.....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.

.....excellence

 "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:1-2

The following is reported to be a true story about the quality standard of Japanese products.

As the story goes, IBM decided to have some parts manufactured in Japan as a trial project. In the specifications, they specified that they would only accept three defective parts per 10,000. When the delivery came to IBM, there was an accompanying letter: "We Japanese have a hard time understanding North American business practices. But the three defective parts have been included and wrapped separately. Hope this pleases you." The Japanese company gave IBM what they specified -- three defective parts and 9,997 good parts!

This story highlights the difference between settling for “good enough” and pursuing excellence. As Christians, we’re often tempted to set "acceptable" limits on things like mistakes, compromises, or lukewarm devotion. We tell ourselves that a little impatience, a little dishonesty, or a little laziness is just part of life.

But, just as the Japanese company refused to settle for mediocrity, God calls us to reject a “good enough” mentality in our spiritual lives. He calls us to a higher standard of excellence. He doesn’t want us to aim for the minimum, but wants us to pursue holiness and excellence in everything we do.

It’s easy to find ourselves thinking, “It’s okay to make a few mistakes. God’s grace will cover me.” But in Romans 6, Paul challenges this mindset. He asks the question, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" and then he answers with a strong “By no means!”

We’ve been given grace not so that we can keep living in sin, but so we can be transformed and live in a way that honors God. So, instead of asking, "What’s the least I can do and still be saved?", we need to ask instead, "How can I live fully for God in every area of my life?"

We’ve got to shift our mindset from acceptable to excellent. Don’t settle for a faith that just meets the minimum requirements. Instead, strive for excellence in every area of your life, knowing that God’s grace empowers us to live differently.

Lord, help me to reject complacency in my faith. Show me those areas where I’ve settled for “good enough” and give me the courage to pursue excellence. Transform my heart and mind so that I can live in a way that truly honors you. In Jesus’ name, amen."

.....help

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty Proverbs 21:5

A man entered a drug store and asked to see the pharmacist. When the pharmacist came out, the man asked if he could give him a cure for the hiccups. The pharmacist immediately reached out and slapped him across the face.

The man asked, "What'd you do that for?" He said, "Well, you don't have the hiccups anymore, do you?" " The man said, “No, but my wife out in the car still does!"

Sometimes, like that pharmacist, we’re so eager to fix a problem that we act before fully understanding the situation. He meant well, but he jumped to a solution without gathering enough information. In the end, he didn’t solve the problem. In fact, he made things worse.

How often do we do the same thing? Maybe we see a friend struggling and immediately offer advice when all they needed was someone to listen. Or perhaps we jump into fixing a family member’s issue without taking the time to pray and seek God's wisdom. Our intentions are good, but if we rush into action without truly understanding the need, we might cause more harm than good.

Proverbs 21:5 reminds us that careful planning leads to success, while haste leads to trouble. God values thoughtful action. He wants us to be people who seek wisdom, not just quick fixes.

Here are some suggestions when you’re tempted to respond to a situation quickly:

• Pause Before Acting – Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom.
• Listen First – Instead of assuming what someone needs, ask questions.
• Seek God’s Guidance – Not every problem is ours to solve. Sometimes, our role is simply to encourage, pray, or walk alongside someone instead of "fixing" things for them.
• Be Patient – God’s timing is perfect. Rushing into action may feel good in the moment, but true wisdom often requires waiting and trusting God.

Lord, help me to be patient and wise in my actions. Give me discernment to truly understand the needs of others before I try to help. Teach me to listen well, love well, and look to you for guidance in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

.....expecting

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ Isaiah 55:8-9

A young woman was taking a nap. After she woke up, she told her husband, "I just had a dream that you gave me a pearl necklace. What do you think it means?" He said, "You’ll know tonight.” That evening, the man came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Excitedly, she opened the package and found a book entitled "The Meaning of Dreams."

We’ve all been there at one time or another. We have an idea of what we want or expect from God, but reality doesn’t always line up. We pray for something specific and God responds in a way that’s different from what we had imagined. We believe we know exactly how God should bless us, but his blessings don’t match our expectations.

