A daily quiet time journey as we search the scriptures and tell our story.
by Mark & Debbi Witt
May 1: God’s Workmanship (Ephesians 2:8–10)
“We are saved by grace through faith… and created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.” (Ephesians 2:8–10)
You are God’s workmanship, His handiwork. You are not an accident.
For several years we held our camp at Laurel Hill State Park, only four miles from what is now the Teen Quest Ranch. We stayed in old cabins built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
One evening a powerful thunderstorm rolled through. Rain poured down harder than we had seen in years. Lightning flashed across the sky, and suddenly a bolt struck the screen door of one of the cabins. The door was destroyed instantly. Several kids were inside.
But by God’s grace, no one was hurt.
That moment reminded me of God’s grace in salvation. None of us deserve eternal life. Yet by His grace, God freely gives it to all who come to Him through Christ.
And when He saves us, He doesn’t leave us without purpose. God gives each of us opportunities to serve Him. We are His workmanship, created for the good works He has already prepared for us to do.
Our lives are not accidents, they are divine appointments.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for saving me by grace and giving my life purpose.
Challenge: Ask God, “What good work have You prepared for me today?” Then take the next step of obedience.
May 2: Rooted and Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3:16–19)
Paul prayed that we would grasp “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:18).
When I was a kid, someone gave me a live fish in a bowl. I loved watching that little fish swim around. It was fun feeding him and seeing him chase the tiny flakes of food. He quickly became my favorite pet.
One day I noticed the water felt cold, and I felt sorry for the fish. Because I loved him, I decided to help by adding some warm water to the bowl.
To my shock, my favorite fish died. I didn’t realize that fish need cool water to survive.
I loved that little fish, but my love was not grounded in knowledge.
In the same way, our love for others must be rooted in God’s truth. When we grow in the knowledge of Christ and His Word, we learn how to love people the way God intends.
Without God’s kind of love, we will never experience the fullness of what He has for us.
Knowing His love becomes the foundation for stability, purpose, and joy.
Prayer: Jesus, help me truly know not just know about your love for me.
Challenge: Read Ephesians 3:17–19 slowly today and insert your own name as you read it.
May 3 :Walk Worthy (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Scripture urges us to “walk worthy of the calling” we have received, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1–2).
Back in 2002, Teen Quest was still operating at Laurel Hill State Park, but we had just purchased the 140-acre ranch property only seven months earlier. At that time, very few buildings had been constructed at the ranch. So we stayed at the camp in the State Park and held activities at the ranch during the day.
It was amazing to see the difference. The camp at the park could be cold and damp, while just four miles down the road the ranch was often warm and sunny.
We believed God was calling us to build a year-round facility where kids could come to know Christ. But we knew it would take time. There was a long road ahead, and we had to be patient, trusting the Lord and moving forward one summer at a time.
Gradually, as buildings were constructed, we were able to move completely out of the park and operate fully at the ranch.
Looking back, we are humbled by what God has done. Because of His faithfulness, thousands of young people have come to the Teen Quest Ranch and heard about Christ.
Prayer: Lord, help me live in a way that reflects the calling You have given me.
Challenge: In one tense situation today, choose humility and patience instead of pride.
May 4: Put Off, Put On (Ephesians 4:22–24)
We’re called to put off the old self and put on the new, created after God’s likeness.
I found a log cabin that I wanted to place at the Teen Quest Ranch for kids to stay in. The cabin was small but it looked great so I put a down payment of $1000 and had 30 days to pay it off before I could transport it to the Ranch.
31 days later I tried to meet with the owner to give the final down payment to have it moved to the Ranch but the owner said because I was a day late he was going to sell it to someone else. I tried everything to get my money back or have him sell it to me but he refused.
Little did I realize that God had another plan as two years later we build a much larger building to house many more kids. God stopped this little old building so we could build a newer bigger building.
This illustrates how God tells up to put off our old selves so he can can bless us with a new life. When we surrender to Christ God can make all things new for us.
Spiritual growth is a daily wardrobe change.
Prayer: God, help me put off my old reactions and put on Christlike responses.
Challenge: When you notice an old habit, stop and ask, “What new ‘garment’ should I put on here?”
May 5: Imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1–2)
We are called to imitate God as His beloved children and to walk in love, just as Christ loved us.
When my two sons were very little, they did what I did because they watched me so carefully. One day, in a joking way, I told a teen to “shut up.” The very next day, my little son said, “Shut up.”
