Each of our lives is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, joys and sorrows. The truth is, we never know what each new day will bring. But in the midst of our ever-changing experiences, there is one constant we can always rely on: God’s faithfulness. 

Scripture reassures us of this amazing truth. In Deuteronomy 31:6, we’re told: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 echoes this promise when it tells us: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

A great example of God’s never-ending faithfulness is Peter’s failure. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, boldly declared that he would never deny Jesus. A claim that he failed to keep. If you’re familiar with the story, you know that Peter ended up denying Jesus not just once, but three times. 

The fact is, Peter failed Jesus miserably, but Jesus did not abandon him. Instead, after His resurrection, Jesus reinstated Peter and restored their relationship. This powerful act of forgiveness and restoration highlights the reality that God never gives up on us, even when we fail Him. He is always present, offering unwavering support and encouragement, no matter how many times we stumble. 

In my own life, there have been moments when I felt distant from God, convinced that my failures had created an overwhelming barrier between us. And it’s in these times that God put people in my life to remind me of His grace and faithfulness, guiding me back to His loving embrace.

I’m guessing if we all took a moment to stop and reflect on our lives, we’d find numerous times where God has shown us His faithfulness: perhaps through an answered prayer, maybe a sense of peace during one of life’s challenges, or a timely word of encouragement from a friend. 

God’s faithfulness is a foundational truth that we can rely on. It’s a cornerstone of our faith, a promise we can cling to regardless of our circumstances. He never leaves us, never forsakes us, and never gives up on us. He is our greatest supporter, cheering us on through every high and low. 

So as we navigate this journey of life, may we find comfort and strength in the unwavering faithfulness of our loving God, knowing that He is always with us and encouraging us every step of the way.

In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 it tells us: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

God’s desire for reconciliation is at the core of our Christian faith. It reflects His immense love for us and His desire for unity within His creation. The heart of reconciliation is all about restoring broken relationships—first with God and then with others. 

From the moment sin entered the world, God’s plan of reconciliation was set in motion. Through Jesus, God provided a way for us to be reconciled to Himself. Jesus’ death and resurrection bridged the gap between a holy God and a sinful people. 

God’s desire for reconciliation is not just about restoring our relationship with Him, it’s also about bringing peace and unity among people. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. We must make it a priority to reconcile with others. As we experience His forgiveness and love, we are empowered to extend that same forgiveness to those around us. 

Have you ever seen a shattered vase that has been carefully pieced back together. Each fragment of that vase represents a step towards reconciliation: We must acknowledge the hurt, seek and extend forgiveness, and then work to restore the relationship. When the vase is repaired, it may bear scars, but it becomes whole again and the scars tell a story of healing and grace.

Reconciliation is a powerful testament to God’s love and grace. As we embrace our reconciliation with God through Christ, let us also commit to being agents of reconciliation in our relationships with others. By doing so, we reflect God’s heart and help bring His peace to a broken world.

This next week is the 4^th of July, a time where we celebrate the wonderful freedoms that we have in this country: freedoms that many people in our world don’t have. And as we celebrate these freedoms, may we also remember the freedom we have in Christ. 

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are set free from the bondage of sin and death. We are no longer slaves to our past mistakes or the expectations of this world. In Galatians 5:1 we’re told: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

In the same way our nation’s founding fathers fought for independence, Jesus fought for our freedom from sin and death—making a way for us to have eternal life with Him. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has granted us true freedom—freedom to live in His grace, freedom to love others unconditionally, and freedom to live out our purpose in and through Him. Let us not take this freedom for granted, but instead embrace it fully and walk in the freedom that only Christ can provide.

Lord, we thank you for the freedom we have in Christ. A freedom that surpasses all understanding and empowers us to live boldly for You. As we celebrate Independence Day, may we never forget the ultimate and eternal freedom you’ve given us. Help us to walk in that freedom daily, sharing Your love and grace with those around us. -Amen

This weekend, we won’t be having our normal Sunday morning service at our church. Instead, we’ll be partnering with several other churches in our community to do our ONE service at the high school. I love that the pastors and churches in our community see the value of coming together in unity.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to unity. This unity is not just a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual connection rooted in our shared faith and purpose. In Psalm 133:1 David tells us: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This unity is both a testimony to the world and a source of strength and blessing to all of us.

The early church painted a beautiful picture of what unity in Christ can accomplish. In Acts 2:42-47, we see believers devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared everything they had and looked out for one another’s needs. Because of their unity and love, they enjoyed the favor of all people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

This example teaches us that unity is not just about being together physically but about being united in heart and purpose. Their shared commitment to Christ and to each other allowed them to accomplish greater things.

