Have you ever sat down to pray and found it nearly impossible to stay still? Maybe your thoughts jump from one topic to another, or every small noise and notification feels like a distraction pulling you away. What you intended to be a quiet, focused moment with God quickly turns into a battle to keep your mind present.

The truth is, our brains are constantly shifting, and in today’s world we take in far more information and stimulation than ever before. This can make it difficult to slow down, be still, and fully engage in prayer. If you find yourself struggling to stay focused when you pray, you’re not alone—and there is hope. Here are five practical tips to help you stay present and engaged in prayer.

Pray for Help to Stay Focused.
Praying for help to stay focused can be a powerful first step. Simply asking the Lord for help is an act of humility and trust. When you acknowledge that you cannot do this on your own, you create space for God to meet you there.When we invite Him into our weakness, He is faithful to help us, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rather than striving to force focus, begin by surrendering the moment to Him, trusting that He will steady your heart and guide your attention as you pray.

Remove Distractions.
Sometimes the greatest distractions are not dramatic or obvious but the very things sitting right in front of us, quietly pulling our eyes, our minds, and our hearts away. As you enter into prayer, consider creating space by silencing or setting aside your phone and moving to a quiet room if possible. Let there be nothing before you except a blank notebook and a pen—simple tools that invite stillness rather than competition for your attention. Do what you can to remove anything that might divide your focus, not as a rigid rule but as a gentle act of intention. And yet, be gracious with yourself as you evaluate distractions. If you are a parent, you know that removing your children from the room is neither realistic nor always desirable. In those moments, do the best you can, remembering that God meets us in imperfect circumstances. You might even invite your children into the rhythm of prayer in age-appropriate ways, allowing them to witness and participate in your dependence on God. Prayer does not require ideal conditions—only a willing heart that is learning, again and again, to turn toward Him (Romans 12:1).

Pray Out Loud.
Praying out loud can be a helpful way to stay engaged and intentional in your prayer time. When you verbalize your prayers, you are more aware of what you are communicating and less likely to drift in thought. Scripture tells us that faith is expressed through spoken words (Romans 10:10), and throughout the Psalms we see prayers voiced aloud to God (Psalm 142:1). Speaking your prayers can slow you down, helping you choose your words carefully and remain present with the Lord. It also turns prayer into an active dialogue rather than a passive exercise, allowing your heart and mind to stay aligned as you speak honestly and openly before God.

Write Your Prayers.
This can take many forms. It might be an ongoing list you return to and add to as needs arise, giving you a place to draw from when you sit down to pray. Having something written can help anchor your focus when your mind feels scattered. Scripture often speaks of remembering and recording what God has done (Habakkuk 2:2; Deuteronomy 6:12).

Or it may look like a prayer journal—less of a checklist and more of a written conversation with Christ. Writing your prayers can help you slow down, concentrate your thoughts, and be more honest, eliminating the “fluff” we sometimes add when we’re unsure what to say. Over time, it also creates space to look back and see how God has been faithful, answering prayers in ways you may not have noticed in the moment.

Give Yourself Grace When You Get Distracted.
As mentioned before, begin by giving yourself grace as you consider your unique circumstances and needs. What works beautifully for someone else’s prayer life may not work for you—and that is not a failure. Even if you are practicing all the right things, even the ones suggested here, your mind may still wander. When that happens, it does not necessarily mean something is wrong. In fact, the very thoughts that keep surfacing—your children, your responsibilities, your worries, your plans—may be gentle invitations to bring those things before God. Rather than fighting the wandering, allow it to guide your prayer. Pray through the distractions instead of being discouraged by them. Remember, you are speaking to the God of the universe—the One who can handle all things and already knows all things. So, take a deep breath, release the pressure to “get it right,” and open your heart fully to Him.

Cover photo by People Brands on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

As believers in Christ, our ultimate goal is to continually become more like Jesus. We pursue this by studying who He is and by practicing the rhythms He modeled in His life. Scripture reading, Sabbath, and service are all essential practices we can intentionally implement. But if we truly want to learn how to live, love, and lead like Jesus, we must recognize that prayer is not optional—it is foundational.

Prayer is often reduced to a simple definition, such as making requests to God. While prayer certainly includes asking, it is so much more than that. Prayer is Spirit-filled communication with the Creator of all things. It is a direct, personal address to God—an invitation into relationship, not merely a religious activity.

Prayer is where our relationship with God is deepened, our hearts are shaped, and our dependence on Him is reinforced. It is in prayer that we align our will with the Father’s, receive guidance, and draw strength for daily obedience. Without prayer, spiritual practices can become routine or hollow; with prayer, they become life-giving expressions of intimacy with God.

And when we find ourselves unsure of what to pray, at a loss for words, or uncertain of how to approach God, we are not left without guidance. Jesus Himself gave us a model for prayer—one that reveals both the heart of the Father and the posture we are invited to take before Him.

In Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus says:
“This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”

Jesus gives us the ultimate example of what a true relationship with the Father looks like. Yet on this side of heaven, that relationship can feel muddy and messy at times. Prayer is not about perfection, but persistence—continually coming before God with honest hearts. With that in mind, here are a few important reminders about prayer:

1.  Prayer helps us align our hopes and dreams with God’s “big plans.”
Through prayer, God is constantly shaping our hearts to desire His will over our own. As we bring our plans before Him, He gently refines and redirects them according to His purposes. Rather than asking God to bless our agendas, prayer teaches us to seek His—trusting that His ways are higher than ours (Proverbs 19:21; Matthew 6:10).

2. Prayer reminds us of our true identity in Christ and emphasizes our dependence on God.
Jesus understood what sustained Him. When the weight of suffering pressed in, He withdrew to pray, abiding in close communion with the Father. Through prayer, His relationship with the Father became the steady flow of life, strength, and provision that carried Him forward.

3. Prayer does not change God, but it changes the person who prays.
Prayer emphasizes our dependence on God and highlights the importance of faith in Him. As we place our trust in God, our faith pleases Him (Hebrews 11:6). Through prayer, that faith is strengthened, deepened, and formed within us.

4. Prayer is not just reserved for personal devotion or individual needs; it is also a powerful force in building and expanding the church.
The early church made prayer a priority, and their fruitfulness was a direct result of how they ordered their lives. Prayer was not secondary or occasional—it was central, shaping their unity, their power, and their witness to the world (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42; Acts 6:2).

If we truly want to learn how to live, love, and lead like Jesus, we must learn that prayer is a key principle of the Christian life. And if you ever feel lost, unheard, or uncertain in prayer, take hope in this promise from James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Cover photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this blog post, we take a meaningful look at the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12—one of Scripture’s most sobering teachings on wealth, contentment, and eternal perspective. Inside, you’ll find helpful background on the book of Luke, several translations of the passage, and insights drawn from trusted commentaries. And when you’re ready to reflect personally, we’ve included a simple, guided format to help you slow down, engage the text, and allow God to speak to you through His Word.

Author: Though it does not identify its author, many scholars believe that Luke, the travel companion and co-worker with the Apostle Paul, is the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
Time: Between 60 and 80 CE
Purpose of Writing: To show how the story of Jesus fulfills the story of God and Israel and the whole world.

The Bible was first written in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and every version we read today comes from those original languages. Comparing different translations of the same text can be very beneficial in understanding different details.

NIV
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
 
14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
 
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
 
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
 
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
 
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

ESV
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

NLT
13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
 
14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
 
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
 
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
 
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

David Guzik
v.13 -  According to the law of the day, the elder brother received two-thirds of the inheritance and the younger brother received one-third. So we see the man come to Jesus already with a decided mindset, not an open one.

• … he asked Jesus to take sides with him against his brother.
• Obviously, Jesus’ previous words about the need for full commitment and God’s care for us didn’t penetrate this man’s heart. He felt he needed to fight for what was his.

v. 14 - Jesus wasn’t concerned with justice but knew that this man’s covetousness would do more harm than good.

• Jesus did not feel it was His responsibility to judge every matter and solve every problem. There were some disputes that He refused to become entangled in.
• He uses this man’s request as a lesson for the crowd.
• V. 15 We all are under attack from covetousness, and we must protect ourselves from it.

V.16 - The man in Jesus’ parable was blessed with fertile ground; we can assume that by adding hard work to the fertile ground, he was a financial success. He was so successful that he had trouble managing his resources.

V.18 – “I will do this”

• With a wealth of resources, the man in the parable had his life confidently planned. He would build to better manage his wealth, and then enjoy life to the fullest.

V.20 - In one night, all the man’s accomplishments and plans were ruined. He made business plans and life plans, but could not control the day of his death — and all his accomplishments and plans were instantly nothing.

• This man owed his life, his livelihood, and his wealth to God; but most of all he owed his soul to God, and it would be required of him.
• Eternity proved the man a fool, and his story showed that it isn’t only sin to give material things too high a place in your life — it is also stupid.

V.21 - he rich man in the parable thought it was all for him. He said, my crops, my barns, my goods, my soul. Everything was about him, and nothing was about God. It was proved in the end that nothing was his — even his own soul was subject to God. He didn’t have any crops, any barns, any goods, and his soul was dead.

• We may become rich toward God by sacrificial giving to those in need. Also, by trusting in Jesus for every necessary thing.
• Paul wrote: But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy 6:9) Most of us are afraid of poverty; we should be afraid of wealth.

Read through the parable on your own. Use this guide to dig deeper into this scripture:

Be Still: As you read, write out the Bible verse or verses that stick out to you most.

Abide: What truth can you learn? Are there any principles or commands present? What is the overall theme of the text?

Adore: What does the text reveal about God and His character?

Apply: How does this Scripture apply to your life today? How does the truth of God’s Word change your daily perspective? How can you live differently in light of this truth?

Pray: Pray God’s Word back to Him. Turn these thoughts into prayer. Ask the Lord to show you how to meditate on and apply this Scripture to your life.

Cover photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All Commentaries and Notes pulled from Blue Letter Bible.

In this blog post, we take a thoughtful look at the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18—one of Scripture’s most compelling teachings on perseverance in prayer and trusting God’s justice. Inside, you’ll find helpful background on the book of Luke, several translations of the passage, and insights drawn from trusted commentaries. And when you’re ready to reflect personally, we’ve included a simple, guided format to help you slow down, engage the text, and allow God to speak to you through His Word.

Author: Though it does not identify its author, many scholars believe that Luke, the travel companion and co-worker with the Apostle Paul, is the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
Time: Between 60 and 80 CE
Purpose of Writing: To show how the story of Jesus fulfills the story of God and Israel and the whole world.

The Bible was first written in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and every version we read today comes from those original languages. Comparing different translations of the same text can be very beneficial in understanding different details.

David Guzik
V1 – The purpose of the parable: that we might not lose heart in prayer

• Why we lose heart:
  • Prayer is hard work we often approach lightly
  • The Devil hates prayer. If prayer were powerless, it would be easy.
  • We are not always convinced of the reality of the power of prayer. It often is a last resort instead of a first resource.
• We must remember that Jesus lived a prayerful life, and He ever lives to pray for His people (Hebrews 7:25).

V2 – The ungodly judge

• He did not fear God or regard man.
• This judge would have not been a Jewish judge, for disputes were brought to the elders. So this judge would have been a paid magistrate appointed either by Herod or the Romans.

V4 – In the end the judge answered the woman’s request. The only reason he gave her what she wanted was because the woman wouldn’t stop bothering him.

• Jesus did not give us this parable to say that God is like this judge, but is unlike this judge.
• God loves to answer our prayers and even helps is when we pray.
• The woman had to overcome the judge’s reluctance to help. We often feel that we must do the same when we pray — use our persistence to overcome God’s reluctance. This misses the point of the parable entirely. Jesus did not say that men always ought to pray and not lose heart because God is reluctant, but because He isn’t, and that is our encouragement to prayer.
• There are several contrasts between this judge and the God who hears prayer.
  • The judge was unfair; God is fair.
  • The judge had no person interest in the widow; God loves and cares for those who petition Him.
  • The judge answered the widow’s cry out of pure self-interest; God loves to bless His people for their good also.