I quickly learned as a young father that little kids imitate their parents, and I needed to be much more careful about what I said and did. I did not want to be a bad influence on my children, or any child for that matter.
On the other hand, Debbi and I tried to lead in ways that would help our kids develop good habits. We prayed before meals, I spoke well of my wife in front of the children, and we tried to show respect in every situation. I wanted my kids to imitate me in the good things.
Just as little children imitate their parents, God wants us to imitate Him. The best way to do that is to learn about Him through the Bible. We come to know God through His Word.
We follow the Bible because we are copying the One who has adopted us as His own.
Prayer: Father, help me imitate You in the way I love others today.
Challenge: Think of one relationship where love has been lacking, and show a Christlike act of love.
May 6: Make the Most of the Time (Ephesians 5:15–16)
We are to live carefully, making the best use of time because the days are evil.
Every summer, Turtle Trout would come and speak to the teens who meet at the Ranch for our mission trip to Johnstown. To the kids he seemed a hundred years old, but he captivated their attention as he told stories about his years as a missionary in Bolivia. He kept their attention showing artifacts of the tribes he worked with. He spent much of his life translating parts of the Bible into the language of a tribe he met in that country.
Turtle never quit sharing the gospel. In fact, he died on his way to speak at a missionary conference. Today, his son David is continuing his father’s work by translating more books of the Bible into the language of that tribe.
Even though we miss Turtle, he left us a powerful example of making the very most of his time to serve the Lord.
Time is a gift; how we use it reveals our priorities.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to use my time wisely for You.
Challenge: Identify one small time-waster you can cut back on today and use that time to serve the Lord.
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May 7: Filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18–20)
Instead of drunkenness, we are told to be filled with the Spirit, overflowing with worship and gratitude.
Debbi and I recently took a small riverboat trip to celebrate our 50th anniversary. The food was excellent, but the wine and beer were flowing everywhere. Since Debbi and I do not drink alcohol, we would simply turn our glass over when they came to pour a drink and ask for water instead.
As the trip went on, we became uncomfortable. Many of the passengers were drinking excessively and several people on board were clearly intoxicated. It was not enjoyable being around that environment.
God challenges us not to get drunk with alcohol or be controlled by drugs because those things take control of our lives. Instead, He tells us to be filled with the Spirit of God. In other words, do not let chemicals control you, let the Spirit of God guide you.
When a person is filled with the Spirit, their life begins to reflect their faith, and they desire to live according to the truth of the Bible.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your Spirit so that my life reflects Your presence today.
Challenge: Ask God to guide your attitudes and actions today instead of letting anything else control you.
May 8: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18)
We’re given spiritual armor to stand against evil and proclaim truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer.
A few years after moving to the Ranch, we had church groups come to our winter Snow Camps on large buses. One particular winter, a church followed MapQuest trying to find the Ranch. Their bus ended up on Sugar Maple Road which is normally closed for the winter. When the bus drove onto the road, they were lost.
Fortunately, the bus was equipped with OnStar to help in an emergency. When they realized the snow was getting deeper and they did not know where to go, they pushed the OnStar button. At that very moment, my son Jason happened to be riding our snowmobile and spotted the bus. When the kids saw help coming, they said, “Boy, that OnStar really works!”
It is a funny story, but just as OnStar protects a vehicle in many ways, the full armor of God protects the Christian.
How do we put on the full armor of God? We pray daily, follow Scripture, obey God, and memorize Bible verses. The Word of God does the work of God.
The Christian life is a battle, but God equips us.
Prayer: Lord, help me stand firm, clothed in Your armor.
Challenge: Pray through each piece of armor today and picture yourself putting it on.
May 9 : Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice means to experience a deep, overflowing joy rooted in God, His salvation, and His eternal promises, even in the middle of life’s trials. Only those who truly know Christ can rejoice in every circumstance.
About 25 years ago, we stood and watched our recreation and storage building burn to the ground at Laurel Hill State Park. Thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment was destroyed. Our cook at the time also lost her camper and truck in the fire.
As I stood there watching the flames, I remember asking the Lord, “Now what do we do?” It was heartbreaking and frustrating to say the least. Yet even in that moment we could rejoice, because by God’s mercy no one was hurt.
That day the Lord reminded me that rejoicing is not based on circumstances. It is based on who God is. Even when situations look bleak, we can still rejoice in Him.
