In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. 

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Full Transcript Below:

Wisdom Begins with Awe

By: Whitney Hopler 

“Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7, CEB 

Sitting in the sanctuary of the Washington National Cathedral, I enjoyed a powerful experience of sound and light. Majestic organ music reverberated off the cathedral’s stone walls so strongly that I could feel the vibrations. Sunlight streamed in through the colorful stained-glass windows around me. As the sound and light washed over me and directed my attention to God, I felt a sense of awe. Everything that had distracted me earlier – such as my to-do list and stories I’d read in the news that day – cleared out of my mind so I could focus on God. I learned more of God’s wisdom that day, as awe helped me pay attention to the Creator of all sound and light. Awe enlarged my perspective, giving me reverence for God and inspiring me to seek God’s wisdom. 

In Proverbs 1:7, the Bible reveals that wisdom starts with fearing God. In our modern context, the word “fear” often has negative connotations. It usually refers to something scary. However, in the biblical sense, fearing God isn’t about being afraid of him. Instead, it’s about feeling awe for God. It’s recognizing that God is perfectly loving, holy, and powerful – and letting that inspire a deep sense of reverence for God in our souls. “The fear of the LORD” refers to being in awe of who God is. It means recognizing God’s greatness and seeking God’s guidance for our lives because we know that God truly knows what’s best for us. 

This awe of God is the foundation of wisdom because it reorients our entire perspective. When we live in awe of God, we understand that God is the source of all truth and knowledge. We realize that our human understanding is limited, and we need God’s guidance to make the best decisions in life. This humility before God is where true wisdom begins. It leads us to practice discernment, which helps us learn which choices are truly the best ones to make day by day.

The second part of Proverbs 1:7 contrasts the wise with those who are foolish: “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Fools, according to the Bible, are people who reject God’s ways, believing they know better. They refuse to be taught, preferring their own ideas and desires over the wisdom that comes from God. In essence, they live without regard for God’s authority, and as a result, their lives are full of confusion and stress. 

Seeking wisdom, on the other hand, is not just about intellectual knowledge. It’s about living in harmony with God’s will and purposes. When we fear the Lord, we begin to see life from God’s perspective. We start to value what God values and desire to live according to his ways. This kind of wisdom is practical, and comes from our relationships with God. We find the inspiration we need to seek wisdom by discovering and appreciating the wonder of God’s work in our lives. The more we experience God’s wonder and feel awe, the more inspired we become to grow closer to God and learn from his wisdom. We respect our Creator’s ultimate authority and recognize him as the source of all that is good and true. We trust God knows what’s best for us, even when we don’t fully understand his ways. This kind of trust requires us to let go of our pride and open ourselves up to God’s work in every part of our lives. 

When we are in awe of the Lord, we welcome wisdom into our lives. This doesn’t mean we will never face challenges or make mistakes. But it does mean that our lives will be grounded in the truth of who God is. We will be guided by God’s wisdom, which will always lead us to what’s best. 

In a fallen world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal ambition, Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to begin with awe – a deep respect for God’s greatness, which motivates us to seek God’s wisdom for our decisions. This is the path to wisdom, which not only guides us but also transforms us for the better. 

So, let’s embrace this reverent awe of the Lord every day. As we do, we will find that God’s wisdom is not only accessible but abundantly available to us! 

Intersecting Faith and Life 

As you consider how wisdom begins with awe, reflect on these questions: 

• When have you recently felt a deep sense of reverent awe for God? How did that experience inspire you to seek God’s wisdom? 
• In what ways does experiencing awe for God give you a fresh perspective so you can make important decisions with wisdom? 
• What practical steps can you take to experience more of God’s wonder and develop more awe for God? 

Further Reading

Proverbs 9:10

Psalm 111:10

James 1:5

Job 28:28

Ecclesiastes 12:13

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Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God.

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding Hope in God after a Distressing Diagnosis

By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 

Recently, I have been in and out of doctor’s appointments nonstop. Due to persistent pain and flu-like symptoms, I went to the doctor to try to get help and later had to go to the hospital. With all the symptoms I’m having and the tests that have been run, my doctors have come to the conclusion that I have an incurable diagnosis. What I first thought was a virus turned out to be my body attacking itself in a faulty autoimmune response. 

