“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it… But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul compares […]

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 ESV Feeling behind is part of being human. We fall behind on laundry, dishes, deadlines, and expectations. Life piles up quickly, and before we know it, we’re running in circles—busy, overwhelmed, and unsure of what needs

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV We often hear the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” While it sounds comforting, it isn’t actually found in Scripture. What is true and far more powerful is this: God won’t give

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 KJV The day warmed just enough to take the dogs for a walk in the snow. The sun shone brightly, melting the snow and ice into a muddy mess in the driveway, right where my

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 ESV Do you ever have days where everything feels impossible? Days when no matter how many steps you take forward, it feels like you’re somehow still moving backward? You pray, you try, you show

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV After a long day of moving and stacking firewood, I finally stepped into the shower to wash the day off. I remember thinking, I don’t want to go into tomorrow with today’s dirt still on me. As

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV New beginnings often stir up a mix of excitement and fear. They invite us to step forward while still feeling the weight of

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful, and difficult, commands in Scripture. Mark Twain once wrote, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” That image perfectly captures the heart

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) There are seasons in life when everything feels heavy, when decisions feel unclear, prayers feel unanswered, and the path ahead seems blocked.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 NIV Over the past several days, I’ve felt deeply disappointed by the way people have responded within different communities around me.