Author: Thomas Casper

Three part weekly series

Part 1

Opening Thought

In the wilderness, Israel’s grumbling and rebellion opened the door to suffering. Venomous serpents invaded the camp, and many were bitten. As panic spread, so did the cries for mercy. God did not remove the snakes but gave a surprising remedy: Moses was to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole. Whoever was bitten could look up in faith and live.

It wasn’t logical. How could looking at a symbol heal poisoned blood? Yet God’s way was not about human reasoning—it was about trust and obedience. In John 3, Jesus ties this moment directly to His mission: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). The cure for sin’s venom is not self-improvement, but faith in the One lifted up.

Scripture Readings

• Numbers 21:4–9

• John 3:14–15

Reflection

The serpent bite was deadly, just as sin’s infection is deadly to the soul. Israel’s only hope was to look outside themselves for healing. That’s our story, too. We spend much of life trying to numb the sting of sin—through distractions, achievements, or denial—but the venom keeps spreading.

Jesus lifted up on the cross becomes our only remedy. His suffering absorbs our curse. Looking to Him means more than glancing; it means fixing our gaze on the cross as the center of our healing. It requires humility to admit we can’t cure ourselves. But the moment we look, life flows in.

Application

• Examine: Where have you tried to numb or cover sin’s poison on your own?

• Shift your gaze: Each time guilt or shame rises today, whisper: “I look to You, Jesus.”

• Encourage others: When someone shares their hurt, resist the urge to give quick solutions. Point them first to Christ, who heals deeper than advice ever can.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, I confess I have often tried to cure myself of sin’s poison. But today, I choose to look to You lifted high. Heal me, cleanse me, and remind me that my life is found only in Your cross. Give me courage to keep my eyes fixed on You, not on my wounds. Amen.

A Devotional on Identity and God’s Image

Opening Thought

Have you ever had someone stop you in your tracks with a simple but powerful reminder of who you are in Christ? My friend Dave has this way of saying, “WOW! You’re Godly created. You carry His image. His presence drips off you. WOW!” Those words carry weight because they echo a truth we often forget: you are not ordinary. You were made in the image of God, and His Spirit dwells within you.

Scripture Readings

• “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27

• “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

• “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27

Reflection

We live in a world that constantly tells us we are not enough. Not good enough, not successful enough, not beautiful enough, not spiritual enough. But the Word of God tells a different story: you are already stamped with His image. You reflect Him in ways you may not even see.

When people encounter you, they don’t just see you—they see the fingerprints of your Creator. His presence lingers on you, like oil that drips down and leaves a fragrance. That’s why encouragement like Dave’s hits so deeply. It’s a reminder that your very existence is proof of God’s handiwork.

Application

• Pause and Reflect: Each morning this week, look in the mirror and remind yourself, “WOW! I’m Godly created. I carry His image.”

• Soak in Scripture: Choose one of the verses above and meditate on it daily. Let it shape the way you see yourself.

• Speak Life: Just like Dave’s words, find someone you can remind this week of their identity in Christ. Speak truth over them—they may need it more than you know.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image. Help me see myself the way You see me—full of Your presence and purpose. Let my life drip with Your glory so that when others encounter me, they encounter You. Teach me to encourage others with the same truth, reminding them of the beauty and dignity of being Yours. WOW, Lord—what a gift it is to belong to You. Amen.

Opening Thought

A few days ago my friend Dave sent me a short yet timely message that said, “See Jesus today, no distractions.” Those words have been stirring in my heart ever since. It felt like both an invitation and a reminder. I thought about how many mornings I set out to focus on the Lord, yet my attention drifts as the noise of the day begins. Even good things like work, family, and responsibilities can quietly take His place if I am not careful.

Scripture Readings

Hebrews 12:2 – “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”

Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”

Luke 10:41–42 – “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one.”

Reflection

Seeing Jesus is more than a morning prayer or a quick reading of Scripture. It is a posture of the heart that says, “Lord, You are my priority, everything else can wait.” The enemy often does not attack us with something obvious. Instead he uses distraction. He fills our day with urgent but unimportant things until the most important thing, seeing Jesus, gets lost. When our focus is on Him, we respond with grace instead of reacting in frustration. We rest instead of striving. We live anchored instead of adrift.

Application

Pause before you start. Before checking your phone, email, or to-do list, sit quietly and pray, “Lord, I want to see You first today.”

Choose one verse to carry with you. Repeat it when distractions start to pull you away from Him.

