United We Still Stand

,

1 Corinthians 1:10 — I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

We will never forget.

No, we will never forget.

It’s been twenty-five years since 9/11, but doesn’t it sometimes feel like yesterday?

I remember how quickly everything seemed to change. One moment, we were just going about our ordinary lives, and then suddenly, our country was hurting. We were watching the same images, hearing the same stories, and wondering what would happen next.

That’s part of why we say those words, “We will never forget.”

Because some moments are too important to forget. It can be so easy to look back and get stuck on the tragedy itself. To remember the fear, the loss, and the people whose lives were changed forever.

But there’s something else I like to think about on 9-11. Do you remember how unified we were as Americans? I mean, wasn’t that beautiful? For a little while, so many of the things that normally divided us seemed smaller. We hurt together. We grieved together. We looked out for each other.

I think that’s worth remembering too. Because there was a “togetherness” in those days where we became willing to lay aside differences and stand together as one.

Wouldn’t it be something if we didn’t have to wait for another tragedy to do that? Couldn’t we carry that same spirit into the grocery store, into our neighborhoods, into our workplaces, and into conversations we have with people who don’t look like us or think exactly like us.

Scripture calls the church to live that way too. Christians shouldn’t be fractured by constant division. No, the heart of Christ has a way of turning strangers into neighbors and neighbors into family.

Because we were never meant to live as isolated people, pulling farther and farther apart. We were made to belong to one another and to become something more like a family.

Wouldn’t that be great?

Maybe that’s how we remember.

And maybe, just maybe, it’ll keep on going.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What do you remember most about the unity and compassion people showed after 9/11?
  • What differences or disagreements are making it harder for you to live in harmony with someone right now?
  • How might the love of Christ help you see someone who is different from you as a neighbor—or even as family?
  • What is one practical way you can choose unity, kindness, or compassion in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or church this week?
  • How can you help keep the spirit of togetherness alive without waiting for another tragedy to bring people together?
/by

Don’t Judge the Book by its Cover

,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 — All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

So we all know that saying, never judge a book by its cover. Well, I think we’ve all at some point judged the Bible by its cover.

Maybe because when many of us see it, we freak out a little. I mean, we know it’s good, and it’s God’s Word, inspired by Him for our lives, but we can be intimidated by it for…well… a lot of reasons.

The language can be confusing. It has some difficult words. It looks like a huge novel, and many people mock it, saying it’s too judgmental and too outdated and just a book full of rules we could never follow.

Whatever the reason, can I encourage you today. Please don’t be intimidated by God’s Word.

The Bible may look intimidating from the outside, but you discover the invitation when you open it. It is the most beautiful, fascinating, adventurous, and exciting book ever. And yes, it can be confusing at times. Absolutely.

But it is full of love and wisdom and adventure and it reveals who God is, who we are, and the story of His rescue through Jesus. It’s not going to tell you specifically where to go on vacation next year or what color to paint your house. But it will teach us principles of right living, right thinking, wisdom, and faith.

It will instruct you through stories of people like us who lived long ago facing many of the same challenges and relational struggles that you and I do today.

And that’s what makes God’s Word so powerful. It teaches, corrects, and trains us so that we can become the people God is calling us to be. It helps us understand what is good, what needs to change, and how to keep growing.

Friend, you don’t have to understand everything before you begin, you just have to be willing to open the cover. Maybe today, that’s all you need to do. Open it. Read a little. Ask God to show you something about Himself, and let the journey begin.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What has intimidated or discouraged you from spending time in God’s Word?
  • When you open the Bible, are you approaching it as a book of rules—or as an invitation to know God better?
  • Is there something God’s Word has recently shown you that needed to change in your life? How did you respond?
  • What is one area of your life where you need God’s wisdom, correction, or direction right now?
  • What would it look like for you to simply “open the cover” today—read a little, ask God to speak, and let the journey begin?
/by

Stuck In Your Head Again?

,

Philippians 4:8 — And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Do you know what it’s like when one negative thought shows up—and then seems to invite all its friends? Before long, you’re caught in a whirlpool of thoughts, and you can’t seem to break the cycle.

That happens to me sometimes. Those thoughts can feel overwhelming, and when they do, I’ve learned I don’t have to fight them alone.

So how do we break that cycle?

