Blog Topics

Title Summary
When a Child Turns Away: Trusting God with Our Lost Loved Ones

When someone you love turns away from God, it can leave your heart shattered and your prayers feeling unanswered. Yet even in the silence, God is still working — His mercy still reaching, His love still pursuing. This devotional offers comfort and biblical truth for weary hearts, reminding us that while we cannot control the choices of those we love, we can trust the One who never stops calling them home.

Beyond the Comfort Zone

When we settle into comfort, we can miss the beauty God has waiting just beyond the door. In this heartfelt reflection inspired by my cat, Jango, and our move to Florida, discover how 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us that God’s plans are far greater than what we can imagine—and how stepping out in faith opens the way to His best plan.

Calling Sin What It Is: A Call to Repentance and Renewal

We often describe sin with softer words — calling it a struggle, a mistake, or a weakness — but in doing so, we risk losing sight of what it really is: disobedience to God. This devotional reminds us that true repentance begins when we stop excusing sin and start naming it, surrendering it fully to the Lord who alone can cleanse and restore us.

Trusting God’s Journey

God has good plans for us, even when the journey feels long and uncertain. When we choose to trust Him, we can rest in His care along the way, knowing He sees the destination and it is filled with hope.

Filled With the Spirit – Our Only Power for Life and Ministry

Jesus promised that the Father delights to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). Without His Spirit, our efforts are empty—but when we are filled, we are empowered, guided, and comforted even in turbulent times. In this devotional, we’ll explore what it means to truly live Spirit-filled lives and why surrender to God’s will changes everything.

Faith That Endures: Lessons from Charlie Kirk’s Memorial

Charlie Kirk’s memorial was more than a farewell — it was a testimony of faith, forgiveness, and courage. From his wife’s powerful words of grace to reminders of eternity and boldness in Christ, this service calls us to live with unwavering faith. Read how his legacy challenges us to stand firm and keep our eyes on Jesus.

Sowing and Reaping: The Principle of Reciprocity in God’s Word

The Bible teaches a powerful principle of reciprocity—what we sow, we will reap. Our words, actions, and even our judgments are seeds that will produce a harvest in our lives. This devotional looks at Scriptures like Galatians 6:7–8, Matthew 7:1–2, and Luke 6:38, reminding us that God is not mocked, but He is gracious. When we sow mercy, generosity, and forgiveness, we can expect a harvest of blessing.

When Anger and Grief Collide

This week has left my heart heavy. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken me deeply. Like many of you, I feel sorrow, grief, and yes—anger. And I know I’m not alone. Some of us may be struggling with what to do with these emotions. Is it wrong to feel so angry when evil men commit such acts? How do we reconcile anger with Jesus’ command to love our enemies?

The Real Issue: It’s Always the Heart

In the wake of tragedy, it’s easy to focus on external solutions—laws, policies, and quick fixes. But God’s Word reminds us that the real issue is deeper: it’s always the heart. In this blog, I share how true transformation comes not from removing weapons or shifting blame, but from surrendering our hearts to Christ, who alone can bring lasting hope and peace.

Knowledge that Puffs Up, Love that Builds Up

We can easily fall into the trap of knowing about God without truly experiencing His love. Knowledge alone can puff us up, but love builds us up and transforms us. In this devotional, we’ll explore how head knowledge of Scripture—like the armor of God in Ephesians 6—must become personal and lived out in our hearts if we are to truly stand strong in faith and experience the depth of Christ’s love.

Overwhelmed by God’s Kindness and Faithfulness

This devotional reflects on God’s overwhelming kindness and faithfulness. Even in our weakness and unworthiness, He notices us, answers our prayers, and delights in us as His children. Learn how to cultivate gratitude for what He has done, trust His timing when He says ‘not yet,’ and rejoice in the God who is always faithful.

Take Heed Lest You Fall

Pride doesn’t always shout — sometimes it whispers, quietly convincing us we’re standing strong and beyond certain temptations. But Scripture warns, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). In this blog post, we’ll explore how pride creeps into even the most faithful hearts, how to recover when we fall, and how to keep our hearts humble, dependent, and aligned with God’s will.

Living in Victory: Shifting Our Focus from Satan’s Schemes to Christ’s Triumph

While the Bible is clear that we have a real enemy who seeks to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10), it is just as clear that we should not live in fear of him. When our focus is on what Satan is doing, we begin to shrink back in anxiety instead of standing firm in faith. But when our focus shifts to Christ—His finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His promises—we begin to live from a place of victory, not defeat.

