We live in a paradox. We're more "connected" than ever before—scrolling through endless feeds, accumulating thousands of digital friends—yet loneliness is swallowing an entire generation. We sit shoulder to shoulder on airplanes, lost in our screens. We talk constantly but rarely listen. In a culture drowning in shallow contact, something deeper is desperately needed.

The truth is stark: we cannot rely on culture to change culture. When it comes to genuine human connection, the world's solutions fall short. But there's good news—over 2,000 years ago, God bridged the ultimate gap between humanity and the divine through Jesus Christ. He gave up heaven for a manger, perfection for a cross. By His blood, He broke down the dividing wall of hostility and welded former enemies into one family.
And if we belong to that family, indifference is no longer an option.

The gospel that saved us now sends us. We're called first to connect with real people in real time, and then to engage with them until Christ is formed in their lives. This isn't optional—it's the Great Commission. Jesus commanded us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Not some nations. Not certain people groups. Not just those who look like us, vote like us, or smell like us. All nations.

But here's the challenge: we cannot make disciples unless we first connect with people. And we cannot connect with people if we allow invisible barriers to stand between us.

The Apostle Paul reminded the church at Ephesus of their former condition. Before Christ, the Gentiles were "separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12).
But then everything changed.

"But now in Christ Jesus, you who were formerly far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall" (Ephesians 2:13-14).

Christ bled to smash the wall that kept Jew and Gentile apart, creating one new humanity where every believer stands equally loved inside God's family. God doesn't have favorites. He loves each person right where they are, at whatever stage of their spiritual journey.
We're called to live as though the wall isn't even there.

Consider the story in John 4, where Jesus stops at a well in Samaria. A woman approaches to draw water, and Jesus—a Jewish rabbi—does something shocking: He asks her for a drink.
The woman is stunned. "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (John 4:9). Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. The ethnic, religious, and social hostilities ran deep. And this wasn't just any Samaritan woman—she was a woman with a reputation.

Yet Jesus crossed every line. He shattered barriers of ethnicity, religion, gender, and morality to reveal the gospel of salvation. Why? Because His gospel wasn't just for the Jews—it was for everyone.

When Jesus crosses barriers of ethnic, religious, gender, and moral lines, He teaches His church that we ought to be doing the exact same thing. We are to proclaim the same gospel to any and all people in all kinds of places, no matter what they look like, how they voted, or what identity they claim.

What are the common barriers that prevent connection in our culture? The deepest divide in America today isn't simply about political policy differences—it's about social identities and worldviews that have become tribal markers. We've allowed ideologies to become idols.
When we hold any ideology—whether political or otherwise—over the gospel, that ideology becomes an idol. If we hold our political views above the gospel, we're serving that thing rather than Jesus. And it becomes a barrier.

Here's a hard truth: No political party can save our country or the world. Only Jesus can.
Think about it. How many Christians mention nothing about Jesus on their social media but constantly post their political views? If we allow political ideologies to obstruct the saving message of Jesus Christ, we've created a barrier that prevents us from connecting with people. And if we can't connect with them, we can't engage with them. If we can't engage with them, we fail at making disciples.

Other barriers include:

• Pride: "I'm not talking to them."
• Fear: "What if they reject me?"
• Prejudice: Judging someone before asking God who they really are
• Busyness: "I'm too busy to do what Jesus commanded"

At the root of all these barriers is one thing: selfishness.

Philippians 2:3-5 cuts to the heart: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus."

We must get self out of the way so Jesus can do what He does best: seek and save that which is lost.

When we become new creations in Christ, something fundamental changes. Paul writes, "Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh" (2 Corinthians 5:16). We don't look at people based on external categories anymore. We don't judge them by their skin color, political affiliation, gender identity, or past mistakes.

Why? Because we are new creations. We look at people through the lens of Christ's blood—as individuals created in God's image who need to become children of God through faith in Jesus.

Second Corinthians 5:18-20 reveals our calling: "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us."
Read that again. God is making an appeal through us. We are representatives of Christ, begging people on His behalf to be reconciled to God.

This is urgent. The day of salvation is today—not tomorrow, not next week, not next Easter. Eternity is at stake. What this world needs isn't more politics, more prejudice, or even more religion. This world needs Jesus, and those who follow Him must understand that His love truly flows through us.

So what do we do practically?

1. First, repent. Whether we've built barriers intentionally or unintentionally, we need to repent when the Holy Spirit convicts us. 
2. Second, pray for one person by name this week. Be specific. Ask God to connect you with someone—maybe the person who sits near you every Sunday. 
3. Third, initiate hospitality. Share a meal. Invite someone to coffee. Open a door. Let someone cut in line. Practice kindness—it costs absolutely nothing. 
4. Fourth, listen to someone's story before sharing yours. Don't listen to fix them; listen to connect with them. We've lost this vital skill in our screen-obsessed culture.

Jesus demolished every wall that shut us out from God. Now He calls us to demolish the lesser walls that shut us out from people.

Maybe it's pride whispering that someone is beneath you. Maybe fear says to keep your distance. Maybe busyness suggests "maybe later." Maybe prejudice has already judged them as "not my kind."

Whatever wall exists in your heart, God is calling you to lay it down. A divided church cannot win a divided world. But when we pick up the power of Christ living in and through us, it becomes a testimony to the world of who He is.

Because it's not about us—it's about Him.

The greatest barrier is our own sin. The greatest divide is our separation from God. But Jesus died and rose to bring us home, to welcome us into the family of God. And once we're home, He sends us back out to connect with others, to tear down walls, and to make disciples of all nations.

The bridge has already been built. Now it's time to cross it—and invite others to come home.

Too many Christians today are not living the life Jesus died to give them.
They love God. They want to serve Him. Yet many feel stuck in the same cycle: doing well spiritually for a while, only to fall back into the same struggle again.

• Maybe it lasts a week. 
• Maybe a month. 
• Maybe even longer.

But eventually the same sin, the same thought pattern, or the same emotional struggle returns.

This is the cycle of spiritual bondage—and it is not the life Jesus intended for His followers.
Jesus said:

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” — John 8:36 (NLT)
Freedom is not just a theological idea. It is supposed to be the lived experience of every believer. Yet many Christians are not walking in that freedom because of something the Bible calls strongholds.

Understanding what strongholds are—and how they work—is the first step toward breaking them.

The apostle Paul writes:

“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NLT)

When Paul wrote this, he was dealing with intense opposition in the church at Corinth. False teachers were spreading lies about him. They questioned his authority, attacked his character, and promoted distorted ideas about leadership and spirituality.

Behind all of that conflict was something deeper: deception.

And that is where strongholds always begin.

A stronghold begins with a lie.
Someone believes something that contradicts the truth of God’s Word. Once the lie is believed, it becomes deception. That deception shapes how a person thinks, which then influences emotions, behaviors, and eventually habits.

Over time, that pattern becomes a stronghold.
Some believers have accepted lies like:

• “I’ll always struggle with this.”
• “This is just my cross to bear.”
• “I’ll never truly be free.”

But defeat is not a cross Jesus called us to carry.
Yes, Christians will face trials. Jesus Himself said:

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NLT)

Pain may be part of life, but defeat is not part of the Christian identity.
Your circumstances may change, but your spiritual position in Christ does not.

Jesus described Satan this way:

“He was a murderer from the beginning… When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” — John 8:44 (NLT)

The enemy does not need to overpower believers physically. Instead, he works through deception.

He plants thoughts like:

• “You’re not good enough.”
• “God doesn’t care.”
• “This sin will satisfy you.”
• “You’ll never change.”