Sadly, this diagnosis will stay with me for the rest of my life as there is no cure. Thankfully there are medicines to alleviate pain and symptoms. Throughout the course of this illness and the long process of my diagnosis, I have had periods where my trust in God deepens as well as I have had times where I question His goodness. Sometimes we have to experience both of these things before we emerge on the other side. 

At first, my walk with God suffered due to my intense symptoms. I felt as though God had left me to the wolves and my lot in life was to suffer. During an intense episode of symptoms, I thought I might die of the pain and I reasoned with myself that I was ready to go. There have also been times where I prayed for God just to take my life because I was in so much pain and I wanted the pain to just end. 

As time has progressed, I have seen God in my pain. While He did not cause the pain, I know He is helping me through it. My symptoms have gotten better at times and this shows me God is working through the situation. Through continued prayers and petitions, I have acknowledged my dependence on Him. Even though He will not take me out of this situation, He will walk with me through this valley of death (Psalm 23). 

Most of the time we think about how much an incurable diagnosis has taken from us, but I try to think about the things it has given me. The things it has given me is a renewed love for things I once enjoyed and the opportunity to appreciate the little things in life. My incurable diagnosis has filled my life with new changes and sometimes I am too tired to even get to talk walks—something I once used to enjoy. 

However, on the days I feel good, these little blessings are all the greater. Being able to take an hour walk and feel good is a true blessing. I used to see exercise as a punishment to my body, but now I see it as a gift. Feeling good enough to go out for a walk, go for a hike, or run through a field are all gifts from the Lord.

It is funny how we take these things for granted when we are feeling well, yet we crave them when we are ill. When we face an incurable diagnosis, we start being thankful for these little things and these mighty wonders. What might be an everyday task for someone could be a blessing in disguise for someone with an incurable diagnosis. 

Each day is a gift, but sometimes our joy has to be taken away before we truly see its beauty. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Apostle Paul tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). As Paul says here, God is the God of all hope, and He will fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him. All of this will ensure our hearts overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Whenever our incurable diagnosis has us feeling down, we need to turn to God. He can fill us with hope as we trust in Him. It can be hard to trust God with hard things, such as an incurable diagnosis, but we need to trust Him with all things. Although God doesn’t normally heal people supernaturally in the present day, there is no reason to believe that He won’t help us go into remission and fight our illnesses.

Rather than doubting God, we need to trust Him. The more we trust in Him, the greater our hearts will fill with Him hope and peace. Our incurable diagnosis might look intimidating, but it will not endure forever. One day, this illness will be healed and we will be freed from it in Heaven. All of this is only because of God.

Challenge Questions:

• Is it hard for you to find hope in God during difficult times?
• Are you facing an incurable diagnosis? How might you find hope in Him today?
• Whether you have an incurable diagnosis or not, you can still take time to thank God for the little things. What might you thank Him for today?

“Dear God, coping with this incurable diagnosis has been very hard. Looking ahead, I only see pain, tears, and bitterness. I’m giving all of these fears over to You. I don’t know what will happen to me, but I trust in You. Please heal me and give my soul lasting peace. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”  

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Do you want to be liked by people? Is it hard for you to say no or to speak truth? Do you want to be accepted by man more than you think upon how you are already accepted by God? What would it look like for you to dwell on the truth that God already accepts you and loves you? How can you remember this in the heat of hard situations and conversations?

 

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Full Transcript Below:

How to Stop People Pleasing

By Kelly Balarie

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 NIV

Praying in agreement, I said, “Oh, yes, I completely agree.” 

Yet, a nudge hit my heart. Did I really agree with everything this person was praying? Certainly, I was saying yes but, absolutely, I was feeling a red-flag no on the inside. Something was not right. I ignored it and kept praying with the lady anyway….

More details of what this person wanted -- was said after prayer. Something still didn’t feel right.

“Oh, ya, I see what you’re saying!” I replied to the person.

But, did I? Was I really seeing the way they did or was I just pretending I did? I didn’t fully agree with everything being said. Yet, I was afraid to say this truth. I also wasn’t so sure this was the time nor the place to get into a whole detailed, long conversation as to why I thought differently. I didn’t want conflict; I wanted to keep peace. I like peace. I like people liking me too.

