Flourish & Thrive Week 2 Devotions  (With Scripture)

Monday, August 25, 2025.  Read Romans 8:28: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose; .Jeremiah 29:11: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

We are convinced that God works in every detail of our lives to bring about good. God has a purpose for each of us, woven into the fabric of creation. This purpose isn't just about what we do for a living; it's about reflecting God's character in all areas of our lives. Take some time today to reflect on how God's purpose might be informing your daily moments. How can you invite God into the various parts of your day, recognizing that every activity has the potential to bring Him glory?

Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Read Proverbs 16:2: All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
 but motives are weighed by the Lord. 19:21: A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. 20:5:The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. ,1 Corinthians 4:5: Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Hearts are the wellspring of motivation and inspiration. Vocational choices and attitudes toward work and relationships are shaped by what truly drives individuals. Are selfish desires the motivation, or is there a desire to honor and serve God and others? Consider what truly drives you in your daily life and in your current work or situation. Are you seeking to please God above all else? Ask God to reveal any hidden motives or desires that may be hindering your ability to live out your vocation faithfully.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26:  Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will., 1 Peter 2:9-10: 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Habits, both good and bad, reflect the condition of the heart. Paul encourages Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:22-26 to pursue righteous habits and flee from youthful desires. Cultivating habits of kindness, teachability, and forgiveness is advised. Reflect on your daily habits. Do they align with the calling to live a life of holiness and service to God? Identify one habit you can cultivate that will draw you closer to Christ and help you live out your vocation more faithfully.

Thursday, August 28, 2025. Read Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

You are called to present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. This is an oath you make to God, not something to earn His favor. God's purpose is to love and serve neighbors in their daily callings. This includes family relationships, roles in the church, and citizenship in the community and nation. Even in the face of difficulties and opposition, be faithful and persevere, knowing that your work is ultimately for God. How can you better serve others in your vocations? Reflect on one area where you can use your gifts and abilities to serve God and love your neighbor more intentionally.

Friday, August 29, 2025. Read 1 Corinthians 4:5: Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. John 1:12: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 2 Corinthians 5:15: And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

The motive of your hearts should be to glorify God in all things. You are not your own, but have been bought with a price. Therefore, live for Christ, not for yourselves. When you seek God's glory and serve Him wholeheartedly, you can experience true fulfillment and purpose in life. This involves using your unique gifts and talents to make a positive impact in the world around you. What dreams or hidden potentials are lying dormant within you that you can submit to God today? How can you use your gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God?