Righteous by Faith
A core component of the Gospel message is the righteousness of God—which essentially means that God acts rightly toward humanity.
Romans 1:17 introduces this theme that Paul, the writer of Romans, covers in the rest of his letter. For Paul, this verse is the premise for the arguments that he will make in the following chapters.
Paul says in Romans 3:23 that all of us have turned our back on God, and that sin is what separates us from Him.
Since God is righteous and holy, and we are not, we couldn’t approach God on our own. There needed to be a solution to bridge the impossible gap between us. But then, God sent Jesus in our place to be that bridge. This way, Jesus could make a way for us to have a relationship with Him again, and God would still be righteous.
That's why Paul says God’s righteousness is revealed through the Gospel. But he clarifies that it comes through faith. Paul says, “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Righteous living, or living our life according to God’s way, begins with faith, which is believing in what Jesus has done for us.
There is no amount of good work we can do to earn a right-standing relationship with God. Instead of measuring righteousness by good deeds, having Christian parents, or some other metric—God looks at our hearts. He looks to see whether or not we have faith in Jesus.
Everyone who comes to God must do so through faith.
We can have a relationship with God if we trust in Jesus and walk by faith. As we do that, we are made new in Christ. Our old ways and old habits are gone, and we can now walk in newness of life with Him.
Spend some time today thinking about what Jesus has done for you on the cross—where He gave His life on your behalf. What areas of your life can you live by faith, rather than trying to earn God’s favor? Rest in His presence, knowing that you are accepted and made new because of your faith in Jesus Christ.
Love Like Jesus
Love Like Jesus
From friendships to family members to coworkers, relationships can be tough to navigate. But if there’s one thing that can set your relationships apart, it’s understanding real love.
In Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece, he explains that even if you have all the faith, all the knowledge, or all the generosity in the world, or if you can speak in tongues or have the gift of prophecy—none of it means anything without love. He continues:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV
Chances are, you want to be a patient person. You intend to be a kind human. You desire to be a content and humble individual. But sometimes you get in a hurry. Sometimes you get annoyed. Sometimes you can be rude, selfish, jealous, unthoughtful, or arrogant.
Sometimes, it’s hard being human. But God knows that—and He wants to help us.
In the same letter, Paul goes on to say that love keeps no record of wrongs and rejoices in the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Most notably, love never fails.
But why does love seem to fail at times? After all, divorce rates are high, estranged families are commonplace, and the brokenness of this world is evident on just about every news broadcast or social media feed.
That’s exactly why Jesus came! He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of the world. And that’s what real love looks like—to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). He is love, and His love never fails.
So, now that redemption has begun to break through—first through Jesus and, now, through His Spirit inside of us—we can love others well by looking to Him, leaning on Him, trusting in Him, listening to Him, and following his lead.
God has given you everything you need to love others the way He's loved you.
Love Compelled Him...
Love Compelled Him
Jesus said a lot of powerful, enlightening, and important things. But there’s one command that sums it all up…
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 NIV
It sounds simple, right? But when we look at Jesus’ life, how did He love? And how can we strive to love like He did?
Love compelled Jesus to give up His privileges. As Creator and Lord, Jesus can do whatever He pleases. But instead, the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)—temporarily relinquishing His rights so that we could be right with God.
Love compelled Jesus to prioritize people...
The woman at the well. The man with leprosy. A Roman officer. A blind beggar. Peter’s mother-in-law. A widow’s son. A despised tax collector. Even the thief hanging next to Him on the cross. Jesus didn’t see problems—He saw and loved people.
Love compelled Jesus to serve others. He washed His disciples' feet, pursued the marginalized, had compassion on the sick, weary, and broken. In the end, He gave His own life for us.
Love compelled Jesus to value truth and grace. In a world where many elevate grace while others only magnify truth, Jesus valued both. He was passionate about God’s ways and God’s Word while also showing great compassion to those who needed it most.
If we’re ever unsure about how to love others, let’s look to Jesus as the ultimate example. He lived selflessly, prioritized other people, served to the point of death, and valued both truth and grace.
And as we love like Jesus, we will become more like Him.
Look at the Fruit...
Look at the Fruit
Imagine you have two seeds in your hand, but you can only plant one...
One seed grows easily, but it produces ugly, terrible tasting fruit. Cultivating the other seed takes time and consistent attention—but the fruit it produces is beautiful and delicious.
Which seed would you choose to plant, water, and grow?
