For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. 

~Romans 11:36

As a writer, I’m a grammar nerd—always have been. Because my mom immigrated to the US from Italy as a teenager speaking no English at all, she worked very hard to quickly master the language of her new home country and became an exacting stickler for proper English. From the time my brothers and I started talking, my mom ensured that our speech followed all the grammar, syntax, and diction rules. 

So, while diving into the last part of Romans, chapter 11, the richness of several prepositional phrases jumped off the page to paint an inspiring picture of God and His glory. [As a quick reminder: A preposition is paired with an object of a preposition to form a prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrases are phrases that can be used to modify nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Examples are at, by, for, from, in, of, on, to, with, above, over, through—to name a few.]

Now, Paul’s letter to the Romans delivers crazy depth and breadth of the gospel—the problem of sin, God’s judgment, God’s free justification, and the transformed life of believers. Chapter 11 wraps up a three-chapter discussion primarily about Israel: their rejection and God’s plan for their ultimate redemption per His promise. It’s Paul’s closure of this chapter that reminds us all—Jew, Christian, and unbeliever alike—who He is. Let’s nerd out together, shall we?

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things” (emphasis mine).

In looking at all parts of this phrase, I turned to the original Greek language (per Strong’s Concordance) to be sure that our current English understanding doesn’t cloud Paul’s intention. And since all the prepositional phrases modify something, it’s vital to address this first. Here, it’s “all things”. Every time an exposition of Scripture has “all”, I hear in my head the words of a former pastor of mine: “In the Greek, all means all, and that’s all all means.” I looked it up, and yes, that’s accurate! “All” is “in an absolute sense, all things collectively, the totality of created things.” So, let’s wrap our heads around that for a minute. We’re talking about everything that exists! Now, onto those weighty prepositions…

1. from (out of, by means of): a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote). In other words, everything is from—by means of—God. He is the Source of it all. And everyone, even though they might not admit it outright—knows this and will be held accountable to this truth (see Romans 1).
2. through (because of, for the sake of, on account of): a preposition pointing to one who is the author of the action, as well as its instrument, or of the efficient cause. So, God not only is the Source, but He is also the Creator/Doer (Genesis 1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
3. to/unto (so, toward, for): answering to the final cause; indicating the point reached or entered (of place, time); to or into a purpose (result, etc.). This prepositional phrase is the “why” portion of this verse. Why did God source and then make all things? For Himself and His own pleasure (Psalm 135:6; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).

Once the prepositional modifiers describe the existence of all things, the rest of verse 36 answers the “so what/now what” question for us: “To Him be the glory forever.” We can actually get a running start on this glorious praise in verses 33-35, where Paul bursts out in mind-blowing exaltation (my summary): “God’s ways and whys are unfathomable! We can’t even start to wrap our heads around His thoughts, wisdom and knowledge!” Putting all of 11:36 together, especially if taken in context of Paul’s entire letter to the Romans, it’s enough bigness to keep us occupied for days (years!):

God is the Author, Architect, Source, Cause, Creator, Purpose. Of Everything. And the awe we experience upon seeing a sunrise, basking in the starry sky, looking into a child’s eyes, laughing with friends, tasting something delicious, inhaling a flower’s aroma or sweet pine…it all points to One Person—and to the glory of the One from whom, through whom, and to whom it all exists. Oh, beloved, may we never cease to be amazed by Him. Amen? Yes, amen!

Oh Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth—and beyond! May I see everything around me with the eyes of awe.

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.  

~Philippians 1:12-14

Last month, Canada passed the Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9), a new “hate crime” law. This Bill broadens the definition of hate speech and removes the longstanding legal defense for good-faith religious expression. So now, a pastor may be arrested for preaching certain parts of the Bible. (Although the language of the Bill says religious text is protected, there are loopholes in the designation of “hatred”, as it’s defined as “clearly associated with vilification and detestation”—so emotionally adamant individuals can make the legal accusation based on their personal perception). Now, the law is purportedly for all religions and cultural “hate”…but make no mistake, it is an anti-Christian resolution. And, although the law may ultimately protect a pastor, the costly legal process becomes the punishment. 

