The Problem With Running On Empty | Ephesians 5:18

Have you ever wondered if God actually likes you, or if He simply loves you because He has to? Sometimes the hardest person to show grace to is ourselves. We carry regret, disappointment, and thoughts that tell us we're not good enough. But in Zephaniah 3:17, we get a beautiful picture of God's heart toward us: He rejoices over us with gladness and quiets us with His love. Pastor Derek explores why God's love isn't reluctant or begrudging. God doesn't just love you—He delights in you. Discover what it means to receive that love and let His voice become louder than the negative thoughts you've believed about yourself.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

What if the message the world needs most isn't another argument, but an invitation? In Revelation 22:17, the Bible closes with a beautiful invitation: “Come.” Pastor Derek explores how the heart of God has always been to draw people to Himself and how the Holy Spirit works through the church to extend that invitation to the world. We're called to be more than people who stand for what we believe; we're called to live in a way that leads others to Jesus. The question is, are the people around you hearing “come” through the way you live?Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

Have you ever found yourself praying, but wondering if there's more to it than simply asking God for what you need? In Jude 20, we're encouraged to build ourselves up in faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. Pastor Derek shares how the Holy Spirit wants to be involved in our everyday conversations with God—not just helping us find the words to pray, but shaping our hearts, guiding our prayers, and teaching us to surrender our own desires to God's will. Prayer becomes something much deeper when we learn to listen, respond, and follow the Spirit's leading.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

Have you ever walked through a season where it felt like hope was running out? Maybe you've been carrying anxiety, facing uncertainty, or simply trying to figure out how to keep moving forward when life doesn't look the way you hoped it would. In Romans 15:13, Paul reminds us that God is the God of hope. Pastor Derek shares how we don't have to have everything figured out to experience His joy and peace. As we learn to trust Him, the Holy Spirit meets us in the places where we feel empty and fills us with a hope that goes beyond our circumstances.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

What happens when we keep saying no to what God wants to do in our lives? In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul gives a simple but powerful instruction: “Do not quench the Spirit.” Pastor Derek explores how we can sometimes resist the Holy Spirit through distraction, hesitation, or ignoring His prompting. Whether He is bringing conviction, encouragement, spiritual gifts, or a new direction, we're invited to respond rather than hold back. Discover what it means to stop resisting the Spirit and let God ignite a fire in your life that brings glory to Him.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

Who's really leading your life—you or God? In Galatians 5:25, Paul challenges us to not only live by the Spirit but to keep in step with Him. Pastor Derek explores what it means to align our lives with the Holy Spirit, surrender our own agendas, and follow His direction instead of expecting Him to follow ours. Whether in our relationships, decisions, or everyday lives, discover what it looks like to walk in step with the Spirit and let God lead the way.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

Why do we so often feel drained, exhausted, and like we have nothing left to give? In Ephesians 5:18, Paul offers a different way to live—not by relying on our own strength, but by continually being filled with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Derek explores why following Jesus was never meant to be something we do in our own power, and why we need to return to God daily to be renewed, strengthened, and filled. You weren't meant to run on empty.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

God has given you gifts, but what are you doing with them? In Romans 12:4–8, Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives each believer unique gifts through His grace, not because of anything we have earned or deserve. Pastor Derek explores how to recognize the gifts God has placed in our lives, overcome the tendency to disqualify ourselves, and faithfully put those gifts into action. Your gifts aren't meant to sit unused—they're meant to be stirred up and used for God's glory and the good of others.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

Why does your faith need other people? In Ephesians 4:11–12, Paul reminds us that Jesus gave leaders and spiritual gifts to equip the church for ministry and build up the body of Christ. Pastor Derek explores how our faith was never meant to be lived in isolation, but experienced in a community where we grow, serve, and strengthen one another. Discover how God empowers His people through the church—and why your gifts matter to the people around you.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/

What if God has a word for the moment you’re walking through? In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul encourages believers to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Pastor Derek explores how the gift of prophecy can bring timely encouragement, comfort, and clarity—while remaining grounded in Scripture and focused on building others up. Discover how God can use an ordinary person’s words to remind someone of His presence, hope, and truth.Learn More & Stay ConnectedPastor Derek: https://awakenlv.org/derekneider/Daily Devotional: https://awakenlv.org/devotionals/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekneider/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNeider/A ministry of Awaken Las Vegas: https://awakenlv.org/