While this can be confusing or even disappointing in the moment, it’s a reminder that God's understanding is far beyond our own. He sees beyond our momentary desires and gives us what is best for our souls. We may not always understand why God answers our prayers the way he does, but we can trust that he sees the bigger picture and is always working for our good.

Just as any loving parent will not grant every request a child makes, our Heavenly Father lovingly provides what we truly need rather than what we merely want. Other times, God may be teaching us patience, trust, or a deeper lesson about faith. Whatever the reason, we can rest in the assurance that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and his plans are always for our good.

So, when God hands you a “book” instead of a “pearl necklace,” don’t be discouraged. His gifts are always perfect — even when they’re not what we expected.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to trust you when life doesn’t go the way I expect it to. Help me to remember that your love and wisdom far exceed my own. Strengthen my faith so that I can trust that your answers to my prayers — though sometimes unexpected — are always good. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

.....go

Let my people go, so that they may worship me Exodus 8:1

A visiting minister was very long-winded. To make matter worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon, a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" and he would get wound up even more.

Finally, the host preacher started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.

After the service was over, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh"?

He said, "I was telling you to let my people go!"

We’ve all been in situations where someone just didn’t know when to stop talking. Whether it’s a long-winded sermon, a never-ending meeting, or a conversation that circles the same point repeatedly, we sometimes wish we could say, “Amen, Pharaoh!” as a way of saying, “Can we move on now?”

In Exodus, God sent Moses to deliver a message to Pharaoh: “Let my people go.” The Israelites had been in bondage for generations, crying out for freedom, but Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release them. His pride and resistance not only prolonged their suffering but also brought hardship on his own people through the plagues. It took repeated warnings, devastation, and ultimately, the death of his firstborn before Pharaoh finally relented.

We sometimes act like Pharaoh in our own lives. We hold onto things way too long — grudges, anxieties, unhealthy habits, maybe even a need for control. We refuse to change even when we know we should. But just as Pharaoh’s stubbornness caused unnecessary hardship, our refusal to let go can also keep us from experiencing the blessings that God wants for us.

God calls us to release whatever is weighing us down. Maybe today he’s asking you to forgive someone, to step away from a toxic situation, or to trust him in an area you’ve been trying to control. Whatever it is, don’t wait for plague-level consequences before you obey. When God says, “Let it go,” it’s because he has something better in mind for you.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to recognize when it’s time to let go. I don’t want to be stubborn like Pharaoh, holding onto things that keep me from the blessings you offer. Give me the wisdom to release what is not mine to control and the faith to trust your plans. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

.....deceiving

People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart I Samuel 16:7

On Coast Guard ships, junior crew members sometimes have to help in the kitchen. One young sailor, known for being clumsy, was always dropping dishes and making a mess. One day, it was his turn again to help in the kitchen, and he was determined to make up for his past mistakes.

The crewman spotted a plain yellow sheet cake cooling on the counter. Wanting to impress the cook and show he could do things right, he whipped up some chocolate frosting and carefully decorated the cake. Proud of his work, he stood back, ready to impress.

Then the head cook walked in, looked around, and yelled, “Where’s my cornbread?!”

Just because it looked like a cake on the outside didn’t change what it was on the inside! In the same way, we can be easily fooled by appearances. We tend to judge people and situations based on what we can see on the outside, but God sees deeper — he looks at the heart.

In 1 Samuel 16, when Samuel was sent to choose Israel’s next king, he assumed Jesse’s strongest, most impressive-looking son was the right choice. But God corrected him by saying, "People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

God doesn’t care how impressive someone looks or how they appear to others. What matters to him is the condition of their heart. And as we learn from the story, it wasn’t the oldest son, but the youngest — David — whom God had chosen to be king.

We can spend a lot of time trying to look a certain way — trying to say the right things, act in ways that impress others, or keep up a good reputation. But what really matters is what’s happening inside. Are we truly seeking God, or are we just pretending? Are we living with a heart of humility, kindness, and love, or are we only focused on how we come across to others?