These lies create mental strongholds—patterns of thinking that keep believers trapped.

But here is the good news:
You have the power to break free.

Paul reminds Timothy:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

Many Christians believe they are fighting for victory.
In reality, believers fight from victory.

Through Christ, the believer already has access to the power of the Holy Spirit. The battle is not about earning freedom—it is about believing the truth that freedom has already been provided.

In ancient times, a stronghold was a fortified city or tower—something built to protect territory from attack.

Spiritually, strongholds operate the same way.
But instead of walls of stone, they are walls of thought patterns.

They are built brick by brick:

1. A lie is heard
2. The lie is believed
3. Deception forms
4. Thought patterns develop
5. Habits follow

The enemy gains territory not through force, but through belief.
This is why Paul says we must:

“Capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT)

The enemy’s lies are like optical illusions.
Illusions trick the brain because the mind interprets what it sees rather than simply observing reality. Something false appears real.

The enemy works the same way spiritually. He plants thoughts that feel true, even when they contradict God’s Word.

The solution is not arguing with the lie.
The solution is exposing it with truth.

James tells us:

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7

Notice something important:

• You don’t even have to defeat the enemy yourself. 
• When you resist him by standing in truth, he flees. 
• Darkness always disappears when light is turned on.

One of the biggest mistakes believers make is treating the habit instead of the lie behind the habit.

A person might try to stop:

• lust
• anger
• fear
• unforgiveness
• addiction

But unless the lie behind the behavior is confronted, the habit will eventually return.

This is why Scripture says:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NASB95)

Renewing the mind means renovating it.

Just like renovating a house, the old structure must be removed before the new one is installed.

Old lies must be replaced with God’s truth.

The first stronghold in human history appeared in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3.

The serpent asked Eve:
“Did God really say…?”

That single question introduced doubt. Then came the lie:
“You won’t die.”

The moment Eve believed the lie, deception began. The result was sin. This same pattern still operates today.

Lust, for example, begins with a lie:

• “This will satisfy me.”
• “This won’t hurt anyone.”
• “It’s just a small thing.”

But lust is insatiable. Like a wildfire, it keeps consuming more and more.

So how do strongholds actually break?

The answer is simple, though not always easy:
Repentance.

Repentance literally means to change your mind.

The process works in reverse of how strongholds were built:
Lie → Belief → Deception → Habit → Bondage

But freedom works like this:
Truth → Repentance → New Thinking → New Habits → Freedom

Jesus said:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” — John 8:32

Freedom comes when believers replace lies with truth.

Many Christians spend their lives chasing deliverance. They attend service after service, hoping the next prayer will finally set them free.

But Scripture says something powerful:
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” — Colossians 1:13 (NKJV)

Notice the tense: has delivered.

Deliverance is not something believers are trying to obtain. It is something Christ has already accomplished. The real battle is deciding which voice we believe.

Spiritual warfare is often misunderstood.
It is not about shouting louder, arguing with demons, or dramatic displays.

At its core, spiritual warfare is simply this:
The fight to believe God’s truth over the enemy’s lies.

Every day believers must choose:
Will I believe what God says about me?
Or will I believe the lies?

Christians will face trials. The early believers faced persecution, imprisonment, and even death. Yet they still walked in victory.

Victory is not determined by external circumstances.

A flat tire, financial stress, or unexpected difficulty does not mean the enemy is winning.

James reminds us:
“Consider it all joy… when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” — James 1:2–3

Adversity is not evidence of defeat. It is an opportunity for Christ to grow within us.

Strongholds lose their power when believers know the truth of God’s Word. This is why studying Scripture is not optional for a healthy Christian life. It is essential.

When the truth of God fills our minds, the lies of the enemy are exposed.
And when lies are exposed, strongholds crumble.
Brick by brick.

Until one day, the walls are gone—and we walk freely into the life Christ intended all along.

This past week, I found myself underneath my van, sleeves rolled up, hands deep in grease, trying to get it running right again. You know how it goes — you start with a wrench and some good intentions, and before long, you’re elbow-deep in grime, knuckles scraped, and fingernails packed with dirt. It wasn’t until I was done and headed inside to wash my hands that something unexpected happened — God began to speak.

As the water ran over my hands and the grease slowly washed away, I noticed several small cuts and scrapes I hadn’t felt while I was working. They had been hidden under layers of filth. One in particular stood out — a small but deep cut, right in the shape of a cross. It stopped me in my tracks.

Isn’t that just like life? When we’re in the middle of the mess — pushing through, fixing things, trying to keep everything running — we don’t always notice the damage we’re taking on. Sin is like that grime. It builds up slowly, covering our hurts, hiding our brokenness, numbing our sensitivity. As long as our hands (and hearts) are dirty, we can’t see the wounds that need healing.

If I hadn’t taken the time to wash up, those cuts would’ve remained hidden. And worse — they could’ve become infected. A simple scratch left untreated can lead to bigger issues. The same is true with sin. Left undealt with, it doesn’t just sit there — it festers. It grows. It infects other parts of our lives. What starts as a small offense can become a deep wound if not cleansed by Jesus.

It was only when I washed that the damage became clear. And spiritually speaking, it’s only when we come to Jesus — the living water — that our wounds are truly revealed and healed. Psalm 24:3-4 says, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…”

I didn’t feel those cuts while I was working. The grime dulled the pain. But just because I couldn’t feel it didn’t mean I wasn’t bleeding. That’s the danger of sin. It numbs us to what’s really going on underneath. It blinds us to the places we need healing. We need to come to Jesus and say, “Search me, wash me, cleanse me.”

And then… there was that one cut, in the shape of a cross. I smiled through the sting. Because it reminded me — Jesus didn’t just come to cleanse us, He came to take the wounds upon Himself. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

The cross isn’t just a symbol of salvation — it’s a reminder that Jesus took every cut, bruise, and burden we could ever carry. He bore our pain so we could be made whole. My dirty hands had to be cleaned to see the wound. But Jesus had clean hands — and still chose the nails.

So here’s the question God left me with that day: “Are there places in your life where the dirt is hiding the damage?” Maybe it’s unforgiveness. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it’s just the grime of everyday life building up slowly over time. Whatever it is — don’t let it fester.

Come to the One who washes clean. Let Jesus reveal what needs healing. Let Him take your wounds. And when you do, don’t be surprised if you find a cross in the midst of your pain. That’s where healing begins.

Pull up a chair to the Table & let's have a conversation. Comment below your thoughts or answer some of the questions below.

• Have you ever gone through a season where you didn’t realize how wounded you were until you stopped and let God “clean you up”? What was that like?
• Is there any area in your life right now where you feel “covered in grime” — spiritually, emotionally, or mentally? What’s keeping you from letting Jesus wash it away?
• Why do you think we often ignore or overlook our spiritual wounds until they become painful or infected?
• What does the “cut in the shape of a cross” mean to you personally? Have you seen moments in your life where God brought healing through pain?
• What practical steps can you take this week to “wash your hands” — to come clean before God and let Him reveal what needs healing?
• How can we help others recognize the hidden wounds in their lives without judging or shaming them?
• Is there someone you know who may be silently hurting under the weight of “hidden wounds”? How can you encourage them today?

As followers of Christ, our hearts long to honor God in all we do. But if we’re honest, sometimes we get out of balance—either so focused on building our own lives that we forget God’s work, or so committed to church ministry that our own homes suffer.

Is there a balance? The Bible says yes. And learning to build both our house and God’s house together is part of our calling.