Throughout my life we have faced many crises, but as a Christian I have learned that my joy does not come from what is happening around me. My joy comes from the Lord.
Do not let your circumstances control your spirit. Remember to rejoice in the Lord in all things.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to rejoice in who You are, not just in what happens.
Challenge: The next time you feel tempted to complain, stop and name one attribute of God you can rejoice in.
May 10: Think on These Things (Philippians 4:8)
We’re told to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Several years ago, when we were renting a house in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, I found a box full of Playboy magazines in the back of the garage. It may seem mild today, compared to what many teens see every day on their phones, but those magazines were designed to degrade women and treat them as sex objects.
When a Christian allows temptation to sit right in front of him, he is putting himself in a dangerous position. Christians can fall into temptation just like anyone else. I had to get rid of those magazines.
For a preacher to have Playboy magazines would not be a good testimony so I took the entire box, wrapped it up tightly in paper, and threw it in the trash.
God tells us to focus on what is pure, lovely, and holy. Think on these things. If you are struggling with pornography or some other harmful vice, ask God to help you give it up. Christians who stay in the Word and make themselves accountable can overcome addictions that destroy them. Ask God to help you to focus on things that are pure, lovely etc and never on the vises that destroy
Our thought life reflects our spiritual life.
Prayer: God, help me filter my thoughts through Your standard.
Challenge: Catch one negative or impure thought today and replace it with something from this verse.
May 11: Set Your Mind on Things Above (Colossians 3:1-2)
Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts and minds on things above.
I wish everyone could experience our closing campfire meetings at the Teen Quest Ranch. At the beginning of the week, some kids arrive hardened to the gospel, carrying heavy burdens and painful pasts. But throughout the week, as they hear God’s Word and build friendships with other believers and the Holy Spirit begins to soften their hearts.
We gather around the campfire at the end of the week and many are ready to share what Christ has done in their lives. Some stories are heartbreaking, but as they talk about how Christ has forgiven and set them free, tears often fill their eyes.
In those moments, young people are reminded to let God fill their minds with His Word and to put Him first in their lives.
Through the years, thousands of kids have shared their testimonies around those campfires. When one life is changed, the excitement for Christ becomes contagious and others are drawn to follow Him.
The more time we spend in God’s Word, the more we desire the things above. Earthly things are temporary, but the things of God are eternal.
Prayer: Lord, lift my eyes from the temporary to the eternal.
Challenge: Ask yourself, “How does this situation look from heaven’s viewpoint?” Then respond accordingly.
May 12: Put to Death (Colossians 3:5–10)
We are called to put to death what belongs to our earthly nature and to put on the new self.
Steve attended one of our Bible Clubs when Teen Quest first started. He had recently trusted Christ as his Savior, but like many new believers he still struggled with obeying his parents.
One day he called me and said his parents would not allow him to attend the Bible Church down the road. They were attending a very traditional church, but with his new faith Steve wanted to go somewhere he could really learn the Bible.
I told him, “Whatever you do, listen to your parents. Do not argue with them. Do your chores, show respect, and pray that God will change their hearts.”
Steve chose to put to death his old attitude and put on a new one. Instead of fighting his parents, he followed exactly what we talked about.
About a week later his parents came to him and said, “If you really want to go to that church, we will allow you.”
Several years later, Steve became the pastor of that very church.
When we put to death the old self and put on the new, God often blesses our obedience in ways we never expect.
Prayer: God, give me courage to deal seriously with sin in my life.
Challenge: Identify one sinful pattern and take a concrete step to cut off its “fuel supply.”
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May 13: Clothed with Compassion (Colossians 3:12–14)
As God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
In 2001, after we purchased the Teen Quest Ranch property, Steve Polyblank heard about what we were trying to do. He wanted to help, so he and an older gentleman traveled all the way from Michigan and stayed for two weeks to help us finish the inside of our recreation building. They worked with us day and night until the job was done.
Steve had a deep compassion for missions. He wanted to do everything he could to see young people come to know the Lord. His love for Christ took him all over the world serving others.
On one mission trip he fell off a ladder. Not long after, he developed Lou Gehrig’s disease. Over the following months his body slowly deteriorated, and he passed away at a young age. Yet, he died doing what he loved - serving others with the love of Christ.
What gave Steve such passion? His passion came from the Lord. The closer he walked with God, the greater his love for serving others became.
As you read God’s Word, ask the Lord to clothe your heart with that same compassion and love. Our new identity in Christ produces a new character.
