Scripture: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:10-12
Devotional:
Have you ever stepped out to do something good, only to be met with resistance, criticism, or even hostility? It’s a painful reality that good deeds are not always met with appreciation. Sometimes, they invite opposition. But why?
Because we live in a world where good and evil are at war. Every act of kindness is a declaration that darkness will not have the final say. Every moment of compassion is a small victory against the cruelty of this world. And yet, the enemy does not sit idly by.
It can be discouraging when our efforts to help others are misunderstood or rejected. The enemy whispers, “Why bother? Just walk away.” But God calls us to stand firm. He reminds us that we do not battle against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to discourage, divide, and destroy.
Imagine a world where no one showed up to fight evil with good. Where sadness had no answer in joy, sorrow no relief in kindness, and despair no comfort in love. That is what happens when we choose to retreat, when we allow fear or frustration to silence the good that God has placed in our hearts.
But the Spirit calls us forward. Step in front of opportunity before it passes you by. Give what you can, even when it’s not easy. Stand strong, even when opposition comes. Do not fear, for God’s strength upholds you.
Yes, good deeds may invite difficulty. But they also invite the presence of God. They bring light where darkness looms. They plant seeds of hope in places of despair. And in the end, they reflect the love of Christ—who faced the ultimate rejection for the greatest act of love.
So today, choose to keep doing good. Choose to keep showing up. Choose to fight darkness with light. And when the enemy whispers that it’s not worth it, let your heart reply: “I will not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. I confess that at times I feel discouraged when my kindness is met with resistance. But Lord, I know that I am not fighting against people, but against the darkness that seeks to overcome good. Strengthen me to stand firm. Equip me with Your armor so I may continue to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Help me to show love, joy, and mercy, trusting that You are working through every act of kindness. I surrender my fears and frustrations to You, and I ask for the courage to keep walking in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
We were at a park where many homeless gathered. We bought burgers and fries from 5 Guys…and were handing them out. A woman with her daughter and grandchild stepped off the bus…and started arguing with some guys that had some burgers and fries. She wanted theirs. I tried to tell her…”We can get you some too”…but that wasn’t her interest. She just wanted to argue, apparently. I stepped away and said…”No good deed shall go unpunished.” What does that mean?
It is said “No good deed shall go unpunished”
For this is just the way the world works… …it is what it is
Because for every action there is a counter action… …the Good deed of Joy brings Sadness …the Good deed of Happiness brings Sorrow …the Good deed of Peace brings Turmoil …the Good deed of Healing brings Woundedness …the Good deed of Fulfillment brings Emptiness
And so, I commit to do no Good deed… …to prevent the certain punishment that follows …thus I am justified for my inaction …I am not held accountable to Evil …I am satisfied
And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers… …do you expect the actions of Goodness to go unanswered? …as if Evil will stand still to allow Goodness to prevail? …that Evil will simply bow down…and be trampled upon? …that Evil will surrender…simply because a Good deed is done? …have you not heard there is a war raging between Good and Evil? …if no one stands against Evil… …if you don’t show up… …who will?
…and the light grows dim …and it vanishes …and the darkness surrounds me …and the emptiness engulfs me …and in the quietness …I cry out…but there is no answer
In the desolate wasteland of Evil… …I see Sadness…but there was no Good deed of Joy …and I see Sorrow…but there was no Good deed of Happiness …and I see Turmoil…but there was no Good deed of Peace …and I see Woundedness…but there was no Good deed of Healing …and I see Emptiness…but there was no Good deed of Fulfillment
And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers… …step in front of opportunity, before it passes you by …don’t walk…but run…into the stadium of Mercy …simply do what you can …give Joy as you can …give Happiness as you can …give Peace as you can …give Healing as you can …give Fulfillment as you can
…and then…stand strong against the shouts of Evil…for they will come… …do not be afraid …do not be defeated …but know the Good deed done today is a blessing of much needed Mercy to a hungry soul
Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the (evil strategies) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”
Most people will show sincere gratitude when they know someone cares…
Scripture: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Devotional: There are moments in life when we feel like we’ve reached the end of the road—when the weight of our mistakes and the burden of our circumstances leave us broken and searching for hope. April 3, 2014, was one of those moments for me. I had traveled to Oklahoma City to escape the wreckage of my life, and for a brief moment, the energy of OKC Thunder and my favorite player, Kevin Durant, allowed me to forget my pain. But reality waited for me the next day.
Sitting on the dry boat ramp at Lake Hefner, I felt like my surroundings mirrored my heart—parched, empty, and at a dead end. With headphones on and tears streaming down my face, I cried out to God. I played a song, “Word of God, Speak to Me” over and over, its lyrics piercing my heart. It was there, in the silence and solitude, that I realized running wasn’t the answer. I needed to face my pain and give it to God.
