I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

What does it mean to have a flourishing life? Is it to be able to pay all your bills and have some money left over? Is it having a good marriage and happy, healthy kids? Is it being able to go to a job you love (or at least like) every day? Or maybe it’s just getting seven or eight hours of solid sleep at night.

I helped lead out a women’s event at church the other day where three women shared their stories of loss, betrayal, and heartbreaking life trauma…and how they walked through these situations to truly flourish. In fact, while they were in the very midst of their respective storms, they demonstrated supernatural grace, mercy, forgiveness, and joy. But how in the world does a person walk through the sudden death of a spouse, they upheaval of adultery, and the endurance of physical and emotional abuse with anything other than anger, bitterness, and despair? 

Well, “in the world” this is not possible.

The common thread through each of these compelling stories was the Anchor to which each of these women clung: Jesus. In the midst of potential devastation, we all have a choice. We can succumb to the winds and crashing waves to be tossed about, gasping for moments of air before being helplessly plunged into darkness—we can surrender to the storm. Or we can surrender to the One who has the power to calm the storm and keep us calm as our circumstances are storming around us.

But, friend, this response on our behalf is a choice. We must choose to let go of our fleshly attempts to navigate our situation, and we must hand it over to God. In our own power, we can’t do it! But, when we surrender our life to Jesus, everything changes. Because God first loved us, we are able to love who the world tells us to throw to the curb (1 John 4:19). Because God has forgiven us much (Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 3:13), we are able to forgive who the world says is unforgiveable. Because of the unfathomable grace (giving us what we don’t deserve) and mercy (not giving us what we do deserve) the Lord showers on us daily (Lamentations 3:22-23; Luke 6:36; Hebrews 4:16), we are able to extend grace  and mercy to others—even when the world thinks we’re crazy for doing so.

What is flourishing? It’s having all we truly need to thrive in the midst of this fallen and broken world. And all we need, friend, is Jesus Christ. 

Lord, this world is dark, but You are the Light. Things shift with uncertainty, but You are the steadfast Rock. With so much hopelessness around us, only You give confident Hope. Father, no matter the storm we’re in, may we surrender to You to find peace that passes understanding.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

John 15:18-19

Fitting in with peers has always been a thing. I can recall a scenario from my early elementary school years when my friends had a playground discovery that they all had the same zipper brands on their jacket. Then they actually made up a little song about it and were dancing around singing it. (Nope, not kidding.) However, I did not have that zipper brand—or a zipper, for that matter. It’s crazy that I can still experience the visceral sense of not fitting in. 

And that was well before the insidious addiction of social media that pulls young people (and not-so-young people) into an abyss of approval-seeking. Likes, shares, and comments are what matters—and the more attention, the more valued one feels. For teens, this often means standing out from the norm…the more bizarre or provocative the post, the more “support” and affirmation one is likely to receive. Conversely, without enough likes—or with negative commentary—teens (and younger kids) can sadly come to believe their life is not worth living.

But that need to “fit in” is really a need to “fill in”—to fill in the soul-level God-shaped hole we each have. And there are not enough “likes” to do it. Nor bizarre behavior or sand-shifting self-identification. Our desperate pursuits of self-glory will only create more emptiness. We can try to fit in by people-pleasing, alcohol, sex, drugs, doing good, or breaking bad. I promise you, the void will just expand.

Friend, only surrendering to God will satisfy that emptiness. We must receive the free gift of forgiveness and grace—the great exchange of our imperfection and sin for the perfection and sinlessness of Jesus Christ. Accept the price paid on our behalf on Calvary’s cross…and celebrate His victory over sin and death. For me. For you. Only then will our soul be filled by the Holy Spirit—God Himself—as our Counselor, Comforter, Advocate. 

It’s impossible to “fit in” to this world because we were not made for this world. As fallen people in a fallen world, we must return to God, surrendering ourselves to Jesus. When we do, there is peace that passes understanding, a desire to please only the Audience of One, and a need to glory in the One who loves us with an unfailing, steadfast, un-forsaking love (1 Corinthians 1:31). 

Lord, there is such a pull to fit into this world, even in all its darkness and brokenness. I pray that those desperate for love acceptance will turn to You, their Creator God and the very definition of love (1 John 4:8).

Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 

Genesis 3:9

From Genesis 3 through the entire Bible, God asks of us the question, “Where are you?” After the Fall, when Adam and Eve are shamefully hiding in the Garden, God pursues them with those words. Was it because He had no idea where they were and was trying to locate them geographically? Of course not. He was kindly and graciously asking for them to admit where they were spiritually.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three consecutive stories that illustrate our heavenly Father asking that same proverbial question. The shepherd leaves behind the 99 to seek the one. I picture him covering ground quickly, maybe shouting “Where are you?” in hopes the sheep would hear his voice. A woman misplaces one coin, sweeps her house carefully, likely muttering anxiously the whole time, “Where are you? Where are you?” 

Then there is the prodigal son story, in which a privileged child who has everything he could ever want or need in his father’s house, turns away and goes in the direction of self-satisfying sin and pleasure. The whole time he’s gone, his father is standing on his porch pining (probably through tears and lamenting cries) asking that same question, ‘Where are you?”

Some of us have been players in the prodigal son story, whether the father, son, or brother, each with its own weighty lessons. But if you’ve been the parent in this scene, you may have known right where that child was (or is), geographically—just like God knew exactly where Adam and Eve were hiding in the Garden. So, when you pose the question, “Where are you?”, it’s weighted with understanding and longing…the underlying words are more like, “You are so far from the Truth, my child. When will you recognize where you are and turn back to God?” And like the father in the story, we can’t really force them “home.” We love them, pray for them, and hope they come to their senses sooner than later.

And this is the context of our gracious Father God. When we are lost or have run away from Him, He knows where we are. But He asks the question of us, so we’ll acknowledge it ourselves. That we’ll recognize our hiding from God is futile. That we’ll look around to recognize that we’re sitting in a pigsty starving when we could be clean, clothed in peace, and satisfied in the arms of Jesus.

So, friend, where are you? If you’re lost or far from home, turn back. The Lord’s arms are open, and He is waiting for you.

Thank You, Lord, for your grace and kindness—for always seeking me and welcoming me home to You.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 

1 Samuel 7:12

Life is moving at a remarkable pace these days. And I don’t think it’s just because I have more years behind me than I have in front of me (per the theory that the length of days is relative to number of days lived). I think that the past two years of historical shifts has warped everyone’s sense of time. Just listen to friends and coworkers, and you’ll hear comments like: “Was that yesterday or three weeks ago?”

So, I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotten into the habit of setting calendar reminders and phone alarms for just about everything. These help me connect to virtual meetings on time and meet deadlines. A gentle (or not-so-gentle) ringtone prompts me to recall a task at hand. But these reminders also allow me to look back and assess tasks completed and goals met, which, in turn, spurs me on to tackle what’s next with confidence. 

As believers, it’s really easy to get lost in the spiritual battles of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow. Anxieties wash over us as we pray for various health, financial, and family matters that can sometimes feel like day-after-day games of whack-a-mole. We desperately cry out to God for help while an undercurrent of doubt and fear leaves us unsettled even after our “Amen” is uttered.

Much like our calendars assert meetings held, jobs done, and special occasions attended, so must we create reminders of God’s amazing work in our life. Prayers answered, mercy shown, miracles done, comfort provided. I am confident that for you—like me—His faithfulness has been great and His love unfailing. But, like the Israelites wandering in the desert, we experience the Lord’s graciousness in blatantly obvious and preciously subtle ways…then, sadly, we forget. Our spiritual (or tangible) need is met, and we move on. And when we enter the next trial, trouble, or spiritual battlefield, it’s like we’re completely oblivious to everything He’s accomplished on our behalf (let alone that He is actually in control of it all)!

Friend, let’s become as diligent about noting the Lord’s provision as we are about recording calendar meetings and events. A prayer journal is a great place to start, where we can write needs and concerns, as well as Providential answers for our good and His glory. But there are other reminders that the Lord gives us daily—and we don’t even have to set an alarm. Just waking up with His breath in our lungs is a reminder of His new mercies for a new day. Beholding a gorgeous sunrise or sunset is a reminder to acknowledge our Creator God who sustains it all. And, as we walk through this dark world, we are reminded that we were once blind to Truth, and now we see.

In response to a previous conversation about this topic, a sweet sister of mind handed me a gift at church the other day: A smooth stone of remembrance (ebenezer) with 1 Samuel 7:12 written on it. (Go back to read this story of God’s faithfulness, and you’ll understand the wonderful reference.) This precious stone now sits between my two work computers—which hold my online calendars—as a constant reminder of the Lord’s unfailing love, relentless mercy, and unfathomable grace for me. No annoying ringtones needed.

You are faithful, Lord. Let me wake up each day to this truth, not forgetting who You are and all You’ve done for me.

