikki Miller | Missions Director

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 5:4-5 (NLT)
When he (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let lown your nets to catch some fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again."

MEDITATION:
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It's at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and he's starting to gather his team of disciples that would help him usher in the Kingdom of God in the earth. I love it when Jesus says, "Go out where it is deeper."
This year we sense God is calling us deeper as a church. We are going to go deeper into his word, deeper in our faith and deeper into his presence. Our level of our depth will depend on two simple things: how we listen and if we obey. Simon and his friends reaped the benefits of listening and obeying and I believe we will to.

PRAYER: 
Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me into your Kingdom that will turn the world upside down.
Give me ears to hear what you are saying. Give me courage to obey what you are saying. I'm ready to go deeper this year. In Jesus name, Amen!
 
Rick Mitchell | North Campus Pastor

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 6:35-36 (NLT)
Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

MEDITATION:
In Luke Chapter 6:35-36 we see Jesus take the time to address enemies and the hurt than can be stirred up by them. He knows that it can be challenging to stay strong in the face of those who you have known and have chosen to hurt you. He also knows how much freedom can be achieved when we choose to shed the weight of unforgiveness.

PRAYER: 
Father, I pray that 2025 be a year of radical forgiveness, love, and compassion. As we walk into a new year, I pray that we release all wrongs done to us and choose to exemplify you through acts of forgiveness. God I just ask that you strengthen our hearts as we choose to love our enemies, let your grace and mercy flow through our minds as we choose to love your creation as you do. (v.35) Give us your eyes to see your children how you see them, remind us that each person has a story and is cherished by you. LORD, above all else, help us to be compassionate, just as you are compassionate. (v. 36) Give us the wisdom to choose kindness when our desires drive us to do otherwise. May this be a year of supernatural forgiveness, genuine love, and overwhelming compassion.
In Jesus Name 1 Pray, Amen.
 
Reagan Talbott | South Campus Children's Coordinator

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)
So why do you keep calling me 'Lord, Lord!' when you don't do what I say? "I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins."

PRAYER: 
Father, I thank you for forty years of life transformation and freedom here at Church on the Rock. I also believe in my spirit that we have only just begun, and I thank you that you show us the power of building our foundation on you. I pray that everyone reading this would understand the gift of listening to the Lord and obeying what he says. (v. 46) I pray that as we enter 2025, we would be a church that digs deep in the Word of God. I pray that listening and obeying would become a daily practice for us all, so that we can be ready for all that 2025 brings our way. As we dig deep and build a firm foundation, I declare that we will be able to bend and not break in this broken world we live in. Lord, thank you for speaking to us, leading us, and loving us. May the last forty years of ministry be a firm foundation to stand upon as we build the next forty.

Heath Watts | Lead Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 7:9-10 (NIV)
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel. Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

MEDITATION:
The Centurion's faith in Luke 7 is a powerful reminder that Jesus responds to our trust in His authority. The centurion didn't demand Jesus to come physically but believed in the power of His word, knowing that one command from Jesus was enough to heal. How often do we limit our faith to what we can see or understand? True faith acknowledges that Jesus' power transcends time, space, and circumstance. When we place complete trust in Him, we, too, can experience His transformative work in our lives. Let us aspire to have a faith that amazes Jesus— a faith that takes Him at His word and confidently rests in His promises.

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the power of faith through the Centurion's story. Teach us to trust You completely, even when we can't see the outcome. Help us believe in Your Word's authority and Your ability to work in every situation. Strengthen our faith to reflect the confidence of the Centurion and may our trust in You bring healing and hope to others. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Jonathan Hill | Lead Executive Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 9:28-36 (NIV)
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

MEDITATION:
 I've always been fascinated by the story of Jesus' transfiguration found in Luke 9:28-36.
Transfiguration means change in physical appearance and refers to a moment when Jesus' glory is revealed to Peter, John & James as He meets with Moses and Elijah (they've come down from Heaven). Sounds like a wild story, right?! It is -- I encourage you to go read this passage for yourself.
Here is the part that I keep circling back to -- something divine and important is obviously happening, but the three disciples fell asleep. When they wake up, they are amazed, and Peter jumps to the conclusion that he needs to act in that moment to memorialize it. Scripture says in verse 33, "As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out" his plan. Jesus essentially ignores his outburst, and the moment continues on with God the Father making a beautiful declaration.
As I was meditating on this portion of Scripture and asking God what was going on here, I felt like He nudged me with the thought that this was a moment for Jesus. I believe Jesus was getting a pep-talk of sorts from those who had gone before and who knew that what was ahead (His death and resurrection) would not be in vain. But Peter, much like myself at times, couldn't see from a higher perspective and so, without even really knowing what he was saying, tried to insert himself into the story line.
God reminded me recently that I am not the main character of His BIG story. Yes, I play a significant role, and you do too, but the BIG story of this earth has Jesus at the center, and we'd do well to remind ourselves each day that there is something to be gained by laying down assumptions that everything is about us and instead asking Him what He'd like us to know that day.
Perhaps, today is about you encouraging someone else. Perhaps today is about being faithful in prayer. Perhaps today is about being quiet and choosing to watch and listen and grow. Ask Him what the purpose of today is, and how you might best participate in His big story of bringing hope to this world! And get ready, because when we get our eyes off of ourselves and onto Jesus, we have the opportunity to see Him in a way that will amaze us!

