A tree doesn’t become strong when the storm arrives. By then, its ability to stand has already been determined by what has been growing beneath the surface. The same is true in our walk with God. Some of the most important growth in our lives happens quietly, in time spent in the Word, in God’s presence, receiving correction, learning obedience, and allowing our character to develop when nobody else is watching. In THIS DEVOTIONAL VIDEO, Esther looks at what Scripture teaches about becoming deeply rooted in God and why those roots matter when seasons change and adversity comes. Jeremiah describes the person who trusts in the Lord as a tree planted by water. Heat still comes. Drought still comes. But the tree remains green and continues producing fruit. That is the kind of stability God wants to develop in us. Before you watch, think about one area of your life where circumstances have been affecting you more than they should. Keep that area in mind as Esther teaches, and listen for what God may be showing you about where your roots need to grow deeper. Then come back and finish this sentence in the comments: “I want to become more deeply rooted in ______.”

Nearly 30 years. That’s how long Trudy lived with chronic pain after multiple back surgeries. Metal hardware in her spine. Medication. Limitations. Eventually, something that once felt abnormal simply became normal life. Then she came under the tent. What happened during prayer that night and what she experienced when she woke up the next morning is one of those testimonies worth going back to when you’re believing God for something that hasn’t changed yet. Sometimes after carrying something for years, the greatest battle is refusing to believe that because it has been this way for a long time, it has to stay this way. Trudy’s testimony is a beautiful reminder that time does not make something too difficult for God. Watch THIS TESTIMONY with someone specific on your heart. Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s someone you love. When the video ends, instead of immediately moving on, take that situation before the Lord and allow this testimony to stir your faith again. And if you’re comfortable, tell us below what you’re believing God for. We want this community to be a place where we can stand together and celebrate when the testimonies come.

Every kingdom has a constitution, and the Bible is the constitution of the Kingdom of God. But there is a difference between knowing what the Bible says and actually building your life around it. Jesus didn’t give us His Word simply so we could agree with it. He gave us His Word so we could live by it. There comes a point when truth has to move from something we know to something we obey. That is where Kingdom life becomes real. James 1:22 says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” As we continue through “ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?,” this is worth taking personally. We can know Scripture, attend church, listen to teaching, and still have areas where our lives haven’t come into agreement with what God has said. Here’s your assignment: Think of one thing you already know God’s Word tells you to do, but you haven’t fully acted on. Don’t look for something new today. Put into practice what He has already shown you. That is where we begin.

There’s a moment in Luke 17 that is easy to read past. Ten lepers cried out to Jesus. Ten were cleansed. But only one came back. He returned to Jesus, fell at His feet, and gave thanks. So this week, we’re going to be the one who comes back. Your challenge is to intentionally remember what God has already done for you. Not what you’re waiting for. Not what you still need Him to do. Not the prayer that hasn’t been answered yet. What has He already done? Take some time this weekend and write down five specific things God has done in your life that you never want to become casual about. Then spend some time simply thanking Him. And here’s the second part of the challenge: share one or all of those things below. Let’s fill this post with testimonies of the faithfulness of God.

Prayer isn’t only for emergencies. It’s easy to pray when we desperately need an answer, when something has gone wrong, or when we’re believing God for a breakthrough. But Scripture calls us to something deeper: faithfulness in prayer. “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 As we continue through “Are You A Christian?,” Aaron and Julie take this part of the Christian walk deeper. Prayer is relationship with God, and relationships grow through consistency rather than occasional conversations when we need something. There will be days when prayer feels powerful and days when it feels ordinary. Faithfulness keeps showing up for both. This teaching is a good opportunity to look at our prayer lives without condemnation, but with a willingness to grow. After you watch THIS VIDEO, look at your normal daily routine and find a place where prayer can become more intentional. Maybe it’s your drive to work, the first few minutes of your morning, before everyone wakes up, or before you go to bed. Don’t make it complicated. Make it faithful.