Why Does Biblical Fasting Begin with Food? A Closer Look at the Scriptures

When we fast, why is it usually food that’s laid on the altar?

In today’s world, we often hear: “You can fast anything—TV, social media, even gossip.” While these are meaningful sacrifices, true biblical fasting has always started with something much deeper: food.

Let’s walk through the scriptures to understand why fasting in the Bible begins with food, and why that still matters today.

🍽️ What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?

The word "fast" or "fasting" appears around 70 times in the NKJV Bible. It’s most often used in the context of:

• Seeking divine help (Ezra 8:23)

• Repentance and humility (Jonah 3:5-10)

• Spiritual warfare and breakthrough (Matthew 17:21)

• Preparation for ministry (Acts 13:2-3)

Key Verse:

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness... to let the oppressed go free?” — Isaiah 58:6

🥖 Why Food? Doesn’t It Nourish Us?

Yes—and that’s why it’s so powerful.

Food is our most basic physical need. When we fast from it, we challenge the flesh and declare that:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4

Fasting food breaks the cycle of self-reliance. It reminds us that only God truly sustains us.

📖 Examples of Food-Based Fasts in Scripture:

• Absolute Fast – Esther 4:16: “No food or water for three days.”

• Partial Fast – Daniel 10:3: “I ate no pleasant food.”

• Corporate Fast – Joel 2:15: “Blow the trumpet… sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.”

• Jesus' 40-Day Fast – Luke 4:2: “He ate nothing.”

These weren’t about self-control. They were about God-dependence.

📺 What About Other Forms of Fasting?

In the Old and New Testaments, people had entertainment—feasts, music, theater, and celebrations. But those weren’t daily essentials.

Food was universal. Everyone needed it. So fasting from food was a clear, collective act of devotion.

In modern times, fasting from TV, social media, or digital distractions can absolutely help refocus our minds—but these are usually supplemental fasts. They don’t carry the same physical sacrifice as food.

🔑 So Why Start with Food?

Reason Why It Matters

Dependency Food is necessary. Fasting reminds us of our need for God.

Sacrifice It costs something physical and spiritual.

Scriptural Pattern Nearly every biblical fast involved food.

Clarity Fasting food breaks fleshly habits so you can hear God clearer.

🙏 Final Reflection:

Ask the Lord what He is calling you to fast. Whether it's a full fast, a Daniel-style fast, or removing distractions—make sure it’s Spirit-led.

When God chooses the fast, the fruit always follows: healing, clarity, direction, and spiritual freedom.

“When you fast…” — Jesus (Matthew 6:16) — not if.

So yes—fasting begins with food. But it ends in freedom.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Little Feet, Big Faith: Planting the Seeds of God’s Word in Young Hearts

📖 Opening Reflection:

There’s a holy weight in raising or even temporarily caring for young children—especially in a season of disruption. But what if this is the moment the roots of their faith are planted?

Right now, my days are filled with tiny footsteps, snack requests, and sudden outbursts—but underneath the noise is a quiet mission: to cover these little ones in love, prayer, and scripture until Jesus becomes the foundation of their lives.

📜 Key Scriptures for Spiritual Foundation

1. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NLT)

“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands... Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

📌 Teaching truth doesn’t require a classroom. It starts in the daily rhythms—when brushing teeth, sharing Cheerios, or calming a tantrum.

2. Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”

📌 Even in chaos, God promises peace to the children we bring before Him.

3. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

📌 The training doesn’t start when they’re old enough to read—it starts with lullabies filled with scripture, bedtime prayers, and spirit-led example.

🙏 A Prayer for the Grandmother (or Caregiver)

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for entrusting me with these little ones—even in a season I didn’t plan for. Cover them with Your presence. Let their tiny ears hear truth, their eyes see grace, and their hearts be softened for You. Help me show them Jesus not just through Bible stories but through how I love, protect, and speak to them.

Let this home become a sanctuary. Let laughter echo as worship and correction be laced with compassion. Make me a mirror of Your patience, even on the messy days.

And when I feel weary, remind me: I’m not just babysitting—I’m building a legacy.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

📓 Journal Prompt:

• What spiritual practices can I begin, even in small moments, to help build faith in the children under my care?

• What has God shown me about His patience through caring for little ones?

• Where do I need to invite peace into my home today?

