The Tree Church Daily

On December 27th, Pastor Matthew delivered a message and spoke of a prayer that he has made a habit of praying every single day (if you have not watched it yet, you can here). We will continue in the mode of focusing on prayer this week for Devotions as well. This week will revolve around the prayer that Pastor Matthew taught in his message.

His prayer was to ask God to give us:

1. Purity of Heart

2. Clarity of Vision

3. Increased Faith

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may also want to use a journal so you can write down what God is speaking to you as you pray.

James 2:18 (ESV)

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

1. Read the scripture out loud (if you are able) and keep it on your mind as you begin to talk to God.

2. Pray through the following prompts, expounding on them and making the prayer your own. Be sure to allow time for God to speak to you.

a. God, give me eyes to see the opportunities to take steps of faith…

b. God, show me the person You want me to serve, even beginning today…

c. God, show me the ministry You want me to get involved in…

d. God, show me who You want me to be generous with…

On December 27th, Pastor Matthew delivered a message and spoke of a prayer that he has made a habit of praying every single day (if you have not watched it yet, you can here). We will continue in the mode of focusing on prayer this week for Devotions as well. This week will revolve around the prayer that Pastor Matthew taught in his message.

His prayer was to ask God to give us:

1. Purity of Heart

2. Clarity of Vision

3. Increased Faith

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may also want to use a journal so you can write down what God is speaking to you as you pray.

2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV)

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Read the scripture out loud (if you are able) and keep it on your mind as you begin to talk to God.

2. Pray through the following prompts, expounding on them and making the prayer your own. Be sure to allow time for God to speak to you.

a. God, what behaviors/habits do I have that frustrate my desire to follow You…

b. God, show me specific things I can do to be more purposed in my pursuit of You and Your plan for my life…

c. God, show me the behaviors/habits that You want to instill in my life…

d. God, show me how You want me to begin to put those into place…

On December 27th, Pastor Matthew delivered a message and spoke of a prayer that he has made a habit of praying every single day (if you have not watched it yet, you can here). We will continue in the mode of focusing on prayer this week for Devotions as well. This week will revolve around the prayer that Pastor Matthew taught in his message.

His prayer was to ask God to give us:

1. Purity of Heart

2. Clarity of Vision

3. Increased Faith

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may also want to use a journal so you can write down what God is speaking to you as you pray.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

1. Read the scripture out loud (if you are able) and keep it on your mind as you begin to talk to God.

2. Pray through the following prompts, expounding on them and making the prayer your own. Be sure to allow time for God to speak to you.

a. God, show me how I am currently living out my purpose…

b. God, as You shape my burden/passion, show me my place in it…

c. God, help me to find my purpose in Your kingdom…

d. God, show me who You want me to specifically connect with and serve…

e. God, help me to overcome my insecurities to find my purpose in Your kingdom…

On December 27th, Pastor Matthew delivered a message and spoke of a prayer that he has made a habit of praying every single day (if you have not watched it yet, you can here). We will continue in the mode of focusing on prayer this week for Devotions as well. This week will revolve around the prayer that Pastor Matthew taught in his message.

His prayer was to ask God to give us:

1. Purity of Heart

2. Clarity of Vision

3. Increased Faith

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may also want to use a journal so you can write down what God is speaking to you as you pray.

Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1. Read the scripture out loud (if you are able) and keep it on your mind as you begin to talk to God.

2. Pray through the following prompts, expounding on them and making the prayer your own. Be sure to allow time for God to speak to you.

a. God, show me what truly motivates me…

b. God, reveal to me where my own desires motivate my behavior, and help me to confess these things…

c. God, reveal to me the burden and passion You want me to have…

d. God, give me the steps to take to use this passion for You…

On December 27th, Pastor Matthew delivered a message and spoke of a prayer that he has made a habit of praying every single day (if you have not watched it yet, you can here). We will continue in the mode of focusing on prayer this week for Devotions as well. This week will revolve around the prayer that Pastor Matthew taught in his message.

