Beware the traps of the enemy, seeking to ensnare us with worldly desires. He wants to trap you here in this temporary place. This life is not permanent. It’s transitioning you.

In a culture where instant glory and overnight success splash across social media, it’s easy to forget the power of investing in people, honoring relationships, and serving others along the way.

This scene is familiar. We can all see ourselves in this situation. Martha is in charge. She’s the hostess, bearing the responsibility for presenting a welcoming atmosphere for Jesus. He is a personal friend of her family, and she is honored that He is in her home. Everyone wants to meet Jesus; they want to be associated and acquainted with Him. Mary is sitting at His feet, listening to His words.

Almost everyone is familiar with the names David and Goliath. People often use the story of David and Goliath as an illustration or motivation to turn obstacles into advantages. They represent opposing sides that are vastly unequal—the smaller and weaker taking the victory.

Your past highs and lows are part of your faith journey, and while you may be sitting in pain and suffering loss, Jesus is reminding you today that He is going before you. Would you believe Jesus knows exactly where to meet you and trust that He is waiting for you to come and join Him?

May I just say to the person who has been unjustly accused or found themselves deserted by your friends, you are not misunderstood by Jesus. If you have suffered public humiliation or been lied about, you have compassion and empathy from Jesus.

His love held Peter through the darkness of betrayal, denial, and the tears of disappointment and shame. The look of love and the words of life echoed repeatedly in Peter’s mind and heart during those dark and difficult days.

They were close enough in proximity to clearly communicate the message in a look—the intimate exchange between two people that says volumes without a word. Jesus turned and looked at Peter and unconditional love and grace beyond comprehension poured out.

I misjudged the power of my own strength and the sincerity of my determination. There was a lot going on and I was distracted. Before I realized it, I was carried away by circumstances that led me to some rash and regrettable decisions. It all happened so fast! 

Jesus knows me better than I know myself. There are two sides to that truth. It’s affirming to be known while at the same time scary to be exposed. When I consider the Lord discerns the thoughts and intents of my heart, I pause, and I pray.

Recently, I’ve been hanging out with Simon Peter. I’m walking alongside him and trying to keep up with His enthusiasm and zealous sense of adventure. He challenges me to be more courageous and bold in my commitment to follow Jesus. He has also made me look deep within my own heart and ask some probing questions.

God offers a future to anyone and everyone who will listen to His voice and respond to His word. God honors the time invested in learning to listen to His voice. Each time you sit with Him in His living word, He is training and equipping you. He’s preparing you.

When we are born of the Spirit by giving our lives to Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have the Holy Spirit of God living inside us. We have access to the thoughts, insights, revelation, and wisdom that God gives to His people.

Gift guides are popping up everywhere, offering great ideas for the latest and greatest things to give—and, to be honest, things to want! They are organized by interests, hobbies, price, uniqueness, usability, collectability, age, and gender. They always boast of having "something for everyone on your list" and aim to help you secure the "perfect" gift for that certain someone who is hard to shop for.

As we count down the days to Christmas, I want to embrace the profound truth this season brings—a truth that surpasses material gifts and festive celebrations. It's a truth that declares we have received more than enough—a Savior, a promise, a presence, and an overflowing hope.

Are you tired already? I am. Why are the holidays so often full of hurrying and hustle and stress?

While rocking gently on the waves of the Sea of Galilee, the multitudes gathered on the shoreline to hear Jesus speak many things to them. On this particular day He told them a parable about seeds and what hinders or helps them grow and take root. As he finished telling the story He told the crowd, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

What do you do when you don’t see a manifestation of the presence and power of God?​​ When it feels like you've been left behind, forgotten, or that your prayers go unheard, how do you stand firm in your faith?

Sometimes God calls us to do hard things. It's not because He is harsh; rather, it's during these challenging times that we experience His supernatural strength.

David prays this from a desperate place. He knows what it’s like to be forsaken, lonely, and afflicted. And He knows there is no place to go but to God.