Tiny feet may run wild in your home, but big faith can grow there too. May we plant seeds that heaven waters and eternity honors.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

🕊️ Digging Deeper: Psalm 57 — Under His Wings

📖 Psalm 57 (NKJV)

Verses 1–3: A Cry for Mercy
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.”
“I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me.”

David begins with repetition—"Be merciful"—because he's desperate. He knows God is his only safe place. The “shadow of Your wings” is a picture of closeness, protection, and divine care—like a mother bird shielding her chicks from harm. Even while hiding in a cave from Saul, David sees God's presence as his true refuge.

Verses 4–6: A Realistic Picture of Trouble
“My soul is among lions… they have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down.”

David doesn’t deny his fear or danger. He feels surrounded by enemies and even emotionally crushed. But instead of giving into despair, he declares God's greatness in verse 5:

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth.”

This praise in the middle of trouble is the heartbeat of the psalm.

Verses 7–11: A Heart Fixed in Praise
“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.”
“Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.”

Though still in danger, David decides to praise. His "heart is fixed"—immovable. He chooses worship before rescue. By verse 10, his perspective is heavenward:

“For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds.”

✨ Key Reflections

1. You can worship in the waiting.
   David was still in the cave, yet his spirit soared in praise.

2. God is your refuge, not the cave.
   The cave might provide temporary shelter, but God is the true hiding place. David trusted not in the walls of the cave, but in the wings of God.

3. Pain doesn’t cancel praise.
   Even in deep fear, David lifted his voice—not because of what he felt, but because of who God is.

🪞 Journal Prompts

• “Where is my ‘cave’ right now?”
  What situation feels dark, tight, or fearful in this season?

• “What does ‘taking refuge in the shadow of His wings’ look like for me today?”
  Reflect on the places, people, or moments where you’ve experienced God’s protection.

• “Is my heart fixed, or faltering?”
  Be honest—what helps steady your heart, and what shakes it?

• “What praise can I offer in this cave?”
  Write a short praise declaration, even if the answer hasn’t come yet.

🙏 Prayer: A Cry and a Confession of Trust

Heavenly Father,
Be merciful to me, O God. In moments when I feel cornered, confused, or crushed, remind me that I am hidden not by chance, but by Your divine wings. Teach me to find safety in Your presence and to praise You before the breakthrough. May my heart be fixed on You—not on outcomes, not on fears, but on Your everlasting mercy and truth. Just as David praised You from the cave, may my song rise even from hard places. Be exalted, O God, above my feelings, above my circumstances, above all the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Walking on Water Faith: Eyes on Jesus, Not the Storm

📝 Devotional: Walking on Water Faith

Have you ever felt the waves rising all around you—uncertainty swelling, wind howling, and fear creeping in? Life doesn’t always wait for us to feel ready. But “walking on water” faith isn’t about being fearless—it’s about focusing our eyes on Jesus in spite of the fear.

In Matthew 14:28–31, Peter steps out of the boat in faith. As long as his eyes were locked on Jesus, he walked on water. But the moment he noticed the wind, he began to sink. Jesus didn’t scold him for stepping out—He reached out and saved him when fear took hold.

That’s what walking on water faith teaches us:
Don’t look at the storm. Don’t get distracted by the waves. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Some days, you might not hear clear direction from the Lord—but even in the silence, you can still walk with purpose. If you’ve committed your plans to Him (Proverbs 16:3), then carry them out with excellence, confidence, and a desire to glorify God in all you do.

And if your only prayer today is, “Lord, what would You have me do?”—trust that even the quiet moments are part of your calling.

You are an ambassador for Christ.
Your life is a living message of hope, peace, and truth in a broken world. Don’t shrink back. Walk forward. Even if it feels like water beneath your feet.

📖 Scriptures to Anchor This Message

• Matthew 14:28–31 (NKJV) – “So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”

• Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) – “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”

• Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

• Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith...”

📓 Journal Reflection Prompt

• What does “walking on water” look like in your life right now?

• Are you focusing more on your circumstances or on Christ?

• Take a moment to write out today’s plans and commit them to God in prayer.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

When Intimacy is Withheld: Remembering You’re Still Chosen

📖 Introduction:

What do you do when the one who vowed to love you turns away—not in anger, but in silence? When intimacy becomes absence, and you’re left wondering if something is wrong with you?