A Healthy Fear of God: Why It Still Matters

While modern culture often emphasizes God’s love and mercy, the Bible also teaches that He is holy, just, and will bring judgment on sin. A reverent fear of God is not about terror but about recognizing His holiness and authority, which can lead us to repentance and a deeper appreciation of His mercy.

When Evil Seems to Win: Standing Firm on God’s Promises

When the world feels overcome by corruption, we can rest in knowing that God is sovereign, just, and faithful. He sees what is hidden, He will bring truth to light, and He will deal with the wicked in His perfect time. Our call is to keep trusting Him, keep doing good, and hold fast to the hope that truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail—because our God reigns.

A Grateful Heart in a Grumbling World

Grumbling and complaining come naturally to us. It doesn’t take much—a delay, a disappointment, a hardship—and we can quickly slip into a mindset of discontent. But Scripture makes it clear: God takes our complaints seriously, especially when they stem from a heart that doubts His goodness, His timing, or His care.

When the Waters Rise: Trusting God’s Goodness in the Midst of Tragedy

This past week, our hearts were shattered by the devastating flash floods that swept through Central Texas. In a matter of hours, what began as a summer of joy turned into a nightmare for many families, especially those connected to Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. In moments like these, we are called not to provide pat answers but to offer presence, comfort, and hope. Let us be the hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world.

True Freedom: A Devotional for Independence Day

When our Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence, they acknowledged that our rights do not originate from governments or kings—but from our Creator. They believed that liberty, life, and the pursuit of happiness were God-given rights, not man-made privileges. That truth, grounded in divine authority, gave them the courage to stand against tyranny and fight for a new beginning.

Praying for Israel: God’s Promises Still Stand

Throughout the pages of Scripture, God reveals His unique covenant relationship with the nation of Israel. From the promises made to Abraham to the prophetic declarations about the end times, the Bible is clear: Israel is deeply woven into God’s redemptive plan for the world. In these turbulent times, we are called to watch, to pray, and to stand with Israel.

He Will Have Compassion — Returning to the God Who Loves Us

In my recent reading of Deuteronomy, I’ve been struck by how often God reminds His people that even after they have failed—even after they’ve turned away, disobeyed, and reaped the consequences—His heart is still toward them. He pleads with them not to stay far off, but to return.

When Pride Stands in Judgment of God

This week, I overheard a conversation that was both startling and all too common. A Christian was gently sharing the gospel with a pantheist, who replied, “I could never worship a God who would send someone to hell.” That single sentence revealed not just a difference in belief—but a heart posture of prideful self-righteousness. It was as if the speaker believed their sense of justice and compassion surpassed that of the Almighty. The comment may sound noble to modern ears, but in truth, it is a form of rebellion against God’s character.

When God Feels Distant: Drawing Near in Dry Seasons

There are times in every believer’s life when God feels far away. Our prayers feel empty, worship feels forced, and we struggle to see His hand at work in our lives. It can feel like our hearts have grown dull or that we’ve been left alone in the dark. But here's the truth: God has not moved. His presence is not dependent on how we feel. We don’t live by our emotions—we live by faith and by what we know to be true according to God’s Word.

Rediscovering God’s Gift of Rest

In our fast-paced world, rest often feels like a luxury instead of a necessity. We live in a culture that celebrates productivity, hustle, and packed schedules—but God offers something better: true rest. From the very beginning, rest was part of God’s design. Not just for our physical refreshment, but as a spiritual rhythm that draws us closer to Him

Good Friday Reflections: Psalm 22 and the Cry from the Cross

On Good Friday, we remember the darkest day in history—the day Jesus Christ was crucified. His agonizing cry from the cross echoes the opening line of Psalm 22, a psalm written by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. But was Jesus truly forsaken by God? Or was something deeper, more beautiful, being revealed?

Fear and Trembling: The Power to Witness Comes from God

Have you ever felt a deep sense of fear when sharing your faith? That moment when your heart pounds, your hands shake, and your words seem to falter? You are not alone. Even the Apostle Paul, one of the boldest proclaimers of the Gospel, admitted to coming with “fear and trembling” when sharing the message of Christ.

Is God Fair? Wrestling with Romans 9:10-21

Many people struggle with the idea that God chooses to bless or call some while seemingly neglecting or rejecting others. If God is just and good, why does He love Jacob but not Esau (Romans 9:13)? Why does He show mercy to some but not others (Romans 9:15)? If He hardens whom He wills, does that mean we have no choice (Romans 9:18-21)?

