.....diversity

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others Romans 12:4-5

It has been said that the reason the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines squabble among themselves is that they don't speak the same language. For example, take a simple phrase like, "Secure the building." Given that instruction,

The Army will put guards around it.

The Marines will kill everybody inside and make it a command post.

The Navy will turn out the lights and lock the doors.

The Air Force will take out a 5-year lease with an option to buy.

While humorous, this illustrates that each branch has its strengths -- even if their methods differ — yet they all work toward a common goal.

The body of Christ is similar. Though we are different, we each play an essential role in God’s kingdom. We have different methods of approaching ministry or outreach. One person may serve in a quiet, behind-the-scenes role while another leads from the front. One teaches, another prays, and yet another uses their gifts of mercy or hospitality to bless others. Our differences don’t make us weaker — they make us stronger when we work together with one purpose: to glorify God and fulfill his calling.

In Romans 12, Paul reminds us that even though we are many members, we belong to one body. Each part, with its own role, is crucial to the effectiveness of the whole. Just as a military with different branches can still achieve the same mission, the church, though made up of individuals with varying gifts, can still unite to accomplish the mission God has set before us.

It’s easy to become frustrated when others don’t see things the way we do. But instead of seeing our differences as obstacles, let’s learn to view them as opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate. God has placed us together with a purpose, and his plan is bigger than our preferences.

- alan smith

Father, thank you for the beautiful diversity in your body. Help me to celebrate the differences that make us stronger and more effective in carrying out your mission. May we work together in unity, each playing our part to bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....mess

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… Romans 12:2

A woman brought home a new plaque for her kitchen. It read in bold letters, “Prayer changes things.” She proudly hung it above her sink — a simple but powerful reminder during her daily routine.

Her husband came home, glanced up at the plaque, and said, “Take that down, please.” She was surprised. “Why? Don’t you believe in prayer?”

He replied, “Yes, but I don’t like change.”

There’s more truth in his statement than we might want to admit. Let’s be honest — many of us are perfectly fine with the idea of prayer, as long as it doesn’t disrupt our routines, confront our habits, or challenge the way we think. We love the idea of prayer as comfort, encouragement, even rescue. But transformation? That’s harder.

We often pray for God to change our situations, but we resist when God begins changing us. But real, honest prayer invites change. Not just around us, but within us.

Paul wrote in Romans 12, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That word transformed is the same word we get metamorphosis from, when we pray and walk with God, we don’t just get a spiritual touch-up — we’re being entirely reshaped.

It’s uncomfortable at times because change means surrender. It might mean letting go of bitterness, forgiving someone we’re not ready to forgive, or stepping into a role we don’t feel qualified for. It might mean confronting a sin we’ve tried to ignore or reordering our priorities in ways that inconvenience us.

The next time we catch ourselves clinging tightly to what’s familiar, let’s remember what we’re really saying when we pray. We’re not just offering God a wish list — we’re opening ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit. And yes, that means change. But it’s the kind of change that leads to a more Christlike life.

So, hang the plaque, Pray and let God change what needs to be changed — including you.

Father, forgive me when I resist the change you want to bring into my life. When I’m tempted to cling to what’s comfortable, remind me that you are shaping me for something better. Transform my heart and help me to grow into who you’ve created me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....really

We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin Romans 6:6

There’s an old joke about two hunters in the woods. One of them suddenly collapses, and his buddy, in a panic, calls 911. “I think my friend is dead! What should I do?”

The calm voice on the other end says, “First, let’s make sure he’s dead.”

There’s a pause… then a loud BANG.

The hunter comes back on the line and says, “Okay, now what?”

It’s a dark joke, but it has an important spiritual lesson buried in it. In Romans 6:6, Paul tells us that our “old self” was crucified with Christ. Not improved. Not tucked away in storage for future use. Crucified. That’s strong language. It means the old version of you — the one ruled by sin, shaped by pride, driven by selfish desires — is meant to be done away with completely. Buried. Gone.

But let’s be honest: we sometimes treat our “old self” more like a patient in recovery than someone who’s been laid to rest. We say we’re following Jesus, but we still keep parts of the old life on life support -- anger that simmers, bitterness we refuse to let go of, habits we’ve grown comfortable with, temptations we flirt with.