Rejection from the one who once drew near can feel like abandonment. When your spouse withdraws physically or emotionally, it can shake your identity and leave you questioning everything—your worth, your beauty, your marriage, even your faith.

But beloved, this post isn’t about pointing blame. It’s about helping you remember: You are not the problem. And more importantly, you are not forgotten by God.

This post offers scripture-based reflection, affirmation, and hope to women facing emotional and physical rejection in marriage—reminding you of God’s unwavering love, His healing promises, and the truth of your worth.

🔍 Scripture to Anchor Your Heart:

• Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

• Isaiah 54:5 – “For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name.”

• Isaiah 49:16 – “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

• Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

💡 Reflection:

You may be navigating sleepless nights, aching questions, and an emptiness you don’t talk about out loud. You’ve prayed. You’ve asked. You’ve cried in silence.

But in every moment of absence—God is present.

Rejection by man does not cancel the affection of God. And while intimacy may be lacking in one space, you are fully known, fully loved, and fully wanted by the One who calls you His bride.

This isn't just about healing what’s been lost—it’s about reclaiming what is true:
🌿 You are valuable.
🌿 You are beautiful.
🌿 You are still worthy of love.

🧠 Journaling Prompts:

1. What has rejection made you believe about yourself that God does not say?

2. How does Psalm 34:18 shift your perspective in this season?

3. Write a letter to God about what you wish your husband understood.

4. What would healing and restoration look like for you, personally?

🕊️ Prayer:

Father, You see what I’ve tried to hide. You know the ache of rejection and the silence I live in. Remind me of my worth. Remind me that I am still Yours. Heal the broken places in my heart and hold me close when I feel most alone. You are my refuge, my comfort, my steady love. Amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Keep Going – Your Harvest is Coming (Galatians 6:9)

Scripture:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like doing good was costing you everything—but bringing you nothing in return?

Whether you're loving others, parenting with patience, running a business with integrity, or showing up faithfully in ministry or work… it can feel heavy sometimes. Especially when the harvest doesn’t come fast.

But Galatians 6:9 reminds us that the work is not in vain. The promise is sure: we will reap—if we do not lose heart.

God is a perfect timekeeper. The season of reaping has already been appointed. Your job isn’t to predict the outcome, but to remain faithful in the sowing.

This verse isn’t just encouragement—it’s permission to rest your emotions while trusting God’s results.

💡 Reflection Questions:

1. Where have you been tempted to give up lately?

2. What does “due season” look like for you?

3. How can you protect your heart from growing weary while waiting?

🙏 Prayer:

Lord, strengthen me when I feel unseen or tired.
Remind me that my faithfulness matters—even when no one else notices.
Help me keep going, knowing You are the One who brings the harvest.
I will trust Your timing, not mine. I won’t lose heart.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

“A Mother’s Legacy: Faith Passed Down”

2 Timothy 1:5

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

There’s something sacred about a mother’s prayers. The unseen tears. The quiet encouragement. The steady presence.

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he didn’t just praise his faith—he honored the women who poured it into him. Lois and Eunice never stood on a stage. They weren’t apostles or evangelists. But their faith shaped one.

This Mother’s Day, we pause to reflect on the legacy we’ve inherited and the one we’re building. Whether you’re a biological mom, a bonus mom, a spiritual mom, or a woman who simply chooses to nurture others—you are seen. You are vital. And your faith matters.

Reflection:

• Who helped plant the seeds of faith in your life?

• How are you intentionally passing on that faith today?

• What would you want your children—or spiritual children—to say about your legacy?

Supporting Scriptures:

• Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children arise and call her blessed...”

• Titus 2:3–5 – Encouragement to teach the younger women.

• Isaiah 66:13 – “As a mother comforts her child…”

A Prayer for Mothers:

Lord, thank You for the women who have loved us, prayed for us, and gently led us closer to You. Strengthen every mother reading this today. Let her see the value of her calling—even in the ordinary moments. May her legacy be one of faith, grace, and eternal impact. Amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Still Worth Building

Scripture Anchor: Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

🌿 Devotional Reflection

Today was not a simple day. I faced reminders of how much was given — and how little was returned. I looked at contracts and promises that cost thousands but never fulfilled their word. I saw my own name printed on paper that others used, but never protected.

And yet… God was still with me.

