When it comes to sin, we often think about some obvious ones such as greed, pride, lust, adultery, even murder, just to name a few.  It may not be easy to sidestep ALL these each day, but with a little effort, I certainly think it can be done.  However, how about some less obvious “sins” such as worry, anxiousness and trying to forge your own path rather than trusting in God’s plan for you?  Much, much, more difficult I’d say from personal experience (up and to including today). 

The world pulls us in many different directions on a daily basis.  Between bills that need to be paid, our spouse, kids, our health, difficult clients, etc., there always seems to be a neverending list of "stuff" to worry about.  Ever think about what all this worrying says to God?  Quite simply it means that we don’t "trust" Him enough to take care of whatever it is we’re anxious about.  Ouch.  This, even after God has said, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).  Sounds pretty cut and dry to me.  God not only is not out to harm us, but instead, has already planned our future.  So, with that in mind, what’s there really to worry about?  For “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Believe me, I know it’s difficult not to stress out when the unexpected happens, our bank account is hovering near zero, or we’re thinking about an upcoming work project, but that’s where we need to stop the worrying and start the praying!  “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7).  By simply praying, we are telling God that we NEED Him, and we can’t solve all these issues on our own.  Furthermore, why WOULD we want to try to take on these worries by ourselves, as God already knows what’s going to happen! 

Now, there may not be an immediate answer to your prayer, or you may get an answer you weren’t hoping for, but through prayer, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that God is on the case (and He’ll be pleased you even asked!).  Even if the unexpected happens, you’ll be sure it was indeed God’s will, and He’ll figure out a way to strengthen and help you through it.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).  And, regardless of the outcome, “May the Lord of peace give you peace in every circumstance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).  If the choice is between “peace" (with God) or “worry” (on our own) I think the answer is obvious.

When you find yourself worrying, try this three-step solution.  First, ask God’s forgiveness for your lack of faith.  We are imperfect, so sin will happen in our lives, but it’s important to acknowledge these sins to our Heavenly Father.  It’s ok to ask, as He will respond by pouring out His abundant and forgiving grace upon us because He loves us so.  Second, pray for His guidance in the situation.  Tell Him exactly how you are feeling and what you’d like to see happen (doesn't mean you'll get what you want, but it's ok to share your thoughts).  Finally, release all your concerns into His capable hands.  God created the entire universe so I’m quite confident He can handle whatever it is you have going on.  “Trust” God’s answer to the concerns you release onto Him, as it is His will for you.  We may not like the answer we receive, or even understand it at the time, but God does, and that’s all that’s important. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8).  What we may perceive as bad, God may be using for our own good, and then for  His glory down the road, so "always" keep the faith and "stop" all the worrying.

Are you in the midst of a wilderness place, feeling harassed or exhausted?


Friend, Jesus knows exactly how you feel. In Luke 4, we read about Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness by the devil. The intense period of spiritual warfare must have been hard for Jesus. He was fully God, yes. But, He was also fully human.


Now when I have experienced spiritual attacks, I often assume that I must be doing something wrong. But Luke 4 tells a different story. In fact, just before walking into this wilderness warfare, Jesus had just been baptized by John. The heavens had opened and God communicated His pleasure in His Son.
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That’s valuable context for us. Sometimes when we experience God’s favor, we will endure Satan’s fury. Friend, this hard season may not be because you are doing something wrong. Maybe it’s because you are doing something very, very right.
- Whitney Capps

The pastoral answer (he mentions in the end) is when tragedy hits us, it hurts.  Sometimes so much so that we feel like we can't go on.  But, know that the Lord is there to help us through it.  He knows how you feel.  Remember, Jesus was not only 100% God, but also, 100% man.

Pray or even yell if you need to. God knows your pain.  Let Him in.  Let Him help.

There will be times in our lives when God will put us on a "need to know" basis.

Maybe you lost your job, your marriage is falling apart, or a child is going down the wrong path in life.  Or maybe, a friend or family member has just been diagnosed with cancer or suddenly dies.  

These are the times when we tend to look to God for answers.  However, sometimes the only answer we receive is none at all.  

Does that mean that our Lord doesn't care what we are going through?  Absolutely not.  In fact, by leaving heaven and becoming man, Jesus knows "exactly" how we feel during these times.

What it does mean, is that God wants us to trust Him and know that this is happening for a reason (even when we can't possibly understand how).

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

God understands when you don't.  And, most importantly, He loves you.  

