Lebanon Church

06/02/2026

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 (NKJV)

This simple yet profound statement opens the Beatitudes, where Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount. To be “poor in spirit” is not about financial poverty, but about recognizing our spiritual need before God. It is the humble acknowledgment that we cannot save ourselves, that we are dependent on His grace.

When we come to God with empty hands and a humble heart, He fills us with His kingdom blessings. The world often teaches that strength comes from self-reliance, but Jesus reminds us that true blessing comes from knowing our need for Him. The poor in spirit are not weighed down by pride or self-sufficiency; instead, they are open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection:
* Where in your life do you need to surrender your self-reliance to God?
* How can you cultivate a heart that is “poor in spirit” today?

Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, I acknowledge my need for You. Teach me to walk in humility and dependence on Your grace. Fill my heart with Your Spirit and lead me into the blessings of Your kingdom. Amen.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

06/01/2026

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” — Psalm 42:11 NKJV

There are seasons in life when our hearts feel heavy, and our souls seem restless. The psalmist’s words in Psalm 42:11 remind us that even in our moments of discouragement, we are not without hope. He speaks to his own soul, questioning why it is so downcast, and then immediately points to the source of comfort—God Himself.

This verse teaches us a powerful truth: we can choose to redirect our focus from our circumstances to God’s unchanging character. When fear, anxiety, or sadness press in, our souls need the reminder that God is our help and our joy. He is the One who lifts our countenance, replacing despair with peace.

Praising God in the midst of difficulty is an act of faith. It declares that we trust Him to bring light into our darkness, even if we cannot yet see the outcome. As we lift our eyes to Him, our hearts are renewed with hope, and our spirits are strengthened to endure.

Reflection:
- What situations in your life are causing your soul to feel downcast?
- How can you remind yourself today to place your hope in God?

Prayer:
Lord, when my heart feels heavy and my soul grows weary, help me to turn my eyes to You. Remind me that You are my hope and my joy. I choose to praise You, trusting that You are my help and my God. Amen.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

05/31/2026

Trinity Sunday Devotional

05/31/2026

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

On this Trinity Sunday, we reflect on the mystery and majesty of our one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The triune God works in perfect unity to reveal His love and sustain His people. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Lord reminds Paul—and us—that His grace is all we need, for His power is displayed most fully in our weakness.

The Father, in His wisdom, allows moments of weakness to draw us closer to Him. The Son, Jesus Christ, meets us in our weakness with His redeeming love, showing that His grace covers every insufficiency. The Holy Spirit empowers us, filling the gaps we cannot fill ourselves and magnifying God’s strength through our lives.

On Trinity Sunday, we are reminded that the fullness of God’s presence surrounds us in every trial. Our weakness is not a barrier to God’s work, but rather the place where His power shines brightest. When we depend on His grace, we become living testimonies of His strength and love.

Reflection Question:
Where is God inviting you to rely on His grace and strength today, trusting that He will be glorified in your weakness?

Prayer:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for meeting me in my weakness. Teach me to rest in Your sufficient grace, that Your power may be made perfect in every part of my life. Amen.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me

05/30/2026

“Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17 NKJV

Isaiah 1:17 is a powerful call from God to His people, reminding us that true faith is expressed through action. The Lord does not simply desire empty rituals or words spoken in prayer; He seeks hearts that reflect His character in the way we live and treat others.

1. Learn to Do Good
Goodness does not come naturally to a heart tainted by sin. That is why the Lord says we must learn to do good. It is a daily choice to align our thoughts, actions, and motivations with His Word. This learning comes through prayer, Scripture, and walking in obedience, one step at a time.

2. Seek Justice
Justice is not passive; it requires intentional pursuit. Seeking justice means looking for ways to correct wrongs, stand for truth, and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. When we seek justice, we reflect God’s heart, for He is righteous and just in all His ways.

3. Defend and Plead for the Vulnerable
The fatherless and widows represent the most vulnerable in society. God’s people are called to be their protectors and advocates. Defending the weak is not only an act of kindness but an act of worship, showing that our love for God overflows into love for others.

Reflection
Today, consider how you can actively live out Isaiah 1:17. Who around you needs encouragement, protection, or advocacy? What steps can you take to seek justice in your community or workplace? Pray for the Lord to open your eyes to opportunities to do good and to strengthen your heart to obey His call.

Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, teach me to do good as You are good. Give me a heart that seeks justice and a spirit willing to defend the vulnerable. Help my life to reflect Your love and righteousness in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

05/29/2026

"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." — John 15:2 (NKJV)

In John 15:2, Jesus paints a vivid picture of our relationship with Him as the True Vine. As believers, we are the branches, designed to stay connected to Him and to produce the fruit of righteousness. This verse reminds us of two important truths: the seriousness of abiding in Christ and the purpose of divine pruning.

