.....honesty

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord Proverbs 16:2

Philadelphia’s Highway Patrol officers have just about heard it all. When it comes to speeding, some drivers seem to believe a clever excuse is all it takes to avoid a ticket. Here are some of the more creative (and unsuccessful) attempts:

• A man told the officer he was rushing to the hospital because had been stung by a bee, and was allergic. He pointed to the bee on his dashboard as proof. The officer looked — the bee was not only dead, but clearly had been dead for quite some time.
• A speeder said that he and his wife were trying to have a baby. "My wife is ovulating," he told the officer. "I have to get home right now."
• One man clocked at 80 mph explained, “I probably missed the speed limit signs — I was going by them so fast.”

We laugh because these excuses were obviously not going to work. The officers weren’t fooled, and the tickets were still handed out. But to be honest, haven’t we all done something similar with God?

We bend the truth, rationalize our actions, or offer up excuses that sound better than admitting, “I messed up.” We’ve offered up our fair share of justifications when we knew deep down that we were in the wrong. We say things like: “I didn’t have a choice.” “This just felt right.” “It’s not that big of a deal.” “God will understand.”

And you know what? God does understand — not just our words, but our hearts. Proverbs 16:2 tells us that even when our actions seem good or reasonable to us, God sees what’s really driving them. He knows when we’re genuinely trying... and when we’re just trying to get out of something.

But here’s the good news. God isn’t a harsh traffic cop with a ticket book in hand, ready to penalize us for every wrong turn. He’s a gracious Father who wants us to live in truth — not to trap us, but to free us. Psalm 51:6 says, “You desire truth in the inward being.” God isn’t looking for perfection — He’s looking for honesty.

When we drop the excuses and approach God with a sincere heart, we don’t get a ticket — we get transformation. Because God can work with honest hearts far better than he can with polished excuses.

- alan smith

Father, I admit that sometimes I try to cover up my wrongs with excuses or clever justifications. Help me to be honest with you and give me a heart that wants to do what’s right. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....better

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full John 10:10

At the wedding rehearsal, a groom slipped the preacher $100 and said, “When we get to the vows, could you leave out the part about ‘love, honor, cherish, and be faithful forever’? The preacher nodded, took the money, and the groom walked away feeling pretty confident.

At the ceremony, when it was time for the vows, the preacher looked him dead in the eye and said, “Do you promise to obey her every wish, serve her breakfast in bed daily, and vow never to even glance at another woman, as long as you both shall live?” The groom stammered, “Yes…” Afterward, he whispered angrily, “I thought we had a deal!” The preacher slipped the $100 back into his hand and whispered, “Sorry. She made me a better offer.”

We live in a world filled with offers, but not all offers are worth taking — especially the ones Satan puts on the table. This story reminds me of how temptation works. When it comes to our relationship with God, Satan whispers, "I’ll make it easier. You don’t need to go all in. Let’s just skip the commitment part." It sounds appealing at first — less sacrifice, fewer restrictions, no need for full obedience.

But here’s the catch -- what Satan offers is a cheap imitation of the real thing, and it always comes with strings attached. His promises are like that $100 bribe: tempting in the moment, but they are selfish and short-sighted, and will destroy us in the end.

In contrast, God also makes us an offer, but it's not a shortcut. It's a covenant. He invites us into a life of love, faithfulness, and full commitment. It’s not always easy, but it’s always better, because God doesn’t offer us something temporary. He offers a life of peace and joy in his presence – “life to the full”. God’s offer may require more of us, but it also gives more to us than we could ever imagine.

So, the next time temptation whispers, “Let’s make a deal,” remember the preacher’s line:

God has made me a better offer.

- alan smith

Father, help me to see through the lies of the enemy. When I’m tempted to take the easy way out, remind me of your better offer. Give me strength to say “no” to the things that pull me away from you, and “yes” to the life you’ve called me to live. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....key

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed John 8:36

While visiting a church in Mississippi, a guest was intrigued by the preacher’s announcement: “Our prison quartet will be singing tomorrow night.” Curious, the visitor looked forward to hearing a group from the local prison. But the next evening, four regular church members stepped up to sing. The preacher smiled and introduced them: “This is our prison quartet — behind a few bars and always looking for the key.”

Cue the groans — and the laughter.