(Interesting proof point: I was recently talking with my husband’s Canadian coworker and his wife who, in their recounting the “COVID years” in their county, how Christian churches were locked down with resolved enforcement, the smallest gathering of the saints prohibited—with ramifications. Drive by the many mosques during that time, though, and you’d see packed parking lots and no police in sight.)

This, my friend, is Canada—not North Korea. And, if you’re paying attention, you’ll know that it’s seeping into our nation as well.

While diving in once more to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it’s amazing to read about the joy he had in Christ and for the Gospel while chained up in a cold underground prison in Rome. But what struck me afresh are verses 12-14 of chapter 1: Because of Paul’s imprisonment for the Gospel, the brethren had far more courage to speak the Word of God without fear. My first reaction is, “What!?” If my pastor was hauled away from his pulpit and thrown in jail for preaching the truth of the Bible, I’m thinking my response would be to flee and fearfully hide out in my house. Not so with Paul’s brothers and sisters in Christ during that time. Nope, seeing Paul’s imprisonment (and likely knowing about the arrests, tortures, and deaths of contemporary followers of Christ—perhaps even their own family and friends), their trust in the Lord grew! And they became bolder to share the Gospel! 

In light of what’s happening in Canada, as well as the fact that 4,849 Christians have been killed for their faith and 388 million suffered severe persecution last year (Open Doors 2026 reporting), may the Bible be both a mirror and a map for us in this regard. 

The Apostle Paul (and Peter and John and all the Apostles) had good reason to be fearful and stay quiet, given the persecution of Jesus followers. But through their steadfast faith in Christ, they never backed down—and their words exhort us today.

• God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control, and we are not to be ashamed because we know whom we have believed (2 Timothy 1:6-14).
• Even when imprisoned and threatened by the government, Peter and John said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-22)
• “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9)
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow down to anyone but the Lord (Daniel 3).
• Daniel prayed to God in the open even when it was outlawed (Daniel 6:10-28).

At the very end of Paul’s life, he continued to admonish believers to preach the Word—in and out of season. For 250 years, the Gospel has been “in season” in our nation but is falling out. So as Paul writes to Timothy, we’re to listen in and follow suit (2 Timothy 4:1-5):

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The time is coming to embrace courage not despite persecution, but because of it. Are you ready? Am I?

Lord, make me bold to preach the Gospel without fear. No matter the season, no matter the potential danger.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

~Colossians 4:5 (NLT)

Confession time. I am way too often a very poor ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Around my friends and church family? No problemo. Even in welcoming new people to church on Sundays, my attitude is love, grace, mercy—my desire is to reflect the Lord and glorify God in my thoughts, words, and actions. The sad truth is that my loss of these godly characteristics usually occurs amid more, um, public settings. It’s bad enough that my cruddy mood or sharp words may strike a fellow Christian who doesn’t know me…in fact, they likely may be thinking, “Good grief, that woman needs Jesus.” Oh, but what does that look like to unbelievers? They probably have some choice descriptors of me in their mind. Although the word isn’t used often these days, an accurate term would be “fool”.

In the aftermath of my foolish words or actions, as conviction kicks in hard, I often shudder at the thought of following up my behavior with, “So, are you a believer? Want to join me at church on Sunday?” Cringeworthy, am I right?

 The Bible has a lot to say about fools and foolishness:

• A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back (Proverbs 29:11).
• A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (Proverb 18:2).
• The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good (Psalm 14:1).
•  For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts… deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. (Mark 7:21-22).

The opposite of foolishness is wisdom—walking according to God’s Word. In addition to the Psalms and other Old Testament books that are chock full of wisdom advice, practically every book of the New Testament gives followers of Christ an “ambassador handbook”. A clear blueprint of the words to use, the behaviors to put on (and what to throw off), and the attitudes to embrace. (See all of Paul’s letters, as well as the books of James, John, and Peter.) In fact, because we are filled with the Holy Spirit upon salvation, when we truly yield to Him, His God-glorifying fruit will blossom (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul’s letter to the Colossians, for instance, is a great study on who we are in Christ and how to walk. It’s in chapter 4, verses 2-6, however, that the Lord reminds us of how our conduct around unbelievers—if wise—provides us with gospel opportunities. And if that coin is flipped, how acting the fool leads to lost opportunity. Or worse, giving God—my King who I represent—a bad name. 

