The Engrafted life

Category: Self Relection

  • “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.

  • Pure and Reverent Lives

    I had this thought today (I’ve actually had it many times but today I put pen to paper)…We live in a world that celebrates compromise and self-indulgence and pursuit of our own happiness. Living a life of purity and reverence feels countercultural and radical. Yet, as believers, we are set apart—called to holiness not out of duty, but out of love for the One who redeemed us. If this truly is the case then our lives should reflect the purity of Christ, not as a burden, but as an act of worship.

    There is a bit of scripture that captured me today and it’s from 1 Peter 3:1-2….“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.” This bit of scripture is referring to the marriage relationship to someone who is not a believer, however couldn’t this be true for everyone? Living a life that can win over people without even using words!


    Scripture Readings

    • 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

    • Philippians 2:14-15 – “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

    • Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”

    Reflection

    To live a pure and reverent life is to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with God’s holiness. Purity is not just about avoiding sin or obeying some moral code—it’s about pursuing righteousness. It’s a daily surrender, a refining process where we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts and transform our minds. It takes time.

    Reverence, on the other hand, is our posture before God. It’s an awareness of His majesty, a deep respect for His presence, and a commitment to honor Him in all we do. When we revere God, we don’t take His grace for granted; instead, we respond with gratitude and obedience.

    In practical terms, purity and reverence are reflected in how we speak, how we think, and how we treat others. Do our words build up or tear down? Do our thoughts dwell on what is noble, true, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)? Do our actions reflect Christ’s love and character?

    Application

    1. Examine Your Heart – Ask God to reveal areas in your life that need cleansing. Is there anything that is hindering your walk with Him?

    2. Guard Your Mind – Be mindful of what you allow into your thoughts. Choose to dwell on what is holy and uplifting.

    3. Live Set Apart – Remember that holiness is not about legalism, but about devotion. Make daily choices that reflect your love for Christ.

    4. Revere God in Worship – Approach God with awe and gratitude in prayer, in how you handle His Word, and in how you conduct your life.

    Closing Prayer

    Heavenly Father, You are holy, and You have called me to walk in Your ways. Give me a pure heart and a reverent spirit, that I may honor You in all I do. Remove anything in me that is not pleasing to You, and help me to live a life that reflects Your love and truth. May my thoughts, words, and actions be set apart for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • “Deep Calls to Deep”

    Several years ago we took a family trip to the beach.  I remember standing in the cold sand, ankles deep in the water, and just staring out into the vastness of the waters. It was mesmerizing and awesome.  There’s something about deep waters that stirs the soul.  They are mysterious, powerful, and seemingly endless—just like our relationship with God.

    The psalmist wrote, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls” (Psalm 42:7). The word deep in this verse refers to something vast, limitless, and profound. The psalmist, feeling overwhelmed by life’s struggles, acknowledges that his soul is crying out for something beyond the surface—something only God can provide. It reflects a longing for a connection with the Creator that goes beyond routine faith and into true intimacy. This verse speaks of the profound connection between our innermost being and the depths of God’s presence. It is an invitation.  Are we willing to let the deep places within us respond to the depths of who He is?

    Scripture Readings

    • Psalm 42:7 – “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.”

    • 1 Corinthians 2:10 – “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”

    • Ephesians 3:18-19 – “…that you may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

    Reflection

    Our walk with God isn’t meant to remain in the shallows. Many live with a surface-level faith—believing, yet never truly diving in. But God is always calling us deeper, into a place where our spirit longs for something beyond what this world can offer.

    When the psalmist said, “Deep calls to deep,” he was describing the overwhelming nature of God’s presence. Just as ocean depths are moved by unseen forces, our souls are stirred by the voice of God echoing within us. This is not about desperation or spiritual dryness—it’s about longing, about being drawn into the vastness of God’s nature, where our deepest questions, desires, and yearnings find their answer in Him.

    God love for us is unfathomable. His plans stretch beyond our comprehension. If we truly desire intimacy with Him, we must be willing to move beyond what is comfortable and allow our souls to be immersed in the depths of His presence.

    Application 

    1. Seek Him Beyond the Surface – Ask yourself: Do I only seek God in moments of need, or am I pursuing Him daily? Set aside intentional time for deep communion.

