📖 Faithful Friday — Stay Close

Sometimes we approach spiritual growth like a self-improvement project.

I need to pray more.

I need to do better.

I need to be stronger.

I just need to try harder.

But in John 15, Jesus gives us a different picture.

He doesn't tell the branch to try harder to produce fruit.

He says: “

Abide in Me.”

Stay close.

Stay connected.

Let His life work in you.

Prayer matters. God's Word matters. Worship and obedience matter. But none of those are ways we manufacture spiritual life for ourselves. They continually draw us back to the One who IS our life.

💭 Today's Truth

Becoming more like Jesus isn't about trying harder. It's about staying closer to Him.

And today's Five More Minutes has a little something special at the end. Noah and Owen joined me to share “Abide,” and I can't think of a more fitting way to close this week than worshiping together around the very truth Jesus gives us in John 15.

🙏 Today's Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for the times I've tried to live faithfully in my own strength. Teach me to abide in You. Draw me closer through Your Word, through prayer, through worship, and through obedience. Produce in me what I cannot produce on my own. Let Your life shape my attitudes, my words, my choices, and my relationships. Make me more like You as I learn to stay close to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

If these words express your heart, pray them with me today. Or find your own words and spend a few moments talking honestly with the Lord.

As you head into the weekend, don't simply ask: “How can I try harder?”

Ask: “How can I stay closer to Jesus?”

Let's walk with Him today.

🎙️ Five More Minutes is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms.

📖 Thankful Thursday

Grace That Leads to Gratitude

It's easy to be thankful when life is going well.

But what happens when it isn't?

In Luke 7, Jesus points us to a gratitude that isn't built on circumstances—it is built on grace.

A woman known for her sinful past came to Jesus with tears, worship, and a heart overflowing with love.

Why?

Because she knew she had been forgiven.

Jesus wasn't impressed by a religious performance.

He was moved by a heart that had been transformed by His mercy.

The more we remember what Christ has done for us...

The more gratitude fills our hearts.

When we forget His grace, gratitude fades.

When we remember His grace, worship begins.

The heart that remembers grace never runs out of reasons to worship.

🙏 Today's Prayer

Lord, thank You for the grace You have poured into my life. Forgive me for the times I become so focused on today's burdens that I forget the mercy You have already shown me. Help me never lose the wonder of being forgiven. Fill my heart with gratitude that overflows into worship and into the way I love and serve others. Thank You for doing for me what I could never do for myself. In YOUR name I pray! Amen

If these words express your heart today, make them your prayer. And if not, find your own words—but don't leave without spending a few moments talking with the Lord.

🎙️ Today's **Five More Minutes** devotion is now available on Facebook, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

📖 Wisdom Wednesday

Jesus Notices Quiet Faithfulness

Most of life isn't lived on a stage.

It's lived in ordinary moments.

A quiet prayer before work.

Choosing integrity when no one is watching.

Serving your family.

Giving generously.

Offering encouragement.

Doing the right thing simply because it's the right thing.

In Mark 12, everyone noticed the large gifts.

Jesus noticed the widow.

Not because she gave the most...

But because she trusted God with all she had.

The world celebrates what is impressive.

Jesus celebrates what is faithful.

That means your quiet obedience is never wasted.

Your unseen faithfulness is never overlooked.

Your Savior sees every act of love offered for His glory.

The world notices what is impressive. Jesus notices what is faithful.

🙏 Today's Prayer

Father, thank You for seeing what others cannot see. Thank You that You notice the quiet acts of faithfulness that often go unnoticed by the world. Help me to live for Your approval rather than the applause of people. Give me a heart that is faithful in the ordinary moments of life, knowing that every act of obedience matters to You. May my life bring You glory, whether anyone else notices or not. Amen.

If these words express your heart today, make them your prayer. And if not, find your own words—but don't leave without spending a few moments talking with the Lord.

If you have any questions, share them in the comments!

🎙️ Today's Five More Minutes devotion is now available on Facebook, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.