It’s a clever pun, but there’s more truth in that joke than we might like to admit. The reality is, many of us live our lives feeling like we’re in prison. Shackled by guilt from past mistakes. Stuck in regret. Trapped by worry, addiction or fear.

Outwardly, it may look like we’ve got it all together, but inwardly, we’re rattling the cage and wondering if freedom is even possible. But fortunately, we don’t have to keep searching for the key. The Key has already come, and his name is Jesus.

In John 8:36, Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” He wasn’t talking about physical freedom — he was talking about something much deeper. A kind of freedom that doesn’t just take the chains off our hands but lifts the weight off our hearts.

Jesus wants to set us free from the power of sin and the false beliefs that hold us hostage. Free from the need to prove ourselves. Free from the shame that whispers, “You’re not worthy.” Free from the fear that says, “You’ll never be enough.”

Jesus opens the door not just to escape something, but to enter into something — into abundant life. A life that’s defined not by what’s behind us, but by who walks beside us. So, if you’re feeling caged in today, know that Jesus won’t wait for you to find your own way out. He will unlock the door and set you free. All you have to do is walk into the freedom he’s offering.

- alan smith

Father, thank you for sending your Son to be the key that unlocks real freedom. Show me where I’ve been trapped by sin, fear, or shame, and lead me into the life you’ve made possible. Thank you for setting me free. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....believe

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works Titus 1:16

A man was on trial for murder. The body was never found, so in a bold move during closing arguments, the defense lawyer tried a trick: “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “in one minute, the victim will walk through that door.” Everyone in the courtroom turned and stared at the door. One minute passed. Nothing happened.

The lawyer said, “You all looked. That shows you had doubt the man was dead. That’s reasonable doubt. You must find my client not guilty.” But when the jury returned, they declared the man guilty. The lawyer was shocked. “But you looked at the door! You must have had doubt!” The jury foreman replied, “Yes, we looked. But your client didn’t.”

Oops! The defendant gave himself away — not with his words, but with his actions (or, in this case, his inaction). It was evident from the way the defendant acted that he didn't really believe the victim was still alive and was about to walk through that door.

This story gives us an important question to consider: As people look at your life — your words, your priorities, your daily choices — is it evident to them that you believe in a living God? Oh, I know we've made the case for God’s existence, we've presented the arguments, quoted the verses and proclaimed the truth that "Our God, He is Alive!"

But in the end, people aren’t just listening to our message — they're watching our lives. And they want to know: Do we actually live like we believe what we say? Do we act like we believe that Jesus is risen? Do we serve like we believe God is working in this world? Do we love like we believe God is watching?

We need to make it clear — not just with our lips, but with our lives — that we believe. May the use of our time, our conversations, and our compassion say the same thing that our songs and sermons do: We serve a living God. And a living God deserves a living faith. The world is watching. And when they turn to look at the door — may they see us looking too. Because we believe someone really is coming through it.

Father, you are the living God; help us to live like we truly believe that. May our words be true, but even more, may our actions show evidence of our trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....command

When God led Moses and the people of Israel out of Egypt, He had many lessons for them to learn. While on the journey to the promised land, God taught His chosen people about living a life of worship and holiness; but He especially taught about the need for obedience and trust.

Though we often refer to Israel's forty years in the desert as a time of wandering, their movement was very carefully controlled. God gave directions through a cloud which settled over the tabernacle. The cloud appeared as a normal cloud during the day, and at night "the cloud looked like fire" Numbers 9:15. The movement of the people was directed by the movement of the cloud.

"Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the Lord's command they encamped and at the Lord's command they set out." Numbers 9:22-23, Exodus 40:34-38

During those forty years, God taught an entire generation the importance of looking to Him for their daily direction. When they set up camp, they did not know how long they would stay; and when they began to move, they did not know where they were going or how long they would travel. The importance of the journey was in the lessons of obedience and trust - in learning how to follow God's leading - not in the actual steps taken along the way.

Today, we are also on a journey to a land of promise, and God still has many lessons for us to learn: lessons of worship, holiness, trust, and obedience. We may not have the benefit of a cloud, but if we listen very carefully we can still "hear" His direction. The same God who directed the Israelites is directing us today, and He longs for us to trust Him and obediently follow.

