How Weakness Becomes Strength...

2 Cor 12:9 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

How Weakness Becomes Strength

Think of a situation you wish you could change, and then imagine what the apostle Paul must have been going through in 2 Corinthians 12.

Paul was suffering, and so he repeatedly begged God to remove his pain. But God doesn’t change Paul’s situation. Instead, God tells Paul that His “grace is enough” for him.

Charis, the ancient Greek word for “grace,” conveyed the favor God showed humanity when He sent Jesus to earth for us.

Before Jesus, people couldn’t draw near to God on their own. But Jesus made a way for anyone to experience intimacy with God. A relationship with God isn’t something we earn—it’s a free gift we receive when we accept that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead.

So when God tells Paul that His “grace is sufficient,” what He’s essentially saying is: “I am enough for you.”

God could meet Paul’s needs because God was all Paul needed—and God was with Paul. The influence Paul had was only because God chose to show off His power through him.

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-7 NIV (emphasis added)

We are all like “jars of clay”—simple and not that impressive. But when we submit our lives to God, we become containers that showcase His power.

Like Paul, we can then boast about how weak we are so that way God gets the credit for every great thing that happens to us.

Our situations might not change, but our cry often changes from, “God please remove this suffering,” to, “God, when I suffer—show me how You are using this for Your glory and my good.”  

So whatever you’re facing, know that God is near. He sees you, and He loves you. Take some time today and ask God to show you how He is empowering you. Draw near to Him, and let Him strengthen you.

PRA¥ER: God, thank You for giving me Yourself. Thank you for empowering me to face whatever comes my way. Help me to remember that even when I’m weak, You are still strong. And You can take the hardest of situations and turn it around for Your glory and my good. So please help me to glorify You with all that I am. Let my weaknesses become windows that Your glory shines through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Life of Prayer...

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ )

A Life of Prayer

Take a moment to think about the habit of prayer in your life. Is prayer a regular part of your life, or is it something you don’t really pay attention to?

As Paul is closing out his letter to the church in Colossae, one of the things he reminds them of is the importance of prayer. For Paul, prayer is more than just asking God for what he needs. Prayer is the way Paul’s energy and ministry is sustained. Prayer is a source of God’s power for Paul.

He asks the Colossians not only to engage in prayer, but to be devoted to it. Paul understood that if the mission of God was to be effective through them, they needed to be devoted to talking to God about every aspect of life.

This means they not only needed to spend time in prayer for a few minutes in the morning, but they needed to make prayer a part of their entire day.

Paul tells the church to be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful. These are two aspects of prayer that we can engage in as well.

The first is being watchful or discerning of what’s happening in your life. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern what God is doing in and around us, to make us aware of His work. Second, we can use our time in prayer to worship God through thanksgiving and gratitude.

Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian life. Spend some time not only praying to God, but thinking through how you can make prayer a central part of your spiritual life.

Reordering Our Priorities...

Reordering Our Priorities

The northern tribes of Israel in Amos' time seemed like they were doing all the right things. They offered sacrifices to God and were exact in their religious observations. And yet, the book of Amos is written to them as a warning—a warning that destruction that would befall them if they refused to change?

Why?

Because they had neglected the true heart of loving and worshiping God.

While they were doing many of the "right" things, it's what they weren't doing that drew God's ire. They failed to take care of the poor and needy. They turned their eyes away from injustice. Many had turned to idols for help and prayer.

Through Amos, God told the people of Israel that it is just as important to be righteous inwardly as it is outwardly. We cannot say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our power to help.

Just as James 1:27 tells us, true religion includes helping orphans, widows, and those who are in distress. James goes on to write that faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:26). In short, faith is both believing in the Lord and doing the things He has told us to do.

Take some time to think about your own life: how much time do you prioritize on your own spirituality versus serving others?

What ways can you begin to take steps toward serving in your church, your neighborhood, or your school in order to help those in need. All of these are ways that our faith becomes complete in Christ as we follow after Him.

True Identity...

True Identity

You're not alone if you've ever thought...

“I’m not good enough.”

“I’m not smart enough.”

“I’m not strong enough.”

“I’m not enough.”