In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul talks about two types of fruit that our lives can produce: fruit of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit.
“The flesh” refers to our unchecked desires that pull us away from God’s Spirit. Those desires produce hate, impatience, bitterness, selfishness, chaos, anxiety, and self-indulgence—and God has no association with such things.
But when we commit our lives to Jesus, He gives us His own Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit helps us “crucify” the desires of our flesh and put them to death. And when we crucify those desires, we create room for the Holy Spirit to produce good fruit in our lives—fruit that leads to positive changes.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Our flesh wants to get even, but the Spirit calls us to extend kindness. Our flesh wants to entertain sinful thoughts, but the Spirit calls us to walk in self-control. Our flesh wants to dictate our emotional response, but the Spirit calls us to walk in joy and peace.
The fruits of the Spirit reveal that we are actively seeking God and rejecting disobedience.
So right now, reflect on your life. What kind of fruit are you producing? Are you experiencing love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, and self-control—or are there pockets of bitterness, anger, jealousy, and self-indulgence in your life? What steps do you need to take to “crucify” the things that are pulling you away from God?
Let the Holy Spirit show you what you need to remove, and then allow Him to transform your heart and your actions. With His help, you can cultivate and produce good, life-giving fruit.
The Truth About Life and Death...
The Truth About Life and Death
No matter what part of this planet you live on, how well you take care of your body, or how much money is in your bank account, there is no escaping death.
Sounds a little depressing, doesn't it? But there’s still good news. Really, really good news.
For those who belong to Christ, we have a hope that’s beyond this world…
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
Romans 8:11 NLT
Death is the greatest tool of our enemy, which is why Jesus came to defeat it. That’s why He became human, took the ultimate punishment, and put death in its rightful place—under the authority and dominion of God.
Yes, life is fleeting, but death is only temporary. And the Spirit of God can do what no human can—give life to the lifeless, empower His people, and redeem what has been lost.
The truth about death is that it’s not the end of the story.
Soon, God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Just as a baby is given the miraculous and mysterious breath of life, His Spirit will revive the seemingly perished and bring the dead back to life!
And that is the really, really good news.
Choose Thankfulness...
Choose Thankfulness
For years, nothing in King David’s life looked “good.” His family underestimated him, giants despised him, and his father-in-law spent years trying to kill him. But the whole time, David clung to a promise that God would establish him, and eventually make him king of Israel.
David never gave up or gave in—he chose to stay close to God and wait for Him to act. And when God showed up, this is how David responded:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
David knew that even when life didn’t look good, he served a God who IS good. And this same God is still actively fighting for us now.
Through His Son, Jesus, He has given us continual access to Himself. We can never lose His unfailing love toward us—a love that endures forever, no matter what goes on around us.
David recognized this, and proclaimed it. And every day, we have the opportunity to do the same.
Here are 2 practical ways that we can respond to God’s goodness and love:
- THANK HIM IN PRAYER
When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, he told them to start like this: “Our Father in heaven, help us to honor Your name.” It’s fine to ask God for things, but real relationships include both giving and taking. So at least once a day for the next week, go to God in prayer and thank Him for something He’s done—without asking Him for anything in return.
- SHARE YOUR STORY
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to honor God by “proclaiming our allegiance to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) So what has God done for you? Where have you seen Him provide, protect, show up, or show off through your life? Look for natural opportunities to share what God is doing in you with someone else.
Right now, reflect on your life and thank God for His eternal goodness. Nothing you have faced or will face is too much for the God who loves you and died for you. Bring Him your concerns, surrender your expectations, choose thankfulness, and allow Him to reveal the evidence of His goodness in your life.
How to Live with Wisdom...
How to Live with Wisdom
The world is full of ways to grow in knowledge. We can learn from schools, books, documentaries, or other means. But more important than gaining knowledge is growing in wisdom.
Scripture also says that true wisdom begins with God. While there are many people on earth who are smart, real wisdom—in God's eyes—begins with our relationship with Him. God is perfect in truth and knowledge, so all wisdom must begin with Him.
Those who live with true wisdom will be a bright light for God in a dark world. How we act and speak matters. Though we cannot be perfect on this side of heaven, we are representatives for God to the rest of the world—so it's important that we act wisely and strive to honor Him.
One aspect of living wisely is pursuing righteousness. Righteousness is living in accordance with God’s law and God's ways. When we live according to God’s Word, we are living in accordance with His design for our lives.