PRAYER: 
Father, thank you for allowing me to play a part in the BIG story of the gospel. Open my eyes today to see what You are doing. Attune my ears to Your voice. Soften my heart and guide my steps. May I see Your glory today and may I point others to the glory of Your life through my words and actions today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Paige Allen | Executive Pastor of Campus Experience

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 9:62 (NIV)
No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

MEDITATION:
In Luke 9:62, Jesus says, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." This powerful statement challenges us to commit wholeheartedly to the calling God has placed on our lives. As we enter this season of prayer and fasting, let's fix our eyes forward, trusting that God's plans for us are greater than anything we've left behind.

PRAYER:
Father, we desire to be fully committed to Your kingdom, holding nothing back. Help us to let go of the distractions, doubts, or regrets that may keep us from moving forward in faith. Strengthen us to follow You with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. May this time of prayer deepen our trust in You and ignite a passion to serve with unwavering focus. Thank You for inviting us to partner with You in bringing Your kingdom to earth.
Amen!
 
Zach Hinojos | YTH Director and South Campus Young Adult Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 10:23-24 (NIV)
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. "For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

MEDITATION:
In Luke Chapter 10, Jesus sends out 72 of his followers with power to do miracles and share the gospel! They returned overjoyed at what they encountered, and Jesus blessed them. In verses 23 and 24 Jesus says:
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. "For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." What a privilege it is to be filled with God's Spirit today, to be empowered to do miracles, and share the gospel! Let's pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to believe for 2025!

PRAYER:
Father, we want to listen to Jesus, watch Him, and follow through with faith to be what you have called us to be, and do what you have called us to do. As Mary did, we first want to sit and listen, but as we hear you...let us be BOLD to do your will. Thank you for revealing yourself to us so that we can share You with others.
AMEN!

Bruce Menefee | South Campus Pastor and Executive Pastor of Campus Ministries

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 11:1-4 (NIV)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say:
"'Father,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.""

PRAYER:
Father, just as You taught and gave an outline of how to pray to the disciples, thank you for the gift of prayer, a way to open my heart and speak directly with you. Help me never to pray in such a way that it becomes repetitious or habitual but guide my words and thoughts as I come before you every day. Help me to truly listen to your voice and feel your presence in my life. Teach me how to pray with a pure heart, free from distractions, and truly present before you. Help me to understand your will for my life through prayer and give me the courage to follow your ways.
Open my eyes to see the world through your perspective and deepen my relationship with You in ways that continue to build my life. May prayer become my lifestyle not just a moment and let it always be aligned with Your love and grace as I too am continuously transformed. May I always remember that You are the answer to all my needs, wants, and know that you truly care about the things that concern me. Let my prayers be filled with sincerity and gratitude, and may I always remember that you hear me and are always with me. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Zephare Ramirez | Dream Center Campus Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 12:35-50 (ESV)
"Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the powerful reminder in Luke 12:35-40 to stay ready and watchful for Your return. You call us to be like servants prepared for their master, with lamps lit and hearts alert.
We praise You for being a faithful and trustworthy father who has promised to come again and take us to be with You. Father, forgive us for the times we have grown complacent or distracted, forgetting the urgency of living for You. We confess that we often let the cares of this world cloud our vision and blind our readiness. We need your help to be faithful stewards of the time, resources, and opportunities you have given us. Teach us to keep our spiritual lamps burning brightly, fueled by prayer, obedience, and love in your presence. Thank You for the hope and the certainty of knowing that your retum is coming soon. May we live each day with the anticipation that you could come at any moment. Strengthen our faith and our trust in your promises so that we may serve you joyfully and expectantly. We also lift up those who do not know you. Open their hearts to your truth, Lord, and use us to share the good news of salvation.
May we live as lights in a dark world, pointing others to your glory and grace. Let us be found faithful when you come, living lives that reflect Your holiness and love. When the time comes we want to hear "well done my good and faithful servant". We ask this In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
Justin Esquivel | Dream Center Youth and Young Adults Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 13:1-9 (NIV)
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down."