And the result? We end up living as if Jesus only partially saved us — enough to forgive our sins, but not enough to set us free from them.But Jesus didn’t die just to clean us up a little. He died to make us new. To give us a new heart, a new mind, a new way of being. That means letting the old self truly die.

So, here’s the question: Is there any part of the old you that’s still hanging around? A grudge you won’t let go of? A sin you’ve quietly accepted? A mindset that looks more like the world than the kingdom of God?

Make sure the old you is really dead.

- alan smith

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the gift of new life in Christ. Give me the courage to let go of anything that belongs to my old self, and the grace to live fully as the new creation you’ve made me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....action

His perfect plan will continually call us to actively take a step of faith. We often see the call of God as accompanied by a perceived risk. The risk we see may be in terms of finances, rejection, or failure, but there is always an element of the unknown in God's call which requires us to trust and increase our faith. We should note that when we follow God's call, the true risk only exists in our mind.

Following God's call may require sacrifice and painful perseverance followed by seasons of doubt and frustration. There may even be severe trials and hardships along His path. But despite our physical circumstances, the middle of His plan is the safest and most secure place to walk. Walking in His perfect plan is eternally safe and secure, but it will continually call us to actively take steps of faith, one after the other.

When the tax collector came for the "two-drachma" tax, Jesus gave Peter very interesting instructions on how to obtain the necessary funds. Go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours Matthew 17:27

With all the power of Creation at His disposal, Jesus could have produced any number of coins and made them readily available. Yet, with the tax collector waiting by the door, Peter was told to excuse himself and take a fishing line down to the lake. Why go through all this trouble with the fish?

Our walk with Christ involves a long process of developing and growing our faith. It would have taken very little faith for Peter to pick a coin off the table and pay the tax. He was therefore given the "opportunity" to take a step which would strengthen his faith as he trusted Jesus and not his own understanding Proverbs 3:5-6. Peter's faith grew, and therefore his closeness with Jesus, as he obeyed and cast out his fishing line.

Jesus is able to fully meet all our needs Philippians 4:19. But He loves us enough to lead us to specific action; "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" James 2:17. The specific actions or accomplishments are never really the issue; rather, it is the growth in our relationship with Jesus which is important. Our faith becomes alive, and we grow closer every time we obey, follow, and take the step!

What is Jesus asking of us today? Many are facing some very hard decisions. We don't understand why God is calling, and we can't see how His plan will fit together. His call is probably nothing as absurd as the coin in the fish, but the message in His call is the same; He is saying, "Trust Me and love Me with all your heart!" When our Savior calls, we must be prepared to follow, because, when He calls, we will always be given the opportunity for action.

.....animals

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind Job 12:7–10

A nursery school teacher once chauffeured a station wagon full of kids when a fire truck raced past, sirens blaring. In the front seat of the fire truck sat a Dalmatian. The children began debating why the dog was there.

One said, “They use him to keep crowds back.”

Another replied, “No, he’s just for good luck.”

A third chimed in confidently, “They use the dog to find the fire hydrant.”

Though good guesses, their answers were all incorrect. But they do raise an interesting question: Of what use are all the animals to us?

In our modern world, we often think of animals in terms of their utility — what they can do for us. Dogs guard us and protect us, cats control pests, cows and chickens feed us, bees pollinate crops. And while all these roles are real and valuable, the Bible paints a richer picture. Animals serve an even greater purpose -- they reflect the wisdom, creativity, and provision of God.

In Job 12, Job invites us to see animals not just as tools, but as teachers. The created world — every bird, beast, and bug — declares something true about its Maker. Not with words, but with patterns, instincts, and design. “Ask the animals,” Job says, “and they will teach you.”

Consider the way a dog sits patiently by its master, or how birds rise with the sun to sing. Think of the way ants work together in unity, or how deer leap with grace through the forest. Each and every creature teaches us something about the divine nature.

God didn’t just make animals to serve us; He made them to speak to us — if we’ll listen.