Jesus says that people will know that we are His disciples by the way we love others (John 13:35). That means that loving others is living according to God’s Word. And by loving God and loving others, we will point others to Jesus.
This is why Jesus compares us to a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, and a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14). Daniel 12:3 explains that as we live wisely and righteously, we will shine bright like stars in the darkness.
The way we live, think, and act matters. Those are the primary ways that other people will see the love God has for them.
So consider your own life. Think of ways you can live in accordance with God’s Word. Write down one or two ways that you can shine the light of Jesus today by loving others in tangible ways.
Prove It...
Prove It
If you’re a good athlete, it shows every time you compete. If you’re a fantastic cook, the truth comes out in the kitchen. If you have a brilliant mind, you can’t help but solve problems. If you have a stunning voice, such talent can’t stay hidden.
We might present ourselves a certain way, but who we are will eventually come out. This is why James encourages Christians to prove who they are through the way they live. To prove something simply means to show that it’s true.
Do you say that you trust God? Prove it by starting your day with a genuine confidence in Him.
Do you say that you love your neighbor? Show it by going out of your way to notice, serve, and honor the people around you.
Do you call yourself a follower of Jesus? Prove it by living your life in a way that reflects His heart.
This doesn’t mean you’ll be perfect, but it does mean that even when you mess up, you will still try to make things right. And not because you must work for God’s favor or earn His love, but because your actions reveal what is happening inside of you. As Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “… What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
So, how can we live an honorable life? By doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. Not worldly wisdom, but godly wisdom. When we stick close to God, who invented wisdom, He transforms us from the inside out.
So if you claim to be wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by the way you live. And when questions arise—go to the One who has answers. Even on the most overwhelming of days, trust that God is by your side.
Today, ask yourself: “Do my thoughts match what people see on the outside?” Then, ask God: “Show me how to do what You’ve called me to do, and be who You’ve called me to be.”
Breaking Down Barriers
Breaking Down Barriers
Human beings tend to form groups, drawing close to people who think like us, act like us, or look like us. It gives us a sense of safety and belonging. But this also means we tend to build barriers. We place ourselves into categories based on culture, language, race.
Throughout history, religion—our practiced efforts to please God—has included some and shut out others. The results have been awful, because…
This is not the way of Jesus.
Before Jesus walked the earth, God chose the people of Israel to uniquely demonstrate His goodness to the nations. Outsiders could and did follow God, yet there was still a clear line of distinction between Israel and the other nations.
The book of Ephesians is the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. They’re struggling with issues of division and exclusivity. Paul explains that the division between the Hebrew people and the rest of the nations changed when Jesus came.
Jesus broke down the barrier that separated humanity from God, and the walls we built between each other.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:18: “Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”
That means every person is invited to come and know Jesus—His love, mercy, and compassion, and promises. Every person is invited to follow Him into eternity. There are no exceptions!
None of us earned this gift. Jesus reached out first. He loved us when we were lost, hopeless—when we didn’t even know we needed Him.
Consider this: Are you hiding behind walls that Jesus has already torn down? Or will you open your heart and arms wide, as Jesus did, when He extended His generous welcome to everyone?
The Gospel is Good News for the whole world. Let’s share it!
An Example worth Following...
An Example Worth Following
Jesus stood there in silence as a cohort of soldiers stripped him, spit on him, beat him, and mocked him. He stood there as they twisted thorns into a crown and shoved it onto His head. He watched as they gambled for His clothes. He was rejected, accused, beaten, stripped, and crucified—and He endured all of this willingly, because of love.
Imagine having unlimited power and authority, and giving it all up. Imagine voluntarily sacrificing your life so that others could also experience God’s deep, unconditional love. This is what Jesus modeled for us.
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges… When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:6-8 NLT
Jesus knew whose He was and what He was called to do. He knew that selfless service mattered more than selfishness. He knew that humility was greater than pride. And He knew that obeying God would lead to our freedom and His glory.
Jesus modeled humility by laying down His life so that we could know the love of God personally. And if we say that we follow Jesus, then we need to have the same attitude and outlook on life that Jesus did. But we can only do this by staying united in Jesus as we follow His example together.
So, how do we stay united? We show love to each other. And how do we show love to each other? By thinking about other people first, and choosing not to hold onto bitterness. True love requires a willingness to let go of pride, and to serve without expecting anything in return.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13 ESV
So who can you show love to today? Spend a few moments allowing God to reveal how you can practically embrace humility, stay united in love, and serve others selflessly today.
