In John 15, Jesus invites us into a life of deep, intentional connection with Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches,” He says in verse 5. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This call to “abide” is not just a suggestion; it’s a reminder that real, lasting growth only happens when we intentionally make space for His presence and draw from His strength.

Abiding is about intentionally taking time each day to be in His presence, to sit with Him and let Him speak to us through His Word, and to listen for His still, small voice. Imagine a branch connected to the vine on which it grows. It doesn’t produce fruit through its own effort; instead, it draws everything it needs—nourishment, strength, and life—from the vine itself. In the same way, our spiritual growth and fruitfulness come from abiding in the Lord. 

We live in a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, where productivity and busyness often take center stage. But Jesus reminds us that without Him, we can do nothing. When we pause to abide in His presence and seek Him, we receive His strength, and that strength becomes the foundation from which we live, work, and love others.

Most of us are probably familiar with the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10. Martha busied herself with serving, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and simply be with Him. When Martha became frustrated, Jesus gently reminded her that “only one thing is needed” (Luke 10:42). He was reminding her—and us—that the most important choice we can make is to take time to be with Him. Our strength and ability to love others grows as we remain connected to Him.

So the question is: Are we taking time to intentionally abide in Jesus? Are we making time to be still in His presence, to pray, or to read His Word? Are we asking Him to fill us with His strength, to guide us, and to produce His fruit in us? Are we asking Him to show us what He’s up to, so that we can partner with Him in the work of His kingdom?

When we prioritize abiding in Him, we experience His love and His life in greater ways, and our connection with Him becomes the foundation from which we live our lives. And this call to abide isn’t about achieving or proving anything—it’s about resting in the presence of the One who is the true source of life.

Last week I spoke out of 1 Samuel where King Saul had been pursuing David, hoping to kill him. From the moment he was anointed by Samuel, David faced many challenges—none more daunting than being pursued by King Saul. Yet, despite the danger and uncertainty, David’s heart was anchored in God’s promises. He knew that the God who had anointed him was the same God who would protect him from harm.

Psalm18:2 is a powerful reminder of this truth. Listen to what it says: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

There is comfort in knowing that God is our protector. Throughout the scriptures, we find the assurance that God watches over us, defends us, and shelters us in times of trouble. One of the clearest examples of this was found in the life of David.

It’s believed that David wrote this Psalm shortly after being delivered from Saul and his many attempts to kill him. God was his deliverer, but David’s situation reminds us that God’s protection doesn’t always mean the absence of difficulty. 

David had to flee, hide in caves, and live as a fugitive. But in those dark moments, he turned to God as his refuge and strength. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” David experienced this truth firsthand. His life was often in danger, but he knew that God’s hand was upon him, guiding him and shielding him from harm.

An illustration of this protection can be seen in the story of a shepherd who tends to his sheep. The shepherd doesn’t always keep the sheep in a pen where no danger exists. Instead, he leads them through valleys and pastures, watching over them carefully. When a predator comes near, the shepherd is ready with his staff to defend the sheep. God is our Good Shepherd. He may allow us to walk through difficult valleys, but He is always there, ready to protect us.

We may not face a physical enemy like David did with Saul, but there are times when we feel pursued by anxiety, fear, or uncertainty. In those moments, we can take refuge in God’s promises and remember that He has not left us defenseless. As Romans 8:31 declares, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but rather an assurance that God’s power and presence will sustain us through every battle.

This week, I had the privilege of going to our district conference and one of the speakers talked about the church in Antioch. He referenced Acts 13:2, where we see a pivotal moment in the early church’s history. This is what it says: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” 

Those words, “set apart for me,” hold profound significance. God had a specific plan for Barnabas and Saul, using them to spread the Gospel to the Gentile world. Their obedience led to countless lives being changed, cities transformed, and the message of Jesus reaching places it had never been before. It’s awe-inspiring to think about the ripple effects of their willingness to be set apart.

This moment in Scripture isn’t just about two men in the early church. It’s a reminder that God has a plan for each of us. In the same way He set apart Barnabas and Saul, He desires to set us apart for His purposes. 

Being “set apart” might look like leading a Bible study, teaching a Sunday school class, or even mentoring a younger believer. But it can also be a matter of the heart—choosing to love a difficult neighbor, extending grace to someone who has hurt us, or standing up for what is right even when it’s not easy. Our callings may look different, but they all flow from the same source: God’s desire to use us in His Kingdom.

