Author: Thomas Casper

  • Love Notes from the Lord

    Day 1 – I See You

    Love Note from the Lord:

    I see you right where you are. Even when no one else notices, I do. I see the effort, the tears, and the faith it takes to keep going. You are not invisible to Me.

    Affirmation:

    “I am fully seen and known by God.”

    Scripture:

    “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” — Psalm 139:1

  • “Bones of Who I Was”

    A devotional on resurrection, release, and new life in Christ.

    Opening Thought

    The end of October brings a certain chill — leaves curling on the ground, air thick with the scent of earth and memory. Skeletons hang in doorways, and we pass by old bones dressed in humor or fright. But for me, bones have always been symbols of what remains — the structure of what once was alive.

    Sometimes, I realize there are bones of my old self buried in the past — and in the minds of others. People remember the “me” that used to react in anger, fear, or doubt. Those fossils of who I was still lie there, preserved in other people’s memories. But I’ve learned something freeing: God never calls us to live among the bones. He calls us to rise.

    Scripture Readings

    Ezekiel 37:5 (NLT) – “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!”

    2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) – “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

    Romans 8:11 (NLT) – “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”

    Reflection

    The prophet Ezekiel stood in a valley full of dry bones — symbols of despair, memory, and loss. Yet God told him to speak life over them. When he did, the bones rattled, connected, and rose again — restored not to who they once were, but to something new.

    That’s what resurrection looks like in us. The bones of who we were — our old habits, failures, or labels — aren’t meant to haunt us. They remind us that God can bring life even from what seems long dead.

    But the harder truth is this: others may still see the fossils. They may still hold an image of you that no longer exists. And that’s okay. Let them remember the bones. You’re walking in the Spirit’s breath now.

    We can’t force others to see our resurrection story — we can only live it faithfully, letting God’s breath keep our new life moving forward.

    Application

    1. Identify the Bones: What parts of your old self do others still see or mention?

    2. Speak Life: Pray Ezekiel 37:5 aloud this week — “Lord, breathe life into me again.”

    3. Release Control: Don’t try to prove your transformation; live it. Let God’s renewal be your testimony.

    4. Reflect on Renewal: Take a quiet walk this week — notice the fallen leaves turning to soil. Remember, what dies in one season feeds new life in the next.

    Closing Prayer

    Lord, thank You for breathing life into the bones of who I used to be. Help me walk boldly in the new creation You’ve made. When others remember my fossils, let their memories become testimonies of Your grace. May the breath of Your Spirit fill my days with purpose, hope, and resurrection life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • Choose to Be Alive

    A Devotional on Freedom in Christ

    Opening Thought

    There are days when it feels easier to listen to the lies of defeat than to walk in the truth of victory. We find ourselves caught in old patterns of shame and fear, forgetting the power of the cross and the empty tomb. But the Word of God reminds us of something greater—life has won.

    Scripture Reading

    Romans 6:6–10 (The Message)

    “Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin miserable life, no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin conquering death, we also get included in his life saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death as the end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you, God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That is what Jesus did.”

    Reflection

    Did we hear that? We are dead to sin and alive to God. Yet sometimes we live as if we are still dead, as if sin still has the final word. We let lies settle into our minds—lies that say we are not enough, that we cannot change, that we will never measure up. But the truth of God is louder. The Word declares that we are alive to Him.

    If God Himself calls us alive, then alive is what we are. The cross ended sin’s grip, and the resurrection ignited new life within us. The tomb is empty, and because it is empty, so is the power of sin.

    Application

    Renew Your Mind: Each time a lie surfaces, answer it with the truth—“I am alive to God.”

    Walk in Freedom: Refuse to carry chains that Christ already broke.

    Live Boldly: Step into today with resurrection confidence.

    Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for the cross and the empty tomb. Thank You that sin no longer has the final word. Help me to live alive to You, free from the lies that try to bind me. Teach me to walk in Your truth, to live in Your power, and to rejoice in the victory of Jesus Christ. Amen.

  • Living Among, Becoming Like, Seeing Jesus

    A Devotional on Incarnation and Mission

    Opening Thought

    One of the most humbling truths of Scripture is that the God who created the heavens and the earth chose to step down into our broken world. He didn’t just shout instructions from afar—He came close. He lived among us, felt our pain, and carried our sorrows.