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

When you were growing up, did you like school—I mean the academics part? (The whole social structure, cliques, jocks-versus-nerds thing aside for now.) As for me, whether in second grade or during senior year, I loved learning…class lessons, homework, projects, papers, and tests. It was also very important to me to do really well. (I can say the same about my parents—seeing A’s on my report cards was always the expectation…hence, my perfectionist tendencies.) 

Depending on where you grew up, getting an A on a test meant earning at least 90% of the potential points. At many schools (until recent years) an A was 94-100, so it was even a bit more challenging to attain. Regardless, achieving that top mark is always a great accomplishment. And a report card that displayed “straight A’s” is certainly worth celebrating. That being said, it’s highly unlikely—dare I say, impossible—that any straight-A student achieved complete perfection on every single lesson, project, test, etc. through the semester. No one can be that academically perfect.

And no one can live a flawless life either—one where not a single thought, word, or action ever goes against the moral laws and standards of our Holy God. Even unbelievers who tend to believe they’re “good enough to get into heaven” will admit that they’ve lied or stolen something at least once in their life. We all sin and fall short of God’s holy perfection (Romans 3:23). But to be in the glorious presence of the Lord, nothing but total perfection will do! No percentage range or grade curves there. Only faultlessness.  

You may be panicking right now, thinking, “But that’s terrible! How can I get to heaven (to live eternally with God) if He requires me to be perfect? Why would a good God do that?!” 

Friend, God is Good—He made a way for you and me! Because He loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take on the flesh of man. Fully man and fully God, Jesus lived a completely perfect life, never offending the Father in thought, word, or action—although He was tempted in every way we are (Hebrews 4:15). Then, Jesus took the penalty we deserve, paying the price for our sin and trading His righteousness for ours (2 Corinthians 5:21). What does this mean for us? When we accept the free gift of grace extended to us by Jesus, a Great Exchange is made: He takes our sin, and we get His perfection. Now, don’t misunderstand, we once saved, we’re not suddenly going to stop sinning while we’re on this earth—perfect living is still impossible. But from God’s vantagepoint, because of His Son’s sacrifice, He looks upon us as if we’ve never sinned. This is grace. And in this glorious spiritual perfection, we get to spend forever with Him.

When you believe and surrender to Jesus Christ, your life’s proverbial final term paper will be marked 100%. And you don’t even have to work for it.

Lord, I cannot be perfect—but You were. You lived a perfect life on my behalf and died the death I deserved, so I can live forever with You. Thank you!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 

Ephesians 2:10

The heated theological dispute of faith alone versus faith-plus-works has been raging for centuries—even millennia. In fact, this very topic is why Martin Luther launched the Reformation just over 500 years ago. But God’s Word is clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). As for me, I will rest in this undeniable Truth.

That being said, we believers are actually not to literally rest! Once saved by grace, we are called to respond to our salvation with good works—to demonstrate our faith so others can recognize we are Christians. In fact, the very next verse from the Apostle Paul in Ephesians says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). This topic is a big theme from the book of James as well—a book that some point to on the “do-to-be-saved” side of the argument. But James simply exhorts that our faith justifies us to God (He sees/knows our heart), but we cannot be justified to men without deeds. In other words, if you tell me you’re saved but nothing at all changes about your life, then there remains the question of your true salvation. 

When we truly surrender to Jesus Christ, we are new creation—the old nature has passed away and a new has come (2 Corinthians 5:16). Our desire, as directed by the Holy Spirit living in us upon our profession of faith, is to glorify God through our actions. We want to walk in obedience because of Jesus paid the price for our sin…not so that we can earn our way to heaven. By doing good works and bearing fruit, we please God and grow in our faith (Colossians 1:9-12). During His ministry on earth, Jesus also taught that true believers would be known by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).

Don’t get me wrong, friend, once we surrender to Christ, we will not be perfect or always do the right thing. In this fallen world, we will be in constant battle with our unredeemed flesh, the world system, and the enemy of soul—Satan. Until we are fully glorified with a new body (whoohoo!), either when Jesus calls us home or He returns, we must continue to pursue holiness. And we do this by studying—and obeying—God’s Word and spending time with the Lord. 

Salvation is not the end game of our life on earth. If it was, as soon as we were saved, the Lord would snatch us up to heaven! Once saved, we must do. We are to be salt and light—to demonstrate God’s amazing love and grace to others so that they see our good works and give glory to God (Matthew 5:13-16).