There’s a quiet kind of courage that comes when you finally say, “Enough.” Not in anger, but in wisdom. Today, I claimed my idea back. I claimed my voice back. I took the steps to protect what God placed in me.

“A vision that I’ve been carrying for years — one that cost us more than just money — but one I believe God is still breathing on.

💬 Heart Reflection

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me…”

He sees what concerns you. What kept you up at night. What you hoped would be different. And He’s not asking you to pretend it didn’t hurt — He’s asking you to trust that He’s not finished.

He’s not done perfecting the parts of your journey that didn’t make sense.
And He’s not done redeeming what others may have mishandled.

You didn’t lose your vision today — you clarified it.

🙏🏽 Prayer

Father, I thank You for protecting what I couldn’t see and restoring what I thought was lost. Thank You for giving me the strength to stand, to let go of false partnerships, and to move forward with peace. You are perfecting what concerns me — even when I don’t feel in control. I trust You with the vision You gave me. Let Your grace fill every gap.

📓 Journal Prompt

1. What’s one dream or assignment you’ve felt uncertain about lately?

2. Have you ever been afraid to try again after a financial or emotional loss?

3. How can you give God the space to perfect what concerns you?

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Digging Deeper: John 11:38–44

Believing in the face of finality

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

Verse 38
"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it."
Jesus is emotionally moved—not just because of Lazarus' death, but because of the pain death causes humanity. This moment shows both His compassion and intentionality. He approaches the tomb not with defeat, but with divine authority.

Verse 39
"Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.' Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.'"
Martha is practical—she knows the situation is beyond repair. But Jesus invites her (and us) to obey even when logic protests. Sometimes faith asks us to move stones we’d rather leave untouched.

Verse 40
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?'"
This is the heart of the passage. Faith is the gateway to experiencing God's glory. Belief isn't passive—it's a lens that lets us see beyond the natural.

Verse 41
"Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.'"
Jesus thanks the Father before the miracle happens. This models a posture of gratitude before breakthrough. It reveals His constant communion with God.

Verse 42
"And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
Jesus' public prayer is for the sake of the crowd—that they might believe. The miracle is not just about Lazarus, it’s about pointing to the Messiah.

Verse 43
"Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth!'"
Jesus speaks directly to the dead. The command is personal. This is a foreshadowing of resurrection power for all who believe.

Verse 44
"And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'"
Lazarus comes out alive but still bound. Resurrection is instant, but freedom is a process. Jesus invites the community to participate in his unbinding.

✨ Deep Dive: John 11:38–44

In these verses, we find Jesus deeply moved, approaching the tomb of Lazarus. It’s not just a story of resurrection—it's a moment where belief is tested and the glory of God is revealed.

• Verse 38: Jesus’ emotions show His humanity. He’s not distant from our pain—He enters it.

• Verse 39: Martha hesitates, focusing on the reality of death. Sometimes faith must push past logic.

• Verse 40: The verse of emphasis—Jesus gently calls Martha back to belief.

• Verses 41–42: Jesus prays aloud, modeling trust in the Father even before the miracle.

• Verse 43: The command, “Lazarus, come forth!” breaks every limitation.

• Verse 44: Lazarus emerges—still bound, but alive. It’s a picture of how Jesus calls us out, then unwraps us from what held us.

Takeaway: God isn’t asking us to pretend the tomb isn’t there. He’s asking us to believe that He can speak into it.

Reflection Thought: Where have I placed a stone that Jesus is asking me to roll away?

Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me to believe—even when what I see looks final. Remind me that You still speak to dead things and that resurrection is always possible with You. Amen.

Cross-Reference:

• Romans 4:17 — "...God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did."

• Isaiah 43:19 — "Behold, I will do a new thing... shall you not know it?"

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Did I Not Say to You…

John 11:38-44

Scripture Focus:

"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?'" — John 11:40 (NKJV)

A Faith-Based Journey Toward Grace

There’s a flame rising in my spirit again—one I thought might’ve been smothered by delay, disappointment, or just plain life. But in these past weeks, between the blog, my invention ideas, and even prayers for my family, I’ve started to see movement in areas that once felt sealed shut.

That’s why John 11:40 hit me so hard: "Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?" It’s a call not just to remember His promises—but to believe them in the face of what looks hopeless.