The Way You Life, The Way You Think
The Way You Live, The Way You Think
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads."
Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV
When Moses speaks these words in Deuteronomy 11, he’s not talking about just any words—he’s talking about God’s commands, which he had just finished restating to the people of Israel. These were the foundational truths of how God called His people to live: to love Him, obey Him, and walk in His ways.
Earlier in the chapter, Moses reminds the people of God's power—the way He rescued them from Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and promised them a land of blessing. But along with the blessings came a choice: to remain faithful to God or to turn away. That’s why Moses urges them so passionately to “fix these words” in their hearts and minds.
Why the hands and the forehead? It’s a vivid picture. The hands represent what we do, and the forehead represents what we think. In other words, Moses is saying: let God’s Word guide both your thoughts and your actions. Let it shape the way you live and the way you see the world.
For the Israelites, this even took a physical form—many wore small scrolls of Scripture (phylacteries) as a literal expression of this command. But whether literal or symbolic, the call remains the same: Keep God’s Word close. Let it saturate your life. Let it lead your heart, direct your mind, and shape your everyday choices.
How will you fix God's words in your heart and mind today?
Bottomless Riches
Bottomless Riches
Writing from prison to the believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul divulged that he’d learned the secret to being content—no matter the situation.
Because of the faithfulness of God and the generosity of the Philippians, Paul’s needs had been met—even while in jail. He went on to say:
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 NLT
What an incredible perspective from captivity, where Paul was placed for spreading the truth about Jesus.
God had given Paul peace, his friends had sent supplies, and Paul’s joy was unapologetically obvious—despite his imperfect circumstances.
Paul knew that the same God who was taking care of Him would also take care of his friends. He knew that, because Jesus had already made a way, they could access the storehouses of heaven. He knew that, because of God’s generous character, they were covered in His grace.
Have you ever considered what a treasure trove of riches God has? And it’s not just what He has, but also who He is. God’s glorious riches, never-ending resources, and both visible and invisible qualities are limitless, bottomless, boundless, and inexhaustible.
Think about that for a moment.
The amazing thing is—He’s granted us access.
In His kindness, God fashioned raspberries and puppies. In His brilliance, He crafted the human eye and hung the earth on nothing. By His creativity, He made hammerhead sharks and sparkling fireflies. By His power, He designed galaxies that even the smartest of scientists are just now discovering.
The same God who cares for His creation will also provide for you.
When we become His children, we are given the key to eternal riches, to incorruptible goods, and to traits of His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Do you need peace? You have a God who gives peace. Do you need provision? You have a God who offers provision. Do you need rest? You have a God who extends rest.
The ways in which God shows up are literally countless, and it’s all because of His gloriously limitless riches.
From Dawn to Dusk
From Dawn to Dusk
Close your eyes for a moment. And while you do that, picture this wonderfully diverse planet we call home. (Yes, really.)
Everything you just imagined? God created all of it. And God created all of us to worship Him.
From north to south and east to west. From bustling cities to slow-paced villages. From lifeless deserts to life-packed forests. From the highest mountains to the farthest oceans.
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”
Psalm 113:3 NIV
The sun “rises” and “sets” on all of us. All people, all languages, all nations. All skin colors, eye colors, and hair colors. All shapes, sizes, and personalities. Rich and poor. Aching hearts and contagious smiles.
An eclectic mix of people from various parts of the world have always been praising God from generation to generation—and it continues to happen now. And we know it will never stop.
In Revelation 7, John has a vision of a “great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,” who is Christ. They are serving and worshiping, all day and night.
God’s people—past, present, and future—are worshiping people.
We can worship with our songs.
We can worship with our money.
We can worship with our lives.
And one day, when we finally see things clearly, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. But today, we don’t have to wait to worship.
When sunlight streams through your windows, you can worship.
When the evening sky turns orange-ish pink, you can worship.
When you’re in a season of waiting, you can worship.
When you’re in a season of receiving, you can worship.
When your heart is breaking, you can worship.
When your heart is full, you can worship.
From dawn to dusk, let the name of the Lord be praised.
Today, think about this verse and consider what compels you to worship God. Then, shift your heart toward Him and don’t forget to worship.
Waiting Well
Waiting Well
Waiting can be hard.
Most of us would prefer quick, efficient, and—when possible—instant results and answers.
But waiting is a part of life.
