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.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

~John 8:36

For the past few weeks, our great nation has been host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, with tens of thousands of people coming to the US from around the world to cheer on their national teams. And if you’ve spent even two minutes on any social platform or YouTube during this time, you’ve likely seen the reels showing these foreigners reacting—with general astonishment—to all that all-things-American, as well as our nation’s typically kind and bighearted citizens. Why all the shock and amazement, you wonder? Whether it’s the stunning and diverse beauty of our country’s landscapes, the sweet and orderly neighborhoods (lined with small or monstrous homes), or the warm greetings and interactions with Americans—not to mention our food, food portions, and free refills—these men and women of all ages, from Europe and Asia and Australia, are experiencing the unexpected.

You see, a common thread in their commentary is what they’ve been told about the USA from their nation’s media. The narrative that they’ve relentlessly been fed prior to visiting our nation has been how horrible this place is, how terrible the people are, and how restricted our lifestyle is, complete with constant riots, conflict, and peril at every turn. So, their expectations have been shattered by the reality they are experiencing. Admittedly, our nation is more divided than it’s ever been in my lifetime, but the majority of our nation and people maintain a grateful, patriotic heart to live in the greatest country in the world. And, thankfully, this has been the overarching experience of our World Cup visitors. What’s really cool is that the whole world will be watching on July 4 as we celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday and the completely unique freedom that defines us. (There’s much personal commentary I have about the lack of build-up and celebration of this momentous occasion, thanks to the loud minority and nefarious algorithms. But I’ll keep this to myself.) Without argument the United States is the freest nation in the world—and those who are experiencing this for the first time are rightly in awe…and in their excitement and joy, they cannot help but share what they’ve seen and heard.  

If you are a believer, you’ve likely seen the above scenario played out from a spiritual perspective—at church or wherever someone hears the Good News. See, many people have been told that Christianity is horrible, its people terrible, and the lifestyle restricted—they’d never want to be part of it. They have definitive expectations. All negative. But then…they experience the grace and mercy of God. Through faith in Christ, they go from darkness to light, become new creations, imputed with undeserved righteousness. Most importantly, they are freed from being slaves to sin and death—free from the shackles of this world and made citizens of Heaven (2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 8:1-2; Philippians 3:20). No matter what nation a person abides in, if they are in Christ, they are the freest people in the world (Galatians 5:1). And, although there are some unkind, judgmental, divisive Christians, most followers of Christ are kindhearted, generous, and joyfully appreciative of their freedom. Like immigrants coming to the US from Communist China or Cuba, we believers have lived in darkness but now live in the glorious Light, fully cognizant of where we’ve been and what we’ve been rescued from. And, hopefully, from the moment of salvation through the decades thereafter, we remain in awe of it all.

Having experienced freedom in Christ—the diverse beauty of His Church, the warmth and generosity of believers, the joy available in Him even amid challenging storms—is our desire to share the news? Do we take it for granted, or rejoice in it daily? Is our response, “I can’t help but share what I’ve seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20)? Oh, sweet friend, let’s be like the World Cup visitors! May we recognize and celebrate the true freedom we have in Jesus…and enthusiastically tell the world.

Lord, may I never forget or take for granted the freedom I have in Christ. And give me the boldness to always share with others the Good News of this Truth.

“In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.”

~Isaiah 30:15

Even before I surrendered to Jesus at age 30, jumping into leadership roles was always my thing, from sports teams and student government to professional management and friend-groups. So, this pattern naturally continued in my Christian journey, from women’s Bible study group facilitator to home group leader (with my husband) to women’s ministry director. In my experiential talents and spiritual gifts, the Lord has allowed me to teach, encourage, and disciple—working through me while growing and blessing me in the process. (Just to be clear, I also recognize that there’s a fleshy side to “leadership” called “control”—and, as Paul teaches us in Romans, it’s been a constant battle for me to yield to the spiritual side.)

As I (way too) quickly approach my sixtieth birthday, however, an unfamiliar pull seems to be coming from the Lord. And, somewhat frustratingly, this recognition is showing up in every facet of my life (work, church, friends, even family). Now, I’m not sure it actually has anything to do with my accruing years…rather, I feel like it’s the dawn of a new spiritual season.