Chuck Smith
“Jesus often taught in parallels with sharp contrasts, and this is one of the those parables not of parallelism, but of sharp contrast. For surely He would not put God in the light of an unconcerned, unjust, judge, unfeeling. … The contrast is this: if a wicked man, hard, who neither regards neither God nor man, if he can be persuaded just because of the persistency of this little widow, in sharp contrast … (Luke 18:7-8).”

Read through the parable on your own. Use this guide to dig deeper into this scripture:

Be Still: As you read, write out the Bible verse or verses that stick out to you most.

Abide: What truth can you learn? Are there any principles or commands present? What is the overall theme of the text?

Adore: What does the text reveal about God and His character?

Apply: How does this Scripture apply to your life today? How does the truth of God’s Word change your daily perspective? How can you live differently in light of this truth?

Pray: Pray God’s Word back to Him. Turn these thoughts into prayer. Ask the Lord to show you how to meditate on and apply this Scripture to your life.

Cover photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All Commentaries and Notes pulled from Blue Letter Bible.

In this blog post, we take a meaningful look at the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15—one of Scripture’s most beautiful reminders of God’s heart for every single person. Inside, you’ll find helpful background on the book of Luke, several translations of the passage, and insights gathered from trusted commentaries. And when you’re ready to reflect personally, we’ve included a simple, guided format to help you slow down, engage the text, and let God speak to you through His Word.

Author: Though it does not identify its author, many scholars believe that Luke, the travel companion and co-worker with the Apostle Paul, is the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.                            
Time: Between 60 and 80 CE
Purpose of Writing: To show how the story of Jesus fulfills the story of God and Israel and the whole world.                                        

The Bible was first written in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and every version we read today comes from those original languages. Comparing different translations of the same text can be very beneficial in understanding different details. 

V1 – His strong challenge did not drive people away; it attracted them to Jesus.

V3 – The religious leaders and scribes complained about how Jesus met with sinners and tax collectors (v1).

• The religious leaders of Jesus’ day divided humanity into two classes: the unclean and the righteous. They decided to live, as much as possible, in complete separation from the unclean. Some rabbis of Jesus day took this idea so seriously that they refused to teach the unclean God’s word (Morris).

V4 – the flock (100) and the lost sheep (1)

• A flock of 100 sheep would have been considered medium size flock. An average herd ran from 20 to 200, while a large flock would have had more than 300 in numbers.
• “No creature strays more easily than a sheep …” (Clarke)
• The lost sheep would never save himself, or find the shepherd himself. If the shepherd did not take action, the sheep was doomed.
• Many rabbis of that time believed that God received the sinner who came to Him the right way.
• Jesus taught that God actively seeks out the lost. He searches after them.
• God finds the sinner more than the sinner does find God.

V5 – When Jesus finds His people, He also carries them.

• Romans 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

V6 – The emphasis in this parable is on the joy of finding the lost.

• This was the error of the Pharisees and scribes who complained. They were not joyful when tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus.

Tax collectors: the outcast of that society, one of the most hated persons in the community. They were considered by the Jews to be traitors who collaborates with the enemy (quisling). – think of Matthew

• The tax collectors were attracted to Jesus as were the sinners, because He had a message of hope for them.

The Pharisees and the scribes gathered to find fault. They were looking for things by which they might accuse Jesus. (v2: they thought by saying he did these things that they were condemning Him, but they were actually proclaiming a glorious gospel.) They can’t just simply rejoice, but instead have sour apple comment or remark about sinners coming to Jesus.

The Approachableness of Jesus:
“The most depraved and despised classes of society formed an inner ring of hearers around our Lord. I gather from this that he was a most approachable person, that he was not of repulsive manners, but that he courted human confidence and was willing that men should commune with him.”

“… he was never more at home than when speaking to the common people, and teaching them concerning the kingdom of God.”

Our Great Shepherd Finding the Sheep:
“When He came after you and after me, we ran from Him but He pursued us—we hid from Him but He discovered us—He had almost grasped us but so long as we eluded Him He still pursued with love unwearied until He found us.”

The purposeful neglect of the Shepherd:
- The number of the sheep teaches us that God loves us personally and individually.
- The nature of the sheep teaches us that we cannot get back to God on our own.

The Shepherd’s Joyful Discovery
- Consider what the shepherd does not do when he finds the missing sheep: he doesn't get angry.
- Consider what the shepherd does when he finds the missing sheep: he rejoices.

Read through the parable on your own. Use this guide to dig deeper into this scripture:

Be Still: As you read, write out the Bible verse or verses that stick out to you most.

Abide: What truth can you learn? Are there any principles or commands present? What is the overall theme of the text?

Adore: What does the text reveal about God and His character?

Apply: How does this Scripture apply to your life today? How does the truth of God’s Word change your daily perspective? How can you live differently in light of this truth?

Pray: Pray God’s Word back to Him. Turn these thoughts into prayer. Ask the Lord to show you how to meditate on and apply this Scripture to your life.

Cover photo by Greg Wilson on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All Commentaries and Notes pulled from Blue Letter Bible.

I think I speak for most 18-year-olds when I say that the thought of college is scary. This was definitely my experience. However, I am fortunate to say I was raised by faith-filled parents who taught me the importance of finding a good church and a Godly friend group when I got to school. I’m also blessed to say my first Sunday at college, I found Sunnybrook and a great group of people to attend church with.

To someone else, this may sound all picture perfect, but the truth is, I was just putting myself in church that Sunday because it seemed like the “right thing" to do.

Every single college student searches for purpose, identity, or at least something to make us feel like we’re our own person. Being out in the world for the first time—whether you were raised in a Christian home or not —creates this “need” to find your group or your people as soon as possible. I fell into that routine my first semester: I went to church on Sundays and attended our college ministry, “United”, on Tuesdays. But outside of that my life was filled with anything that would make me feel like I “fit in” as an 18-year-old.

When I talk to other college students my age, the story is about the same—we long to fit in.
I remember feeling so empty after that first semester. According to the world’s standards, I was “living my best life.” But why did I still feel so empty? I thought that going to church on Sundays and a little time in my Bible each week was enough to keep me satisfied.

Here's what I found though: you can say all the right things about Scripture and attend every church event, but without a real, personal relationship with Jesus, it means nothing. So how does an college student begin this “relationship”? Here are the steps that God led me through:

When I first began seeking a relationship with Jesus, it felt so cliché. I couldn't wrap my head around how someone I've never physically seen or talked to could be in a relationship with me. So, I had to think about what makes a relationship work.

 My parents’ relationship was a great example for me. They made communication a daily priority and were intentional about spending time together. Think about any lasting, devoted relationships in your life—whether that be friends, family, or others. To keep those relationships strong, you have to make time to communicate. For me, this was hard to grasp. How do you communicate with the Lord? 

Start with the Word of God. The Bible is God-breathed— it’s how God speaks to us today when we simply open it and read. Knowing this, I began setting aside intentional time every single day to sit in Scripture. I prayed before I opened my Bible that God would reveal something new to me.

At first, I remember being so frustrated  there was no audible voice speaking back. It seemed far-fetched that the God of the universe would actually speak to me in His Word. I struggled with this for the longest time and it felt like no matter how much I read, I couldn’t understand it. But the more I opened my Bible, the more it began to make sense. Familiar stories suddenly stood out with new meaning. I started having these “aha” moments: “Wow, that really convicted me there,” or, “Wow, I had never thought of it like that.”

There was never a moment where scripture came out and physically spoke to me, but it gave me moments of encouragement when I needed it and conviction when I was drifting.

Pursuing a relationship with Jesus doesn’t have to start with a radical turnaround moment, but it does start with welcoming the Word of God into your life. This surrender looks like opening your heart to Him and allowing His Word to shape you little by little, every single day.

Am I perfect at communicating every day? Not at all. I’ve hit plenty of “stagnant” points in my relationship with Him—times when I’m not necessarily moving backward, but I’m also not growing the way I could be. That’s usually a sign that I’ve gotten a little too comfortable.

I’ll miss a few days in Scripture and start to feel off. Those days stack up, and before I know it, I've gone five days without opening the Word of God. I become comfortable being lukewarm and not growing. Eventually, I realize that comes from my pride—thinking I can make it through the day without my daily bread and communication with Him.

That's how earthly relationships grow stagnant too. When one person stops putting in the effort, they begin to drift apart. The difference is, unlike any relationship on Earth, Christ never drifts away from you. He's still there—sitting on your dresser, unopened—waiting for you to come back.

Every time I've found myself becoming too comfortable or complacent, Christ has been there waiting for me.

So how do I avoid falling into that pattern? It starts with recognizing my own pride and remembering how deeply I need Him.

In reality, I can do nothing apart from God. Scripture makes that very clear. Setting a routine and making my relationship with Christ a daily priority has been the biggest help in my walk with Him.

Think about it this way: When you're in a relationship with someone you love, you don't just take days off. When you do, you feel like you're missing your other half. Treat your relationship with God the same way—something you can’t go without. Make your relationship with Christ the thing you depend on to make your life "work".

We need a sense of dependence on Christ that’s greater than any dependence we've ever known. What really changed my walk with Him was realizing that my life—and everything I have—is not my own. I'm only capable of what I do because of God.

When I live with humility and dependence on my Creator, I'm able to make Him the true priority in my life.

Galatians 2:20 says this, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

When I gave my life to Christ, I stopped living for myself. My life is now devoted to Him every single day. That means giving up my own desires so that Christ can be displayed through me.

As we set routines like spending time in His Word we make our relationship with God a true priority—and that begins to change the way we speak, act, and think. The more dependent we become on Christ, the deeper our relationship grows, and the more we begin to reflect Him.

As college students, we are constantly surrounded by things that promise to make us “whole” or give us a sense of identity. But when we give our lives to Christ, our identity is found in Him alone.

These are just a few ways Christ has guided me in my walk with Him —especially as a college student —and I pray they help you think of new ways to connect with the Father.

Cover photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Building genuine friendships is hard. It takes time, effort, and a level of vulnerability that doesn’t always come easily. We all long to be known and deeply connected, yet finding those kinds of relationships can feel like an uphill climb. And sometimes, surprisingly, it can feel even harder within the church. While the church is meant to be a place of belonging and spiritual family, many of us still wrestle with feelings of isolation, wondering where we fit in or how to form meaningful connections with others.

Growing up, I never had a close or consistent group of friends. Different seasons of life and changing activities often left me longing for genuine friendship and companionship. When I headed off to college, I felt like I had a fresh opportunity to finally find that. I made friends, but many of those relationships led down unhealthy paths or left me feeling even more alone. Despite my best efforts, I continued to face the same emptiness—an unfulfilled longing for real connection.

It wasn’t until years later that I began to recognize God’s provision in those lonely seasons. He had a plan for me all along—one I couldn’t yet see. God was preparing my heart and positioning the right people on the horizon; I simply needed to become the person He was shaping me to be.

I also had to learn that making friends isn’t easy. When I moved to college, I got involved in a church right away, but still found it difficult to connect. I’d call myself a bubbly person—but only once you get to know me. Building friendships in a new church, or even within church life in general, can be hard.

After becoming a follower of Christ, I realized that community isn’t just a nice addition to the Christian life—it’s essential. Scripture reminds us not to neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). God designed us for community, with Himself and with other believers, and the church is both the setting and the source of much of our spiritual growth.

But building meaningful relationships in the church doesn’t just happen by accident. It takes intentionality, consistency, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. If you’re longing for deeper friendships within your church family, here are a few simple ways to start:

1. Stick around on a Sunday morning.
If you want to build friendships in the church, start by showing up consistently and introducing yourself to at least one new person each week. Church relationships grow over time, and the more people see you, the easier it becomes to connect. If your church has a welcome or connections team, consider joining it—it’s a great way to meet others while serving.

2. Join a small group.
Small groups create space for fellowship, encouragement, and accountability. When you consistently invest time with a group of believers, friendships begin to form naturally. These are the people who will walk with you through both ordinary and defining moments of life.

