Tag: trust

Joseph: Trusting God in the Pit

Joseph’s story has always been a reminder to me that God is faithful, even in the darkest moments. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and forgotten in prison, Joseph endured years of pain and rejection. Yet through it all, he trusted God’s plan.

When my marriage ended, I felt like I was in my own version of the pit. The dreams I had for my family, ministry, and future seemed shattered. I couldn’t see how any good could come from the pain. But like Joseph, I’ve learned that God is always working, even when we can’t see it.

Joseph didn’t let his circumstances define him. He remained faithful, using his gifts wherever he was… even in prison. Eventually, God raised him up, and Joseph became second-in-command in Egypt. The very brothers who betrayed him ended up bowing before him, fulfilling the dreams Joseph had years before.

Looking back on my own journey, I can see how God has been faithful. He’s used the pain to refine me, deepen my faith, and open doors I never would have imagined. Like Joseph, I’ve learned to trust that what the enemy meant for harm, God can use for good.

If you’re in a pit right now, hold on to this truth: God isn’t finished with your story. Trust Him, stay faithful, and watch how He brings beauty out of the ashes.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Joseph’s story that You are always working, even in the darkest moments. Help me to trust Your plan and remain faithful, knowing that You can turn any situation for good. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Trusting God with the Unknown

When my wife left, I felt like I was standing at the edge of an unknown future. Everything I thought I knew about my life, my family, and even myself was shaken. I had no idea what was next or how to navigate the pain, but one thing became clear. I couldn’t do it on my own.

Trusting God with the unknown wasn’t easy. It meant surrendering control and admitting that I didn’t have all the answers. It meant choosing faith over fear, even when my circumstances screamed otherwise.

One moment that sticks out is when my daughter started junior high. I wanted to protect her from the instability and confusion we were all feeling, but I couldn’t. All I could do was pray and trust that God would guide her steps and carry us both through this season.

Scripture often reminds us that God calls people forward even when the future is unclear. When Joshua stepped into leadership after Moses, he faced an overwhelming responsibility and an uncertain road ahead. Yet God gave him a simple promise.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

God’s promise to Joshua reminds us that we’re never alone. Even when the future feels uncertain, His presence goes with us, giving us the strength and courage to face whatever lies ahead.

Reflection Questions

  1. What unknowns in your life are you struggling to trust God with?
  2. How can you lean on His promises to find strength and courage?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with me in the unknown. Teach me to trust You with every part of my life, even when I can’t see what’s ahead. Help me to be strong and courageous, knowing that You are faithful and that You walk with me through every season. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all of the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Living the Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount isn’t just a collection of teachings. It’s a call to live a life fully surrendered to God. Jesus’ words challenge us to embrace humility, pursue righteousness, love sacrificially, and trust God completely. They invite us to reflect His kingdom here on earth.

Looking back on this series, I see how each teaching builds on the others, painting a picture of what it means to be a follower of Christ. From the Beatitudes to the parable of the wise builder, Jesus gives us a roadmap for a life that honors God and impacts the world.

Living the Sermon on the Mount isn’t about perfection… it’s about daily dependence on Jesus. When we commit to following His teachings, we become salt and light, drawing others to Him and experiencing the fullness of His kingdom. Let’s live out these truths boldly, trusting in His grace to guide us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What part of the Sermon on the Mount resonates most deeply with you, and why?
  2. How can you apply these teachings to your life in practical ways?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the life-changing truths of the Sermon on the Mount. Teach me to live out Your Word daily, reflecting Your love, grace, and truth. Help me to trust in Your strength as I follow You and to impact the world for Your kingdom. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

A final (little longer) wrap up of the sermon. Then transition into a new series on the prayer.

Final Blog of the Sermon on the Mount Series: Building a Kingdom Life

Date: May 10, 2027

Bible Verse: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Message:

The Sermon on the Mount is more than a collection of teachings. It’s the heart of Jesus’ message, a blueprint for how to live a life that reflects God’s kingdom. From the Beatitudes to the call to build on the rock, every word challenges us to align our hearts, actions, and priorities with God’s will.

As I’ve reflected on this series, I’ve been reminded of how countercultural these teachings are. Jesus calls us to be humble when the world values pride, to forgive when it’s easier to hold a grudge, and to trust Him completely when we’re tempted to rely on our own understanding. These aren’t easy commands, but they’re life-changing.

I’ve personally experienced moments where applying the Sermon on the Mount felt overwhelming. When I struggled to forgive, to choose meekness over pride, or to trust God’s provision, I saw just how far I fell short. But Jesus’ words are always paired with His grace. He doesn’t just call us to this way of life, He empowers us to live it through His Spirit.

