We live in a deeply divided world. People are at one another's throats all the time over almost every subject conceivable. This being said, Christians are called to be different; we are called to live in harmony. How are we to do so? Through shedding pride and taking on humility, recognizing the value of others and their thoughts as equal with your own. 

Pride can be dangerous. While it can be an emotion that helps boost confidence and motivation, it can also be a negative force if it becomes excessive or unchecked. When we are too proud, we may become arrogant and disrespectful towards others, and we may also struggle to learn and grow because we believe that we already have all the answers. Humility, on the other hand, is the opposite of pride and involves a willingness to acknowledge and learn from others, as well as to recognize one's own limitations and mistakes. So cultivate humility and stay grounded and open-minded.

In the hot and arid state of Arizona, water is essential for survival, as it keeps Arizonians hydrated and helps our plants and animals thrive. Similarly, as Christians, we need to be spiritually watered by God's living water, the Holy Spirit, in order to survive and thrive in the midst of the challenges and difficulties of this world. However, sometimes we struggle to accept this gift due to pride, lack of time, or feelings of unworthiness. But it is important to remember that Christ is offering us the gift of eternal life and that nothing should prevent us from seeking him and living in relationship with him. Be humble, make time, and accept that you are beloved and worthy of Christ's living water, which will quench your thirst and enable you to live differently by the Spirit.

It's easy to focus on the good parts of life and our goals, but the reality is that the journey toward improvement is often filled with challenges and struggles. We may be afraid of the unknown and the effort it takes to reach our goals, but it's important to remember that the journey is worth it. Embrace the unknown and take risks in pursuit of growth and betterment. Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and face challenges along the way, as these setbacks can lead to valuable learning experiences and help us become stronger. Let's embrace the journey and strive towards improvement, no matter how difficult it may seem.

Becoming irrelevant is a common concern among individuals. The fear of being out of touch with the culture and the people can lead to one's influence dwindling and inability to communicate effectively. Despite this, we all have a tendency to hold onto what we have and fail to pursue change, even though it will be to our detriment.  But if we actively seeking growth and development, embracing change and actively working to adapt and improve, individuals can remain relevant and influential in all areas. 

It may seem impossible to do these things when facing challenges and struggles, but as believers in Jesus, we have hope in the one who has overcome the world. Joy is not the same as happiness, but is based on trust in the Lord and his plan. Praying without ceasing doesn't mean we have to be in a constant state of prayer, instead, we should seek consistent communication with God. Giving thanks in all circumstances doesn't mean we deny the unpleasantness of a situation, but rather that we recognize and acknowledge all that God has done and continues to do in our lives. When we focus on our hope in Christ, these actions naturally flow out of our faith. No matter what life throws our way, let's choose to rejoice, pray, and give thanks, knowing that God is with us and will sustain us through it all.

We are surrounded with technology here in the 21st century. It is something we use every day in order to improve our quality of life and it has led to a great number of things that a 100 years ago, no one would have ever imagined. Yet, it also has been quite detrimental as it has begun to distract us from the people in front of us and has lead to us disconnecting from those we care about, paradoxically given that we have never been more close as a culture. So what are we to do? How are we suppose to combat this phenomenon? Do we have to give up our devices? No you don't and Carey Nieuwhof has something to say that will help you navigate through this situation! You just got to slow down, take the time, and listen. 

The time for New Year's resolutions is almost upon us, which is both exciting and terrifying! The start of the new year is a time of change for many, while also being a time of nervousness for what is to come. But at the end of the day, we all must figure how we are going to move forward! But we often ignore one essential thing that we must also consider as Christians... What does God want me to do? The reality is that whenever we are seeking to make a life change, we must always approach God first and foremost! 

Compromise is an obstacle we all face as we attempt to project what we want people to see, but yet we will find ourselves losing sight of who we are in actuality. This disconnect is very dangerous as we fail to walk the talk and end up causing problems for those around us and ourselves. So what's the solution? The antidote is to develop your character and be more authentic, which Carey Nieuwhof masterfully brings insight into how we go about doing so! 

Anxiety is something everyone does or will experience in life. We live a world that is full of obstacles, where the future is unknown as these are crazy times and this makes us fearful of what is to come. But we must remember that we are to cast our burdens on God and that he will give us peace, even when our heart is falling out of step.