    Scripture Reading

    1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (The Message)

    “Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people… I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!”

    Reflection

    Jesus did not distance Himself from humanity’s struggles—He dwelt among us. He knew hunger, fear, grief, and temptation. He bore rejection and carried shame. He walked into the very places where we would expect God not to go, and yet He went there willingly—for love’s sake.

    Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 9, describing how he entered into the lives of others without losing his foundation in Christ. He became like those he served—not to compromise truth, but to extend grace.

    This is the pattern we are called to follow:

    Dwell Among – Be present in the lives of people around us. Listen. Care.

    Become Like – Enter their world with empathy, without judgment.

    See Jesus – Point them to the One who understands and redeems every story.

    Application

    Pause & Reflect: Who in your life needs you to step closer instead of standing apart?

    Practice Presence: Look for one tangible way today to dwell among—whether that’s sharing a meal, lending an ear, or showing up where people are hurting.

    Stay Anchored: Remember, empathy doesn’t mean losing your footing. Stay rooted in Christ even as you walk into another’s world.

    Closing Prayer

    Lord Jesus, thank You for dwelling among us, for knowing our fears, carrying our sorrows, and redeeming our lives through Your sacrifice. Help me to live with that same compassion. Teach me to dwell among my neighbors, to become like those I serve without losing sight of You, and to always point others to the hope found in You. To You be the glory. Amen.

  • The Trap of Comparison – When Scrolling Steals Our Joy

    A Devotional on Envy, Contentment, and Fixing Our Eyes on Christ

    Opening Thought

    You open your phone and scroll for a few minutes. Suddenly you’ve seen the highlight reel of a dozen lives—vacations, promotions, new homes, perfect family photos. What started as a harmless glance leaves you weighed down by a subtle ache: Why don’t I have that? Why does their life look better than mine? Social media has given us a constant window into other people’s blessings, but instead of inspiring gratitude, it often breeds envy, insecurity, and restlessness. The enemy doesn’t need to invent new lies; he only needs to whisper, “You’re not enough.”

    Scripture Readings

    • “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:16)

    • “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:26)

    • “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)

    • “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” (Proverbs 15:16)

    • “So Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them… When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’” (John 21:20–22)

    Reflection

    Comparison is not new. Cain compared his offering to Abel’s and burned with jealousy (Genesis 4). Rachel envied Leah for bearing children (Genesis 30). Even Peter compared himself to John, asking Jesus, “What about him?” (John 21). The heart of comparison is distraction—it turns our eyes away from God’s faithfulness in our own life and toward what He is doing for someone else.

    Social media magnifies this ancient trap. The more we see filtered, polished lives, the easier it becomes to measure ourselves against them and come up short. But Scripture reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Joy does not flow from what others have—it flows from Christ who never leaves or forsakes us.

    Jesus’ response to Peter is the antidote: “What is that to you? You follow me!” God calls each of us to a unique path, and no amount of scrolling can substitute for the peace of walking faithfully in His plan.

    Application

    1. Shift the Lens – When tempted to compare, pause and thank God for one specific blessing in your own life. Gratitude breaks envy’s grip.

    2. Limit Triggers – Unfollow or mute accounts that stir discontent. Protect your peace.

    3. Practice Secret Celebration – Privately celebrate the successes of others, even when you feel envy creeping in. This trains the heart toward love instead of jealousy.

    4. Anchor in Identity – Remember that your worth is not in possessions, achievements, or likes—it is in being a beloved child of God (Romans 8:16).

    Closing Prayer

    Lord, forgive me for the times I have allowed comparison to rob me of joy. Teach me to see my life through Your eyes, not through the lens of envy. Fill my heart with contentment, gratitude, and trust in Your perfect plan. When I am tempted to ask, “What about them?” remind me of Your words: “You follow Me.” Amen.

  • Scrolling Through Strife – Choosing Peace in a Culture of Outrage

    A Devotional on Anger, Division, and Becoming Peacemakers

    Opening Thought

    Every swipe of the screen seems to bring another fight. Arguments rage in the comment sections, videos show people screaming at each other, and news feeds amplify conflict because outrage drives clicks. Social media has become a breeding ground for strife. And if we’re honest, it seeps into us. We scroll long enough, and we feel it—anger rising, cynicism creeping, division hardening our hearts. But Jesus calls His people to a different posture, not one of outrage, but of peace.

