Decide where your faith will stand in the first statement. Either I will believe God’s way is perfect, or I won’t. It’s a statement, a declaration—it has been established in my innermost being—when I feel like it and when I don’t.

The more familiar you become with His Word, the more you see His truth throughout the Scriptures, the more you grow in awe and understanding of His character and greatness. The more convinced and confident you become in His Word, the more you will trust that His ways are perfect. Eat it—it’s the bread of life. Allow it to nourish and strengthen your faith. Establish your life in Him and experience the proven Word.

God made a way through the plots and schemes to preserve Paul’s life. He was escorted safely to Caesarea, where he stood trial before Felix, the governor. Felix found no reason to condemn him, not even a character weakness. 

Perfection and completion are accomplished through the practice of patience. Patience, in turn, is developed through trials—the often tedious and rigorous experiences that stretch us beyond our natural ability to change our circumstances or endure their pressures. Trials come with no time limit and no guaranteed relief, yet they teach us something invaluable. Out of desperation, a deep dependence on God is born, and a measure of patience is gained.

There’s a mystery and beauty in marveling at something far greater than ourselves. When we lift our eyes to God's towering majesty, we’re enabled to reach beyond our human limits. The fear of the Lord—the awe-filled reverence for who He is—grounds us, transforms us, and ultimately brings us closer to Him.

God’s people have always had to go back to the Word. Time and time again, Scripture reminds us of His promises, His faithfulness, and His perfect timing.

I wonder what all the key players in the first Christmas story would think about the way we celebrate. They had no idea we would be telling their story more than 2,000 years later.

Time, traditions, heritage, cultures, and families have all merged together to create our vision of Christmas through art, music, pageants, plays, and programs. All over the world, the eternal hope, “Unto us a child is born,” is being proclaimed (Isaiah 9:6).

There was an extraordinary moment in history when hope entered a weary world. In the chaos and pain of humanity, Jesus came—not to bypass our struggles, but to meet us in them. His birth is a story of love and hope.

For some, the Christmas season brings joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for others, it’s a time marked by loneliness, grief, or unmet expectations. If that’s where you find yourself this year, know you are not alone. At the heart of the Christmas story is a message of hope—a light that meets us in the darkest places and reminds us we are deeply loved.

Sometimes the goodness of God shows up in such tangible ways it’s astounding.

Efficiency is often celebrated in our world. It’s the ability to do things well, with minimal waste, and achieve success. We live in a time-bound existence where failure, defeat, and wasted moments are common. This makes efficiency a prized value. But what does it mean to be spiritually efficient? How do we live a life that reflects efficiency in our walk with God?

Anxiety can overwhelm us, but God invites us to appeal to Him. Job reminds us that we are not under this world’s economy but under heaven’s ways, which are different and higher. By appealing to God, we allow His peace to change our hearts and reset our focus. Remember, Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and He is intimately involved in our lives.

This departure was not the end but the beginning of a powerful new chapter, ushering in the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us until Christ's return.

God creates intersections with people in our lives to fulfill His purposes for His kingdom. Our task is not to control or manipulate these intersections but to seek and discern what God desires to do through them.

Noah’s world was in turmoil. The Bible tells us in Genesis 7:17-20 that the waters prevailed upon the earth, rising higher and higher, swallowing up everything in their path.

I was recently reminded of some of my first encounters in Africa and how refreshing and bold the introductions of many of the people I met were. Regardless of age, gender, education, or cultural expectations, when asked to introduce themselves, a person would state their name and then boldly declare, “I am a born-again Christian saved by the blood of Jesus.”

For a brief moment, I forgot my own suffering and heartache. In that instant, I realized that my suffering was not wasted. I saw a glimpse of God’s grace in the midst of sorrow, a reminder that He is always with us, especially in our darkest hours.

Consider the wisteria. All winter long it’s dormant. But come spring, it thrives, climbing over and choking off the vegetation around it. The wisteria’s purple blossoms cascade beautifully over limbs, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. But don't be deceived by its beauty. This plant wraps its graceful tendrils around its support, completely taking control. In the same way, the desire to compete is subtle yet destructive.

As they sought rest, the multitudes followed. Jesus, moved with compassion, taught them many things and performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000. Despite the disciples' weariness, Jesus' compassion took precedence.

Nothing supersedes Holy Scripture. There is only one way to gain and grow spiritually, and that is by immersing yourself in the Word of God.

If your devices are becoming more and more demanding (that is their nature) and you’re finding your quiet time is disrupted and diminishing, it may be time to tell the world to SHUT UP and humbly ask the Lord to SPEAK UP. Remember, just because you cannot hear His voice, it doesn’t mean He’s keeping secrets from you.

Are there some situations in my life that are stormy and chaotic? I confess I feel threatened and unsure. Distractions and demands whisper doubts and fears. I’m straining to see Jesus in the middle of this unsettled place.