What’s Holding You Back? Overcoming Obstacles to Courageous Living

There are many reasons we struggle with courage, but four common obstacles stand in the way: fear, sin, lack of discipline, and complacency. Let’s explore each one and how we can overcome them through God’s Word.

Courage: Stepping Out in Faith In Spite of Fear

Fear is one of the greatest obstacles that holds us back from living boldly for God, pursuing our dreams, and stepping into His plans for our lives. Yet, throughout Scripture, God calls His people to be strong and courageous. True courage is not the absence of fear but choosing to move forward in faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.

Rethinking Success: A Biblical Perspective

What does success look like to you? Is it a promotion at work? Reaching your financial goals? Completing a project or achieving a personal milestone? The world measures success by accomplishments, wealth, influence, and accolades. But as Christians, we are called to measure success differently—by what has eternal value.

You Are Not “Less Than” – Embracing Your Unique Calling

Have you ever felt intimidated by other Christians? Maybe you’ve looked around and thought, “They are so involved in ministry, have amazing testimonies, and seem like super-Christians. What do I have to offer?” If that’s you, I want to encourage you today: You are uniquely created by God for a purpose. Your story, gifts, and experiences matter.

Living in Light of His Coming

Throughout Scripture, believers are called to eagerly anticipate the return of Christ, but this anticipation must be marked by godly living and patient trust. In 2 Peter 3:8-18, Peter reminds us of God's perfect timing and urges us to be a people who live holy and blameless lives as we wait. Let us explore this passage together and reflect on how we can embody the instructions given to us.

God Raises Up Leaders: From King Cyrus to Today

Throughout history, God has raised up leaders to accomplish His will, whether to bring about judgment, restoration, or to turn hearts back to Him. One of the most striking examples in Scripture is King Cyrus of Persia. While Cyrus was a pagan king who did not know God personally, he was used mightily by God to fulfill His purposes. Today, many Christians see parallels between Cyrus and modern leaders like Donald J. Trump, believing that God is working through them to bring righteousness and integrity to our nation and world.

The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel in the Last Days

As we enter a new year, we are reminded of how quickly time passes. The days seem to grow darker, and the signs of the times point more clearly to the imminent return of Christ. Though we do not know the exact day or hour of His coming, Jesus made it clear that we must live with urgency and purpose, sharing the Gospel message with those who are lost. Matthew 24:36 says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Pressing On: New Beginnings in Christ

As we step into a new year, many of us reflect on the past and set goals for the future. The turning of the calendar reminds us that we have an opportunity to start afresh. For Christians, this is not just a cultural practice but a deeply spiritual truth. Through Christ, we are given the ultimate new beginning.

O Holy Night: A Song of Redemption and Hope

Christmas is a season filled with cherished traditions, and among the most treasured are the hymns that bring to life the story of Christ’s birth. Few hymns capture the profound mystery and joy of that holy night like "O Holy Night." With its soaring melody and deeply moving lyrics, this hymn has inspired worshippers for generations. But beyond its beauty lies a story of redemption—not only in its words but also in its history.

The Wonder of the Incarnation

Christmas is a season of wonder, and at the heart of it is the most extraordinary truth: the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In John 1:14, we read these incredible words: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (NIV). This verse captures the awe of what we celebrate at Christmas—God Himself stepping into our world.

Cultivating a Heart of Thankfulness

In a world that constantly pushes us to desire more—more possessions, more recognition, more success—it is easy to lose sight of the blessings God has already given us. A thankful heart is one that rests in contentment and keeps its focus on eternity rather than being consumed by the fleeting things of this world. In this post, we’ll explore how to cultivate thankfulness by embracing contentment and setting our minds on things above.

Seeking the Peace and Prosperity of Our Nation

As we approach a pivotal election, many Christians find themselves wondering how best to fulfill their role in our country. Jeremiah 29:7 offers timely wisdom: "Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." This passage reminds us that as believers, we are called not only to pray for our communities but also to actively work for their welfare. In today’s context, that means getting involved, staying informed, and taking our civic responsibilities seriously—including the responsibility to vote.

Trusting God’s Sovereignty in the Election

As we approach the upcoming election, many of us find ourselves filled with hope, concern, and uncertainty. We long for justice, righteousness, and godly leadership to prevail. Yet, we must also prepare our hearts for the reality that God’s plans may not always align with our expectations. How do we respond when the political landscape doesn’t reflect our deepest desires for change?