Oh, sweet friend, aren’t you thankful for the unending mercy, grace, and forgiveness of the Lord? I sure am. And as much as I know it breaks His heart when we don’t act wise (or my speech is not “seasoned with grace”), He always gives us the chance to honor His Name…to “make the most of every opportunity”. In that same section of Colossians, Paul even exhorts us how: (1) We devote ourselves to prayer; (2) stay alert—keep our eyes open to what God is doing around us; (3) maintain an attitude of thanksgiving; (4) walk wisely; and (5) season our words with the grace we’ve been given. That “opportunity” presented to us may just mean being a conduit through which God brings salvation. I don’t know about you, but I want to be that kind of tool for the Lord…not a fool.

Lord, keep my eyes open to what You are doing around me. Give me the wisdom and words to make the most of every opportunity for Your glory.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 

~1 John 3:1

I’d been warned. My friends who have lived through a time like I had last week tried to tell me, to explain what I was stepping into. I thought, “Yeah, I know…it’s gonna be wonderful.” Oh, but how could I really know? Not even sure my words here could truly capture it if you told me to fill 1000 pages. Some of you reading this may nod with a knowing look. And if you haven’t yet experienced this—or won’t ever for myriad reasons—my hope is that you’ll still understand the spiritual truths purposefully baked in by our Heavenly Father.

See, my son and daughter-in-love had a baby the other day. The moment we walked into the hospital room, and I laid eyes on her, it was all over—tears of joy, gratitude, answered prayers, and overwhelming love for this beautiful little girl. As I held her and gazed into that perfect face, I thought my heart would burst. Just hours old, she has no words, no activity, no attitude. She simply is…and she is immensely loved.

Now, it’s been over two decades since my two boys were babies, when I could hold them in my arms for hours and stare lovingly into their precious faces, my heart bursting with pure momma-adoration. Before the bad decisions, colossal mistakes, lost tempers, and regretted words set in to break the spell…and I’m talking about mine. I was/am not a perfect parent. So, despite my deep love (“to eternity and back”), which was expressed and verbalized to my boys, I know that they doubted my promise that there’s nothing they could ever do to make me love them less. I’m sure, in my failures, they thought, “I better do ______ to earn her love,” or “I messed up, so surely I’m not as loved as I was before.” Oh, how I wish it wasn’t so…because it wasn’t the truth. Did I mention I was far from a perfect parent?

Why this confession now? As I held my tiny, helpless granddaughter, overcome by a new exponential love, the Lord showed me more of Himself. See, when we were born again into God’s family by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, we were as helpless as my granddaughter emerging from her momma. We did nothing, said nothing to earn His acceptance and love. He loves us because we are His. From that moment of our new birth, we start failing. But since He is the Perfect Parent, as we make those bad decisions and colossal mistakes, when regrettable words fly from our hearts through our open lips, we never have to doubt His love. He’ll never love us any less or more—and He knows our every thought, past, present, and future. 

Although I recognize that my “grandmother goggles” will be different than my momma-vision, I know full well that no one will have to teach my sweet grandbaby to lie, bite, and have tantrums when she doesn’t get her way. And, as with my boys, there will be consequences to those actions and attitudes. But my prayer is that she—and each of us, as children of our Heavenly Father—deeply know God’s unchanging love. There is no more for the earning. No loss at our foolishness. Just the unfathomable, unsearchable love of God. In His graciousness to remind me of this, I pray that you’re also washed over by His exponential love for you. 

