.....heaven

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

A little girl was camping with her dad one evening and got to see a sight city-folk rarely get to witness. As the sky got pitch black, the stars were absolutely brilliant. The little girl looked up and said, "Daddy, if the bottom side of heaven looks this beautiful, what must the other side look like!"

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt overwhelmed by its beauty? There’s something breathtaking about a sky untouched by city lights. It’s a sight that stirs the soul, reminding us of how vast and magnificent God truly is.

But the little girl was right. If this world — this temporary, broken place — can still hold such beauty, imagine what awaits us in eternity! Our greatest moments of awe here on this earth are just the faintest glimpses of the glory to come.

When we marvel at a sunset, stand in awe of a mountain range, or feel the vastness of the ocean, we’re seeing evidences of the Creator’s handiwork. And yet, even the most stunning landscapes of earth pale in comparison to the beauty of heaven. Revelation 21:23 tells us that heaven doesn’t even need the sun or moon, because the glory of God himself gives it light.

But here’s the most amazing part: Heaven’s beauty isn’t just about golden streets or crystal-clear rivers. The greatest wonder of all is that we will be in the very presence of God. No more pain. No more sorrow. No more distance between us and our Savior. Just pure, unending joy in the fullness of his love.

So, the next time you look up at a starry night, take a moment to remember: If this is what the bottom side of heaven looks like, imagine what’s waiting on the other side!

- alan smith

Lord, your creation is breathtaking, and it fills my heart with wonder. Thank you for giving us glimpses of your glory in this world. I long for the day when I will see you face to face. Until then, let me shine your light here on this earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

.....right

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves Philippians 2:3

A husband and wife got into a petty argument. As was their nature, neither of them would admit the possibility that they might be in error. The wife finally said, "Look. I'll tell you what. I'll admit I was wrong if you’ll admit I was right." The husband said, "Fine." She took a deep breath, looked him in the eye and said, "I was wrong.” He grinned and replied, "You're right."

We’ve all been there — those little disagreements that somehow feel much bigger than they ought to. Maybe it’s about what to have for dinner, which way to fold the laundry, or who left the lights on. At the time, it feels important to prove our point, but in the grand scheme of things, is being “right” really the goal?

This story illustrates something many of us struggle with -- admitting when we’re wrong. Even when we do, there’s a part of us that still wants to “win” in some way. But Scripture calls us to something greater — humility. Philippians 2:3 reminds us to value others above ourselves, putting love before pride.

Jesus himself is the ultimate example of this kind of humility. Though he had every right to claim superiority, he chose to serve rather than be served. If Jesus, the Son of God, could lay aside his rights for the sake of love, surely we can, too. When we are willing to listen, admit fault, or let go of our need to "win," we reflect the heart of Christ.

So, the next time you find yourself in a disagreement, pause and ask yourself: What matters more — being right or being Christlike? Is proving my point more important than preserving peace? Sometimes the greatest victory isn’t found in winning the argument but in choosing to show grace.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to walk in humility, seeking peace rather than always being “right.” Give me a heart that values others above myself, and reflects your grace in every conversation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....unchanging

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

It’s not easy being a father. One cynic, speaking from his own experience, noted that children go through four fascinating stages. First, they call you DaDa. Then they call you Daddy. As they mature, they call you Dad. Finally, they call you collect.

Parenting comes with a number of challenges — especially as children grow and their needs evolve. At first, children adore their father’s presence, then they seek independence, and eventually, they return when they need help.

That’s similar to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we first come to God in faith, we cling to him, fully dependent. As we mature, we sometimes distance ourselves, wanting to do things our own way. But when life gets tough, we realize just how much we need God, and we cry out for his help.

The beautiful truth is that, while we may change, God never does. He doesn’t reject us when we grow distant, and he doesn’t turn away from us when we return with desperate prayers. His love is constant, patient, and always available — no matter what stage of life we may be in.

Take a moment today to thank God for being the perfect Father who always answers when we call — collect or otherwise!

- alan smith

Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there for me, even when I drift away. Help me to stay close to you, not only in times of need but in every season of my life. I am grateful for your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....aroma

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing 2 Corinthians 2:15

After eight years of marriage, a husband and wife decided to make some changes in their lives. He went on a strict diet and she took a job in a small diner. After her first day at the diner, the wife returned home from work and gave her husband a big hug. He seemed to cling to her longer than usual. "Did you miss me that much today, dear?" she asked. "No," came the reply, "but you smell so much like pancakes that I hate to let you go!"

This humorous story reminds us just how powerful an aroma can be. 

Scents can evoke memories, stir emotions, and even make us long for something we crave.

We’re also reminded that what we spend time around has a way of sticking to us. Whether it’s the scent of a restaurant, the attitude of the people we surround ourselves with, or the things we dwell on in our minds, we tend to absorb what’s in our environment.

The Bible tells us that, as believers, we are meant to be the “pleasing aroma of Christ.” That means that our lives should give off the fragrance of God’s love, grace, and kindness. The way we do that is by spending time in the presence of Christ. As we spend more and more time with Jesus, his "scent" starts to cling to us.