Faithfulness in Uncertain Times: A Call to Persevere and Do Good

As we approach the upcoming election, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the political climate, the division in our nation, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Many of us may feel frustrated, perhaps even weary, wondering if our efforts, our prayers, and our votes truly make a difference. But in Galatians 6:7-10, God’s Word offers us a timely reminder.

Embracing Autumn: Finding Joy in the Waiting Season

Autumn is a season of transition. The warm days of summer give way to cooler temperatures, the vibrant greens turn to golds, oranges, and reds, and there’s a certain stillness in the air as we prepare for the coming winter. There’s so much beauty in autumn—the changing leaves, the crisp mornings, and the cozy evenings by the fire—but there are also things we might find unsettling: the shorter days, the approaching cold, and the loss of summer’s freedom.

Fully Persuaded: Trusting in God's Promises

In a world where uncertainty is the norm, it can be difficult to remain steadfast in our faith. We often find ourselves wondering if God will really fulfill the promises He’s made. Life’s trials and the seeming delays in answers to prayer can shake our confidence. Yet, the Bible calls us to be fully persuaded that God’s promises are true and that His character is unchanging.

Waiting on the Lord: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing

Waiting for God to answer our prayers can be incredibly difficult, especially when we pray for the salvation of loved ones, a change in our circumstances, or relief from life’s burdens. When the answer doesn’t come in our timing, discouragement can creep in. But God’s Word offers us hope and reassurance that He is at work even when we can’t see it. Let’s explore what it means to wait on the Lord and how we can renew our strength during these times of waiting.

Revelation: A Book of Worship, Hope, and Victory

Revelation is more than a book of prophecy; it is a book of worship. The continuous praise offered to God and the Lamb throughout its pages reminds us that no matter the trials of this life, God is on the throne, and He is worthy of our worship. As we reflect on the worship in Revelation, may we be inspired to live lives that continually glorify God, rejoicing in His sovereignty, and looking forward with hope to the day when we will join in the eternal song of praise.

Integrating Faith and Politics: The Biblical Call to Active Civil Participation

This blog post asserts that Christians have a biblical duty to vote, integrating their faith into politics to promote righteousness, peace, and justice. It refutes a pacifist view that separates the church's mission from political involvement, using quotes from John Piper and John Stuart Mill to emphasize the importance of active civic participation in preventing evil and loving one's neighbor.

Finding True Rest in a Busy World

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life—whether it’s work, family, social media, or the endless to-do lists that seem to occupy every moment of our days. But God, in His wisdom and love for us, knew the importance of rest. From the very beginning, He designed us to need periods of rest to recharge not only physically but spiritually and emotionally as well.

Sober and Vigilant: Guarding Our Hearts in a Distracted World

Discover how to live a life that is both sober and vigilant in a world full of distractions. Learn practical steps to guard your heart, stay spiritually alert, and maintain a focus on eternity without being consumed by fear. Click the "Read More" link to dive deeper into living with purpose and hope.

Actively Working Out Your Salvation

As believers, we are called to actively work out our salvation. This doesn’t mean that we earn our salvation through our efforts, but rather that our faith must be alive and active. It requires us to engage with God’s will, to step out in faith, and to pursue what He has for us. We cannot sit back and expect God to drop everything in our laps. Instead, we must partner with Him, trusting that He will guide our steps as we move forward.

The Spirit of the Anti-Christ in Today's World

In today's society, we see increasing boldness in mocking Christian values. Events like the Paris Olympics' portrayal of the Last Supper with drag queens are clear signs of the anti-Christ spirit at work. As Christians, we must stay vigilant, stand firm in our faith, pray for boldness, and share the Gospel with love. Though the world may mock now, God will not be mocked—He will have the final say.

God is Among Us In recent political events, including an assassination attempt on a candidate and the president's sudden withdrawal from the race, we see signs of God's intervention. Despite past frustrations with the nation's corruption, these changes suggest a revival. Keep praying and trusting in God's plan. Follow this theme on X -- God is Among Us -- to share your insights into God's presence in the daily events happening around us.
Understanding Our True Position Before God: A Biblical Perspective

Many believe they are "basically good" and expect God's favor despite not living obediently. This article explains that God's standard is perfect holiness and everyone falls short. It emphasizes the need for Jesus' sacrifice for salvation, which is a gift of grace, not earned by deeds. The article offers self-reflection insights, encouraging readers to consider Jesus' parables, personal transformation stories, ask probing questions, pray for revelation, and approach with humility. Understanding one's true position before God is essential for a genuine relationship with Him.