One of our hardest lessons is to understand that God does not need us to move, nor does He need us to stay. God will accomplish ALL He desires with or without our assistance. But He does invite us to join Him and witness the awesome movement of His hand. He invites us to follow and walk with Him for all of our days.

Our Father is able to direct our steps much better than we can direct them ourselves (another difficult lesson). We must learn to listen for His leading by drawing near and living in His presence. Then, whether He says to stay or go, we must trust Him with all our heart and obediently move at the Lord's command

.....morning

God loved us so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sin so that, through faith, we might be brought back into a full and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father for all eternity. I think we often forget the magnitude of this love: we were dead, and He provided us a way to live!

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

God has expressed His absolute love and compassion through the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is total and complete for those who believe. When we place our trust in Jesus, we are washed clean - we become "a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" 2 Corinthians 5:17. We were washed clean at the moment of salvation, and we continue to be washed clean "every morning."

We all have days when our sinful nature wins a battle and we stumble. We have a day when our anger, pride, fear, or lust is brought to the surface and we "do what we do not want to do" Romans 7:16. We may need to seek forgiveness and earn back trust from those we have hurt, but God's forgiveness and love is free for the asking; "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins" 1 John 1:9. We may lose some of the battles, but through Jesus, the war has been won!

Since we have been washed clean, and continue to be washed clean, we must stop walking as though we are still soiled. We are children of God and in the process of being conformed to the likeness of His Son. This process of growth and maturity - the process of victorious transformation - must continue each and every morning. We must shed the heavy burdens of past failures, and the fear of future disappointments, and walk in the freshness of His forgiveness.

Is our relationship with God fresh and new? Do we still comprehend the magnitude of love encompassed in the gift of forgiveness? Or have we grown complacent and cold? When was the last time our love for God was so fresh on our heart that we couldn't help but say THANK YOU!?

We are invited into a relationship with our Heavenly Father; an intimate relationship which involves loving and being loved; a relationship which allows us to walk in victory for His glory and to be guided by the power of His Spirit. Let's give Him our all and receive His all in return. Let's rise up in His strength and determine to make our relationship of love new every morning.

.....weaknesses

For forty years in the desert, the Israelites moved or stayed based on the movement of God's cloud. Being able to recognize God's "cloud" and sense its movement is one of our great challenges. For this challenge there is no answer but to draw closer to God through prayer, study, and worship. He will reveal Himself if we will wait and place all our hope and trust in Him. But when we hear Him call, we must be prepared to look beyond our ability and trust He knows our strengths...and our weaknesses.

After His death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and many others. He called them to believe and tell the world of the truth. But with Peter, Jesus took time to speak directly and personally.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love Me more than these?' John 21:15 Jesus used the word "agape," meaning absolute, unconditional love. With one simple question, Jesus was forcing Peter to analyze his faith. Peter had previously stated; "Even if all fall away, I will not" Mark 14:29. And even more boldly, he said; "Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You" Mark 14:31.

And yet, Peter failed Jesus in the garden: "Are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?" Mark 14:37. Peter failed again when he denied Jesus three times - the third denial being violent: "Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!'" Matthew 26:74. Peter knew how his actions had fallen tragically short, so he answered Jesus using the word "fileo" to say his love was more of a deep affection - a brotherly kind of love - not "agape."

Jesus continued His questioning until Peter finally replied; "You know all things, You know that I love You" John 21:17. In this statement, Peter used a word that humbly said Jesus knew from experience his level of love...or his lack! But even with a complete understanding of Peter's weaknesses, Jesus still called: "Follow Me!" John 21:19. Jesus had a plan for Peter that would not be hindered by Peter's failures.

As we grow to a better understanding of God's love, we will ultimately face how small our love is by comparison. But let's take comfort that God knew our weaknesses when He called us into His Kingdom. He has a wonderful plan and will always provide what we lack in order to accomplish all He desires. 

There is nothing hidden from God. 

He knows everyone He calls; so let's boldly follow, in spite of our weaknesses!

.....praise

I don't recall ever being asked to explain the importance of breathing. It's pretty well accepted that breathing is a good idea and we should do it many times every day; a lack of breathing is definitely bad for our physical health! And it's not an exaggeration to say that praise is just as important; it should become as natural and occur as often as our breathing. For if we choose to live a life without praise, we will just as surely suffocate and spiritually die.