Living out the Sermon on the Mount is a daily journey. It’s about choosing to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs hope. It’s about building our lives on the solid foundation of His Word, knowing that storms will come but His truth will sustain us. And ultimately, it’s about seeking His kingdom first, trusting that He will provide everything we need.

Reflection Questions:

How has this journey through the Sermon on the Mount deepened your understanding of Jesus’ teachings?

What steps can you take to live out these truths in your daily life?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the profound truths of the Sermon on the Mount. Teach me to live a life that reflects Your kingdom, trusting in Your strength and grace each day. Help me to be salt and light, building my life on the solid foundation of Your Word. Transform my heart to seek Your will above all else. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Introducing a New Series: The Lord’s Prayer

Date: May 17, 2027

Bible Verse: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…'” (Matthew 6:9)

Message:

Prayer is the heartbeat of a believer’s relationship with God, and Jesus gave us a perfect model for how to pray in the Lord’s Prayer. This isn’t just a prayer to recite. It’s a framework for how to approach God with reverence, trust, and dependence.

Over the next series of blogs, we’ll dive deeply into the Lord’s Prayer, exploring each phrase and its significance. From honoring God’s name to asking for daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance, every line reveals more about who God is and how we’re called to relate to Him.

For me, the Lord’s Prayer has been a lifeline in moments when I didn’t know what to say to God. Its simplicity and depth remind me that prayer isn’t about saying the perfect words, it’s about connecting with our heavenly Father.

Whether you’ve prayed this prayer a thousand times or are encountering it for the first time, I invite you to journey with me as we discover its richness and power. Together, let’s deepen our prayer lives and grow closer to the God who loves us unconditionally.

Reflection Questions:

How has the Lord’s Prayer shaped your understanding of prayer?

What do you hope to learn or experience as we explore this prayer together?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for teaching us how to pray through the words of the Lord’s Prayer. Open my heart and mind to understand its meaning more deeply and to connect with You in a personal and powerful way. Teach me to pray with reverence, trust, and faith. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Trusting God When Fear Creeps In

Fear can strike when we least expect it. Whether it’s fear of failure, the unknown, or something out of our control, it can paralyze us and shake our faith. Psalm 56:3 reminds us that even in our fear, we can choose to trust God.

I’ve faced moments when fear felt overwhelming, but every time I’ve turned to God, He’s given me peace. Trusting God doesn’t mean we won’t feel afraid, it means we know who to run to when we do. His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), reminding us that He is bigger than anything we face.

When fear creeps in, don’t let it take root. Speak God’s promises over your life, pray for His peace, and trust that He is in control.

Reflection Questions

  1. What fears are you facing today, and how can you surrender them to God?
  2. How does remembering God’s faithfulness help you combat fear?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength in times of fear. Teach me to trust You in every situation, knowing that You are in control. Help me to walk in faith and not let fear hold me back. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness can feel impossible when someone has deeply hurt us, but Ephesians 4:32 reminds us of the ultimate reason to forgive: God has forgiven us through Christ. Forgiveness is not about excusing what happened or ignoring the pain… it’s about releasing the burden of bitterness and trusting God with justice.

In my own life, I’ve struggled to forgive people who caused significant pain. But holding onto anger only kept me trapped. It wasn’t until I surrendered my hurt to God that I experienced the freedom forgiveness brings. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past, but it opens the door for healing and peace.

When we forgive, we reflect Christ’s love and trust God to bring justice in His way and time. It’s not easy, but with God’s help, it’s possible.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life do you need to forgive, and what’s holding you back?
  2. How does remembering God’s forgiveness for you change your perspective?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for forgiving me through Christ. Teach me to extend that same grace to others, even when it’s hard. Help me to let go of bitterness and to trust You with my pain. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Abraham: Trusting God with the Unknown

Abraham’s story is one of incredible faith. God called him to leave everything he knew, his home, his family, and his security, for a land he’d never seen. Abraham didn’t know where he was going or how it would all work out, but he trusted God enough to obey.

There have been times in my life when I’ve felt like Abraham, stepping into the unknown without a clear plan or destination. After my divorce, I wasn’t sure what the future would hold. All I knew was that I needed to trust God to guide me, one step at a time.

What strikes me most about Abraham’s story is that his faith wasn’t in the promise… it was in the One who made the promise. He trusted God’s character, even when the path seemed uncertain. That’s the kind of faith I want to live with: faith that says “yes” to God even when I don’t have all the answers.