Wait in Expectation I wonder how different our attitude toward prayer would be if we REALLY expected our prayers to be answered. I think back to the times when God has suddenly answered one of my prayers and my first thought is “Wow, I can’t believe he actually answered that!” It sounds so silly that it makes me laugh. What exactly was I expecting to happen when I prayed?
Crying Out to God in Prayer

Praying to God does not require eloquence or special theological insight. Like the tax collector who beat his breast and cried out "God have mercy on me, a sinner", we can come to Jesus with our raw emotion. In this devotional from Vision Christian Media, we learn about how the undignified prayer of a blind man caught Jesus's attention leading to his restored sight.

Prayer & Fasting Guidelines

This week we are promoting the Esther Fast from sundown Tuesday through sundown Friday. This is a time to pray for our nation, that God would intervene in our government, in our culture and in our churches and that his Holy Spirit would move hearts to embrace the life-changing gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. In this blog we offer some prayer guidelines to help you pray throughout the fast.

God is Still in Control During times of suffering or hardship, it can be easy to forget that God is in control and to wonder if he even sees what is going on. One thing we can be sure of is that God is sovereign over everything and that he is "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8) Watch this video from Pastor Jerry Gillis (www.thechapel.com) for an excellent message about God's sovereignty - I guarantee you will feel encouraged and blessed: Video: God is Sovereign
Stronger Together I have often thought that Christians could be more effective if we worked together as one. With so many different churches and organizations, each with their own ministries, it seems like we would benefit greatly if we could work together, pooling our time and resources to become a major force in our world. One organization that is doing just that is Alliance Defending Freedom (www.adflegal.org). As their name says, they are an alliance of organizations working to defend our religious freedom in the United States.
Not the answer you were expecting? Sometimes we pray to God and we already have in our minds how we think he should answer. In fact, we pray with our desired answer foremost in our mind. Many times (if not most of the time), God answers us in ways we never expected.
Feelings versus Faith "Sometimes people will neglect to pray because they are in the dark and feel no desire to pray. But that is the very time when they need prayer. That is the very reason they need to pray. " - Charles G. Finney
Prayerlessness I think the greatest sin of our churches today is prayerlessness. This post explores some of the reasons why we struggle with prayer. Do any of these sound familiar?
Humble Yourselves When you pray, ask God to open your eyes to see yourself the way he sees you. Humble yourself before him and ask him to forgive you for your pride and for trusting in your own wisdom instead of looking to him for guidance.
Pray without ceasing I have often wondered what Paul meant when he said that he never ceases to give thanks or that he prays without ceasing. We are commanded to do this in Scripture, but what does it really mean?
I didn’t expect you to answer like THAT! Sometimes when we pray, God answers in a way that is totally unexpected. One thing I know for sure is that God is good and he will not give us a stone when we ask for bread. So, even though it does not seem like God gives us the RIGHT answer, we know that He gives us the BEST answer.
Praying – Easy or Hard? Why is it so difficult to slow down and actually get on our knees in prayer? Is it because we are too busy? Maybe it is because we really don’t understand how much God longs for usto take that time to just focus on Him. He knows our hearts, but do we know HIS heart?
Praying for Miracles I wonder how many times we miss God’s blessing because we fail to pray for miracles. I hope this post will encourage you to pray for miracles. Not just for the miracle itself, but for the miraculous change it can bring about in the life of another.
Learning to Pray As believers, we are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer, searching our heart and thoughts and tells us what to pray. The Holy Spirit will teach you to pray if you just ask.
Why pray? If God already knows what we are going to ask for, and his will is going to be accomplished on the earth, and the Spirit is already interceding, why does he need us to pray?
The Impulse To Pray Always respond to every impulse to pray. The impulse to pray may come when you are reading or when you are battling with a text. I would make an absolute law of this – always obey such an impulse. –Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Praying for Spiritual Leaders While browsing the Internet, I came upon the list below for “Praying for Missionaries A-Z”. I wanted to share it with you because I think it is applicable for praying for anyone in ministry.
Do you delight in prayer? As you fall more and more in love with God, you will begin to desire to spend time with Him and you will delight in prayer.
When you don’t feel like praying What I have found is that prayer can be a lot like exercise. I procrastinate exercising all the time because it is difficult, requires my time and energy and focus.
Tough Week When you don’t understand life’s turns and you are tempted to be discouraged, focus on who God is. He is unchangeable. We know that he is compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. That never changes, no matter how it seems. You need to trust him and acknowledge him and have faith that he will always do what is most just and loving and most compassionate. One day we will understand fully. Be patient and keep trusting.