Just let it go, Kelly. 

So, I did. I let it go time and time again. Until the day came that this person made a decision that impacted me in a big way. Then, I flew off the handle at them. Why? Because I wasn’t sure I could trust their motives anymore. I wasn’t sure I could trust me anymore with them.

Yet, they never knew all of this. For a long time, I hid my truth. So, they never knew I had a single issue with them until that very day came. Why? Because I was never honest. I wasn’t honest with them nor myself. I kept excusing, rationalizing, and negating away the hard conversation. In this, I lied.

People pleasing and pandering to people is a form of dishonesty. 

We may say, “Oh ya,” “That makes sense,” “Right,” and “I agree”, but do we really? We may nod our head, but what is God saying?

It hurts to write this, because often people pleasers, like me, are so used to doing these things that it doesn’t seem wrong. It seems nice and kind. 

How does God see this behavior?

In Galatians 1:10, Paul says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” 

This verse strikes home. We cannot rightly love God when we are pleasing people. There are mixed motives involved here. There are competing loyalties. There are divided interests.

God wants all our heart.

With this, my people pleasing heart is convicted. So, I go through the process that releases and changes everything. I say, “God, I am sorry. I am guilty of lying, hiding, excusing, and not serving you, first and foremost. Will you forgive me?” Then, I forgive myself and receive His grace.

Moving forward, I remember:

1. My job is to please God above pleasing man.
2. I can pray and ask God for wisdom that He will supply for hard conversations.
3. I want to keep my conscience clear, so truthfulness is of vital importance.

God has ample grace that will empower me in honesty. He will empower you too! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you want to be liked by people? Is it hard for you to say no or to speak truth? Do you want to be accepted by man more than you think upon how you are already accepted by God? What would it look like for you to dwell on the truth that God already accepts you and loves you? How can you remember this in the heat of hard situations and conversations?

Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. 

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Shifting our family’s mindset from ownership to stewardship, from entitlement to gratitude, and promoting sacrifice and service will take consistency, commitment, and care. It is a process, but we are not alone. We partner with the Holy Spirit and prayerfully ask the Lord to guide and direct us as we seek to honor Him and all we say and do. 

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Full Transcript Below:

Shifting Our Family’s Mindset

By: Laura Bailey

“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

“Why can’t we go to an ice cream place after school? It’s been over a week since we’ve gone!”

“Why can’t I buy those new shoes? I only have two pairs of sneakers; these are different!”

“ Why does it matter that I left my new jacket at school? If something happens to it, we will just get a new one.”

“Why can’t we get take-out? We never get to eat out!”

Over the last month, my girls complained often about my husband and me not meeting their expectations. I was beyond frustrated at their lack of appreciation; it didn’t matter what we did for them, they were still ungrateful.

 I shared my frustration with a group of mom friends the next day with nodding heads; many others shared similar stories. “We want to provide for our children, give them opportunities, and make their lives enjoyable and comfortable. But how do we do that while preventing a sense of entitlement and fostering genuine gratitude?” one mom asked the group.

Even among the body of believers who strive to guard their hearts against excess consumerism and are dedicated to giving back to the Lord and sharing their wealth, the reality is that our resources are abundant for many. There’s nothing wrong with having a career that provides financial stability or providing our families with experiences and resources to make their lives easier and better. The problem is when our hearts and minds shift from stewardship to ownership.

What is the difference between stewardship and ownership?

Stewardship is when we are responsible for caring for something that belongs to someone else. Ownership is full possession; it is entirely ours to do what we wish. As Christians, we acknowledge that everything comes from God and are s simply stewards of His gifts ( John 3:27). 

When we believe everything belongs to the Lord, it guides us as we decide how to spend our time and money. As stewards and not owners, we ask ourselves, “Is the best use of  God’s resources?” While Scripture is not against wealth, having nice things, or even living a comfortable life, it does admonish us to be on guard against storing earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). It places the responsibility of caring for those in need on us (Proverbs 22:9).

If we find that we are clinging tightly to financial security or personal comfort, if we lack an attitude of gratitude, then we have shifted from stewardship to ownership. Graciously, if we ask God to examine our hearts, He will help us as we move back towards His desires for our life ( Psalm 129:23-34). 

