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…

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

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…

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…

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!

Pray. Prayer is really important in our walk with Christ. If we are never praying, then we are never talking with God. A relationship is two-sided. We must talk with God. He loves us. He wants to hear about how our day is going. Talk with God this week.

Change. It’s not often a word that we like to hear, much less experience. As I have been working through the last few months, change seems to be imminent. No matter where I go or what I do, things keep changing in my life. Some things could be labeled “positive,” while others are less than joyous changes. Overall, though, the biggest struggle has been to remember that God is in charge. Remember that this week. God is truly in charge.

God has you right where he needs you. This sounds so cliche, but it is 100% true! Think about it – God made time, right? If that is the case, then he decided where in time he wants you! You truly are right where God wants you! Don’t forget that this week!

More and more, this world starts to look dark and dreary. In fact, it can often be dragging just to push to the next day. Our God gives us strength, though. This week, as you struggle to complete the mundane tasks that would normally be part of the “grid,” pray that God uses even these small things for his glory. Our God has a plan. Do you trust him?

It is really easy to forget who we are, especially with so many other people around us that seem to offer so much. Our focus quickly shifts from who we are as Christians (beloved children of our King), to who we are not (the person next to us). Heed these words, and, remember this week that your value is far beyond anything in this world: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31;…