Lord, thank You that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. I cannot earn Your approval or dampen Your affection for me. When I fail or fall or doubt, remind me of this truth, so I can rest in Your unfathomable love for me.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

~1 Samuel 16:7

So, I recently discovered something that is culturally a thing now, especially being bought into by younger generations—women andmen. It’s called “Looksmaxxing”. Let me explain in a nutshell: It’s all about optimizing (or maximizing) yourself physically—your body, facial alignment, height, skin, hair, etc.—to be, well, “optimal” in the world’s eyes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not ignorant. People (women, in particular) have been making efforts to “improve their looks” per the latest cultural norms for generations, whether through makeup, hair dye, or attaining whatever their contemporary “ideal weight” is (from affluently obese during the Renaissance to Ozempic skeletal thinness today). But after nearly two decades of incessant social media’s mythological “A-roll” (only showing the best of your best) and misleading beauty filters, new standards have normalized. I noticed the trend starting several years ago for women to strive for real-life-filter looks: duck or fish lips by way of fillers, as well as flat, smooth, zero-expressive foreheads, eyes, and mouths. 

Where am I going with all this? Well, Looksmaxxing has become so pervasive for both genders that the bend is to normalize not just working out and eating well (good things), but also multiple facial surgeries, drugs—both pharma and street—and even using visual tricks to look taller and alter perception. Why? To get more—more money, more sex, more clicks, more satisfaction. It begs some questions, though: When does it end? How much is enough? And can real satisfaction truly be attained? It smacks a bit of that hissing lie in the Garden…”You can be like God.” Only instead of pursuing perfect wisdom, they are pursuing perfect looks.

Oh beloved, the world’s ways are tempting. But we must know the truth and stand firm in it. 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not of this world. If we were, the world would love us. But, as Jesus promised, just as the world hated (and still hates) Him, His followers will be hated by the world too (John 15:18-25). We’re warned not to love the things of this world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (sounds a lot like all-things-Looksmaxxing). These things are not from God, but from the world…and they will all pass away (1 John 2:15-17). So, striving to be loved by the world, to be lustfully perceived by others and be puffed up in the process, is antithetical to the Christian life. 

Plus, even when the outside looks pristine and perfect to others, this inside—character—can remain filthy or empty. Jesus clearly made this point while teaching: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence…Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:25-28).

Friend, our attractiveness (beauty) must be in our heart—our character, inner man, spirit—which is imperishable and precious in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3-4). The fact of the matter is that our outer self is wasting away. Despite all the shots, drugs, or surgeries, we are aging out of this world. And whether a person believes it or not, with our last breath on earth, it’s the start of our eternity. As Christ followers—praise the Lord—our inner self is being renewed day by day in preparation for heaven (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Are you falling for the hissing lies of social media? That attaining a certain look is what matters most, and that you won’t be otherwise satisfied? Sweet friend, nothing in this life will fully and finally satisfy you but Jesus—the One who is better than life. If you’re tempted by the noise of this world, turn off your phone, and turn to God’s Word. Listen to who He says you are—God’s child, Jesus’ friend, a new creation, chosen, forgiven, free. Let’s “maxx” on knowing Him.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world (all the likes, all the sex, all the money) and forfeits his soul” (Matthew 16:26)?

Lord, the lies of the enemy are getting louder and louder. May I keep my eyes on You and eternal things, striving for internal beauty that ultimately glorifies You.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

~Mark 16:15

Remember those good ol’ pre-COVID days when people ran real errands, interacted naturally, and actually chatted in waiting rooms and on airplanes? (But the real, “don’t you miss those days” was prior to the “smartphone” and “social” media era commenced, cultural norms that are producing much dumber and antisocial/isolated people…I know, I know…I digress. Again.) And while digital distraction has kept our heads in the cloud (the one where all-information-ever floats awaiting retrieval), division and vitriol has been increasing over the past couple of decades to replace common goodwill. So, it seems that sparking conversations with strangers through a simple observation or commonality—just to make a pleasant connection—seems to sadly have ended with us Gen-Xers.  

But no matter our age, we believers are called to do this very thing—with great purpose: Through simple observation or commonality, make a pleasant connection through conversation with others. The purpose? To share the good news of the Lord’s salvation and tell of His glory and wonderful deeds (Psalm 96:2-3). This can be a daunting task, for sure! But it doesn’t have to be hard.