Setting the Example

Have you heard the term, “It’s not what’s taught but what’s caught?” Our children are impacted more by how we live our lives than by the mini-sermons, lessons, and general advice we share. We shouldn’t neglect to speak Truth over them, but all will be lost if we don’t “practice what we preach.”

I often feel the tug to complain about making dinner at home when it would be so much easier to eat out and flop on the sofa afterward rather than having to make and clean up a meal. When I see the latest clothing trend I’d love to buy, I have to stop and think about whether it’s wise to purchase it.

We must be hyper-aware that our children are always watching us; they are taking it all in, and as parents, we must not only be hearers of the Word but also doers (James 1:22-25). 

Creating a Mindset of Gratitude

When Paul writes to the Thessalonians, encouraging them to be thankful in all circumstances ( 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18), he is not ignoring the realities of life in a fallen world, yet reminding them that gratitude is a heart position. As believers, we can wake up daily with thanksgiving because we have the Gospel's good news. We were once in darkness, and now, through the gift of salvation, we can experience eternal life ( 1 Corinthians 5:17-21). 

Shifting our family’s mindset from ownership to stewardship, from entitlement to gratitude, and promoting sacrifice and service will take consistency, commitment, and care. It is a process, but we are not alone. We partner with the Holy Spirit and prayerfully ask the Lord to guide and direct us as we seek to honor Him and all we say and do. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:How can you teach your children to honor God with their resources? Today, read and study Scripture together, filling their hearts and minds with biblical Truths. 

For Further Reading:

An Attitude of Gratitude

5 Things to Do to Have an Attitude of Gratitude

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Let go of your concerns and place them in God’s hands. Trust that God will sustain you, and rest assured that God will be working for the best in every single one of the situations that concerns you. Then enjoy the freedom that brings you! When you’re no longer weighed down by worry, you can experience the well-being and growth God wants for you in every season. 

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Full Transcript Below:

Let Go for Your Well-Being

By: Whitney Hopler

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22, NIV

When I walk around my neighborhood in the fall, I love to see colorful leaves falling from the trees to the ground. They let go gracefully and fly free through the air until they gently land. It reminds me that it’s important to let go of the concerns I carry myself. If all the cares I carry in my heart and mind were each an individual leaf, there would certainly be enough to fill a large tree. They would catch my attention by looking beautiful, but then it would be time for me to let them go by praying about them and trusting God to handle them. Holding onto my concerns would only lead them to decay, and it would also hold the tree back from thriving. Letting them go, however, would set God’s plans in motion so well-being and growth could happen. Fall leaves remind me that the only way to prepare well for the next season is to let go and trust God. 

The Bible encourages us to cast our cares on God, assuring us that he will sustain us. God will faithfully support us in all situations, working out what’s best for every single one of our concerns. But first, we have to trust God to do so. Just as a tree releases its leaves to make way for new growth, we too must release our worries to God to keep growing spiritually. 

Letting go can be difficult. Our human nature often clings to control, trying to manage every detail of our lives. We worry about the future, our loved ones, our health, and so many other concerns. These cares can become heavy – like a tree full of leaves – if we refuse to release them. They can weigh us down, preventing us from experiencing the peace and joy that God wants us to experience. 

However, when we choose to let go and place our trust in God, we make room for God’s sustaining power to work in our lives. God promises that he will never let the righteous be shaken. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges. But it does mean that we have a firm foundation in God that cannot be moved. He will carry us gracefully through every kind of circumstances – even the most difficult times we face. 

So, imagine what it would look like to truly let go of your cares. Picture yourself standing beneath a tree in the fall, with your hands full of colorful leaves that represent your worries. Then, one by one, you release them into the air and watch as the wind carries them away. As you let go, you begin to feel lighter, more at peace, and more in tune with God’s presence. 

God’s invitation to cast your cares on him is not just a suggestion. It’s a promise that God will care for them faithfully and work out the very best in each situation. By letting go, you aren’t abandoning your responsibilities or ignoring your problems. Instead, you’re acknowledging that God is greater than any challenge you face. You’re trusting God to sustain you, to guide you, and to bring about the best outcome according to his perfect will. 

