There are moments when the weight of our struggles feels unbearable, and we’re ready to throw in the towel. But before we give in to the temptation to quit, let’s pause and consider: Could this be an area where God is calling us to persevere?

When was the last time you truly felt known? Like someone saw into the deepest parts of you and said, "You matter"? For many of us, it’s a rare and precious feeling. We crave that deep connection, but often we feel isolated, misunderstood, and distant—not just from others, but from God.

Have you ever tried to start a car that won't budge? The engine is there, and the keys are in the ignition, but without gas, it’s just not going anywhere. That's how James describes faith without action—it's like a car without fuel. It might look good on the outside, but it’s not fulfilling its purpose.

Imagine waking up each day with the awareness that you are not just living your life but participating in something bigger than yourself. This is the invitation God extends to us: to be co-workers in His divine plan. Paul captures this beautifully in 1 Corinthians 3:9 Today’s verse is not just a statement; it's a calling. It’s a reminder that our walk with God is not a solo journey but a collaborative effort fueled by His grace.

Ever felt like you're on the edge of something big, but fear and uncertainty are holding you back? Trust me, you're not alone. Abraham, one of the heroes of our faith, was called by God to leave everything he knew and go to a place he’d never seen. And guess what? He obeyed and went, even though he had no idea where he was going.

I remember learning to walk as a toddler. Well, I don’t actually remember it, but I’ve seen the home videos. There’s something so raw and pure about a child taking those first shaky steps. They’re holding onto their parents' fingers, not trying to prove anything but simply trusting that their parents won’t let them fall.

There’s something beautiful about the way Jesus interacted with people. He didn't just see them; He saw into them. He didn’t merely offer help; He offered dignity. In John 4, we read about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Here was a woman marginalized by society, carrying the weight of her past like an invisible shroud. But Jesus didn’t start by addressing her sins or her past. He started with a conversation. He asked for a drink, initiating a moment of genuine engagement.

As Christ followers, we are called to leverage our lives for the good of those around us. During His earthly ministry, Jesus was clear: our lives are best lived when we dedicate ourselves to serving others. We were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). It follows, then, that the things that most satisfy His heart will also satisfy our hearts. God finds His greatest joy in sacrificing Himself for us. If we are looking for true joy in this life, we ought to live in service to others. 

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves needing help to stay faithful and to adjust to a new life with God. This transformation isn't easy. We've been rescued from our old ways, and now we must learn to live under God's guidance. It's a big change, and sometimes, it feels overwhelming. We resist help because we think we should handle everything on our own. This mindset is all too familiar. We assume asking for help is a sign of weakness, but the truth is, it's a sign of wisdom and humility.

Have you ever played the board game Mouse Trap? It's a fun, chaotic game inspired by the whimsical designs of Rube Goldberg machines. You set off a chain reaction of events—one piece knocks over another, which releases a trap, which then catches the mouse. It’s a series of interconnected actions, each dependent on the one before it, each contributing to the ultimate goal.

There’s this quiet but persistent pressure to have all the answers, to be self-sufficient. We feel the weight of needing to be perfect, to always know what to do, and it can be paralyzing. But here’s the good news: we were never meant to carry this burden alone. In the kingdom of God, helping each other is not just encouraged—it’s a way of life.

Life can get pretty crazy, right? With all the chaos and noise, it's easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. But amidst all this, God calls us back to something beautifully simple and profoundly impactful: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. This short verse from Micah isn’t just an ancient saying; it’s a powerful invitation to live out God’s character in our everyday lives.

In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, we often find ourselves distracted, more connected to our screens than to the people right in front of us. With our faces down mindlessly scrolling on our phones, we can forget to look up to see the needs in our neighborhoods. Scripture reminds us that true love is expressed not just in words but through actions and genuine care. This is a call to embrace the local and personal aspects of compassion.

We often find ourselves scrolling through social media, liking posts, and offering quick comments, but how often do we pause to deeply connect with the people around us?

In our fast-paced, individualistic society, the idea of carrying someone else’s burdens can feel overwhelming. We’re often preoccupied with our struggles and demands, leaving little room to consider the challenges others face. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to step beyond our concerns and actively engage in the lives of those around us. Galatians 6:2 reminds us that bearing each other’s burdens is not just an act of kindness but a fulfillment of Christ’s law of love.

It’s all too easy to overlook the power of simple acts of compassion. Yet, in the quiet corners of our hearts and the intimate spaces of our lives, these small gestures hold immense significance. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, reminds us in Matthew 25:40 that every act of compassion, no matter how seemingly insignificant, carries weight in the eyes of God.

It's official...I have become my parents. I don't know when the switch officially happened, but the other day I caught myself saying something I swore I would never utter: "…because I said so!"

Maybe it's because the movie Cool Runnings stands as one of my favorite films growing up, but I've always been captivated by the team bobsled event.

If I had a nickel for every time some well-intentioned friend or family member asked me, "Have you ever thought about writing a book?" I would be a millionaire, okay... I'd have enough change to at least order something off the McDonald's dollar menu…

In a world marked by division and discord, it can be challenging to see how we can cultivate a sense of shared purpose. Our differences, whether they be cultural, political, or religious, often threaten to pull us apart. Yet, amid this dissonance, we find a profound invitation to follow in the footsteps of the One who exemplified love, understanding, and grace like no other.