June 8-14, 2025
Recently, I hiked through the Shenandoah Mountains and came across a stunning row of Mountain Laurels. These shade-loving bushes burst with fragrant pink blossoms near the clearings—it felt like a glimpse of Heaven. As I walked, I thought of Zechariah’s vision where the Lord appears among the Myrtle Trees. I wondered—what if Jesus had appeared to me there among the Mountain Laurels? In Zechariah 1, the angel of the Lord says messengers found no one faithful—people were comfortable while others suffered. But in verse 16, God promises mercy, restoration, and a measured plan for His people. That measuring line reminds me: God has a purpose, and He invites us into it. Even now, His angels are seeking faithful messengers—those who will carry His message, care for others, and extend mercy. So I ask: How is God inviting you to be a messenger of mercy? Read the passage throughout this month and seek to be challenged by the Lord on ways you can share His message, care for others, and extend mercy to those in your path.
This week's Bible reading: Zechariah 1:1-21
Focus Verses: Zechariah 1:1-7-10
Theme: Mercy
Day 1: Have you ever recieved a Word from God? What did He say (that could mean in a quiet whisper or through His Word, or through another believer’s encouragement)? Remember back to that time and write a prayer of remembrance to encourage yourself from a time when God encouraged you.
Day 2: A Biblical vision can come in many forms as an insight given by God to understand His will, direction, or instructions. Has God given you a vision for your life? Have you asked Him for one? Mine, for example, is to live for the encouragement of belivers and the spreading of the Gospel. Is the vision God would build for your life different than the one you’ve been building?
Day 3: Do some research on verse 8. What do you find the different horses to represent? What do you discover?
Day 4: What would you ask Jesus if He appeared to you?
Day 5: You are one of the ones who has been SENT. Write a prayer to the Lord telling Him about any resistance you have had and asking Him to give you a willingness to GO!
Challenge: Practice caring for God’s people this week. Do you have a doctor’s appointment or visit to a local business? Take a card or a small gift item with you. Or offer to write a Yelp review with a compliment to the business.
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.