And just as the smell of pancakes made that husband want to hold on a little longer, our Christlike love should make people want to linger in God’s presence. Jesus didn’t repel people — he attracted them. Sinners, outcasts, and the brokenhearted all wanted to be near him because he carried something they desperately needed. As his followers, we are called to do the same. When we reflect his love, kindness, and truth, we create an environment where people feel drawn to God.

Make an effort today to spend more time with Jesus so that his aroma clings to you and draws others closer to God.

- nyaguthi gathoni

Lord, help my life to be a pleasing fragrance to you and to those around me. Help me to spend time with you so that your love, kindness, and truth naturally flow from my life. May my words and my actions draw others closer to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....holding

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

“Cash, check or charge?" the cashier asked, after folding the items a woman wished to purchase.

As the customer fumbled for her wallet, the cashier noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse. "So, do you always carry your TV remote?" he asked.

"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me, and I figured this was the worst thing I could do to him legally."

This story gives us a good laugh, but it also makes us think — how often do we hold on to things just to make a point? The woman in this story responded to her frustration by finding a way to make sure her husband “felt” the consequences.

In our relationships, it’s easy to hold on to grudges, annoyances, or the need to prove a point. Maybe someone hurt our feelings, didn’t meet our expectations, or just frustrated us. Instead of letting it go, we hold on to something — an argument, a cold shoulder, or a sarcastic comment —just to “make them pay.” But in the end, does it really help?

Jesus calls us to something better. In Luke 6:31, he reminds us to treat others as we would like to be treated. That means letting go of petty grievances and choosing kindness, even when we’re frustrated. Carrying around past offenses is like carrying a TV remote in our purse — it might give us a sense of control, but it doesn’t actually fix anything. Is there something you need to let go of today? Instead of holding on to the frustration, try holding on to grace.

- alan smith

Lord, give me patience in my relationships and a heart that responds with love instead of frustration. Teach me to treat others the way I want to be treated, showing grace just as you have shown grace to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....workplace

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

The following “Reasons for Leaving Last Job” have come from real resumés:

· Responsibility makes me nervous.

· They insisted that all employees get to work by 8:45 every morning. Couldn't work under those conditions.

· Was met with a string of broken promises and lies, as well as cockroaches.

· I was working for my mom until she decided to move.

· The company made me a scapegoat - just like my three previous employers.

Reading through these humorous "reasons for leaving," we can’t help but chuckle at the creative (and sometimes questionable) explanations that people give for their choices. While they may be amusing, they also reveal something deeper about human nature — our tendency to deflect responsibility, shift blame, or avoid commitment when things get tough.

The Bible calls us to approach our work and responsibilities with integrity and diligence. In Colossians 3:23, Paul reminds us that no matter who we work for, our ultimate employer is God. This means showing up, working hard, and taking responsibility for our actions — even when circumstances are difficult.

Instead of blaming others, making excuses, or running from challenges, we should ask God for the strength to persevere, the wisdom to navigate difficult situations, and the humility to own our mistakes. When we work with a heart focused on him, we not only honor God but we also grow in our character and faith.

Lord, please help me to approach my work and responsibilities with diligence and integrity. When challenges arise, give me the strength to face them with faith rather than excuses. May my actions in the workplace reflect your character in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

- alan smith

.....growing

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen 2 Peter 3:18

A seaman met a pirate in a bar, and their talk turned to their adventures on the sea. The seaman noticed that the pirate had a peg-leg, a hook, and an eye patch. He asked, "So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?"

The pirate replied, "We were in a storm at sea, and I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. Just as my men were pulling me out, a shark bit my leg off." "Wow! What about your hook?” The pirate said, "We were boarding an enemy ship and were battling the other sailors with swords. One of the enemy cut my hand off." "Incredible! How did you get the eye patch?” “A seagull dropping fell into my eye.”

"You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?," the sailor asked incredulously. "Well," said the pirate, "it was my first day with my hook."

Life has a way of teaching us lessons, often through painful experiences. Unfortunately, we can get wounded along the way — physically, emotionally, or spiritually. And like the pirate in this story, we sometimes survive some of life's biggest challenges only to get tripped up on the small, unexpected moments that catch us off guard and reveal our weaknesses. We act before thinking, and it costs us.

The truth is, we are all learning. None of us has perfect wisdom, knowing exactly how to handle every situation. God designed life to be a journey of growth. Even our mistakes, however frustrating or embarrassing they may be, can be used as a stepping stone toward wisdom.

The pirate in that story probably never made that mistake again! And that’s the key — learning from what happens so that we don’t keep making the same blunders. Let your mistakes be moments that bring you closer to God and make you wiser.

So, if you’ve had a “first day with the hook” moment, take heart — God is still working in you, and every misstep is an opportunity to grow.

Lord, thank you for your patience with me as I learn and grow. Help me to learn from my mistakes and to see them as opportunities to trust you more. Help me to grow in wisdom so that I can serve you better. In Jesus’ name, amen.

- alan smith