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!  

This week, I have the honor of officiating a wedding. And as I was preparing for the ceremony, I was thinking about the fact that Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding. How cool would it be to have Jesus attend your wedding and how cool would it be to see Him perform His first miracle?

If you’re not familiar with the miracle at the wedding, you can read about it in John 2:1-11. Jesus is at a wedding feast and the host of the wedding has run out of wine. To some, this may seem like a minor inconvenience, but in the cultural context of that time, it would have been a significant social embarrassment for the hosts. So, Mary (Jesus’ mother) asked Him to intervene. And we witness Jesus’ first miracle as He turned water into wine.

An interesting thing about this miracle is that the presence of Jesus at that wedding was instrumental for it to take place. If Jesus hadn’t been present, the opportunity for this awe-inspiring miracle would have been missed. It was the bride and groom extending an invitation to Jesus that opened the door for Him to display His glory. 

Similarly, in our lives, we must learn the importance of inviting Jesus into every aspect of our existence. Like the hosts of the wedding, we too encounter challenges, trials, and moments of desperation. And it’s in those times, that we can turn to Jesus with an open invitation, trusting that He is not only able but willing to intervene in our circumstances.

Inviting Jesus into our lives means acknowledging our need for Him, submitting our desires and plans to His will, and seeking His guidance and provision. It means recognizing that we cannot navigate life’s challenges on our own strength, but only through His power working within us.

When we invite Jesus into our lives, we position ourselves to witness the miraculous, because He has the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, to change our setbacks into stepping stones, and turn our impossibilities into something possible. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this wonderful story of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding. Help us to understand the importance of inviting You into our lives and allowing You to help us in our times of need. -Amen

This next week we celebrate the 4^th of July: a day that commemorates our freedom as a country. I feel blessed to live in a country that allows us the freedoms that many others don’t have. But, the truth is, our “Freedom” in this world does come with its restrictions and limitations. This is why I’m so thankful for the true freedom we have in Jesus. In John 8:36 it says: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Through Jesus we have been granted a remarkable freedom—a freedom that transcends the boundaries of our earthly existence and frees us in the deepest depths of our souls. Our freedom in Christ is not merely a superficial concept; it is a profound reality that transforms our lives and shapes our eternal destiny.

I could share of numerous freedoms that we experience through our Savior Jesus Christ, but to keep this devotional brief I would like to highlight only two.  

We Experience Freedom from Sin: In Romans 6:23, it says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin held us captive, causing its destructive power to keep us in bondage. But through Jesus’ death on the cross, He paid the price for our sins and offered us forgiveness and redemption. In Him, we are set free from the guilt and condemnation of sin. Our past mistakes and failures no longer define us because Jesus has granted us freedom from sin’s bondage.

We Experience Freedom from Fear: In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Fear can paralyze us and hinder us from living fully for God. But, as followers of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to fear. The Spirit of God dwells within us, empowering us to overcome fear with faith. We can trust in the Lord’s promises and rest in His unfailing love, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. In Christ, we find the courage to face life’s challenges with confidence and boldness.

As we celebrate the 4^th of July and the freedoms we have here in the United States, let us also embrace the true freedom we have in Jesus. Let’s give Him thanks for His sacrifice that has set us free from sin and fear.

This week, most of the churches in our community are coming together at the high school football stadium for ONE worship service. It’s a beautiful picture of our unity in Christ.

In Ephesians 4:4-6 the Apostle Paul tells us: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

I love that we can put aside our theological differences as churches and come together as one body of Christ in unity. I believe this unity is vital because it reflects the very nature of our triune God. We serve one Lord, believe in one faith, and are baptized into one body. We have been called to one hope and have one God who is above all and through all. Our unity bears witness to our community the truth of the Gospel, the power of God’s love, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of unity among His followers. In His prayer found in John 17: 20-21, He prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” 

Jesus desired our unity so much that He prayed for it the night before His crucifixion. He understood that our unity not only strengthens the body of Christ but also serves as a compelling testimony to the world. Our unity in Christ displays His love, truth, and redemptive power, drawing others to believe in Him.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of unity in the body of Christ. Help us to walk in humility, gentleness, and love, fostering an atmosphere of unity. Let us pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, laying aside pride and embracing Your loving grace for all. May our lives and relationships reflect the unity we have in You, pointing others to the truth of the Gospel (the Good News), which is this: that the sacrifice of Jesus reconciled us all to You and in His Name alone, by the unifying work of the Holy Spirit, we come together as one Church. Amen.

