The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness can feel impossible when someone has deeply hurt us, but Ephesians 4:32 reminds us of the ultimate reason to forgive: God has forgiven us through Christ. Forgiveness is not about excusing what happened or ignoring the pain… it’s about releasing the burden of bitterness and trusting God with justice.

In my own life, I’ve struggled to forgive people who caused significant pain. But holding onto anger only kept me trapped. It wasn’t until I surrendered my hurt to God that I experienced the freedom forgiveness brings. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past, but it opens the door for healing and peace.

When we forgive, we reflect Christ’s love and trust God to bring justice in His way and time. It’s not easy, but with God’s help, it’s possible.


Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life do you need to forgive, and what’s holding you back?
  2. How does remembering God’s forgiveness for you change your perspective?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for forgiving me through Christ. Teach me to extend that same grace to others, even when it’s hard. Help me to let go of bitterness and to trust You with my pain. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Jonah: Learning to Follow God’s Call

Jonah’s story is one of running from God’s call, and discovering that God’s plans will always prevail. When God called Jonah to preach to Nineveh, Jonah didn’t just hesitate, he ran in the opposite direction. But even in Jonah’s disobedience, God pursued him, sending a storm and a fish to get his attention.

I can relate to Jonah. There have been times in my life when I felt God calling me to do something uncomfortable, and my first instinct was to run. Whether it was stepping back into ministry after the divorce or facing hard conversations, I wanted to avoid the challenge.

What I’ve learned from Jonah is that running from God’s call doesn’t lead to peace… it leads to more turmoil. But when we finally surrender, God’s grace meets us where we are and equips us for what He’s called us to do.

Jonah eventually obeyed, and God used him to bring an entire city to repentance. His story reminds me that God’s plans are always bigger than our fears. If He’s calling you to something, trust that He will provide everything you need to follow through.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience when I hesitate or run from Your call. Teach me to trust Your plans and to step forward in obedience, knowing that You will equip me for the task ahead. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Abraham: Trusting God with the Unknown

Abraham’s story is one of incredible faith. God called him to leave everything he knew, his home, his family, and his security, for a land he’d never seen. Abraham didn’t know where he was going or how it would all work out, but he trusted God enough to obey.

There have been times in my life when I’ve felt like Abraham, stepping into the unknown without a clear plan or destination. After my divorce, I wasn’t sure what the future would hold. All I knew was that I needed to trust God to guide me, one step at a time.

What strikes me most about Abraham’s story is that his faith wasn’t in the promise… it was in the One who made the promise. He trusted God’s character, even when the path seemed uncertain. That’s the kind of faith I want to live with: faith that says “yes” to God even when I don’t have all the answers.

If you’re facing uncertainty, remember Abraham’s story. God doesn’t ask us to figure everything out… He asks us to trust Him. And just like He was faithful to Abraham, He will be faithful to you.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Abraham’s story that I can trust You with the unknown. Help me to take steps of faith, knowing that You are always faithful to lead and provide. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Emmanuel: God With Us

The name Emmanuel, “God with us,” captures the heart of the gospel. It reminds us that God didn’t remain distant but chose to come close through Jesus Christ. In every joy and trial, Emmanuel assures us of God’s presence and care.

During one of the hardest seasons of my life, I struggled to feel God’s presence. Then I came across this name, Emmanuel, in Matthew’s gospel. It was a powerful reminder that God wasn’t just watching from afar. He was walking with me in every step.

God’s Presence in Christ: Emmanuel reminds us that Jesus took on flesh to dwell among us, showing us God’s heart and love.

God’s Presence in Our Lives: Through the Holy Spirit, Emmanuel continues to walk with us, offering comfort, guidance, and strength.

God’s Presence for Eternity: Emmanuel assures us of God’s promise to never leave us, both now and forever.

Calling on Emmanuel reminds us that we are never alone. God is with us in every season, offering hope and peace.


Reflection Questions

  1. How does the name Emmanuel bring comfort to your current circumstances?
  2. In what ways can you remind others of God’s presence in their lives?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being Emmanuel, the God who is with me in every moment. Teach me to trust in Your presence and to share the hope of Your nearness with others. Help Kneel Ministries inspire others to experience the comfort and peace of Emmanuel. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Eternal Impact of Tithing

When we tithe, we’re not just meeting a financial obligation… we’re investing in eternity. Matthew 6:19-20 reminds us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Tithing is one of the ways we shift our focus from temporary possessions to God’s eternal kingdom.