His prayer was to ask God to give us:

1. Purity of Heart

2. Clarity of Vision

3. Increased Faith

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may also want to use a journal so you can write down what God is speaking to you as you pray.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

1. Read the scripture out loud (if you are able) and keep it on your mind as you begin to talk to God.

2. Pray through the following prompts, expounding on them and making the prayer your own. Be sure to allow time for God to speak to you.

a. God, show me the ways my heart is divided in its loyalty to You…

b. God, reveal to me the idols of my heart…

c. God, show me why my heart goes to idols…

d. God, show me how to have a singular devotion to Your good name…

On December 27th, Pastor Matthew delivered a message and spoke of a prayer that he has made a habit of praying every single day (if you have not watched it yet, you can here). We will continue in the mode of focusing on prayer this week for Devotions as well. This week will revolve around the prayer that Pastor Matthew taught in his message.

His prayer was to ask God to give us:

1. Purity of Heart

2. Clarity of Vision

3. Increased Faith

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may also want to use a journal so you can write down what God is speaking to you as you pray.

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!

1. Read the scripture out loud (if you are able) and keep it on your mind as you begin to talk to God.

2. Pray through the following prompts, expounding on them and making the prayer your own. Be sure to allow time for God to speak to you.

a. God, show me the things in my life that are sinful…

b. God, show me anything that may not be sinful, but is hindering my pursuit of You…

c. God, show me the path to take away from these things…

d. God, speak to me about Your forgiveness and unfailing love…

As we close out one year and prepare for the start of a new, we thought it would be good to stop and take stock of what God has done, and what He wants to lead us into for the coming year. God cares about our lives, speaks into our lives, and desires to give us wisdom and guidance so we can become more like Him!

This week at the Daily Devos is about asking God to speak and giving Him room to do so. Each day will provide you with a guided set of questions and prayer prompts to help you speak to God and hear from Him, as well as some encouragement to respond to God in faithful obedience.

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may want to use a journal so you can write as you pray.

Today’s prayer is all about asking God to prepare you and the relationships in your life. We all have a number of relationships in our lives, and they always have room for growth. Seeking God and His wisdom will help us learn to love others well, and to reflect Jesus in all of our relationships.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

1. Thank God out loud for the day, then just take 3-5 breaths, allowing the silence to relax you.

2. Express to God your desire to hear from Him. Take 30-45 seconds to just be quiet after you finish.

3. Start by asking God to seek your heart and to soften any hard areas. Take 1-2 minutes to allow God to soften your heart. In relationships, it is always best to search your heart first so it can be softer toward others. If God reveals anything to you, make sure you write it down to come back to later.

4. Take a minute or two to write down the different roles you play in the relationships in your life (ex: spouse, parent, co-worker, child, friend, etc.). How well are you loving those you have listed? Really seek God in this.

5. God, are there any relationships where I need to forgive others? Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet. If God reveals someone to you, take a few extra moments to ask God to help you forgive them.

6. God, is there someone in my life I have wronged and need to seek forgiveness?

7. God, how can I be a better fill in the blank (ex: spouse, parent, etc.)? What do I personally need to change to serve and love the other person better? I encourage you to take a few minutes to seek God for 2-3 of the biggest relationships in your life.

8. Now, it is time to take action. Take the necessary steps below:

a. If you need to forgive someone, take some steps this week to begin that process. It may be a conversation, or it may be continuing to pray for that person until you have forgiven them in your heart.

b. If there is someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness, call them this week and take steps toward reconciliation.

c. Based on what God revealed to you during this time, make a plan. Begin to take steps toward being a better spouse, a more patient parent, a better co-worker, etc.

As we close out one year and prepare for the start of a new, we thought it would be good to stop and take stock of what God has done, and what He wants to lead us into for the coming year. God cares about our lives, speaks into our lives, and desires to give us wisdom and guidance so we can become more like Him!

This week at the Daily Devos is about asking God to speak and giving Him room to do so. Each day will provide you with a guided set of questions and prayer prompts to help you speak to God and hear from Him, as well as some encouragement to respond to God in faithful obedience.

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may want to use a journal so you can write as you pray.

Today’s prayer is all about asking God to prepare your time. Allow His presence to enter the space, and open your heart to what God wants to speak to you. God will always speak to an open heart.

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 (ESV)

1. Take some time to thank God aloud for all the blessings in your life. Allow gratitude to fill your heart, and sit in the silence for a minute or so to decompress.

2. Ask God to speak to your heart. Sit quietly for 45 seconds or so.

3. God, I want to steward my time well this next year. Please let me know if there is anything in my schedule that I need to get rid of, to make more time for You. Sit and listen for God’s voice.

