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.

Those that know me, are aware that our family has been on a journey of stepping out in faith. I had hoped that today, we might receive some clarity. I thought that by today perhaps we’d see a miracle and if not, that God would at least turn us in a different direction. Neither of these things happened.

Instead, I was reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 which says: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

This simple yet profound scripture calls us to surrender our doubts, fears, and human limitations to the One who holds the universe in His hands. It requires us to relinquish control and rely on the God who sees beyond our limited perspective and trusting that His ways are right.

The problem is…when we’re faced with difficult decisions or uncertain paths, our natural tendency is to lean on our own understanding. We try to rationalize or come up with our own plans on how to make things work. But when we choose to submit our ways to God, acknowledging His authority over our lives, He promises to make our paths straight.

Now, making our paths straight doesn’t mean that we won’t experience twist and turns along the way. It just means that God will lead us on the right path, according to His perfect plan. He will guide us through the storms and uncertainties, providing us with the wisdom and strength needed to navigate each step.

As we trust in God and submit to His leading, we experience the profound peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We find comfort in knowing that we are not alone on this journey, for the Creator of the universe walks beside us, guiding our steps and upholding us in His loving embrace.

So let us embrace the reality that God’s ways are beyond our comprehension. Instead of striving to understand everything, let us place our trust in the One who knows all things. Let us surrender our hearts and lives to the Lord, fully relying on His wisdom and direction for our lives. And in doing so, we will experience the joy of walking in His good and perfect Will.

Stacy and I have been in one of those seasons for a while now. The kind of season that keeps going and going and you wonder if it’s ever going to stop. I know many of us have found ourselves in this kind of season lately. And in the fast-paced world we live in, finding rest can often seem like an elusive dream. 

We are constantly bombarded with responsibilities, commitments, and the pressures of everyday life. However, amidst the chaos, God calls us to find rest, reminding us of the importance of observing the Sabbath. It’s actually one of the Ten Commandments. And God gave us this command for a reason. He knows we need it—He knows the importance of rest and rejuvenation in the midst of a demanding world.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus reminds us that we find our rest in Him when He says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God, in His infinite wisdom and love, invites us to find rest in Him. He recognizes our weariness and the burdens we carry and He offers solace and renewal. When we are caught up in the whirlwind of a busy season, it’s crucial to remember that our strength and endurance come from Him alone.

God established the Sabbath as a weekly day of rest so that in the midst of our busyness we would always have a sacred pause—a time set apart to rest and reflect and reconnect with Him. The Sabbath reminds us that we are not defined by what we do but rather by who we are: people made in the image of our Creator. And by observing the Sabbath, we acknowledge our need for God and we honor God’s design for our wellbeing.

When we intentionally schedule time to rest, we allow our bodies to recharge, our minds to find clarity, and our souls to be nourished. Resting in God’s presence brings healing, rejuvenation, and a new perspective, enabling us to navigate our busy seasons with grace and purpose.

In our obedience to schedule weekly rest, we may encounter feelings of guilt or anxiety about the unfinished tasks before us. However, as we prioritize rest, honor the Sabbath, and seek the Kingdom of God first, we place our trust in God’s provision in a practical way. We recognize that He is faithful and that our well-being is not solely dependent on our own efforts but on His loving care for us. 

My prayer for us today is that we would embrace Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the midst of the busyness, may we be intentional about taking a sacred pause each week and know that HE IS GOD!