3. Start serving.
Our sense of belonging in the church often deepens when we move from simply attending to actively participating. When you serve, you get to know people who share your faith and values, and you build friendships through shared experiences and teamwork.az

Creating and sustaining friendships can be hard, but I encourage you to take a leap of faith. Building genuine relationships takes time, vulnerability, and grace—both for yourself and others. Take a chance for yourself, for your family, and for your own spiritual growth. You never know how God might use a simple conversation, a shared meal, or a moment of honesty to begin something meaningful. Community doesn’t happen overnight, but when we show up and open our hearts, God has a way of bringing the right people into our lives at just the right time.

Cover photo by Gaspar Zaldo on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

There I stood—just feet away from the head talent scout for the most prestigious professional wrestling company in the world. My body was still heaving from the try-out match I’d just finished, adrenaline rushing through me, hope clinging tightly to every breath. Then I heard the words that cut deep: “You’re just not ready yet, bud. Keep working, and I’ll see you soon.”

You might be thinking, “That doesn’t sound so bad. It seems like it went well!” But in that moment, all I felt was the crushing sting of rejection. I had poured everything I had—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—into this opportunity, only to walk away empty-handed. Why did it hurt so much? Because, like all of us, I wanted to be chosen. Humans carry a deep, God-given desire to be accepted, to be seen, to be wanted. And when that desire is met with rejection instead, it can shake us to the core—no matter how much effort we’ve put in or how positive the surface seems. Rejection is something we all face—whether in our relationships, careers, ministry, and even within our close friendships and family. But as Christians, we don’t have to be crushed by it. In fact, Scripture offers us a better way to respond. Let’s explore what the Bible says about handling rejection and how we can turn even a painful “no” into spiritual growth and deeper trust in God.

Now rejection isn’t just an individual feeling; it’s a shared human experience. Even more than that, it’s something that Jesus himself faced. “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3).  Think about that, the Son of God, the only perfect person to ever walk this earth, was misunderstood, mocked, betrayed, and ultimately rejected by the very people He came to save. This truth doesn’t erase our pain, but it does reframe it. When we face rejection, we’re not alone in it. Jesus knows exactly what it feels like to be overlooked, doubted, and told “you’re not enough.” He isn’t distant from our disappointment. He’s right there with us in the midst of it. So, when the sting of rejection hits, take comfort in this: Jesus gets it. He’s walked that road, and because of that, He can walk with you through yours.

Rejection often hits the hardest when it feels like a direct attack on who we are. When we’re told we’re “not ready” or “not enough”, it’s easy to internalize those words and let them define us. But as Christians, we need to remind ourselves of a fundamental truth: Our identity is found in Christ, not in the opinions or approval of others. 1 John 3:1 tells us “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” Just like how I was reminded that my worth isn’t based on a talent scout saying I’m ready or not, your worth isn’t based on a job interview leading to an offer, or if you getting the relationship you hope for. We are already chosen, loved, and accepted by the creator of the universe.

This perspective shifts everything. It’s not that rejection doesn’t hurt-it still does. But it no longer has the power to define you or your future. Instead of allowing rejection to crush your spirit, you can turn to God and remember that your value is anchored in His love for you.

Something my wife and I will say often is “It’s not rejection, just a redirection.” I wholeheartedly believe that God uses what we view as rejection simply as a redirection; leading us to something better. I believe that because scripture supports it. In the book of Romans, Paul writes, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). What if the rejection you’re facing is actually a blessing in disguise? Maybe that job wasn’t the right fit for you? Maybe that relationship was not the one God had planned for you? Or maybe, just maybe, God is working behind the scenes to guide you toward something even better? Something that aligns more with His purpose for your life.

Rather than seeing rejection as a roadblock, try viewing it as a redirection. When doors close, trust that God is opening another path that’s better suited for His plan. You may not see it now, but in time, you will.

I know that rejection has a way of stirring up strong emotions like hurt, frustration, confusion, and sometimes even anger. It’s tempting to lash out, to hold grudges, or let bitterness take root in our hearts. But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love, not the world’s way of handling hurt. Jesus specifically tells us to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28).

That’s a hard command, isn’t it? When we’re rejected or mistreated, our instinct is often to defend ourselves, to retaliate, or to hold onto the hurt. But Jesus calls us to something radically different. Instead of nursing a grudge or plotting revenge, we’re called to bless those who have hurt us. This doesn’t mean we ignore the pain or pretend it didn’t happen. Rather, it’s a choice to release the offense into God’s hands, trusting Him to work through the situation.

Rejection can be an opportunity for spiritual growth, but only if we respond in grace. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). When we forgive, when we let go of the bitterness that comes with rejection, we reflect the heart of Jesus. After all, He has forgiven us for far more than any rejection we could ever experience. In the moment of rejection, we are called to imitate Christ by responding with compassion, humility, and grace. This doesn’t mean we pretend everything is fine or suppress our emotions. It means we take those hurt feelings to God, trusting Him to heal them. Then, with time, we choose to forgive- both the person who rejected us and ourselves for holding onto the hurt.

When rejection strikes, it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying the weight of it alone. But one of the greatest gifts God has given us is the ability to bring our pain, frustration, and hurt to Him in prayer. Prayer isn’t just about asking for something; it’s about connecting with our Heavenly Father, sharing our hearts, and allowing Him to guide us through our emotions. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

This is an invitation, not a suggestion. God cares deeply about what you’re going through, and He wants to hear from you in your moments of pain and rejection. There’s no need to hide your hurt or pretend everything is okay. You can come to Him as you are, with all your questions, doubts, and heartache.

Prayer matters in times of rejection because it refocuses our identity on Him, reminding us that we are chosen and loved regardless of others’ opinions. Through prayer, we release control, trusting God’s sovereignty to redeem what feels lost and work all things for our good. It also opens the door for God’s healing, softening our hearts and bringing peace where there was hurt. Most importantly, prayer deepens our relationship with God, drawing us closer to His comforting presence and reminding us that He understands our pain and carries it with us.

Practical Steps for Praying Through Rejection:

• Be Honest: Don’t try to sugarcoat your feelings. God already knows your heart, so there’s no need to hide your hurt. Pour it out to Him honestly, just like you would with a close friend.
• Ask for Healing: Don’t just talk about the pain—ask God to heal your heart. Trust that He can replace bitterness with peace, frustration with patience, and rejection with love.
• Reaffirm Your Identity: Remind yourself (and God, if it helps) that your worth is found in Christ alone. Ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes, not through the lens of others’ opinions.
• Listen: Prayer isn’t just speaking—it’s also listening. Take time to be still and hear God’s voice, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or a quiet prompting. He may have a new direction or affirmation to offer you in this season.

Taking rejection to God in prayer is an act of surrender and trust. Instead of letting the sting of rejection fester, we choose to bring it to the One who can heal our wounds, redirect our paths, and transform our hearts. If you're in the middle of a rejection right now, I encourage you to make prayer your first response. Allow God to walk with you through this pain and remember that His love for you remains unshaken—no matter what the world may say.

Rejection is painful, but it doesn’t have to define you. As a follower of Christ, you can face rejection with hope—knowing that Jesus understands your pain, your identity is secure in Him, and God is working even in the "no’s" to lead you toward His greater purpose. When you bring your hurt to God, respond with grace, and trust His redirection, rejection becomes a tool for growth—not a dead end.

So when the world says, “You’re not enough,” remember: God already said you’re His.

Cover photo by Melody Zimmerman on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

As a mother of two young boys, one of my favorite things to observe is their relationship with their dad. In their eyes, he is a true hero! They ask for haircuts that are the same, want shirts that look like his, and mimic his every move. A great compliment–and responsibility–to him, I’m sure! It also makes me incredibly grateful that they have a father worth emulating. If they grow up to be like him, then I would consider my parenting a great success!

At the core of the human spirit, there seems to be a deep desire to follow someone. How helpful it is to have someone a little further down the road than you are- whether it be in age, or knowledge, or experience. We all tend to look for people to tell us where to go and how to get there. Nowhere is this more important, in my opinion, than in our faith-walk.

If you consider the life of Jesus, it is exactly what he modeled in His life on earth: disciples observing how He moved through the world, and Him teaching them how to do the same. It was the Apostle Paul that would later implore his fellow Christians, “follow me as I follow after Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). So, can I ask you—who are you following?

When I consider my own faith-walk, it has been Christian mentors that have made the most tangible difference in my life: speaking truth when I need, encouragement when I am filled with doubt, and a challenge when my pride has cut off what God might be whispering to me. It has been Christian women a few steps ahead of me that have helped me become more like Jesus in a way that I never would have without them.

Maybe you sit here today desperate for someone to speak into your life or maybe you sit here contemplating if such a thing is even necessary. No matter which camp you find yourself in, let me give you some biblical encouragement to find a mentor, and lean in.

So how do you find one? If they are an essential part of the Christian life, how do you go about finding the right person and the right fit?

• Pray. As cliché as it sounds, seek wisdom from the ultimate Counselor. Ask God that he would begin to show you people in your life that follow Him in a way that you admire and would like to emulate. You’ll be surprised that the people He illuminates for you.
• Seek honestly. Once you feel as though God has revealed someone that would make a good fit, approach them honestly about what you’re looking for. Share with them your hopes in meeting together, getting as specific as how often you’d like to get together and what things you would like their wisdom on. The more you can share up front about your expectations, the better your meetings will be and the more equipped your mentor will feel going in.
• Meet graciously. As you begin meeting, extend grace to both yourself and your mentor. Establishing trust will take time, and meetings at first might feel rigid and unfruitful. Keep meeting. Allow time for each of you to get to know the other, and trust that God will be at work. Remember that your mentor is only human, so understand that though you are seeking spiritual maturity, you will not get perfection from them. Trust that if you prayed through the process, God has brought you together for a purpose and will see it through.

One of my favorite images in all of Scripture is given at the start of Hebrews 12, where it speaks of the “cloud of witnesses” believers are surrounded by: men and women who have run their race, who give us the endurance to run our own as well. But can I encourage you, the cloud of witnesses doesn’t just stand before you in heaven cheering you on. They are around you here and now as well! So, use them. Lean into the believers who are running their race right now and ask if you can run alongside them. Ask for their help in throwing off the sin that entangles you and in encouraging you to persevere as you run the race God has called you to.

Cover photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

I’ve always been someone who needed to stay busy—whether through activities, hobbies, or even small distractions. I felt like I had to keep myself occupied to keep the silence away. My home was rarely quiet, which helped for a while, but whenever I was alone, I found myself filling the space with noise or tasks. As a child, and even into my early adult years, I feared silence because of the thoughts it might bring. My mind was constantly racing, and negative thoughts could slip in easily and send me into a spiral.

Being pregnant with my first child has already brought many new things into my life, but the most surprising has been a newfound enjoyment of silence. After finding out my husband and I were expecting, it took a while for the reality to sink in. I went through a phase of shock where I wasn’t sure it was really happening. Then one day, while sitting outside with our dog, enjoying the weather about to roll in, I just sat there. Normally, I’m not one to sit still or do nothing, but the peace and tranquility of that moment flooded me. In the silence and solitude—aside from our pup curled up beside me—I thanked God and worshiped Him for the blessing He had given our family.

That moment changed me. From then on, I began to view silence differently. I no longer saw it as something to fear. The silence itself wasn’t the enemy; rather, the enemy had been using it against me. Jesus has transformed my understanding of silence into something to nurture and relish, not to avoid.

We can see from Jesus Himself that He used silence and solitude to care for His soul. These were sacred moments between Him and His Father. It was how He began His ministry and how He made important decisions. The Gospels give us multiple examples:

Jesus understood the importance of silence and solitude. Ruth Haley Barton once wrote, “Sometimes we don’t realize how exhausted we are until we attend a silent retreat.” Jesus knew this truth. He knew the soul’s need for peace and surrender, and He sought it in quiet moments alone with the Father.