Whenever you feel burdened by the concerns in your heart and mind, remember the lesson of the falling leaves. Let go of your concerns and place them in God’s hands. Trust that God will sustain you, and rest assured that God will be working for the best in every single one of the situations that concerns you. Then enjoy the freedom that brings you! When you’re no longer weighed down by worry, you can experience the well-being and growth God wants for you in every season. 

Intersecting Faith and Life

As you consider why it’s important for your well-being to let God handle your concerns, reflect on these questions: 

• What cares are you holding onto that you need to release to God?
• What steps can you take to practice letting go and trusting God more fully in your daily life?
• How have you experienced God’s sustaining power in your life when you’ve chosen to trust him?
• In what ways can you remind yourself of God’s promises when you’re tempted to hold onto your concerns? 

Further Reading

1 Peter 5:7

Matthew 11:28-30

Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalm 62:8

Isaiah 41:10

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Have you ever had a craving that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can satisfy? How does it feel to know that God can and will fulfill your deepest longings? 

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Full Transcript Below:

Taste of Eternity

By Alexis A. Goring

“For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.”—Hebrews 13:14 TLB

Did you know that it wasn’t God’s desire for humankind to taste death? We were supposed to live with Him forever in perfect harmony.

Unfortunately, our First Parents (Adam and Eve) sinned and were banished from the Garden of Eden, which was a place beyond our wildest dreams. Their choice separated them from God. They no longer had direct access to Him and were not able to continue seeing Him face-to-face. 

However, God did not abandon Adam and Eve. He kept prayer as an open line of communication and sent His angels to protect them from the evil one. He also gave them His grace and mercy and implemented the plan He had put in place for when humankind sinned. Many centuries after Adam and Eve died, God sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to make a way for us to be reconciled with God through the plan of salvation (John 3:16). Because of this plan, we have the hope and promise of enjoying eternity with our Lord and Savior when He returns to take us home to Heaven. But until then, we exist on this Earth that is suffering from all the effects of sin. The Bible says that God has things beyond our greatest imagination prepared for us in Heaven (1 Corinthians 2:9), and one day we will receive it all when we are reunited with Him! But until then, do you find yourself having a longing for eternity?

The writer C.S. Lewis said, “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” Lately, I’ve experienced this unsatiable craving for eternity spent in the presence of God. I’m eager to be in His Presence, meet His angels—especially the ones that were assigned to keep me safe—be reunited with loved ones who passed away, and be free from all the pain and suffering of life as we know it. The good news is that Jesus is coming again, so one day this will be possible for all who follow Him. But meanwhile, we are on a journey.

Have you ever traveled somewhere for something you wanted so badly that you didn’t care how much time it took to get it? I remember when my physical therapist told me that she wants to drive two hours from Maryland to Delaware so that she can enjoy her favorite French fries. She lamented that she was craving those fries from a popular place on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk but didn’t have time to make the trip. She told me that it is worth the drive.

I told her that whenever I travel to a far-away destination, I don’t eat certain foods. This is because I hear how delicious they taste and I don’t want to crave them when I return home, because I may never visit that place again. It would feel unbearable to want what I cannot have when it’s not available locally. My way of solving that potential problem is by not even tasting that food, no matter how mouthwatering delicious it might be. It would be hurtful to crave what I cannot satisfy without spending gas money or airfare.

Lately, I have been thinking that our spiritual experience as believers in God is similar. When we are born again and follow Jesus earnestly, we get a taste of eternity, and we have a craving for the pure perfection of Heaven. We want to receive the promise of an immortal body and being reconciled with God in real time. We long for all that God has in store for us and the good news is that eventually that craving will be satisfied when we go home with Jesus. But until then, we need to live for Him and focus on the fact that one day He will fulfill this currently insatiable desire to completely experience His Kingdom. 

Just like my PT was willing to make the long drive out of state to eat her favorite fries, our God sent His only Son (Jesus Christ) on the long journey from Heaven to Earth and guided Him through His life. His plan of salvation was completed so that we could be reunited with Him and restored to life before sin. Eventually, our taste for eternity will be fully satisfied.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Have you ever had a craving that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can satisfy? How does it feel to know that God can and will fulfill your deepest longings? 