Prayer: Lord, dress my heart in compassion and love today.
Challenge: Show intentional kindness to someone who tries your patience
May 14: The Peace of Christ (Colossians 3:15)
Peace means resting in the Lord, knowing that God is in control and that our hearts are in harmony with Him.
When we were searching for property to build the Teen Quest Ranch, I looked all over Somerset County for land. One day, while driving back to the state park where we held our summer camps, I noticed a “For Sale” sign.
I drove down the driveway to look at the property. There was a large barn, a tractor shed, a garage, and a two-story building. It immediately caught my attention.
I believed God might be opening a door, but I wanted to be sure. I asked the Lord to give me peace if this was the place where He wanted us to build a youth ranch.
Debbi and I prayed for days, and the Lord gave us a deep peace that this desire was in harmony with His will.
When I called the real estate agent, he told me the property had already been sold. Yet the peace God gave me remained. A week later the agent called back and said the family who planned to buy the property had backed out.
God had opened the door. As we stay in God’s Word and pray diligently, we can ask Him to give us peace in the decisions we make for Christ’s sake.
The peace of Christ is to rule in our hearts, acting as the “umpire” of our inner life.
Prayer: Jesus, let Your peace rule in my heart and relationships.
Challenge: If you feel inner turmoil about a decision today, pause and pray for Christ’s peace before moving forward.
May: 15: The Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16)
We are to let the Word of Christ dwell richly among us, shaping our teaching, our worship, and our gratitude.
I often tell the kids at the Ranch, “The Word of God does the work of God.” If you live by the Word of God, then God will do His work in you.
When students come to the Teen Quest Ranch, we don’t just teach from the Bible; we also encourage them to memorize Scripture. It used to be that most Bible believing churches encouraged kids to memorize Scripture, but that practice is not as common today.
That is why we challenge every camper to take one of our cards with five or more Bible verses to memorize during camp, and many of them gladly accept the challenge.
When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, it becomes part of us. Then, when we face a crisis or difficult situation, the Holy Spirit brings those verses back to our minds. God’s promises strengthen and guide us exactly when we need them.
I am convinced that the Bible both convicts us of sin and comforts us in times of need. That is why the Word of Christ should be a vital part of our daily lives.
Scripture is not meant to visit us occasionally. It is meant to live in us.
Prayer: Lord, let Your Word live richly in me, not just lightly.
Challenge: Choose one verse today to memorize or place somewhere you will see it throughout the day.
May 16: Whatever You Do (Colossians 3:17)
Whatever we do, in word or deed, we are to do it in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God.
For several years we took teens to Jamaica on mission trips. God used our teams to share the gospel through music and testimonies in churches, schools, and public places. The students who went were deeply encouraged in their walk with the Lord.
One day we were sharing music and testimonies in a park and afterward we sat down with people to talk one on one. A middle aged man prayed to trust Christ and then told us he did not own a Bible. We had gospel tracts with us but no extra Bibles.
One of my adult leaders said, “Mark, why not give him your Bible?” I paused. It was my special Bible that I had brought on the trip. For a moment I wondered if I really wanted to give it away.
Immediately the Lord convicted me. That man needed the Bible more than I did. So I gave it to him.
That day God reminded me that everything we do should be done in the name of the Lord, even giving up something precious to help someone else. Are you willing to give your best for the Lord?
There is no unspiritual part of life when it is done for Him.
Prayer: Jesus, may every part of my day honor Your name.
Challenge: Before a routine task today, quietly say, “I do this in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
May 17: Running the Race (Hebrews 12:1–2)
We are told to lay aside every weight and sin and run with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
At the Teen Quest Ranch we have a beautiful four acre lake where kids canoe and fish. Many times campers forget to turn the canoes upside down after using them. When it rains, the boats fill with water.
The next time someone wants to launch one of those canoes, it is almost impossible to move. The extra weight makes it heavy and useless. Two or three people have to flip the canoe over and dump the water out before it can be used again.
Sin works the same way in the life of a Christian.
When we allow sin to remain in our lives, it weighs us down. It drains our spiritual strength and keeps us from moving forward with God. A life weighed down by unconfessed sin becomes ineffective and unfruitful.
But when we confess our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to control us, the weight is lifted. Our lives become useful again, full of purpose and power.
The question is simple but challenging:
Are you carrying spiritual weight that God never intended you to carry?
We all have a choice to make. We can live in the flesh, or we can live for Christ.