In their book Time Away, Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang write, “Silence is a deep stillness, a consciousness that gives focus …” This stillness can be hard to find in today’s culture. But as Jesus calls us to Himself, He calls us to surrender. There is a depth of peace within us waiting to be discovered, and it can only be found in the One who gives it. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He said, “My peace I give you …” (John 14:27).

We cannot enjoy or receive that peace when we are not in the presence of the Father. So here’s a challenge for you: Find a space that helps you embrace silence. Be bold enough to be still and listen for the Father’s voice. How is He speaking to you? Allow your senses to pay attention. And when your mind wanders, be gentle with yourself—just guide it back to the silence.

We think we are in control, but God is so much bigger than us. Let Him show you His peace and blessing through silence and solitude in Him.

Cover photo by Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

When I think about forgiveness in my faith journey, it seems like it should come easily. But the truth is, genuine forgiveness is often tough. While forgiveness may be difficult, it is one of the most powerful and freeing acts someone can experience.

Let’s look at three parts of forgiveness: forgiveness of self, others, and God. Each is unique, but all are equally important when working towards healing and wholeness.

1. Forgiveness of Self
Forgiveness of self sounds funny, like, “why do I need to forgive myself for something?” But really, if there is guilt and shame that haunts you, there is probably a need to forgive yourself.

I’ve found in my own life that I hold myself to a much higher standard than I hold others to; therefore, when I fall short of those standards, I tend to blame myself for my wrongdoings. I look at all the reasons I was at fault and how the situation was my doing, even if it wasn’t. While I know God offers grace freely, I tend to withhold it from myself.

When we forgive ourselves, we aren’t excusing our wrongdoing but acknowledging it and learning from it. We have a choice to stop punishing ourselves for something we can no longer change.

Forgiving yourself starts by accepting that we are more than our past mistakes, and we need to practice extending grace to ourselves.

If God doesn’t condemn us, why do we stay stuck in cycles of self-condemnation?

2. Forgiveness of Others
When most people think about forgiveness, they first think about forgiving others. However, remember that forgiving isn’t the same as forgetting, nor does it mean condoning what happened. I believe that whether you feel another person deserves forgiveness, you aren’t forgiving them for their sake, you’re forgiving them for your own. When we choose to forgive someone, we are choosing to not let the situation hold us captive.

When you harbor resentment and anger towards someone, it does not affect the person who has wronged you; instead, it creates a cold and bitter heart within yourself. Forgiveness frees us from that weight.

Forgiveness may look different for every situation. It may be a one-time decision, or you may have to make a daily decision that you have forgiven someone. Each time we choose forgiveness in our hearts, we are creating room for God to heal those broken areas.

In this portion of Scripture, Jesus isn’t suggesting that we forgive; he was commanding us to forgive. When we can forgive, we unlock the peace we have been longing for.

3. Forgiveness of God
Forgiveness of God can feel strange; however, as Christians, it is normal to get mad at God. We question why He didn’t stop the pain, why He didn’t answer our prayers, why He allows suffering, and even question where He is at.

Ultimately, forgiving God isn’t about something He has done wrong because we know God does no wrong. It’s about letting go of the hurt we carry in our hearts, so we can better trust Him.

I’ve found it helpful in my own life to tell God when I’m angry at Him, just like I’d tell someone else I love if I were angry with them. I tell myself that I can’t stay angry with God, so I use tools to help myself through it. Some of these tools are prayer, reading Scripture, and worship. Every season will be different, but by the end of it, you come to forgive God, because you can see how He is going to use that hardship and pain for His glory.

One of my favorite Scriptures on forgiveness is Luke 23:34, “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” If Jesus can forgive the people who are persecuting Him and sending Him to the cross, can’t we forgive one another?

• Are you struggling to forgive yourself for something in your past?
• Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?
• Are you harboring anger towards God that you need to acknowledge and address?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, take some time to pray about it. Talk to someone close to you whom you trust. Know that forgiveness is a process that won’t happen overnight, but it is the beginning of your healing journey.

Cover photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Have you ever felt like you’re not equipped to encourage someone else in their walk with Christ? Maybe you’ve thought, “I mess up too much—how could I help someone else when I’m still trying to hold myself together?” If so, you're not alone. Many Christians feel inadequate when it comes to discipling or encouraging others in their faith.

But here’s the truth: no matter where you are in your walk with Jesus, you are called to be a disciple and to make disciples. That might leave you wondering, “What exactly is a disciple, and how do I disciple someone else?” At its core, being a disciple means following Jesus, being transformed by Him, and joining in His mission.

Encouraging others in their faith is a key part of discipleship. It’s the intentional process of helping someone grow in their relationship with God and become more like Christ. Encouragement isn’t just a kind word—it’s a powerful reminder of what’s true when life gets hard, and one of the most meaningful ways we reflect Jesus to the people around us.

If you’re seeking to disciple someone, or just need a few reminders in the process, keep these foundational truths in mind:

1. Be a Disciple First

Before you guide someone else, make sure you're rooted in your own walk with Christ. You cannot lead someone where you haven’t gone yourself.

• Lay a firm foundation in your own life before trying to help lay someone else’s.
• Make time for spiritual growth—study Scripture, seek accountability, and pursue personal discipleship.
• Remember: our lives are designed to glorify God and reflect His character. The way you live speaks louder than what you say.
• Your “building blocks” must be strong—and that strength must come from Christ alone.

2. Your Story Has Purpose

Your testimony isn’t accidental. No matter how ordinary or messy it may seem, God can use your story to point someone else to Him.

• Don’t underestimate the power of sharing your own journey—your story may be what helps someone recognize the love and grace of Jesus.
• It’s not about having a polished past; it’s about showing how God has worked in and through your life.
• Your story is a unique testimony of God's faithfulness, redemption, and grace in real life.

3. Start With What You Know

You don’t need to have all the answers to begin discipling someone. You simply need a heart willing to walk alongside another.

• Use the knowledge and experiences you already have—it’s more than enough to get started.
• And if you feel like you don’t know much, just show up and be present. Consistency and care go a long way in the discipleship journey.
• God works through humility and availability, not perfection.

4. Stay Rooted in Awe of God

Discipleship isn’t about what you can do—it’s about what Christ is doing through you. Lose sight of Him, and the mission becomes skewed.

• If your awe of God fades, you risk turning this sacred work into a checklist—something that feels heavy, performative, or legalistic.
• We cannot disciple well apart from Christ. When we try to do it on our own, we risk making it about our moral success instead of God's transforming grace.
• Keep Jesus at the center. Let every conversation, every prayer, and every step of this journey flow from a deep love for Him.

Discipleship isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about being faithful, available, and deeply rooted in Christ. As you walk with others, remember to first walk closely with Him. Your story matters, your presence is powerful, and your growth sets the tone. Keep Jesus at the center, stay in awe of who He is, and let your life reflect the grace and truth you hope others will come to know. You’re not doing this alone—He is with you every step of the way, equipping and sustaining you.

This calling to disciple others is a direct response to Jesus’ own prayer for more laborers in His harvest—those moved by compassion and willing to join Him in reaching the lost and broken (Matthew 9). The harvest is still plentiful, and the need is still great. One of the most meaningful ways we live out our faith is by encouraging someone else in their journey with God. When we do, we step into Jesus’ mission and reflect His heart to the world around us.

Cover photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Did you have a favorite hiding spot or quiet place as a child? One of mine was at my grandparents’ house—in a closet that had access to the attic. There was a little ledge up there, just big enough for my sister and me to host tea parties. My grandma would sit on the step below and sip imaginary tea with us. But that spot became more than just a play area. It became a place I returned to when I needed space to think, write, or simply be still.

Even though my grandparents no longer own that house, that little corner of the attic was a true safe place for me. It brought comfort when I was scared, angry, or overwhelmed.

As an adult, those emotions haven’t disappeared. I still have moments of fear, frustration, or anxiety. But I’ve realized that grown-up life doesn’t always offer a physical place to hide. When we don’t have a space to run to, we can start to feel lost. We often turn to things that seem comforting—self-help books, entertainment, even unhealthy habits—but those only offer temporary relief. In those desperate moments, where can we run for lasting comfort?
 
But, what if that place wasn’t actually a place, but a person?

Jesus as Our Refuge
Since I was a kid, I have struggled with vivid nightmares. I still, as an adult, occasionally wake up clutching my sheets and gasping for breath. That fear I felt as a child hasn’t completely gone away. But something has changed. Since becoming a Christian, I’ve learned to call on the name of Jesus when fear tries to take over. In the middle of the night, and when I have awoken enough to understand where I am at, I’ve whispered, “In Jesus’ name, go away,” and peace has followed.

That simple act of saying His name has become my new hiding place. Jesus has become my refuge, and this can be true for you too. When fear, anxiety, or sorrow rise up, speaking His name can bring supernatural calm. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

He is the peace in the storm, the rescuer when the walls cave in, and the hand that lifts us out of the pit. He invites us to come to Him: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus doesn't just offer relief—He offers Himself.

Jesus’ Presence Is Our Constant Safe Place
The beautiful thing about the refuge we find in Jesus is that it never fades, and it’s never out of reach. When we put our trust in Him as Lord and Savior, His Spirit takes residence within us. Through His selfless act of salvation, Jesus pours His Holy Spirit into us—to help us, guide us, and make us more like Him.

Unlike the attic nook I once shared with my sister, the safe place we now have in Jesus is constant, unchanging, and always accessible. He promises in Matthew 28:20, “… I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Through every season, through every trial, He is with us.
 
Jesus, the Ultimate Comforter
No matter where life leads or what trials come our way, the presence of Jesus remains our unshakable refuge—a safe place that moves with us, strengthens us, and never disappears. Whatever you're facing today, know this: Jesus sees it. He knows the thoughts racing through your mind, the burdens you’re carrying, and the pain that doesn’t seem to go away. And still, He invites you into His peace.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
—Psalm 91:1

I may not have that secret hiding spot anymore, but I do have a safe place for my soul, and His name is Jesus. Where do you go when life feels heavy? What might it look like invite Jesus into that place?

Cover photo by Sergi Simona on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

One of my favorite TV shows is How I Met Your Mother. The perfect mix of rom(ance) and com(edy), the show is based around the main character, Ted Mosby. Over the course of nine seasons, Ted tells the tale of how he fell in love with his kid’s mother. However, this is not my favorite love story from the show – that would be the story of Marshall and Lily Ericksen.

Marshall and Lily met on their first day of college and fell in love immediately. From there the rest is history. They date, get married, buy the house in the suburbs, start a family — the works. And despite their fights and arguments, they continued to show up for each other unconditionally.  Their love is so deep that no matter what happens throughout the show their relationship not only weathered the storm, but it grew stronger.

Isn’t that what a biblical love is? That despite our circumstances, actions, or sins, God still loves us? Biblical love is selfless. It is sacrificial. It is unconditional and rooted in action – not just emotion. It’s a commitment to seek the good of others, even at personal cost, and it reflects the very character of God.

The embodiment of biblical love can be applied in every facet of our lives. Especially in our homes, our churches, and our communities.

IN OUR HOMES
It is no secret that we all get tired and weary – especially after a long day of work. Sometimes we get home to the family and all we want to do is turn on the TV and tune everything out. But what about our kids? What about our spouses? Why should they be left with the fragments of our energy?

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

The Apostle Paul is telling us that instead of retreating into a selfish rest, we need to choose to put others, in this case, our families, first. We need to be there for them - serving them. Not only serving them but doing so with humility and patience, regardless of its acknowledgement or convenience.

Go for the bike ride. Play catch. Do the dishes. Even when your tank is empty. Show your family what it is like to be biblically loved.

IN OUR CHURCH
As Christians, it is easy for our hearts to grow ‘crusty’. Sometimes we want to stay in our bubble and only focus on our lane. But this does not show biblical love. Biblical love in the church is inviting, welcoming, and caring for someone new in your church community. This is even more important when someone may feel unseen or out of place.

So, what does this look like in our day-to-day?