In Haggai 1, the people were rebuilding their lives after exile. But while their own homes were coming together, God’s temple remained in ruins.

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” – Haggai 1:4

God wasn’t upset that they were building homes—He was calling out their misplaced priorities. They were so focused on their comfort that they forgot their commitment to God.

“You have sown much, and harvested little… Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.” – Haggai 1:6,9

The result? Frustration and burnout. They worked hard but saw little fruit because they left God out of the center.

On the other hand, it’s possible to pour so much energy into ministry that we neglect our own families and homes. Scripture calls us to care for both.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith.” – 1 Timothy 5:8

Even church leaders are required to keep their homes in order:

“If someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” – 1 Timothy 3:5

Our first ministry is our home. God is not honored when we build a thriving church while our marriages and families quietly crumble behind the scenes.

Yes—the balance comes when we allow God to lead in both places. He never asks us to choose one over the other.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

We need His wisdom to know when to work, when to rest, and when to invest. Jesus modeled this balance beautifully—He served the multitudes, but also withdrew to be with His Father and loved His close friends deeply.

You don’t have to choose between building your life or building the church. God invites you to do both—His way, with His strength. When we let Him build with us, we find joy, fruitfulness, and peace.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24

Pull up a chair to the Table & let's have a conversation. Comment below your thoughts or answer the questions below.

• Have I been so focused on building my own life that I’ve neglected the work of God?
• Have I let ministry take over at the cost of my family or spiritual health?
• What changes can I make to invite God to build both houses with me?

As parents, we want the best for our children. We want to shield them from pain, protect them from the mistakes we made, and pave a smoother road than the one we walked. But if we’re not careful, the very brokenness we hope to spare them from can creep into our parenting—and begin to shape them.

Sometimes without even realizing it, we begin to project our past failures, wounds, and insecurities onto our children.

• The mother who struggled with rejection becomes overly controlling, fearing her child will be left out too.
• The father who battled addiction might hover over his teen, expecting failure instead of growth.
• The parent who made destructive relationship choices may parent from fear, discouraging healthy independence in their child.

We try to prevent our children from walking our same paths—but when that effort is fueled by fear rather than faith, we end up parenting from a place of brokenness, not freedom.

When we project our past into their present:

• We limit their identity by defining them through our lens instead of God’s.
• We may create anxiety and fear, even when their choices are healthy.
• We risk controlling instead of guiding, producing rebellion or passivity.
• We teach them to internalize shame, believing they’re responsible for our pain or potential triggers.

This isn’t intentional—but it’s powerful. Pain that is not processed becomes pain that is passed down.

1. Know Your Own Story
“Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me…” – Psalm 139:23-24

Take time to reflect on your own journey. Ask God to reveal where past wounds may be influencing your present parenting.

2. Surrender the Fear
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear-based parenting leads to control, while faith-based parenting leads to trust. Surrender your children to God, trusting that He is writing their story, not a repeat of yours.

3. Speak Blessing, Not Burden
“The tongue has the power of life and death…” – Proverbs 18:21

Don’t let your child be shaped by the “you better not’s” of your past. Instead, declare the “you are’s” of God’s promises over their future.

4. Walk With, Don’t Hover Over
“Train up a child in the way he should go…” – Proverbs 22:6

Training is not hovering. It’s intentional, present guidance—teaching them wisdom while giving them space to grow and even make mistakes.

5. Let Jesus Redefine the Narrative
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Your past does not define you—and it doesn’t have to define your children either. Invite Jesus to heal your heart, so you can lead from wholeness instead of hurt.

You are not called to be a perfect parent—but a present one, led by the Holy Spirit. Your past may be part of your story, but it doesn’t have to write your child’s. Let grace do what fear never can—set the next generation free.

Pull up a chair to the Table & let's have a conversation. Comment below your thoughts or answer the questions below.

1. In what ways do I see my past shaping how I parent today?
2. Are there specific fears I have for my children that are rooted in my own story?
3. Have I asked God to heal areas in my life that still affect how I react, discipline, or communicate?
4. How can I be intentional about leading with wisdom rather than fear?
5. What truth from Scripture do I need to declare over my children—and over myself?

There’s something sacred about a place where God’s love dwells—not just in word or in service, but in the very atmosphere. At New Life, our church walls are saturated in love. It’s not because of the paint on the walls, the songs we sing, or even the sermons preached. It’s because the presence of Jesus fills this house, and where Jesus is, there is love, peace, and a holy welcome that words alone can’t explain.

Just this past week, two people walked into our sanctuary—no worship team, no music, not even the lights turned on yet. And both of them, at separate times, paused and said, “I feel peace in here,” and “There’s love in this place.” They hadn’t heard a sermon. No one had even greeted them yet. What they were sensing was the overflow of countless prayers, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the love of Jesus that lingers long after the service ends.

This reminded me of what David said in Psalm 84:1-2 (NIV):

“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

There’s something different when God inhabits a place. When His people love one another deeply and genuinely, His presence settles in like a fragrance that never leaves. Our church isn’t just a building—it’s become a resting place for God’s presence because of the love that flows through His people.

1 John 4:12 (NLT) says:

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

The love of Christ has been expressed in every handshake, every tear shed at the altar, every moment of forgiveness, and every song of worship lifted to heaven. That kind of love doesn’t fade when the service ends. It lingers.

So when someone walks into New Life—whether it’s Sunday morning or a quiet afternoon—they don’t just enter a room; they step into a place where love has been planted, watered, and allowed to grow. It’s in the very air. It’s in the stillness. It’s in the peace that surpasses understanding.

Romans 5:5 (ESV) says:

“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

And when that love fills our hearts, it overflows into every corner of our lives—including the places we worship. So if you’ve ever walked through our doors and felt something you couldn’t quite explain—a calm, a peace, a warmth—that’s the love of Jesus, alive and real, saturating every inch of this place.

May it always be said of our church that before a word is spoken, before a song is sung, the love of Christ is already speaking loud and clear.

Come see for yourself. You don’t have to wait for a service to know He’s here.

Pull up a chair to the Table & let's have a conversation. Comment below your thoughts or answer the questions below.

1. Have you ever walked into a place and immediately sensed God’s peace? What did that feel like?
2. How do you think love leaves a lasting impact in a space—even when no one is around?
3. What role do you believe prayer plays in shaping the spiritual atmosphere of a church?
4. In what ways can we personally carry that same peace and love of Jesus into our homes, workplaces, and communities?
5. Have you had a similar experience at New Life or another church? We’d love to hear your story in the comments!

It has been two years since I have planted a garden and this was the year I wanted to do it again. Nothing beats a fresh tomato picked right off the vine and some salt. Every morning I go out and I water the garden and have a conversation with God. I almost know what it was like for Adam and Eve to walk in the cool of the day with God. I love the fact that God never changes. He still desires to have a conversation with us. He does speak, we just have to be willing to listen. 

In gardening, especially when growing tomato plants, one of the most important but often overlooked tasks is removing the “suckers.” These are small shoots that grow in the joint between the stem and a branch. At first glance, they seem harmless—maybe even helpful—but if left alone, they begin to sap energy from the main plant. Rather than producing fruit, these suckers drain resources, ultimately hindering the plant’s growth and productivity.

It takes work to tend to the garden. Pruning requires attentiveness, patience, and sometimes even a bit of force. But the rewards? Stronger plants. Bigger fruit. A healthier harvest.

And so it is with us.

