Keep Moving Forward

Persecution occurred in Thessalonica as a group broke from social norms by adopting a radical new faith in Jesus instead of state-sanctioned idol worship. However, Jesus hadn’t returned as quickly as hoped. So, the apostle Paul was concerned by what he was hearing and wrote two letters to them.Paul had reason to be concerned, and so, in his letters, he writes to encourage the fledgling yet faithful community of believers, informing them that when faced with difficulties, a

...

Be Prepared

My heart feels heavy, not because of the elections but because of their implications. Many Christians' heads are in the sand, but the Church has been under attack since its inception, even though we haven’t felt it as much in the States. I’m not fear-mongering, just reminding us of Biblical teachings that warn us to expect opposition and persecution for our faith.According to opendoors.org, over 380 million Christians face severe persecution and discrimination, mostly in I

...

The Pull of Sin Winning the Race of Faith

The writer of Hebrews writes—“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”—Hebrews 12:1I know it's a cliché to say, but it's true: as believers, we are all in a race—a marathon of faith. Our finish line is our dwelling place with Jesus, and the path is marked out for us by God. But as we run, the pull of sin is a consta

...

Cast Your Cares

It feels like we're hearing Paul's words more now than ever: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7Yesterday, I spoke from John 14:1-14, emphasizing that Jesus is our way, truth, and life—the antidote to fear. With the ongoing political season, many feel anxious, as if carrying a heavy backpack that weighs down our hearts and minds. We try to handle every scenario and 'what if' on our own. The Greek for "anxiety" means being pulled in multip

...

Safely Hidden

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” 

—Colossians 3:3

In Christ, a profound transformation has occurred. Paul says we have "died"—not physically, but spiritually—separating from our old, sin-driven life and the world's values. Our old self was crucified with Christ; it no longer controls us.

The verse's second part offers assurance: "your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Notice our life is Hidden, not Lost. This "hidden" life means we're secure a

...

Who Do You Work For?

The apostle Paul gives the Believers at the church in Ephesus this challenge: “rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,” (Ephesians 6:7)

This verse provides a revolutionary view on work, addressing bondservants and masters in a culture where servants were treated as mere tools. Paul urges believers to change their motivation, emphasizing that whatever they do should be done as service to the Lord, not for human approval or reward.

Paul gently reminds

...

Finding Peace in God’s Promises: Faith over Fear

Let me ask: When did you last feel that knot in your stomach, racing heart about tomorrow's uncertainties? Maybe it was lying awake at 2 AM, checking your bank account, awaiting test results, or watching the news. Here's the truth we often hide in church: anxiety doesn't respect faith. Worry doesn't ask before coming in. Even the most devoted believers feel fear pressing down on them. That's where today's psalm meets us.In Psalm 56, verses 3 and 4. David writes: "When I am

...

Having a Peaceful Life

Paul wrote to young Timothy, likely in his late 20s or early 30s, though we can't be sure, in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the know...

Creativity

Genesis begins with: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). He didn't just create a functional world; He designed one with majestic mountains, vibrant colors, and complex life. God made humans in his image, embedding a part of his creative spirit in us (Genesis 1:27).

Your creativity, whether through art, problem-solving, teaching, or leadership, reflects God's character and is a gift for His purposes. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew

...

God Hears

Jeremiah 29:12 states, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”

During Babylonian exile, Israelites were displaced, suffering, waiting for God's promise of hope (Jeremiah 29:11). What was their role in receiving it? The Lord told them, "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you”. 

God’s provision often comes after honest, dependent prayer. He invites us to ask and participate in his work. The true supply is not

...

The Fruit of Diligence

Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15—Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.Picture a fruit tree in an orchard. The owner's attention—pruning, watering, and nurturing—is meant to be evident. The primary purpose of this care is the visible harvest: plentiful, ripe fruit that others can see and enjoy.Similarly, the apostle Paul encourages his protege, Timothy, to fully dedicate himself to his spiritual responsibilities. These "

...

The Power of Love

In today’s heated political atmosphere, I realize we often speak out of both sides of our mouths. We all have opinions, but I try to be wiser as I age, knowing they don’t matter much or sway others. When the Lord returns or I die, I want to end without revenge or grudges. Songs about love, like Celine Dion's “The Power of Love" by Jennifer Rush, have lyrics that resonate spiritually: “When the world’s too much, that ends when I’m with you,’ and “Even when I seem far away,

...

God is Present

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

The command to "be strong and courageous" isn't about willpower but about trusting God, the trustworthy source of strength. When God called Joshua to lead Israel, he faced an intimidating task, but God's repeated charge was a promise: "The LORD your God is with you." Today, our challenges—career changes, crises, f

...

Navigating Political Division

I have not seen this much division and hatred in the political arena as in the past several years, especially from professing believers. That being said, I think Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8-9 can help keep the followers of Jesus Christ focused. Sadly, I don’t always adhere to what Paul says, but I can honestly say I am trying. So here goes:Philippians 4:8-9 encourages believers to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy

...

Gut-Check

Proverbs 14:23—“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty."

Solomon's Proverbs 14:23 challenges us to turn good intentions into action. Amid endless talk about dreams and goals, it prompts a gut-check: where is your effort directed? This truth applies to our God-given talents. They aren't for hiding but for use to glorify Him and help others. Like a farmer working the soil for a harvest, we must cultivate and share our abilities.

By merely discussing o

...