The life of praise requires only a little instruction and a great deal of application. To begin with, we must learn to ALWAYS praise!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Rejoicing is so important that Paul decided to repeat himself. If we are living to love and glorify God, then He has promised to work ALL things together for the good Romans 8:28. So why do we wait for what appear to be the proper conditions for praise? If we really understood and believed that God is with us and working all things together for good, wouldn't we praise Him regardless of our particular situation? "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. There is never a wrong time to praise God and there are never circumstances which should lessen our thankfulness.

Job lost absolutely everything he had except his wife. He then developed sores over every part of his body and was so miserable that his wife encouraged him to "Curse God and die!" Job 2:10. Job was in great pain and heavy sorrow, but he knew God was in the midst of all things and had a purpose; "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10. God is in the good as well as the trouble; we must learn to praise Him in ALL situations! Though God does not necessarily bring the trouble, He is there! No matter the trial, He can be found and praised.

Our life can often become difficult and painful; we may feel bored and unfulfilled, cheated and abused. But if we look at the reasons which keep us from praising, we will find "self" expectations and pride - we will find a life lived according to the desires of the flesh and not according to the fruit of the Spirit. Every portion of our life is to be offered "as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" Romans 12:1. As we fix our eyes on the eternal glory we have through Jesus, we will find more and more reasons to praise.

Let's never allow our earthly circumstances to direct our praise: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" Psalm 150:6. If we are still breathing, we should still be praising! He has given us eternal life, an eternity of worship in His presence...and that is a GREAT gift! Let's look for the hand of God working around us each and every day. Let's praise Him with all our heart, and then let's praise Him even more!

.....risk

At the beginning of Elijah's ministry, God sent him to stay with a widow and her son. When he first arrived, Elijah asked the widow for some bread. The woman sadly said she only had enough for one final meal: "I don't have any bread - only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it - and die" 1 Kings 17:12.

The widow had completely given up on life. She believed she was preparing her last meal, but Elijah told her to trust God and make him something to eat out of the remaining flour. Elijah said it was God's plan to provide for all her needs...but she must believe. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land 1 Kings 17:14

The widow could have used the remaining food to feed herself and her son, but she risked all she had and did as Elijah requested. Even though she could not see the extra food or understand how it would arrive, she had faith in God's Word and took action based on her faith. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1

The risk was great, but God's promise and provision were even greater: "So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the Word of the Lord spoken by Elijah" 1 Kings 17:15-16.

Taking a step of faith ALWAYS requires risk - always requires stepping into the unknown. If we could see every detail about where God was leading and how He would provide, we wouldn't need faith. But if there is any "success" to be had in the Christian walk, it will only come as we daily live by faith; as we live each and every moment by listening intently for the call of God and then trusting Him, even through our fear, as we step into what we cannot see. This is where the true blessings of God reside.

When God calls us to a place where we must be "certain of what we do not see," we must boldly step. We must overcome our fears with a faith grounded in the promises of His Word and trust Him with all our heart to never leave our side.

There are so many who live their life without hope. Their circumstances seem to indicate that all is lost and they have been abandoned. And yet, God continues to call and promises hope through faith and trust. But we must take the step! Let's compassionately share this message of hope all around the world. If we are careful to listen, we most certainly will hear His call. He is faithful and will never lead us astray. So when we hear His call, let's be prepared to step and take the risk of faith.

.....gift

Being discipled is a life-long process which begins prior to Salvation with a clear presentation of the gospel and continues all the rest of our lives. As Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, He began the process of discipleship by giving clear instruction on belief and eternal life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life John 3:16 The moment we truly believe, our heart is transformed and we are given the gift of eternal life; "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith" Ephesians 2:8. However, we need to consider what Jesus meant when He said, "whoever believes in Him." The prior verses help yield a better understanding; "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life" John 3:14-15.

When Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt, they soon began to complain: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" Numbers 21:5. God punished the people for this sin by sending poisonous snakes. Many began to die from snake bites, so they went to Moses and said: "We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us" Numbers 21:7.

Moses prayed and God replied: "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live" Numbers 21:8. To be saved from the snakes, the people had to recognize their sin, repent of their sin, and understand death was certain without God's intervention. They then had to believe God's Word and act in faith; "Look at the snake and you will live."