    2. Embrace the Mystery – Not everything about God is meant to be understood immediately. Trust that His ways are higher and invite Him to reveal more in His time (Isaiah 55:8-9).

    3. Let the Spirit Lead You – The Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). Ask Him to guide you beyond intellectual knowledge into true revelation.

    4. Engage in Deep Prayer and Worship – Move beyond quick prayers and surface-level worship. Linger in His presence, allowing your spirit to truly connect with Him.

    5. Be Willing to Be Transformed – The deeper you go, the more God will shape you. Let go of old ways of thinking and step into greater depths of faith and surrender.

    Closing Prayer

    Father, You are deeper than the ocean, greater than my understanding, and more vast than anything I can imagine. Let the deep places in me respond to the depths of who You are. Draw me beyond the surface into a deeper knowledge of You. Help me to embrace the mystery, trust Your leading, and allow my soul to be fully immersed in Your presence. I want to know You, not just in part, but in fullness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Garbage In, Garbage Out

    When I was growing up, my dad had a saying he often used, especially when he thought I was making questionable choices: “Garbage in, garbage out.” I knew what he meant, but I liked to believe I was the exception—that I could take in whatever I wanted, mentally, emotionally, or physically, without it truly impacting me. I figured I was immune, untouchable. Maybe I just didn’t care.

    But the reality is, it does matter. What we take in—through our minds, hearts, and daily habits—eventually shapes who we are. The things we allow into our lives influence our thoughts, our words, and, in the end, our actions.

    Scripture Readings

    • Luke 6:45 (NIV) – “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

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

    • 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

    Reflection

    Jesus reminds us in Luke 6:45 that our words and actions are simply the overflow of what’s in our hearts. What we feed our minds will eventually become the reality of our lives. If we consistently take in negativity, unhealthy influences, or lies, then those things will shape our thoughts and behavior.

    Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from them. If we don’t take this seriously, we allow toxic influences to settle in, affecting our attitudes, choices, and relationships.

    Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 15:33—our surroundings matter. The people we spend time with, the media we consume, and the messages we allow into our minds all play a role in shaping our character. If we surround ourselves with negativity or ungodliness, we shouldn’t be surprised when our faith, integrity, and joy suffer.

    The good news? The opposite is also true. When we fill our hearts and minds with truth, wisdom, and righteousness, we’ll see the fruit of it in our lives.

    Application

    • Self-Examination: What am I consuming daily—through conversations, entertainment, or social media? Is it leading me toward God or pulling me away?

    • Prayer and Scripture Reflection: Ask God to help you guard your heart and be intentional about filling your mind with His truth. Spend time in His Word daily.

    • Accountability: Surround yourself with people who encourage spiritual growth. Identify influences that need to change.

    • Action Step: Choose one area of input to evaluate this week—music, TV, social media, friendships—and make an intentional shift toward what is godly and uplifting.

    Closing Prayer

    Father, help me to be mindful of what I allow into my heart and mind. Give me discernment to recognize what is drawing me closer to You and what is pulling me away. Strengthen me to make wise choices, to guard my heart, and to surround myself with godly influences. Let my words and actions be a reflection of Your truth and goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Day 2: Who Am I Becoming?

    Motivational speaker Earl Nightingale once said, “You will become what you think about most of the time.” While often discussed in personal development, this is actually a biblical principle. Our thoughts shape who we are, and what we allow into our minds—whether through social media, entertainment, or the company we keep—deeply influences our attitudes, decisions, and faith.

    Recently, I’ve had to make some tough decisions about my own influences. I realized that the time I spent reading the news or scrolling through social media directly impacted my mood, my energy, and even how I treated others. Fear, anxiety, and anger sell. The more anxious, outraged, or divided people feel, the more they stay engaged with the content fueling those emotions.

    The world thrives on stirring up fear, keeping us in a constant cycle of worry and frustration. But what we consume in our minds doesn’t just stay there—it affects our hearts and ultimately our actions.

    Scripture Readings:

    📖 Romans 12:2 – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

    📖 Mark 9:42-43, 45, 47 – “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands… If your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.”

