“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”James 2:17 is one of the scriptures that I hear used out of context more than any other. You hear many Christians throw around “faith without works is dead” without understanding the context and the type of work James was referring to. You can better understand the context of this statement if you begin at the end of chapter 1: “Religio...  Read More

“And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.” Matthew 14:34 ESVAlthough Jesus and His disciples landed and anchored at Gennesaret, this was not the original plan. Mark 6:45 tells this exact story, but with more details— including the small detail that they were originally heading towards Bethsaida. Bethsaida, like Gennesaret, was on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, but th...  Read More

Whatever Jesus said or did, they took the opposite view. They were skeptical because He challenged their comfortable lives.Just verses before Jesus makes this statement, He compared the entire generation to children calling to their playmates saying, “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” (Matthew 11:16-17)What exactly does this mean? Just a l...  Read More

Shortly before Moses laid his hands on Joshua and commissioned him, Moses prayed to the Lord:“May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 27:15-17 ESV1) Moses had compassion for the multitude.2...  Read More

Take a look at the following verses and compare them.“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 ESVThese commands, a...  Read More

In the 13th verse of the second chapter, God sends an angel to warn Joseph of Herod’s plan to kill Jesus. Joseph heeds God’s warning and flees to Egypt. In verse 19, an angel appears once again and Joseph obeys the Word of the Lord again. In verse 22, however, Joseph uses common sense, “he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there”. We see...  Read More

Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us of God's sovereignty and His good plans for our lives, offering hope and assurance in uncertain times. God's faithfulness throughout my life, has reminded me of His unwavering commitment to guide and provide for His chil...  Read More

Psalm 37:4"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."This verse reminds us of the intimate relationship between delighting in the Lord and experiencing the fulfillment of our deepest desires.Reflecting on my journey of faith, I've discovered the profound truth embedded in this Psalm. As I've sought to delight myself in the Lord—to find my joy and satisfaction in...  Read More

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Over the past year, my perspective has shifted from questioning God's actions to seeking His purpose in every situation. I've learned to embrace closed doors as opportunities for God's blessings and divine redirection, trusting that H...  Read More

James 4:6-8 NKJV”But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.' Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.“In these verses from James 4:6-8, I am reminded of the importance of humility and submissio...  Read More

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV"A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."As I explore the concept of divine guidance, I am drawn to Proverbs 16:9, which underscores the sovereignty of God over my life. Despite my best efforts to plan my path, I realize the necessity of surrendering to God's direction.Reflecting on personal experiences, I recall instances where trusting in God's guidance led...  Read More

Nehemiah 8:10”'the joy of the Lord is your strength.'“Reflecting on my own experiences, I've come to realize the transformative power of joy is only found in a deep relationship with Jesus. I've learned that genuine joy stems from intimacy with God, contrasted with fleeting happiness which is based on worldly circumstances. Nehemiah's declaration of the joy of the Lord being our strength serves as...  Read More

Philippians 2:8 NKJV”And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.“As I ponder the significance of humility, I'm struck by Jesus' obedience even unto death. His example challenges me to submit to God's will and surrender my own desires, recognizing His sovereignty over my life. The sacrifice of Jesus, who humbled ...  Read More

 John 3:16 NIV16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16 beautifully encapsulates the depth of God's love for humanity, revealing His willingness to sacrifice His only Son for the redemption of mankind. This profound act of love demonstrates the immeasurable worth and significance that God places on...  Read More

Joshua 1:9 NIV9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.Joshua's commission to be strong and courageous serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and provision in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, Joshua was assured of God's faithfulness, knowing that He wou...  Read More

Esther 4:14 NIV14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”Esther's reluctance to embrace her destiny serves as a poignant reminder of the power of fear to paralyze us. Despite her initial hesitations, Es...  Read More

 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”David's journey from shepherd boy to king illustrates the transformative power of God's perspective. Though overlooked and underestimated by others, David...  Read More

Inside Out1 Samuel 9:21 NIV21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”King Saul, despite his outward appearance of strength and stature, struggled with feelings of insignificance due to his upbringing and the opinions of others. His story serves as a remin...  Read More

Self-Doubt Exodus 4:10 MSG10 Moses raised another objection to God: “Master, please, I don’t talk well. I’ve never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer.”Moses, despite being chosen by God for a great purpose, struggled with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. He couldn't see past his own limitations, forgetting that God equips those He calls. In ...  Read More

Mr. IrrelevantPsalm 8:3-4 NIV3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them human beings that you care for them?When we ponder the vastness of the universe and our seemingly small place within it, it's easy to succumb to feelings of insignificance. The story of Brock Purdy, labeled as "Mr...  Read More

Insecurity's Grip on Trust in God's Plan1 Corinthians 15:9-10 NIV"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am..."In the tapestry of our spiritual journey, the thread of insecurity can subtly weave its way, affecting our ability to trust in God's unfolding plan. As we explore the n...  Read More

Front Lines - Embracing God's Victory in Small BeginningsJudges 7:2 & 7 NIV"The Lord said to Gideon, 'You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, 'My own strength has saved me… The Lord said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.'"God's tendency to...  Read More

Front Lines - Seeing, Saying, and Seizing the CallMatthew 25:23 NIVWell done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…Gideon's shift from hidden to hero involved tearing down idols, breaking generational curses, and building an altar to God. We need to see, say, and seize the call with the same determination and vision, knowing t...  Read More

Front Lines - Walking Out the Call with BoldnessJudges 7:9-15 NIV 9 During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. 10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp… 13 Gideon arrived just as a man was te...  Read More