Scripture Reflection: John 11:38–44

In this scene, Jesus is standing in front of a tomb. Lazarus has been dead four days. His sisters, Mary and Martha, are grieving. The crowd has already written the ending.

But Jesus hadn’t.

He turns to Martha and asks for the stone to be taken away. She hesitates—because in her mind, it’s already over. The decay has begun, the loss is final. But then Jesus speaks: “Did I not say to you…”

It’s not just a reminder. It’s a re-invitation to believe. And though Martha doesn’t physically move the stone herself, her heart surrenders. The text says, “Then they took away the stone...” because belief often begins with letting go of resistance—even if someone else rolls it back.

Sometimes, faith looks like simply stepping aside so the miracle can begin.

Devotional Insight:

Like Martha, we may believe God in theory. But when we’re staring at something dead—an idea, a relationship, a vision—we’re tempted to shrink back into doubt.

Still, Jesus gently leans in and reminds us: "If you would believe, you would see..."

Faith isn't neat. It’s not always polished. But it is powerful.

Whether it’s in a family reconciliation you thought was impossible, a blog that feels small, or a God-inspired product idea that no one sees yet—faith still moves stones.

I’m seeing things shift. Things I didn’t expect. Things I once buried. And every little resurrection whispers, “Did I not say to you?”

Grace Notes (Journal Prompts):

• What “sealed tomb” in your life is Jesus asking you to trust Him with?

• Where have you seen God move after choosing to believe again?

• What promise do you need to revisit and cling to today?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for reminding me that nothing is beyond Your reach. Help me to trust You—not just in words, but in action. Let my life be evidence of Your glory. When I doubt, whisper again what You’ve already said: "If you believe, you will see..." Amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

📖 Digging Deeper: Luke 7:1–17

📖 Scripture: Luke 7:1–17 (ESV)

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don’t cry."

Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

🔍 Verse-by-Verse Reflections

Luke 7:1-2
Jesus finishes His sermon and enters Capernaum. A Roman centurion’s servant is sick and near death. We’re immediately shown a contrast between power (the centurion) and need (the servant).

Luke 7:3-5
The centurion shows humility by sending Jewish elders to ask for help. His good relationship with the Jewish people is notable—he’s respected and generous. This opens the door for intercession.

Luke 7:6-8
Before Jesus even gets to his house, the centurion sends a message: I am not worthy. This is radical humility for someone with status and authority. He recognizes Jesus’ power and compares it to military command: "Just say the word." It’s one of the clearest declarations of faith in all of Scripture.

Luke 7:9-10
Jesus is amazed. The faith of this Gentile centurion outshines all He’s seen in Israel. This affirms that faith is not about religious background—but about heart posture.

Luke 7:11-12
Now in Nain, we meet a grieving widow. The situation is dire—she's lost her only son, and with him, likely her security and livelihood. Jesus is surrounded by a crowd, but still sees her.

Luke 7:13
His compassion leads. "Don’t cry," He says, not dismissively, but as One about to intervene. His heart is moved deeply—this is God with us.

Luke 7:14-15
Jesus touches the bier—a shocking act for a Jew (it made one unclean). But Jesus isn’t concerned with contamination—He is the source of life. His words carry authority: "Young man, I say to you, get up!" And the dead obey.

Luke 7:16-17
The people are in awe. They recognize Jesus as a prophet, but more: "God has come to help His people." The miracle spreads like wildfire. Jesus isn’t just a healer. He’s the embodiment of divine mercy.

📝 Journal Prompts

• Where do I need to say, "Lord, just say the word"?

• Am I approaching God with the centurion’s humility?

• Do I trust Jesus to see and respond to the pain I think is hidden?

• What miracle of compassion do I need to invite into my life today?

🙏 Closing Prayer: Jesus, You are the Word that heals, restores, and raises what I thought was dead. Teach me the kind of faith that trusts without needing proof. Help me walk with a posture of humility and expectation. Speak into my broken places, and bring life where grief has settled. I believe You are the God who sees, who comes near, and who acts in love. Amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Faith That Moves Him: Luke 7:1–17

📖 Scripture Focus:

Luke 7:1–17 — The Centurion’s Servant & The Widow’s Son

🪞 Opening Reflection:

Some prayers are whispered through tears. Others are never spoken aloud — only carried silently in the heart.