Distractions and sin drag us down. Fixing our eyes on Christ moves us forward.
Prayer: Lord, help me throw off anything that hinders my walk with You.
Challenge: Ask yourself honestly, “Is there the weight of sin slowing me down?” Then surrender that area completely to God today.
May 18 : God’s Loving Discipline (Hebrews 12:5–6, 11)
God’s discipline may be painful, but it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.
Recently I had a couple frustrating experiences while driving through Maryland on Route 68. The four lane highway suddenly drops from 70 miles per hour to 40 near Cumberland. I didn’t notice the sign and simply kept going with the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, a Maryland State Trooper saw it differently and gave me a speeding ticket.
Not long after that, I had another incident on the same highway. The road narrowed and I had to merge in front of a large truck. The driver didn’t like that I pulled in ahead of him. After I merged, he sped up and hit the back of my car on purpose. Thankfully no one was hurt, but when the police arrived they sided with the truck driver and wrote the accident report in his favor.
Because of those two incidents, my insurance rates went up.
At first the whole situation felt unfair and frustrating. But as I thought about it, I realized God was getting my attention. The Lord was reminding me to slow down and be more careful.
Sometimes the Lord uses difficult or frustrating situations to correct us and teach us something we need to learn.
When you face problems or setbacks, instead of only asking “Why did this happen?”, try asking, “Lord, what are You teaching me?”
God’s discipline is not rejection. It is proof of His fatherly love and His desire to shape our lives.
Prayer: Father, help me receive Your correction as an act of love.
Challenge: Think of a recent hard lesson in your life and ask what God might be teaching you through it.
May 19: Hospitality Without Grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9)
We are commanded to love one another deeply and to show hospitality without grumbling.
As I get older, I have noticed that life seems to be changing faster than I like. If I am honest, sometimes I catch myself grumbling about it.
For example, when I go to a fast food restaurant now, the screen often asks for a tip before anyone has even served the food. I grew up giving a tip to a waiter who served our table, but tipping at the cash register feels strange to me.
Then there are the small things. Many restaurants no longer give you a spoon unless you ask for one. I like having a spoon, fork, and knife with my meal. And when we go out to eat, they usually bring coffee for my wife, but since I do not drink coffee it can be hard to find a simple cup of tea.
Now, I admit my grumbling may be a little exaggerated. But the truth is, it reminds me how easy it is to complain about small things.
God is constantly challenging me to stop grumbling and to be thankful for what He has given me. A complaining spirit does not reflect Christ well, but a grateful and welcoming heart does.
If you find yourself grumbling over small frustrations, ask the Lord to forgive you and help you show kindness and hospitality instead.
A hospitable spirit without grumbling can be a powerful testimony to others.
Prayer: Lord, help me replace complaining with gratitude and make my life a place where others feel welcomed.
Challenge: Invite someone for coffee or a simple meal, or intentionally welcome someone new at church this week.
May 20, 2026: Always Ready to Answer (Passage: 1 Peter 3:15)
We are to set Christ apart as Lord in our hearts and always be ready to explain the hope we have, doing so with gentleness and respect.
Sometimes when I meet people from different denominations or religious backgrounds, I ask them a simple question: “How does someone in your church believe a person gets to heaven?” That question often causes people to stop and think, and it opens the door for a meaningful conversation about what the Bible says about salvation. When I respond, I must do so with humility and kindness so I do not come across as a know-it-all.
Not long ago, my wife and I were sitting across the dinner table from a couple who told us they attended a good Bible-believing denomination in another state. Yet as the conversation continued, it became clear that their worldview did not fully reflect a Biblical worldview.
That conversation reminded me how important it is to be prepared to give a biblical answer, always speaking in love and humility.
There have also been many times in my life when I stayed silent and missed opportunities to share Christ or encourage another believer. I regret those moments. But I have learned that when we are walking closely with the Lord, He gives us the courage and the right words to speak.
Our hope in Christ is too wonderful to keep to ourselves.
Prayer: Jesus, be Lord in my heart, and give me the words and the courage to share the hope I have in You.
Challenge: Write a brief version of your testimony in two or three sentences and practice sharing it naturally with someone this week.
May 21, 2026: Faith Working Through Love (Galatians 5:6)
What counts is faith working through love, not religious performance.
Some people accuse me of being a workaholic, probably because I am the kind of guy who never sits still and is always on the go. That is not always a good thing, because sometimes we need to slow down, sit still, and listen to the Lord.
