In the beginning, God created… relationships! Yes, God created the heavens, the earth, and all the creatures who walk and swim and fly across the planet. But why? God created this amazing, life-sustaining environment for one reason - that is, so you and I could live in relationship with God the Father and with one another!

Living for Jesus does not always match up with the values and goals of this world. It is far easier to live like the rest of the world, where selfishness and self-centeredness are the focus – what’s in it for me?

Do you wonder if God will really provide for your situation? Friends, if you are waiting to see God’s provision, don’t give up hope! He WILL provide, as you trust, surrender “your” desire for everything to go the way you have planned, and put Him first in your life.

When did we lose our sense of wonder? Where did it go? Regain your sense of wonder, now, as you live the gift you have been given… knowing that the best is yet to come!

Friend, you are going to face a lot of fear. Our world is broken and scary. The fear is guaranteed. You can let it ruin you, or you can choose to see it as an opportunity to learn. Some say that curiosity killed the cat, but when it comes to fear, I think curiosity saves it.

Ever had an encounter with an issue for long and you ended up being identified through that issue? But I want to remind you today that you're more than that. You're a child of the Most High God. You're loved. You're adored. You're the apple of God's eye.

So, when there's a gap between what God has promised you in His Word and what you are going through today… what do you do? Simple: You fill the gap with hope!

It is a huge privilege to be a living stone, but it is also a tremendous responsibility. We are living representatives of Jesus, and how we choose to live our lives, whether good or bad, will speak volumes to those around us as to who Jesus is and whether they want to be in relationship with Him.

Character is not just built in marriage. It is built in every relationship we have. We all can learn from the example of Naomi and Ruth, and ultimately, our kinsman redeemer, Jesus Christ!

Worship the God who came from heaven down into your neighborhood and humbled Himself on a cross to forgive all your sins, and then who rose from the dead to give you an eternal relationship with the true God who rules and reigns over everything and everyone!