PRAYER:
Lord, we thank you for being a God full of mercy and grace. A God who is forgiving and just.
Forgive us for not bearing the fruit you have entrusted us to bear. Lord, we give you permission to dig out every area in our hearts, minds, and souls that do not line up with your Kingdom. Help us to repent and heal from every sin we have committed and all our iniquities. Help us by your Holy Spirit to produce the good fruit you have for us to bear. Let us grow in your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We thank you for being a loving God and giving us your Holy Spirit. Let your Holy Spirit nurture and empower us to bring forth good fruit and your Kingdom here on earth. In Jesus name we pray.

Monica Goss | Intercessory Prayer Service Lead

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 14:25 (NIV)
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, We come before You with open hearts, ready to follow wherever You lead. As Your Son taught us, the path of discipleship requires full surrender and deep commitment. Lord, help us to understand the cost of following You and give us the strength to embrace it fully. Teach us, Father, to place You above all else above our families, our possessions, and even our own desires. May our love for You be the foundation of every decision we make, showing the world that You are our first and greatest priority. Lord, just as You ask us to carry our cross, give us the courage to endure trials and sacrifices with steadfast faith. Help us to walk in the footsteps of Christ, bearing the burdens of obedience and trust in Your plan for our lives.
Father, give us wisdom to count the cost of discipleship, just as the builder plans before constructing a tower. Guide us to be intentional and steadfast, building a life that reflects Your glory. May we avoid the distractions that could hinder us from finishing the work You've set before us. Lord, help us to release anything that keeps us from fully surrendering to You. Whether it be material possessions, ambitions, or fears, we lay them at Your feet and declare that You are our treasure above all.
We thank You for calling us to be Your disciples, and we ask for Your Spirit to guide and sustain us as we follow You. May our lives reflect the sacrifice and love of Christ, drawing others into the joy of knowing You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Matt Cantu | Outreach Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 15:1-7 (NKJV)
Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." So He spoke this parable to them, saying: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you that you welcome everyone. Thank you, Jesus, that you search for the ones that are lost. The Kingdom of heaven is for all who want to be found by Jesus.
Lord this season give us eyes as the body of Christ to love the ones no one wants, to see them where they are just as you did with us. Lord, I lift up the ones that may feel lost, not seen, not wanted I call them to repentance. Lord allow the one that wants to be found to have a heart of surrender and accept you into their heart as their Lord and Savior so they too will live in eternity with you. Lord, I thank you that when the one is lost you search for them and when you find them all of Heaven rejoices! In Jesus name Amen.
 
Miranda Cantu | Dream Center Campus Admin Coordinator

SCRIPTURE: 
Luke 16: 10 (NKJV)
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

MEDITATION:
This Verse we see Jesus teaching his disciples. He said these words while telling the parable about a dishonest man who was mismanaging the resources of a rich man. His message here in verse 10 was pretty straightforward. People who prove to be honest and trustworthy with the small things God has provided, can then be trusted to be good stewards of much greater things. On the other hand, those who are dishonest and untrustworthy in small things, should not expect God to trust them with larger responsibilities (on Earth or in Heaven).
God expects us to be good stewards of our resources, no matter how great or how small those resources may be. Every blessing we have; our health, talents, family, friends, money, material things, time, wisdom, really belongs to God. And, like the rich man in the parable, God is just trusting us to manage those resources while here on earth. If a person cannot be trusted with carnal wealth, how can they be trusted with the things pertaining to the kingdom of God? Believers can't serve God and seek earthly wealth because their time will be consumed with seeking things instead of seeking first the Kingdom. Which master are you serving?

PRAYER: 
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the blessings You've entrusted to me, both big and small. I acknowledge that everything I have—my time, talents, resources, and opportunities—comes from You. Help me to be a faithful steward of all that You’ve given, so that I can honor You in every area of my life. Teach me to be trustworthy in the little things, knowing that as I prove faithful in these, You will entrust me with greater responsibilities. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Kannen Richardson | Levelland Campus

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 17:17-18 (NIV)
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

MEDITATION:
Gratitude is the doorway to joy; likewise, joy is a doorway to generosity. One of the greatest lessons we learn from the life of Jesus is how to have a generous heart willing to serve others.
Just like the 9 men cleansed who did not give thanks, we too find ourselves walking with worldly eyes blind to the blessings God has given us. Self-achievement, status, and validation can never fulfill our hearts to be able to walk in true joy. It is only when we can come humbly to God in gratitude that we will be able to see all the blessings in our life. To have no gratitude is to say you have nothing to be thankful for. As a redeemed, saved, born again Christian it is impossible to walk with Jesus and not have gratitude, in fact, gratitude is the very posture our hearts must have in order to receive salvation. My prayer is that this New Year, we can be the one who gives thanks. We can be the one who's hearts are filled with only the joy that Christ can bring through the recognition of His blessings in our life. When we do that, we really can live like Jesus.