Every year I make plans to improve the infrastructure of the Teen Quest Ranch, strengthen our programs to reach more young people, and organize a mission trip to a country somewhere in the world that is in need.
It is exciting to see how God can use our plans and the results that come from them. But it is very easy to build the infrastructure, plan the programs, and organize the mission trips, yet forget the Lord Himself. In other words, we can do the work of the Lord and forget the Lord of the work.
While touring large cathedrals in different countries, I have been amazed at how beautiful the buildings are. Yet I often wonder how many people worshiping in those buildings are simply going through the motions.
Galatians tells us that all the buildings, all the programs, and all the mission trips mean nothing without faith working through love.
Real faith expresses itself in practical love for others.
Prayer: Lord, let my faith show itself in love today.
Challenge: Do one specific act of love for someone who cannot repay you but do it as to the Lord.
May 22: Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18)
Walking by the Spirit keeps us from gratifying sinful desires.
Paul often lists sexual sins first when he talks about the works of the flesh because he knows how destructive they can be, especially for young people.
In the early days of our ministry, we had Bible clubs all over the Pittsburgh area. They were coached by volunteer adults and led by teens who loved the Lord.
Two young people, a fourteen year old boy and a seventeen year old girl, were placed as leaders of one of our Bible clubs by the adults who were in charge. These teens did a great job leading Bible studies and organizing the club. Unfortunately, Satan knew how to destroy their leadership. The two put themselves in a compromising situation when they were alone together, and the girl became pregnant.
The Bible club eventually fell apart, and both teens went through many difficult challenges. Fortunately, they later married and today are living for the Lord.
Walking in the Spirit means allowing God to take control of our lives, but it also means following His instructions and avoiding situations that can lead us into sin and harm.
The battle within us is real, but the Spirit is stronger.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, lead my steps today.
Challenge: Before responding in a moment of irritation, pause and ask, “Spirit, how should I respond?”
May 23: Sow to the Spirit (Galatians 6:7–8)
We reap what we sow. If we sow to the flesh, we reap corruption; but sowing to the Spirit yields life.
When Debbi and I were first married, I was serving as a youth pastor in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Mrs. McNary opened up her farmhouse in Bethel Park and allowed us to rent a small part of her home.
With her permission, I decided to plant a garden in the backyard. It was small, but I was so proud of the beans I planted and carefully staked. I knew my mother-in-law was coming to visit, so I made sure the garden looked just right.
When she arrived, one of the first things she wanted to see was my garden. I gladly took her out to show it off. She looked at it for a moment and then said, “Why are you staking weeds?”
I had spent all that time thinking I was growing beans, but in reality, I was cultivating weeds.
Many people do the same thing in life. They spend their time sowing weeds. Paul calls these “the acts of the flesh,” which stand in contrast to the fruit of the Spirit.
Instead of love, we sow hatred.
Instead of joy, we sow despair.
Instead of peace, we sow turmoil.
Instead of patience, we sow impatience.
Instead of kindness, we sow rudeness.
Instead of goodness, we choose evil.
Instead of gentleness, we act with harshness.
Instead of self-control, we live out of control.
What we plant is what we will eventually harvest. Make sure you are sowing in the Spirit of the Lord and not planting weeds.
Prayer: Lord, help me sow into the Spirit, not my sinful nature.
Challenge: Choose one “sowing” action today—prayer, Scripture, worship, or service—and do it intentionally.
May 24: Boast in the Cross (Galatians 6:14)
Paul boasted only in the cross of Christ. The world had been crucified to him, and he to the world.
Paul realized that he was no longer tied to the world, and the world was no longer tied to him.
We find it interesting that when we are in a secular social setting around unbelievers, they often seem uncomfortable in our presence. Perhaps it is because we do not use coarse language, get drunk, or laugh at dirty jokes. Instead, we try to be kind and loving, and they notice something different about us. The Bible says that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.
We are not better than anyone else, only forgiven by our Savior from our sins and trespasses. If I boast about myself, I am wasting my time. But if I boast in the Lord, it can have an impact on others.
I am now writing down every time God answers prayer or pours out a blessing in my life. I want to share those blessings with others as an encouragement and a testimony.
Today, do not boast about yourself. Boast in the Lord.
The cross changes what we value and where we boast.
Prayer: Jesus, let the cross reshape what matters most to me.
Challenge: When you feel tempted to brag, redirect your praise to what Christ has done.