We must wait for seeds to grow into food, for one season to fade into the next, for babies to mature into adults, and for trees to stand tall enough to finally offer shade.
Like it or not, waiting takes patience.
We can wait days, months, years, or even decades for a prayer to be answered, for an overdue apology, for the timing to be right, or for a dream to finally come to pass.
Waiting requires courage.
King David lived nearly 3,000 years ago, but he knew what it meant to wait for God’s timing, to wait to be king, to wait to be rescued from his enemies. He wrote:
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Psalms 27:14 NLT
If David thought waiting on God was important enough to write it twice in one verse, we should probably pay attention.
But waiting patiently for the Lord isn’t an excuse to do nothing.
We can proactively wait on God by staying in communication with Him, by looking for His fingerprints in ordinary moments, by reading about His story and His plans in His Word, by worshiping Him no matter what’s happening across the globe, by serving the people both inside and outside of our circles, and by thanking Him for the gifts He’s already given us.
Just because a specific door isn’t opening, or a particular opportunity isn’t available at this moment, doesn’t mean God isn’t moving.
Even when we are waiting—God is working.
Noah spent decades building an ark as he waited for God to do what He’d said. Ruth journeyed with her mother-in-law and worked in the grain fields while trusting in God’s provision after her husband’s death. Joseph stayed faithful in prison for several years before his promotion to second-in-command of Egypt. John trusted God’s ultimate will for his life, even writing a book of the Bible while sentenced to exile on the island of Patmos.
So, no matter what you’re facing, you can ask God for patience and trust that He is in control of your future. No matter what uncertainty lies before you, when you rely on the Lord, you can be someone who waits well.
Ask God Honestly
Ask God Honestly
Everything begins with our relationship with God.
Jesus made it possible for us to have a restored relationship with God. We can talk with God, spend time in His presence, and ask Him to help us—because, as believers, we are called His sons and daughters.
Because of our relationship with God, He listens to us. Much like a child talking to their parents, God wants us to speak to and connect with Him. When we pray, we have the opportunity to tell God our needs, our concerns, and the desires of our heart.
Jesus tells us that if we seek a relationship with God, we will find it. God gives Himself freely to all who are looking to Him. God isn’t hiding in heaven, hoping that we will someday find Him. He is readily available to engage with His people.
This means we should be persistent in our relationship with Him. We have access to the Creator of the world! Everything comes from Him and has life because of Him. He has the ability to give us the things we need, and even the things we desire with pure motives.
However, while we can ask for whatever we want, it doesn’t mean He will give us everything we ask for. Just like an earthly father won’t give his child something harmful, God also won’t give us something we do not need (Matthew 7:10-11).
Sometimes, we don't ask God for things because we may feel guilty for doing so. But God actually desires for us to go to Him—even with the smallest of requests.
So take some time today and tell God how you honestly feel. Ask Him for the things you truly need in life—the ways you're counting on Him to show up. Continue each day building a relationship with Him through Scripture reading and prayer.
A Father to the Fatherless
A Father to the Fatherless
The word “father” can evoke a wide range of emotions in each of us.
Maybe you smile when you hear the word because it brings up wonderful memories of your own father. Or perhaps your heart feels torn—because you're missing your father, or grieving the loss of a relationship that never met your expectations.
Whether you had an engaged, caring, and dependable father or a distant, neglectful, or mean one, you have a Heavenly Father who cares deeply for you—and is always near. He sent His Son to earth to rob our brokenness and replace it with a hope-filled eternity.
And the best news is: we don’t have to fear being separated from Him. There is no death, fear of the future, or anything else that can separate us from our Everlasting Father. He existed before time began, and He exists without the assistance of anyone. He draws near to us because He loves us. And His love isn’t something we can earn—it’s a free gift from Him that He longs for us to accept.
He sufficiently sets the bar for any earthly father to strive for. And He cares for us in a tender, fatherly way. We may not know what lies ahead, but we can trust Him fully.
Lean back and rest in your Heavenly Father’s comfortable arms. Spend time talking to Him and listen for His guidance as you bring Him the concerns and the joys on your heart. He is worthy of your trust.
Commit to the Work
Commit to the Work
It’s a complex dance—being faithful with the opportunities God gives you while also trusting Him with the variables that are out of your control.
The writer of Proverbs, typically attributed to King Solomon, said this:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3 ESV
It sounds simple enough—to commit your work to the Lord. But it takes intentional effort, continual surrender, and genuine trust.