Rest in His promises and assurances that this too shall pass, and He'll use this suffering for some kind of good in the end.  

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Enjoy the blessings that the Lord provides you while you can, as you never know when they'll be gone.  

Praise His name at all times and in all circumstances, as this life is only the beginning, and there is so much more awaiting us when our Savior comes again.

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." (Romans 8:28)

“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone.” (James 4:14)

You are here today by the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior.  With that in mind, why focus or worry about tomorrow (as it robs you of the joy that He has given you “today”)?  You have no idea what is going to happen tomorrow, so don't worry about it. 

You don’t even know what's going to happen the rest of today!

“Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)

Tomorrow is God’s domain, not yours.  His sovereignty trumps any of your thoughts or plans for what you may wish or plan for your life after this day is done.

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34)

God wants you to enjoy today.  He knows your future.  He knows what’s in store for you.  Worrying about what’s going to happen next in your life won’t change a thing.

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)

Short answer to the above is “no”.  But, what you can rely on, are the promises of God to those who believe in Him. 

Do you believe it God’s path for your life?

“For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Even when you are going through hard times, even sufferings you never thought possible, understand that God is STILL by your side.  God loves you.  God hasn’t forsaken you. 

​There’s a reason for why this is happening.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

Trust Him.  God knows what He’s doing. 

When you surrender your life to Jesus you can rest in the assurance that, even though in this life you'll encounter troubles, He has overcome this life and will continue His work in you until He comes again.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)

​Amen.

From Proverbs 31 Ministries:
God sees outside of time. He is not thrown off by the setbacks we face or the paths we choose to take. There is nothing that can stop His perfect plan for our lives and nothing that can get in the way of His purpose for us.

He is far more concerned about the cultivating of our hearts than the arrival of our destination.
Even when we find ourselves standing at the shore filled with fear, He waits patiently for us to take steps towards Him into the deep. Each step, even the ones that seem small and insignificant are all leading us closer to our destiny.

Accepting that job offer, moving across the country, choosing to stay home to raise your kids, or deciding to go back to work...each decision and step you take forward is significant and has purpose.

We may not feel like we are going anywhere, but oh sweet friend… we are. You are. God is not in a rush to get you where you need to be, and you don’t have to be rushed either. You can rest in His sovereignty knowing that He is big enough, good enough, and powerful enough to fulfill His plans for your life.

If you are looking for love and support from other people, or the things of this world, at some point you will be disappointed.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2)

It's only through a personal relationship with Christ that you can have a true anchor in your life. One that will never move from you. One that will never change its love for you.

​"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Surrender your life to Jesus and rest in His assurance of everlasting love and peace. You can trust Him, as He cannot lie.

"God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (Numbers 23:19)

God will fulfill His promises to you. He will provide for your needs. He will NEVER forsake you. He will NEVER change His mind about His love for you.

​"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." (James 1:17)

Either start making, or make even more room, for God in your life. The more room you make, the more work He can do in you.

​Don't give up. God wants to help.
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​"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
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​Give up the world and give "in" to the Lord.
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"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. " (Romans 12:1-2)

Whether you've accepted Christ into your life yet or not, backsliding into old sinful ways and habits is a real danger.

The devil is on the prowl just waiting to drag you back into the darkness where he has much more control over you (1 Peter 5:8). But, there's hope!

You don't need to fight these battles on your own. If you have so far that's great, but it's only through a personal relationship with Jesus will you be able to defeat the enemy once and for all.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

For you see, only Jesus has been able to conquer sin once and for all. You might have some short term success, but ONLY through Christ will you have "eternal" success!

How do you know the difference? Let's take a look.

​"But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God." (1 John 3:8-10)

Don't get me wrong, we will ALL stumble from time to time and sin. The difference is when you surrender your life to Jesus, the old you dies and you are born again.

​"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
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You'll still sin, but with the Holy Spirit now guiding your life, you'll see a significant improvement in resisting temptation and staying out of situations that would have normally caused you to sin.

​"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:25)

Lastly, because Jesus died on the cross for our sins, they have all been forgiven...past, present and future!

Don't fight this war on your own. Give your life to Christ and be at peace.

​"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)

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"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)

Have you sought God with all your heart and all your soul yet? He wants you to. In fact, He's pursuing you right now.

​"'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness." (Ezekiel 34:11-12)

But, beware of the enemy who is after you as well.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Listen for God's voice and watch for His encouragements as you journey in faith.