Further Reading:

John 5:24

John 17:3

Romans 6:23

1 Timothy 6:12

1 John 2:25

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What is grabbing your attention? Is it distraction due to the world or are you giving attention to Jesus? Where your attention is so is your devotion? What you give your heart to, has you. Consider your day. How can you carve out time for God? Time for connection? What on your calendar might you need to remove? How can you use spare moments to carve out times of intentional prayer or connectedness with The Lord?

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Full Transcript Below:

When Distraction Steals Your Devotion for God

By Kelly Balarie

“’Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” – Matthew 11:28 NIV

Scrolling is resting. That’s the lie I tell myself anyway, as I settle down with my phone for ten minutes. That’ll do the trick. Of course, we all know that ten minutes of scrolling easily turns to thirty. 

The more I scroll, the more I see what people are upset with, what’s going wrong in the world, what looks like a perfect life for others and whatever else is mindless. Finally, hopping off the phone, am I better for it? Hardly. Did it eat up my time? Absolutely.  Do I know what is going on in the world? I think so. Am I more stressed? One-hundred percent.

As the day goes on, life happens and I have to handle it all – bills, kids, a move, requests, need of others. Come evening, I seek rest again. A movie? That could do the trick.

I watch the movie and head to bed. In bed, conviction hits me. What happened to my time with God today? What happened to my time with God all this week? I spent so much time scrolling on the phone and watching tv that my time with the Lord evaporated. My time in His Word was measly. My time in prayer was non-existent. 

In my pursuit of seeking worldly rest, I missed it entirely. In fact, before I even came to this realization, in bed, I had to repent of watching the movie I watched and all those icky parts in it. The dialogues of offense at some church scandal gripped my mind.What the world suggests is rest is not rest at all; it is time to sit down and to cultivate inner turbulence that we will have to work out later. It may feel good in the moment but we will pay for it down the road.Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” – Matthew 11:28 NIV

Only when I come to Jesus do I come to know real rest. Only when I hear His words, are the words of my mind calmed by the Prince of Peace. Only when I step away to pray can I see His best way.

Distraction is a delusion that doesn’t serve us. Yet, our focus on Jesus is devotion that can’t be stolen from us. It is only godly devotion that leads to inner recuperation of spirit, body and mind. The world slimes us with sin, pressure, and problems, while Jesus heals us because He is The Way, The Life and The Truth.

I had to admit that I had, inadvertently, traveled far from God. Lying in bed, I realized that God was setting up my come-back!

“Come to me…” Jesus said.He is always saying that. Are we listening? Come to me, you who are weary? Come to me, you who are numbing yourself in alcohol. Come to me, you who are immersing yourself in a busy schedule because you can’t handle how you feel. Come to me, you who are hiding behind your phone. Come to me, you who are pretending you have it all together.

God still wants you, dear child of God. He wants you to come. This is your come-back party too. If you hear His voice, follow Him. If you feel worldly burdens, unload them on Him. If you are under too much pressure to survive, let Him take that load.

He is inviting you to come to Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What is grabbing your attention? Is it distraction due to the world or are you giving attention to Jesus? Where your attention is so is your devotion? What you give your heart to, has you. Consider your day. How can you carve out time for God? Time for connection? What on your calendar might you need to remove? How can you use spare moments to carve out times of intentional prayer or connectedness with The Lord?

Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Right now, will you pause and spend a few extra moments fueling your soul with the Lord? Friend, in him you will certainly find sufficient strength in his holy presence to face whatever he holds just ahead.

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Full Transcript Below:

Finding the Strength to Do Hard Things 

By Keri Eichberger 

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.  (Habakkuk 3:19)

For the past eight years I’ve wondered here and there why God allowed me to work so hard to hit a goal, only to fall slightly short. I mean, I believe there is purpose in all things he calls us to, so I’m always looking for ways to learn from the lessons he scatters along my life. But it’s not always apparent to me. Not immediately anyway.

I was in my mid-thirties and had never run the local mini marathon. I’d always wanted to when the time was right, and had been enjoying running. In fact, it had become quite therapeutic when my kids were young. My frazzled feet on the open road, pounding out the stress, noise, and chaos of those crazy years.