Each congregation has its unique strengths, gifts, and callings that contribute to the greater body of Christ. And the truth is, we are better together. Our unity in Christ is a powerful witness and an essential part of our mission. May we strive to be united in heart and purpose, knowing that together, we can accomplish great things for His Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to unity in Christ. Help us to be one as You are one. Give us the grace to serve together in harmony, and to seek Your Kingdom above all else. May our unity be a testimony of Your love and power to those around us. -Amen.

This week, I started a deep dive into the book of Romans and every verse is full of powerful insight. One that stuck out to me is Romans 1:21 where Paul says: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

In this verse, Paul confronts the reality that knowing God is not enough. The people he’s referring to recognized God but failed to glorify Him or give thanks, leading to futile thinking and darkened hearts. This is a sobering reminder for us to examine our own lives. Are we glorifying God in all that we do? Are we consistently giving thanks to Him, no matter the circumstances?

Glorifying God means to honor and magnify Him in our actions, words, and thoughts. It’s about living in a way that reflects His greatness and goodness. Some of you might remember the old movie Chariots of Fire. It was a true story about a man named Eric Liddell. He became an Olympic gold medalist, but he refused to run on Sundays and—in this way—honored God. This is because Sundays were his Sabbath—his day of rest and worship. Remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy is the 4^th of the Ten Commandments. His commitment to prioritize God’s laws over worldly achievements is a powerful example to all of us. 

I think it’s important for all of us to reflect on our own lives—do our actions and decisions reflect a desire to honor God? Whether we’re working, studying, interacting with others, or even relaxing, we should be mindful of how these activities glorify God.

In the same way, we’re called to give thanks in all circumstances, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Gratitude is a powerful expression of our faith. Corrie ten Boom was a Holocaust survivor who, despite her horrible circumstances, found reasons to be thankful. She and her sister Betsie thanked God for the fleas in their barracks, later discovering that the fleas kept guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies. This amazing story speaks to the power of gratitude, even—or maybe especially—in suffering. And it demonstrates a deep trust in God’s sovereignty.

Are we giving God thanks? Are we showing Him gratitude? There are simple but meaningful ways we can incorporate thankfulness and gratitude into our lives. A simple prayer of thanks at the beginning or ending of our day, starting a prayer journal or making it a priority to regularly express appreciation for who God is and all that He’s done to those around you. These actions, though simple, help us notice all that we have to be thankful for and cultivate a way of living that glorifies God and expresses genuine thankfulness.

It’s easy to go through the motions and fall into the habit of knowing who God is, without genuinely honoring Him or being grateful. And as Paul points out, this can significantly affect our hearts. My prayer is that we strive to live lives that consistently glorify God and overflow with thankfulness, fulfilling our calling and shining His light in a world that so desperately needs it.

This past week in church, my message focused on how we use our time. The truth is our fast-paced, over-worked world is constantly vying for more of our time. This topic led me to Hebrews 12:1 where the author tells us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

This is a great scripture that encourages us to throw off all those things that weigh us down and hold us back from what is truly important. The thing is, there are many things that weigh us down. And as I reread that verse this week, it was the last part that stood out to me. The part that says: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for US.”(Emphasis mine.)

God has a specific race marked out for each of us. And another struggle that can hinders us is comparison. We have this tendency to compare our race to the race of others. We can look at the lives of others and become jealous. Maybe their life seems easier or more exciting, maybe they have more accomplishments. Whatever the reason, comparison distracts us and keeps us from running the race God has for us.

Comparison also leads to discontentment as we focus on what we lack rather than appreciating 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 the race that God has marked out for us, remembering that we’ve all been wonderfully made by a loving God who has a special purpose for each of our lives.

In Romans 8:31, Paul shares a powerful message that speaks volumes: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This verse serves as a comforting reminder of God’s unwavering support and love for us. It reassures us that no matter what we face, we are not alone—God is with us and He is for us.

All throughout Scripture, God’s love for His people is a continuous theme. In Jeremiah 31:3, God declares, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” This verse emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s love—a love that is not contingent on our actions but rooted in His very nature. His love is not fleeting or conditional, it is eternal and steadfast.

Even in the midst of our failures God desires to pour out His love upon us. We see this demonstrated in Jesus’ story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Despite the son’s wayward actions and rebellion, the father’s love for him never wavered. When the son returns home, the father runs to meet him, embracing him with open arms. This parable beautifully illustrates God’s readiness to welcome us back, no matter how far we’ve strayed. His love is a refuge, offering forgiveness and restoration.

God’s love is intertwined with His sovereignty. As the Creator of all things, He holds everything in His hands. Isaiah 40:28 reminds us, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

God’s power and wisdom are beyond our comprehension, yet He chooses to involve Himself in our lives intimately. The promise of Romans 8:31 is that God is for us in all circumstances. Whether we find ourselves walking through the valley of the shadow of death or rejoicing on the mountaintops, God is with us. His presence is a constant source of strength and comfort. 

