In a world that often defines us by our achievements, appearance, or possessions, it’s easy to lose sight of our true identity. But as Christians, our identity is not rooted in the ever-changing standards of this world: it is firmly anchored in Jesus Christ. 

We can’t allow others to label us. Everything in our world has labels. Made in America, Made in Mexico, Made in Taiwan, etc… But the only One who has the right to label us, is the One who created us. And the Bible tells us that we were created in the image of God and our true value comes from Him alone. Genesis 1:27 says: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This foundational truth is the bedrock of our identity as human beings. We are not the result of chance or random evolution; we are intentionally and wonderfully designed by our Creator, bearing His image. As God’s image-bearers, we have the ability to reflect His attributes such as love, grace and compassion. Our identity is deeply tied to the One who fashioned us in His likeness. When we grasp this truth, we find purpose and significance in our existence.

In a world that often measures worth by external factors, God’s perspective on our value is radically different. We are valuable not because of what we do or what we have, but because of who we are in Him. Ephesians 2:10 says this: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our worth is established by the fact that God, the Creator of the universe, has chosen us as His handiwork. Our value is in our relationship with Him, and our purpose is to fulfill the good works He has prepared for us.

In the brokenness of life, we often search for our identity in the wrong places. We may seek it in our careers, relationships, or our social status, only to find that these things are fleeting and unreliable. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we become new creations in Him. Our old ways of defining ourselves are replaced with the truth of God’s Word.

Finding our identity in Jesus is a transformative journey. It means letting go of the world’s shallow standards and embracing the profound truth that we are created in the image of God and that our worth is found in Him alone. As we grow in our understanding of this truth, we can live out our lives with confidence, purpose, and the assurance that we are cherished by the Creator of the universe. So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and discover our true identity in Him.

In this journey of life, we often find ourselves struggling with the dangers of comparison. In a world filled with social media, where we constantly see the highlight reels of others’ lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth and success against that of others. 

However, the Scriptures offer us wisdom and guidance concerning the downfalls of comparison and remind us that we can find contentment and purpose in our unique journey of following Jesus. In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, “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.”

God has a unique plan for each of our lives. When we compare ourselves to others, we risk overlooking the beautiful, tailor-made plan God has specifically designed for each of us. Comparing our life to someone else’s can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and a sense of emptiness. Instead, we should seek God’s guidance and trust in His plan for our lives.

In Proverbs 14:30 we’re told, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Comparison often breeds envy and jealousy. When we envy others, we damage our own well-being and spiritual growth. Envy can poison our hearts, keeping us from experiencing the joy and peace that God intends for us. Instead of comparing ourselves to others and envying them, let us celebrate their successes and choose contentment in our own lives.

In Philippians 4:11-12 Paul tells us, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Paul’s words remind us of the importance of contentment. Comparison often leads to discontentment as we focus on what we lack rather than appreciate what we have. God calls us to find contentment in Him, knowing that our true satisfaction comes from our relationship with Him, not from things or achievements.

Comparison can be a dangerous and destructive habit that hinders our spiritual growth and robs us of the joy and contentment God offers. Instead, let’s focus on God’s plan for our lives and cultivate contentment. May we embrace our unique journey through life, remembering that each of us has been wonderfully made by a loving God who has a special purpose for all of us.

The book of Matthew ends with Jesus calling us to: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) This commandment, often referred to as the Great Commission, holds deep significance for every follower of Christ. However, this call to “Go” can sometimes be misunderstood. Many of us might interpret this as a call to travel to distant lands and engage in global evangelism. And, while some will be called to “go” in this way, the Great Commission carries a broader meaning that is deeply relevant to anyone who calls themself a follower of Jesus.

Going, in the context of the Great Commission, doesn’t always mean traveling to far-off countries. Instead, it’s an invitation to shift our perspective and to embrace a mindset of constant readiness to share the love of Christ right where we are. It’s about looking outward, beyond the boundaries of our own lives, and recognizing the opportunities that God places before us daily.