I don’t have to manufacture peace. I can fix my thoughts on what is true—and ultimately, on the One who is true.

Sometimes I can’t just tell myself to think about something happy or positive. But I can pray.

I can simply say, “God, I’m stuck in these negative thoughts. Help.”

And as I turn my mind back toward Him, I’m reminded that through Christ, my mind can be renewed even before my circumstances change. So I keep fixing my thoughts on Him—on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Today, if your thoughts feel louder than your hope, don’t fight them alone. Turn your mind toward Jesus. Let Him become what fills your thoughts—and give you something stronger to hold onto when negativity tries to pull you under.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What negative thought has been taking up the most space in your mind lately?
  • What is true about God that you can choose to focus on instead?
  • What would it look like today to “fix your thoughts” on Jesus when that negative thought returns?
/by

Change Is Here, Now What?

,

Philippians 4:11 — Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Are you not very good with change?

Well, good news.

You’re not alone.

There are so many people who struggle with it. And did you know something that may actually help you get through a season of change?

Embrace it.

Huh?

What do you mean, embrace it? I don’t even like it.

Exactly.

That’s the struggle, isn’t it?

We spend so much energy running from change because part of us is still hoping it isn’t really happening. We like things to stay the same. We like comfort. We like what’s familiar.

So change feels terrifying.

But when you fight against the moving current of change, you’re actually making it harder on yourself. You’re causing even more stress by pushing against something you can’t stop.

I was reading about this recently, and the simple act of acceptance can neutralize so many painful reactions.

But here’s what stood out to me even more:

Peace isn’t found when life is steady. It’s found when your heart learns to stand firm when everything else changes.

That’s what makes Paul’s words in Philippians so powerful.

He says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”

Notice that word: learned.

Contentment wasn’t something Paul magically had. He learned it through changing circumstances, uncertainty, hardship, and seasons that didn’t look the way he wanted them to.

Contentment isn’t pretending you like what’s happening.

It’s learning that your peace doesn’t have to depend on what’s happening.

Because circumstances change.

People change.

Plans change.

But God doesn’t.

So when change comes your way, take a deep breath.

Instead of spending all your strength wishing this season were different, ask God to help you trust Him in the season you’re actually in.

Open your hands instead of clenching your fists.

Stay flexible instead of stubborn.

And remember: you don’t have to know exactly where the current is taking you to trust the One who is already there.

Whatever state you’re in today, contentment is something you can learn.

Not because your circumstances are perfect…

but because your God is faithful in every one of them.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What kind of change is hardest for you to accept right now?
  • Are you resisting something God may be asking you to release?
  • What is the difference between accepting a circumstance and approving of it?
  • Where are you tempted to believe, “I’ll have peace when things settle down”?
  • What would it look like to trust God and practice contentment in your current season?
/by

One Kindness, Two Smiles

,

John 1:12 — But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.

Sometimes the smallest invitations change someone’s whole world.

My little niece proved that to me.

I’m so proud of her. She had been saving for months to buy a bicycle. When she finally bought one, she rode it all around her neighborhood, telling me everything about it. But then she told me she noticed another little girl sitting on her porch almost every evening, just watching her ride by.

So, my niece started waving, smiling, and saying hi. Then one day she stopped and said, “Hey… do you want to ride my bike?”

So cute, right?

Later, my brother found out the little girl’s family simply couldn’t afford one of their own. Just sharing her bike made a huge difference in that little girl’s world.

I love that about children. They just naturally want someone else to feel included. Meanwhile, we adults overthink everything. I know I do.

We want to help, but then the questions start rolling in. Is it safe? Who are they? What if something goes wrong? We can talk ourselves out of kindness before we ever take the first step.

Jesus said we should become like little children. Maybe one reason is this: children understand something we often forget. They’re quick to invite because they’re not busy protecting what they already have.

John tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus is welcomed into God’s family. We’ve been invited in—not because we earned it, but because of His grace. Maybe that’s why generosity isn’t just about giving things away. It’s about helping someone else experience the welcome we’ve already received.

So today, maybe your “bike” isn’t a bike at all. Maybe it’s your time, your table, your encouragement, or simply an invitation. Someone may be sitting on the porch hoping someone notices.