We need to remember that God isn’t looking at our actions alone; he’s looking at the intentions behind those actions. So, the next time you find yourself focusing on what others can see, remember that God looks deeper. He sees your heart. And that’s what truly matters.

- alan smith

Lord, forgive me for those times I’ve been more concerned with how I look or what others think of me. Help me to focus on what really matters. Shape me to be more like you, and may my life reflect your love in a genuine way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....hold

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7

In a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon, Calvin approaches his mother and says, “Can Hobbes and I go play in the rain, Mom? Mom’s response: “No.”

Calvin: "Why not?" Mom: "You'll get soaked."

Calvin: "What's wrong with that?" Mom: "You could catch pneumonia, run up a terrible hospital bill, linger a few months, and die."

Calvin looks out the window at the rain and says, “I always forget. If you ask a mom, you get a worse-case scenario." Hobbes: "I had no idea these little showers were so dangerous."

Calvin’s mother laid out a dramatic worst-case scenario, but let’s be honest. We often do the same thing. We hesitate to try something new because we think of all the things that could go wrong. What if I fail? What if I embarrass myself? What if I make the wrong choice? We worry about what might happen, and before we know it, we’ve convinced ourselves that disaster is inevitable. We let fear drive our decisions.

But fear, especially the kind that paralyzes us, is not from God. While wisdom and caution are important (there are times when we should stay out of the rain!), they shouldn’t paralyze us from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us.

Think about the disciples in the storm Matthew 8:23-27. They were with Jesus, but when the waves started crashing, they panicked. Instead of remembering that the Son of God was right there in the boat, they let fear take over. Jesus' response? "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he calmed the storm.

God doesn’t promise a life without storms, but he does promise to be in the boat with us. Instead of assuming the worst — whether about a job, a relationship, or even the unknown future — what if we took a deep breath and said, “God’s got this”?

The next time fear starts spinning wild scenarios in your mind, pause for a moment. Remember that God is bigger than any storm, any “what if,” and any worst-case scenario. Trust him. And maybe even go out and play in the rain every now and then!

- alan smith

Lord, help me to trust you instead of fearing the unknown. I know that you are bigger than any worst-case scenario I can imagine. Fill me with faith and courage as I face the challenges that have been set before me. Thank you for being with me in all that I go through. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....gift

They first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God 2 Corinthians 8:5

We’ve all been there — receiving a gift that leaves us at a loss for words. Maybe it’s an ugly sweater or a gadget so obscure you can’t even figure out how to use it. In those moments, you scramble for something polite to say. Fortunately, someone has come up with "Things to Say About a Gift You Don't Like":

• Hey! Now there's a gift!
• What a shame! If I hadn't recently shot up 4 sizes, this would've fit.
• I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
• If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!
• I love it -- but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
• How unfortunate! I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.

Whatever you say, you know full well that a return trip to the store is in your future!

There's a beautiful story in 2 Corinthians 8 about a gift that the churches of Macedonia gave to Paul to help needy Christians in Jerusalem. It was a gift that Paul was reluctant to receive. Not because there was anything wrong with it. Quite the opposite -- it was a generous gift. Perhaps too generous. The Christians who gave it weren’t wealthy, so the gift seemed excessive.

I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do 2 Corinthians 8:3-5

True generosity isn’t just about giving money or resources; it starts with surrendering ourselves fully to God. The Corinthians didn't just open their wallets — they opened their hearts. Their generosity was an outpouring of a deeper spiritual commitment. They recognized that everything they had belonged to God, and because they had first surrendered their lives to him, their giving became an extension of their faith rather than just an act of obligation.

The best gift you can ever give — one that will never need to be exchanged — is the gift of yourself to God. When you surrender your heart, your time, and your life to him, you are offering something precious. Unlike that ugly sweater or a gadget that gathers dust, your wholehearted devotion is exactly what God wants.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to give myself fully to you, just as the Macedonian Christians did. Teach me to be generous with my time, my resources, and my heart, knowing that when I give to you, it is always the perfect gift. In Jesus’ name, amen.