- alan smith

God of all creation, thank you for the animals you’ve placed in our world. Teach me to learn from them and to see your hand in all living things. May I be filled with a sense of awe at your creativity and power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....listening

Whoever has ears, let them hear Matthew 11:15

In a second-grade classroom, the teacher read a story about a little girl who flew around the world in a magical hot air balloon. The book described all the incredible places she visited — ancient castles, exotic jungles, deserts full of camels, and big bustling cities. Toward the end of the story, the book mentioned how the little girl saw one of America’s most iconic landmarks -- the Statue of Liberty.

After the story, the teacher turned to the class and asked, “Can anyone remember something the little girl saw on her journey?”

Hands shot into the air. “Camels!” said one student. “A jungle!” shouted another. And then one boy—very confidently—yelled out, “The Spatula Delivery!”

Close… sort of. It's amazing how often we hear what we expect to hear, not necessarily what’s actually being said. Whether it’s in conversations, sermons, or even in our time with Scripture, we can sometimes miss the real message because we’re not truly listening. We’re assuming, skimming, or distracted.

That’s why Jesus so often said, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” He wasn’t stating the obvious — everyone has ears. He was issuing a challenge: Are you really listening? Are you open? Are you willing to hear something that might stretch you, correct you, or move you in a new direction?

Think about how often we skim over a familiar Bible verse and think, “Yeah, I’ve heard that before,” without pausing to ask, “What is God trying to say to me right now?” Or how often do we hear someone’s words but miss their heart? We assume we know what they mean before they finish.

Listening — real listening — is a spiritual discipline. It takes humility. It takes patience. And it takes intention. Spiritual growth begins when we learn to slow down, be fully present, and tune in — whether we’re in prayer, reading Scripture, or sitting across the table from a friend who just needs to be heard.

And when we really listen, we start hearing what matters most… and that can change everything.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to hear — not just with my ears, but with my heart. In a world full of noise, give me the wisdom to slow down and really listen to your Word, to others, and to the nudges of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....greater

In one of the last messages Moses gave to the people of Israel, he told them to obey all the commands of God and to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" Deuteronomy 6:5. 

About fifteen hundred years later, Jesus referred to this as the greatest of all commandments and then added: "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commands" Matthew 22:39-40. The commands to love God and love others summarize how God desires us to live. On the evening before He was crucified, Jesus gave His disciples a final command.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:12-13 In this command, we are not all being called to physically die for one another; this one-time action would actually be relatively easy compared with the true meaning of His command. The general call from Christ is for us to daily "lay down" our lives by dying to our self gratification and considering the needs of others more important than our own Philippians 2:3-4. And as opposed to a one-time event for a select individual, we are being called to daily lay ourselves down for ALL - even when others are not deserving...even when they have not earned our love.

We are commanded to love as God first loved us. His love was with total commitment and sacrifice; "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son" (John 3:16). His love was with absolute compassion and forgiveness; "God demonstrated His love in this! While we were still sinners Christ died for us" Romans 5:8.

The Apostle John spent almost 60 years pondering the words of his Savior and then concluded that love was the one characteristic which identifies us as a true believer; "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death" 1 John 3:14.

Yes, we are to love as Jesus loved. This means we should love without consideration of economic, social, or ethnic class. We should love cross gender, cross race, cross culture, and EVEN cross religion! Without ever compromising the message of Truth, we must begin to view others through the eyes of Jesus, remove the barriers, and make the time to truly love. Let's begin to open our heart to those in need. Let's learn to lay down our life and love with a greater love.

- adapted from steve troxel

 

.....wrong

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment John 16:8

Adam Thompson of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the first American to fill a bathtub.   Doctors who heard of it predicted rheumatism and inflammation of the lungs.   Some cities banned the new 'bathtub exercise'. Today a home is not complete without a bathtub or shower. The crowd was wrong. 

England once had a law forbidding anyone to drive a vehicle faster than four miles an hour without a person going before them with a red flag. Today we have vehicles capable of more than one hundred times that speed. The crowd was wrong.

Westinghouse was called a fool for daring to think that he could stop a train with wind. Now Westinghouse air brakes are being used the world over.   Again the crowd was wrong.

"What is Radium?" the crowd jeered at Madame Curie. Today it is a valuable asset in fighting disease. The crowd was wrong.  

For eleven years Goodyear and his wife worked on vulcanizing rubber.  Everyone laughed at them, but today millions ride on Goodyear tires. The crowd was mistaken.