Jesus said in John 15:2 (NIV), “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” God, the Master Gardener, sees the parts of our lives that are unproductive or even destructive—our personal “suckers.” These could be:

• Toxic relationships
• Unforgiveness
• Pride or self-reliance
• Unhealthy habits
• Bitterness from past wounds
• Time-wasting distractions

We may not always recognize them as harmful at first. Sometimes, like those suckers on the tomato plant, they seem like they belong. But left alone, they sap the strength of our spiritual lives and keep us from bearing fruit.

Being pruned is never comfortable. It can feel like loss. It may involve walking away from people or habits we’ve held close. It may mean letting go of dreams we thought we needed. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

But when we allow God to cut away what doesn’t belong, we find that He replaces it with something far better—peace, clarity, fruitfulness, and intimacy with Him. The Apostle Paul experienced this refining in his own life and counted it all worth it: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7).

So, what is God pruning in your life today? Maybe He’s nudging you to let go of something—an attitude, an activity, or even a relationship. It may feel like hard work, but trust the Gardener. He doesn’t cut to hurt; He cuts to heal. And the fruit that comes from a pruned life is always worth it.

Let Him do the work. And keep tending to the garden of your soul.

Pull up a chair to the Table & let's have a conversation. Comment below your thoughts or answer the questions below.

1. What “suckers” might be present in your life right now? 
2. Have you ever seen fruit in your life after going through a difficult pruning season? 
3. Are you resisting or submitting to the Gardener’s hand?

Scriptures for Further Study:

• John 15:1-8 – The Vine and the Branches
• Hebrews 12:5-11 – God disciplines those He loves
• Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit
• Proverbs 3:11-12 – The Lord disciplines those He loves

Let God prune you today—not to punish, but to produce. The harvest is coming. ?

We live in a culture that has become quick to criticize but slow to help. From social media rants to political debates, from workplace chatter to family gatherings—it seems like everyone has something to say about what’s wrong. We blame politicians, pastors, teachers, employers, parents, and even entire generations. The world has no shortage of finger-pointers. But when it comes to finding real solutions or being part of the change, silence often follows.

Let’s be honest: spotting a problem is easy. Anyone can say, “That’s not working.” But it takes humility, wisdom, and effort to say, “Here’s how we can fix it,” or better yet, “How can I help?” Sadly, in today’s culture, criticism has become a sport, while solution-seeking feels rare.

But what happens when everyone only criticizes and no one steps in to make things better?

We create an atmosphere of division, hopelessness, and fear. When our words only tear down, people begin to believe there’s nothing worth building up. And without hope, people give up. Marriages fall apart, churches lose their fire, communities stay broken, and leadership becomes a constant target instead of a supported foundation.

The Bible doesn’t call us to be blind to the world’s problems, but it does call us to respond differently.

Ephesians 4:29 tells us:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

This isn’t just about being nice—it’s about being useful. God wants our words to carry weight, to bring life, to strengthen others, not tear them down. Words have the power to destroy or to heal. And when we choose to be encouraging and solution-oriented, we become part of God’s plan to restore what is broken.

Proverbs 15:1 says,

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

We live in a time where anger is stirred up constantly—by the media, by politics, even in the church. But gentle, thoughtful, and wise words—especially when paired with real action—can actually turn hearts and situations around.

Look at Jesus. He saw brokenness everywhere—physical sickness, spiritual confusion, corruption in leadership, hypocrisy in religion. But He didn’t just call it out and walk away. He healed, He taught, He forgave, and He led. Even when He did correct, it was with purpose: to restore, to challenge for growth, and to call people back to truth.

If we claim to follow Him, shouldn’t we do the same?

It’s easy to criticize your church, but are you willing to volunteer and serve?
It’s easy to complain about the government, but are you willing to pray and participate in your local community?
It’s easy to post about how broken the world is, but are you living a life that brings peace, grace, and solutions to those around you?

Hebrews 10:24 says,

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Think about that. The Scripture tells us to consider—that means to pause and think—about how we can encourage others to do good. It’s intentional. It’s focused. It’s not about gossip, criticism, or venting frustrations. It’s about stirring each other to love and action.

If every believer took that to heart, imagine how different our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities would look. Instead of tearing each other down, we’d lift each other up. Instead of walking away from problems, we’d lean into them—with grace, humility, and a willingness to serve.

The world doesn’t need more critics. It needs more builders. People who see problems but bring faith. People who acknowledge pain but carry healing. People who recognize injustice but work for justice with integrity.

It starts with us.
It starts with our words, our attitudes, and our willingness to stop pointing fingers and start offering hands.

So before you speak—ask:

• Am I bringing life or division?
• Am I pointing out a problem without offering a solution?
• Am I part of the problem—or the answer?

Let’s be the kind of people who speak with wisdom, act with purpose, and live with compassion. Let’s create a culture where solutions matter more than complaints, where hope is louder than hate, and where faith doesn’t just point out darkness—but brings the light.

Pull up a chair to the Table & let's have a conversation. Comment below your thoughts or answer the questions below.

1. What’s one area in your life where you’ve been more critical than helpful? How can you shift your approach this week?
2. Have you ever seen a situation turn around because someone chose to be encouraging or offer a solution instead of just criticizing? Share your story!
3. What do you think holds people back from offering solutions? Is it fear, apathy, or something else?
4. Ephesians 4:29 talks about building others up with our words. What’s one way you can do that for someone this week?
5. How can the church lead by example in being solution-focused in a culture that’s often critical?

I am learning more and more to ask God about major decisions in my life. As a pastor, I want to teach others to do the same. When someone comes to me and tells me they are making a major decision, the first question I ask is "What did God say?". This is an important and vital question to the Christian that should be asked.

In life, we all face critical crossroads—decisions like getting married, moving to another state, switching careers, or making a major investment. These choices can alter the trajectory of our lives, for better or worse. Yet too often, many rush into these life-altering moves without first consulting the One who holds the blueprint of our lives—God.

The Bible is filled with examples of people who made major decisions without asking God—and the consequences that followed.

One example is found in Joshua 9. After Israel had defeated Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites came pretending to be from a distant land, seeking a peace treaty. Instead of asking God for guidance, Joshua and the leaders made a covenant with them based on what they saw and heard:

“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.”
—Joshua 9:14 (ESV)

The result? Israel was tricked into a binding agreement that they couldn’t break without dishonoring God’s name.

When we make decisions without prayer and discernment, we are left to rely on our limited human understanding.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
—Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

Deciding without God can lead to:

• Regret (marrying the wrong person out of emotion or pressure),
• Restlessness (moving to a place that disrupts spiritual growth),
• Burnout (accepting a job that pulls us away from our calling),
• Financial hardship (making impulsive purchases or commitments).

It’s not that God abandons us in those decisions—He is gracious—but we may walk into seasons of unnecessary pain because we didn’t seek His will first.

The Blessing of Asking God First
God desires to guide His people. He isn’t playing hide-and-seek with His will. When we sincerely seek Him, He promises to direct us:

“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.”
—Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

When we involve God in our decisions, we invite divine wisdom, peace, and protection. Think of King David. Before going to battle, he often paused to ask God whether or not to proceed. And when he listened, he saw victory.

When we ask God first, we can expect:

• Peace in our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7),
• Clarity through God’s Word and wise counsel (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 11:14),
• Open and closed doors according to His purpose (Revelation 3:7-8),
• The confidence to walk boldly in faith (Isaiah 30:21).

Even when God’s direction doesn’t make immediate sense, His way always proves better in the long run.

