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!  

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.