This week’s Bible study reminded me of a time when I prayed for God to move, but didn’t feel worthy to even ask. It was during a season where I felt like I hadn’t “done enough” to deserve His help. But in Luke 7, we see something incredible: Jesus moves anyway.

Whether it’s the centurion, who felt unworthy to even have Jesus enter his home…
Or the widow, who never even asked for a miracle…
Jesus responded — not to their perfection, but to their faith and their need.

🌿 Grace for the Journey Moment

As I read these verses, I thought: How many times have I hesitated to pray because I thought I had to get it all together first?

But the centurion simply believed:

“Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7:7)

And the widow? She was just… there. Broken. Weeping. And Jesus saw her. He had compassion on her and moved toward her pain.

🧠 Study Takeaways & Reflection

From our study, here’s what stayed with me:

• Faith doesn’t have to be loud — sometimes, it’s quiet but full of trust.

• Jesus sees our need before we even speak.

• We don’t have to “qualify” for His compassion.

📝 Journal This:

• When was a time you prayed without words — and God still answered?

• Do you ever feel “unworthy” to ask Jesus for help? Why?

• What is one thing you need to trust Him with from a distance this week?

🙏 Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank You that You move with compassion. Thank You that I don’t have to perform to get Your attention. Increase my faith, even when I feel far off. And remind me that You see me… and that is enough.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

📖 Digging Deeper: Luke 6:46–49

Verse-by-Verse Devotional Study

🪞 Introduction

In Built to Last, we reflected on what it means to build a life on the solid rock of obedience. But in this devotional, we’ll take a deeper walk through each verse Jesus spoke in Luke 6:46–49. Sometimes, the Spirit speaks most clearly when we slow down—verse by verse, word by word.

✨ Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

Jesus challenges us not to stop at acknowledgment. It’s easy to say the right words—harder to follow them with our lives. Calling Him “Lord” without obedience is like building a house with no foundation.

Reflection:

• Do I call Him Lord in speech but hesitate in obedience?

• Where is my faith more talk than trust?

✨ Luke 6:47

“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:”

There’s a rhythm here: Come. Hear. Do.
Obedience isn’t a side note to discipleship—it’s central. Jesus isn’t asking for perfection, but for our surrender.

Reflection:

• What is God calling me to act on, not just think about?

• What step of faith have I delayed?

✨ Luke 6:48

“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose... it could not shake it, because it had been well built.”

Obedience is the digging. It takes time. It's not flashy. But it holds.
The flood didn’t destroy the house—not because there was no storm—but because the foundation was sure.

Reflection:

• What storms have tested me lately?

• What spiritual digging am I avoiding?

• Where has obedience made me stronger than I realized?

✨ Luke 6:49

“But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation... and the ruin of that house was great.”

Sobering truth: hearing without doing leads to collapse. It may stand for a while—but when the flood comes, the cracks are revealed.

Reflection:

• Am I building anything in my life on shallow ground?

• What truth have I heard that I’ve yet to respond to?

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord, help me not to just hear You—but to follow You.
Teach me to dig deep and build my life on the foundation of Your Word.
Steady me in the storms. Root me in obedience. And remind me daily that faith without foundation will not stand. I want to be well built, by Your grace.

🔗 Connect It:

💬 If you haven’t read the intro post, start here: [Built to Last – Luke 6:46–49]
📖 Or continue your study with more Grace Notes →

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

Built to Last: Luke 6:46–49

📖 Scripture Focus: Luke 6:46–49 (ESV)

"Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

🪞 Opening Reflection:

These verses stopped me in my tracks.

I remember a season when I was saying all the right things—posting Scripture, quoting truth, going through the motions. But my life was shaky. It wasn’t until things started to crumble that I realized: I had been listening without obeying.

Jesus asks a hard question in verse 46. And then He paints a picture—not of perfect people, but of those who dig deep and build on what He says, not just what they hear.

🌿 Grace for the Journey Moment:

This passage reminded me: we are all building something with our lives. The question is what foundation are we building on?

Obedience isn’t about legalism—it’s about stability. Jesus says storms will come… and what we’ve built will show.

🧠 Verse-by-Verse Study & Reflection Questions:

Luke 6:46

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say?"
Jesus challenges empty words. If He is truly Lord, obedience must follow.

• Why is there a disconnect between calling Him “Lord” and obeying His Word?