His love is unchanging, His sovereignty is supreme, and His presence is unwavering. In moments of doubt or fear, remember that the Creator of the universe has our best interests at heart. He has a plan and a purpose for our life, and nothing can thwart His intentions.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering love and constant presence in our lives. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and find comfort in the knowledge that You are always with us and for us. Strengthen our faith, especially in challenging times, and remind us of Your eternal goodness and mercy. May we always seek refuge in Your love and draw closer to You each day. -Amen

I remember when I got my driver’s license and drove for the first time all by myself. I found myself laughing and experiencing this feeling of excitement. There was no one in the passenger seat, there was no one telling me to slow down or to make sure I used my blinker. I felt this amazing feeling of freedom.

Freedom is such a wonderful thing and yet so many of us fail to experience it the way God intended us to. Paul talks about this freedom we have as believers in Romans 8:1-2 when he says: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

This passage speaks to the heart of our faith. It reminds us that we are no longer under condemnation if we have a relationship with Jesus. The weight of our sins and the pending judgment we once faced have been lifted. And this freedom is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that God wants us to experience in our life. 

“The law of the Spirit who gives us life has set us free from the law of sin and death.” This means that, through Jesus, we can experience freedom from sin and death. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live in a way that honors God: where we live completely free from the bondage that once had its grip on us.

The truth is…it’s easy to feel burdened by past mistakes, by our ongoing struggles, and the numerous pressures of this world. However, the freedom that Jesus offers assures us that we are not defined by our failures. Instead, we are defined by His grace and love.

And to live in this freedom means that we must embrace His amazing grace. We must let go of the guilt and shame that so easily entangles us. We must give our failures and struggles to Him. 

1 John 1:9 tells us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So, what’s stopping us from confessing our sins? What’s keeping us from experiencing His forgiveness? When we fail or mess up, are we turning TO Jesus or are we turning AWAY from Him?

Jesus came to forgive us and we can’t let our shame and guilt keep us from turning to Him. He came to set us free and He wants us to be people who learn to walk in that freedom.

Heavenly Father: When we fail, help us immediately turn to You. Help us confess our sins so that we can be forgiven and walk in Your freedom and righteousness. -Amen

In today’s world, it’s easy to become entangled in the web of our own plans and ambitions. We chart out our paths, set our goals, and strive relentlessly to achieve them. But in the midst of our carefully constructed plans, we often overlook the most crucial aspect: inviting God to guide our steps.

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.”

This verse captures the essence of letting God guide our paths. It requires trust, surrender, and a willingness to submit our plans to His authority.

Trusting God’s guidance involves intentional steps:

Prayer: We need to regularly seek God’s will through prayer. We need to invite Him to speak into our life and guide our decisions.

Scripture: We need to immerse ourselves in God’s Word. The truth of His Word is the roadmap that helps us navigate through life in all of its complexities.

Obedience: When God speaks, we need to obey. Even when His direction doesn’t make sense, we need to trust that His ways are higher than ours.

Community: We need to surround ourselves with fellow believers who can offer counsel, support, and accountability in our journey of following Jesus.

As we surrender our plans to God and allow Him to direct our paths, we embark on a journey marked by divine purpose and fulfillment. Trusting in His guidance doesn’t keep us from challenges, but it assures us of His presence every step of the way. May we continually lean on His wisdom, knowing that He alone holds the key to our ultimate destination.

And let’s echo the words of Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

In high school, I loved old cars and listening to the oldies. And I remembering telling people that I should have been a teenager in the 50’s or 60’s. I’m guessing many of us have wondered what it would be like to live in a different era, under different circumstances. 

Even today, with the speed at which our world is moving, I think how nice it would be to go back and live once again in a time before cell phones and the internet. But the truth is every one of us are living in the time that we were meant to live. When, where, and to whom we were born to was no mistake.

Like Esther, we were born for such a time as this. Esther was born into a time of political unrest and impending danger for her people. She could have wished for a different era. Yet, she embraced her purpose with courage and faith. Despite the risks, she stepped forward to fulfill her role in God’s plan, ultimately bringing salvation to her people.

Similarly, we are each born into our specific time and circumstances for a divine purpose. Our lives are not mere accidents of history but intentional designs orchestrated by God, the Author and Creator of life. Just as Esther’s bravery changed the course of history, our willingness to seek and follow God’s will can have a profound impact on the world around us.

Like Esther, we are called to recognize the significance of our time and to actively seek God’s will for our lives. Our purpose may not always be grand or readily apparent, but it is no less important in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. Whether we find ourselves in times of peace or turmoil, abundance or scarcity, let us trust that God has a plan and a purpose for each of us.

May we seek His will earnestly, trusting that He who redeems history and holds the future will guide us each step of the way. And let’s embrace this time we live in, for we are all uniquely positioned “for such a time as this.”