We need to eliminate judgment and favoritism. We need to love all of God’s children – regardless of their appearance or background. This is what we are called do to in James 2:1-4 (ESV). “Show no partiality... if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there’... have you not then made distinctions among yourselves?”

Let’s take this into your next Sunday morning. Greet a few new faces with a warm hello on their way into the building. Invite someone to lunch after church or throughout the week. Spark a conversation with someone who appears to be sitting alone on a Sunday morning.

IN OUR COMMUNITIES
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18 (ESV)

Biblical love does not wait for people, in this case, the community gives it freely. In verse 17, Jesus does not come to condemn the world but to save it. He is showing us that true love seeks to restore others, not to judge.

Biblical love in our communities is active, sacrificial, and unconditional. This could be as simple as paying for a person’s coffee behind us at Starbucks or mowing your elderly neighbor’s lawn. You could seek an acquaintance on the margins of society and build a relationship — have a conversation, get to know them, offer support.

Let’s bring the light of the Holy Spirit into our communities by loving like Jesus.

Just like Marshall and Lily’s love story stood the test of time through commitment and sacrifice, we are called to reflect an even greater love—a biblical love—in the way we live every day. It’s a love that isn’t based on convenience or emotion, but one that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, just like the love God has shown us through Christ.

Whether it’s showing up for your family after a long day, reaching out to someone new at church, or serving your community without expecting anything in return, these everyday actions embody the heart of God. Love like this doesn’t just tell people about Jesus—it shows them.

Cover photo by Koli Abhishek on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16 CSB

From Moses and the Israelites singing a song of deliverance after crossing the Red Sea to Paul and Silas lifting their voices in praise from a Roman prison, singing has been a vital part of the Christian faith. Throughout all of history, believers have lifted their voices to God in praise, lament, and thanksgiving. One way that this type of worship has taken form is through hymns. Hymns are an expression of devotion but are also tools for teaching and uniting the people of God.

Perhaps you are someone who delights in singing hymns. Just the thought of them brings a warmth to your soul that is closely tied to fond memories and reflective worship. Or perhaps, what seems to be a bit more common, is that you aren’t particularly fond of hymns. You think that they are boring and don’t make any sense. But regardless of your personal preferences or feelings, hymns are rooted in both truth and tradition.

The earliest hymns date back to the 7th century B.C. But what we know of hymns today was really a result of a movement of the church in the Middle Ages. At this time, music within the church service was often quite elaborate. Sung by a multi-part choir and typically sung in Latin, this part of the church service was a time of quiet observation and reflection for most who attended. But as the Protestant Reformation caught wind, worship was brought back to the people.

Leaders such as Martin Luther and John Calvin both saw the importance of congregational singing. It was a time for the bride of Christ, the church, to come together and worship God as one body. Luther penned hymns that reflected Biblical truth in both memorable and singable lines. An example of this is his well-known and time-tested hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Calvin, on the other hand, advocated for simply singing the Psalms and Scripture, but doing so altogether as the body of Christ. Both saw the benefit of giving the gift of worship, through music and singing, back to each person who attended a church service.

As the church continued to grow, the 18th century brought about some of the most beautiful and well-known hymns for congregations to sing. They were devotional, doctrinal, and deeply rooted in Scripture. They often reflected on the whole story of redemption that is found in Christ. Songs like Isaac Watts’, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and Charles Wesley’s, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” are still sung frequently today. Why have these songs held on? Perhaps it is because they are not just musical pieces, but that they hold deep truth. They are meant to be sung by engaging both the heart and the mind.

Consider this stanza from “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a tribute far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all

Or this stanza from “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.”
Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Both hymns are examples of songs with deep theological reflections and scriptural truths. They help us to see our Savior’s great love and His plan of redemption. They declare Biblical truths that we see in both the story of the incarnation and the resurrection.

In today’s worship culture, music often chases trends or emotional highs. Neither of these things are wrong. We sing many new, modern-day worship songs in our modern churches. Here at Sunnybrook, we make sure that they are theologically sound and doctrinally pure, agreeing with our beliefs. Nevertheless, they are often written in such a way as to bring the worshipper into a heightened sense of emotion and presence. As we sing them, we must check our heart posture to make sure that we are not getting caught up in the song simply because of a drum build or a guitar riff, but that we are focusing on the One who is worthy of our worship.

Perhaps that is why hymns can feel like a breath of fresh air. They offer something different: depth and richness. They are a way of passing down the faith, word by word, verse by verse. Good hymns do more than make us feel; they help us think rightly about God, His grace, and His promises.
 
Whether drawn directly from Scripture or carefully crafted by faithful believers, hymns give us words to express our hope, our need, and our joy in Christ. They remind us that worship is not about performance or preference but about honoring the Lord with reverent praise and sound doctrine.

Today, at Sunnybrook, we sing both modern-day worship songs and hymns of that past. The hymns connect us with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. The modern worship songs bring word and thought to some of our inmost emotions. Together, they invite us into worship that helps us to see our Savior, His great love, and the richness of redemption available to us from the Father.

In joining with other believers in worship, which was at the heart of the hymnody movement, we take part in something much bigger than ourselves: a timeless chorus of truth, echoing from Scripture through the centuries, and lifting our hearts to the One who is worthy of all praise.
 

Cover photo by Michael Maasen on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

When we are asked the question, “What is that person like?”, we tend to list characteristics we know about the person. They might be funny, smart, kind, or even bossy. We often stick to what we know and what we’ve heard from others. These descriptions are our perceptions of people, and perception is the ability to recognize or understand something through our senses.
 
Now, when we’re asked the question, “What is God like?”, we often take the same mental path as we do when describing people—relying on our perception of Him. But the thing about perception is that it can be skewed by personal experience, emotion, or even a lack of sensory understanding.

An attribute of God, however, is something true about Him. Fully acknowledging that it's impossible for us to comprehend who God is through our humanness, I say this humbly: We know very little about God, and what we do know is only a fraction of what we perceive. God is complete in all ways—in ways we cannot comprehend.

So where do we begin in seeking to understand Him? One helpful place is to explore His attributes as revealed in Scripture.

An Overview of God's Attributes
When we talk about the attributes—or characteristics—of God, they are often grouped into two categories: incommunicable and communicable attributes.

• Incommunicable attributes are qualities that belong to God alone and are not shared with His creation. These include traits like His independence, unchangeableness (immutability), and infinitude.
• Communicable attributes, on the other hand, are those that God shares with His creatures in a limited and analogous way. Examples include His love, holiness, and wisdom. 

It’s important to understand that these attributes are not separate parts of God. Rather, He is fully and perfectly all that He reveals Himself to be. His love is holy, His holiness is eternal, and His eternality is wise. God's attributes are unified and inseparable from His divine nature.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
—Colossians 1:17
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
—Psalm 147:5

God is self-existing, without origin. When we think of things here on Earth, there’s always a beginning. It’s like the old joke: “Did the chicken or the egg come first?” But with God, there is no beginning—and no end. He is self-existent, meaning He exists completely on His own.

This can be one of the hardest things for us to understand because we are finite beings. We are born, we live, we die. God has none of those limitations.

A.W. Tozer writes:
“To admit that there is One who lies beyond us, who exists outside of all our categories, who will not be dismissed with a name, who will not appear before the bar of our reason, nor submit to our curious inquiries: this requires a great deal of humility, more than most of us possess. So we save face by thinking God down to our level—or at least down to where we can manage Him.”

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”
—Malachi 3:6

God is never changing and incapable of change. He has been the same from the beginning of time and will continue unchanged into eternity. His character, His attributes, and His promises never change.

This is incredibly encouraging for believers. Even in our moments of doubt and fear, we have the assurance that God remains who He says He is. Unlike humans, who change and often disappoint us, God is constant.

This also gives us assurance in our salvation. Since He has promised us eternal life through Jesus Christ, we can rest in the peace that this promise is unchanging.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
—Psalm 33:6

God is all-powerful. To say God holds all power is an understatement—He is all power. Psalm 33 tells us that by His voice alone, the heavens were made.

“Omni” is a prefix meaning “all” or “unlimited,” and “potent” means “power.” God has the power and ability to accomplish whatever He wills, effortlessly. It's important to note that God cannot do anything contradictory to His nature. As Hebrews 6:18 (NLT) says:

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”

Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
—Isaiah 46:9–10

God is all-knowing. He knows everything—every person, thought, act, and emotion.

We can take great comfort in knowing that God is aware of even the smallest details of our lives. As Matthew 10:29–30 reminds us, not even a sparrow falls without His knowledge, and He knows every hair on our heads. He sees what we go through and understands it. Even more, Jesus has experienced every human emotion firsthand.

This truth can be especially comforting when Satan tries to isolate us with feelings of loneliness. We are never truly alone—God sees, knows, and cares.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
—Psalm 139:7–10

God is always everywhere—fully present at all times, in all places.

This attribute is closely connected to His infinitude. Remember: God is all of these attributes at the same time. He is present in both time and space without limitation.

Psalm 139 powerfully declares that we can never escape His presence. For those struggling with loneliness or feeling that God is distant, this truth is a deep comfort. God is near—closer than our very thoughts. Tozer writes: “The awareness that we are never truly alone quiets the storms within us and brings peace to our souls.”

These five attributes offer just a glimpse into the nature of our Heavenly Father. I encourage you to dig deeper—read His Word and discover more of who He is. Reflect on the attributes He shares with us, too—His love, mercy, justice, and grace.

Happy digging!

Resources for further study on the attributes of God:

• The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
• None Like Him – Jen Wilkin

Cover photo by Brooke Balentine on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

How to Fight Spiritually

God wins the war against Satan. This likely isn’t a surprise to you, but what is a surprise to many is the fact that you are fighting in the war. I mentioned this in part 1 of this series on spiritual warfare. Everyone who has ever lived has been a participant in this battle. You’re fighting for the good side or the bad side. Even if you don’t realize it. This begs the question, which side are you fighting for? If you’re not sure, it’s likely that you’re not actively fighting against the powers of darkness, and you’re fighting with the enemy. Think about it this way: If you’re in a river and you’re not swimming upstream, then you’re floating downstream. This spiritual war is the same. If you’re doing nothing at all, you’re moving away from the goal.
 
What is the goal? To work alongside God as He saves as many people as possible, so they can spend eternity with Him. God certainly doesn't need us to win this war, but He gives us the honor of working with Him, and we have to be active and intentional in this fight. So, how do we do that? Well, the answer is much simpler than you might expect, and it’s powerful. To find the answer, we’re going to go to Ephesians 6:14-18. It says this:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
 
How do you fight against the powers of darkness? You have to put on the armor of God. Let’s break this down and talk about how we do this practically.

The Belt of Truth
The first thing the Apostle Paul mentions here is to equip yourself with the belt of truth. To fight in this battle, you have to know the truth. What is the truth? This seems to be a big question in the world today. Everyone believes that they have their own version of the truth, but this is Satan deceiving us. The thing about truth is that it’s not subjective. Something is true or it’s not. Period. The devil will try to get you to compromise the truth even if it’s just 10%. But something that’s 90% true isn’t true at all. So what is truth? God’s Word. If you don’t know what God says, then you will more easily believe Satan’s lies. In John 8:32, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Read God’s Word, let it sink into your heart, and be set free by it.  

The Breastplate of Righteousness
Righteousness is defined as the quality of being morally right or justifiable. But here’s the problem: none of us are justifiable on our own. God’s beautiful solution to this problem was Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Those who know Jesus as Savior and Lord, get to point to Him and the perfect way that He lived and claim that as our own. But this astounding reality should make us want to live more like He lived—to live a righteous life to the best of our ability. So do that. It’s become cliche but ask yourself “What would Jesus do?” and do it. Take care of your neighbors, welcome people into your home, volunteer your time, and give your resources to bless. Live like Jesus. How is this fighting against Satan? Well, when people see the way you live it will stir something in them and they will ask why you’re different. If you live a righteous life, people will come to know Jesus, and when people come to know Jesus, you’re taking back ground from the enemy.