Luke 6:47

"Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them..."
This is the true disciple: one who comes, hears, and acts.

• Are you coming to Jesus, or just listening from a distance?

• Are you applying what He speaks?

Luke 6:48

"He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock..."

• What does “digging deep” look like in your walk with Christ?

• Are you actively building on His Word?

• How do you respond when trials (floods) come?

Luke 6:49

"But the one who hears and does not do them..."

• What kind of foundation is your life resting on?

• Is there an area where you're hearing God but resisting action?

📝 Journal This:

• Where in your life is God asking you to go deeper, not just know more?

• What truths are you hearing but not yet doing?

• What spiritual “structure” are you trying to build—and what is it sitting on?

• “Lord, show me the areas of my life where I’ve built without You as the foundation. Help me obey not just in word but in action.”

🙏 Closing Prayer:

Lord, help me not just to hear You—but to follow You. Forgive me for the times I’ve called You Lord but have not truly submitted to Your voice.

Teach me to dig deep, not for approval, but for truth. Strengthen my foundation with Your Word and steady my steps with obedience. When the storms come, may I be found still standing… because I stood on You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With grace,
Erica

✨ What spoke to you in today’s reflection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! 🌿

🛍️ Faith, Fashion & the Grace to Keep Going

Starting this brand wasn’t easy. Like many of you, we’ve wrestled with doubt, discouragement, and the “what ifs.”
But grace says you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward. You just have to say yes. One step. One day. One reset at a time.

We wear faith not to be perfect—but to be reminded of the Promise Keeper we walk with.

📖 Scripture to Stand On

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:22–23

👕 The Message Behind the Merch

Everything we create—from faith-filled apparel to prayer journals—is rooted in that divine truth.
Our goal isn’t just to sell a shirt. It’s to speak life. To offer a wearable reminder that no matter what yesterday looked like, today is a chance to walk in renewed strength.

Each product carries a message:

• Grace Renewed: It starts fresh every morning.

• Saved. Set Apart. Sent.: Your life has a mission.

• Walk on Water Faith: Trust God with the impossible.

What ‘Grace Period’ Really Means

In the natural, a grace period gives you time—room to pay a debt, fulfill a promise, or meet an obligation. But spiritually, it’s so much more.
It’s the space God gives us to heal, grow, reset, and return to purpose—without shame.

This brand was born from that understanding: that grace isn’t passive. It’s permission to begin again. Not because you’ve earned it, but because you’re loved.

Reset at 12:01 – The Message Behind the Merch

🕛 Grace Starts at 12:01

At Grace Period Co, we believe something powerful happens at 12:01 AM. It’s not just a new day—it’s a divine reset. A quiet, unseen moment when yesterday’s weight lifts and God’s mercy makes space for what’s next.

Our “Grace Renewed 12:01” message isn’t just a slogan—it’s a promise. A reminder that grace isn’t earned. It arrives. It meets you in the mess, the momentum, the morning after. Through our designs—whether it’s a tee, hoodie, or tote—we carry that truth into the everyday: that you can start over, keep going, and do it all with bold, beautiful faith.

Scripture reminds us:

“His mercies are new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

We created this collection as a reflection of that mercy—an invitation to live renewed.

Grace for the Step You're On

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

Reflection:
Sometimes the next step feels heavy. Sometimes it feels small.
But grace — real grace — meets you right where you are, not where you think you should be.
Today, you don't have to be perfect. You don't have to have it all figured out.
You simply have to step with faith, knowing His grace will carry you.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your unending grace that strengthens me in every season.
Help me trust You step by step, leaning not on my strength, but Yours. Amen.

Encouragement to Carry:
🌿 Wherever you are today — standing, walking, or waiting — His grace is still unfolding over you.

Walking in Grace: The First Step

At Grace Journal, we begin with a single truth — grace is not earned, it’s received.

Whether you’re launching a dream, overcoming discouragement, or simply trying to stay grounded in faith, know this:
Grace is still unfolding.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step.

This space was created for the faith-walkers, the ones called to move before they see.

As you read and reflect, may you be reminded that God goes before you —
and His grace is enough to carry you through the unknown.

Scripture Reflection: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

What does walking in grace look like for you today?
Share in the comments or tag us on Pinterest:
📌 [@GraceJournal] or use #GraceJournal