Every day, we are bombarded with lies that try to convince us that we don’t have what it takes to follow Jesus. Every time we mess up, our insecurities reach out and tell us that we’ll always be weak—we’ll never experience the freedom Jesus says we can have. But Scripture reminds us that it’s Jesus’ divine power that gives us everything we need to live a godly life. With His strength, when we fall down—we can still get back up.

It’s in our weakness that God’s power is made perfect in us (2 Corinthians 12:9). By the power of Christ, nothing can keep its grip on us. Not fear, worry, doubt, defeat, discouragement, loneliness, hardship, or pain.

Through Jesus, we have everything we need to combat anything that attempts to seize our rightful identity.

God’s Word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It was breathed out by God and it corrects, teaches, and encourages us. God’s Word lights up our paths.

God’s Word is filled with reminders of our true identity. It can remind you that…

- You are enough because you are a child of God. (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1)

- You can rejoice in suffering because Christ suffered for you. (1 Peter 4:12-19, James 1:2-4)

- You are greatly loved, and you can love others like you have been loved. (John 15:9-14)

- Nothing can separate you from God’s love. (Romans 8:37-39)

When you understand who you are, that is when you will truly be able to do all things through Christ’s strength.

So let’s start applying the life-giving truth we find in the Bible so that we move from victimhood to victory. Embrace who you are in Christ.

And the next time a daunting situation comes up or a threatening thought comes to mind, remember that you can overcome it by Jesus’ divine power working in and through you. You don’t have to go through life on your own—and you weren’t made to.

God Never Changes...

God Never Changes

Between the year 640 to 608 BC, the prophet Zephaniah spoke to the people of Israel. He warned them of God’s judgment, but he also reminded them of God’s promise for their future.

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

We aren’t the people of Israel in 640 BC hearing this, but, as students of God’s Word, we can also find comfort in Zephaniah’s words.

We know that God came into our midst through Jesus and that He gave us His Spirit when we believed (John 1:14; Galatians 4:6). We also know that we are deeply loved by God (1 John 4:16). Paul teaches that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus when we pray to Him (Philippians 4:6-7).

So although we are not Zephaniah’s original audience, we can find comfort in knowing that God is the same throughout all generations. He is still in our midst, He still actively rescues people, He still rejoices over us, and He still covers His children with His unending love.

He is still our mighty God, and He cares for those who come and call on Him.  

So today, take some time to thank God for His faithfulness and reflect on His unchanging character. Then, re-read Zephaniah 3:17 and speak that verse out loud over yourself and your family.

The Key to Real Wisdom...

The Key to Real Wisdom

Would you ever build a house without blueprints? Or assemble an airplane without instructions? Or conduct open-heart surgery without training?

Hopefully your answer is “no.”

If we want to know how something works, we should look to the expert for insight. In a similar way, if we want to know how the world works, we should look to God.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 9:10 ESV

God made the world and everything in it. He knows how life works best.

But too often, we look to ourselves or even to others to tell us who we are, what to think, and to explain to us how life works. The good news is:

Wisdom doesn’t begin with us—the created.
Wisdom begins with God—the Creator.

Are you interested in real wisdom? Genuine insight? True understanding? Look to God, study His ways, and consider His character. Examine Him closely and find what you’re searching for.

Real wisdom starts with a God-centered foundation. Everything else is built on that rock.

But as we do that, we must first honestly ask ourselves some hard questions: Do I want to learn from God, or would I rather do my own thing? Do I want godly wisdom, or would I rather be my own god?

Satan fell from heaven because he wanted more power than God. Adam and Eve struggled in the garden because they weren’t sure if they could trust God. And ever since, every human has been faced with a choice: to seek God, or seek life without Him. No one can make the decision for you, but if you want to be truly wise, you must choose God.

So right now, be real with yourself: Are you willing to surrender your way of thinking and genuinely look to God, or would you rather just do your own thing? If you feel a wall of pride going up within you, ask God to help you knock it down. Brick by brick, He can reestablish your foundation.

Wisdom from God...

Wisdom from God

If you’ve ever gone on a trip somewhere you’ve never been before, you know just how important a map is. Maps help us navigate the unknown areas ahead. Similarly, God’s Word helps us navigate through the unknown seasons of life. God’s Word reveals God’s wisdom, which guides our lives.

Proverbs is a book of wisdom filled with knowledge that helps people live according to God’s purposes for their life.

