Confession: Not Just Something To Do After We Sin February 17, 2025 I recently had to move a piano. I knew doing it myself would end up in my death… or at minimum, a very high emergency room bill that would inevitably lead to hernia surgery. So I called my friends. I have learned to deal with temptation the same way — struggling alone makes victory unnecessarily harder, but bringing someone in makes the burden lighter.   We often think of confession as something we do after we’ve sinned, but real freedom comes when we confess the temptation… before we sin. The enemy thrives in secrecy, but when we bring the whisper of the enemy (the temptation) into the light, it loses its power. Here’s how to confess in a way that fuels freedom:   1. Confess to the Right People – Find someone mature, encouraging, and Spirit-filled who can hold you accountable — whether it’s a mentor, pastor, or trusted friend. “Therefore confess your sins ...READ POST

God’s Love Puts Us First February 10, 2025 Several years ago, one of my daughters had asked for a glass of coke before bed. I explained that there is no such thing as bedtime coke. She stared at me with big, confused eyes, completely unaware that my denying her something so sweet was for her good. In a way, we’re a lot like my daughter with God’s love — sometimes struggling to understand that His “no” is just as loving as His “yes.”   God’s love for us is bigger than we often realize. It isn’t based on our performance, and it doesn’t waver with our mistakes. Real love, as He defines it, is the denial of ourselves — our rights, desires, beliefs, and expectations — for the benefit of others. And He demonstrated that love perfectly through Jesus. But to live fully in that love, we first have to receive it.   Here are three ways to learn how to receive ...READ POST

God Untangles Life’s Knots (Even the Ones We Create) February 3, 2025 One of my biggest pet peeves used to be untangling my earbuds after discovering them carelessly tossed into my computer bag. As much as I wanted to blame my wife or daughters for the mess, the truth was, it was my own fault. I simply didn’t take the time to roll them up neatly and store them in their little travel case. That small act of avoidance led to the impossible knot. Life can feel like that too — messy, frustrating, and tempting to ignore. But thankfully, God is a professional knot untangler.   God’s design for you is to live free — free from offense, loss, and grief (also known as life’s knots) — and to experience a full, fulfilling, and purpose-filled life in Him. While challenges in life are inevitable, He desires that we don’t remain bound by them. Instead, He calls us to trust Him, release control of our ...READ POST

The Power of Giving Thanks January 27, 2025 In the face of difficult people and circumstances, giving thanks to God can feel like the last thing we want to do. Yet, it’s in those moments of difficulty that gratitude holds the greatest power. Choosing to thank God —even despite circumstances — doesn’t ignore the pain; it redirects our focus back to His unchanging goodness.   Here are three steps to help you give thanks, even amidst difficulty:   1. Acknowledge the Reality – Be honest with God about your struggles. He invites us to pour out our hearts to Him (Psalm 62.8), and gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges you face.   2. Remember God’s Character – Reflect on who God has been in your life — faithful, loving, and constant. Thanksgiving shifts our focus from how dark our valley is to the greatness of the One who is walking with us in the valley. Remember, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is ...READ POST

Colorblind and Unresolved Issues — How Are You Harming Those Around You January 20, 2025 As someone who’s colorblind, I’ve learned that not seeing certain colors can be dangerous. Like when I can’t tell the difference between red and yellow flashing lights at night — so I don’t know if I should stop or if we can nonchalantly drive through an intersection. Our unresolved issues are similar to being colorblind. They can blind us from knowing the red flags in our circumstances and relationships without us realizing it. This blindness can harm or hinder our relationships with God and others.   Maybe an unanswered prayer left you doubting God’s goodness or faithfulness. Perhaps a past betrayal or rejection makes feeling cared for in relationships seem out of reach. These unresolved moments can quietly linger, influencing how we respond to others and our perception of God’s character.   Before this “colorblindness” can be healed, we have to first acknowledge that there may be an unresolved issue in our lives. Helping ...READ POST

Struggling To Cultivate A Heart After God? January 13, 2025 Have you ever admired someone’s heart for God and thought, “I wish I could have that kind of faith”? Here’s the good news: you can!   David wasn’t perfect, but his humility, devotion, and reliance on the Holy Spirit made him a man after God’s heart. This is a lifestyle we’re all invited to embrace. Here are three simply (but not easy) steps you can take to help you grow deeper in your relationship with God (and develop a heart that reflects Him better):   1. Daily Prayer and Worship – Just like David poured out his heart to his Heavenly Father, we can connect with Him through honest and heartfelt prayer and worship each day. (Click here the following link to access our powerful worship playlist on Spotify to enhance your times of worship: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5U2jVayGGegWajsNP2whPc)   2. Meditating on the Scriptures – David loved the Scriptures. He allowed them to guide his life as he ...READ POST

What’s your word for the year? January 6, 2025 As we enter a brand-new year, I want to encourage you to take some time to pray and ask God for a “word” for the year ahead. I usually ask God to give me something to focus my prayers and vision for the year. This year, the word was “HOPE”. This word has a lot of personal significance to me — it’s both a challenge and a comfort.   This God-given word can be something to focus on, grow in, or hold onto as you navigate the ups and downs of the coming months. It might be a word like peace, faith, trust, or courage—something specific that the Holy Spirit places on your heart to guide and inspire you.   Having a God-given word for the year can help bring clarity and intentionality as you make decisions and set goals. It’s a simple yet powerful way to align your heart and mind with what ...READ POST