First, it’s vital to know how to speak out the gospel message simply. Here’s one way: God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life, die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rise from the dead in victory, offering forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life to all who believe. This truth is vital to proclaim, for sure, but it’s also imperative to be able to share your testimony—your personal miraculous story of salvation. Although someone might quickly reject what the Bible has to say, it is much harder for them to dispute or deny how the gospel has impacted your life. See, whether you were saved at age 7 during VBS or the Lord rescued you last week from some vile darkness and brought you into His glorious light, you have an amazing story to tell. You are a walking miracle! So, you—and I—need to be prepared to speak our story in a quick, conversational way. We need to be ready to make an account for our hope without intimidation (1 Peter 3:14-16).

So, I’m giving you some homework, sweet friend: Create a 30-second testimony. Your transformation story, expressed simply and clearly. Step 1: Pray to the Lord to reveal to you what He wants you to share. Step 2: Take some time to write out what He shares about (a) your life before Jesus, (b) how you encountered/surrendered to Jesus, and (c) your life in relationship with Jesus. Here’s a simple tool to help, and there are many online. Step 3: Whittle down your testimony to a 30-second version. This could be as simple as, “There was a time in my life that (insert struggle here). I realized (insert need to trust Him here). Since giving my life to Jesus (insert the difference He’s made here).” Here’s an example, which happens to be my story: 

“There was a time in my life when I was searching for satisfaction, trying to please God and negotiate with Him—it was exhausting. Then God revealed His grace to me, that Jesus did for me what I could never do—all I had to do was trust Him. Now, in Christ, I am free from running after the things of this world—I have peace and purpose. Do you have a story like that?” 

Remember, beloved, we’re called to be witnesses—not the judge, jury, or defense attorney. We just need to be able to tell others what we’ve seen and heard (Acts 4:20; Acts 22:15). Then, let’s keep our eyes open for connection opportunities. At the gym, in the waiting room, at the airport. Look up from your phone or computer and look around at the lost and broken people. They need Jesus! And how are they to believe on Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without someone opening their mouth (Romans 10:11-15)?

Lord, give me the boldness to share the Truth of Your Word and the miracle of my testimony, opening a door to Your miraculous saving grace.

For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.

~Hebrews 3:4-6

Do you ever read the Exodus events and think, “Good grief! How could those Israelites be so dumb? How could they complain and continue to be so disobedient when God (a) miraculously rescued them from slavery in Egypt and (b) continually and miraculously provides for them daily?” They see His glorious works, yet when He tells them what’s next—i.e., entering into the Promise Land—they’re like, “Nope. We can’t possibly trust Your plan, God. We prefer to do things our way.” Silly Israelites.

Early on in my walk with the Lord, whenever I studied God’s people in the Old Testament, I’d practically shout at the page as if they could hear me: “You literally just experienced God’s Sovereignty and provision! How could you respond with complaints and gripes—or worse yet, turn to worship idols?!” But the older I get and the longer I travel with Jesus, the more empathy I have for those Israelites (and the less harsh I judge them). It’s not that I read these incidents with any less head-shaking or perceive the people as any less dumb…I just have come to recognize the same foolishness in my own life.

See, just like the Israelites in the Exodus events, believers like you and me are surrounded by God’s miracles every day. And—I’ll speak for myself here—I find myself complaining way too much and even turning to idols. I kick against the goad of what the Lord is telling me to do…and I trust more in my plans and ways (asking Him to bless them) versus trusting in His higher ways that are unfathomable to me (Isaiah 55:8-9). I mean, how much different from the Israelite crowd would I have been, really, given my own behavior today? Sadly, I’d likely be whining about how good things used to be in Egypt, how sick I am of manna for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and how delicious a quail sandwich would be.