May 25: Unity in Christ (Galatians 3:26–28)
In Christ, we are all children of God through faith. Old divisions are broken.
We are God’s wonderful creation, but we are not all God’s children. The only way we can become His child is to be born into His family by trusting Christ for our salvation.
When my friend Doug came to Christ during our second year of college, our lives changed. We began doing everything together. We went to church, shared Christ with students in our dorm, and grew side by side in our faith. Both of us were on fire for the Lord.
The next semester, Doug felt led to transfer to a Bible college to prepare for ministry. When he left, I lost that close fellowship, and things were not the same for a while. Thankfully, the church I attended provided other godly friendships that helped fill the gap.
After graduating from Otterbein College, I attended Liberty University, where I met and married Debbi, my wonderful and godly life partner.
Every believer needs strong, godly fellowship with other believers to stay spiritually sharp. This is where the church plays such an important role as we walk together in Christ.
We were created by God, but we become His children through faith in Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank You for making me Your child and placing other believers in my life to help me grow.
Challenge: Reach out to another believer today and strengthen each other in your walk with Christ.
May 26: God’s Comfort in Disappointment (Psalm 30:5)
In 2020, something happened at Teen Quest Ranch that had never happened in over 45 years, we had to close for the summer because of COVID. It was a heartbreaking reality. No campers. No ministry. No young people hearing the Gospel and trusting Christ. We weren’t forced to shut down, but parents were understandably afraid to send their children.
We asked the Lord, “What do we do now…what will this summer look like without kids…will we ever regain the momentum we’ve lost?”
June came, and with it, a heavy silence. The Ranch, usually full of life and energy, sat still. But then, right in the middle of that quiet, God began to work.
I received a call from a Jewish rabbi in New York. Their state had completely shut down camps, and he asked if they could use our facility to host a Jewish boys camp with 53 boys for the month of July. Without hesitation, I said yes and what a blessing it became.
What first felt like a tragedy turned into an unexpected opportunity. God took our disappointment and opened a new door. We were still able to serve. Still able to minister. Still able to use the Ranch for His purposes and share His Word.
That summer reminded me of a spiritual truth: Sadness and disappointment are real, but they are not the final word for those who trust in Christ. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Prayer: God, meet me in my grief and disappointment. Help me trust you even when I cannot see it. Bring Your comfort, and in Your time, bring joy again.
Challenge: Encourage someone who is hurting today. Share this verse with them and pray for them. Your words may be the beginning of their morning.
May 27: The Lord My Portion (Lamentations 3:24-25)
The Lord is my portion and the Lord is good to those who wait for Him.
If I’m honest, waiting on the Lord is not easy for me.
Over the past fifty years in ministry, there have been many times I wanted to quit. Things didn’t go the way I prayed. Parents were unhappy. Kids didn’t respond to the Gospel. Entire weeks of camp felt like they fell flat.
In those moments, discouragement hits hard, and waiting feels impossible.
But every time, God gently reminds me that this is His ministry, not mine.
And He is always at work. He takes what looks like failure and turns it into blessing. He takes what feels empty and fills it with purpose.
There is nothing more powerful than hearing from former Teen Quest campers who say, “God used this place to change my life.” Just the other day, I received a message like that and it stirred my heart all over again.
That’s why we keep going. That’s why we keep trusting. That’s why we wait on the Lord.
Because this life is not about things that fade. Everything we see around us will one day pass away. But when a life is changed by Jesus Christ, that will lasts forever.
God is our treasure. He is our portion. And when we truly believe that, we can endure disappointment, delay, and even heartbreak, because we already have what matters most.
Prayer: Lord, You are my portion and my strength. Help me trust You when I don’t understand and wait on You when it’s hard.
Challenge: When you feel empty or discouraged, stop and say it out loud:
“In Christ, I have everything I need.”
May 28: Strength for the Weary (Isaiah 40:29-31)
God gives strength to the weary; those who wait on Him will renew their strength.
Many summers I take kids to Beam Rocks, a massive rock formation along the Laurel Mountain Trail. We climb and boulder across these giant rocks, and the kids absolutely love it. By the time we hike the trail and reach the rocks, I am worn out, but seeing their excitement keeps me going. I am always careful to make sure every student moves safely from rock to rock.
A few years ago, one of the girls tried to jump across a gap, slipped, and fell. We had a perfect safety record before that moment. Thankfully, she wasn’t seriously hurt, just badly bruised. But when something like that happens, it can take the wind out of your sails.