Imagine a gardener planting seeds in different parts of a garden. Some seeds grow into large trees that provide shade and fruit, while others are smaller flowers that add color and fragrance. Each plant is different, but each has a role in making the garden beautiful. In the same way, God places each of us where we’re meant to grow. The question is, are we open to being set apart for His work, even if it looks different than we imagined?

We may never find ourselves traveling to distant lands like Paul and Barnabas, but that doesn’t mean our calling is any less significant. Sometimes, the most profound impact comes from the quiet, everyday faithfulness of shining a light at work, being a godly influence to our children, or being a source of encouragement in our community. All of it matters, because it’s all a part of the bigger picture—of loving God, loving others, and extending His Kingdom wherever we go.

So, take a moment to pause and seek the Lord. What might He be calling you to do in this season of life? Maybe it’s a new opportunity or a challenge that’s been on your heart. Perhaps it’s a step of faith you’ve been hesitant to take. As you spend time in prayer, be open to the Holy Spirit’s voice, just like the believers in Antioch were. Let Him show you the unique ways He wants to set you apart for His work, knowing that when you say yes to God, you never know whose life might be changed through your obedience.

If you’ve been at church the last few weeks, you know that I’ve been in a series on Jesus and Politics. The truth is, this political climate we find ourselves in has been divisive and polarizing. We see people taking sides, digging in their heels, and sometimes even dehumanizing others who don’t share their views. And instead of putting others first they focus on their own wants, opinions, and desires.

But in Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This is such a challenging scripture because it calls us to an uncomfortable place: a place of humility where we set aside our pride and personal agendas to truly care about others. It goes against the grain of our culture that tells us to look out for ourselves first.

Have you ever been in a conversation where it was obvious that the other person wasn’t listening? Where they were just waiting for their chance to jump in, so they could share their thoughts or opinions. We’ve all experienced that. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? It makes us feel unheard and undervalued. But how often do we do that to others? Where we get so caught up in our own perspective that we forget to listen, understand, and actually care for the other person.

This is the call of Philippians 2. It’s not just about being kind or generous—it’s about a radical shift in how we live our lives, putting others’ needs above our own. This is absolutely countercultural. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own frustrations, or our own convictions, we forget that the person on the other side of the debate is someone created in the image of God.

A practical way to live this out is to simply listen more than we speak. We need to ask ourself, “How can I serve this person today? How can I honor their needs, their struggles, their story?” It doesn’t mean we abandon our convictions or our passions, but it means we hold them with an open hand, allowing space for others. 

Jesus modeled this perfectly when He washed the feet of His disciples. He didn’t need to assert His power or prove His worth, instead He took the role of a servant. That’s what Paul is calling us to do in this passage. In a world that often encourages us to push forward, to fight for what’s ours, and to demand our way, God is inviting us to a different path—the way of humility. 

May we be people who, in the midst of political tensions and personal struggles, reflect the heart of Jesus by putting others first. And in doing so, we not only reflect Christ’s love, but we’ll also help heal the divisions in our relationships and communities.

In Philippians 1:3, Paul’s words, “I thank my God every time I remember you,” offer a powerful reminder of the importance of relationships in our lives. We were created for relationship—relationship with God and relationship with others. God has placed people around us, not by accident, but as part of His divine plan. Yet, the question arises: do we take these relationships for granted?

Paul didn’t just appreciate the Philippians; he was intentional in expressing his gratitude to God for them. His heart overflowed with thankfulness every time he remembered them, acknowledging their significance in his life and ministry. This shows us that deep, meaningful relationships aren’t just something we should enjoy; they are something to be cherished, nurtured, and, most importantly, given thanks for.

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget how much the people around us mean to us. But when was the last time we paused to thank God for the friends, family, and community He has placed in our lives? And beyond thanking God, when was the last time we actually expressed that gratitude to the people themselves? Do they know how much we appreciate them? Do we let them know how they’ve impacted our lives?

Paul’s example challenges us to cultivate relationships marked by gratitude and intentionality. Relationships require effort and attention, but they are among the greatest gifts God has given us. Today, take a moment to reflect on the people He’s placed in your life. Offer up a prayer of thanks for them and, like Paul, make the effort to let them know how much they mean to you. Let your gratitude draw you closer to them and, ultimately, closer to God.