Feet Fitted with Readiness
Next Paul says to have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Readiness is being fully prepared and willing to do something. “Do what?” you might ask. Romans 10:15 and Isaiah 52:7 both say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Paul is saying that you better be prepared and willing to share the gospel. Tell people about the Good News that you have in Jesus. In doing so, you’re fighting against the enemy. But also, don’t miss the fact that our readiness comes from the gospel of peace. This is a beautiful picture of who God is. Who has peace when fighting in a war? Christians because peace doesn’t come from our circumstances, it comes from God Himself.

The Shield of Faith
Shields are used for protection. And faith is the shield that protects us from all the ways Satan attacks us. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It is faith that reminds us that everything will be okay, that God works for the good of those who love Him, and that Jesus will come back and right every wrong and eradicate all pain one day. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to lose sight of that. So, figure out how you best hold onto faith. Maybe for you it’s remembering ways God has shown up in your life, or looking at the details of God’s creation in nature, or hearing the laughter of your friends, or even having deep conversations about Scripture. Whatever it is, make sure to focus some of your time doing that. Stir up your faith so the devil can't discourage you to the point where it dwindles. When your faith isn’t built up, it’s so much harder to actively fight against Satan.

The Helmet of Salvation
Next, Paul says to put on the helmet of salvation. Most people would argue that helmets are the most important part of any armor because when your head is damaged, nothing else functions the same. Paul is saying that having the right mindset towards your salvation is as important as a helmet. What does that mean? Firstly, it means trusting in your salvation. I’ve had many conversations with people who are not confident that they’re going to heaven when they die. If this is you, then let’s go back to the truth—the Word of God. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” If you’ve done this, then trust that you are saved because of the work of Jesus on the cross alone. It is also important that you meditate on your salvation. To meditate simply means to think deeply about something. Think often about the miracle that is your salvation. Sit in awe in God’s presence because of what He has done for you. Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Meditating on the fact that you get to spend eternity in the presence of God will restore the joy of your salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit
You can’t go to battle without a sword. Paul says that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. We talked before about knowing the truth. That is so important, but why do we need to know God's Word? So we can wield it. Use Scripture to speak life into yourselves and others. When you’re anxious or afraid, remind yourself that God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When your friend cannot seem to forgive herself/himself for the past, tell them that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). When your children are afraid to go to sleep because there might be monsters under the bed, speak over them Psalm 4:8 which says “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Know your Scripture and then go to battle with it just like Jesus did in Matthew 4. He showed us how to fight. Let’s use our swords.

Prayer
Lastly, Paul says this, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:8). Paul was not alone in telling us to pray. Jesus also said this, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). You get the mind-blowing privilege to talk to the perfect Creator of all. So pray and pray persistently. Pray about everything. Praise God for His goodness. Cry out to Him when life hits hard. Talk to Him about the details of your day. Knock and knock and knock on behalf of your friends and family.  Always pray for all of God’s people, and do it with confidence—because God will show up.

I recognize that none of this is groundbreaking information. But remember this: knowledge is only power if it’s applied. My prayer is that you would put this into practice in your life. That you would read God’s Word and memorize Scripture so you can battle with it. That you will seek to live a righteous life just like Jesus. That you would always be excited and ready to share the Good News with everyone. That you would work to stir up your faith and to remember the miracle that is your salvation. Because it is only with all this armor on and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can stand firm. That we can hold our ground against Satan and his evil army. Some days you might feel like you’re losing, but the fact that you’re aware of the battle means you’re fighting, and everyone is better off with you in the fight. Let’s go to war together.

Cover photo by Nitish Meena on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Everything about what Christians believe is supernatural. Think about it. We believe that one God exists in three parts, that a young woman conceived a child by the work of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus, the very Son of God, lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and came back to life defeating death before ascending into heaven to sit at the right side of the throne of God where He is currently interceding on our behalf. Supernatural doesn’t feel like a big enough word to describe that reality. Everything about what we believe is supernatural, yet we know so little about the supernatural world and supernatural beings. And that’s exactly what Satan wants.

My goal is to make you aware of a cosmic battle that is happening right now. Why? Because being unaware of the spiritual realm means you’re vulnerable - vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks with no way to defend yourself, and that’s not what God wants for you. In this post, we’re going to talk about the supernatural realm and what spiritual warfare is. In our next article, we’ll talk about how to fight in the battle, and how God has shown us how to fight. This might seem ominous but read this encouraged because God has given all authority to His children. In Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” With a mindset of victory, let’s get into it.

The Spiritual Realm
The spiritual realm is a reality beyond our physical world. We cannot see it, but it very much exists. When most people think of the spiritual realm, if they do at all, they think of heaven and angels with wings lounging around on clouds. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but this couldn’t be less true. Prophets throughout Scripture have gotten glimpses of the spiritual realm (you can read Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 13 for an idea of what it looks like). Their usual response is to fall on their faces in awe because the beings that exist there are more terrifying and powerful than anything you and I have ever seen. The truth about the spiritual realm is this: It’s the place where God, angels, demons, and Satan reside, the beings in the spiritual realm interact with and influence everything in our material reality, and there’s a war going on there. That’s right. As you read this today, and every other day as you go about your life, a battle is being fought all around you. And what is the battle being fought over? You.

We’re At War
If there’s a war going on, then who’s fighting in it? First let’s talk about the good guys - God and His angels. They’re fighting to save us. From the beginning of time, God has wanted to be with us and love us. Sin separated us from Him, so He sent Jesus to die on our behalf. Jesus made those who would accept Him as Lord and Savior perfect in the eyes of God so we can be with Him. God and His angels are fighting for believers - protecting us and encouraging us in this life. They’re also fighting for unbelievers - working in their lives so that they will come to know the saving grace of God. Then there’s the bad guys. The bad guys are Satan and his demons. They hate God and they hate people. (More about their motive and tactics later.)

This war is different from every other war in history because both sides know who wins in the end. You see, it’s easy to see Satan as the opposite of God, but that could not be farther from the truth. Satan was once an angel. You can read his origin story in Ezekiel 28:11-14 and the story of his fall from heaven in verses 15-19 of that same chapter. Because Satan was once an angel, he will never come close to matching God’s power. So why is the war still going on, you might ask. The war will continue until as many people as possible come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. When this happens Jesus will come back, ending the war. God hasn’t defeated Satan yet for our sake. Each and every person is a part of this war too. There are no neutral parties. Switzerland doesn’t exist. Either you’re fighting alongside God and His angels or you’re fighting for the powers of darkness, whether you realize it or not. More about this in part 2 coming out on May 12th.  

Know Your Enemy
In order to fight, we must first know our enemy. Let’s debunk some commonly believed lies about Satan. Firstly, Satan is not omnipresent. Satan is not God’s opposite, he does not have the same power that God does. One of the powers that Satan does not possess is the ability to be everywhere at once. His demons do most of his bidding. Satan does, however, have power. 1 John 5:19 says that “the whole world is under the control of the evil one”. He is influencing everything. Another common thought is that Satan is in hell. The truth is that he isn’t. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan will be banished permanently to hell one day, but right now he’s free to move about the earth, to “prowl around”. And what is he doing as he moves about the earth? He is stealing, killing, and destroying (John 10:10). He knows that he loses in the end, so he’s going out with a bang. He hates God, and he hates everything God loves (us), so he’s going to cause as much trouble for us as he possibly can. So, how does he do that?  

Satan’s Tactics
Satan causes a lot of damage in this world, but he is also incredibly predictable. Here are some of his most used tactics:

1. Satan Deceives

2. Satan Distracts
3. Satan Divides
4. Satan Destroys
In closing, know that I’m praying for you. Praying that reading this has sparked within you a need to keep learning, so you can fight against the devil and his schemes because the war is happening. Come back for part 2 on May 12th, where we’ll talk about 1 Timothy 6:12 which states how we can “fight the good fight of the faith.”

Cover photo by Henrieke Fischer on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

There’s a content creator on Instagram, @anna_miriam_brown, who shares a series of animated biblical art on her profile. The drawings are absolutely beautiful—brought to life with subtle motion, almost like moving illustrations. One in particular has stuck with me: Jesus is standing beside Joseph, His carpenter father, as they work on a wooden project together at a table. At one point, Jesus picks up a metal nail, with tears in His eyes, and the caption reads, “I wonder how young Jesus was when He first understood He was born to die.”

That moment hit me deeply.

It made me realize—Jesus lived His entire life with the knowledge that His hour would come. He knew the cross was waiting.

As I write that, I’m struck all over again by how staggering that truth is. It’s so simple, yet it completely wrecks me every time I stop and really think about it.

As someone who wrestles with anxiety over things that often feel small or insignificant, I can't help but wonder: how did He do it? How did Jesus walk through both the extraordinary and the everyday moments of life, knowing that His time would come?

How many hours did He spend carrying the weight of that reality?

Did He worry? Absolutely. We see it in the Garden of Gethsemane, where His anguish was so intense He sweat drops of blood.

Was He afraid? Yes. He was fully human. He felt everything we feel.

But still… how? How did Jesus live a normal life—laugh with friends, show up at weddings, eat dinner like everything was fine—knowing all along what was coming? How did He carry that weight and still have people thinking He was just… alright? That kind of peace, that kind of strength, it’s beyond me.

The answer’s actually really simple—it’s love.

It was the love and obedience to His Heavenly Father, and the love He had for us.

Love carried Him. Love grounded Him. Love was His purpose.

As I reflect on that, I think of the story where Jesus washed the disciples' feet. That act—so humble, so intimate—paints a vivid picture of the kind of love He demonstrated right up to the end.

The following Scripture study method was developed by Sunnybrook Community Church’s Spiritual Formation team. Use these prompts as you read and reflect on the passage below:

Be Still: As you read, write out the Bible verse or verses that stick out to you most.
 
Abide: What truth can you learn? Are there any principles or commands present? What is the overall theme of the text?

Adore: What does the text reveal about God and His character?

Apply: How does this Scripture apply to your life today? How does the truth of God’s Word change your daily perspective? How can you live differently in light of this truth?

Pray: Pray God’s Word back to Him. Turn these thoughts into prayer. Ask the Lord to show you how to meditate on and apply this Scripture to your life.

John 13:1-8 says this:

While studying John 13, I came across some powerful reflections in David Guzik’s commentary. Below are a few notes from verses that spoke to me the most.

• Verse 1 – “He loved them to the end”
  This phrase means Jesus loved His disciples to the fullest extent. Some translations say, “to the uttermost.” He poured out the entire cup of His love—down to the very last drop.

• Verse 3 – “The Father had given all things into His hands”
  Jesus stepped into this moment not as a victim, but as a victor. He was fully aware of His authority and destiny.

• Verses 4–5 –
  On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus didn’t focus on Himself. Instead, He served. He washed the feet of men who would soon abandon Him. This is what it means to love to the end.

• Verse 8 – “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

As we enter the week before Easter, we’re invited to reflect more deeply on the life, love, and sacrifice of Jesus. May this be a time marked by remembrance, worship, and renewed faith.

If you’re looking for more resources to guide you through Scripture during this sacred season, visit our website or mobile app for devotions focused on Holy Week.

Cover photo by Bruno Van DerKraan on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Did you know worship can be a weapon? One of the most powerful tools we have as followers of Christ is the Word of God. There are incredibly talented artists who are crafting songs and tunes for us to use in the battle against evil. These songs are filled with themes, ideas, and concepts from Scripture, and even better, some are direct Scripture set to music!

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me – Worship Initiative
  Galatians 2:20 (ESV): I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
• Now To Him – River Valley Worship
  Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
• Doorkeeper – CXMMXNS, Kory Miller, Ben Yielding
  Psalm 84:10 (ESV): For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Worship isn’t just singing; it’s about declaring God’s power over our lives and surrendering our lives to Him.

I am someone who is very in tune with my emotions, and a trap I fell into was listening to secular music that mirrored my emotions. I found myself letting my feelings lead my thoughts and actions. I’m not saying emotions are inherently bad. God gave us emotions as warning signs or indicators of our circumstances. Think of it this way: emotions are like thermometers. Thermometers don’t control the temperature; they simply measure it. Then, we decide whether to adjust the temperature. We can use emotions in the same way. If we use our emotions as a tool to measure our circumstances, we no longer let them dictate how we react.