Still, we go back summer after summer.
In life, we all face moments that leave us weary and discouraged. But God promises that when we wait on Him, He renews our strength so we can keep going.
What does it mean to wait on the Lord? It means slowing down, praying, seeking His face, and obeying His Word. When life gets hard we need to wait on the Lord even more.
When our strength runs out. His strength matters.
Prayer: Father, renew my strength as I wait on You.
Challenge: Take a few minutes today to truly wait. No multitasking. Just sit quietly and ask God to renew your strength.
May 29: Fear Not (Isaiah 41:10)
God tells us not to fear because He is with us. He strengthens us and upholds us with His mighty hand.
Since 1976, Debbi and I have raised our own financial support as missionaries through friends who believe in reaching young people for Christ. Raising support has never been easy, but over the years it has become a way of life. There have been many times when we didn’t know where the next paycheck would come from to provide for our family.
In those moments, I have often cried out to the Lord, “We desperately need Your help. We are in trouble.”
I learned early on that we cannot place our trust in people alone. Sometimes the people we expect to give, do not, and those we never expected to give, step forward. That is how God reminds us that He alone is our provider, working through the hearts of people He chooses.
Just the other day, I knew we needed another miracle. My daughter-in-law called and said a large check had arrived in the mail. Once again, I simply bowed my heart and said, “Lord, thank you for meeting our need.”
There have been hundreds of times when we have cried out to God because the finances were not there. Yet every time, God has come through, not in our timing, but in His perfect timing.
His presence, not our courage, is our strength.
Prayer: Lord, when fear rises in my heart, remind me that You are with me, strengthening me and holding me steady.
Challenge: When fear comes today, pause and speak God’s promise out loud. Let His truth replace your fear.
May 30: The Potter and the Clay (Isaiah 64:8)
God is the Potter, and we are the clay. He shapes us with wisdom and purpose, even when we do not understand what He is doing.
My grandmother and grandfather started our Witt family reunions back in 1946 at my childhood homestead. Every year we looked forward to seeing cousins, aunts, uncles, and the whole family gather for a two day event in our home.
One tradition we had was going around with a recorder and capturing family members’ voices for posterity. When it was time to record my grandmother, we asked her to say something to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In a very dramatic and heartfelt way, she said that she loved all of her grandchildren and her desire and prayer was that every one of them would come to know Christ as Savior and Lord. I will cherish that recording for the rest of my life.
After my grandmother died, the reunions continued, even to this day. Over the years, more and more family members have given their lives to Christ. Even some of my cousins who once seemed undecided are now serving the Lord.
Her prayers are still being answered long after she went home to be with the Lord. Not every family member has come to Christ yet, but God is still the Potter, ready to mold each one to trust Him and serve Him.
You may not have had a grandmother praying for you, but you can begin praying today for your family to come to know Christ.
Prayer: Potter, thank You for those who have prayed for me. Shape my life according to Your perfect design.
Challenge: Instead of resisting a stretching situation, tell God today, “I trust Your hands on my life.”
May 31: A New Song (Psalm 40:1–3)
God lifts us out of the pit, sets our feet on a rock, and puts a new song in our mouths.
At the end of winter at Teen Quest Ranch, our horse stable turns into a swamp. I mean thick, deep, nasty mud. You step in it, and your boots sink. More than once, I have been stuck so bad I had to fight just to pull my foot out and sometimes call for help. That is what happens when the mess is ignored.
This summer, we finally cleaned it out. Nearly three feet of built-up waste gone. And just like that, everything changed. It became easy to walk. Easy to work. The horses are happier. We are happier. Why? Because the muck is gone.
That is exactly what sin does in our lives. It builds up slowly. Quietly. You don’t notice it at first. But before long, you’re stuck. You are not walking with God like you used to. You are weighed down, struggling, and you cannot get out on your own.
But here is the good news. God does not leave you in the mud.
When we confess our sin, He reaches down, pulls us out of the pit and sets our feet on solid rock. And He does something even greater. He puts a new song in our mouths. A new joy. A new direction. A new life.
And that rescue? It becomes your testimony. Someone else needs to hear how God has brought you out.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for not leaving me in the mud. Thank You for lifting me out and giving me a new life.
Challenge: This week, tell someone your story. Share how God pulled you out of the pit and set your feet on the rock.
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Quest For The Journey — April Devotions
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