PRAYER: 
Lord Jesus, Thank You for the countless blessings You’ve poured into my life. Just as You healed the ten lepers and only one returned to give thanks, I too want to be the one who recognizes Your goodness and gives You all the glory. Forgive me for the times when I’ve been blind to Your blessings, focusing instead on worldly pursuits that leave me empty. Open my eyes to see the richness of Your grace and to live each day with a heart full of gratitude. Fill me with joy that overflows into generosity, and help me to reflect the heart of Jesus in my relationships and in my service to others. Amen.

Caydon Stone | Levelland Campus Youth and Young Adult Pastor

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 18:1-8 (ESV)
And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.

MEDITATION:
When we read this passage we tend to lump God into the unrighteous judge category when actually He is the complete opposite of Him. If we are not aware we will confuse talking about issues with actually praying. I'll go a step further, if we are talking much about it, we aren't praying about it.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for being righteous. Praise You, Father, that You desire night and day to hear from us and to fellowship with us. We celebrate You this and every season. Amen.

Melody Morris | Levelland Campus 

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 19:11-27 (AMP)
"While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they assumed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately [as soon as He reached the city]. So He said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to obtain for himself a kingdom, and [then] to return. So he called ten of his servants, and gave them ten minas [one apiece, each equal to about a hundred days' wages] and said to them, 'Do business [with this] until I return.' But his citizens [the residents of his new kingdom] hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, We do not want this man to be a king over us.' When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these servants, to whom he had given the money, be called to him, that he might find out what business they had done. The first one came before him and said, 'Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.'  And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you proved yourself faithful and trustworthy in a very little thing, you shall [now] have authority over ten cities [in my kingdom].' The second one came and said, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' And he said to him also, 'And you shall take charge over five cities.' Then another came and said, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I have kept laid up in a handkerchief [for safekeeping]. I was (always afraid of you, because you are a stern man; you pick up what you did not lay down and you reap what you did not sow.' He said to the servant, 'I will judge and condemn you by your own words, you worthless servant! Did you [really] know that I was a stern man, picking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?Then why did you not fat the very least] put my money in a bank? Then on my return, I would have collected it with interest.'
Then he said to the bystanders, 'Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.'  And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas already!' [Jesus explained,] I tell you that to everyone who has [because he valued his gifts from God and has used them wisely], more will be given; but from the one who does not have [because he disregarded his gifts from God], even what he has will be taken away.' [The king ended by saying,] 'But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them, bring them here and kill them in my presence.'""

MEDITATION:
When he returns he request his servants present the results of what had been entrusted to them. The first servant turned his one mina into ten! The second servant had turned his one into five. Both men were blessed by the king who gave them charge of cities in the new kingdom! The third servant had hidden his mina. The king was angry at the servant for not stewarding well what had been given to him. Do not get caught up in the concept of money here. Read verse 26 again carefully.
My question for you today is: What will you do with the gifts God has given you? The
King has entrusted to you gifts for the advancement of His Kingdom. Do not squander the gifts He has placed into your hands and hide them away. Do not reject Him like the rest of the servants did.

PRAYER:
Lord, we come to you today thanking you for who you are and the way you love us.
Thank you for the gifts you have assigned to us. Reveal these gifts to each of us that we may cultivate them for the advancement of your Kingdom and your church. Help us to see that only with each one of us flourishing in our God-given gifts are we able to complete the works you would have us do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Leticia McCoy | Levelland Campus

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 20:23-25 (AMP)
He saw through their trickery and said, "Show me a Roman coin.
Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied.
"Well then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God."

MEDITATION:
Can you relate to the frustrations of paying taxes? My son learned that lesson all too well one summer on vacation. He was given $25 to choose a souvenir to take home. The joy of picking out whatever he wanted was quickly shifted when he learned he had to calculate the tax that would be charged. He said,
"That's not fair!"
It's interesting that the leaders tried tricking Jesus into saying it was wrong to pay taxes. Jesus' response, "Give to Caesar what belongs to him", was an example that we must submit to the authority that has been placed on us.
And as difficult as it is for us to pay taxes, the second half of the verse is also a reminder to submit to our heavenly authority. "But everything that belongs to God must be given to God."

PRAYER:
Lord, today, we submit ourselves to you. Your ways are higher than our ways, your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Keep our hearts pure and our dealings with others honest. May we use every gift you have given us for your glory. Amen

Valerie Williams | Levelland Campus