Instead, we can allow the love and direction of the Holy Spirit to lead our emotions. Praising Him, no matter our circumstances or feelings, is a powerful weapon to fight temptation and to manage any emotion we experience.

Below, I’ve curated a list of songs to add to your worship playlists, categorized to help you in various moments of need. Whether you are celebrating exciting news and need a moment of joyful praise, or dealing with anxiety and needing peaceful reminders, this list is just the beginning of using worship music as a weapon.

Joyful – Uplifting songs of celebration and praise.
• Praise – Elevation Worship
• No Body – Passion, Chidima
• Oil and Offering – SEU Worship, Sydney James

Peaceful – Calm, restful songs that help you find inner peace.
• Communion – Maverick City Worship, Steffany Gretzinger, Brandon Lake
• King (Acoustic) – Portraits Music
• Harbor – FAITHFUL, Jillian Edwards, Sandra McCracken

Hopeful – Songs that inspire faith and hope in God’s promises.
• Maker – Woodlands Worship
• Even Though I Walk – Bethel Music, Hannah McClure
• No One Like The Lord / What A Beautiful Name – Legacy Nashville, Gracie Binion

Brokenhearted – Comforting songs for times of sorrow and healing.
• Lament – Seacoast, Rachel Davis
• Let Him Heal You – Lily Hooten
• You Gave – Meredith Mauldin, UPPERROOM, Abbie Gamboa

Energetic – Passionate, high-energy songs that ignite excitement in worship.
• Worship! – TAYA
• The Mighty Name of Jesus – The Belonging Co, Hope Darst
• Living For the First Time – Red Rocks Worship

Cover photo by David Nieto on Unsplash

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

In our efforts to serve others, perceptions often create unseen barriers that limit our ability to build genuine relationships and provide the help people truly need. These barriers, based on assumptions and stereotypes, prevent us from connecting with those we aim to serve in meaningful ways. To break down these walls, we must reflect on how perceptions shape our interactions and how Scripture guides us in overcoming these obstacles. By recognizing the dangers of flawed perceptions and following Christ’s example, we can build deeper, more compassionate relationships.

The Danger of Judging by Appearances and Favoritism

One of the most common ways we build perceptions is by “judging a book by its cover.” The Bible warns us about the dangers of judging others based on outward appearances. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord reminds us: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse teaches us that human perceptions, often based on what we see or hear, are limited and can lead to unfair conclusions. Just as God sees the heart, we are called to look beyond the surface, recognizing the unique value and potential in every person.

In James 2:1-4, we are admonished against showing favoritism, which often stems from superficial perceptions of wealth, status, or appearance. “Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” This passage also highlights the dangers of forming judgments based on external factors. When we show favoritism, we create divisions that hinder genuine relationships. God calls us to treat everyone equally, valuing their intrinsic worth, regardless of their outward appearance.

When we allow stereotypes or preconceived notions to guide our perceptions, we create walls that prevent meaningful engagement. For example, if we assume someone from a lower socioeconomic background is lazy or unmotivated, we may hesitate to offer them opportunities or support. Similarly, if we believe someone from a different cultural background won’t appreciate or understand our efforts, we may avoid reaching out altogether.

These perceptions often lead to isolation rather than connection. People in need may already feel disconnected from society, and our biased views can deepen their sense of loneliness instead of offering the help and community they desire.

Christ’s Example: Breaking Through Barriers

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus exemplifies how to break through societal barriers and perceptions. In John 4, Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well—a culturally and religiously unconventional act, as Jews and Samaritans traditionally did not associate with one another. Despite the societal norms of the time, Jesus engages with her compassionately, offering her living water. His actions demonstrate that people are not defined by their cultural background, gender, or social status; everyone has value in the eyes of God.

Jesus’ willingness to engage with marginalized groups challenges us to reflect on our own perceptions. Are we, like Christ, reaching out to those whom society may overlook or judge? Or do we allow harmful perceptions to prevent us from offering love, help, and understanding?

The Call to Humility and Self-Reflection

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages believers to approach others with humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Humility is crucial in breaking down barriers, as it prevents us from forming harmful perceptions based on pride, insecurity, or self-interest. When we humble ourselves, we are more likely to view others through God’s eyes, seeking to understand and meet their needs without judgment.

This passage reminds us that we are to value others above ourselves. It calls for genuine care and empathy, which help break down the walls that divide us and create opportunities for meaningful relationships.

Breaking Down Walls in Service: Practical Ways to Build Relationships

1. Approach with Open Minds and Hearts

One of the most effective ways to break down walls is to approach others with open minds and hearts. Instead of making assumptions based on background or appearance, we should seek to understand each person’s unique situation. Proverbs 18:13 teaches: “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Listening carefully allows us to connect on a deeper level and offer help that addresses real needs.

2. Foster Inclusivity in Our Communities

Inclusion is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers. Jesus frequently crossed social boundaries to show love to marginalized people. For example, He reached out to the Samaritan woman (John 4) and healed the outcasts (Mark 2:17). In our communities, we should intentionally create spaces where everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their background or circumstances. Inclusive communities foster unity and offer opportunities for service to all.

3. Show Compassion Without Conditions

 In Luke 10:25-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that compassion should have no boundaries. The Samaritan, a member of a despised group, stopped to help an injured Jewish man, offering care without hesitation or judgment. When we serve others, it is important to do so unconditionally, without letting perceptions of worthiness or background affect our actions. We should offer love and care to others, just as Christ did.

4. Collaborate Across Differences

Breaking down walls involves working together with people from diverse backgrounds. In 1 Corinthians 12:14-26, Paul compares the body of Christ to a community where each part plays a unique role. Similarly, when we serve, it is essential to embrace different talents, experiences, and perspectives. Collaboration strengthens our ability to meet others’ needs and fosters a shared sense of purpose.

Our Challenge: Seeing Through God’s Eyes

Ultimately, Scripture calls us to see others not as the world sees them, but as God sees them—with love, grace, and compassion. Our perceptions can easily be shaped by biases, stereotypes, or surface-level judgments, but when we view people through the lens of God’s love, we can build deeper, more meaningful relationships that help others grow and thrive.

By practicing empathy, avoiding favoritism, loving our neighbors, and following Christ’s example, we can overcome the limitations of flawed perceptions. This allows us to serve in a way that reflects God’s love and values every person. As we strive to build relationships that break down barriers, may we continually seek to see others through God’s eyes, valuing them as beloved children of God.

Cover photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Family is a gift from God, but it doesn’t mean it’s always easy—especially in a blended home. As a husband and father in a blended family, I’ve experienced both the joys and struggles of merging different backgrounds, traditions, and expectations. It’s a beautiful but complex journey that requires patience, grace, and a deep commitment to love one another as Christ loves us.

God has given each of us wisdom and guidance to help navigate these challenges. With His help, we can build a home filled with love, peace, and unity, even when difficulties arise. Here are five things I have found and lean into with the help of God, and I hope these are also encouraging for you.

One of the biggest lessons in a blended family is learning to expect the unexpected. Plans don’t always go as we hope. Schedules get messy, emotions run high, and conflicts can arise over things that seem small but have deeper roots.

For example, holiday schedules can be challenging. You may have to adjust your traditions to accommodate another parent’s time with the kids. This can feel unfair or frustrating, but Philippians 2:4 reminds us, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Instead of focusing on what seems fair, we must focus on what is loving.

God calls us to show grace and flexibility, even when it’s difficult. By choosing patience and understanding, we are to create a home where love is prioritized over personal preferences.

In any family, but especially in a blended one, love is a choice. It’s not always automatic, and it’s not always easy. Children may struggle to accept a stepparent’s authority. A biological parent may feel torn between their spouse and their kids. These struggles are real and valid.

Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages us to “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Loving like Christ means showing patience when relationships take time to develop. It means choosing to forgive, even when the other person doesn’t ask for it. It means making sacrifices for the good of the family, just as Christ sacrificed for us.

Building strong relationships in a blended family doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency, grace, and prayer, love can grow in even the most difficult situations.

A blended family thrives when the marriage is strong. One common mistake in blended families is putting the children’s needs above the marriage. While children need love, attention, and stability, the foundation of the home must be the husband and wife’s relationship.

Genesis 2:24 reminds us, “… a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This verse applies not just to newlyweds but also to blended families.

A strong, united marriage provides security for the entire family. It models God’s design for love, commitment, and leadership. This means prioritizing time together, communicating openly, and presenting a united front in parenting decisions. When children see their parents loving and respecting each other, it creates a stable, loving environment for everyone.

One of the hardest challenges in a blended family is dealing with divided loyalties. Children may feel torn between their biological parents and their stepparents. They may struggle with guilt, feeling that accepting a stepparent means betraying their biological mom or dad.

As parents, it’s essential to create an environment where love isn’t a competition. Romans 12:18 encourages us, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” This means refusing to badmouth an ex-spouse, no matter how difficult the relationship is. It means reassuring children that love is not limited—it multiplies.

When children feel safe to love and be loved by both their biological and stepparents, they are more likely to build strong, healthy relationships in the blended family.

More than anything, successfully blending a family requires keeping God at the center. Without Him, the challenges can feel overwhelming. But with Him, we find strength, wisdom, and peace.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do; and he will show you which path to take.”

When we put God first—through prayer, worship, and seeking His guidance—He gives us the wisdom to handle conflicts, the grace to forgive, and the love to overcome challenges. A blended family built on faith will have a firm foundation to withstand any storm.

If you’re in a blended family and struggling, you’re not alone. The journey isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. God specializes in redemption, and He can bring beauty even from difficult situations.

Keep loving. Keep forgiving. Keep praying. Trust that God is working in your family, even when you don’t see it yet. He is faithful, and with His help, your blended family can grow in love, peace, and unity.

Cover photo by Jaakko Perala on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Oh boy, is this a topic for the ages! The other day, I found myself mindlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed, and before I knew it, I had fallen deep into a spiral of comparison. I couldn't stop consuming—images, ideas, posts—and my mind started racing with thoughts on how I could improve myself: cook a better dinner, buy a cooler pair of pants, or even be a better Christian. What began as innocent inspiration quickly morphed into an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. All of this, of course, starts with comparison, and underneath it all is a subtle seed of self-pity. As Trevin Wax, a writer for The Gospel Coalition, puts it, “Self-pity slides into envy, because looking at others with an envious eye feeds the self-pitiful spirit.” Once you're trapped in this cycle, it feels like everyone around you has something better—success, beauty, happiness—leaving you with nothing but a hollow sense of longing.

Psychology Today describes envy as, “the poignant feeling of discontent or covetousness in the face of another's advantages, achievements, or possessions.” They also note that envy is a much stronger motivator than simple greed. It’s not just about wanting more—it’s about wanting more than others. When we allow comparison and envy to rule our hearts, we don’t just wish for better things; we desire to outshine those around us, feeding a sense of rivalry and dissatisfaction that can be hard to escape. The truth is, this toxic pattern of comparison and envy has been a part of human nature for generations, and the Bible offers us many stories that highlight its destructive power. Be sure to read the full Scriptures readings listed below, but I have provided a small summary of each one.