As I sat at the edge of that ramp, it struck me: I had been carrying a burden I was never meant to bear alone. For so long, I had tried to fix things in my own strength, only to end up more broken and exhausted. The end of the road wasn’t an ending—it was an invitation. An invitation to surrender my shame, my failures, and my heavy heart to the One who could truly heal me. The dry conditions of the lake mirrored my soul, but I was reminded that God is the living water, able to quench the deepest thirst and bring life to the driest places.
Sometimes, the hardest part of healing is letting go of the mask we wear. We cling to an image of strength, afraid to admit our struggles. But healing begins when we strip away the facade and come before God as we are—broken, messy, and desperate for His touch. That day at Lake Hefner, I didn’t need eloquent words or polished prayers. I just needed honesty, and God met me in my rawest, most vulnerable moment.
Have you felt like you’ve reached the end of the road? Maybe your heart feels heavy with regret or your circumstances feel insurmountable. Let me encourage you: God’s grace is sufficient for you. He doesn’t meet you with condemnation or shame—He meets you with open arms and unshakable love. He invites you to lay down your burdens and trust Him to do the work you cannot do on your own.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for meeting us in our brokenness and offering the gift of Your grace. When we feel like we’ve reached the end of the road, remind us that You are there, waiting to restore us and lead us into new life. Help us to lay down our burdens at Your feet and trust in Your redeeming power. Let Your love transform us, and may our lives testify to the miracle of Your grace. Thank You for never leaving us where You find us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Writing:
Have you ever wanted a miracle But felt unworthy to plead
Have you felt like a lost cause weighed down, never to be freed
All you could do was crawl in a hole Never to be heard from or seen
Giving up a life of purpose Giving up hope to be clean
Shouting out to God in your anger Why not me Lord, why am I not deserving
If you were truly a God of love and compassion You are the one I would be serving
Walking away into the night Your heart hardened, you have no regret
Your hopes crushed to have a Savior Someone who loves you, who will pay your debt
Have you ever seen a miracle in the life of another soul
Have you ever witnessed the gratitude that comes by making one whole
It’s a beauty that’s indescribable A gift from the One above
Filled with so much awe and wonder It is truly a gift of love
That gift is yours for the taking All you have to do is ask
But you will never be able to come clean If you continue to wear your mask
How do you break free from yourself From the bondage that’s keeping you a slave
You have to lift your hands to the one above For He is the only one who can save
Come to the living water’s edge And feel the power of healing
It is a miracle you can receive The love of the Savior revealing
You will be free from your own bondage To be made whole again
Give Him your burden, completely your burden He will cleanse you from all your sin
Have you ever seen a miracle in the life of your own soul
Have you ever poured out your gratitude that comes by making you whole
It’s a beauty that’s indescribable A gift from the One above
Filled with so much awe and wonder It is truly a gift of love
Have you longed for a miracle, felt unworthy to believe? Burdened down by guilt and shame, no hope to be relieved. In the darkness, you have wondered, “Can I ever be made whole?” Jesus stands with arms wide open, He’s the Savior of your soul.
(Verse 2)
Have you seen a heart surrendered, healed by mercy’s gentle hand? Felt the joy of restoration, love you cannot understand? Bring your pain and all your burdens; leave them at the cross tonight. Let His power make you righteous, shining pure in holy light.
(Chorus)
Have you seen a miracle, felt His love that sets you free? It’s a gift beyond all measure, full of grace and majesty. Come and drink the living water, let it wash your fear away. Jesus breaks the chains that bind you; He’s your miracle today.
(Verse 3)
Have you felt the weight of sorrow, like a chain you cannot break? Every step feels weak and heavy, every move a deep mistake. Jesus sees your every struggle, and He whispers, “You are Mine.” Through His grace, the chains will shatter; you will rise in love divine.
(Bridge)
Lift your hands and call upon Him; He will meet you where you stand. Every tear and cry of sorrow, He will hold within His hand. Feel the freedom in His presence, leave your past and walk His way. Jesus loves you and redeems you; He’s your miracle today.
(Verse 4)
Have you walked in endless darkness, longing for the morning light? Felt the pain of isolation, thinking hope was out of sight? Jesus calls you from the shadows; He will lead you by His hand. Step into His glorious promise, to the life that He has planned.
(Chorus)
Have you seen a miracle, felt His love that sets you free? It’s a gift beyond all measure, full of grace and majesty. Come and drink the living water, let it wash your fear away. Jesus breaks the chains that bind you; He’s your miracle today.
(Outro)
He’s your miracle today, Jesus is your miracle today.
Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner; “Living Waters Edge” Copyright © 2014 by SkylerThomas