My dad couldn’t quit dipping tobacco until something shifted—not just in his habits, but in his mind. Real change starts with transformation. Philippians 4 shows us that God isn’t just after behavior change—He’s after a renewed mind that leads to peace, unity, and purpose.
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On a mission trip in rural Africa, I was asked to speak to widows, expecting to meet elderly women. Instead, I found young mothers, all under 35, carrying babies and bearing the weight of being AIDS widows—many facing their own mortality. Overwhelmed by inadequacy, I spoke of God’s love and saw hope kindle in their eyes. That moment taught me: true wisdom isn’t about my ability but about trusting God’s. James 3:13 says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” Whether facing those widows or my own anxiety today, I’m learning to lean on God’s wisdom, not my own, through humble, faithful steps. What challenges are you facing? Let’s trust His wisdom together.
Chasing perfection often leaves us angry, exhausted, and missing the moments that matter most. Jesus gently reminded Martha — and reminds us — that only one thing is truly needed: to sit at His feet and receive His love. Lay down the burden of "good enough" and embrace His peace today.
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George trudged home under a starlit sky, the gravel crunching beneath his shoes, his heart still ablaze from a tent revival where he’d committed to Jesus through baptism. But as he neared his porch, his breath caught. A suitcase and boxes—his belongings—sat abandoned in the dim glow of the porch light. “Those are my clothes. What’s going on?” he whispered. At 17, George learned the cost of his faith: his parents had locked him out, rejecting him for choosing Christ. In a small town with no phones, word spread like wildfire. That night, George made a choice—Jesus over family—a decision that shaped his grandson’s faith generations later.
Following Christ often demands we decide who sits on the throne of our hearts. John the Baptizer understood this. He declared, “It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose” (John 1:27, NKJV). In John’s time, untying sandals was a servant’s task, yet he wasn’t diminishing himself—he was lifting up Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). John’s mission was to point others to the Savior, preparing hearts to receive Him.
You may not face a choice as stark as George’s, but every day brings moments to prioritize Jesus. He’s more than a teacher—He’s our Redeemer, the One who carried out God’s plan through sacrifice. When life feels heavy, pause to reflect on what He’s done for you. Consider the cross, the empty tomb, and the promise of His presence. Let that truth anchor you.
Take a Step Today
- Reflect: Spend five minutes in prayer, meditating on Jesus as your Redeemer. Ask, “Is He first in my heart?”
- Act: Write down one way you can prioritize Jesus this week—maybe it’s serving someone in need or diving deeper into Scripture.
- Connect: Share your story of choosing faith in a tough moment. Email me or join my newsletter to grow together.
George’s choice wasn’t easy, but it bore fruit beyond his lifetime. Who’s on the throne of your heart? Make Jesus your priority, and watch how He transforms your life.
Get encouragement every Friday!
Each week, I send out practical devotionals, insights for spiritual and emotional growth, and reminders of God’s love — right to your inbox.
Each week, I send out practical devotionals, insights for spiritual and emotional growth, and reminders of God’s love — right to your inbox.
Let’s keep walking this journey together.
What if Joseph hadn’t grown through his trials—would God’s promise to Abraham’s line, fulfilled in Jesus, have taken another path?
God’s plans can’t be thwarted—He sees the end from the start. Yet, He works through flawed humans like us, and Joseph’s story shows how growth in adversity can change everything.
Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh son, dreamed he’d rule his brothers—a vision that sparked their jealousy. They sold him into slavery, faking his death.
In Egypt, betrayal piled on: falsely accused, he landed in prison. But God was weaving a plan. Joseph’s gift for interpreting dreams lifted him from chains to Egypt’s second-in-command, where his wisdom during a famine saved nations—including his own family.
This wasn’t luck.
Joseph grew through every blow—overcoming bitterness as a slave, building trust in Potiphar’s house, leading in prison, and finally wielding power with grace.
Without that growth, he couldn’t have been God’s instrument.
Like Joseph, you might be in a hard place—trapped by circumstances you didn’t choose. Yet, God can use it for good. The key? Grow where you are.
It’s tough, costly even, to face trials with faith. But stagnation costs more. Your growth might not just save you—it could change someone else’s story. So don’t give up. Trust God with tomorrow and take one step to bloom today.
Get encouragement every Friday!
Each week, I send out practical devotionals, insights for spiritual and emotional growth, and reminders of God’s love — right to your inbox.
Each week, I send out practical devotionals, insights for spiritual and emotional growth, and reminders of God’s love — right to your inbox.
Let’s keep walking this journey together.