Lord, let my deeds give You glory and point others to You, as I live a life of love in response to Your love for me.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21

I live in Florida—and I absolutely love it. But if you had told me just two years ago that I’d be moving to the Sunshine State, I would have laughed and said that you’re out of your mind. See, we’d just recently left North Carolina to make our “rest-of-our-lives” home in the mountains of Virginia. That being said, in the 15 years we spent in North Carolina, each of the three residences we owned in that place were also “we’re-not-moving-again” homes. And then (moving backwards in time) there was that 1920 bungalow in Loveland, CO, the 1890 Victorian in Colorado Springs, and the new construction “dream” home we built in Richmond, Virginia before that. You guessed it, each one had been our “forever” home—because that was our plan.

Yeah, I don’t say that anymore. I “hope” we don’t move again, but in my long (and often arduous and incredible) sanctification journey as a Christ-follower, I’ve come to the settled understanding of “Your will, not mine, Lord.”

And this learning is not just related to geographical moves. As believers, we must recognize that the ideal place to be is in God’s will—no matter the aspect of our life. His will is always going to be for our ultimate good and His deserved glory. Even if it doesn’t feel like it all the time. 

Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. This godly, truth-following boy was sold into slavery by his own brothers only to be (after his own arduous and incredible journey) elevated to second in command in all of Egypt. When he finally came face to face with his brothers, he reflected the grace of God and told them, “What you meant for evil, the Lord meant for good.” (It’s an AMAZING saga, and you can read all about it in Genesis, chapters 37-50.) His obedience led him to a desert pit and later to prison. But following God’s will also brought Joseph big-time good…and God was big-time glorified. And friend, there are so many testimonies like this in the Bible! Even Jesus exemplified “Your will, not mine” obedience when He prayed in the garden before submitting to the Cross (Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:42). And the Christian goal is to be more like Him, right?

When it comes to obeying God’s will, you may think, “Well, how do I know what God’s will is for me?” That’s actually an easy answer: His Word is His will. Start there. The more obedient we are to His Word, the clearer and easier it is to know and do His will. And it becomes a true joy to do so! “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). Then, simply ask Him for His will for you. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit as our live-in counselor! Now, God may not give us a big picture path from the start, but He’ll definitely give us the first step. Then, we must obediently take that step. 

I clearly professed that it was my will that many of 15 addresses in four states were my forever homes. But I am grateful that when the Lord had other plans, we obeyed. (In these and other things!) Friend, choose to stay in God’s will. I promise (and so does He), it’s the best place to be.

Lord, let me pray, talk, and live like Jesus, surrendering daily to Your will…for my good and Your glory.

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

James 4:7-8

War is on everyone’s mind right now. Some are obsessed about it, given our 24/7 media and real-time reporting. In fact, a lot of people now use the Ukrainian flag as their profile pictures, when a few weeks ago they had no idea where this small country was located (or maybe even that it existed). Many people may be thinking that it’s too far away to worry about—for now, anyway. But, today, our planet is certainly small, and global issues are our “home” issues too.

The truth is the world has always had its blood-shedding wars and will until the Final Battle. But, friend, humanity—since the Fall in the Garden—has been involved in another ongoing war, a spiritual war. Humans have been at war with God. It wasn’t meant to be this way. When God created Man, we were meant to be in perfect relationship with Him, walking with Him as His friend. But when the Enemy slithered in with lying hisses and temptations of pride, Man lost this sweet friendship with God. We became separated from Him spiritually and relationally, and our flawless bodies—and pristine planet—began its decaying process, filled with pain, disease, and death. 

And so, the battle began. Even now, it continues, being fought on three fronts, with three enemies: the world system, the flesh (pride/selfish desires), and Satan. There’s so much to be said about how this war with God creates battles against self and others (in fact, the entire Bible is replete with this story). 

But there is Good News! We don’t have to live our lives in combat with God! He made a way of restoration, of relational reconciliation with Him. Coming right down from Heaven onto our battlefield, Jesus fought our fight—and secured victory over the world, Satan, and death. The battle has been won, and there is no need to fight anymore.

Turning back to the concept of worldly wars, we all know that for a war to end, someone has to surrender…and the side that surrenders is clearly the loser. Surrender allows for the winning side to take control, take prisoners, and have their way with their foe. But when it comes to our spiritual war with the Almighty God, there is exists a beautiful irony: Unconditional surrender to Him brings complete victory for us (1 Corinthians 15:57)! We are not conquered—we become conquerors! Instead of being taken prisoner, we are made free in Christ (Romans 8:1-39). 

But just as surrender in worldly wars brings peace, our surrender to Jesus brings peace to us. When we stop fighting against God and give Jesus control of everything, we can put down our weapons and rest in His love, grace, mercy, and peace. Friend, the war has been won. Won’t you surrender to Him today…and claim your victory?