The book of Proverbs begins by acknowledging that everything begins with God.

Because God is the creator of life, He knows what direction our lives should go. Our role, according to Proverbs, is to seek Him, and trust Him. Trusting God means believing that He knows what is best for us, and proving it by having a relationship with Him.

The more that we trust in God and submit our life to Him, the more we will live in accordance with God’s will. Proverbs 3:6 says that when we submit to God’s wisdom in all our ways, He will direct and guide us. And thankfully, God has given us Scripture to show us what His will really looks like.

That’s why it’s important to read God’s Word daily and get familiar with all that God says, so that in every area of life, we can trust Him to direct our paths.

Take some time today to pray about the direction your life is headed in. If there are situations you’re unsure about, ask God to give you wisdom. Allow Him to direct your paths. And as you talk to Him, get in the habit of reading His Word every day so that you can grow in God’s knowledge and wisdom as you go through life.

When Doubt Meets Belief...

Where Doubt Meets Belief

In Mark 9, we read the story of a father who loved his son. He loved his son so much that, when his son was possessed by a spirit, the father brought him to Jesus, believing that Jesus could heal him and drive out the spirit. ”If you can do anything,” the boy’s father said, “take pity on us and help him.”

The boy’s father believed Jesus could drive out this spirit. But he didn't know it for sure. He brought him to Jesus, but he still doubted—after all, no one else had been able to heal his son.

Have you ever felt torn between that same belief and doubt? The boy’s father shares a struggle many of us have—the struggle to hold onto faith during life's trials.

Yet Jesus doesn’t shame this father. Instead, He responds in faith: "'If you can'? Everything is possible for one who believes."

Jesus invites this father to a decisive choice. To trust either in Jesus' authority, or to doubt.

In this story, Jesus did drive out the spirit through prayer, while his disciples could not (Mark 9:26-28). However, we must also realize that Jesus’ response does not promise us that faith guarantees our every desire will be realized. Faith isn't a license for wish fulfillment. Instead, it challenges us to recognize God’s supreme power and ability to fulfill His will, His way (Mark 1:40–42). True faith always comes under the authority of God’s sovereignty.

Faith, in its truest form, trusts that God’s purposes are greater than our understanding.

Where Doubt Meets Belief...

Where Doubt Meets Belief

In Mark 9, we read the story of a father who loved his son. He loved his son so much that, when his son was possessed by a spirit, the father brought him to Jesus, believing that Jesus could heal him and drive out the spirit. ”If you can do anything,” the boy’s father said, “take pity on us and help him.”

The boy’s father believed Jesus could drive out this spirit. But he didn't know it for sure. He brought him to Jesus, but he still doubted—after all, no one else had been able to heal his son.

Have you ever felt torn between that same belief and doubt? The boy’s father shares a struggle many of us have—the struggle to hold onto faith during life's trials.

Yet Jesus doesn’t shame this father. Instead, He responds in faith: "'If you can'? Everything is possible for one who believes."

Jesus invites this father to a decisive choice. To trust either in Jesus' authority, or to doubt.

In this story, Jesus did drive out the spirit through prayer, while his disciples could not (Mark 9:26-28). However, we must also realize that Jesus’ response does not promise us that faith guarantees our every desire will be realized. Faith isn't a license for wish fulfillment. Instead, it challenges us to recognize God’s supreme power and ability to fulfill His will, His way (Mark 1:40–42). True faith always comes under the authority of God’s sovereignty.

Faith, in its truest form, trusts that God’s purposes are greater than our understanding.

Changing Our Perspectives,,,

Changing Our Perspectives

Have you ever found yourself tasked with doing something that was boring, uneventful, uncomfortable, or difficult? When we find ourselves in those situations, our first reaction might be to complain or quit trying.

Sometimes, mundane jobs and every-day responsibilities don’t feel like worthwhile investments of our time and energy. But the truth is: everything we do matters to God and is used by Him.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

Whatever you do. Whether you’re in your dream career or working for someone difficult, whether you’re taking care of your house, or organizing a business—everything we do is an opportunity to worship Jesus. It’s just a matter of perspective.

If we view life through a lens that is only concerned with ourselves, we will quickly grow tired of our circumstances and disappointed by our striving. But if we view life through a lens of worship, nothing in this life will give us more joy than serving Jesus.