How to Seek God in Major Decisions

1. Pray specifically and persistently – Bring your desires and questions before God. Don’t just pray once—wrestle in prayer.
2. Search the Scriptures – God speaks through His Word. What does the Bible say about the type of decision you’re facing?
3. Seek godly counsel – Talk to mature believers or spiritual leaders who will help you discern God’s voice.
4. Be willing to wait – Don’t rush. Often, the waiting season is where God works on your heart.
5. Listen for peace or check in your spirit – The Holy Spirit often confirms or cautions through inner peace or unrest (Colossians 3:15).

We were never meant to navigate life’s major moments on our own. God wants to be involved in your decisions because He cares deeply about your direction, your future, and your heart.

Before you say “I do,” pack that moving truck, or submit your two-week notice—pause and ask: “God, what do You want me to do?”

“The Lord will guide you continually…”
—Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)

When you let God lead, even uncertain paths can become peaceful ones.

Pull up a chair and lets have a conversation. Here are a few starter questions or feel free to share you thoughts below.

1. Have you ever made a major life decision without seeking God first? What was the outcome?
2. What’s one time you clearly saw God guide you after you prayed and waited on Him?
3. Which of the two columns (Deciding Without God vs. Asking God First) do you most relate to right now?
4. Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to ask God first before making big choices?
5. What’s a major decision you’re currently praying about? How can we pray with you?
6. How has seeking God changed the way you make decisions today compared to the past?
7. What verses help you stay grounded when you’re facing a tough decision?

Human rebellion didn’t begin with violence or war—it began with a conversation in a garden. In Genesis 3:1–19, we witness the tragic moment when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, choosing their own way over His. That single act of rebellion fractured the perfect harmony God had created—not only between Himself and humanity but also between man and woman.

Before sin, there was unity. Man walked with God in the cool of the day. There was no shame, no blame, no brokenness. But after sin entered the world, everything changed. Instead of holding hands with God, we started pointing fingers at one another and God. Adam blamed Eve which in turn he blamed God for creating her. Eve blamed the serpent. And the serpent? He slithered away untouched—his deception successful.

This fracture wasn’t limited to one relationship. Sin’s ripple effect touched everything:

• God and man – now separated by guilt and rebellion.
• Man and woman – now marked by blame, mistrust, and conflict.
• Person to person – now marred by jealousy, hatred, selfishness, and strife.

Romans 5:12 tells us, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Sin doesn’t just damage—it destroys. It brought death into a world that was meant for life.

And it’s not just physical death. Sin brings spiritual death, emotional turmoil, and relational decay. As Romans 6:23 warns, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

But here’s the hope: while sin causes death, God provides a solution. He doesn’t leave us in our brokenness. Instead, He invites us to confess and repent. Proverbs 28:13 declares, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” And 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Until we deal with the sin problem, the cycle of blame, shame, and brokenness will continue. But through Jesus Christ, the curse of sin can be reversed. Relationships can be healed. Fellowship with God can be restored. The serpent doesn’t get the final say—Jesus does.

Let’s stop pointing fingers and start bending our knees in repentance. The road to restored relationships begins with dealing with sin—at the foot of the cross.

Pull up a chair and lets have a conversation. Here are a few starter questions or feel free to share you thoughts below.

1. In what areas of your life do you see the effects of sin causing division or brokenness—in your relationship with God or with others?
2. What steps can you take to invite God’s healing into those areas?
3. How do you typically respond when you’re confronted with your own sin—do you confess it, excuse it, or blame others? 
4. How might taking personal responsibility open the door for restoration and growth?

This morning, during my devotional time, I was struck by a phrase I’ve read countless times—“In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1). It’s easy to skim over those words, almost as if they’re just an introduction to the more “important” parts of the Bible. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized just how profound this simple statement is.

The Bible doesn’t begin with a defense of God’s existence. It doesn’t launch into philosophical arguments or apologetics. It simply declares—God was there. Before anything else, God was. That’s powerful. That one truth sets the foundation for everything that follows. In that opening line, there is no chaos, no sin, no brokenness—just God.

And when God created the world, He did not create it in the state we often focus on: fallen, fractured, or hurting. No, He created everything—including humanity—in a state of wholeness, unity, integration, and harmony. That was His original design. A world in which everything worked together perfectly, where man walked in close relationship with the Creator.

Sadly, the fall changed that. Sin entered, and with it came brokenness, disconnection, and division. But God didn’t give up. From that moment on, He has been working to restore what was lost. And here’s the part that continues to amaze me: God chooses to use us—imperfect, broken people—as His conduits of restoration.

He is still seeking to bring wholeness where there’s brokenness, unity where there’s division, integration where there’s fragmentation, and harmony where there’s chaos. And He wants to do it through His people. Through you and me.

Everything points back to the beginning. “In the beginning God…” That’s where it all started, and that’s where God is leading us back—to His presence, His design, His purpose.

So today, may we remember that God’s heart is for restoration. And may we be willing vessels, used by Him to point others back to the One who has always been there—from the very beginning.

• When you think about “In the beginning God…”, what does that reveal to you about God’s role in your own life today?
• In what areas of your life do you sense God calling you to be a conduit of restoration and wholeness?

Share your thoughts below.
Share this blog with someone who needs a reminder that God’s original plan was wholeness and harmony.

Every year, the Sunday before Easter stirs something deep within the hearts of believers. Palm Sunday. A celebration. A procession. A parade of praise. But what if everything the people expected was wrong?

Let’s rewind to that moment in Jerusalem.

Jesus is approaching the city, and the crowd is ecstatic. They’re laying coats on the road and waving palm branches. Why? Because they believe their long-awaited king is finally here. But the King they were cheering for… wasn’t the King they were getting.

Most of us grew up with a picture of Jesus in our minds — gentle eyes, flowing hair, maybe a glowing aura. But sometimes our expectations of Jesus are more influenced by artwork than Scripture.

Even in Jesus’ time, people misunderstood who He was:

| “Is this not Joseph’s son?” — Luke 4:22
| “How can He say, ‘I came from Heaven’?” — John 6:42

The crowd saw Jesus and cheered — but for the wrong reasons. Their hopes were real, but their expectations were off.

In Matthew 21, Jesus instructs His disciples to bring Him a donkey. Not a stallion. Not a chariot. A humble, everyday work animal.

Why?

Because His kingdom isn’t built on intimidation or image — it’s built on humility, servanthood, and love.

| “We are God’s fellow workers…” — 1 Corinthians 3:9

God has always chosen to partner with people — not perfect people, just faithful ones. You don’t need to be flashy. You just need to be available.

A donkey represents peace. But here’s the twist: Jesus also brings a sword — not a weapon of violence, but of truth.

Truth divides. It shakes things up. Just like a surgeon who cuts in order to heal, Jesus may challenge you — but it’s always to transform you.

| “Blessed are the peacemakers…” — Matthew 5:9

The crowd in Jerusalem was shouting, “Hosanna!” They were ready for revolution — expecting Jesus to overthrow Rome.

But Jesus didn’t come to overthrow governments. He came to overthrow hearts.

They wanted:

• A political hero
• National freedom
• A crown of gold

But Jesus gave them:

• A suffering servant
• Freedom from sin
• A crown of thorns

Sound familiar? Even today, we sometimes want a Jesus that fits our ideals — political, cultural, or personal. But Jesus isn’t a mascot. He’s not running for office.

| “My Kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36

| “The city was stirred…” — Matthew 21:10

That word “stirred” in Greek means shaken like an earthquake. When Jesus enters a city — or a life — He doesn’t sneak in quietly. He shakes everything up.

And we need that holy disturbance.

Palm Sunday isn’t just a celebration — it’s a call to surrender.