This Sunday is Father’s Day: a day that impacts all of us differently. Some have had amazing fathers, some have had horrible fathers, some have had no father, and others fall somewhere in the middle. So, when we think of God as our Heavenly Father, we may have mixed emotions. But today I want to focus on the example God has given us as the perfect father.

Throughout the Bible, we can learn valuable lessons about His character and the qualities that make Him the perfect father. In 1 John 3:1 it says: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” His love is unlike any other. His love is unconditional, unchanging, and always available to us. He understands our weaknesses, forgives our shortcomings, and patiently guides us in His perfect ways.

He is our protector as He watches over us day and night, shielding us from danger and providing a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 121:7-8 says: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” 

Our Heavenly Father doesn’t just love us and protect us, He also faithfully guides us through the challenges and difficulties of life. He provides direction for us through His Word and the Holy Spirit. He knows what’s best for us and desires to see us grow in wisdom and maturity. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Father’s love is His amazing grace and forgiveness. Despite our failures and shortcomings, God offers us forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. In Luke 15, we see the beautiful picture of the prodigal son being welcomed and embraced by his father. It demonstrates God’s unconditional love and His heart to freely forgive. 

We all have a Heavenly Father who cares deeply for us. His unconditional love, protection, guidance, and forgiving grace serve as a model of the perfect father. May we all know and experience this Fatherly Love!

As followers of Jesus, I believe it’s important that we learn to cultivate a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving to and for the Lord. Psalm 100:4 tells us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”

When we come before God with a thankful heart, we acknowledge His sovereignty. We recognize His authority, His provision, and His loving care for each of us. This kind of gratitude towards God is an acknowledgment that every good and perfect thing comes from Him (James 1:17) and it positions us in a posture of humility and dependence on Him. 

When we learn to thank God in all circumstances (1Thessalonians 5:18), it helps us to cultivate a heart of joy. Gratitude has the power to transform our perspective and it enables us to see beyond our circumstances and find joy in every season of life.

Our thankfulness also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Psalm 105:1-2 declares, “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” When we express gratitude, we share of God’s faithfulness, His mighty works, and the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us. This strengthens our faith and encourages others as they see God’s goodness in our lives.

Thanking God is a vital aspect of our relationship with Him. It magnifies His glory, it cultivates joy within us, and strengthens our faith. Let us develop a habit of thanksgiving, not only in our prayers but also in our daily lives. As we express our heartfelt gratitude, we will discover that the act of thanking God is not only pleasing to Him but it will also deeply impact our own heart and soul. May our lives overflow with gratitude, giving glory to the One who deserves all honor and praise.

In our fast-paced world, waiting can be extremely difficult. We’re accustomed to instant gratification and immediate results. However, the concept of waiting on God is beautifully woven throughout the scriptures. And it’s in the waiting that we learn to trust and depend on God’s perfect timing and divine wisdom.

Waiting on God requires patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. It is an act of surrendering our own desires, plans, and expectations, and aligning ourselves with God’s will. As we wait, we develop a deeper intimacy with our Heavenly Father and gain a renewed perspective on His faithfulness.

The Bible is full of individuals who had to wait on God. Abraham and Sarah waited for the promised son, Joseph waited in prison for his deliverance, and David had to wait to be king. Each of these stories teaches us valuable lessons about the blessings that come from patiently waiting on God.

Waiting on God molds our character: producing endurance, perseverance, and spiritual maturity. In Isaiah 40:31, we are reminded that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. When we wait on God, we acknowledge that His wisdom far surpasses our understanding. We’re reminded of this in Proverbs 3:5-6 when it tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not on our understanding. As we wait, God guides our steps, illuminating the path before us.