So, in 2016 I finally signed up, chose a finish goal of two hours, and got to training. When race day came, I was prepared and appropriately conditioned to complete the 13.1 miles in under two hours (based on my trial run pace of nine minutes per mile). But, twelve miles in, a steady rain began to flood the streets and my shoes. My calves locked up, my pace slowed to a jogging crawl, and I collapsed over the finish line at two hours… and 20 seconds. 

I missed my mark.

It shouldn’t have mattered so much honestly. Which has definitely been one of my takeaways over the years. Along with the fact that I am not in control—God is. But out of seemingly nowhere this morning, I had a sort of revelation about the whole experience. 

Fast-forward eight years, at the age of almost 45, I struggle to run a single mile under eleven minutes. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to my running partner, and husband, Mike, “How in the world did I ever run thirteen miles at a nine minute pace when I can hardly run one now at such a turtle speed?” Then, we chuckle and chalk it up to our aging joints and tired bodies. But this morning, I gained clarity of the true source of my strength all those years ago that had allowed me to do this difficult thing. Something I know I never could’ve done on my own.

It was God all along.

Waking weary, and not sure I could finish my measly mile jog this morning, I felt prompted to dust off my old wired earbuds and search for the songs I’d saved back then that assisted my training runs. I pressed shuffle and within seconds I felt a familiar power surge from years ago as truths of God and lyrics of worship swept into my ears and threw my lungs and legs. Tears began to sting my eyes. I let the sunshine permeate the listless life within me and light up my soul with a renewed strength that felt inextinguishable. And I couldn’t stop at a mile. Fueled by God I kept running.

Yes, it was him all along.

Is there something you’ve been facing or considering that you’re not quite sure how you’ll manage or power through?

Remember, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.

God powered me through my runs. He is the strength that is getting me through today. And when I wonder how I’ll do the next hard thing, I can remember that he is who will be my strength then. God is, was, and will be your strength too.

So maybe all along my falling short was just to keep me on the lookout for what God wanted to teach me. Because I think many times we learn more in life when we don’t get the reward we wanted, when we have to wait, and when we fall a little short.

Today I was assured once again that it is not me sustaining and strengthening the outputs of my life. God is. And when we are tapped into him, fueled up with his people, his word, his presence – reminders of his love and sovereign protection – we find his strength and power that can make anything he wills for our life possible.

Intersecting Life and Faith:

Right now, will you pause and spend a few extra moments fueling your soul with the Lord? Friend, in him you will certainly find sufficient strength in his holy presence to face whatever he holds just ahead.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Becoming Strong in Our Struggles 

by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer 

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Are you struggling through some wounds right now? What if you were to think about it as a season of strengthening rather than a season of struggle? 

I was thinking the other day about how easily we can be wounded. 

Hurtful comments from others, disappointment in relationships, or a circumstance that seems unfair can make us cower in feelings of weakness and failure. In addition to these common everyday wounds, there are serious wounds that may impact us as well—deep hurts from our childhood, abuse in any form, abandonment or betrayal from someone we trusted, the sudden or premature loss of a loved one, chronic pain, rejection, and more. But those wounds don’t have to define us or dictate our character or our future. 

The Scriptures say our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). 

That passage tells me two things: 1) Satan and the powers of darkness seek to wound and debilitate us, and 2) We are empowered to be warriors...not weaklings who remain wounded. Scripture exhorts us in Ephesians 6:10-11 to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" and to "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (NIV).  Then as we're given details in how to put on those pieces of armor, we're told to take the shield of faith "with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (verse 16 NIV). 

I started thinking about how many of us fall prey to the flaming arrows or "fiery darts" of the enemy because we believe his lies, like… 

No one will ever really love you, so just face it  

You are a pathetic example of a parent.  

Your spouse doesn’t really love you; they’re just going through the motions.

You call yourself a child of God? Just look at the way you behave! 

You should be ashamed of all that is in your past. 

Everyone knows what a fake and phony you are. Just give it up! 

You can never live a life of meaning and purpose, so don't even try. 

Those fiery darts pierce our hearts, they stab our minds, they condition our thinking. They convince us that God's words are lies and the Satan's words (which are sometimes our own thoughts or words spoken to us through other people) are true. 

But Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God as a defense against these lies, accusations and fiery darts. 