• Will you receive the real King?
• Will you let Him shake up your life?
• Will you lay down your palm branch and pick up your cross?

Jesus didn’t come to impress. He came to transform.

• Share This With Someone Who Needs a Different View of Jesus
• Share this blog post with a friend, family member, or your small group.
• Post a quote on social media with the hashtag: #TheUnexpectedKing

Comment Below
We’d love to hear from you!
What does it mean to you that Jesus is a humble, peaceful King? Drop your thoughts, reflections, or a quick prayer in the comments.

Life is full of hidden dangers—some we can see, and others are concealed beneath the surface. Discernment, at its core, is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and deception, and the right path from the wrong one. It is a gift from God that allows us to navigate life wisely and in alignment with His will.

Imagine walking on a piece of land covered in thick weeds. Unbeknownst to you, a deep ditch lies hidden beneath the overgrowth. Without the guidance of someone who knows the land well, you could fall and injure yourself. The same principle applies to our spiritual journey—we need someone who knows our lives intimately to guide us. Who better than our Creator, God Himself?

The Bible warns us:

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
(Proverbs 14:12, NASB)

It’s easy to follow what feels right. We often compare our lives to those around us, measuring our faith against others instead of aligning ourselves with God’s ways. But as followers of Christ, our core calling is not just to believe but to become like Jesus.

Living Out Our Purpose
The Church is more than a gathering—it is a community of redeemers, called to bring healing and restoration to the broken world around us. When we truly grasp our identity in Christ, we will pursue justice, compassion, and peace, not only for ourselves but for the communities in which we live.

However, this transformation starts internally. Paul reminds us:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”
(Philippians 2:5, NKJV)

Jesus was entirely consumed with the plans of God. He put aside His glory, humbled Himself, and served humanity—even to the point of death. And even now, He continues His work, interceding for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34).

This raises an important question: What fills your thoughts every day?

Is it worry, finances, or the troubles of life? What we allow to dominate our minds will ultimately control our lives.

Paul gives us a clear instruction:

“Set your thoughts on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
(Colossians 3:2, NASB)

This is a choice we must make daily. We must train our minds to focus on God’s Word, Jesus’ example, and the mission of sharing the Gospel. Earthly responsibilities matter, but they should never consume or define us.

Many people today are consumed by political debates, social media arguments, and temporary worries. But do we talk about Jesus as much as we talk about current events? If we lose focus, we can easily forget that we were redeemed for a purpose.

When the mind of Christ influences every area of our lives, we begin to see opportunities to share hope and healing, even in difficult times. And that brings us to an important truth:

Adversity is often misunderstood. Many assume that God’s purpose is to make us comfortable, successful, or free from struggles. But Scripture tells us otherwise:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…”
(Romans 8:28–29, NASB)

The main purpose of God in your life is not to make you happy—it’s to make you like Jesus.

Think about Joseph’s life:
• Hated by his brothers.
• Sold into slavery.
• Falsely accused and imprisoned.
• Forgotten by those he helped.

At first glance, his story seems tragic. But God was using every trial to position Joseph for something greater. Eventually, he rose to power and saved countless lives—including the very brothers who betrayed him. Joseph later said:

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”
(Genesis 50:20, NASB)

The same is true for us. What others intend for harm, God can use for His divine plan. Even Jesus’ crucifixion—intended as an act of evil—became the greatest act of redemption.

So, in the midst of your struggles, where is your focus? If we choose to fix our thoughts on Christ rather than our problems, we will see purpose even in adversity.

When we trust God, He gives us peace—not just for ourselves, but as a testimony to the world.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:7, NASB)

Peace as a Testimony
When life is uncertain, your peace can inspire others to seek its source. In a world filled with anxiety and conflict, peace stands out. I once worked for a trucking company that merged with another, leaving many fearing job loss. While others were panicked, I trusted God. This peace led to conversations where I could share my faith.

Peace also helps us persevere through trials:

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33, NASB)

Peace Empowers You to Be a Vessel of Redemption
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
(Matthew 5:9, NASB)

Peace allows us to handle conflicts in a Christlike manner, reconcile relationships, and build unity within the body of Christ.

Peace Reflects God’s Victory in You
Inner peace reveals that we have been redeemed and transformed. It shows that sin no longer has power over our emotions or thoughts.

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”
(Romans 8:6, NASB)

When we live in peace, we demonstrate that we belong to Christ, reflecting His glory to a watching world.

Are you longing for hope, peace, and purpose? Have you tried filling the emptiness in your heart with success, relationships, or material things—only to feel unfulfilled?

The truth is, you were created for a relationship with God, and only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16, NASB)

Jesus died for you, rose again, and now offers you forgiveness, a new life, and eternal peace. Will you accept His invitation today?

If you’re ready to follow Jesus, pray this from your heart:

Dear Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and ask for Your forgiveness.
I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead.
Today, I turn from my old life and invite You to be the Lord of my life.
Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me to live for You every day.
Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, talk to a pastor or mentor who can help you grow in your faith.

May God’s peace fill your heart today. You were redeemed for a purpose—walk in it!

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:7 – “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

The innkeeper is a minor but pivotal figure in the story of Christ’s birth. Overwhelmed by the crowds in Bethlehem, he missed the significance of the moment and relegated Mary and Joseph to a stable. How often do we, like the innkeeper, get so consumed by the demands of life that we fail to recognize God’s presence? The absence of room for Jesus in the inn reminds us to examine our hearts and priorities. Christmas is an invitation to clear the clutter, make room for Christ, and welcome Him fully into our lives. Let us not miss the extraordinary because we’re preoccupied with the ordinary.

Family Reflection Questions:
• Why do you think the innkeeper didn’t have room for Mary and Joseph?
• How can we, as a family, make more room for Jesus this Christmas?

Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:11 – “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

The wise men, likely astrologers or scholars from the East, were guided by a star on a long journey to worship Jesus. Their gifts were deeply symbolic: gold for a king, frankincense for worship, and myrrh for burial, foreshadowing Jesus’ death and resurrection. Their willingness to travel great distances and humble themselves before a child reveals the heart of true worship—seeking Christ at all costs. They remind us that worship is not just about rituals but about offering our best to Jesus. In the busyness of life, their journey inspires us to prioritize worship and recognize Jesus as the center of all we do.

Family Reflection Questions:
• What do you think made the wise men willing to travel so far to find Jesus?
• What special gifts can our family offer Jesus this Christmas?

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:10-11 – “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”

Shepherds were often seen as outcasts, yet God chose them to be the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth. This demonstrates that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of status or background. The angel’s message of “good news of great joy” transformed their ordinary night into one of eternal significance. In faith, the shepherds left their flocks to seek the Christ child, becoming the first evangelists as they shared the news with others. Their joy and eagerness to tell the world reflect the proper response to encountering Jesus. Their story reminds us to embrace the gospel with joy and share it freely.

Family Reflection Questions:
• How do you think the shepherds felt when they saw the angels?
• Who can our family share the good news of Jesus with this Christmas?

Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:24-25 – “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

Joseph could have walked away when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy, but instead, he listened to God’s messenger and chose obedience over fear or doubt. As a carpenter, Joseph wasn’t wealthy or influential, yet God entrusted him with the care of His Son. His obedience involved personal sacrifice, protecting Mary from shame and raising Jesus as his own. Joseph’s role, though often overlooked, reminds us that ordinary people can play extraordinary roles in God’s plans through simple acts of faithfulness. His quiet strength and willingness to act on God’s word inspire us to trust God with courage, even when we don’t fully see the outcome.