Lord, thank You for making a way of peace through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the victory over sin and death that allows me to be free.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

1 Peter 4:16

In elementary school, there are few things more painful than being made fun of on the playground. Although I don’t have the best memory, I can recall glimpses of time where my “friends” made fun of me because I dressed differently than they (less cool) or because my mom chose to cut my hair in a rather boy-like style. Sometimes, at those young ages, a mocking statement comes from immature innocence. Other times, it’s from completely malicious intent.

Sadly, some people don’t outgrow taunting others—or being the one who’s the consistent butt of unkind jokes. In the hardness and blindness of the world, as well as social media cruelty and our divisive culture, mocking at every age should not come as a surprise.

Especially for believers.

When Jesus walked the earth, He even promised us that the world would hate us because it hated Him first (John 15:18). And the Apostle Paul stated it very clearly as well in 2 Timothy 3:12 when he wrote, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (Well, let me caveat this truth…these are promises if we are walking in the Truth, living out the holiness we are called to as Christians. If we’re living like the world and looking like the culture, we won’t have to worry about being mocked.)

Although in this country we’re not at the point of being jailed or killed for our faith (yet), there are other types of persecution. And it can be hard, enduring the rolled eyes and snarky comments about your conduct—particularly when you’re young in faith. But, friend, it can also be pretty cool to stand firm and glorify God through our words (or by what’s unspoken) and our actions (or by things not done).

Just the other day, I was finishing up a group videocall with a client. I’ve been working with this team for over five years, so they know my worldview. (This understanding once kept their cursing at bay, for instance…sadly, they don’t refrain in my presence anymore. Maybe it’s the whole two-dimensional reality thing.) Anyway, at the end of this particular video meeting, someone made a comment that could have been 100% innocent, but, because of worldly sexualized vernacular, it could also go down a road of dirty joking. And when that first turn was made, someone at the table said, “Julianne, you’d better hang up now.” 

So, I smiled to the group, said goodbye, and pressed “end call.” I know what was thought—and maybe even said—about my “prudeness”. But, friend, I counted it a privilege and a joy. They recognize my “in-the-worldness-but-not-of-the-worldness”. To God be the glory…and I will gladly be mocked.

Lord, let me never be ashamed of You, but help me stand firm in a life of holiness, glorifying You.

With (the tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.

James 3:9-11

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words—both the Old and New Testaments are a treasure trove of wisdom. You can dig into the book of Proverbs alone and get plenty to chew on when it comes to your mouth (pun intended)! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21) is one admonition that sets a solid foundation of truth.

James, in the third chapter of his book, gets really real with us—a true “ouch” moment. He talks about how we believers have a tendency to praise God one minute and curse someone the next. The classic example is sitting through a church service, worshipping the Lord in song and through the sermon…then, you’re driving home only to start shouting at (and possibly cursing) some motorist who cut you off.

Part of Christian maturity is walking—and talking—in alignment with God’s Word. And that “sanctification journey” is just that—a journey. We cannot be perfect. Part of our motivation for living a holy life is to let our light shine in a dark world (Matt. 5:16). So, when we let unholy, slanderous, or hateful words fly, we hurt our own testimony, as well as the reputation of the Church. 

But there’s another motivation for not having a two-faced tongue. Think of this example: What if someone you love had a habit of consistently using their words in this way: “I love you!” … “You’re such a jerk!” … “You are so awesome!” … “(Expletive expletive!)” Not only would it be maddening, but it would be incredibly painful. (Some of us may not have to “imagine” this example at all, as we’ve lived it.) And this is what we’re doing to our precious Lord (James 3:9; Matthew 25:40-45). This is how we’re treating our Best Friend!

God’s Word also makes it very clear that what comes out of our mouth is a direct reflection of what’s in our heart (Matt 12:34; Mark 7:20-23). So, to address our two-faced tongue, we need to be sure we don’t have a two-faced heart. Because our mouth overflows from what’s inside, we need to fill ourselves with good stuff—and stay in fellowship with Christ. What does this look like, practically?

• Meet daily with the Lord in prayer
• Read and study God’s Word
• Serve others (This seems like giving away, but it’s actually very filling!)
• Be in community with fellow believers (Proverbs 13:20)
• Don’t fill up on junk food for the heart: social media, news, gossip, etc.

Lord, help me surrender control of my tongue to You, filling up my heart so its outflow is honoring to You and refreshing to others.