Posts with the tag “purpose”

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9There is no shortage of paths to take in life. The world will offer you dozens of roads to chase. You can pursue success, comfort, approval, security, and everything in between. And while some of those things aren’t wrong on their own, they can become distractions when they pull your heart away from God’s purpose ...  Read More

"But we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." - Romans 5:3-4Nobody signs up for suffering. If you could skip the pain, you probably would. But suffering has a way of shaping us, deepening us, and bringing a kind of growth that comfort never could. And even more than that, suffering can be a stage where ...  Read More

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." – Matthew 5:16For many people, getting the job. Landing the opportunity, stepping into the spotlight, and being trusted with leadership are moments that feel like the finish line. As if the goal of your prayers, faithfulness, and obedience was to one day arrive at that elevate...  Read More

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." – Proverbs 16:9You need to know something today. Your life is not a string of random events. You’re not here by chance. The job you have, the city you live in, the people in your life, even the trials you’ve faced, are not meaningless. God does not deal in coincidence. He is intentional with everything He touches, and that inclu...  Read More

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." – 2 Corinthians 4:7God does not wait for perfect people. He never has. Instead, He chooses the cracked vessels, the outcasts, the overlooked, and the broken. And through them, He writes some of the most beautiful stories we’ve ever seen.You do not need to have it all together to be used by ...  Read More

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9You are not where you are by accident. You may not fully understand why you are here, how long this season will last, or where it’s leading, but none of that means God has lost track of you. You are where you are for a reason.Sometimes we believe the lie that if things aren’t ideal, then they must be off course. B...  Read More

“To whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” – Luke 12:48When God opens a door for you, when He gives you influence or visibility or elevation in any area of your life, it’s never just about comfort or recognition. It is never for the sake of your status or to help you build your name. It’s always about purpose. Always...  Read More

“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” – Proverbs 24:16Maybe you dropped the ball. Maybe you made a mistake so loud it still echoes in your mind. You failed. And the voice in your head won’t stop reminding you. It tells you you’re disqualified. It tells you that you’re done. But that voice is lying. Because failure isn’t final. Not when ...  Read More

“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6You may feel like you’ve missed your moment. Like too much time has passed. Like your chance to become who God created you to be has already come and gone. But that is not the truth. That is fear talking. That is regret whispering. That is shame trying to take the lead...  Read More

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12You are not promised tomorrow. That might sound heavy, but it is not meant to bring fear. It is meant to bring focus. You do not need to spiral into anxiety over what might happen next. The real point is that too many people bank on having time they have not actually been given. They talk about who they want to become...  Read More

“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much” – Luke 16:10It is easy to get caught dreaming about the next big thing. The promotion, the platform, the opportunity you think will finally unlock your purpose. But here’s the truth that often gets missed. God is not waiting for you to arrive somewhere greater before He starts using you. He is watching what you are doing with the place ...  Read More

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." - Matthew 6:24There is a battle that plays out in many hearts, and maybe you know it well. It is the pull between chasing after God and chasing after what the world offers. You want the peace of God, the blessing of God, the purpose He gives... but at the same...  Read More

"Be sober-minded, be watchful, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." – 1 Peter 5:8Have you ever made the decision to go all in for Jesus, to fully surrender and walk in His purpose, only to find yourself facing more opposition than ever before? You decide to lay down the things that aren’t good for you, the habits and distractions pulling you away ...  Read More

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit." – 1 Corinthians 12:4Imagine it is Christmas morning, and there are beautifully wrapped presents under the tree with your name on them. Would you leave them sitting there, untouched? Right now you’re thinking, pastor, you’re crazy! I would open every single one, eager to see what is inside! No one would walk away from a gift meant for them an...  Read More

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 There is a famous quote from Ian Simkins that says, “You live out what you believe about yourself, whether it’s true or not.” Think about that for a second. If you believe you’re not good enough, you’ll act like it. If you believe you’ll never measure u...  Read More

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 Do you ever feel like you’re just one mistake away from being “found out”? Are you worried that at any moment, people will realize you’re not as talented, as worthy, or as capable as they thought?  Maybe you struggle to acce...  Read More

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 In ancient Greek theater, actors didn’t just play a role, they wore masks. Large, exaggerated expressions were held up on poles so that even those seated far in the back could see the emotions of the character on stage. Ever...  Read More

"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 There is something I want you to understand today as you read this: You didn’t just stumble into where you are today. You didn’t make the team, land...  Read More

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 You are not an accident. You’re not the result of randomness or coincidence. God, the ultimate Creator, intentionally designed you as His masterpiece. Every part of who you are – your personality, your talents, and your passions – was crafted by Him for...  Read More