If everything becomes about Him, then everything is worth doing well. If we’re Christians, then our lives belong to Jesus. As Paul put it, Jesus is now our “master.”

Our whole world becomes about Him, His purposes, and His glory. When we do everything with Him in mind, He never fails to bless us with His presence, love, and grace. And one day, He will also give us an eternal reward for our faithful service.

So as you think about the work God has put in front of you, consider what it would mean to do everything for the Lord. And then ask yourself: “in what ways will I honor God and inspire others today?”

How to Make Disciples...

How to Make Disciples

Imagine being a disciple in Jesus’ day. Just before Jesus returns to heaven, He commands you to tell all nations the story of the gospel. In your travels, you encounter new people and cultures and share all that God has done through His Son, Jesus. People’s lives are changed because of God’s salvation and His working through you.

God asks us to continue to make disciples in His name because His is the only name that can offer salvation.

Disciple-making starts with loving others as God has loved us. It involves thoughtful teaching and instruction that points people toward a loving relationship with God. We can teach others about discipleship as we go about our daily lives. Here are two ways to get started…

Modeling
But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. Titus 2:1 NIV
If we want to help people know God, it is important to have hearts that demonstrate Jesus’ teachings. Jesus cared for the poor and the oppressed. He cared more about inward heart attitudes than outward demonstrations. He sacrificed Himself for the good of others. When we model Christ’s sacrificial love and compassion in our relationships, we are illustrating that we have been transformed by God’s love. The way we live will invite others to experience the same sort of love that transformed us.

Mentorship
Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in learning. Proverbs 9:9 NRSV
As each of us grows in intimacy with God, we can offer wisdom to people we know. Taking time to listen to people’s stories and encouraging them to walk with God through their experiences can lead to a powerful mentoring relationship.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples the command to make more disciples. He declared that all disciples should be made in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is a comforting reminder that when we make disciples, we aren’t doing it by our power.
God’s grace goes before us, and the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to transform us. This is all possible because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

So take a moment to think about someone you would like to see draw closer to God. How can you show up in their life today?

Choosing Thankfulness...

Choosing Thankfulness

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a full sentence, but it’s packed full of powerful commands:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Today, let’s look at the last of those three commands in verse 18: Give thanks in all circumstances.

This is one of those commands that, while simple, can feel daunting, or even impossible, at times. How do we feel gratitude when life isn’t fair, when pain tries to push out our joy, or when doubt clouds our vision?

The beauty of this command isn't about the absence of difficulty, but rather our response to it. When we express gratitude in all circumstances, it isn't a denial of challenges. It's a bold declaration of faith. It's choosing to recognize God's presence and power even during tough situations, not despite them. We don’t have to be thankful for our circumstances–but we can always choose to be thankful while we’re in them.

Recall God’s faithfulness, speak of His goodness, declare His character, and find strength in His promises when our own falter. Gratitude shifts our focus.

So, one more time, let’s look at all three of these commands together: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Commit these commands to memory. Recall them when you are happy, when you are sad, when you are unsure, when you are angry–in every season, in every moment.

Reflect on these commands today.

Created to Love Others...

Created to Love Others

When we believe in Jesus and live our lives following after Him, we get to experience His grace and mercy every day! We get to walk in new life and new ways of thinking about God's creation and our place in it. Not to mention, we can rest knowing we are God's own children!

But it can be just as easy to live life thinking only of ourselves and the good things we have received. Jesus spent most of His ministry helping and assisting others, but if we're being honest—and Jesus was always honest, too—most of us have a tendency to be selfish with God's gifts, or ignore opportunities to serve the weak or needy in our everyday lives.

As Paul was speaking to the leaders at the church in Ephesus in Acts 20:35, he made sure to remind them that his life has not been about himself, but about helping others. Paul says that everything he has done has been about helping those who are weak and in need. Paul didn't say these things to boast about himself, he said them to point back to Jesus as the truest example of love.

While the Christian faith is certainly about loving God, it is also about loving others as well. It is about using our new life in Christ to bring positive change to the lives of others—the same positive change Christ brought about in us.

Jesus said that when we use our life to help others, we end up even more blessed. It is always more blessed to give to others than to receive for ourselves.