Family Reflection Questions:
• Why do you think it was hard for Joseph to trust the angel’s message?
• How can our family show obedience to God like Joseph did?

Scripture Reference: Luke 1:38 – “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”

Mary was a young, humble girl from Nazareth when she received the extraordinary announcement that she would bear the Son of God. Despite her initial fear and questions, she embraced her role with faith, trusting in God’s plan for her life. Her declaration, “Let it be to me according to your word,” is a profound statement of submission and trust in the face of uncertainty. Mary likely faced judgment from others, and her life would never be the same, yet she rejoiced in the privilege of being part of God’s redemptive work. Her faith teaches us that when God calls, He also provides the grace and strength to carry out His plans.

Family Reflection Questions:
• How do you think Mary felt when the angel told her God’s plan?
• Can you think of a time when trusting God helped your family?

Last night I had a dream about Craig Groeschel. I know that seems weird, but hear me out. If you don’t know who Craig is, he is the lead pastor of Life.Church. They have multiple campuses in several locations.

In my dream I was sitting down with him at a table and I began to ask him questions. I am a leader and because he is a high capacity leader I felt I can learn from him (side note, I do learn from him in real life).

I asked, “How do you accomplish so much each day?” As he was taking out his breakfast of oatmeal and setting it on the table he jokingly said, “I start out at 2:30 in the morning.” Then his wife (I presume it was, I didn’t really see her) places a plate of eggs, bacon, toast, down in front of him. To which I exclaimed, “Man eggs too! Where do you find the time?” Then he said something that hit me, “I have found the more video games I played, the more I was drained.” Then I woke up right before my alarm went off.

Sounds like a weird dream, right? Yes, it was. But not to me.
 
What does Craig Groeschel, breakfast, and video games have to do with my walk with God? Great question. Here is the answer. A lot actually.

Pastors will take up a hobby of sorts in order to relax and destress from their day. In my experience most take up golfing. In the past 15 years of my pastoral role I have only golfed once. Some like to work out in order to relieve stress and be more healthy. I was doing this for awhile but stepped away. Then there is me. I like to play video games. Don’t judge. Now you can see the connection from my dream last night.

 I shot out of bed following my dream and I knew it was God trying to get my attention. So, I made a cup of tea and sat down at my laptop and opened my devotional.

Psalm 5:3 – “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;
In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”

Alright God, you have my full attention. I know it was you who gave me that dream.
David spent time with God daily. Was he flawed? Yes. But, God used him despite all his flaws. David followed God with all his heart. In fact, God calls David “a man after my own heart.” How could God call a flawed man that? I believe it was because David chose to spend time with God.

• Even when he didn’t feel like it
• Even if he was tired
• Even if he had a long day the day before
• Even if he went to bed late

David spent time with God in the morning. There is another who had this same type of routine and did AMAZING things! His name was/is Jesus.

Mark 1:35 – “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

There is just something about getting up before the world does and connecting with God. David did it. Jesus did it. And I believe God desires us to do it as well. I know not everyone is a morning person, but what if we just push through that? What if we make our bodies get up anyways? What if we put down the controllers late and night and go to bed a little bit earlier so we can get up a little bit earlier and connect with God?

I am not saying you’re a bad Christian if you don’t. But what if we connected with God before the world connects with us through people, the news, and whatever else comes our way today? I’d say we will have a better outlook on the day if we connect with God first.

“So many of us go by our temporary feelings. We don’t follow the path that God lays before us because we don’t feel like it. We allow our attitude and our feelings to dictate our day, when we should be dictating our attitude and our feelings!” - David Villa

The only way to make sure we follow the path God has for us for the day is to connect with Him that day.

Confession time. I had gotten out of the routine of getting up early to connect with God. I am not saying I didn’t speak to God or didn’t read my Bible. What kind of pastor does that? A lazy one. But I have found myself wore down more than usual and not having the right attitude that I should in some areas since I stepped out my routine.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

So, here I am in the early morning, everyone is asleep (except my 3 cats and dog) connecting with God and sharing this word He gave to me this morning.

If you find yourself wore down or having a bad attitude lately, I want to challenge you to set your alarm before anyone gets up and just connect with God. Try it for a couple of days. I know that if you don’t see a difference, those around you will.

What are your thoughts? Have you been through anything like this? Pull a seat up at the table and share your experience below in the comment. If this has blessed you in any way, share it on social media. Who knows, it just might help someone.  
  

Teamwork is defined as “cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause.”
 
When it comes to the church and the mission that Christ has called us to as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, it is imperative that we develop teams in order to accomplish this task. One person cannot do it alone. Jesus sets us the example when He began this mission.
 
The first thing Christ did was develop a team of people who were willing to not only to go with Him, but learn from Him “how” to fulfill the mission. We see Him not trying to reach the world on His own (although He could have being God), but creating a team, training them, and then releasing them to the ministry.

We as the church need to understand that this mission is not to be done alone. We too are called to develop teams and work alongside one another to finish the mission that is at hand.
Below are 6 things we must-haves for teamwork to work and if we are going to accomplish this mission that is set before us.

1. Admit that we need one another – 1 Corinthians 12
2. Be willing to follow leadership – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7
3. Choose not to be offended – Proverbs 19:11; Colossians 3:13
4. Believe the best about our brothers/sisters in Christ – 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
5. Speak well of one another – Proverbs 6:16, 19; Philippians 4:8; James 4:11
6. Maintain loyalty to one another – Proverbs 21:21

If we are going to work together, these six things are vital in order to keep the team together – unity – and for teamwork to work.

What are your thoughts? Is there anything you would add to the list? Pull up a seat at the table and let's have a conversation. Comment below to get started.

You ever been to a restaurant with a menu that is the size of an encyclopedia? You ever feel overwhelmed with so many options that you sit there paralyzed not knowing what to order? I have been there.

When we lived in Indiana there was a place that we went to lunch and the menu pretty much covered everything. If you want Italian, they had it. If you wanted Mexican, they had it. Hot dogs? Coming right up. Felt in a Greek mood? They had that too. Indian? Why not. With so many choices on the menu it was very difficult to order lunch. Drive thru's can be just as exhausting.
Did you know that there is a scientific term for this feeling of anxiety and inability to decide? It is called decision fatigue. 

Decision fatigue can rob you of your certainty. Why am I writing about this today? Because we live in a world where there is a menu of "truth" and you have your truth, I have mine, and every other human being on this planet has theirs. It can be exhausting and debilitating not knowing what or who to believe. So many are left with uncertainty.

This does not have to be this way. There is a way to know truth with certainty. That truth is God. God has not left us with an oversized menu of truth. He is very clear and concise as to where we can find this truth and we can know with certainty that it is true.

This truth that we can find is written in the Word of God. It is here that one can find truth and know truth with certainty. Decision fatigue is none existent when it comes to knowing the truth found in the pages of Scripture.

One of the greatest questions I have learned to ask as a Christian when faced with choices in this life is "What does God say about it?" After asking I stop. Listen. And read. His truth is the only one that matters. His truth is the only one that can set anyone free. Even free from decision fatigue. No need to be paralyzed with so many options. No need to live with uncertainty about the things in this life. You can know that you know that you know. 

Pull up a seat at the table and let's have a conversation. Comment below to get started.

In the very beginning of Scripture, we see the enemy, satan, the devil, in the image of a snake. This snake is the tempter who wrapped himself around Adam & Eve and the fall of mankind took place (Genesis 3:1). We need to understand that the enemy is a sneaky snake and wants nothing more than to control you and take you off of the path that God has you on or about to go on. He doesn’t want you to live life more abundantly (John 10:10). He doesn’t want you to have joy, peace, or victory in life. He simply wants to kill you…spiritually (possibly even physically).

