Taste & See: Church of Good Intentions
Taste & See: Church of Good Intentions 5-Day Devotional
February 22, 2026
See the full sermon. here.
Day 1: Taste and See
Reading: Psalm 34:8-10
Devotional: God's invitation to us is simple: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Like a child trying fruit for the first time, we're invited to experience God's goodness firsthand—not to earn it, but simply to receive it. The Lord doesn't ask us to prove ourselves before we approach Him. He invites us to come as we are, to find refuge in Him. Today, reflect on moments when you've experienced God's goodness. Are you approaching God with the burden of performance, or are you accepting His invitation to simply taste His grace? Remember, blessed are those who take refuge in Him—not those who work hardest to impress Him.
Day 2: The Yeast of Performance
Reading: Matthew 16:1-12
Devotional: Jesus warned His disciples about the "yeast of the Pharisees"—teachings that emphasize proving ourselves worthy through perfect behavior. Just as a little yeast affects the whole loaf, a small amount of performance-based religion can permeate our entire relationship with God. The Pharisees demanded signs; Jesus called for faith. Are you exhausted from trying to prove yourself to God and others? Jesus isn't asking you to perform—He's asking you to trust. Today, identify one area where you're striving to prove your worthiness. Surrender that burden and choose to trust that God's love isn't based on your performance but on His unchanging character.
Day 3: Values Over Rules
Reading: Matthew 5:21-30
Devotional: Jesus didn't come to give us more rules to follow; He came to transform our hearts. When He taught about anger and lust, He wasn't adding to a checklist—He was revealing that God cares about the condition of our hearts, not just our outward behavior. External compliance without internal transformation leaves us empty and exhausted. The difference between behaving and becoming is profound: one focuses on managing sin, the other on heart transformation. Ask yourself today: Am I focused on following rules, or am I allowing God to transform my heart? True change happens from the inside out, as we trust God to shape our values and desires.
Day 4: The Journey of Becoming
Reading: John 1:11-13; 2 Corinthians 3:18
Devotional: You are not called to instant perfection—you're called to a journey of becoming. The disciples stumbled, doubted, and failed repeatedly, yet Jesus continued to walk with them. Peter was called "the rock" and "Satan" in the same conversation, yet he became a pillar of the early church. Your identity isn't found in your performance but in whose you are. When you belong to Christ and believe in Him, you begin the beautiful process of becoming more like Him. This sanctification journey requires trust—trust that God is sculpting you, even when you can't see the progress. Where are you being too hard on yourself? Remember, you're learning, practicing, and becoming—one day at a time.
Day 5: Trust That Leads to Pleasing
Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6; John 15:4-5
Devotional: The secret to pleasing God isn't found in striving harder—it's found in trusting deeper. When we trust God with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, He directs our paths. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and you will bear much fruit." Abiding means remaining connected, trusting completely, staying close. The fruit comes not from our effort but from our connection to the vine. Today, shift your focus from "How can I please God?" to "How can I trust God more fully?" When you trust Him in each moment, following His directions and resting in His love, you'll discover that pleasing Him becomes the natural overflow of an intimate relationship. Let go of performance and embrace the freedom of trust.
February 22, 2026
See the full sermon. here.
Day 1: Taste and See
Reading: Psalm 34:8-10
Devotional: God's invitation to us is simple: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Like a child trying fruit for the first time, we're invited to experience God's goodness firsthand—not to earn it, but simply to receive it. The Lord doesn't ask us to prove ourselves before we approach Him. He invites us to come as we are, to find refuge in Him. Today, reflect on moments when you've experienced God's goodness. Are you approaching God with the burden of performance, or are you accepting His invitation to simply taste His grace? Remember, blessed are those who take refuge in Him—not those who work hardest to impress Him.
Day 2: The Yeast of Performance
Reading: Matthew 16:1-12
Devotional: Jesus warned His disciples about the "yeast of the Pharisees"—teachings that emphasize proving ourselves worthy through perfect behavior. Just as a little yeast affects the whole loaf, a small amount of performance-based religion can permeate our entire relationship with God. The Pharisees demanded signs; Jesus called for faith. Are you exhausted from trying to prove yourself to God and others? Jesus isn't asking you to perform—He's asking you to trust. Today, identify one area where you're striving to prove your worthiness. Surrender that burden and choose to trust that God's love isn't based on your performance but on His unchanging character.
Day 3: Values Over Rules
Reading: Matthew 5:21-30
Devotional: Jesus didn't come to give us more rules to follow; He came to transform our hearts. When He taught about anger and lust, He wasn't adding to a checklist—He was revealing that God cares about the condition of our hearts, not just our outward behavior. External compliance without internal transformation leaves us empty and exhausted. The difference between behaving and becoming is profound: one focuses on managing sin, the other on heart transformation. Ask yourself today: Am I focused on following rules, or am I allowing God to transform my heart? True change happens from the inside out, as we trust God to shape our values and desires.
Day 4: The Journey of Becoming
Reading: John 1:11-13; 2 Corinthians 3:18
Devotional: You are not called to instant perfection—you're called to a journey of becoming. The disciples stumbled, doubted, and failed repeatedly, yet Jesus continued to walk with them. Peter was called "the rock" and "Satan" in the same conversation, yet he became a pillar of the early church. Your identity isn't found in your performance but in whose you are. When you belong to Christ and believe in Him, you begin the beautiful process of becoming more like Him. This sanctification journey requires trust—trust that God is sculpting you, even when you can't see the progress. Where are you being too hard on yourself? Remember, you're learning, practicing, and becoming—one day at a time.
Day 5: Trust That Leads to Pleasing
Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6; John 15:4-5
Devotional: The secret to pleasing God isn't found in striving harder—it's found in trusting deeper. When we trust God with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, He directs our paths. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and you will bear much fruit." Abiding means remaining connected, trusting completely, staying close. The fruit comes not from our effort but from our connection to the vine. Today, shift your focus from "How can I please God?" to "How can I trust God more fully?" When you trust Him in each moment, following His directions and resting in His love, you'll discover that pleasing Him becomes the natural overflow of an intimate relationship. Let go of performance and embrace the freedom of trust.
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