• Cain and Abel (Genesis 25:19-34, 27:1-45)
  • When God asked two brothers, Cain and Abel, to bring their best offerings to Him, both brothers brought their gifts. However, God was pleased with Abel’s offering, but He did not accept Cain’s. This caused Cain to start comparing his effort to his brother’s, and over time, resentment began to build up inside him. Instead of turning to God with his feelings, Cain let his anger grow. His jealousy and bitterness toward Abel led him to commit a terrible act—he killed his brother. But rather than seeking God’s guidance or forgiveness, Cain chose to let his anger control him.
• Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29-30)
  • Rachel and Leah were two sisters who found themselves constantly comparing their lives to each other. Leah was married to Jacob, but Jacob loved Rachel deeply, and that caused Leah to feel envious of the affection he gave to her sister. Meanwhile, Rachel struggled with infertility and couldn’t have children, which was something she desperately desired. On the other hand, Leah was able to have many children with Jacob, and this made Rachel feel envious of her sister’s fertility. Both women struggled with their own insecurities and made idols out of the things they longed for. Leah idolized the idea of being loved by Jacob in the way Rachel was, while Rachel made having children the ultimate goal, hoping it would win Jacob’s love. Instead of turning to God with their pain, they each focused on what they couldn’t change, allowing their desires to consume them.
• Peter (John 21)
  • Peter’s story is much like our own struggles with comparison, but God shows us that a heart after God’s own will always find grace, even in moments of doubt. In John 21:19-22, Peter found himself sitting next to the resurrected Jesus. Peter was on fire for being close to Him after Jesus had defeated death, yet Peter still found himself questioning God’s plan. When he saw the path laid out for another man, he became jealous and wondered if God had a better plan for them. He asked, “What about this man?” This moment shows Peter’s struggle with comparing his life to others, believing that the life God had given him wasn’t as exciting or fulfilling as the lives of those around him. Jesus’ response— “…What is that to you?”—reminds us that it’s not about comparing ourselves to others. If we’re focusing on someone else’s path, we’re letting our hearts become distracted from the unique purpose God has for us. 

C.S. Lewis once said, “Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” This quote perfectly captures the root of comparison and envy—the belief that something or someone else holds the key to our happiness and fulfillment. We often look to others' lives, their success, or their possessions, hoping they will bring us the contentment we long for. But in doing so, we lose sight of the one true source of lasting joy: God. 

Know Your Identity in Christ
When you realize that your identity is found only in Christ, it changes everything. It’s not found in the clothes you wear, the things in your home, or even what others call you. Your identity is in the King. When we recognize this, it also reminds us of the end we deserve because of our sin. We become aware of the gravity of our salvation and sanctification in Christ. Materialism is fleeting and temporary, but Jesus is forever.

Practice Gratitude
When you look at the things around you and truly notice how precious and beautiful the life God has given you is, you begin to feel content with what you have. You don’t need the shoes that influencer has, the bigger paycheck your coworker makes, or even the lifestyle your friend lives. When we don’t get what we want, we often get upset and throw a little tantrum about it. Yes, those may be desires and wants, but they aren’t needs. Many of our “needs” aren’t aligned with what God has planned for us. Jesus has a greater plan. Jesus has a greater purpose for us. Look around you, practice gratitude, and thank God for providing you with what you need in this season.

Ask God to Remove It
When feelings of comparison or envy arise, confess them to God. Confession is a release to the One who can handle it all. Even if it’s just a small moment of envy, confess it. The enemy wants you to hold onto it and make an idol of the desire to have something better. When something becomes an idol, like what happened with Rachel and Leah, ask God to take it away. Ask Him to tear down the idol you’ve created and replace it with Himself. If He calls you to remove it, do it. Delete social media, put your credit card in the safe, or simply sit with God and have a heart-to-heart about the feelings you’re experiencing.

Reframe Social Comparisons and Celebrate Achievements
Recognizing envy is a huge step. Now, what’s the next right step? One thing to work on is reframing social comparisons. Are you viewing the comparison as competition or as inspiration? Is someone’s workout routine inspiring you to develop your own, or is it a tool the devil uses to foster self-deprecation? Another way to reframe this is by celebrating the differences between you and others. Don’t view being different as a negative thing—celebrate it! Jesus made us all unique. For example, a woman in my small group has a greater sense of hospitality than I do. I don’t need to be jealous of her gift; I can thank God for giving her that talent. I have the gift of cooking a delicious meal, so next time we gather, maybe she’ll host, and I’ll bring a bountiful feast! Instead of pitting our differences against each other, we should be encouraged to use them as a team to serve and love others, just as Jesus did.

Comparison and envy are self-destructive forces that steal our joy and distract us from the mission God has called us to live. As Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." When we focus on what others have or the paths they walk, we miss the opportunity to fully embrace the life God has given us and to pour out His love to those around us. Galatians 6:4 reminds us, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” By overcoming comparison and envy, we are free to celebrate in Christ and live alongside others with a heart full of gratitude and love. Let’s remember that our purpose isn’t to compete with the world, but to reflect the love and grace of Jesus in everything we do.

Cover photo by twentyonekoalas on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

I’ve heard it said before, "No Bible, no breakfast." While catchy, this isn’t exactly helpful for someone who always skips breakfast. So, I’ve taken the phrase and turned it into one that works better for me: "No Bible, no energy drink." While it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, it is effective… at least for me.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a deep distaste for reading. Maybe you can relate to this. When I was an elementary student, whenever my teacher would announce that it was "free-reading time," my brain always processed it as "naptime." My disinterest in reading only grew stronger as I got older, which is ironic because, for two and a half years of my professional career, I was a Title I Reading Intervention Teacher helping underperforming students grow their understanding and appreciation for reading.

Now, in my role as the High School Ministry Director, my focus is on building relationships with students and nurturing their spiritual growth with God. "What’s the most effective way to do that?" you ask. Well, by reading your Bible.

Since becoming a follower of Jesus eight years ago, I’ve developed a desire to grow in my connection with God. Like any healthy relationship, it’s strengthened by spending intentional time together—most commonly through prayer, worship, and, you guessed it, reading the Bible.

Now, let’s be real: when someone says, “You should read your Bible,” you might think, “Ugh, do I really have time for that?” Or maybe you picture long, confusing genealogies, difficult-to-pronounce names, and ancient laws that seem totally irrelevant to your life. Trust me, I thought the same. And while some of that is true, the reality is: The Bible is so much more than a dusty, old book of rules! It’s filled with fascinating stories, life-changing wisdom, and situations that relate to our everyday circumstances. So, if you’ve been putting off Bible time, here are five reasons you should start reading it today—and trust me, if I can grow a love for it, so can you.

Last spring, several co-workers and I made our way to Atlanta for a speaking conference. This was the first time I had been away from my wife since we got married six months prior. Before I left for the trip, my wife placed four cards in my bag, labeled: ‘Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday’ for each day I would be gone. The rule was, I had to wait until the designated day to open each of the cards. I remember the excitement that would rush through me as I’d rush over to my suitcase to unpack and read the love letter my wife wrote for me that day. As I’d finish one, I would wait with anticipation for the next, knowing that the person I loved most made these cards just for me.

You know this, don’t you? The God who created the heavens and the earth, the one who knit us together in our mothers’ womb, did the same thing for me and you. We have access to the greatest love letter ever written—the Gospel of Jesus Christ—that we can read every day! What a tremendous act of love!

If you’re a fan of self-help books, guess what? The Bible is the perfect self-help book, inspired by the only perfect life coach! The Bible is packed full of real-life scenarios handled by real-life people like you and me.

Psychologist Jordan Peterson once said, “Experience is the best teacher, and the worst experiences teach the best lessons.” What better way to learn something than from someone else’s mistakes? The Bible is full of real-life people much like you and me, who faced real-life problems much like you and me… and the beauty is, we get to learn from the hurts, habits, and hangups of their past so they don’t have to be a part of our future.

Imagine your faith is like a muscle. At first, it’s small and maybe a bit soft, kind of like when you first start going to the gym. But just like lifting weights strengthens your muscles, reading your Bible gives your faith a workout, turning it into something strong, confident, and ready to take on anything life throws at you.

Spending time in God’s Word is like giving your faith a protein shake—packed with spiritual nutrients! The more you dive into the Word, the more you get to know God’s promises, His character, and all the incredible things He’s done for you and others. Like any quality or characteristic in life, your faith needs nourishment!

It’s easy for us to view Scripture as a defensive tool to use – one that can bring light to a dark place. But what if I told you the Bible can be even more effective as an offensive tool to light the path for your life?

Over the years, I have been abundantly blessed with a great community of believers. Each week, I can count on at least one of my friends to send me Scripture reminding me that they’re praying over the things I’ll be engaged in throughout the week. Can I tell you? The lamp of God’s Word has been a source of light for my path and the paths of the people I love most. I’ve made it a habit to use Scripture as an offensive tool to combat the onset of nerves and anxieties before they ever become a defensive strategy for navigating mistakes and regrets.

This might sound obvious, but what comes into your mind often comes out in your life. Whether you’re an avid reader, or you prefer music or television, the things you let into your mind often come back out in your life. When you feed your mind romance dramas and explicit music, you’re training yourself to conform to the characteristics you’re consuming.

The same is true when you spend time with the Word of God. The more you read about the selfless life of Jesus and the love He and His people offer, the more it radiates in you and your relationships. Reading your Bible isn’t just about behavioral modification, it’s about spiritual transformation. As you develop a habit each morning to spend time with God’s love letter to you, know that it’s causing a ripple effect in your life greater than any other source ever could. So, the next time you go to make your breakfast, the next time you start that cup of coffee, or crack open that energy drink, think to yourself: “Did I read my Bible yet?” because it might just be the thing that changes your life.

Cover photo by Alvarro Serano on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

In today’s fast-paced, soundbite-driven world, it’s easy to treat the Bible like a collection of isolated verses that we can quote to make a point.

The Bible is a literary work composed of 66 books, written over a span of 1,500 years, by more than 40 different authors from a variety of cultures. It was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, spanning genres from poetry to history to prophecy. With all that in mind, context is crucial to understanding the Bible’s true meaning. Without context, we risk misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and misuse of Scripture.

The Problem with Isolated Verses
One of the biggest dangers when reading the Bible is the temptation to lift verses out of their original context. Jewish people, in Jesus' time, saturated their minds and hearts with Scripture. When they quoted a verse, it was understood with the broader narrative and context in mind. For them, one verse was like a trigger, immediately bringing to mind surrounding passages that clarified its meaning. Today, however, we often don’t saturate ourselves with books of the Bible. We instead read Bible verses in isolation, forgetting the context in which they were originally written. Without knowing the verses that come before or after a passage, we might be tempted to draw conclusions that the original authors never intended.

Dan Kimball wrote “How (Not) to Read the Bible” and uses a pop-culture example: Star Wars. Kimball explains how the opening crawl gives essential background information about the galaxy’s situation and how crucial it is for understanding the plot. Without it, the story would be far more confusing and harder to follow. It’s basically like thinking Darth Vader's just a guy in a cool helmet—forgetting he's the galaxy's most tragic father figure who really should’ve just gone to therapy. The same is true when we read the Bible without considering its literary and historical context.

An Example:
Take 1 John 4:4 as another example.

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

The phrase, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world,” is often quoted as an encouragement in spiritual warfare or personal struggles. However, when you read it in its full context—particularly in the surrounding verses—you realize that John was addressing a specific issue: the rise of false prophets. The preceding verses discuss the importance of testing spirits to discern truth from error. By understanding the letter's larger purpose, we see that the verse isn’t just about personal empowerment; it’s about God’s Spirit within us helping us discern and overcome falsehood. This context enriches the verse, helping us apply it correctly to our lives today.

Now, there are many more examples I could give you but there is a more important lesson here. The thing to remember is that the whole Bible points to Jesus. This doesn't mean we need to find Jesus in every individual verse, but we need to see how the entire Bible points toward God's ultimate plan of redemption, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Tips to Read Scripture in Context

Here’s a simple framework to help guide your reading as you try to better understand Scripture:

1. Start in prayer: Ask God to open your heart and mind to understand His Word.
2. Read the selected verse(s) carefully.
3. Examine the surrounding context: Read the paragraphs, chapters, and the entire book if necessary.
4. Ask key questions: Who is the author? When was it written? Who was the original audience? What is the genre? What is the central message?
5. Re-read the Scripture with the new information you've gathered and thank God for the insights you’ve gained.

By committing to reading Scripture in its full context, we can avoid misinterpretation and draw closer to understanding the true message of the Bible. After all, the Bible is not a book written to us, but for us, and understanding its context helps us apply it meaningfully in our lives today.

Cover photo by Madeline Kraine on Unsplash

© Copyright 2024. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New international Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.