Often times, we jump to label ourselves as “Christians”, but do we know what that word really means? To be a follower of Christ, what the word “Christian” really means, we need to let go. We need to be okay with God’s plan being different than ours. God has a plan at work, as he tells us again and again in Scripture. We just need to trust that his plan is better than anything we could try to plan for ourselves. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11;…
-
-
Weekly Challenge – August 15, 2021
How beautiful to behold the world in the eyes of a child – finding beauty and majesty in everything that surrounds you. Yet so often we view our present circumstances with disgust and dismay for they do not fulfill the expectations laid before them. They wander from their predetermined path that we feel we have the right to lay. When we pull right, life turns left. When we say stop, life speeds past. Moments are wasted with distractions from what truly matters. Memories are lost and replaced by futile emotions that ruin the large picture. We see an obstacle, yet a child sees a challenge. We see a wall, yet…
-
Weekly Challenge – August 1, 2021
The Lord, our God, has a plan, even through what we may see as a disaster. As more and more seems to shatter at our feet, we need to trust that our God is at work. 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; Crossway Student Study Bible
-
August 1st to August 7th
We cannot ever forget that God is constantly walking with us, no matter the trials. Never is there a moment that God will abandon us. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9; ESV; Crossway Student Study Bible Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by…
-
July 25th to July 31st
I heard something the other day that was very interesting to think about: God has already provided everything for us to get through whatever hardship we are currently facing. We mustn’t forget that, through Christ, we have everything we need. Even if we do not have the materialistic needs filled, we have Jesus in our lives, which allows us to find complete satisfaction. I rejoiced in the LORD greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to…
-
Weekly Challenge – July 25, 2021
Constantly, we are surrounded by uncertainty. Whether it be the little details of the day, the bigger questions of what is to occur tomorrow, or the determination of our lengthy future, we are inundated with the curiosities of what is to come. The beautiful part of this, though, is that we have a God who, not only knows everything that happens in our lives, but plans everything that is to happen in our lives. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11; ESV; Crossway Student Study Bible Even if…
-
July 18th to July 24th
July 20th July 18th Often times, we are so caught up in the larger chaos of the day that we miss God’s blessings! They are right in front of us if we would only open our eyes to see his great provision!
-
Weekly Challenge – July 18, 2021
Let God use you! Do not be afraid that speaking out about your faith will allow people to categorize you! We are Christians. That means we may not, and probably will not, be loved by the world! “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19; ESV; Crossway, Student Study Bible Instead of being fearful of the words of the world, seek earnestly the council of our…
-
July 11th to July 17th
July 17th God is at work constantly. Never doubt that he is moving, because he is constantly orchestrating his plan for his glory! July 15th July 14th July 12th Life gets hard. There is no doubt about it. We have our “moments” when our circumstances are more difficult than we expected they would be, but God still maintains control. We cannot forget where our salvation rests. July 11th
-
Weekly Challenge – July 11th
I was reminded on the 4th of July what blessings we have to live in this country. There are so many things that we take for granted. The lives that we live are truly a gift. We must spend every moment as if it is our last if only because we recognize that time is precious!