Sometimes, going means recognizing that our workplace, our neighborhood, our school, and our family are all mission fields where we can make disciples. We don’t need to cross oceans to fulfill the Great Commission, we just need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and look for opportunities to connect with the people around us.

Going involves actively seeking ways to share God’s love. It’s about being intentional in our interactions: demonstrating kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to everyone we encounter. It’s about being light and hope in a world that often feels dark and hopeless.

Jesus’ call to ‘Go’ is really about loving our neighbor as ourself. It’s about caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those around us, and being attentive to mental and emotional needs as well. It’s about being a source of encouragement and support to those who are struggling. 

When we embrace the call to ‘Go,’ we discover that our lives take on a greater purpose. We become coworkers with God and we get to witness the transformation of hearts and souls as He works both within us and within those around us. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every prayer becomes a part of God’s redemptive plan and He uses every one of us to extend His kingdom when we offer ourselves to Him as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

“Going” for Christ is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It’s a daily commitment to be a reflection of His love and grace. It’s about being open to the opportunities God provides, whether they are small gestures of kindness or significant acts of service.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow Him and to seek His will for our lives. For some, this might involve traveling to foreign lands but—for all of us—it means living out the Great Commission in the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives. Let’s embrace the call to ‘Go,’ and let our lives be a testament to His grace and mercy!

God’s desire is to use each of us to extend His Kingdom and make a difference in the world around us. It is a divine calling to step into a life of purpose, significance, and eternal impact. The problem is we often struggle with failures and insecurities that can cause us to feel inadequate for the work. This is why it’s important to remember that Jesus desires to use us—flaws and all—for His glory.

We all stumble and fall, it’s a part of our human nature. In Romans 3:23 we’re told, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” These failures can take many forms—sins of commission and omission, moral lapses, missed opportunities, and the list goes on. These failures often lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and insecurity, causing us to question whether we are truly fit for God’s calling.

In addition to our failures, insecurities can also plague us. We may feel unworthy, unqualified, or simply too small to carry out the great work God has called us to do. Moses, a giant in the faith, faced similar insecurities when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 4:10-12, Moses questioned his ability, but God assured him: “I will be with you.”

In our moments of doubt and inadequacy, it’s essential that we remember God’s unconditional love. In Romans 8:38-39, we are reminded, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love is not dependent on our performance; it’s a love that is forever unwavering and unchanging.

One of the most comforting truths is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s power is magnified when we acknowledge our weaknesses and rely on His strength.

God specializes in taking broken vessels and making them masterpieces for His glory. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who failed, stumbled, and were full of insecurities, but God used them in mighty ways. God’s redemptive work can turn our failures into amazing testimonies of His goodness.

God’s call on our life to do His work is not contingent upon our perfection. In fact, it thrives in the midst of our imperfection. As we give ourselves to Him, acknowledging our weaknesses and trusting in His strength, we become vessels through which God accomplishes His divine purpose. Remember, God loves us unconditionally and His call on our life remains steadfast, even in the midst of our failures and insecurities. Let’s embrace His calling with humility, knowing that in Christ we are more than enough!

This is actually a devotional that my wife did for our church, but I wanted to share it because I thought it was very encouraging:

“You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book.”  ~Psalm 56:8 TLB

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” ~Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV

The day before we left to drive Emma to college, I read a devotional by John Eldridge in which he wrote about his youngest son graduating from high school. He said this:

“…I was on the brink of sobbing shamelessly. How is this not just loss? my heart cried to God. Tell me—how is everything not just loss? At that moment, everything felt like loss. Jesus replied immediately, Oh, John—nothing is lost.

He continued a little further down the devotion, saying that Jesus showed him something like this:

“When the kingdom comes, my dear, heartbroken friend, nothing that was precious to you in this life will be lost. No memory, no event, none of your story or theirs, nothing is lost. How could it be lost? It is all held safe in the heart of the infinite God, who encompasses all things. Held safe outside of time in the treasuries of the kingdom, which transcends yet honors all time.”

