Tag Archives: Christian

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Impact of Mentorship: Celebrating Influential Men

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Everyone can have a positive influence.

As we celebrate fatherhood, there may be men who feel left out. They are great individuals who have tremendous influence in others’ lives, but they are not dads.

They may serve as coaches and mentors, and we owe them a thank you. These individuals are living out the challenge of Romans 14:7-8. “For we do not live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live it is to honor the Lord and if we die it is to honor the Lord, so whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Thank you to those men who are having a positive influence in our communities even though they do not have kids.

  • They are helping set a Godly example.
  • They are encouraging the people with whom they interact.
  • They are reaching out and helping when they see others in need.

Thank you for taking advantage of the influence you have to make the world a better place.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Many People, One Promise

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People came from all sorts of places and backgrounds. Some had Jewish roots, while others didn’t. Some were just scraping by, struggling to make ends meet, while others lived with plenty. They lived in different parts of the world, spoke different languages, and celebrated different cultures. They were a diverse crowd—but they all received the same promise.

It was the promise Jesus brought: forgiveness and a restored relationship with God, all through grace. And this promise? It wasn’t just for a select few. It was for everyone.

Paul puts it this way in Galatians 3:
“So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

In other words, our background, status, or story doesn’t determine our place in God’s family. What matters is whether or not we’ve accepted the invitation. God looks at the heart—plain and simple.

And guess what? That hasn’t changed. God still looks past all the surface stuff and straight into the heart. You and I might be part of a beautifully diverse world, but we’re all invited to share in the same grace.

The Bible encourages us to do the same—to look at each other’s hearts instead of judging by appearances. So, how are we doing with that?

Something to think about—and something worth sharing. 💬❤️

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

How God’s Truth Guides Us in Uncertainty

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The image features a digital illustration with a warm, earthy color palette. At the bottom, an open Bible is prominently displayed with thick, clean lines and minimal detailing, suggesting importance and clarity. Above the Bible, the phrase Store Up God’s Word in Your Heart is written in a bold, serif font, creating a strong visual and thematic focal point. To the right of the text, there’s a simple yet striking compass graphic. The compass, with its clear directional markings (N, S, E, W), visually reinforces the theme of guidance—tying directly into the message about Scripture helping us navigate life’s storms. The background has a parchment-like texture, adding a subtle, timeless feel to the overall design.

Psalm 119 encourages us to store up God’s Word in our hearts—and there’s a powerful reason for that.

Back in 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his team set out from England on an incredibly ambitious journey: to cross Antarctica from one side to the other via the South Pole. But things quickly took a turn for the worse. Their ship got trapped in ice, the hull was crushed, and eventually, it sank. The team ended up stranded on a remote place called Elephant Island with little hope of rescue.

Desperate to save his crew, Shackleton and five others climbed into a 20-foot lifeboat and sailed 800 miles through some of the most dangerous, storm-ridden waters on the planet to reach South Georgia Island—where help was available. For 15 days, they braved 100-foot waves with only a compass and sextant to guide them. Frank Worsley, who had captained the Endurance, navigated them safely to land. Eventually, they secured another ship and rescued the entire team. Shackleton became a hero for his leadership and determination.

Life can feel a lot like that sometimes—tossed around by storms we didn’t see coming, surrounded by uncertainty and overwhelmed by misinformation. In those moments, Psalm 119:11 reminds us to anchor ourselves in something solid:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

In other words, storing up God’s Word helps us know what’s right, what’s true, and how to stay on course—even when everything else is shifting. Just like that compass helped guide Shackleton’s team through the unknown, Scripture can guide us through life’s chaos.

Our emotions might pull us in all kinds of directions, but God’s Word is steady. It’s trustworthy. And it’s the best way to navigate through uncertainty.

Let this be your reminder to lean into God’s truth—especially when the seas get rough.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to share this if it encouraged you!

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Honoring Our Past: Lessons from Joshua 4

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Give to each one what you owe. If honor, give honor. If respect, give respect.

Joshua 4 records the account of the Israelites building a memorial to remember crossing the Jordan River. Joshua instructed one man from each tribe to bring a stone from the river to the bank to build a monument. The monument was to serve as a reminder of what the Lord had done for the Israelites. The stones would remind future generations of the Lord’s work. The Bible encourages Christians to remember those who have gone before us.

Memorial Day is not a religious holiday; however, the idea is Scripturally based. Shortly after the Civil War, the last Monday in May was set aside to remember those who sacrificed their lives to help their country, community, and family.

Remembering the past helps us be grateful for the blessings of the present.