    📖 Philippians 4:8 – “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

    Reflection:

    Jesus gives a strong warning about allowing harmful influences to control us. He isn’t literally telling us to harm ourselves, but He is making a very clear point: If something is leading you or others away from God—whether it’s media, habits, or toxic influences—you need to remove it. Cut it off! Get rid of it!

    If social media leaves you feeling bitter and divisive, maybe it’s time to step away. If the constant flood of bad news fills your heart with fear instead of faith, perhaps it’s time to turn it off.

    Earl Nightingale’s words remind us that we become what we think about most. If we focus on fear, we will live in fear. If we focus on anger, we will respond in anger. But if we focus on God’s truth, we will live in peace.

    The world profits from our fear and outrage, but God offers something better—a transformed mind and a heart at rest.

    Application:

    1. Self-Examination – Take inventory of what you consume daily. What worldly influences are shaping your thoughts the most?

    2. Prayer for Discernment – Ask God to reveal anything that is causing fear, anger, or division in your heart.

    3. Mindful Media Choices – Consider taking a break from social media or certain news sources that fuel negativity.

    4. Scripture Meditation – Focus on passages that remind you of God’s peace and truth. Write them down and repeat them throughout the day.

    5. Intentional Conversations – Engage in discussions that build up, encourage, and bring wisdom instead of fueling frustration and division.

    Closing Prayer:

    Lord, help me to be mindful of what I allow into my heart and mind. Show me what I need to remove so that I can walk in Your peace instead of fear. Fill my thoughts with Your truth and wisdom. Transform me from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Who Am I Becoming?

    Recently, my oldest daughter randomly asked me if I was OK. She said that I seemed “off.” I assured her that I was fine—maybe just still recovering from being sick. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But later, it hit me: a change was happening in me, and others could see it, even when I couldn’t.

    My daughter, who knows me so well, noticed the shift in my demeanor—my facial expressions, my energy, my responses to conversations. To her, something was really off. But to me, I was just physically sick. What I didn’t realize was that I was spiritually and emotionally sick too.

    Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time on social media and the news. At first, it seemed harmless—just staying informed, scrolling through updates. But little by little, it began to consume my thoughts, shape my emotions, and alter my perspective. Without realizing it, I was being influenced in ways I never intended. The negativity, the comparisons, the endless stream of information—it was all affecting me. It wasn’t a sickness in my body, though that might have also been a contributing factor; it was the sickness in my soul.

    Sometimes, we don’t even see it.  It’s like a festering wound we ignore until it becomes so big, so undeniable, that we’re forced to deal with it. When we finally recognize the change within us, we’re left asking: Who am I? What have I become? But the better question is: God, who do You say I am?

    Scripture Readings:

    📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

    📖 Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

    📖 Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

    📖 Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 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.”

    Reflection:

    Life has a way of pulling us down rabbit holes—searching, questioning, chasing answers—only to leave us feeling more lost than found. When we finally pause to reflect, we may not even recognize the person staring back at us.

    Like the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we may wake up one day and realize we have strayed so far from where we intended to be that we don’t even recognize ourselves.  It’s never too late.  But just as the father in that parable ran to embrace his lost son, God is ready to welcome us back with open arms.

    So, ask yourself: What am I really seeking? Is it truth? Fulfillment? Peace?

    More importantly, am I seeking it in God—or in things that will never satisfy?

    Application:

    1. Self-Examination – Take time to honestly assess where you are in life. Are you moving closer to God or further away?

    2. Prayer for Renewal – Ask God to help you rediscover who you are in Him and to realign your heart with His purpose.

    3. Scripture Reflection – Meditate on God’s promises about your identity in Christ. Write them down and speak them over yourself daily.

    4. Accountability & Community – Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor about what you’re experiencing. We aren’t meant to navigate our faith alone.

    5. Action Step – If there are areas in your life where you’ve strayed, take one intentional step back toward God today. That could be through prayer, fasting, worship, or simply surrendering your need for control.

    Closing Prayer:

    Father, I feel lost. I’ve gone down so many paths seeking answers, yet I still feel empty. When I look in the mirror, I don’t recognize who I’ve become. But You see me, You know me, and You call me Your own. Lord, renew my mind, transform my heart, and guide me back to You. Help me release what is not from You and embrace who You have created me to be. I trust that You are making all things new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.