Throughout Scripture, we see all kinds of work: farming, building, pastoring, parenting, fishing, doctoring, leading, designing, singing, writing, engineering, shepherding, and much more.
In his letter to the Roman believers, Paul discusses talents and gifts when he says:
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
You can commit your work to God by:
- honoring Him with your efforts
- valuing the people you interact with
- faithfully returning the tithe
- promoting truth and love
- living graciously and generously
- thoughtfully utilizing your time
- leveraging your God-given creativity to glorify Him
You can plant a seed in good soil, position it for ideal sunlight, and water it consistently, but—above all—it’s God who gave you the seed and it’s God who makes the seed grow.
Your job is obedience, God’s job is everything else. So whatever you do, commit your work, your efforts, and your life to Him—and watch Him work through you.
He Will Lead You
He Will Lead You
Moses led the people of Israel for forty years. He led them out of slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, gave them the Ten Commandments from his time with God on Mount Sinai, and walked with them through the wilderness until they reached the edge of Canaan.
But as he neared the end of his life, God showed Moses that it was time to hand off leadership to someone else. In a final address to the people of Israel, he shares these final words with his successor, Joshua:
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
This is the last record we have of Moses talking to Joshua. Notice he didn’t say, “Good luck, these people are exhausting." Or, “Here’s a situation going on, you should handle it this way.” Moses wasn’t telling Joshua exactly how to do something, but instead, how to see everything.
Moses drew Joshua’s attention to the most important part of the story: God. Moses had been a crucial leader, but it was only because of God that Israel could move forward. It was only because of God that they had made it that far. And because God is the author of the story, His provision would continue even after Moses was gone.
Because God was with Israel, Joshua didn’t need to fear anything. And when God is with you, there is nothing to fear. He will lead the way!
A Journey with God
A Journey with God
Following God is a journey.
It’s not just a one-time decision. It’s a lifelong pilgrimage, a day-by-day walk of trust, transformation, and faithfulness. Psalm 84 paints a beautiful picture of travelers whose hearts are set on reaching God’s dwelling place. They’re blessed, not because the road is easy, but because their strength comes from Him.
If our strength came from ourselves, we wouldn’t make it very far. Life brings challenges: dry seasons, steep climbs, unexpected detours. If we’re depending only on our own energy, it’s easy to get weary and discouraged.
But when our strength is in God, the journey changes. We’re not walking alone. We’re empowered by His Spirit. We’re supported by His promises. We have a clear destination, and the blessing is not just at the end, but along the way.
A heart set on pilgrimage is a heart that knows this world is not our home. We’re pressing on toward something greater, and toward Someone greater.
If today finds you tired or uncertain, remember this: the strength you need isn’t something you have to muster up. It’s something God freely gives. Lean into Him. Set your heart on the journey. He’ll be faithful every step of the way.
Who Are You?
Who Are You?
“I’m not good enough.”
“I’m not smart enough.”
“I’m not strong enough.”
“I’m not enough.”
Every day, we are bombarded with lies that try to convince us that we don’t have what it takes to follow Jesus.
Every time we mess up, our insecurities reach out and tell us that we’ll always be weak—we’ll never experience the freedom Jesus says we can have. But Scripture reminds us that it’s Jesus’ divine power that gives us everything we need to live a godly life. With His strength, when we fall down—we can still get back up.
It’s in our weakness that God’s power is made perfect within us (2 Corinthians 12:9). By the power of Christ, nothing can keep its grip on us. Not fear, worry, doubt, defeat, discouragement, loneliness, hardship, or pain.
Through Jesus, we have everything we need to combat anything that attempts to seize our rightful identity.
God’s Word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It was breathed out by God. It corrects, teaches, and encourages us. God’s Word lights up our paths.
God’s Word is filled with reminders of our true identity. It can remind you that…
You are enough because you are a child of God. (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1)
You can rejoice in suffering because Christ suffered for you. (1 Peter 4:12-19, James 1:2-4)
You are greatly loved, and you can love others like you have been loved. (John 15:9-14)
Nothing can separate you from God’s love. (Romans 8:37-39)
When you understand who you are, that is when you will truly be able to do all things through Christ’s strength.
So let’s start applying the life-giving truth we find in the Bible so that we move from victimhood to victory. Embrace who you are in Christ.
And the next time a daunting situation comes up or a threatening thought comes to mind, remember that you can overcome it by Jesus’ divine power working in and through you. You don’t have to go through life on your own—and you weren’t meant to.