No matter how long you’ve been a Christ follower, you have no doubt walked through various seasons—times of deep abiding in Christ, waiting on the Lord, undeserved blessings, refining pain. Praise God, there is nothing that we go through that has not been addressed in God’s Word, extolled by His people, or experienced by our sweet Savior (Hebrews 4:14-16). Most of the time, we don’t really identify or label “the season” until it’s in the rearview mirror…when we can look back and say, “Oh, I see what You did there, Lord—thank You!” For other seasons, although we come through them to the “other side”, we may not see or understand their purpose until we’re glorified in heaven. Still other times, you can identify that something new from the Lord is on the horizon…you just don’t know what’s in store.

So, what’s this current I’m now swimming in that’s gently pulling me away from the shores of familiarity? Not quite as strong as an undertow, but equally as disconcerting, everything around me seems to be diminishing in a weird way. But it’s not really that the people, church, and work of my life are fading or distancing…it’s my controlling grasp on them. My need to lead, go, do. It’s like the Lord is consistently whispering, “Stop. Rest. Trust Me.” In my growing discontent with my current work, He says, “Just do what’s right in front of you—with excellence—not concerning yourself with how others are doing their job.” With regard to the “humanness” of church leadership, He soothingly says, “Step back and focus on what I am doing there—the hope found, the lives transformed, the eternities changed.” Even within my family and especially with my adult children, the Lord, with a knowing grin, reminds me, “Trust Me with them—I love them more than you do and am glorifying Myself through their lives.” And as my body gets weaker, despite my grasping at every health trend, He comforts me with, “This world is not your home, child. Don’t hold it so tightly.” Can you relate, sweet friend? 

In Isaiah 30:15 the Lord concisely summarizes this concept. Expanding it a bit here with the Hebrew word definitions, it reads: “In repentance (returning to God) and rest (quietness) you will be saved (free, safe, preserved, rescued), in quietness (stillness) and trust (confidence) is your strength (valor, might, power, victory).” Can I get an “Amen”? This is simple, but it is far from easy. So, I’m stepping obediently (albeit hesitantly) into this new season of “stop” and “trust”. 

What about you? What is the Lord whispering to your spirit at this time? Is it, “Go! Lead the way!” Then go—He’ll equip you! Or, like me, is it, “Be still (stop striving) and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)? Beloved, He is calling you, beckoning you follow. Let’s listen for His voice and step out in faith.

Lord, I do trust You. Help me be still and quiet. No matter the season You bring, may I always trust You and know You are God—in the “go and do” and the “stop and wait”.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

~Psalm 51:17

Growing up Catholic, my theological view was all about the “do”—boxes to check to stay on God’s good side. Weekly Mass, regular visits to the priest for confession (where a few Hail Mary and Our Father repetitions would do the trick of absolution), and no meat of Fridays during Lent. As I got older (and wilder), washing away my sinful behavior also included negotiating and bartering with God to forgive or protect me from my dumb decisions. Like a pig in the mud, I’d get filthy, needing to scrub, scour, and bleach my way back to an “acceptable” level of cleanliness before God.

But God unveiled my eyes to the truth of His salvation: In Jesus, it is “done”—no checklists or bargaining to do more good than bad or exhausting “earning” of His acceptance. By grace through faith, we are forgiven and made free. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). For me, this meant immediate deliverance (freedom from) a few sinful enslavements—Praise God. It also infused me with the desire to joyfully serve (“do”) in response to the love, forgiveness, grace, mercy given me. Not to earn God’s favor, but because I already had it.

If, however, you’ve been following Jesus for a while, you may have noticed a subtle shift—whether in your own life or in the lives of Christian brothers and sisters around you. Serving God, doing good, even giving can slip back into a “have to” instead of a “get to”. We may start doing good to prove something to God—or to others around us. If we say “no” one Sunday to a serve request, we’re wracked with guilt…or we sign up regularly for a visible role at church to be sure others see us working hard for Jesus. See, our enemy, Satan, is tricky and loves to twist what’s good and hiss lies in our ears. He’s the father of lies, the accuser, the god of this world. And because you and I belong to God, Satan is always trying to trip us up and taint what’s pure. He can’t steal us, but he can sure steal from us! He hisses, “Oh, look at what you did last weekend—you’d better serve at every service on Sunday to make up for it!” Or “You sure watch some worldly shows—and you call yourself a Christian? Better make up for that!” Or “You’d better join a Bible study group, so you’re doing more than just Sunday.” He wants us to forget that grace is a gift, not a payment.