Take some time to consider the way your own life has been blessed by others. Then, write down a few ways that you can begin to help others who are in need.

What practical ways can you bless those in your neighborhood, work, or school? Begin to build a habit of being a blessing to others.

Here's What Mercy Really Looks Like...

Here’s what mercy really looks like…

What would you do if you ran into someone who offended, upset, or greatly wronged you?

The Pharisees in Jesus’ time taught that it was excessive to forgive someone more than three times. But Jesus’ teachings set a standard for extravagant forgiveness. He emphasized that we should forgive others generously and continuously.

The outward expression of forgiveness can look different for everyone, but true forgiveness should offer mercy and compassion to those who hurt us.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. Showing compassion to someone who hurt us goes against our natural desire. At times, it can even feel overwhelming, unfair, and impossible. But showing someone undeserved forgiveness and compassion is what mercy is … and it’s what Jesus does for us.  

God so loved the world that—despite our constant mistakes and continual rejection of His presence—He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us. Although we didn’t deserve His forgiveness or love, He offered it to us anyways. And now, anyone who believes in Jesus can receive unlimited mercy and unmerited grace.  

It’s because God freely offers us mercy that He asks us to show mercy also.

The world will tell you to hold onto your hurt and allow it to shape you. But Jesus wants to release you from the pain of your past by changing your heart’s posture toward others. This isn’t easy—it is often an act of continual, painful surrender.  But Jesus doesn’t expect us to go through the process of forgiveness alone. He offers to help us if we are willing to trust Him and honor His teachings.

Jesus isn’t asking us to do anything that He hasn’t already done for us. And when we offer mercy to someone who has wounded us, we illustrate how God’s forgiveness has impacted us.  

So is there anyone you can offer mercy and forgiveness to today?  Spend some time with God, ask Him to search your heart, and give Him any hurt you’ve been carrying.

New Mercies...

New Mercies

Your eyes opened this morning. The sun has risen again. Your heart is still beating. Your lungs are inhaling fresh oxygen. You are here, you are alive, and your life has intrinsic value.

It’s true.

But this fractured world tries to beat us down, which can feel all-consuming: our relationships are far from perfect, our desires are bent toward selfishness, and sometimes the everyday grind can feel like too much.

The author of Lamentations, traditionally identified as Jeremiah (though His name isn’t stated explicitly), is known as the “weeping prophet”—constantly undone because of the heartbreaking sin of his people and their open disregard for their Creator. The book is full of grief and distress and lament. But, still, he confidently writes:

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:21-23‬ ‭ESV

Even though God’s people had rebelled, even though the strength of Israel was gone and they were facing the consequences of their idolatry, even though their unfaithfulness was making their lives fall apart…

God still poured out His steadfast love. God still showed off His endless mercy. God still lavished His people with His constant faithfulness.

That is why they were not consumed. And that is why we still have hope.

If you’ve run from God, ignored His good design, disregarded His warnings, purposely rebelled against Him, or simply chose to forget His existence all together, it’s not too late to turn back.

God doesn’t ignore those who come to Him. He doesn’t dismiss those with a humble and repentant heart. He is patiently and faithfully waiting for those who will return to Him.

Someone Greater...

Someone Greater

There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, your mind, and your soul. A battle that’s not only physical, but also spiritual. A battle with literal enemies who impact the seen and unseen world.

John wrote:

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, we are in a real battle.
Yes, we have a real enemy.
Yes, the kingdom of darkness is constantly fighting against the kingdom of light.

But for those who are trusting in the finished work of Christ, greater is the One living inside of us than the one who is living in this world.

We have a real Savior.
This story isn’t close to over.
The kingdom of darkness will never prevail against the kingdom of light.

Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. To pervert, manipulate, and confuse, distract, divide, and disable.

But God is greater than the doubts that clutter your mind, the enemies that frustrate your plans, the heart-wrenching and even soul-crushing situation that’s currently consuming your thoughts.

You can fight from a place of victory because the battle has already been won.

Jesus has already conquered death. And now, while we wait for others to come to salvation and for God to bring all things to completion under Christ’s authority, we can fight with a confident hope.

There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, for your mind, for your soul. But greater is the One living inside of you than the one who is living in this world.

Set Apart for His Glory...