This week in my devotions, I’ve been reading in the book of Joshua and it talks about the Promised Land that was being divided up amongst the tribes of Israel. And at the very end of chapter 21, in verse 45, it says: “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” 

This is an affirmation of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. Yet, as we reflect on the journey of the Israelites, we can’t ignore the fact that it took them 40 years longer to reach the Promised Land than it should have. When the generation before Joshua and Caleb stood on the edge of the land God promised, they allowed fear to take over. Instead of trusting in God’s power, they saw the giants in the land and chose to remain where they were.

This delay wasn’t because God was unfaithful to His promises, but because the people were unwilling to step out in faith and trust in Him: trust in a promise that He had made to them. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? 

God gives us promises through His Word—promises of hope, peace, purpose, provision, and victory. Yet, like the Israelites, we sometimes allow fear to paralyze us. We see the “giants” in our lives—the obstacles, challenges, or uncertainties—and we fail to move forward. We miss out on experiencing our own “Promised Land” in life because we fail to step out in faith.

In our lives, we sometimes experience spiritual “wilderness” seasons—times when we feel lost, stuck, or unsure of what God is doing. It’s easy to grow discouraged in these times but these moments don’t have to last 40 years. Just as the Israelites wandered, waiting to step into God’s promise, we too may find ourselves wandering. 

However, God’s desire is for us to move forward in faith, believing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

As we reflect on Joshua 21:45, we’re reminded that God’s promises never fail. The question is, are we willing to trust Him and take steps of faith, or will we let fear keep us wandering? God is calling us to experience our own Promised Land moments—to step into the fullness of His plans for our lives. May we be people who grab hold of His promises, and move forward in faith, knowing that just as He was faithful to Israel, He will be faithful to us.

We’re all aware that we live in a world full of brokenness and pain. And whether it’s personal struggles, societal issues, or unexpected tragedies, life can often feel overwhelming. But as Christians, we have something that anchors us: it’s HOPE. Hebrews 6:19 reminds us: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

Our hope in Jesus empowers us to face our struggles with confidence. When we go through trials, we can hold onto the hope of God’s goodness, knowing that He remains faithful even when life falls apart. Job is a great example of this. After losing everything—his health, wealth, and family—Job could have easily given up. Yet, in his darkest moment, he declares (in Job 13:15): “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him”. Job’s hope wasn’t based on his circumstances but on God’s unchanging character. 

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. This kind of hope is not just a wish for better things; it’s a confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises. In our lives, we may face deep challenges, but we can trust that God’s love and hope will sustain us, even in the darkest times.

This hope that we have in Jesus is not only for this life but for eternity as well. In 1 Peter 1:3-4, we are reminded of the “living hope” we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This living hope assures us that no matter what we endure in this world, we have the promise of eternal life with Christ. 

Paul emphasizes this in 2 Corinthians 4:17, saying: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” When our hope is grounded in Jesus, it changes the way we view our present circumstances. No matter how difficult life may get, we can rest in the truth that an eternal glory awaits us, one that far exceeds our temporary struggles.

The reality is, hope is what keeps us going. It’s the anchor that holds us firm in the storms of life, giving us the strength to press on. And it’s not a shiny, sparkly, untouched-by-the-real-world hope. It’s hope in a Savior who was brutally crucified on a cross for our sins but who rose from the dead so that we could take hold of this real, gritty, tried and tested, true hope. Our hope is not rooted in the ever-changing circumstances of this world, but in Jesus Christ, who overcame death and gave us the promise of eternal life.  

In this broken world, my prayer is that we’re able to cling to the living hope we have in Him. As Romans 15:13 beautifully expresses: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We all experience doubt. It’s a normal part of life, even for Christians. There will be times when we wrestle with uncertainty in our faith, our circumstances, or our future. But the key is what we do with our doubt. In Psalm 94:19, the psalmist writes, “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” 

This verse reminds us that God is aware of our doubts, and He offers comfort in the midst of them. Instead of letting doubt pull us away from God, we must learn to bring these uncertainties to Him because He has the ability to help us overcome them.

It’s important that we realize God isn’t surprised by our doubts. In fact, He knows we will have moments of struggle, and He welcomes us to bring these struggles to Him. When we learn to admit our doubts and bring them to God, we open the door for His comfort, peace, and renewed hope.

One of the most powerful examples of how God responds to doubt is found in the story of his disciple Thomas. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas famously doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. He declared that unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and placed his fingers where the nails had been, he would not believe. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, He didn’t scold him or criticize him for doubting. Instead, Jesus lovingly invited Thomas to see and touch the scars, saying, “Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27). Thomas’ doubt didn’t push Jesus away—it drew Jesus closer, and He responded with grace and understanding.