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:16)

In fact, the Lord will chase down the "one" while leaving the rest unattended. You're that important to Him.

"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:12-14)

And what happens when you are finally found and you give your life to Jesus?

​​"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:7)

There has never been, nor ever will be a shepherd like our Lord and Savior. Jesus literally gave up His life to save "us", His sheep.

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)

That's sacrifice. That's love. That's how you can now live in peace forevermore.

​"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." (Psalm 23:1-6)




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Faith is a journey. No two of us will have the same one. But, in order to go on this journey, "you" have to make the conscious choice to start it.

All God needs is for you to make a little room for Him (each day if you can). The more room you give Him, the more work He can do.

​What does "room" mean? Room can be anything that involves spending one on one time with the Lord. Whether it's reading the Bible or devotions, listening to online messages or songs, or even simply praying.

Get away from all the noise of the world and seek His light. A jouney in faith is a progression that will culminate in salvation and everlasting life for whoever diligently seeks Christ.

​Are you ready?

​​"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. " (Matthew 6:33)

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)

Once you've surrendered your life to Jesus, He'll want to start using you right away to spread His message of hope and salvation.

"Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them." (Isaiah 43:7)
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Have you surrendered yet? If not, there's no time like the present (Romans 10:9-10). If you have, are you living a life where God "can" use you yet?

Upon receiving Christ, the Holy Spirit will begin a lifetime of shaping and molding your thoughts and actions.

"Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8)

The key is to let Him continue to transform you, and not fall back into your old sinful habits.

"If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21)

There are so many people living in darkness that God desires your new life to be one that exemplifies His goodness, and will attract those lost souls to Him.

"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house." (Luke 8:16)

Are you living a life that will attract others to Christ?

In EVERYTHING you do, big or small, do your very best.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23)

​Remember that not only are other people watching you, but so is your Creator.

Acknowledge at all times the gift of salvation you received via the sacrifice of your Lord and Savior. Praise His name on all occassions and in every circumstance, as it is He, not you, that make ALL things possible.

Be the lamp God wants you to be and give Him the glory as He works through you from this day forward.

​"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
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Nature is one of God's beautiful creations. Through nature, God is able to teach us, speak to us, and provide for us. Are you listening?

"3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:3)

"7 But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. 9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:7-10)

"11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy." (Psalm 96:11-12)

"1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1)

Our Lord is one marvelous and glorious Creator and artist, is He not? ♥🕆♥

An interesting fact; In the process of purifying gold, a lesser metal is added - lead. This acts as the object that strips away the impurities, along with the heat.

Now, look at your life: God has allowed people and situations to come in your life to act as the lead that will strip away some of your impurities. And He has even allowed the situation to heat up. But be encouraged, because when He is done, your faith will be as pure as gold!

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:7)

I can attest to the above personally.

I did not have my priorities where they needed to be for far too long and, quite frankly, I was worshipping the wrong master.

​"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

I chased after money and the selfish things of this world like they were the only things that would fulfill me. Dreaming of becoming a millionaire and staring at stock charts (even "in" church) became an obsession. Gratefully, the Lord was very patient with me, and I finally came to understand what master I SHOULD be serving ("thank you" Jesus!).

You see, the world has almost a hypnotic trance on us all. Satan has many, many tools to get us sidetracked and distracted. If it's not money, maybe it's a job, hobby, working out, politics, or even family. "Anything" we put ahead of God, is the master we are serving. Take some time and think about where your priorities lay right now.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Don't chase after the temptations of this world, nor listen to the enemy's lies (they'll only lead to heartache and a place you sure don't want to be in the end). Trust that God has a better plan for your life. Don't wait until something "happens" to take this step.

God wants you to be closer to Him, because He knows the closer you are to Him, the further away you'll be from the world.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:33)

In moments of utter pain, fear, and confusion, it can be so hard to believe God is fighting our battles.

It can even feel impossible to sit idle and let God do all the fighting for us. So here are some scriptures to cling to in the middle of these times...

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.”
- Exodus 14:14

“I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
- Psalm 91:14-15

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.”
- Psalm 138:7

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Psalm 46:1

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”
- Psalm 34:19

“So 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.”
- Isaiah 41:10

“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.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6

The bottom line is "trust" in the Lord when storms appear, be patient as the winds blow you from side to side, and know that God is working things out for your good AND His glory!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
- Romans 8:28