Growing in Faith

Faith isn’t something we master overnight. It’s a journey of continual growth. Just like a plant needs water and sunlight, our faith needs to be nurtured with prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. Growing in faith is about drawing closer to God and becoming more like Christ.

I remember a time when my faith felt stagnant. I went through the motions of prayer and church, but something was missing. It wasn’t until I committed to daily Bible study and intentional prayer that my faith began to deepen. The more I sought God, the more I saw His presence in every aspect of my life.

2 Peter 3:18 calls us to grow in grace and knowledge. This growth doesn’t happen passively; it requires effort and surrender. As we invest time in our relationship with God, He transforms us from the inside out, equipping us to live out our faith in every area of life.

Reflection Questions

What steps can you take to grow deeper in your relationship with God?
How has God grown your faith through past challenges?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to grow in grace and knowledge. Teach me to seek You daily and to trust You with every part of my life. Help me to reflect Your love and truth as I continue on this journey of faith. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Beautiful Lie of Harmless Spirituality

There is a growing trend that looks peaceful, soft, and harmless on the surface. It comes wrapped in candles, crystals, sage smoke, affirmations, energy talk, and phrases like “good vibes only.” It is often marketed as healing, feminine, calming, natural, and enlightened.

But many things that feel peaceful are not rooted in truth.

The enemy rarely shows up looking dark and dangerous. He often comes dressed in light, beauty, mystery, and self-help. Scripture warns us clearly:

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NLT)
But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

That should sober us.

A crystal may be a rock. Sage may be a plant. A candle may be wax. But when ordinary objects are turned into spiritual tools for cleansing, protection, healing energy, opening intuition, or attracting blessings, the issue is no longer the object. The issue is misplaced faith.

Many today burn sage to remove negative energy. Others carry crystals for protection, peace, or healing. Some repeat affirmations believing they can manifest reality. Others seek alignment through chakra systems borrowed from other religions.

None of these practices were taught by Jesus.

None were practiced by the apostles.

None are presented in Scripture as tools for believers.

Instead, God consistently calls His people to seek Him directly, not hidden energies or spiritual techniques.

Isaiah 8:19 (NLT)
Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Why seek guidance from the dead on behalf of the living?

The broader principle is clear. Why seek spiritual help anywhere else when we can seek God?

Culture says cleanse your room with smoke.
God says cleanse your heart with repentance.

Culture says carry a crystal.
God says carry your cross.

Culture says align your energy.
God says renew your mind.

Culture says manifest abundance.
God says pray, trust, work faithfully, and submit to His will.

The danger is not always dramatic possession or horror movie moments. Often the danger is subtle dependence. Trust shifts little by little from God to methods, rituals, objects, and feelings.

What begins as curiosity can become bondage.

Jesus offers something better than vibes, rituals, and energies. He offers truth, peace, forgiveness, power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

You do not need a stone when you have the Rock.

Bible Promise

John 8:32 (NLT)
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Reflection Questions

Have I placed confidence in any object or ritual more than in God?
Am I pursuing peace through culture’s methods or Christ’s presence?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guard my heart from beautiful lies and subtle deception. Help me seek You alone for peace, healing, wisdom, and protection. Remove every false dependency and strengthen my trust in Jesus. Fill me with truth and discernment. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all of the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Staying Sexually Pure in a Sexually Charged World

Everywhere you turn, TV, social media, music, movies, there’s a message about sex. And it’s not God’s message. Culture says follow your heart. Scripture says guard it. Culture says do what feels good. Scripture says pursue what is holy.

Purity isn’t just about what you don’t do… it’s about who you’re becoming. It’s about living in such a way that our thoughts, words, and actions reflect the holiness of the God who saved us. Sexual purity matters, not because God wants to rob us of fun, but because He wants to protect what’s sacred.

The enemy has worked overtime to normalize sexual sin. But the call to purity still stands. Not to shame us, but to free us.

Reflection Questions

Are there influences in your life drawing you away from sexual purity?
How can you realign your heart and habits with God’s Word?
Have you seen the impact of purity, or impurity, in someone else’s story?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to walk in purity, not just outwardly, but in my thoughts and desires too. Show me the areas I’ve allowed compromise. Thank You for Your grace, and for the strength to live set apart. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Loving the Least of These

When I volunteered at a local shelter last year, I met a man named David. He’d lost everything, his home, family, and hope. As we talked, I realized how often I take my blessings for granted.

David’s story reminded me of Jesus’ words about serving the least of these. Loving the vulnerable isn’t optional; it’s central to our faith. It’s easy to give out of abundance, but true love means sacrificing time, resources, and comfort to meet the needs of others.

Every time I see someone struggling, I think of David. And I pray to see them as Jesus does.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to love and serve others as You have loved me. Open my eyes to the needs around me and give me a heart of compassion. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Laughing at Sin: What Does It Say About Our Hearts?

Laughter is a gift from God, but what we laugh at matters. When we find humor in things that grieve God, like dirty jokes or sinful behavior, it’s a reflection of where our hearts are.

I’ve been in situations where everyone laughed at a crude joke, and I felt the pull to join in. The pressure to fit in and not seem “overly spiritual” was real. But each time, I was reminded that my laughter is an extension of my values. If I’m laughing at sin, what does that say about what’s filling my heart?