This is what God does for us when we bring our doubts to Him. He responds with love, not condemnation. Just as He comforted the psalmist and met Thomas in his doubt, He will meet us where we are, providing the strength and hope we need to move forward in faith.

We may also find encouragement in Mark 9:24, where a father, desperate for his son’s healing, says to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” In his vulnerability, this man admits that his faith is not perfect. He believes, but he also struggles with doubt. And Jesus, seeing this honesty, moves with compassion to heal his son. This shows that even when our faith is weak or mixed with doubt, God can work with it. He simply desires for us to be honest and seek Him.

When doubts arise in our hearts, instead of feeling ashamed or hiding from God, we can bring them to Him. Whether it’s through prayer, reading His Word, or seeking encouragement from fellow believers, God will meet us in our uncertainty and provide the comfort and hope we need. Remember, doubt isn’t the end of faith—it’s often the beginning of a deeper relationship with God, who longs to reassure us with His presence.

When life becomes overwhelming—when you feel like you’re barely holding on—do you ever find yourself asking, “Where is God?” When we’re feeling isolated, exhausted, and carrying burdens too heavy to bear, that question can echo in our hearts. Where is God during our hard times? The truth is: He’s never left. God is always right beside us.

Throughout Scripture, we’re reminded again and again of His constant presence. In Psalm 46:1, we’re told, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” And in Psalm 139:7-8, David asks, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” 

God’s nearness is not a fleeting promise; it’s an unshakable reality. And when we feel weighed down by life’s challenges, there is one response that opens the door to His comfort—prayer. Prayer is not just a ritual; it’s our lifeline. It’s how we invite God into the hardest, most painful parts of our lives. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Prayer allows us to release our burdens, knowing that God is eager to meet us where we are. I’ve learned over the years that when I am overwhelmed or lonely, the greatest relief I can find is in pausing, quieting my heart, and turning to God in prayer. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

God doesn’t want us to carry these heavy loads on our own. He stands ready to help—He just asks that we call on Him. It’s that simple practice we talk about in my church of giving everyone and everything to Him. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed today? Are you battling loneliness or fear? Remember, the answer is prayer. God is with us, listening, and waiting for us to turn to Him. In Isaiah 41:10, He reassures us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Today, let’s lean into the closeness of our Creator—the One who formed us for relationship with Him, the One who walks beside us through every valley. May we cry out to Him, casting all our cares on the One who loves us deeply, and may we find in Him the peace and strength we so desperately need.

In Acts 16:25-26 we read: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

What do we do when we find ourselves in the midst of difficult situations? How do we respond when life takes unexpected turns, and things don’t go the way we had hoped? It’s natural to feel frustrated, discouraged, or even angry. But in such moments, do we take the time to pray and worship God?

Paul and Silas found themselves in an incredibly challenging situation. After being severely beaten and unjustly thrown into prison, they had every reason to be bitter. Yet, instead of complaining or arguing with their captors, they chose to praise the Lord. They prayed and sang hymns, not in the comfort of a church, but in the cold, dark confines of a prison cell. Their response is nothing short of remarkable.

If we’re honest, most of us would struggle to react in the same way. It’s hard to imagine singing praises after being treated so unfairly. But this story from Acts 16 teaches us something profound about the upside-down nature of God’s Kingdom. In a world where hate and retaliation are often the norms, Paul and Silas demonstrate a different way—a way that honors God even in the midst of suffering.

And what happened because of their response? God showed up in a powerful way. An earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, the doors flew open, and the chains of all the prisoners were loosed. Paul and Silas’s decision to praise in the midst of their pain didn’t just impact them; it affected everyone around them. Their prayer and worship led to a miraculous intervention by God. And as a result the jailor gave his life to Jesus.

What if we responded like Paul and Silas when faced with our own trials? What if, instead of giving in to despair, we chose to seek and praise God regardless of the pain and injustice we’ve experienced? By doing so, we align ourselves with the way of Jesus, who, despite enduring the greatest injustice on the cross, trusted in His Father’s plan and even prayed for those who persecuted Him.

Paul and Silas provide a powerful example of how to live the Jesus Way. Their story encourages us to consider how God might move in our own lives when we choose to give our struggles to Him, when we follow in His footsteps and do things His way.

Lord, help us to respond with prayer and praise in the midst of our difficulties. Teach us to trust You and to align our hearts with Your upside-down Kingdom. May we follow the example of You and believers like Paul and Silas, and may our praise lead to Your miraculous work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. -Amen