Romans 13:7 encourages us to give to each one what we owe. If honor, give honor; if respect, give respect. As we celebrate the unofficial start to summer, may we pause and remember those who have went before us so we may enjoy the blessings of today.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Pressing On: Embracing God’s Call for Our Lives

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We all have goals and dreams—we put in the effort, hoping to see them come to life. But as followers of Christ, there’s one goal that stands above the rest: becoming more like Him.

Paul gives us some helpful advice on this in Philippians 3. He says, “I’m not claiming that I’ve already reached perfection or achieved everything. But I keep moving forward, trying to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I haven’t gotten there yet, but here’s what I do: I forget what’s behind me and focus on what’s ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize God has called me to through Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s words remind us to keep our focus in two key areas:

1. Let go of the past.
That’s not always easy, is it? But we can’t let our past define or control us.

  • Maybe we’ve already accomplished great things—but there’s still more ahead. We can’t coast.
  • Or maybe we’ve messed up. That happens. But by God’s grace, we don’t have to stay stuck in regret. He helps us move forward.

2. Keep your eyes on what’s ahead.
It’s all about looking forward—toward the eternal reward waiting for us. When we keep our eyes on that Heavenly prize, it gives us purpose. It gives us energy to keep going.

So, don’t get weighed down by what’s behind you. Look ahead. Keep pressing on. There’s something amazing waiting at the finish line.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Celebrating Motherhood: The Legacy of a Mother’s Impact

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Meet Linda Owens. She is someone who is making the world a better place. In the past 34 years, she has been a mom to 81 infants. As a resource parent, this 78-year-old mother has welcomed the littlest of people into her home until they could find a forever home. But she doesn’t stop there, she shares what she has learned about each child with the new parents, and offers a few tips and tricks along the way to ease the adjustment for the new family. There’s always supplies in her home, and she’s always willing to take in a new child at a moment’s notice. And yes, she remembers each of them by name.

She is the kind of hero who never requests praise and she is rarely recognized, but she is making the world a much better place each day. She is a mom, and she is one of many unsung heroes who wear the title of mother.

Our world is graced with motherhood, and our moms make it a much better place. Theodore Roosevelt once remarked, “Praying mothers are one of America’s greatest assets.” “All that I am my mother made me,” remarked John Quincy Adams. There’s nothing like a mother’s sacrifice, love, and influence.

Timothy is an illustration of someone who was influenced by his grandmother and mother. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” A Godly mother and grandmother were an influential part of Timothy’s life. They provided Timothy with wisdom, love, and grace. Their influence helped him find his way in life.

Mothers, thank you! We don’t say it enough, but we’re grateful that the Lord has blessed us with you.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Hope After Life’s Mistakes

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Life can sometimes feel like spilled water — messy, irreversible, beyond fixing. There are days when we carry the weight of mistakes we can’t undo or words we wish we could take back. Like water soaking into the ground, those moments seem lost forever.

David certainly had one of those moments. His family is in turmoil after a series of events; David is mourning the loss of a son, and he is needing to reconcile with another son who is estranged. David is visited by a wise woman, and her advice to David is an encouragement to us all.

“Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him” (2 Samuel 14:14).

God’s heart is not to leave us in our brokenness.
He devises ways — not half-hearted attempts, but intentional plans — to bring us back to Him. His nature is not to abandon, but to restore. Even when we feel banished by guilt, shame, or regret, God is actively working to open the door for our return.

This verse reminds us that while our past may be out of our hands, our future is not. God invites us, even now, into grace, into hope, into new life with Him.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Letting God Lead: Your Path to Victory

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It seemed like an easy project. Just follow the directions and everything would come together, or so I thought. Have you ever tried to do something entirely on your own only to realize that you’re in over your head?

Same here.

David gives some great advice for these moments.

“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies” (Psalm 60:12).

Whether it’s tackling a big life decision, fighting off fear, or trying to stay patient during a tough season, we often default to self-reliance. We plan, hustle, and push… and then wonder why we feel so drained.

Psalm 60:12 reminds us of something simple but powerful: victory comes with God, not without Him.

David didn’t say, “I’ve got this!” He said, “With God, we will gain the victory.” That little phrase changes everything. It’s not just about believing God is around or aware—it’s about actively walking with Him, depending on Him, and letting Him lead the way.

The truth is, we don’t have to face our “enemies” (whether it’s anxiety, a hard situation, or even self-doubt) alone. God isn’t a distant cheerleader; He’s the one who goes before us, fights with us, and brings the win.

So today, whatever challenge you’re facing, ask yourself: Am I trying to do this on my own? Or am I inviting God into it?

Victory isn’t about being strong enough—it’s about being close enough. Close to the One who never loses a battle.

With God, you’ve got this!

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Hope Alive: The Power of the Resurrection

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CLICK HERE For FREE RESOURCE: Hope is Alive: A Devotional Journey through Holy Week!