As Christians, we’re called to be set apart. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy humor. It means we need to be intentional about the kind of humor we embrace. Choosing to honor God in what we laugh at shows the world where our priorities lie.

Reflection Questions

Have you ever laughed at something that conflicted with your faith? How did it make you feel?
How can you be more intentional about the type of humor you engage with?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of laughter and the joy it brings. Teach me to honor You in my humor and to avoid anything that grieves Your heart. Help me to reflect Your goodness in my words, actions, and laughter. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

A Legacy of Journaling

Journaling not only strengthens your faith. It creates a spiritual legacy for future generations. When you document your walk with God, you leave a testimony of His goodness and faithfulness for others to read and be inspired by.

I think about the journals I’ve kept during pivotal seasons of my life. They hold stories of God’s provision, answered prayers, and lessons learned through challenges. I imagine my daughter one day reading them, seeing how God has been at work in our family, and being encouraged to trust Him in her own journey.

Your journals can serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, not just for you but for those who come after you. They become a witness to His mighty acts and a source of hope for future generations.

Reflection Questions

How can journaling help you leave a spiritual legacy for your family or others?
What stories of God’s faithfulness would you want future generations to know?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the opportunity to create a spiritual legacy through journaling. Teach me to document Your faithfulness and to share the stories of Your goodness with others. Help my writing to inspire future generations to trust in You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Abigail: Wisdom and Courage in the Face of Conflict

Abigail’s story is one of wisdom, courage, and peacemaking. Married to a foolish and reckless man named Nabal, Abigail stepped in to prevent disaster when Nabal’s actions angered David and his men.

With humility and discernment, Abigail brought gifts and spoke words of peace to David, convincing him to turn away from vengeance. Her wisdom not only saved her household but also honored God by preventing bloodshed.

Abigail’s actions remind us of the power of wisdom and courage in the face of conflict. She chose to act with grace and humility, trusting God to guide her steps. Her story encourages us to seek peace, use our words wisely, and rely on God’s wisdom when faced with difficult situations.

Reflection Questions

How can you act with wisdom and courage in the face of conflict?
What steps can you take to become a peacemaker in your relationships and community?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Abigail, who acted with wisdom and courage to bring peace. Teach me to seek Your guidance in moments of conflict and to reflect Your love and grace in my words and actions. Help me to be a peacemaker, honoring You in all I do. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Epaphroditus: A Faithful Servant in the Shadows

Epaphroditus may not be as well-known as Paul or Timothy, but his faithfulness and dedication are a powerful example for all believers. He was sent by the Philippian church to assist Paul, risking his own health to serve the apostle during his imprisonment.

Paul describes Epaphroditus as a “brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier,” emphasizing his humility, service, and commitment to the gospel. Though he served behind the scenes, his work was vital to the spread of the gospel and the encouragement of the early church.

Epaphroditus reminds us that God values faithfulness over recognition. You don’t have to be in the spotlight to make a difference in God’s kingdom. By serving humbly and selflessly, you reflect Christ’s love and advance His mission in ways you may never fully see.

Reflection Questions

How does Epaphroditus’ example encourage you to serve faithfully, even in unnoticed roles?
What steps can you take to embrace humility and selflessness in your service to others?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Epaphroditus, who served faithfully and humbly. Teach me to embrace humility and to serve others with love and dedication, knowing that every act of obedience matters in Your kingdom. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Shiphrah and Puah: Fearless Midwives of Faith

Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew midwives who courageously defied Pharaoh’s order to kill all male Hebrew babies. Despite the immense risk, they chose to fear God more than the king, saving countless lives and paving the way for Israel’s deliverance.

What stands out in their story is their quiet yet profound faith. They didn’t have armies or titles, but their obedience to God made a lasting impact on history. One of the lives they saved was Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Shiphrah and Puah remind us that courage isn’t always loud. It’s often found in simple acts of faith and obedience. Their story encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when the cost is high, trusting that God sees and honors our faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

How can you stand firm in your convictions, even when facing opposition?
What “small” acts of faith might God be calling you to that could have a lasting impact?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the courage and faith of Shiphrah and Puah. Teach me to fear You above all else and to stand firm in my convictions. Help me to trust that even small acts of obedience can have eternal significance. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Our Son’s Birthday: Honoring His Dedication

Our boy turns 23 today, and this year has been filled with incredible milestones and achievements. From excelling in his studies to being named NAIA Athlete of the Month, he continues to show what it means to work hard and honor God in all he does.

As I reflect on his journey, I’m reminded of how God has gifted him with not only talent but also a heart for perseverance and dedication. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in his everyday life, his commitment to excellence is a testament to his faith and character.

Our prayer for him is that he continues to seek God in every step of his journey. I know the Lord has great plans for him, and I’m excited to see how God will use his gifts and determination to make an impact in this world.

Reflection Questions

How can you celebrate and encourage someone’s hard work and dedication in a way that honors God?
What specific prayers can you offer for their future success and spiritual growth?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for our son and for the many ways You’ve blessed him this year. Teach him to commit his work to You, trusting that You will guide and establish his steps. Bless him with continued wisdom, strength, and faith as he pursues the plans You have for him. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.