Publishers told Zane Grey that he had no writing ability. But his books are still being read today.  The crowd was wrong.

Being wrong can be a serious matter, and that applies particularly to our relationship with God.  Too much is at stake.  We can be wrong about many things. The world can be wrong about things - it has been through the ages.   However, we dare not be wrong about Jesus.  God offers us eternal life through Jesus Christ.   He so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

- ron clarke

.....follow

When Jesus walked on the earth, He called a few select people to follow Him as He ministered. There was something irresistible about His call, something that opened eyes to a new reality and caused a radical change.

If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Luke 9:23-25

Peter, James and John were partners in a small fishing business on the Sea of Galilee. This was their source of support for themselves as well as their families. Yet when they heard the call to become "fishers of men," they eagerly responded; "So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him" Luke 5:11.

Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector - a Jew appointed by the Roman government to collect taxes from his Jewish brothers. As a tax collector, Matthew made a good living, but he walked away from his life of security when Jesus called: "'Follow Me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him" Luke 5:27-28.

In the Old Testament, Abraham moved his entire household to follow God without even knowing where he was being sent Genesis 12:1-5. Moses, at eighty years old, left the peaceful life of tending flocks to follow God's call to confront Pharaoh Exodus 3. And Elisha completely destroyed his old way of life when Elijah called: "He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people. Then he set out to follow Elijah" 1 Kings 19:21.

Answering the call to follow will always require a change, but the change may not be in physical location, profession, or status. The change may not always bring hardship. King Solomon followed God and was the richest man on earth. Joseph followed God and was the second most powerful man in Egypt. There is definitely a change involved with taking up our cross and following, but the real change occurs in the heart. It's a change where we learn "the secret of being content...whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" Philippians 4:12. It's a change where we leave our old values and priorities and find complete fulfillment in Christ.

As we draw closer to our Heavenly Father, we will find His call to be irresistible. We will learn the freedom and power of daily being led by His Spirit. And, as with many others who have gone before, we will NEVER regret answering the call to leave everything and follow.

- steve troxel

.....bride

Though we have freedom in Christ, we are also called to live a life of holiness. As we continue to walk with Jesus, we are called to strive for purity in our worship while understanding that nothing we do can ever add to His gift of Salvation.

Perhaps this relationship is best understood by considering our "marriage" to Christ; "I promised you to one husband, to Christ" 2 Corinthians 11:2. Jesus demonstrated His love for us, His eternal bride, when He gave His life, and NOTHING "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:39. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us Hebrews 13:5, and even "if we are faithless, He will remain faithful" 2 Timothy 2:13. His love is perfect!

His perfect love must never produce complacency. We have no fear of losing our Bridegroom or driving Him away, and we need not earn His acceptance. But if we truly understand His love, we ought to be compelled to return His love in everything we do and live to bring Him glory and honor. When the people of Israel turned their hearts away from God, it caused Him great pain. They were His chosen people - His chosen bride whom He dearly loved - and yet, they continued to seek a life apart from Him.

How I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from Me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols Ezekiel 6:9 This pain still occurs today whenever we withhold even a portion of our heart. We are married to a loving God who gave His life so we could live, but He is also "a consuming fire, a jealous God" Deuteronomy 4:24. When we allow our heart to become attracted to the things of this world or controlled by its set of values, we become an adulterous bride; "Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" James 4:4.

Many of our discussions of what is "acceptable" behavior for the bride of Christ, miss the true essence of our relationship. We are to be passionately in love! Our greatest desire should be to do those things which please the Bridegroom, not to cause Him grief as we live on the cold edge of what is "allowable." 

Everything is allowable! But what are the things which properly express our love?

Let's keep our heart pure and devoted to Him. Let's abide in Him and love Him with ALL our heart. Let's commit to living the remainder of our days as a faithful and loving bride.

.....wonderful

I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well Psalm 139:14

As our plane began its descent, the flight attendant read the long list of arrival information as if she were reading it for the thousandth time that day - no emotion or interest as she droned on and on about our impending arrival. Then, with the same tired, disinterested voice, she finished by saying, "Have a wonderful day." The dryness of her tone contrasted with her words. She said "wonderful", but in a manner completely absent of any sense of wonder.