Our Salvation "process" is the same today. We have all been snake-bit by sin! We must recognize our sin Romans 3:23, desire to turn away from our sin, and understand eternal death is certain without God's intervention Romans 6:23. We must then believe God's Word: "God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood" Romans 3:25. His sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins! "Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins" Acts 10:43. 

We must believe the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for complete forgiveness and then act on that belief by submitting our life into His hands, trusting in Him and Him alone!

God gave us His Son, that whoever, by faith, enters through the gate of forgiveness - whoever "believes in Him" - will not perish but receive the gift of eternal life.

.....gate

Receiving the Word, or even initial growth, is not Salvation. Many people pray to receive salvation without an understanding of the gospel message. But without the truth, we are never born again as a new creation in Christ. Therefore, teaching the truth of the gospel is the first priority of discipleship.

Many have become over-zealous in their desire to pull people into the Kingdom of God. We should all have a passion to see those around us saved from a path of destruction. But our intense desire must never cause us to pull people "inside" without presenting the absolute truth about sin and forgiveness. Sin causes separation from God. Forgiveness is by the grace of God through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. Without these truths there is no salvation.

The Church has done well with creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere which makes people feel part of the family. But in the process, we often create the disastrous environment in which many will one day hear: "I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!" Matthew 7:23. We should all attend a local fellowship, serve one another in love, and live a life characterized by high morals; but we must never even give the appearance that these activities provide an entrance to Heaven.

"I {Jesus} tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved."John 10:1, 9

If we attempt to enter the Kingdom through any other means than the gate of Jesus, we completely miss the eternal glory of God. We may think we are His sheep - we may even look and sound like His sheep - but in truth, any path other than belief in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin makes us a thief and a robber: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" John 14:6

We never help by pulling someone in or allowing them to remain comfortable while on the path to destruction. We must speak the truth and point the way to Jesus as the only gate through which we may pass - the ONLY way unto Salvation.

Everyone who walks this earth must make a decision about Jesus Christ. Let's make sure we never inadvertently pull someone over the top rail of the fence without presenting the real decision. Let's minister in a loving and welcoming manner, but let's provide proper discipleship by clearly sharing the need to enter through the gate.

- steve troxel

.....join

We are encouraged to hold on to Jesus when our strength fades and we become weary. We saw that our faith, not our strength, ensures we will overcome and receive the gift of eternal life. We can take great comfort in knowing Jesus will carry us and not let us fall. But we must also remember we were not born into His family to be permanently carried: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles" Isaiah 40:31. As we continue to draw near to God, He WILL renew our strength; and when He does, we must once again march into battle.

We often forget there is a spiritual war being fought all around us. We tend to become passive because we don't completely see the fighting. There are no official announcements of enemy strength and no news flashes of casualties. But make no mistake...it is a war!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Ephesians 6:12

Just as surely as there is a God who gave His Son to die for our sins, there is also an enemy doing battle in an ongoing war. The good news is that we can be certain of the war's final outcome; "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" Revelation 21:4.

The end of the war is certain, and we know who wins! But until that end, the enemy is attempting to disrupt God's plan and remove as many as possible from the fight. The stakes of this war are high. The enemy continues to attack and rejoices anytime we think we are defeated.

But we are NOT defeated! We may lose our focus - we may stray from what is really important and trust in things which are fading, or even face trials which cause fear and doubt - but we are definitely not defeated! The road to victory has been paved with the blood of Christ. We walk in victory as we remain on His path with determined steps of drawing closer to God and loving Him with all our heart.

As our strength returns we must get back in the fight. There are many all around us with deep wounds who are literally dying for help, dying to be loved and restored back to health. There are many more heading down a path of destruction in desperate need of someone who truly cares. 

Let's not be content to sit on the sidelines or be forever carried. Let's present our lives to God and allow Him to work through us to encourage others in their walk, to love beyond what is humanly possible, and to share the hope of Jesus with whoever crosses our path. Let's rededicate our lives to an uncompromising faith and, once again, join the battle! 

.....inside

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:6-7

At a factory, a supply clerk stumbled upon a box sitting on the loading dock. It had bold red letters screaming: “DANGER! DO NOT TOUCH!” Instantly, alarms went off in people’s minds. Was it something toxic? Dangerous equipment? A threat to everyone’s safety?