I am in a season of loss—many doors are closing and a well-known and well-loved season is coming to an end. But I know that nothing placed in the care of our Heavenly Father is lost. I have sadness because nothing will be the same as it was, but I have hope because the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and His mercies are never-ending and new every morning. 

In this broken world, good things have to come to an end in order to make space for new good things to grow. Sometimes that places us squarely in a barren season and we wonder if anything good will ever grow again. But as I continue to bring everyone and everything to God in prayer, He keeps it all safe within His good plan: even when I can’t see a good outcome yet; even when all I feel is pain; even when all that I know has changed. 

And there is an eternity and a restoration of all things that we can look forward to—knowing that one day we will be perfected in His presence and, in that place, good will last forever and there will be no barren seasons. Nothing is lost in Jesus. His resurrection promises an eternal spring when and where all things are made new. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

In the tapestry of life, each thread weaves a unique story, and every individual has a role to play. As believers, we are empowered to be active participants in shaping our world, by letting our light shine and making a positive impact. Our empowerment comes not from our own strength, but from the source of all power—Jesus Christ.

In John 15:5, Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse reminds us that our empowerment stems from our connection to Jesus. Just as a branch draws life-giving nourishment from the vine, we draw strength and empowerment from our relationship with Christ. It is through this connection that we find the courage, wisdom, and passion to make a difference.

An important aspect of the empowerment we receive from Jesus is His desire to empower all people. Galatians 3:28 affirms this truth: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In God’s kingdom, there is no room for discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, or social status. Everyone has a seat at the table and every voice matters.

In the book of Acts, we see how the early church embraced inclusivity and intentionality. Acts 2:17-18 proclaims, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” This passage reinforces that God’s empowerment is not limited by age or gender. It is a gift available to all, enabling us to step into our unique callings and contribute to the transformation of the world.

Our empowerment is not just for personal growth: it is a catalyst for impacting the world around us. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs us to, “go and make disciples of all nations.” This command is a call to action, a call to use the empowerment we’ve received to share the message of salvation, love, and hope with everyone we encounter.

Empowerment through Jesus knows no boundaries. As we remain connected to the source of all power, let us be intentional to invite everyone to the table and equip them to make a lasting difference in our world. May we remember that our empowerment is not for self-glory, but for the glory of God and to see His Kingdom extended to all people and nations.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

After church this Sunday, we will be packing up our daughter’s things and heading to Southern California to drop her off at college. Thus, beginning a new season in our family’s life. Whether we like it or not, change is a constant companion on our journey. As we navigate each step, we encounter seasons of joy, sorrow, growth, and transition. Embracing these new seasons requires a heart willing to trust in the Lord and a desire to learn and grow along the way.

Just as the earth transitions from winter to spring, our lives shift from one season to another. In every change, there lies a purpose, a divine plan that our Creator is unfolding. Instead of resisting these transitions, we must embrace God’s will and purpose for our lives if we want to see and experience His faithfulness in our lives. God’s plan is ultimately for our good, even when it’s something new and unfamiliar.

Each new season we face brings unique opportunities for growth. Just as a seed must endure the darkness of the soil before sprouting into the light, we too experience times of discomfort and challenge. If we can learn to embrace these challenges as opportunities for spiritual and personal growth, they will shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals.

Amidst the changing seasons, our faith will give us strength. Our faith is a foundation that holds us steady. Just as a tree’s roots hold it steady in the face of winds, our faith grounds us. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Even when we can’t see the outcome of the season ahead, we can hold strong to our faith and trust that God is working all things together for our good.

As our family enters this new season of life, we know that God is with us every step of the way. He is guiding us through this transition, teaching us valuable lessons, and leading us to a future filled with hope and promise. May we all learn to embrace each new season as we seek to follow God’s will for our lives.

In a world filled with uncertainties, challenges, and opposition, we often find ourselves seeking reassurance and strength to navigate life’s trials. The timeless truth found in Romans 8:31 provides us with encouragement and peace: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”This divine promise invites us to explore the depth of God’s unwavering love, protection, and provision in the face of adversity.