Sometimes, I fear that we approach our relationship with God in the same way: Routine. Bored. Apathetic. Disinterested. Through Christ, we have the privilege of being adopted into the family of the living God, and yet, often there seems to be little of the sense of wonder that should accompany that remarkable reality.

Job questioned God about his suffering, but when challenged by God, Job was humbled by the wonder of His Creator and His creation. Job replied, "You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge'? Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" Job 42:3  I long for the wonder of God to take hold of my heart.

You are one of God's adopted children.  You are incredibly special to God.  Live like you are a child of God and have an exciting, incredible, awesome, terrific, "wonderful" day!

- bill crowder

....fear

In these times of great uncertainty - with concern about things like war, terrorism, the economy, our health and the health of our children - let's always remember, our Heavenly Father is the Creator of the Universe. He formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing, and, as we place our trust in Him, He has given a basic promise: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" Hebrews 13:5. His desire is for us to draw nearer in our love and worship, and allow His Spirit to remove all fear.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging Psalm 46:1-3

Although we are uncertain what tomorrow may bring, we ought to have confidence in the One who has promised to walk with us through all our tomorrows and guide us home. If we believe Jesus died for our sin, rose again in victory over death, and is seated at the right hand of the Father - if we surrender our life to who He is and what He has done - our eternal home has been firmly established; "Our citizenship is in Heaven" Philippians 3:20. As a child of the Sovereign King, as one who believes in our eternal future, we no longer have reason to fear; "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship" Romans 8:15

We no longer have a reason...but still we fear. The unknown is scary and makes us feel out of control. But as we pray for an end to violence, and as we strive to make this world safer, better educated, and more prosperous, and as we continually pray for healing, we must understand there is only one true solution to our fear.

Our fear will only be removed as we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we understand that our life is not our own, we will love with a complete abandonment to His desire. We will pray and live each day with the surrender demonstrated by Christ; "Father...not My will, but Yours be done" Luke 22:42. As we live each day to bring Him glory and honor, fear WILL begin to fade: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" 1 John 4:18.

Yes, these days, and all days, contain some uncertainty. If we continue to focus on what we can see, there will always be uncertainties. But our faith, hope, and joy are in His eternal glory, not in this world which will one day pass away. Let's refuse to let our fear of the unknown cripple our love or service for God; there is still much work He has for us to do. Let's pray that our love will increase, that our worship will intensify, and that we will boldly stand up and proclaim, "We will not fear!"

- steve troxel

.....build

When the armies of Babylon made their final invasion of Jerusalem, they took many captives into exile and completely destroyed the temple - destroyed God's dwelling among His chosen people. After many years, a group of Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild this precious dwelling place of God.

This group began the work with great excitement: "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord, 'He is good; His love to Israel endures forever'" Ezra 3:11. But they soon encountered opposition; "The peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building" Ezra 4:4. The opposition grew until all construction came to a standstill. God sent a message through the prophet Haggai to encourage His people to return to their important task.

"Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."Haggai 2:4-5

God encouraged the people to continue building the temple by reminding them He was still with them. He had rescued His people from slavery so He could dwell among them, and He had given His Spirit as a guide and comforter; "They were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how You guided Your people" Isaiah 63:14.

Today, WE are His temple, being built for His glory: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. The same Spirit who was given to be with God's chosen people of the past is the same Spirit who now fills us and gives us the power to live a victorious life in Christ, gives us the power to build according to God's perfect plan.

We have all heard and read the truth - we know how Christ desires for us to live - but the Spirit is given to "guide you into all truth" John 16:13. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will "remind you of everything I have said to you" John 14:26. The Truth is our only building material, and the Spirit holds the only plans. He will guide and direct as we listen and prepare our heart to follow.

God sent His Son to set us free from sin, and He gave us His Spirit so we may live in freedom and build a temple which glorifies His name. There are many in the world who seek to discourage and make us afraid to continue building, many who create fierce opposition. But let's continue the work He has already begun. Let's continue to walk in victory and daily build according to the Spirit.