The box sat there like a ticking time bomb while speculation and worry swirled. Finally, the foreman — outfitted with gloves and safety glasses — approached with great care. Slowly, cautiously, he opened it.

Inside? Twenty-five signs. Each one said: “DANGER! DO NOT TOUCH!” That’s it. No chemicals. No explosives. Just a box full of signs.

Isn’t that similar to what we often do in our minds? We sometimes treat situations in life like that box — approaching them with dread, imagining the worst, only to find out things are not nearly as scary as we thought. We plaster all sorts of warning signs in our mind -- “What if this goes wrong?” “What if they’re upset with me?” “What if I fail?” Before long, fear takes over and we’re filled with worry.

But in Philippians 4, Paul lets us know that God offers us a better way. God knows we’re going to face situations that make us nervous. Life is full of unknowns. But instead of telling us to just "calm down" or "ignore it," he tells us to bring it to him and unload our fears into his hands.

When we do that, our perspective shifts. We start to see things more clearly. Sometimes, what once looked like a big, dangerous “box” turns out to be just a pile of empty warnings. Other times, even if the situation is truly difficult, we know that we’re not alone in facing it.

God’s peace doesn’t always mean the problem disappears, but it does mean that our lives are no longer controlled by fear. His peace guards us, shielding our hearts and our minds, reminding us that we are loved, protected, and not alone.

Perhaps today, there’s a “box” in your life that’s got you worried. Bring it to God. Let him show you what’s really inside, and allow his peace to replace your fear.

Father, thank you for being greater than my fears and anxieties. Teach me to trust you more deeply, turning to you in prayer instead of worrying about the unknown. Fill my heart with your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus' name, amen.

.....strengthened

On Paul's first missionary journey, he traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus and then up through several cities in Galatia. After preaching the gospel in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, they returned back through the same cities so they could strengthen those who had recently placed their faith in Jesus.

"They returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said." Acts 14:21-22

The early church was facing great persecution for simply turning to faith in Jesus Christ. Paul himself faced many hardships and was recently stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul encouraged the churches by letting them know they were not alone in their suffering. But he also seemed to encourage by saying that hardship was a necessary part of the Christian walk.

Those who have placed their complete faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin have begun a journey which leads to the kingdom of God. Once we truly begin this journey, we are His child and our place with God has been reserved; "He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.

However, while on this journey, God has a great plan and purpose for our life; "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29. Every step is for the purpose of drawing us closer and conforming us to the image of Christ. And hardship is the tool which seems to best accomplish this goal. We all might prefer that God would shape us through praise and blessings, but we seem to respond best to hardship.

It's hardship which reminds us of our dependence on God when we've begun to trust in our own abilities and understanding. It's hardship which brings us back to our knees in prayer after long seasons of silence. It's hardship which develops the character of a mature believer: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:2-4.

As difficult as this truth may be to accept and understand, part of God's plan is for us to experience some hardship. Not all hardship can be said to come from God; but in our lost and fallen world where we come to God filled with pride and arrogance, hardship is often the only way to humble our spirit and soften our heart. Our Heavenly Father loves us enough to do whatever it takes to draw us closer to His side - even when this means being strengthened by hardship.

- steve troxel

.....matters

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:7-8

Fred Craddock once shared a compelling story about a missionary family in China who, when forced to leave their home, were given just two hours to pack up their lives. They were allowed only 100 kilos of belongings, and in their frantic efforts, the family debated which items to include — a cherished vase, a brand-new typewriter, a few treasured books — each weighed carefully until they reached exactly 100 kilos.

Then came the twist that would change their perspective forever: when the soldiers returned, they asked, “Did you weigh the kids?” In that instant, every object — the vase, the typewriter, the books — all became worthless compared to their children. What once seemed so essential was revealed to be mere "trash" next to the true treasures of life.

This story challenges us to examine the weight we assign to the things in our lives. Imagine if our choices were as clear-cut as they were for that couple! If we were forced to decide, we would obviously choose the priceless gift of our loved ones over any material possession, but life rarely presents us with such a simple choice.

Instead, we may find ourselves caught between the demands of work and the desire to spend quality time with our families. Every day, we make multiple decisions regarding how to spend our time, how to spend our money, where to focus our attention. And God wants us to ask, “What truly is most important in my life?