Set Apart for His Glory

In a world brimming with noise, demands, and competing voices, God calls His people to a different rhythm:

"You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."
Leviticus 20:26 NIV

In the Old Testament, the word “consecrated” means that a person, object, or place has been set apart for a sacred and holy purpose. They are dedicated to God. The process of consecration involves purification, sanctification, and often anointing with oil, which is a symbol of this dedication.

But God's call to holiness, to live a life set apart, is not about seclusion or superiority. It's an invitation to a life connected to God's character and will. It's about being marked by God’s purity for the purpose of showing others God’s glory and power.

So, what does walking in holiness look like daily? It's more than just following rules or rituals. It’s a heart posture—a willingness to live in a way that reflects God's nature. It means we allow God’s Spirit to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with His Word.

Consider this today: How can you cultivate a heart posture that reflects God's holiness in your relationships and interactions?

God, in His holiness, doesn't just beckon us to be separate. He calls us to be set apart unto Him—the One who created us, redeemed us, and calls us by name.

Choosing Him...

Choosing Him

Making decisions is hard.

When we attempt to make the perfect decision, we can often find ourselves stuck in indecision. And while we should always prayerfully discern our next steps according to God’s Word and His ways, sometimes we overcomplicate things.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul was addressing an issue about food, regarding what they should or shouldn’t eat. So Paul took some of the pressure off Christians by saying:

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” ‭‭
1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While this passage was originally about food, the principle can be applied to any area of life. Whatever choice you make, do it to glorify God. In this way, you will keep your conscience clear.

Whether you’re preparing a meal or making a business deal. Whether you’re playing sports or building houses. Whether you’re leading a team or raising kids. Whether you’re crunching numbers or caring for the vulnerable.  

No matter what you do—the core desire should be to love God and love others, and every decision should exemplify that love. So today, ask yourself: Does this decision honor God? Is this choice full of integrity? Can others see His character shining through my life? Will my decisions draw people closer to God, or pull them away from Him?

No matter what situation we’re in, God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help us discern our next right thing. So when making decisions, let’s seek to honor God to the best of our ability, and then trust Him with our choices.

Sharing the Love of God, Our Father...

Sharing the Love of God, Our Father

The prophet Malachi wrote to forewarn the people of God what would take place in the future. He told them of a time when God would send a messenger like Elijah, who would turn the people’s hearts back towards God.

The messenger Malachi referred to was John the Baptist. And John’s role was to point the people back to God in preparation for the coming of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-12). John preached a message of repentance, and baptized people in the Jordan river as a sign of turning back to God.

For those who trust in God and believed in Jesus as the coming Messiah, they experienced restoration and salvation. And this is part of Malachi’s message: those who trust in God will be saved from the coming judgment.

One of the signs of this restoration is the uniting of families. The family unit is central to God’s mission, as the relationships within the family represent God’s relationships with His church.

God desires the hearts of fathers to be restored to their children, and the children to their fathers.

While we know that no family is perfect—in fact, many families are broken—we all look forward to the day when God will completely restore our broken world to harmony and love again. Until then we strive to do our best to live in harmony and love with one another.

If you’re a father, consider how you can express God’s love through your relationships to your children. And as children, may we use the time we have left to love our parents as well. For all of us, may we consider how we can love those around us in a way that honors God and communicates His love.

Made to Thrive...

Made to Thrive

Do you remember what God has saved you from and what He’s brought you through? How He’s given you a fresh start, a confident hope, and future beyond the here and now?

Because of God’s amazing grace, we have been empowered to live boldly for Him.

In Paul’s letter to his friend, coworker, and traveling companion, Titus, he says this:

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God created a world where life could thrive, where His creations could be fruitful, where His people could reign on His behalf, and where His glory could be obvious to everyone.

But when His people chose to ignore His loving intentions and when they rebelled against His masterfully designed plan, it complicated things.

It’s only by the grace of God that salvation is even possible. And it’s only from that firm foundation that we can build our lives on Him.

God created you and knows how you tick. He loves you and knows how life was designed to work best. After all, He is the designer. That’s why He gave His people guidelines, instructions, and even warnings—to show them how to thrive.

Once your salvation is secure and you realize that you can’t do anything to earn God’s love, you then can accept His invitation to live, to thrive, and to be a part of the greatest story on earth.

You were made for it.