First, branches that do not bear fruit are taken away. This is a solemn warning that spiritual fruitfulness is the evidence of our connection to Jesus. Fruit demonstrates life—love, joy, peace, kindness, and the acts of faith that flow from a heart surrendered to Him. Without fruit, the branch is lifeless and disconnected from the source.

Second, branches that do bear fruit are pruned. Pruning can be uncomfortable, even painful, as God removes habits, relationships, or distractions that hinder our growth. Yet, His pruning is never punishment—it is preparation. Through pruning, our lives become more aligned with His will, and our character reflects His glory in greater measure.

Today, reflect on the Gardener’s loving hands at work in your life. Are there areas He may be pruning right now? Yield to His process, trusting that the pruning will lead to greater fruitfulness. Stay connected to the Vine and let His life flow through you.

Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, thank You for being the true Vine and for giving me life. Help me to remain in You and to embrace Your pruning, trusting that it will produce more fruit for Your glory. Amen.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

05/28/2026

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)

True wisdom does not come from books, experiences, or the opinions of others. It begins with a heart that reveres God. The “fear of the Lord” is not terror but deep awe, respect, and a desire to honor Him in every area of life. This holy reverence positions us to receive insight that the world cannot give.

When we acknowledge God’s greatness and submit to His ways, we gain a perspective that reshapes our decisions and our daily walk. Knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding because it aligns our hearts with His truth. Wisdom flows not from self-confidence but from God-dependence.

Today, take a moment to pause and reflect: Do I approach life with a heart that honors God first? Seek Him in prayer, in His Word, and in quiet surrender. As you do, He will grant wisdom that directs your steps and brings peace to your soul.

Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, teach me to walk in the fear of You. Help me to honor You in my thoughts, words, and actions. Grant me the wisdom to make decisions that please You, and fill me with the understanding that comes from knowing You more. Amen.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

05/27/2026

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)

This verse reminds us that giving is not just an outward action but an inward expression of the heart. God is not impressed by the size of our gift or by giving that is done reluctantly. Instead, He delights in those who give joyfully, out of love and gratitude.

When we give cheerfully, we reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father, who is the ultimate Giver of all good things. Our generosity becomes an act of worship, flowing from a heart that recognizes how much we have received from Him.

Take a moment to examine your heart today. Are your acts of giving fueled by obligation, or are they inspired by joy and love for God and others? Ask the Lord to cultivate in you a cheerful, willing heart so that every offering—whether of time, resources, or service—brings Him glory.

Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, teach me to give with a heart full of joy. Remove any reluctance or sense of mere obligation, and replace it with gratitude and love. May my giving honor You and bless others. Amen.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

05/26/2026

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5 NKJV

This short but profound verse invites us into the heart of Christian discipleship: to think, act, and live with the mind of Christ. Paul’s words remind us that the life of a believer is not simply about outward actions, but about an inner transformation that begins in our thoughts and attitudes.

The mind of Christ is marked by humility, obedience, and selfless love. When Jesus came to earth, He set aside His heavenly glory and took on the form of a servant. He lived in perfect submission to the Father’s will, even to the point of death on the cross. This is the mindset we are called to embrace—one that seeks God’s glory above our own and serves others without selfish ambition.

As we go about our day, we can ask ourselves: Are my thoughts aligned with Christ? Am I willing to humble myself, even when it’s uncomfortable? By yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a heart that reflects Jesus’ character.

Reflection:
* What area of your life needs the mindset of Christ today?
* How can you serve someone selflessly this week?

Prayer:
Lord, give me the mind of Christ today. Teach me to walk in humility, to love others selflessly, and to obey Your will above all else. Transform my thoughts so that my life brings glory to You. Amen.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

05/25/2026

“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3 (NKJV)

On this Memorial Day, as we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our nation’s freedom, Psalm 23:3 reminds us of the ultimate source of comfort and restoration. The Lord not only restores our weary souls but also leads us in the right paths that reflect His glory.

Memorial Day is a time of reflection and gratitude. We remember the sacrifices of those who walked difficult paths to protect our liberties. For many families, this day carries the weight of loss and the ache of empty seats at the table. Amid the solemn remembrance, God’s Word assures us that He gently restores our hearts when they are heavy. His righteous paths bring hope, even in seasons of mourning.

As we honor the fallen today, let us also seek the Lord’s leading. Just as He guided them on their journeys of service and sacrifice, He calls us to walk in righteousness—for His name’s sake—by living lives of faith, gratitude, and devotion. May we carry forward their legacy with courage, knowing that God’s presence restores our souls and gives us peace.

Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, thank You for the gift of freedom and for those who gave their lives to protect it. On this Memorial Day, we ask You to comfort every grieving heart and restore every weary soul. Lead us in Your paths of righteousness, and may our lives honor both the sacrifice of others and the name of Jesus. Amen.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.