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." - Philippians 3:7 In a world that constantly tells you to define yourself by what you do, what you own, or what you achieve, Paul’s words in Philippians 3:7 are a radical reminder of where your true identity lies. Paul, who had every reason to boast about his accomplishments and status, realized that none of it mattered compared ...  Read More

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." - Ephesians 5:15-17 I want you to be honest when I ask you this question, are you wasting your time? Are you holding back, waiting for applause, chasing acceptance, or fearing rejection? When you live fo...  Read More

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:10 You live out what you believe about yourself, whether it’s true or not. If you believe you’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not worthy, you’ll live that way; hesitant, unsure, and afraid to step into the purpose God has for you. But those beliefs are often based on lies, expectations, o...  Read More

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7 Have you ever held back from stepping into something because of fear? Maybe you were afraid of failing, disappointing others, or not living up to expectations. Instead of taking the chance, you played it safe. You recommended someone else, procrastinated, or talked yourself out of it. Not because you did...  Read More

"Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, what am I still trying to prove? Are you walking through life wearing a mask, driven by the need to prove your worth to someone? Maybe your family, your friends, your boss, or even yourself...  Read More

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 16:25 What are you afraid of losing? Is it your reputation, success, relationships, opportunities, or even a carefully crafted image of yourself? Sometimes the things we hold onto the tightest reveal the places where fear has taken root. Fear of loss can drive us to wear masks, pretend, o...  Read More

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." - Psalm 139:13-14 Your identity isn’t something that shifts with your circumstances or changes with other people’s opinions. But if you base your worth on your acceptance by others or on your accomplishments, it’...  Read More

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." - Psalm 138:8 Have you ever been left on a cliffhanger? Maybe you’re watching a show, and just as things reach the most intense moment, it ends. You can’t help but peek at the next episode just to make sure the character makes it.  My wife and I were watching Madam Secre...  Read More

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31 When we hear the story of David and Goliath, it’s often painted as a classic underdog tale. The small guy takes on the giant against all odds and somehow wins. In the sports world, it’s the Cinderella story of the smaller team taking down the powerhouse. But here’s the truth you need to know: David was...  Read More

“But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).This series we are in is called, “Soul Detox.” We are decluttering and deep cleaning our hearts through fasting. But why is it that prayer is so essential to fasting?You see, the purpose of fasting, as we touched on in our last d...  Read More

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." – Psalm 139:14    It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You might wish you were taller, had different hair, or looked a certain way. But God didn’t make a mistake when He created you. Every detail about you; your height, your features, your personality, was care...  Read More

"But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up." - Jonah 1:4    When God calls you to something, it’s tempting to let fear hold you back. Maybe the task seems too big, too risky, or too far outside your comfort zone. You might be tempted to run, to avoid the calling, or even convince yourself that it’s not really f...  Read More

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8    Isn’t it incredible that God knows everything about you—your past, your mistakes, your sins—and still chooses to use you? He doesn’t turn away because of the mess you’ve made. Instead, He leans in with grace, ready to do something amazing in and through you. It’s not because you’ve earned it or...  Read More

"For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things." – Psalm 107:9    This world is constantly trying to sell you something. Everywhere you look, there’s a promise that if you just had this one thing, you’d finally be happy. But no matter how much you accumulate—whether it’s wealth, success, status, or possessions—it’s never enough. Yesterday, we talked about the end...  Read More

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20    Jesus never stops pursuing you. Even when you feel distant from Him, He’s right there, knocking on the door of your heart, calling you back. If you’ve ever felt like God is far away, it’s important to remember that He hasn’t left you, yo...  Read More

"For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?"- Isaiah 14:27   Are you ever overwhelmed by external obstacles and life’s uncertainties? You might look around at the challenges and setbacks in your life and wonder if they could derail the plans God has for you. But remember this powerful truth, nothing can stop God's plans from comin...  Read More

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 There is an important truth that can be found in every one of our lives, as followers of Christ. Whether it's time, talents, relationships, or material possessions, God equips us with everything we need to carry out His will and glorify Him.  Read More

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28   Life has a way of presenting us with circumstances that seem impossible to overcome. There are moments when it feels like everything is against us and there’s no way out. But the good news is that God can turn your circumstances around in an instant, no matt...  Read More

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6   God, in His infinite wisdom, has given each of us unique gifts and talents. We are all distinct, created with a specific purpose, and equipped with the abilities neede...  Read More

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11   A dream unrealized. It's a pain that will leave you questioning your purpose and direction in life. Many of us, at some point or another, will experience a time in our lives when what we had hoped for doesn’t align with reality. In those moments of devasta...  Read More

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. - Isaiah 43:2 Have you ever experienced a time in your life when God closed the door? Maybe it was a job opportunity that fell through, a relationship that ended unexpectedly, or a dream that didn't come...  Read More