- steve troxel

.....land

As we become more like Christ, we naturally desire to do only those things consistent with the will of our Heavenly Father. We also saw that this can be a frustrating time as we search...and wait! But the search is a time where we learn more about trust, more about submitting our own desires to His will, and more about preparing to go when He calls.

Abraham was a man of great faith who was chosen to begin the covenant relationship between God and man. Through Abraham's son, Isaac, and his grandson Jacob, the nation of Israel was born. However, when God's Word first introduces us to Abraham, he is already 75 years old and settled with his family in the land of Haran. Then, with absolutely no warning, God calls...

"The Lord had said to Abraham, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'"Genesis 12:1 God wanted Abraham to move to the land of promise; "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you" Genesis 12:2. We are not told that Abraham was searching for God's will or even preparing for the call, but he was definitely ready. Abraham had no idea where he was going, how long he would be gone, or how he was going to get to where God directed, but he trusted God's promise and went.

It's interesting to note there was no further discussion or clarification from God after the call was made - God gave direction, and Abraham obeyed; "So Abraham left, as the Lord had told him" Genesis 12:4. Abraham may have left with a slight uncertainty in his decision - a slight hesitation in his step - but he had faith enough to trust and obey.

God has a promised land to which He is calling us today. It is a land where we find contentment in all situations Philippians 4:12, rejoice in our trials James 1:2, and give thanks in all circumstances 1 Thessalonians 5:18 because we KNOW God is working all things together for the good Romans 8:28. It is a land of united families where marriage vows represent an unbreakable covenant; a place where children honor their father and mother; and a land where parents lead their children by following Christ. Most of all, it is a land where we love Him with ALL our heart in ALL we do, say, and think!

God is calling us to trust Him and follow where He leads. Sometimes His call is very specific (and we must diligently prepare to hear and obey this call) but often His call is simply to let go of our own understanding, search His Word for truth, and follow Him to the Promised Land.

- steve troxel

.....search

We have come to that wonderful place where our only desire is to do God's will. We have begun to view our time on earth with an eternal perspective and are now in the process of aligning our life with His desires. We truly desire to do the will of God, so we desperately (and often unceasingly) search for His will. This is a significant step of maturity for any believer, but it can also be a time of great frustration.

Before we were saved, we were controlled by a sinful nature. This nature manifested itself in a variety of ways; "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" Galatians 5:19-21.

Through the Spirit of Christ, we now have the power to break free from the control of the sinful nature. And, though most of the sinful nature is clearly out of character with a Christian walk, the sin which is often the hardest to recognize is that of selfish ambition. Even in our striving to live according to God's will, we continually battle the desire to achieve and accomplish.

The deception which surrounds selfish ambition sounds so good and spiritual: "God, let me do something really great....for You! I'm ready to have a MAJOR impact in Your Kingdom." We look for God's will as if it is some sort of mountain to climb, and then we become frustrated when we never seem to arrive at the summit. But God's will is never a destination. His will is always a process - always found in the journey! His will is that we love Him, trust Him, and seek Him with all our heart.

Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You Psalm 9:10Anyone who earnestly searches for God's will has a strong desire to please Him. They love God with all their heart and are leaning on Him for guidance like never before. This love and trust mean more to God than anything we could ever accomplish. But God allows us to search, because the search is what brings us to His throne.

We must continue to seek His desire for our life and always be prepared to follow where He leads. But we must also strip back the layers of pride which require an achievement of something grand. We have found His perfect will when we walk in humble submission, with a thankful and loving heart, and are actively involved in the search.

- steve troxel

.....refuse

As we continue the fight, whatever fight this season finds us in, we must remember our true battles are not against flesh and blood - not against the media or the government or the economy, not against our children or spouse or others in the workplace - but "against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms" Ephesians 6:12. 

The true battles occur in a world which is real, but unseen; and yet, the battles we see and hear everywhere we turn are the ones which tend to consume our thoughts and cause us to become angry...and to fear.

As Jesus was teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee, large crowds of people began to come out to Him. One evening, Jesus decided to leave the crowds behind and sail with His disciples to the other side of the sea. As Jesus slept in the back of the boat, a terrible storm soon developed. The disciples woke Jesus and cried out in fear, "Teacher, don't You care if we drown?" Mark 4:38.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'Mark 4:39-40

The disciples had seen Jesus cure a man with leprosy, heal a paralytic, and teach with the authority of Almighty God, but now they thought Jesus didn't care. When Jesus rose, He rebuked the storm as well as His disciples. These men who were chosen to walk with the Son of God were now accused by Jesus of being afraid and living without faith.