Every dollar given in obedience to God can have a ripple effect far beyond what we see. Tithing supports churches, feeds the hungry, spreads the gospel, and provides hope to those in need. It’s a tangible way to participate in God’s work and see lives transformed.

In my own life, I’ve experienced the joy of knowing that my giving contributes to something far greater than myself. While the financial cost may seem significant at times, the spiritual rewards are immeasurable. Tithing isn’t just about generosity, it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s mission and trusting Him to use our resources for His glory.


Reflection Questions

  1. How does tithing align your heart with God’s eternal mission?
  2. What steps can you take to view giving as an investment in eternity?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to invest in Your kingdom through tithing. Teach me to view my giving as a way to store up treasures in heaven and to trust You with the results. Help me to give joyfully, knowing that You are using my resources for Your glory. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Accepting God’s Forgiveness and Resting in His Grace

For years, I struggled with accepting God’s forgiveness. I knew in my mind that Jesus had paid the price for my sins, but my heart often refused to let go of the guilt. Every time I fell short, I would replay my failures in my mind, questioning whether God could really forgive someone like me… especially after the divorce.

One day, I was reading Psalm 103, and a particular verse stopped me in my tracks: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12) It hit me, when God forgives, He doesn’t hold on to our sins like we do. He doesn’t keep a running tally of our mistakes or revisit them when we stumble again.

But I did. I was so busy beating myself up over my failures that I forgot the power of God’s grace. It was like I was trying to punish myself for something Jesus had already paid for in full.

In that moment, I prayed, “Lord, help me to see myself the way You see me.” And He began to show me that true freedom comes not from perfection, but from resting in His forgiveness. Accepting His grace doesn’t mean I ignore my sin… it means I acknowledge it, repent, and trust that His sacrifice was enough.

Now, when the enemy tries to remind me of my past, I remind him of the cross. I still fall short, but I no longer carry the weight of guilt. Instead, I rest in the truth that I am forgiven, loved, and free.

If you’re struggling to accept God’s forgiveness, let me remind you: You don’t have to earn His grace. It’s a gift, freely given. Stop punishing yourself for what Jesus has already paid for, and rest in the freedom of His love.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me completely and unconditionally. Help me to stop holding on to guilt and to rest in the freedom You’ve given me. Teach me to see myself as You see me… redeemed and loved. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

El Channun: The Gracious God

El Channun, “The Gracious God,” highlights God’s generosity and compassion. This name speaks of His readiness to forgive, His kindness toward His people, and His desire to bless us beyond what we deserve.

I’ve experienced El Channun during times when I felt like I had failed too much to approach God. Instead of judgment, I found grace. He reminded me that His grace is sufficient and that His love is greater than my shortcomings.

God’s Grace in Forgiveness: El Channun extends mercy and forgiveness to all who call on Him, no matter how far they’ve strayed.

God’s Grace in Blessing: His grace goes beyond forgiveness, lavishing us with blessings we could never earn.

God’s Grace in Compassion: El Channun is patient and kind, always ready to meet us where we are and guide us back to Him.

Calling on El Channun reminds us of God’s abundant grace and His deep desire to draw us closer to Him.


Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God’s grace in your life?
  2. In what ways can you reflect the grace of El Channun to others?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being El Channun, the gracious God who forgives and blesses me. Teach me to live in the freedom of Your grace and to extend that grace to others. Help Kneel Ministries point others to Your abundant kindness. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Wrap-Up: The Old Testament Names of God

Date: July 15, 2026

Bible Verse: “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

Message:

The Old Testament names of God reveal His multifaceted character and His personal relationship with His people. From Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, to El Channun, our Gracious God, these names remind us that He meets us exactly where we are and provides everything we need.

This series has only scratched the surface of the many names of God found in Scripture. Each name reflects a unique aspect of His nature and offers us an invitation to know Him more deeply. As you continue your journey of faith, I encourage you to explore these names further, letting them shape your understanding of who God is.

Remember, these names are not just historical, they are personal. They remind us that the same God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Moses, and David is the God who walks with us today.

Reflection Questions:

Which name of God has resonated most with you in this series?

How can you apply what you’ve learned about God’s character to your daily life?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself through so many beautiful and powerful names. Teach me to trust in Your character and to live in the confidence of who You are. Help Kneel Ministries continue to guide others to experience the fullness of Your presence. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

New Testament

Introduction to the Names of God in the New Testament

Date: July 22, 2026

Bible Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Message:

The New Testament names of God bring us closer to understanding His character, revealed most fully through Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament names highlight His roles as Creator, Provider, and Deliverer, the New Testament names deepen our relationship with Him by showing His personal connection to humanity.