Friend, the Israelites’ experience foreshadowed our abundant life in Christ. Consider these truths with me:

• The Israelites were spared death through the blood of a lamb and rescued out of bondage to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:1-13). I was spared eternal death through the Blood of the Lamb and rescued out of bondage to sin and darkness.
• They had the glorious presence of God leading their every step—a pillar of smoke during the day and fire at night (Exodus 13:21-22). I have the very presence of God living in me—the Holy Spirit—guiding, counseling, convicting, and leading me every step of the way (if I yield to Him).
• The Israelites were given daily bread from heaven (manna) to feed their bodies and fuel their journey to the Promise Land (Exodus 16:4). I have been given the Bread of Life, Jesus, who nourishes my soul and fuels my journey to the ultimate Promised Land: Heaven.
• The Israelites were provided water from a rock to quench their desert thirst (Exodus 17:1-7). I have Living Water from the Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ—never to thirst again for the things of this world that will never satisfy.
• The Lord visited the Israelites in the desert, coming down to the mountain on the third day—but they could not go near the mountain for threat of death (Exodus 19). Oh, sweet friend, God came down again—Emmanuel—to visit His people. And after His brutal death on the cross (the death we deserve), He rose again on the third day to end the separation with God and bring us close to Himself. 

As followers of Jesus Christ, my life and yours is truly filled with miracles—the greatest being our salvation by grace through faith. Let’s step away from the complaining crowd. Instead, let’s keep our eyes open to see God’s Providence, provision, and glorious work each day. Let’s put away the griping and the “my way” attitude, yielding to the great God-glorifying things He is doing around us. 

Lord, forgive me for taking my eyes off of You and pushing away Your hand in my life. May I focus (without complaint!) on the daily miracles You provide—and join You in Your work.

“I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

~John 10:10b

Happy 250th Birthday to our great nation! To celebrate, I’m reposting a devo from last year…enjoy! And may God bless America!

On July 4, 1776, the new Congress of what would ultimately become the United States of America, put forth a Declaration of Independence. This document clearly enumerated Great Britain’s tyrannical actions and the young nation’s absolution from allegiance to the British crown. One of the most quoted sentiments of this separation agreement sets its foundation:  

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Founding Fathers of our great nation set forth the truth (which at one point was self-evident) that human beings are created equal by God and have been given the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of (note, it’s not the attainment of!) happiness—and that no one can dispossess us of these things. The Declaration of Independence, as well as the Constitution drafted 11 years later, established the ideal for the new (and never-been-done-before) Republic. It’s a truly beautiful thing (despite how you hear today’s angry mobs shout otherwise), and as citizens of the U.S., we are privileged to live this way.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson wasn’t the first one to pen these concepts. We can look through the pages of the Bible and find the original promises made to the followers of Jesus Christ. As citizens of heaven (1 Peter 2:9-10; Philippians 3:20) , we are privileged to have received life, liberty, and the pursuit of joy (which is way better than happiness).

Life: We were dead in our sins, but have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). Through Jesus we possess secure eternal life (John 3:16; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39). And Jesus came to make us completely new (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17), transform us into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6), and allow us to walk in abundant life here on earth as we make our way Home to heaven (John 10:10).

Liberty: We were slaves to sin, but Jesus bought our freedom through His death and resurrection—His victory is ours. True liberty is found only in Him (John 8:31-36; Galatians 5:1). Upon salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live in us—and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). And as Christ-followers, we don’t use this freedom to indulge ourselves, but to serve others (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16).

Joy: In response to our God-given, Christ-bought life and liberty, believers are to choose joy (1 Peter 1:3-9; Philippians 4:4). Jesus lived this way during His ministry, even as He was being crucified (Hebrews 12:1-3). Obedience to the Father and abiding in Christ bring us true joy (John 15:8-11). And like our Savior, as well as through the example (and exhortation) of the Apostles, we are to endure the hard things of this life for the joy set before us. But beyond “endurance”, we are to actually “count it all joy” because these trials are part of our growth (James 1:2-4). See, happiness is based on our happenings…joy, however, can (and should) be a constant no matter what we walk through. 

As citizens of the United States, let’s appreciate the rights our nation endows us with. But as citizens of heaven, let’s celebrate the life, liberty, and joy given to us by God through Christ Jesus. 

Lord, thank You for my new life and freedom in Christ. In response, may I choose joy as I walk in obedience and glorify You.