4. Lord, help me to be obedient to what You are calling me to do. Help me to follow through. Spend some time asking God to help you make the changes He is calling you to.

5. God, is there anything I need to add to my daily routine to increase my relationship with you? Spend some time sitting quietly, and listen for His voice.

6. Lord, help me always make You the priority of my life. Spend some time praying through what God has spoken to you. Allow Him to soften your heart and encourage you.

7. It is such a beautiful gift, that the creator of the universe speaks to us and wants a relationship with us. Spend some time being quiet, thinking about what a gift it is, and then thank Him aloud.

As we close out one year and prepare for the start of a new, we thought it would be good to stop and take stock of what God has done, and what He wants to lead us into for the coming year. God cares about our lives, speaks into our lives, and desires to give us wisdom and guidance so we can become more like Him!

This week at the Daily Devos is about asking God to speak and giving Him room to do so. Each day will provide you with a guided set of questions and prayer prompts to help you speak to God and hear from Him, as well as some encouragement to respond to God in faithful obedience.

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may want to use a journal so you can write as you pray.

Today’s prayer is all about asking God to prepare you for hearing Him speak to us concerning our finances. God’s Spirit will speak to us during prayer. Often it is God leading us through our very own thoughts. Taking time to prayerfully reflect and think through things is the way God leads us.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

1. Thank God out loud for the day, then take 3-5 breaths, allowing the silence to relax you.

2. Matthew 6:21 is not an indictment; it’s a natural principle. For example, the principle of gravity tells us that no matter how high we throw a ball up in the air, it will come back down. The same is true with your heart and your money. Want to know where your heart is? Look at your checkbook. Now...does God want your checkbook? NO! Does God want your heart? YES! Express to God your desire to hear from Him concerning where your treasure has been this past year, regarding finances. Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet, and see if God does not bring to mind things this past year concerning your heart and finances.

3. How was money handled in your house when you were growing up? What was modeled about money in the past often influences the assumptions you hold about money today. Take some time and ask God to remind you of negative and positive influences you experienced. Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet and think through how you can be a model of positive influence in this coming year.

4. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Practical Christian wisdom says to tithe first, save second, and live on the rest. Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet and think through how well you are doing this. How do you want to honor Him with your finances in the New Year?

5. Talk to a friend or a pastor about what you think God is saying to you. Look up the topic in the Bible (Google is a great way to do that), and see if it doesn’t confirm (or deny) what you perceive you are hearing from God.

As we close out one year and prepare for the start of a new, we thought it would be good to stop and take stock of what God has done, and what He wants to lead us into for the coming year. God cares about our lives, speaks into our lives, and desires to give us wisdom and guidance so we can become more like Him!

This week at the Daily Devos is about asking God to speak and giving Him room to do so. Each day will provide you with a guided set of questions and prayer prompts to help you speak to God and hear from Him, as well as some encouragement to respond to God in faithful obedience.

Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may want to use a journal so you can write as you pray.

Today’s prayer is all about asking God to prepare you in the way you use your tongue. God wants our mouths to speak in purity and in truth, things that will glorify Him. Let’s take the time to be in the presence of the Lord, and to ask Him to guide our words to speak life and love.

“What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit” Psalm 34:12-13 (ESV)

1. Take time to be calm and to relax. Clear your mind of today’s tasks, and allow yourself to be present in this time with God.

2. Express to God your desire to speak in a way that is pleasing to Him. Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet after you finish.

3. Father, I know that on my own, my words may not always be in love. Can You show me and teach me how to speak? Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet. Read through Psalm 141:3, Ephesians 4:29, and James 1:19-20.

4. Father, are there ways I am displeasing You with the way I speak? Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet. As you think through any possibilities, pray through them.

5. How can I change so I can glorify You, and exemplify to others Your goodness and grace? Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet, then ask God to help you follow through with whatever He prompted you to change.

6. God, who do You want me to speak life into today? Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet.

7. Talk to a friend or a family member about holding you accountable with the way you speak. Allow for each day to be filled with new ways to speak in love and new people to show grace to.

Prayer:

Lord we thank You that You are a God of love and grace. God, we know our words are powerful, and the messages they portray are important. Allow us to be challenged in the way we speak. As I go into the New Year, help me to prepare my tongue to speak of Your glory and goodness. We love You, and we give You all the glory. Amen.