Limit what captures your attention. Silence unnecessary notifications or take a short break from social media.

Create small moments with Jesus. Whisper His name as you drive, thank Him in the middle of your work, or step outside and notice His creation.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, today I choose to see You above everything else. Remove the clutter in my mind and guard my heart from distractions. Keep my thoughts fixed on You from the moment I wake until I lay my head down tonight. May I not miss a single moment You are showing Yourself to me. Amen.

A Devotional Rooted in Psalm 42

Opening Thought

There are moments when worship feels like breathing and others when it feels like choking. Psalm 42 reminds us that worship doesn’t come only from mountaintops but from valleys too. The psalmist cries out from a place of deep thirst and soul-wrenching sorrow. That’s where real worship begins—from the depth of our humanity, the muddy middle, the holy ache.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 42:1-3 — “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night while people say to me all day long ‘Where is your God?’”

Reflection

This is not clean or curated. This is raw. This is worship from the depths. The psalmist doesn’t mask the pain or pretend everything is fine. He brings the tears, the ache, the longing. And in that honest surrender, he worships emphatically.

God is not impressed with noise. He is not seeking a polished performance. He wants your heart. Your mind. Your full attention and full affection. Even if it’s shattered. Even if it’s tired. Even if it’s confused. Worship can happen in the waiting. In the crying. In the remembering.

Worship is connection. It is blessing and honor. It is healing and breakthrough. It is how we declare that God is still good even when our soul is downcast. It is how we fight back when hope feels distant.

Application

Take a deep breath. Let Psalm 42 be your starting point. Ask yourself

What am I truly longing for today? Have I tried to worship without being honest? Am I offering God a cymbal crash or a heartfelt cry?

Open up the places you’ve kept hidden. The dark corners. The tired questions. Let worship become the way you heal. Let it pierce the fog and light a fire in your soul again.

Closing Prayer

God I thirst for you. My soul is dry and weary. But I know you are near. I bring my whole self to you now. Not just the good parts. Not just the cleaned-up story. But everything. My ache. My confusion. My love. My praise. I worship you from the depths. Meet me here. Heal me here. Remind me that I will again praise you, my Savior and my God. Amen.

Opening Thought:

This morning, a single word stopped me in my tracks — lavished. It came while I was reading a devotional from Ephesians 1. And man, it hit deep. Lavished means “to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities.” Not just given. Not just offered. But poured out beyond measure.

Scripture Reading:

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered (lavished) his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.”

— Ephesians 1:7–8 (NLT)

Reflection:

God didn’t hold back. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t wait until we deserved it — because the truth is, we never could.

While we were still sinners, He lavished us with grace.

He lavished us with mercy.

He lavished us with love.

Not little sprinkles of kindness here and there. Not grace in measured doses.

But an overwhelming downpour — one we couldn’t earn and still can’t explain.

What kind of love does that?

What kind of mercy sees the mess, the rebellion, the brokenness — and still says,

“I choose you anyway”?

The answer is found in the cross.

The power to overcome the grave wasn’t given to the deserving.

It was given to the desperate.

To the lost.

To us.

Application:

Today, I’m asking God for a truly humble and gentle heart — for everyone I encounter. Because this kind of grace? It should change how we treat people.

None of us earned it.

None of us deserved it.

But God gave it anyway.

Let’s carry that kind of love into our homes, workplaces, grocery store lines, and tough conversations.

Let’s be people who lavish grace, because we’ve been lavished with it first.

Closing Prayer:

God, thank You for pouring out grace I didn’t deserve. Thank You for loving me while I was still far from You. Soften my heart today. Make me humble. Make me gentle. And let Your extravagant love flow through me to everyone I meet. Amen.

Trusting God in Times of Change

Opening Thought

You ever feel like something shifted but you can’t quite name it? You wake up and everything looks the same, but it doesn’t feel the same. Maybe it’s a new job, a move, a shift in your relationships, or maybe it’s just an internal stirring that something’s about to change. You’re not broken. You’re just in transition.

And it’s okay.

We all walk through seasons. Some are loud and obvious, others are quiet and slow like the soft turning of leaves before fall. But every season has a purpose. Even this one.

Scripture Readings

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Isaiah 43:19 – “See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Reflection

Sometimes we stay too long in a season that God has already left. Not because we’re bad, but because we’re human. We crave comfort, familiarity, rhythm. But God often stirs us when He’s calling us to grow. He nudges us out of our normal and into the new.