If you’re facing uncertainty, remember Abraham’s story. God doesn’t ask us to figure everything out… He asks us to trust Him. And just like He was faithful to Abraham, He will be faithful to you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Abraham’s story that I can trust You with the unknown. Help me to take steps of faith, knowing that You are always faithful to lead and provide. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Learning to Trust Again

Trust is one of the hardest things to rebuild after it’s been broken. Whether it’s a friendship, a marriage, or a parent-child relationship, betrayal leaves scars that can make us hesitant to open our hearts again.

I see this in our son. Losing my ex-wife wasn’t just about her absence… it was about the trust that was broken when she chose not to show up for him. He says it doesn’t bother him, but I can see how it’s affected him. When someone we care about lets us down, it’s easy to build walls to protect ourselves from future hurt.

I’ve been there too. After my divorce, I found myself questioning whether I could fully trust anyone again. But through that season, God taught me an important truth: Trusting people is risky, but trusting Him never is.

Proverbs 3:5-6 became my anchor during that time. It reminded me that even when I couldn’t understand why things happened the way they did, I could still trust God’s plan. He doesn’t promise to shield us from pain, but He does promise to guide us through it and use it for good.

For our son, and for all of us, rebuilding trust starts with God. When we place our faith in Him, He gives us the courage to let our guard down and open our hearts again. Not recklessly, but wisely, in a way that honors Him.

If you’re struggling to trust after being hurt, take it to God. Let Him rebuild what’s been broken, one step at a time.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God I can always trust. Help me, and those I care about, to bring our broken trust to You, knowing that You are faithful to heal and restore. Teach us to trust You fully and to open our hearts again in Your timing. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Trusting God With the First Fruits

The principle of tithing is rooted in the concept of firstfruits, giving God the first and best of what we have. Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honor the Lord with our wealth by offering the firstfruits of our labor. It’s a way of putting God first in our lives, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him.

Giving God the first 10% of our income can feel counterintuitive, especially when finances are tight. But when we prioritize God, He blesses the remaining 90% in ways we can’t always see. Tithing isn’t about what God wants from us. It’s about what He wants for us: a life of trust, obedience, and provision.

In my own life, I’ve seen how putting God first in my finances has deepened my faith and reminded me of His faithfulness. Tithing is an act of worship, declaring that God is our ultimate provider and that we trust Him to meet every need.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does giving God your “firstfruits” demonstrate your faith and priorities?
  2. In what ways has God shown His faithfulness when you’ve trusted Him with your finances?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the principle of firstfruits and the opportunity to honor You with my resources. Teach me to trust You with the first and best of what I have, knowing that You are faithful to provide. Help me to walk in obedience and to reflect Your generosity to others. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Ruth: Faithfulness in the Unknown

Ruth’s story is a beautiful example of faithfulness and trust, even when life takes unexpected turns. After losing her husband, Ruth could have returned to her own family and culture. Instead, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and follow the God of Israel.

There was a time when my life felt just as uncertain. After my divorce, I found myself navigating a season I never expected to face. Like Ruth, I had to make a choice: Would I cling to what was familiar, or would I trust God to lead me into something new?

Ruth didn’t know what the future held, but she trusted that God would provide. Her faithfulness opened the door for blessings she couldn’t have imagined, eventually leading her to Boaz and securing her place in the lineage of Jesus.

God reminded me through Ruth’s story that faithfulness in the unknown isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting Him to guide the next step. Even when life feels uncertain, His plans are always greater than we can see.

If you’re in a season of uncertainty, take heart. Like Ruth, you can trust that God is working behind the scenes, weaving something beautiful out of the unknown.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me through Ruth’s story that I can trust You in the unknown. Teach me to remain faithful, even when I can’t see what’s ahead. Help me to follow wherever You lead. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Esther: Courage for Such a Time as This

Esther’s story is one of courage, faith, and stepping into God’s calling despite fear. When she was faced with the decision to approach the king and risk her life to save her people, she could have chosen to stay silent. But instead, she trusted that God had placed her in that moment for a purpose.

There have been times in my life when I’ve felt like Esther. Unsure, afraid, and questioning whether I was the right person for the task. After my divorce, stepping back into ministry felt daunting. I doubted whether I could still be effective after everything that had happened.

But like Esther, I’ve learned that God places us where we are for a reason. Your past doesn’t disqualify you from His calling; it prepares you for it. Esther’s courage came not from her own strength but from trusting that God had a plan bigger than her fear.

If you’re facing a situation where you feel overwhelmed or unworthy, remember Esther’s story. You are where you are for such a time as this, and God will give you the courage to step into His calling.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that You’ve placed me here for a purpose. Give me the courage to step into Your calling, trusting that You will equip me for whatever lies ahead. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.