    Scripture Readings

    • “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

    • “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)

    • “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9)

    • “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14)

    • “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20)

    Reflection

    From Cain and Abel’s conflict to Paul’s warnings against quarrels in the early church, Scripture repeatedly shows us the destructive power of strife. What begins as a spark of disagreement can quickly become a consuming fire. Social media magnifies this truth. Platforms profit from outrage, and we pay with our peace.

    But anger—even when we feel it is “righteous”—does not produce the righteousness of God. Instead of softening us toward others, it hardens us. Instead of opening doors for reconciliation, it slams them shut. Our souls are not made to bear constant exposure to hostility.

    Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This is not weakness—it is the strength of God’s Spirit to resist the current of conflict and choose reconciliation. In a culture that thrives on arguments, Christ calls His people to be living testaments of His peace.

    Application

    1. Pause Before You Post – Before commenting or sharing, ask: Will this build up or tear down? If it fuels outrage, it does not honor Christ.

    2. Limit Outrage Consumption – Recognize when scrolling leaves you angry or bitter. Step away and replace the noise with prayer or Scripture.

    3. Practice Listening – Be “quick to hear, slow to speak.” Even online, listening with grace disarms anger.

    4. Be a Peacemaker – Look for opportunities to bring reconciliation in your family, workplace, church, and yes—even your online presence.

    Closing Prayer

    Prince of Peace, the world is filled with noise, anger, and division, and too often I let it fill my heart as well. Forgive me for the times I have added to the noise instead of silencing it with grace. Make me a peacemaker, Lord, even in a culture that thrives on strife. Let my words, my posts, and my thoughts reflect Your peace, not the world’s outrage. Amen.

  • Unfiltered Eyes – Guarding the Soul in a World of Screens

    A Devotional on Social Media, Exposure, and the Call to Purity

    Opening Thought

    We live in a time where, with one flick of a finger, we can watch violence unfold, arguments escalate, intimate acts be exposed, and abuse broadcast for the world to see. Social media has given us front-row seats to things God never intended our eyes—or our souls—to carry. It’s not just information; it’s contamination. What we watch, we absorb. What we absorb, we become. And what we become, if left unchecked, can crush the very soul God designed for purity and peace.

    Scripture Readings

    • “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22–23)

    • “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” (Psalm 101:3)

    • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

    • “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16)

    • “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” (Psalm 119:37)

    Reflection

    When David prayed, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (Psalm 101:3), he could not have imagined TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. Yet the principle applies. God designed the human soul with holy limits. We were not created to endlessly scroll through images of war, graphic sin, public humiliation, or constant comparison. Our souls are fragile vessels meant to hold light, not darkness.

    Jesus warns that the eyes are the “lamp of the body.” In our digital age, what fills the eyes inevitably saturates the heart. When social media floods us with violence, lust, and rage, it is more than just “content”—it is spiritual corruption, creeping in pixel by pixel. Over time, these images erode compassion, warp our desires, and desensitize us to what God calls holy.

    The ancient serpent tempted Eve with a vision: “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes…” (Genesis 3:6). The pattern has not changed. What delights the eyes but destroys the soul is still Satan’s most common trap. Today, the forbidden fruit dangles not in a garden, but on a glowing screen in our palm.

    Application

    1. Guard Your Feed – Take inventory of the voices, images, and videos you consume daily. If they promote violence, lust, or strife, cut them off (Matthew 5:29).

    2. Replace, Don’t Just Remove – Don’t simply delete apps or mute accounts. Replace what you see with what feeds your spirit—scripture, worship, godly teaching, beauty in creation.

    3. Fast from Noise – Consider regular breaks from social media to detox your soul and retrain your eyes toward the light.

    4. Pray for Clean Vision – Ask God to purify your eyes and heart. David’s cry should be ours: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things.”

    Closing Prayer

    Father, You made my eyes to behold Your glory, not the world’s corruption. Forgive me for the times I have allowed darkness to seep into my soul through what I’ve consumed. Guard my eyes, Lord, and give me wisdom to discern what I see. Help me turn from worthless things and fill me with Your light. Let my eyes reflect Your beauty, and let my heart remain untainted by the constant noise of this world. Amen.