It might not feel “better” right away. This new thing? It might not look greener. But maybe it’s healthier. Maybe it’s where your soul can breathe again. Maybe it’s where you rediscover purpose. Or maybe it’s where you finally let go of what’s been weighing you down.

Transition can feel like chaos but what if it’s God rearranging things to set you free?

Application

• Reflect: Where are you sensing change? Is there an area of your life where you’ve felt restless or stirred?

• Pray: Ask God if He’s leading you into a new season and for the courage to follow.

• Act: Take one small step of faith today. Update the resume. Reach out to that friend. Walk the new path, even if you can’t see the whole trail.

• Stay Rooted: Keep time in the Word. Let God’s voice be louder than fear or comfort.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for being constant, even when everything around me is shifting. Help me embrace the change, even when I don’t fully understand it. Give me peace in the transition and trust in the unknown. If You’re calling me out, help me go boldly. If You’re planting me somewhere new, help me grow deeply. I believe every season You lead me into has a purpose and I trust You with mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Devotional on Living Spirit-First in a Body-First World

Opening Thought

Some days hit like a freight train. The to-do list multiplies, the coffee wears off too fast, and the weight of life starts pressing in. But sometimes, when you least expect it, a message lands that touches something deeper.

“I’m praying for you today. God baptize you with new life, new energy, and new comfort. Live in heavenly realms. Spirit first. Jesus is on duty. He hasn’t left. Enjoy Him even in the challenges. You’re loved.”

It reminds us that heaven is not far away and that we were never meant to carry this life on our own.

Scripture Readings

Ephesians 2:4–6

But God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:25

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Reflection

What does it look like to live in heavenly realms while facing real problems here on earth? It is one of the beautiful tensions of faith. We are spiritually seated with Christ, while still standing in checkout lines, facing decisions, or walking through grief.

Living Spirit-first means we let the Holy Spirit guide our mindset, our responses, and our hope. When that happens, peace begins to lead. Joy returns. Burdens get lifted.

Jesus is not off-duty. He has not stepped away or checked out. He is with you right now, working behind the scenes, renewing your strength, and drawing your heart close. His presence is not limited to church pews or quiet moments. He is in the chaos, the carpool line, the hospital room, and the everyday tasks.

You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are loved.

Application

Try these Spirit-first practices today:

Take a 3-minute pause to breathe and silently invite the Holy Spirit to center your heart. Speak this out loud: “Jesus, I know You are on duty today. I receive Your life, Your energy, and Your comfort.”

Shift your perspective: Ask God to show you what He sees in your situation.

Encourage someone else: Send a message of hope, like the one above, and let God’s love move through you.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You that I do not walk alone. Thank You that I am seated with Christ in heavenly realms, even as I face challenges here. Baptize me today with new life, new energy, and new comfort. Jesus, I trust that You are on duty. You are with me. Help me live Spirit-first and enjoy Your presence in every moment, even the hard ones. Thank You that I am deeply loved. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Devotional on Wonder, Presence, and Praise

Opening Thought

Sometimes we move so fast we forget to pause. We miss the sunset, overlook the laughter of our kids, or scroll past the miracle that today even exists. What if today you just stopped for a second, and said, “Wow”? What if wonder was worship?

Scripture Readings

Psalm 19:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Acts 2:43

“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

Reflection

When was the last time you looked around and felt awe? Not because of something flashy, but simply because God showed up in the ordinary. The breath in your lungs, the beauty in creation, the kindness of a stranger, and the peace in chaos are all “Wow” moments. These moments are invitations. God is calling you to live wide-eyed, heart-open, and Spirit-first.

Application

Today, let “Wow” be your prayer.

Stop and notice something beautiful

Speak gratitude out loud when you are surprised by joy

Let the little things draw you to the feet of Jesus

Invite someone else into your wonder

Write down one moment that made you say “Wow” today

Closing Prayer

God, I do not want to rush past the miracles. Slow me down. Open my eyes. Fill me with wonder again. Let my spirit rise in awe and my heart sing with praise. I want to live a “Wow” kind of life in Your presence. Amen.

A Devotional on Living in God’s Presence and Sharing His Love

Opening Thought

A friend of mine, Dave, has a way of speaking life with just one sentence. He often says, “I’m going to Godly love on you today.” It’s more than a feel-good phrase, it’s a reminder of how powerful God’s love is when it flows through His people. Every time he says it, I’m reminded that we’re not meant to simply receive God’s love, we’re meant to live in it, carry it, and share it.