This same event occurs in our life today. Jesus climbs into our boat and directs us to a distant shore. We've heard about His miracles so we joyfully cast off, expecting a smooth sail. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow and the waves turn white; this is probably not the voyage we had in mind. No longer able to see the shore, we begin to wonder why we ever set sail. Did we really hear His voice? And in our desperation we pathetically cry out, "Don't You care if we drown?" ... Is our faith really so weak?

In the midst of our fears, we must remember that the God to whom we cry is the same God who created the Heavens and the earth, sent His Son to die for our sins, and gave us His Spirit "with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption" Ephesians 4:30. He is the same God who chose us to walk by His side!

Jesus is still committed to our journey, and still in complete control. In His perfect timing He will calm ALL the wind and waves, ALL the roaring seas. When doubts begin to surface, we must draw even closer, hold on even tighter, and trust Him even deeper. No matter what battles we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, no matter how many changes we face along the way, we must be determined to live each moment by faith and refuse to be afraid. 

- steve troxel

.....truth

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy Proverbs 28:13

At his annual check-up, James panicked when the doctor asked him, “How often do you exercise?” “Three times a week,” he blurted, then added, “Sometimes more if I’m feeling ambitious.” The doctor turned to his computer. “Interesting… because your Apple Watch says otherwise.” Turns out James had accidentally synced his health data with the clinic’s app. Busted by the truth! Now he walks laps every evening — not just for his health, but out of shame.

We laugh because we’ve all been there. Maybe not with a fitness tracker, but with some area of life where we tried to sound a little better than we really were. We hide the parts we’re not proud of. We downplay our mistakes or highlight our best moments while quietly sweeping the rest under the rug. But sooner or later, something — or someone — holds up a mirror that says, “Actually… here’s what’s real.”

The good news? God already knows. Every slip-up, every lame excuse, and every good intention that didn’t quite make it to action — none of it surprises him. And yet, God still loves us deeply. His desire is not to expose us or shame us. He wants to set us free.

Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that hiding our sins only creates a heavy burden. But when we’re honest – when we confess and forsake our sins -- we find mercy. Not rejection. Not shame. Mercy.

Confession isn't just about admitting what we’ve done wrong; it’s about letting go of the exhausting pressure to look better than we truly are. It’s saying, “Here I am, God — no filters, no excuses.” And in that place of honesty, God always meets us with grace.

So today, you may need to take a spiritual walk — not for your heart rate, but for your heart. Bring God the real data: the missed goals, the lazy days, the hard feelings, the spiritual dry spells. He already knows. And he stands ready to extend mercy.

- ellena kalinga

Father, thank you for knowing the real me and still loving me. Help me to stop pretending and start walking in truth. Give me the courage to bring my whole self — weaknesses, excuses, and all — into your light. Thank you for meeting me there with mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....stay

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant...” Philippians 2:5-7

Want to know the weather? Just check the dog by the back door:

If the dog is wet, it’s raining.

If the dog is really soaked, it’s pouring.

If his fur is standing up, it’s windy.

If there’s snow on his back, — it’s snowing. ( for this method to work, the dog has to stay outside — especially when the weather gets bad)

Sincerely,

The Cat

It’s a silly image, but it hits close to home. It’s funny how often we’re like that cat — content to let someone else deal with the cold, wet, messy parts of life while we stay warm, comfortable, and dry. Whether it’s a difficult conversation, a friend in crisis, or a need in the church, it’s tempting to think, “Someone else will handle it. I’ll just stay right here.”

But real love doesn’t hide behind the door. 

And real faith doesn’t settle for comfort.

Jesus certainly didn’t. He didn’t watch our struggles from a safe distance. He didn’t send encouragement from heaven without getting involved. Instead, he stepped into our weather — our mess, our pain, our broken world. He got wet. He got hurt. He walked through wind and storm right beside us.

