Liberty to the Captives

A 7-Day Devotional by Bishop Raymond Rivera “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) Sometimes the greatest move of God begins in the most unexpected place—right in your own neighborhood, your own house, your own life. This devotional journey invites you to rediscover the sacred in what feels familiar, ordinary, even dismissed. For seven days, let’s seek God in the overlooked corners of our world—and our hearts. Day 1: Homegrown Glory Scripture: “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown…” – Matthew 13:57 Jesus was overlooked in Nazareth—not because He lacked power, but because people thought they already knew Him. Familiarity can blind us to glory. God often works through the people and places closest to us, yet we miss it because it looks… ordinary. Journal about someone close to you—a family member, friend, neighbor—who quietly inspires you through faith, resilience, or love. Reach out and affirm them today. Let them know you see the glory in them. Day 2: ...

📅 Day 1: When Spectacle Replaces Substance Scripture: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” – Isaiah 5:20 The golden escalator wasn’t just a campaign moment—it marked the triumph of spectacle over substance. It revealed a Church willing to follow applause instead of anointing. That descent wasn’t about policy—it was a spiritual surrender to ego, dominance, and illusion. Ask yourself: Where have I traded spiritual truth for public image or convenience? Today, commit to one act of truth-telling—especially where silence has cost you your soul. 📅 Day 2: Trading the Cross for a Crown Scripture: “For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ… their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:18–19 Too many believers embraced a gospel without the cross. We’ve crowned leaders but ignored the Crucified One. We’ve glorified strength while Jesus showed us love through vulnerability. This is sp...