In Philippians 3, Paul writes, "Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ….I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Like Paul, we’re also called to value our spiritual treasures above all else.

When life tempts us to prioritize material gain or worldly achievement, we need to remember that our relationships, our faith, and our time spent in God's presence are the true treasures that can never be measured on any scale. Every day we’re given a choice — to invest in what brings lasting joy and eternal significance, or to let trivial matters taken up our time and attention. May this serve as a gentle reminder that we all need to evaluate our priorities.

- alan smith

Father, thank you for reminding us what’s really important. In a world that often measures worth by weight and value, help us to focus on those things that matter most. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....source

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know Jeremiah 33:3

My friend Nancy and I once tried to introduce her mom to the wonders of the internet. We pulled up the old "Ask Jeeves" website and told her it could answer any question. She was skeptical, but Nancy encouraged her: "It's true, Mom. Just ask it anything!"

After thinking for a moment, her mom responded, "How is Aunt Helen feeling?"

She had the right idea — when you have a question, you go to a source that can give you an answer. But as she learned, some things can’t be found online. If you want to know how Aunt Helen is doing, you don’t Google it — you pick up the phone and call her.

The internet is an incredible tool. We can look up just about anything — recipes, historical facts, even answers to complex science questions. But when it comes to the deep, personal questions of life — questions like “Why am I going through this trial? What’s my purpose in life? How do I make this tough decision?”— Google doesn’t have the answer.

Whenever we’re struggling, it’s tempting to search for solutions wherever we can — self-help books, social media, podcasts, and even well-meaning friends. While these sources might offer a small amount of help, some answers can only come from the One who truly knows everything.

God isn’t just another source of information — He’s the source. He knows the past, present, and future. He understands our hearts better than we do. And, unlike a search engine, God knows our exact situation, our deepest needs, and what’s best for us.

Jeremiah 33:3 is a powerful reminder that when we call on God, he will answer us. And he promises to reveal "great and unsearchable things." That means God will show us things we could never figure out on our own, guiding us in ways that are beyond human understanding.

So, the next time you find yourself searching for answers, take a moment to pray. God doesn’t just give information — he gives wisdom and direction for your life. And that’s something no search engine can match.

- alan smith

Lord, thank you for always being available when I have questions and concerns. Help me to seek you first instead of relying on others. Remind me that your wisdom is far greater than anything I can find on my own. In Jesus' name, amen.

.....payback

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone Romans 12:17

Junior had just received his brand-new driver’s license, and to celebrate, the whole family piled into the car for his first official drive. As everyone found their seats, Dad slid into the back seat -- right behind his son.

With a grin, Junior said, “I’ll bet you’re sitting back there for a change of scenery after all those months of teaching me how to drive.” His dad chuckled. “Nope. I’m gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat while you drive — just like you’ve been doing to me for sixteen years!”

We laugh because we know the feeling – it’s tempting to give people a taste of their own medicine. When someone does us wrong, whether it’s a small annoyance or a big betrayal, our first instinct is often to get even.

But Romans 12:17 reminds us, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Instead of seeking revenge, God calls us to respond with grace, trusting that he will bring justice in his own perfect way and time.

That doesn’t mean we should ignore wrongdoing, but it does mean that we should choose wisdom over retaliation. It means refusing to let bitterness take root in our hearts. It means trusting that God can handle justice far better than we ever could.

Think about it -- When we hold onto resentment, who suffers the most? We do. When we seek revenge, does it actually fix the situation? Usually not. But when we release it to God, we experience peace. Jesus set the ultimate example when he prayed for the very people who nailed him to the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” Luke 23:34. If Jesus could show forgiveness in that moment, surely we can choose to let go of the small offenses that come our way.

So, the next time you’re tempted to “kick the seat” of someone who has wronged you, ask yourself the question, “Is it really worth it?” Maybe the better choice is to turn it over to God and leave your resentment in the rearview mirror.

Lord, help me resist the urge to get even. Teach me to trust you to deal with justice and to respond with grace instead of revenge. Fill my heart with peace, and remind me that forgiveness frees me more than payback ever could. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

.....gift

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate – Mark 10:9

A group of second graders was asked the question, "Why did your mom marry your dad?"

Here are some of their responses:

• "My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot."
• "She got too old to do anything else with him."
• "My grandma says that Mom didn’t have her thinking cap on."