So, friend, let’s always remind ourselves—and each other of the truth: In God’s economy, service does not cleanse us. The Lord alone creates a clean heart, washing us as white as snow. We cannot do—we can’t scrub, bleach, wash…no sacrifice, no negotiation, no bargaining, no service. Just our broken spirit—“a broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17) and His mercy (Matthew 9:13). Once we come clean with the Lord through repentance (admitting our sin and turning from it), He cleans us. We serve Him in grateful response and for His glory.

Lord, thank You for washing me, making me righteous in Your sight—not by my own cleansing work, but by Your finished work on the Cross. May I boldly share this Good News with others…that they don’t have to “do” because “it is done.”

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. 

~Galatians 6:9-10

I met someone at church not long ago who was visiting our campus. He was standing around looking lost, so I asked him if I could help him find something or someone. He said he was trying to find the guy who invited him to church. We’ll call that inviter guy “Mark”—because, well, that’s his name. I told this man (we’ll call him “Chris”—I don’t remember his actual name) that I just saw Mark, and then I asked someone else who was walking by to go get him. In the meantime, I asked Chris how he knew Mark…this is where the story gets interesting.

Chris proceeded to tell me that he met Mark earlier that week. At a car accident. Um, their accident. Where Chris’s car hit Mark’s car. And, as they waiting for the police to arrive to the scene, Mark started a conversation with Chris about Jesus. Although I’m not aware of the exact conversation details, Chris said that Mark invited him to church (because Chris did not have a relationship with Jesus and did not attend any church). [In fact, I think that Mark may have even forfeited making a report about the accident in exchange for Chris agreeing to come to church.] I stood there, jaw agape, as I listened to Chris tell me this story. As usual, our pastor had been slinging the gospel that morning, so I asked Chris what he thought of the sermon. He said, “It was interesting—he is a great speaker.” When I asked if he’d come back again, he answered in the affirmative…I hope he did. 

Once we found Mark, I handed Chris off to him—but not before I gave Mark a huge (and tearful) hug of appreciation and awe. And every time I share this story, I’m equally as astounded by Mark’s love of people and the gospel. 

But it’s not just Mark. The following week—just before our church’s massive beach baptism—I met a couple standing at the door between services. Again, they seemed to be waiting or seeking something/someone. When I started a conversation with them, they told me they were waiting for someone who was attending the post-service Baptism class. “Oh! That’s awesome,” I replied. “Who is it?” What the wife (we’ll call her “Susan”) shared absolutely floored me. 

See, Susan drives an Uber. And earlier that week she picked up a couple of teenage boys to take them to school—who knew that was a thing. During the drive, Susan spoke to the boys about Jesus and invited them to church, giving them her phone number to reach out if they’d like to go. Well, on Saturday, one of the boys (age 16) called Susan, asking if she could pick him up on Sunday and take him to church with her and her husband. They did—with joy. But the greatest joy? That young man gave his life to Jesus during that church service…and decided to take his next step of faith immediately by going to baptism class in preparation of beach baptism the following week. 

Honestly, I am privileged to experience this literally each Sunday as I speak with individuals of every name-a-category. These people who seem to be asking God, “Lord, show me where can I join You in Your work today.” Oh, friend, this is how God grows His Kingdom—through us! We plant, water, cultivate—He brings the fruitful harvest. It’s not up to us to “close every deal”—although sometimes we do get that joy! We are simply to look for opportunities to show and share the love of Jesus. And, what continues to amaze me, beloved, is when we ASK and when we LOOK, opportunities abound. Even in the aftermath of a car wreck or while driving an Uber to pay the bills. 

God is on the move here where I live—and He’s on the move wherever you are. Beloved, let’s greet each morning with this incredibly powerful, eternity-changing prayer: 

Lord, where can I join You in Your work today? Show me where—and with whom—You want me to shine Your light, extend an invitation to church or share the Good News of Jesus.