And if we’re following Jesus, we’re expected to carry that same faithfulness into the lives of others. To step outside our comfort zone. To get our hands dirty. To check on our neighbor, send that text, sit with the hurting, show up for the lonely, and love people in practical ways — even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or downright messy.

It’s not about being a hero. It’s about showing up — like Christ does for us — again and again. With love. With patience. With grace that doesn’t quit when the weather gets rough. So today, don’t be like that cat. Be like Christ. Step out into someone’s storm.

Prayer

Father, thank you for showing up for me every day, rain or shine. Help me not to hide in comfort or convenience, but to step out in love. Give me eyes to see who needs a reminder of your love — and the courage to be that reminder. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....serve

We need to walk with God in continued obedience in order to honor Him and allow us to experience His very best. God's plan is that we learn to live in His presence and become "conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29. This means we must listen intently for God's direction and follow where He leads, not just blindly walk down what appears to be His path.

David was crowned king of Judah soon after Saul died in the year 1010 BC. About seven years later, all of Israel acknowledged David as their new king. One of David's first actions as king was to move the Ark of God from the home of Abinadab to Jerusalem. David and all the officials believed that by making the Ark a more central focus for the nation, God would bless all of Israel.

This was a very exciting time. The Ark was being transported on a new cart pulled by oxen, and over thirty thousand people were "celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals" 2 Samuel 6:5. But even during this time of great excitement, God clearly demonstrated the need for obedience.

When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the Ark of God 2 Samuel 6:6-7

Uzzah's intentions were good, but God considered his actions irreverent. Uzzah desired to serve God by keeping the Ark from falling to the ground, but his enthusiastic and well intentioned actions were not directed by God. In fact, Uzzah's actions were in direct conflict with God's Word.

During the time of Moses, God had given instructions that the Ark should be moved with poles Exodus 25:14-15 and that anyone who touched the Ark must be put to death Numbers 4:15. Uzzah served where he thought there was a need, but he served at the expense of true obedience.

We must learn great sensitivity to God's leading. Seemingly godly action, if done outside the will of God, is sin. We must never assume that what "looks" good and godly is truly of God. Our Heavenly Father will always be faithful to lead us in His perfect will. But we must be willing to spend time  worshiping at His feet, communing with Him in prayer, and waiting patiently for His direction. As we serve our Lord, let's do so with great enthusiasm, but let's always allow Him to lead and serve Him in obedience.

- steve troxel

.....destiny

Moses disobeyed God's command with obtaining water from the rock. God called Moses' disobedience a lack of trust and punished him quite harshly; "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them" Numbers 20:12. God did not destine Moses for failure; rather, He sovereignly allowed Moses to choose which path he would travel, even if that meant traveling away from the path of God.

Nearly forty years earlier, God allowed the entire nation of Israel to make a similar choice. When God brought the people out of Egyptian slavery, His plan - His destiny for His chosen people - was to lead them into the promised land of Canaan. But when the twelve spies gave their report, the people chose the path of fear and disobedience.

God always attributes disobedience to a failure to believe and trust; "How long will they refuse to believe in Me?" Numbers 14:11. God was about to "strike them down with a plague and destroy them" Numbers 14:12, but Moses pleaded for mercy; "In accordance with Your great love, forgive the sin of these people" Numbers 14:19. God heard Moses and was indeed merciful.

I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, not one of the men who saw My glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed Me and tested Me ten times - not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated Me with contempt will ever see it Numbers 14:20-23

Those who receive the gracious gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus are God's chosen people. We have believed and promised to walk in obedience, and He has promised to forgive us when we disobey and even when we fail to trust Him with ALL our heart. But God also has a plan - a destiny - for His chosen people; "For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29.

Our Heavenly Father knew us before the foundations of the world, and, in His perfect plan, has destined us to walk in faith and become more and more like Jesus. But He also gives us the freedom to choose. Every day we must choose to walk in faith - choose to trust and believe. Every day we either walk down a path of obedience or down the destructive path of sin which leads us away. Yes, God will forgive, but He also will not withhold His discipline!

Let's live each day in obedient faith and continue to believe His Word is true. Let's submit our lives to His conforming Hands and trust Him to guide us down the path of our perfect destiny. 

- steve troxel