The cornerstone of this powerful declaration lies in God’s amazing love for His children. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love is not conditional; it is poured out on us despite our flaws and shortcomings. When we grasp the enormity of His love, we realize that His intentions towards us are always for our good. He is fully for us—that is why He died for us.

He is the Author and Creator of all things and, if He is for us, that means that we have His great power in our corner. In 1 John 4:4, we’re told, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” The forces that come against us are powerless when contrasted with the strength and power of our Heavenly Father. If God is for us, we are not just conquerors; we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37).

Not only does God’s promise bring victory over opposition, but it also assures us of His provision. In Philippians 4:19, Paul declares, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” When we walk with God and align ourselves with His plan and will, we can trust that He will supply all our needs, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. His divine resources are limitless and His care for us is all-inclusive.

The truth that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” stands as an undeniable foundation for our faith, which enables us to face any challenge with unwavering confidence. Let us embrace this truth in every season of life, aligning ourselves with God’s will each and every day and knowing that the Creator of the universe is our protector and provider, who guides us through the storms and celebrates the victories with us.

By the time you read this devotion, I will be packing up and heading back from my time away in Alaska. My wife and I were blessed with the opportunity to come and hang out with our missionaries in Alaska, along with some other pastors. This is my third time in Alaska—it is a truly beautiful part of our world that is filled with awe-inspiring scenery and amazing creatures.

Wherever we are, I think it’s important that we stop and take time to see all that God has created.  When we do, we discover a breathtaking tapestry that God has masterfully woven together. Every aspect of nature reveals God’s handiwork: from the majestic mountains to the tranquil streams; from the vibrant hues of a sunset to the delicate petals of a flower. 

Scripture reminds us of God’s greatness and majesty, displayed through His creation. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” When we gaze upon the night sky and admire the twinkling stars, we’re filled with awe, realizing that the God who created these celestial wonders desires to have a personal relationship with each of us.

In the peacefulness of nature, we find a refuge from the noise and distractions of the world. Jesus Himself often retreated to solitary places to pray and connect with the Father. Likewise, when we seek solitude in the beauty of creation, we can experience a profound closeness to God as we hear His gentle voice amidst the stillness. 

My prayer is that wherever we are, we all take time to stop and ask God to reveal Himself to us through the beauty of His extraordinary creation. And, as we open our hearts to encounter God in the wonders of creation, may we experience a deeper understanding of His character and draw closer to Him in worship and gratitude.

In our pursuit of spiritual growth and well-being, we can’t overlook the significance of our mental health. Our minds are a gift from God. And caring for them is vital for a healthy life because our thoughts direct every other part of our life. 

In Romans 12:2, Paul urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation comes not simply by floating through life, being bumped around and guided haphazardly by culture, but instead through a conscious, thoughtful effort to give God every part of our lives. When we do, we find mental clarity and strength and actually position ourselves to live in God’s will.

Life is filled with uncertainties that can lead to anxiety and fear. But Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to give our anxieties to God through prayer. And then verses 8-9 instruct us to set our thoughts on things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. 

In this, we learn to speak honestly with God, giving everyone and everything to Him—including all the hardships and toxic thoughts we have. He, then, guards our hearts and minds with His peace, which makes space for us to choose to focus our minds on things that lead to mental health. And it is in this place of mental health that we can better grasp the depth of God’s love for us and His purpose for our lives.

Our relationship with others can also play a big part in our mental health. At church, I talk about the fact that we were created for relationship with God and relationship with others. And in Galatians 6:2, we’re encouraged to bear one another’s burdens. Sharing our mental health struggles with trusted individuals can alleviate the weight we carry, offer strength and compassion, and lead to healing and restoration.

In our journey of faith, we can’t neglect our mental health. Embracing the importance of our mental well-being is an act of reverence towards God. He created every aspect of who we are and He desires for us to experience physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health. 

Lord, help us to nurture our minds to reflect Your glory, so that we may be a light to the world around us.