But not all attacks from this venomous snake is necessarily brought on by the enemy. I dare to say that sometimes we leave the door open for the enemy to hide in our lives. 

Let me explain. One day, after I had mowed our yard when we were pastoring in Clay City, IN. I went  over to the church to mow its yard too. The grass had not been cut in about a week in a half or so because we have had quite a bit of rain. The grass was pretty long and the mowing was definitely a necessity. As I was cutting I noticed something sliding through the grass along the side of the church. Upon further investigation I found out what it was. Yep, you guessed it, it was a snake.

He or she (I didn’t know how to check and I would rather not even begin that process) was brown and well hidden in the tall blades of grass. It wasn’t until I came along and purposely cut the grass down that revealed it. I struggled to pick it up as I stepped on the back half of it (not squishing it) and then I put my foot right on its neck so I could grab its head without getting bit. After about ten minutes or so (I REALLY didn’t want to get bit), I was able to grab its neck and safely remove it out of the yard.

As I was removing the snake, God began to speak to me about the situation. Here is wha the Lord told me that day. The tall grass along with its weeds represents the sin in our lives. Inside of the sin that we harbor is lurking a snake...the enemy. He is just waiting for the right moment to strike at you and take you down. It isn’t until we “CUT” the sin out of our lives that we can expose the snake for what he really is…a spiritual killer. The longer we harbor sin in our lives the bigger it gets and the easier it is for the enemy to hide. 

So what do we do? Simple, we need to cut the grass (sin) out of our lives.

Before we cut the grass we need to be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that it needs cutting to begin with. In other words, acknowledge you have sin. We all do. To say we don't the bible says we there is no truth in us. 

Had I not acknowledged the grass needed cut at the church, it would have never been cut and more snakes could move in. While sometimes we don't purposely harbor sin in our lives, it doesn't mean we don't have sin. Sometimes sin, just like the snake, hides itself very easily and it needs to be illuminated. This is where the the Word of God. The Word is a lamp that shines into our lives and reveals the dark places.

Once it is revealed, the second thing we need to do is cut it out. The Word is not only a light, but also a sword (Ephesians 6:17) that is sharper than any double edged blade (Hebrews 4:12) that pierces to the very soul. When God reveals to us the things that are not pleasing to Him, we need to repent and then get rid of it. Jesus even tells us to go to the extremes if we have to.

If we refuse to cut the grass, that snake will eventually come out and coil himself around you and bite. My prayer is that each of you stay in the Word of God to keep the grass (sin) in our lives at bay. Though we will never get rid of all of it, we can and must  keep it trimmed.

Pull up a seat at the table and let's have a conversation. Comment below to get started.

This past week the Lord gave me the word position. According to Oxford Languages, position is defined as "a place where someone or something is located or has been put." As followers of Jesus Christ we are placed/put into a position. Here are just a few for example.

• Placed in a position of authority (Luke 10:19)
• Positioned/seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)
• Placed in a position of grace (2 Timothy 1:9)

While these positions are automatically given to those who believe, there are other positions that God is trying to get us to. I think of Abram and Sarai. God was trying to move them from a physical location, the Ur of the Chaldees, to another location/position called the Promised Land in Genesis. 

Genesis 12:1-3
"1 Now the Lord said to Abram,
“Go forth from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you;
2 And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
3 And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who [c]curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

Along the way though, Abram and Sarai got out of position. Just a few verses down in Genesis 12:10-20, a famine hits them while on their journey and they ended up changing positions and headed down to Pharaoh's house in order to find provision. Because of changing their position from where God had them to a new position with Pharaoh, they found themselves in some trouble. God sent plagues upon Pharaoh's house and he sent them on their way. We find Abram and Sarai being pushed back into the position that God had placed them - on track to the Promised Land.

Not too long after, Abram's son Isaac finds himself in a similar situation. Another famine hits the land. The difference we see between the father and son is God is involved. We are not told if Abram even spoke to God about changing positions. I assume he didn't because of the lies he told about his wife and the fact God sent plagues into the land as a result of his lies.

Here is what the Lord said to Isaac.   

Genesis 26:2-3
"2 The Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you.
3 Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham."

The Lord told Isaac not to go to Egypt, but to go where He would tell him to go. Isaac was to stay in the position the Lord showed him and the result is blessings.

Too often we find ourselves outside of the position the Lord desires for us. When we change positions without consulted the Lord, situations can arise as a result of the change. Maybe you find yourself in a position like Abram and Sarai. Maybe you made the choice to change position without consulting the Lord and you are now facing the consequences. If that is you, there is good news!

God is a God of grace and even though we make the mistake of stepping out of the position He would have for us, there is a way back. Abram was forced out of his position at Pharaoh's house and sometimes we are too. But then there are times where we are more like the Prodigal Son.

The Prodigal Son wasn't forced back home. He simply came to his senses. 

Luke 11:7
"7 But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!"

The Prodigal Son realized it was better to be a hired man in his father's house then to eat with the pigs. Upon his return, the father didn't punish him, didn't make take him on as a hired man, or even turn him away. Instead the father threw a huge party and restored him into the family as his son.

God does the same for us when we step out of the position that God had us in. He restores us back to our position that He originally gave us. Sons/daughters of the Father. The way back is simple. We just have to realize it is better to be in the position God placed us in than in the house of Pharaoh or in a pig pen. 

Acts 3:19
"19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord"

Pull up a seat at the table and let's have a conversation. Comment below to get started. 

Identity theft is a major issue in the world we live in today. According to IdentityTheft.info, “Approximately 15 million United States residents have their identities used fraudulently each year with financial losses totaling upwards of $50 billion.” But what if I told you that the number is greater than 15 million and the cost is way beyond $50 billion dollars? How upset would you be? It would anger me to have my own identity stolen, but what about others?

There is an identity thief that is in our world and he is not just stealing from people who live in the United States, but this thief is global. Not only that, he steals something worth far more than dollars and cents. He steals eternity. His name…the devil.

The Bible tells us that God created mankind in His image. Identity defined is “the fact of being who or what a person or thing is”. This is what the devil has been and is robbing people of. He wants to steal who you are…he wants to steal your identity.
In Matthew 4:1-11, we can see exactly how he tries to do this. Before Jesus began His ministry, He went on a forty day fast in the wilderness. It was in the wilderness the devil came and tried to take his identity in order to steal His eternity. Three times Jesus was tempted by the devil. It is in the first two we can see how the devil tried to steal His identity.

Matthew 4:3;6
“3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”…6 and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down…” NASB

Twice the devil asked Jesus, “If you are the Son of God”. If someone were to come to me and ask me, “If you are James Turnes…”, the first thing I would do is go through some facts in my own mind to determine that yes I am in fact James Turnes. But what if I didn’t have any facts to prove that I am James? I would be left to question who I really am.
This is exactly how the enemy steals our identity. When we accept Christ we are told that we are:

• Children of God (John 1:12)
• Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27)
• Chosen and holy (1 Peter 2:9)
• Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

I could go on and on. The bottom line is this…the devil wants us to question who we are. When we begin to question who we are, we begin to lose our identity. Our identity will determine who or what we will worship. Jesus knew who He was. He knew He was the Son of God. Therefore He did not worship him in verse nine and ten. If the devil can steal who we are in Christ, he will rob us of our eternity.

What are some other ways the devil tries to rob us? Comment below.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below and let's have a discussion.