The morning sun rises over Jerusalem. The city is still quiet, unaware that everything has changed. A few women make their way to the tomb, carrying spices, their hearts heavy with grief. Jesus is dead. They saw Him take His last breath. They watched His body wrapped and sealed behind a massive stone.

But when they arrive, the stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Hope is alive.

An angel stands before them and speaks the words that have echoed through history:

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6)

And in that moment, everything shifts.

Hope That Defeats Death

On Friday, it looked like death had won. The cross had the final word. But today, the grave is empty, and Jesus is alive.

This is what sets Christianity apart from every other belief, every other religion. Our Savior is not in a tomb. He is risen. Death could not hold Him. The power of sin could not defeat Him. He has conquered the grave.

And because He lives, we have hope that death is not the end for us, either.

Hope That Restores What’s Broken

When Jesus walked out of that tomb, He didn’t just defeat death—He defeated everything that separates us from God.

  • Our sin is forgiven. (1 Peter 2:24)
  • Our shame is erased. (Romans 8:1)
  • Our fear is cast out. (2 Timothy 1:7)
  • Our future is secure. (John 11:25-26)

Because Jesus is alive, we are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer defined by our past. We are no longer without hope.

Hope That Calls Us to Live Differently

The resurrection isn’t just a story to remember—it’s a truth that should transform us. The disciples went into the weekend broken, scared, and lost. But after encountering the risen Jesus, they became bold, fearless, unstoppable.

The same is true for us.

If Jesus really rose from the dead—if death is defeated, if eternity is secure—then how should we live?

  • With courage, because death has no power over us.
  • With joy, because Jesus has made us new.
  • With purpose, because the world needs to hear this good news.

Walking in Hope Today

Today, we celebrate the greatest victory in history. The cross wasn’t the end. The tomb couldn’t hold Him. Hope is alive, and His name is Jesus.

So lift your eyes. Lift your heart. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Hope in Heartbreak: Mary Magdalene’s Encounter

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The events of the past few days have certainly been difficult. Watching someone you are close to suffer the excruciating horror of crucifixion is enough to make even the hardest person’s emotions raw. For those close to Jesus, the grieving process had to pause a bit because of the Sabbath, but now that it is over, it is time to pick up where they left off earlier: visiting the tomb to ensure a proper burial. The Gospel writers tell us Jesus’ friends headed to the cemetery as soon as the sun was rising and the Sabbath was ending. Heartbroken, they didn’t want to waste any time.

CLICK HERE For FREE RESOURCE: Hope is Alive: A Devotional Journey through Holy Week!

John’s Gospel specifically tells us Mary Magdalene was the first to go and realize the tomb was empty. Mary thinks she’s going to ensure a proper burial, but she finds an empty tomb and neatly folded linens with no Jesus. What happens next shows us the compassion the Lord has for the broken-hearted.

John 20 records, “Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.

“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”

Mary is seeing something here that looks an awful lot like the Ark of the Covenant. Prior to now, the Ark of the Covenant, which represents the Lord’s presence, was only accessible in the Holy of Holies, and only one day a year by one person – the High Priest. But not now! The presence of the Lord is accessible to this heart broken woman.

She is not the High Priest nor is she in the Holy of Holies. She is a common person standing in a garden, outside an empty tomb, in tears because she doesn’t know what is happening. The person she cared about so deeply was ripped from her life, he was tortured to death, and now she can’t even make sure he has a decent burial because he is missing. Heartache is stacked on top of her heartbreak. Can you understand how she feels?

We are certainly not strangers to this pain. Heartache comes to us in any number of ways. The person we thought we were going to marry walked away from us. The child who should have outlived us didn’t. The husband who pledged his faithfulness was anything but faithful. The spouse of 50 years was ripped from our arms by death. The pain of a broken heart is not a foreign experience.

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “Yeah, I know how she feels. It is exactly how I feel today.” If so, please remember, you are not alone in this moment.

Mary’s story shows us we are not left to drown in the tears of our heartache. As she is standing there crying, Mary is not alone. John 20 continues, “She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. ” Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”

She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Mary!” Jesus said.

She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).”

Jesus does not leave Mary standing in the garden with tears running down her face. The tomb is empty, and Jesus is right beside Mary amid her heartbreak. He brings compassion and grace. He brings encouragement and comfort. Jesus brings himself to the heartbroken Mary, and he brings himself to those who are heartbroken today.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

When our hearts are broken, we can look to an empty tomb and find a Savior who comes to the heartbroken. Just like he was with Mary amid her heartbreak, he is with us amid our heartbreak. The same accessibility and compassion are present. Jesus does not flee from the heartbroken; he comes to us. Jesus is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those with a crushed spirit.

Because of an empty tomb, you and I do not have to be alone in our pain. We can allow the Lord to come close and rescue our crushed spirit.

Thanks for reading.