Don’t just ride by.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Can you remember a time when someone made you feel truly welcomed or included? How did it impact you?
  • How does knowing you’ve been welcomed into God’s family through Jesus change the way you see and treat others?
  • Who in your life might be quietly “sitting on the porch,” hoping someone notices them?
  • What is one simple invitation you could extend this week—your time, your table, a conversation, or an act of kindness?
  • What’s one way you can reflect God’s welcoming heart to someone who may feel overlooked or left out today?
/by

The Power of a Pause

,

Ephesians 4:2-3 — Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Have you ever responded to someone’s bad attitude and then just felt bad for the words you said?

They say to speak the truth in love. Well… I tried that the other day, and afterward I thought, I definitely spoke the truth, but I didn’t speak it with love.

I had to make amends and apologize.

Looking back, I wish I had paused before I responded because a deep breath can protect a relationship way better than a quick reaction.

Later on, I was reading a devotional called “Responding to Hostility,” and it reminded me that the writers of the New Testament were often encouraging believers who were living in a hostile culture. They were being attacked from every side, yet they weren’t told to answer hostility with more hostility. They were called to keep pursuing peace and not let bitterness take root.

That reminded me that following Jesus means choosing humility over pride, gentleness over harshness, patience over reaction, and making every effort to protect the unity He’s given us. Unity isn’t built by winning arguments; it’s built by extending grace.

The only reason I can offer grace is because I’ve already received it from Jesus. Grace isn’t just something we receive from God. It’s something we reveal because of God.

So today, before you answer that text… before you fire back with the perfect comeback… before you say the thing you’ll wish you could take back…

Take one deep breath.

Then let grace speak first.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Can you think of a recent situation where you reacted too quickly instead of responding with patience? What would you do differently now?
  • Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to live out: humility, gentleness, patience, or extending grace? Why?
  • How has God’s grace toward you changed the way you respond to people who are difficult or hurtful?
  • Is there a relationship in your life that needs more peace than winning? What is one step you can take today to pursue unity?
  • Before your next difficult conversation, what would it look like to pause, pray, and let grace speak first?
/by

Trusting God Behind the Scenes

,

Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.

Do you ever have those days?

The ones where you know God is a way maker.

You know He’s good.

You know He loves you.

But…

It just doesn’t feel like He’s making a way.

You’ve been praying.

You’ve been trusting.

You’ve been trying to faithfully follow Him.

And yet, nothing seems to be changing.

Maybe today is one of those days.

If it is, I want you to remember something.

It’s okay.

You’re not the first person to wonder where God is in the middle of a hard season.

I’ve had those moments too.

The ones where I want to look up and ask, “God, where are You? Why am I struggling?”

But here’s what I’m learning.

Sometimes God’s greatest work is happening where I can’t yet see it.

Even when it feels like nothing is changing, God is still working.

Hebrews reminds us to “hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.”

Notice, our hope isn’t rooted in what we can see.

It’s rooted in the God who always keeps His word.

Our feelings may waver.

Our circumstances may change.

But God’s faithfulness never does.

So if your prayers feel like they’re hitting the ceiling today…

Keep holding on.

And if all you have is faith the size of a mustard seed, that’s enough to take one more step toward Jesus.

Don’t let what you see determine what you believe.

Let God’s faithfulness have the final word.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What promise of God do you need to hold tightly to in this season?
  • Are your circumstances shaping your hope more than God’s character is?
  • What would it look like to take one more step of faith today, even if you can’t yet see the outcome?
/by

Peace In Your Piled-Up Day

,

Psalm 55:22 — Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Oh, you know those days where you’re functioning…but barely?

Maybe that’s today for you.

You’re showing up. You’re answering the messages. You’re doing what needs to be done. But inside, you feel heavier than anyone knows.

The truth is, some burdens don’t announce themselves.

They accumulate quietly…stress, pressure, responsibility, worry, disappointment.

Little by little, the weight builds until one day you’re carrying more than you were ever meant to.

If that’s where you are today, I want you to hear this clearly:

God never asked you to carry it all by yourself.

Scripture invites us to cast our burdens on the Lord. Why? Because He’s the One strong enough to carry what we can’t.

And notice the promise. God doesn’t say every burden will disappear overnight.

He says, “I will sustain you.”

That’s a different kind of promise.

It means strength for today. Grace for the next step. Peace that steadies you even before your circumstances change.