These humorous answers remind us that people get married for lots of different reasons – some of them good, some of them bad. Regardless of the reason, though, marriage is something very special.

Marriage is more than just a human agreement; it’s a divine covenant. From the very beginning, God established marriage as a lifelong partnership between husband and wife, a relationship built on love, faithfulness, and mutual support. Genesis 2:24 tells us, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

God’s plan for marriage is not about finding the perfect person or avoiding challenges. It’s about committing to love and grow together, even when life gets difficult. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, "Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." In a Christ-centered marriage, spouses lift each other up, encourage one another, and overcome obstacles together through God’s strength.

Of course, every marriage is going to face seasons of hardship — misunderstandings, disappointments, and even moments that make us wonder if we had our "thinking cap" on when we said, "I do." But through it all, God provides us with what we need to persevere. A strong marriage isn’t built on perfection but on forgiveness and the commitment to keep choosing each other daily.

So, whether you’re newly married, you’ve have been together for decades, or you’re still waiting for that special someone, remember this: Marriage is God’s gift. He’s the one who joins two people together, and with him at the center, that bond can withstand any storm that comes its way.

Father, thank you for the gift of marriage. Help us to honor and cherish the relationships you have blessed us with. When challenges come, help us to love one another as you love us, with grace, patience, and an unwavering commitment. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....smooth

Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ – 1 Corinthians 15:33

A little girl once asked her mother, "Can I go outside and play with the boys?" Her mom said, "No, you can't play with the boys; they're too rough." After thinking it over, the little girl responded, "If I find a smooth one, can I play with him?"

Wouldn’t that be nice? If only we could find the “smooth” ones — the people who never cause drama, never let us down, and always lift us up. But let’s be honest: in the real world, it’s not always easy to find people like that. Relationships can sometimes be “rough”.

That’s why the Bible reminds us to choose our company wisely. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" The people we spend time with influence us more than we realize. Their attitudes, habits, and choices rub off on us, for better or worse.

If we surround ourselves with negativity, gossip, or unhealthy habits, it’s only a matter of time before those things start to affect us. But when we walk alongside people who encourage us, challenge us in a good way, and point us toward Christ, we grow stronger.

That doesn’t mean we should only spend time with "perfect" people (: they don’t exist!). It does mean, however, that we should be intentional about the relationships we invest in. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." True friends will help us become better, not pull us away from God’s best for us.

So, whether you're looking for good friends, a godly spouse, or just people to hang out with, ask yourself these questions: 

• Do they encourage my faith and values? 
• Do they bring out the best in me?
• Am I being a positive influence in their life as well? 

Because more important than having a good friend is learning to be a good friend.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to choose my relationships wisely. Surround me with people who encourage me in faith and character, and help me be that kind of person to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....words

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

One morning at breakfast, a wife eagerly waited for her husband to comment on her first attempt at homemade cinnamon rolls. After a few bites and no reaction, she finally asked, "If I sold these commercially, how much do you think I could get for one?" Without looking up from his newspaper, he casually replied, "About 10 years."

Ouch.

Baking from scratch takes time, effort, and a little bravery — especially when you’re trying something new. The anticipation of someone’s reaction can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. In this case, the wife was hoping for praise, but instead, she got a response that was technically funny but also a little harsh. It’s a reminder of just how powerful our words can be.

The Bible tells us to make sure our words are "full of grace, seasoned with salt." That means our speech should be kind and encouraging — bringing flavor to conversations rather than bitterness. We’ve all experienced the impact of words — whether it’s a compliment that made our day or a careless remark that stuck with us for years.

Proverbs 16:24 puts it beautifully: "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Just like the warm, inviting smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, our words should leave people feeling uplifted and encouraged, not discouraged or disheartened.

We need to be careful with the words we choose. That doesn’t mean we can’t joke around or have fun, but it does mean we should consider how our words affect others. A little kindness, a little encouragement — it might be just what someone needs.

So today, I encourage you to make an effort to be intentional with your words. Whether you’re offering a compliment, cracking a joke, or giving advice, make sure your speech is something that honors God and lifts others up. Because at the end of the day, a sweet word — just like a warm cinnamon roll — might be just what is needed to make someone day’s special.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to use my words wisely. May my speech be full of grace and kindness, reflecting your love and bringing encouragement and joy to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.