I’ve heard it said that God is never early and He’s never late, meaning His timing is always perfect. We may desire immediate answers, but God orchestrates circumstances and situations in our life to align us with His perfect plan. And according to Jeremiah 29:11 it’s a plan to prosper us and give us hope for the future.

One thing I’m learning lately is that waiting on God forces me to pray and seek Him more. This causes my relationship with God to deepen and allows me to experience His presence in profound, transformational ways.

My prayer is that we learn to embrace our times of waiting on God. He knows the perfect time to bring forth His blessings and fulfill His promises. So, may we find peace in His Word and strength in His presence as we wait upon Him.

In this broken world, we all experience hurt and pain at different times in our lives. Stacy and I have gone through some of this ourselves this past month as we’ve experienced the loss of someone we became very close with. In the midst of these times, it can feel as if peace is unattainable. However, as followers of Jesus, we’re invited to experience a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that can only come from God Himself.
 
In John 14:27, Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” The words of Jesus here offer us a profound promise. He offers us a peace that’s unlike the peace the world offers. The world’s peace is temporary, dependent on external circumstances, and is often superficial. But God’s peace transcends our circumstances—it settles deep within our souls, providing comfort, strength, and hope, even in the midst of our pain.
 
But how do we experience this kind of peace? I believe there are a few things we can do to help us experience this peace that Jesus promised:

1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: When we encounter hurt and pain, it’s natural to question why God allows such things to happen. However, we must remember that God is sovereign and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to find solace in the truth that He is still in control, even when we can’t see it and even in the midst of our pain. And as we surrender our hurt and pain to Him, we can experience a sense of peace because we know that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

2. Seek God’s Presence: In times of pain, it is essential to draw near to God and seek His presence. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” When we intentionally seek God through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word, we invite His comforting presence into our lives. In His presence, we find strength, restoration, and peace that can only come from Him.
 
3. Cast Our Cares on Him: God invites us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Holding onto our pain and hurt only prolongs our suffering and hinders us from experiencing God’s peace. We must give everyone and everything to Him. When we release our hurts and pains to Him, He replaces our heaviness with His peace, guiding us through the storm and providing us with the strength to endure.

Whatever you’re facing today, know that God sees your pain and He longs to grant you His peace. Trust in His sovereignty, seek His presence, and cast your cares on Him. And as you do so, may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

As followers of Jesus who seek to live our lives for the Lord, I believe it’s important that we all take time to reflect on the condition of our hearts. In Psalm 139:23, David opens his heart to the Lord when he says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” 

David’s words here serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-examination as we seek deeper intimacy with our heavenly Father. I believe David understood the significance of inviting God to search his heart, to examine the innermost corners of his being. 

Looking inward and assessing our lives can be a difficult task. It requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront our weaknesses, sins, and shortcomings. However, when we approach this process with sincere hearts, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace.

In the presence of God, there’s no place for us to hide. He sees us as we truly are: flawed and broken individuals in need of His mercy. Yet, His love for us does not waver. He longs to refine us, to mold us into vessels that reflect His glory. By inviting Him to search our hearts, we allow Him to reveal areas that require His healing touch and redeeming grace.

When we pause to assess our relationship with the Lord, I believe it’s essential to not only examine our actions but our motivations as well. Are we serving God out of a genuine love and devotion, or have we become complacent or driven by selfish ambition? Are there areas of our lives where we’ve allowed worldly influences to overshadow our pursuit of holiness? Do our thoughts, desires, and dreams align with God’s good and perfect will?

May we learn to embrace the invitation of Psalm 139:23 as a divine opportunity for growth and renewal. May we seek God’s truth with humility and gratitude, remembering that His love for us surpasses our own understanding. 

Heavenly Father, search me and know my heart. Help me to examine my life honestly and transparently. Reveal areas in need of Your touch and transform me according to Your will. I surrender my fears, worries, and selfish desires to You. Help me to grow in You and empower me to walk in Your righteousness. Amen.