You may not have the words for everything you’re feeling, but you don’t need perfect words to come to God.

He already knows.

Bring Him your prayers, your tears, your questions…even your silence.

Nothing you place in His hands is too heavy for Him.

So before you move on to the next task today, pause for just a moment.

Hand Him one thing you’ve been carrying.

Take a deep breath.

You’re not failing because you feel the weight.

You’re human.

And God is still holding you.

When you release what was never yours to carry alone, you make room to experience the peace only He can give.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What burden have you been carrying that God is inviting you to place in His hands today?
  • How does God’s promise to sustain you encourage you, even if your circumstances haven’t changed yet?
  • What is one practical way you can pause today and intentionally give your worries to the Lord?
/by

Heart Change Happens Here

,

John 3:3 — Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

It’s funny when I think about that conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.

Nicodemus asked Jesus, “So how does someone get born again? Can a grown man really enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”

What a question.

But the more I think about it, the more I realize Nicodemus was looking in the wrong direction. He was thinking about starting life over on the outside, while Jesus was talking about something much deeper.

Following Jesus isn’t about getting a fresh start from the outside in.

It’s about receiving a brand-new heart from the inside out.

Listen, it doesn’t have to be all bells and whistles or some dramatic testimony.

You don’t have to wait until you’ve cleaned yourself up. You don’t have to become “good enough” before you come to Jesus.

Bring Him the mistakes. Bring Him the shame. Bring Him the sin you wish you could undo. Bring Him the questions you still don’t have answers for.

Jesus doesn’t tell you to fix yourself first.

He simply invites you to come.

Grace meets you exactly where you are, but it loves you too much to leave you there.

He forgives you, changes you, and gives you strength you never had on your own. He begins healing what sin has broken and shaping you into the person He created you to be.

That’s what being born again really means. It’s not becoming a better version of the old you.

It’s allowing God to make you into someone new.

So, if you’ve been waiting until you have it all together, stop waiting.

Bring the mess. Bring the shame. Bring the questions. Bring your heart.

Surrender it all to Jesus, trust Him with it, and let Him begin the work that only He can do.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Is there anything you’ve been trying to fix before bringing it to Jesus?
  • What does it mean to you that Jesus changes us from the inside out rather than simply helping us improve ourselves?
  • What is one area of your life where you need to trust God to make you new instead of relying on your own strength?
/by

Mountain, Meet Your Maker

,

Matthew 17:20 — He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

It’s easy to say you’ve got faith…until you face a mountain.

But we’ve got a bigger God. Can I get an amen?

I came across this devotional I want to share with you. It’s from In Touch Ministries, and it is so good. It says…

“Are you facing what seems like an insurmountable obstacle? It might be a problem too complex to solve, a task beyond your ability, a sin too tempting to overcome, or a situation over which you have no control.

Facing such things can make us feel weak, helpless and vulnerable, but always remember that we have an almighty God, and nothing is too difficult for Him.

There’s a story in the Bible, where a Jewish leader with 50,000 of his men returned to Jerusalem from being in captivity, and they were going to rebuild their temple. But the obstacles that they were facing were just too much, and Yet even with thousands of people, the obstacles seemed overwhelming.

Well, God gave His prophet Zechariah a vision so that he could go and encourage these men. The message that the Prophet gave was…”Remember, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord.

So, the same truth applies to you today. Maybe you’re staring at a mountain that feels impossible to move—a diagnosis, a broken relationship, a financial burden, or a struggle you’ve carried for years.

In your own strength, it may be too much. But Jesus never said mountains move because we are strong. He said they move because our faith is placed in a strong God.

Faith isn’t pretending the obstacle isn’t there. It’s choosing to trust God in the middle of it.

Sometimes God moves the mountain. Sometimes He leads you over it. Sometimes He walks with you through it.

But either way, you’re not facing it alone.

The same Spirit who empowered God’s people then is with you now, giving you strength, wisdom, peace, and courage for whatever stands in front of you today.

So don’t focus on the size of the mountain. Focus on the greatness of your God.

Even faith as small as a mustard seed becomes powerful when it’s placed in the hands of an almighty God.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What mountain are you facing right now that feels bigger than your faith?
  • Where might God be inviting you to trust Him instead of relying on your own strength?
  • How does remembering God’s power change the way you view your current challenge?
/by