Scripture Readings

Romans 5:5 – “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Psalm 139:5 – “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

Acts 1:5 – “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Exodus 33:14 – “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”

Reflection

When Dave says, “I’m going to Godly love on you today,” he’s not just offering encouragement, he’s inviting you into something deeper. He’s speaking the language of heaven. He’s echoing what God does for us daily.

To be Godly loved on is to be seen, known, and surrounded by a presence that never fades. It’s to be reminded that God is with you, not just in the quiet moments of prayer, but in the loud, messy, ordinary places too.

And here’s the beautiful part, this love doesn’t stop with us. When we receive it, we’re changed. And when we’re changed, we begin to walk differently. We carry peace into chaos, joy into sorrow, and light into darkness.

God goes before you today. His presence wraps around you. And His love isn’t just something to feel, it’s something to live in. Let yourself be baptized in that truth, soaked in it, changed by it.

Application

Start the Day Aware – Before you begin anything else, say aloud, “God, thank You for loving me. Let me walk in that love today.”

Let Love Flow Through You – Look for one person you can Godly love on today, whether through a word, a gesture, a prayer, or a listening ear.

Breathe in His Presence – In moments of stress or pressure, take a pause and remind yourself, “His presence goes before me.”

Reflect in Writing – Journal this thought: What does it mean to be Godly loved on? When have I felt that from others, or from God?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the people in my life who reflect Your heart, people like Dave who speak blessing with boldness. Today, I receive that blessing. I want to be conscious of Your presence with me in every moment. Baptize me again in Your love, that I may walk in it, rest in it, and offer it freely to others. Let every step I take be guided by the knowledge that You go before me. I will enjoy Your love today, and I will let it overflow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Devotional on Redemption, Release, and Living in Liberty

Opening Thought

Have you ever been stuck, really stuck? Maybe physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Like being caught in a cycle you couldn’t escape. That’s what it means to be a captive. A captive is someone who’s trapped, restrained, and powerless to break free on their own. Whether it’s addiction, shame, fear, anger, or guilt, we all know what it’s like to feel the weight of bondage.

But here’s the good news: in Christ, we are no longer captives. The chains are broken. The prison doors are open. You’ve been set free, truly and eternally.

Yet being set free is not the end of the story, it’s the beginning of a brand new life.

When Christ breaks our chains, He doesn’t just rescue us from something. He brings us into something — into His Spirit, into His kingdom, into eternity. The moment you receive Jesus, eternity turns on inside of you. You are no longer just flesh trying to survive, you are spirit, alive in Him. Right here, right now.

The kingdom of heaven is near, not far off, not someday. Now.

This is what it means to be truly free:

To live spiritually, even while still in your body.

To carry heaven, even while walking through earth.

To know that you are already joined with Jesus, not waiting for the next life, but living His life through you today.

Scripture Readings

John 8:36 (ESV) – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) – “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

Galatians 5:1 (NIV) – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Romans 6:6-7 (NLT) – “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.”

Reflection

Freedom in Christ isn’t just a new set of rules, it’s a new way of being.

We are spiritual beings now, awakened by grace, reborn into eternal life.

Through us, the supernatural flows.

When we walk in the Spirit, not in fear, flesh, or shame, we begin to live in the full reality of who we are in Christ.

Practice living spiritually.

Not mystically, but Godly spiritual.

Stay rooted in Christ, surrendered to His voice, guided by His Word.

And watch,

Watch the supernatural unfold.

Chains break.

Hearts heal.

Mountains move.

Peace floods.

Purpose ignites.

WOW!

This is what it means to be truly free,

Not barely surviving, but boldly, joyfully, supernaturally alive in Christ.

Application

Reflect on what once held you captive. Give thanks for the chains that are no longer on you. Live like you’re free. Don’t slip back into fear or flesh. Keep walking in the Spirit. Remember, eternity starts now. You don’t have to wait to experience heaven. Let the Spirit of God define your reality today. Use your freedom for others. Galatians 5:13 says, “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Let your life reflect heaven. Be bold. Be joyful. Be spiritual. The world needs to see the freedom you now carry.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for setting me free, not only from sin, but into Your kingdom. Thank You that I am no longer just surviving in the flesh, but alive in the Spirit. I declare that eternity has already begun in me, because You live in me. Let Your kingdom come through my life. Let freedom flow through my words, my actions, and my love. Teach me to live boldly, spiritually, and joyfully, every single day. In Your name, Amen.