  • Priceless in His Eyes – A Devotional on Identity and Value

    Opening Thought

    Have you ever lost something small but deeply important—like a wedding ring, a keepsake from your child, or even a few dollars when money was tight? That feeling of desperation to search until you find it tells you something about its value. Jesus used the same imagery to describe how He sees us: we are worth being sought after, even at great cost.

    Scripture Readings

    “Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?” – Luke 15:8

    “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” – Matthew 13:45–46

    “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20

    Reflection

    Jesus tells us plainly: you are the coin that stirred heaven to action. You are the pearl of great price. The Father looked upon you—not as one face in a crowd but as His treasure. The desperation of the woman searching for her coin and the costly sacrifice of the merchant speak of God’s relentless pursuit of you through Christ.

    Your worth is not found in your achievements, your appearance, or your failures. Your identity is sealed in Him, bought with the blood of Jesus. When God sees you, He doesn’t see “just another person”, He sees His beloved, chosen, and cherished child.

    And if He went to such great lengths to claim you, how could you ever believe you are worthless? You are godly special, not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for you.

    Application

    Remember: Start today by declaring over yourself, “I am God’s treasure, bought at a price.”

    Reflect: Where have you allowed lies of worthlessness to creep in? Bring them before God in prayer.

    Respond: Treat yourself and others with the value Christ has already declared over you. Search for the “lost coins” around you, those who need to be reminded of their worth in Him.

    Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for searching for me when I was lost, for counting me as priceless, and for purchasing me with the precious blood of Jesus. Help me live each day rooted in my true identity as Your child. May I reflect Your love by seeing others as treasures too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Lifted Up – Finding Life in John 3

    Part 3From Darkness to Light

    Opening Thought

    Nicodemus came to Jesus under the cover of night, cautious and uncertain. Jesus spoke to him of new birth, eternal life, and the power of light. The imagery of darkness and light threads through John 3: those who do evil love darkness, but those who live by the truth step into the light.

    Just as the bronze serpent was lifted up in plain sight for all to see, Jesus was lifted up publicly on the cross. His death was not hidden in a corner but displayed openly—an invitation for all to come out of hiding.

    Scripture Reading

    John 3:19–21

    Reflection

    Darkness conceals, but it also enslaves. Sin thrives in secrecy, where shame and fear keep us silent. But the light of Christ does not expose to condemn—it exposes to heal.

    When we step into His light, we are freed from hiding. Our lives become testimonies of His grace. Healing is not only forgiveness but transformation. We are invited to walk differently—to live openly, honestly, and courageously in the light.

    Application

    Identify shadows: Ask: What part of me am I still keeping in the dark? Where do I resist God’s light?

    Confession and accountability: Share one hidden struggle with God in prayer—or with a trusted friend who can walk with you.

    Walk in the light: Choose one practical way to live more transparently today (a word of honesty, an act of integrity, a confession of weakness).

    Closing Prayer

    Jesus, You are the Light of the world. Draw me out of the shadows and into Your healing presence. Give me courage to live honestly before You and others, not in fear but in freedom. Let my life shine as evidence that Your light is stronger than any darkness. Amen.

  • Lifted Up – Finding Life in John 3

    Part 2

    Opening Thought

    John 3:16 is the most quoted verse in Scripture, yet sometimes the familiarity dulls its power. This verse is not simply about salvation—it is about God’s heart. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” The cross is not primarily a story of human failure, but of divine love.

    Scripture Reading

    John 3:16

    Reflection

    Israel’s healing in the desert was temporary; they eventually died, even after being healed of snakebites. But Jesus declares that His lifting up offers something eternal. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

    Notice the verbs: God loved, God gave, so that we may believe and live. Love was the motivator; giving was the action; belief is our response; life is the result.

    This is not a reluctant salvation. God didn’t save because He was forced, but because His love compelled Him. The cross is the ultimate demonstration that God would rather sacrifice His Son than lose His children.

    Application

    Personalize God’s love: Write down your name into John 3:16 (“For God so loved [your name]…”). Read it aloud.

    Release unworthiness: Reflect on an area where you feel unloved or unworthy. Replace that lie with the truth of God’s deep love.

    Practice generosity: Because God gave, look for one way to give sacrificially today—whether time, encouragement, or resources.

    Closing Prayer

    Father, I am overwhelmed by Your love. You gave Your Son for me, not because I was worthy, but because You are love itself. Teach me to rest in this truth and let it shape every corner of my life. Help me to reflect Your giving heart in the way I love others. Amen.