Intersecting Faith and Life: 

For years, I wondered what the analogy meant and how to actually suit up in the armor of God. Then my husband, a pastor, explained it in a Bible study one evening. He pointed out that every piece of armor symbolizes Christ in some way. And therefore, putting on the armor of God is synonymous with clothing yourself in the character of Jesus Christ, or simply abiding in Him. 

• We are to fasten the belt of truth around our waist, which means to know at the core of our being that Jesus is the truth. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). 
• We are to wear the breastplate of righteousness, meaning we are to cover our heart with Christ who is called "The Lord our Righteousness" in Jeremiah 23:6.
• We are to take up the shield of faith in order to extinguish those fiery darts from the enemy. Psalm 84:11 tells us "The Lord is a sun and shield..." and Christ is the object of our faith.  
• We are to put on the helmet of salvation by guarding our heads and minds with Christ because Acts 4:12 says "Salvation is found in no one else.” 
• We are to take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God—and John 1:14 tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. 

When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. 

Suit up, my friend. Wield your sword like a warrior and tell the enemy to bring it on! You have all you need to be victorious in Him. 

Lord, Jesus, thank You that You have already declared my victory when I fight in Your strength alone. Help me to clothe myself in Your character so I have all I need to overcome the enemy’s assault.  

Further Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 

For more on becoming a warrior woman, rather than a wounded one, see Cindi’s book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts. 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Has God spoken to you about something he wants you to do in your life? What steps can you take to obey him today? 

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Be Quick to Hear and Obey

“Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:36-37

Every year, I participate in a writer's conference where they award the year's best books. This year, I didn't have any books eligible for this award. But I watched expectantly as the live-streamed event gave out the awards of which many of my friends were recipients. Upon hearing a good friend's title of her book being called out to win the prize for best children's fiction book, I had a moment with the Lord. I heard the book's title with my ears, but it was as if my soul had heard it, too. Suddenly, I had an idea.

I called my friend a couple of days later. “What would you think if we did a devotional based on your picture book of the same title?” My friend thought about this for a while. After deciding she would not do any more devotional writing for a while, she put an idea like that out of her mind. But something stirred in her soul the same as in mine. “I like this idea,” she said. At the end of our phone call, we agreed to send an e-mail to the publisher of that book. We wanted to see if they were interested in the idea before we put the work into creating samples and writing a proposal. Within minutes of her writing an e-mail, the publisher got back and said they loved the idea. They wanted to see a proposal and samples.

Within a week and a half, we worked to create five sample devotions and a proposal. Although nothing is guaranteed, the fact that the publishers loved the idea before we sent the proposal and that her previous book has done well in sales bode well for us when it comes to them giving a green light on this new project. While it may get rejected by the publisher, I am called by God to be obedient to whatever he calls me to do, no matter the outcome. If the book gets rejected, it’s not that I misheard God; it wasn’t meant for that purpose or in that timeframe. 

When I began to feel that stirring in my soul when I heard that title, I could have ignored it. I could have justified it by saying I misheard God. I could have justified not wanting to do all the hard work by neglecting God's call. However, because of my obedience, the Lord gave us favor and worked on our behalf. Within a week, we were able to create a high-quality proposal that might come out in publication someday. I heard from the Lord and was careful to obey it.

Peter had to obey God's word, too. Peter took a significant risk by proclaiming the gospel in the above passage. He told the people plainly who Jesus was and that they needed him for their salvation. Because of Peter's obedience, these words cut into the people's hearts. Their ears heard the words and allowed those words to pierce their souls. Because of the power of the word of God, many people were saved that day because of Peter's boldness in proclaiming the gospel. People were also saved because they were careful to obey it. 

If I had not been obedient to what I heard and had neglected my part in proclaiming the gospel to all generations, my friend and I would not be able to partner in that way. Although I have yet to determine if the book will be published, I am proud that I can hear the Lord in that way, and when he calls me to do something, I'm quick to obey it. 

Father, let us be quick to hear your word. When we read or hear the word of God, let us not only listen with our ears but also allow it to pierce our hearts. Allow the word of God to correct, encourage, and inspire us toward love and good deeds. Let us be people who hear your voice and quickly obey it. Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Has God spoken to you about something he wants you to do in your life? What steps can you take to obey him today? 

Further reading

Proverbs 3:5-6

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