I remember when I first encountered the name Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” It reminded me that God doesn’t stay distant, He enters our struggles, walks alongside us, and carries us through. The New Testament names, such as Good Shepherd, Light of the World, and Prince of Peace, show us that God’s love is both personal and transformative.

In this series, we’ll explore the names of God revealed in the New Testament, starting with the titles of Jesus and expanding to include the descriptions of the Holy Spirit. Let these names encourage you as you grow closer to the One who is with you always.

Reflection Questions:

Which New Testament name of God resonates most with your heart?

How does knowing Jesus through these names deepen your faith?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself through the names and titles found in the New Testament. Teach me to see Your character more clearly through the life of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. Help Kneel Ministries guide others to know You more deeply. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Learning to Trust Again

Trust is one of the hardest things to rebuild after it’s been broken. Whether it’s a friendship, a marriage, or a parent-child relationship, betrayal leaves scars that can make us hesitant to open our hearts again.

I see this in our son. Losing my ex-wife wasn’t just about her absence… it was about the trust that was broken when she chose not to show up for him. He says it doesn’t bother him, but I can see how it’s affected him. When someone we care about lets us down, it’s easy to build walls to protect ourselves from future hurt.

I’ve been there too. After my divorce, I found myself questioning whether I could fully trust anyone again. But through that season, God taught me an important truth: Trusting people is risky, but trusting Him never is.

Proverbs 3:5-6 became my anchor during that time. It reminded me that even when I couldn’t understand why things happened the way they did, I could still trust God’s plan. He doesn’t promise to shield us from pain, but He does promise to guide us through it and use it for good.

For our son, and for all of us, rebuilding trust starts with God. When we place our faith in Him, He gives us the courage to let our guard down and open our hearts again. Not recklessly, but wisely, in a way that honors Him.

If you’re struggling to trust after being hurt, take it to God. Let Him rebuild what’s been broken, one step at a time.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God I can always trust. Help me, and those I care about, to bring our broken trust to You, knowing that You are faithful to heal and restore. Teach us to trust You fully and to open our hearts again in Your timing. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Finding Hope in the Heartbreak

It’s been six months since my divorce was finalized, and I’ve been reflecting on the weight of that moment. There was no celebration, no sense of relief. Only heartbreak. I remember sitting in the silence, feeling the finality of it all. It was as though the last thread of hope I had been clinging to had been cut.

But in that silence, God met me. In Psalm 147:3, He promises to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds, and I’ve seen that promise come to life in ways I never expected. Healing didn’t happen overnight. It came in small, steady moments: a friend’s encouragement, a quiet time of prayer, our daughter’s laughter reminding me that life goes on.

Six months ago, I felt like the story was over, but now I see that God was just beginning a new chapter. He’s been teaching me to release the pain and trust Him with the future. It hasn’t been easy, but step by step, I’m learning to walk in freedom.

If you’re facing heartbreak, let me remind you: God isn’t finished with you. He sees your pain, and He’s working to bring beauty from the ashes. Healing takes time, but His promises are sure.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for meeting me in the heartbreak and showing me that You are my healer. Teach me to trust You with my pain and to find hope in Your promises. Help me to keep moving forward, one step at a time. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Trusting God With the First Fruits

The principle of tithing is rooted in the concept of firstfruits, giving God the first and best of what we have. Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honor the Lord with our wealth by offering the firstfruits of our labor. It’s a way of putting God first in our lives, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him.

Giving God the first 10% of our income can feel counterintuitive, especially when finances are tight. But when we prioritize God, He blesses the remaining 90% in ways we can’t always see. Tithing isn’t about what God wants from us. It’s about what He wants for us: a life of trust, obedience, and provision.

In my own life, I’ve seen how putting God first in my finances has deepened my faith and reminded me of His faithfulness. Tithing is an act of worship, declaring that God is our ultimate provider and that we trust Him to meet every need.


Reflection Questions

  1. How does giving God your “firstfruits” demonstrate your faith and priorities?
  2. In what ways has God shown His faithfulness when you’ve trusted Him with your finances?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the principle of firstfruits and the opportunity to honor You with my resources. Teach me to trust You with the first and best of what I have, knowing that You are faithful to provide. Help me to walk in obedience and to reflect Your generosity to others. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.