When we disregard God’s commands and give into our sinful desires, it’s like staring into the headlights of an oncoming eighteen-wheeler and hoping not to crash. Whenever we allow our eyes to look upon the things that God clearly commands us not to look upon, this leads to patterns of unrighteous living, which eventually leads to death.

Through footprints unseen, we have confidence that God causes "all things to work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). With each passing wave, let these trials have their full effect: producing an enduring faith that makes us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The human heart is prone to wander which is why it is so important to remind ourselves of the truths of Jesus every day, every hour, every moment if need be. The gospel reminds us that Jesus is the only thing worth putting all faith and trust in. His love for us was proven at the cross, and for those who believe, it is not only what we fall back on, but the very thing on which we stand.

I've found that as these doubts arrive, God gives us sweet assurances of his grace as we continue to press into him. He is true to his word. He WILL work in and through us if we believe and obey Him. My prayer is that we will no longer be surprised, but never cease to be amazed that we serve a loving God who saves sinners, transforms lives and uses ordinary people like you and me to accomplish his purposes in a broken world.

If you've put your faith in Christ, you are the sheep of His pasture. It isn't greener in any other pasture! He made you and you are His. His pasture is full of abundance.

As we head into this new year, let us remember the birth of Christ and consider it in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. God is with us. We do not need to understand the mystery. We just need to give thanks & trust.

Be Encouraged! God is using you in people, in places and in ways that you are not even aware of. Keep demonstrating and declaring the love of Jesus and let him use you to build his Kingdom in ways both seen and unseen!

He reminds me of God's love for that child. God's desire for that child to know Him. He does not grumble, although he could list many reasons if he wanted to. THAT is why we do what we do. That is why my husband has worked for years unpaid or part time and has been so committed. Because he loves God and His children! He is passionate and called to sharing about Him with others. This patience, love and grace Nathan has is through the Holy Spirit working in him.

The gospel of Jesus is not just something that we were saved and changed by, it’s something that we are continually being saved and changed by even after we accept it! If you are struggling with unbelief, don't think for one second that you are alone. Call out to God and ask him to help you overcome your unbelief.

Many sequoia trees stand at an elevation of over six thousand feet in fine and ashy soil, but they don't use their conditions as an excuse to stop growing. Despite what we might view as a poor environment, the sequoias never cease striving to touch the sky. I pray I can follow their example as I pursue the Lord, no matter what fires I encounter.

With life comes change. Try not to fear it. Learn from it as much as possible. But find comfort in the fact that there is a God who does not change and in him is all peace, joy and security.

Whether you're the goal-setter or the goal-forgoer - keep this truth in mind. In every fleeting day, hour, minute, second - God has not changed. Take this verse, Hebrews 13:8, scribble it on a notecard and place it somewhere you'll see. Maybe on your bathroom mirror or the bedside table. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

If we continuously try to set up our lives in such a way with no risks, no room for failure and no fears - we are also setting up our lives for no faith! We don’t “need” God when we don’t have things to fear or we don’t need to rely on Him.

If you are a follower of Jesus, God has placed you in your home, in your neighborhood, in your job, in your school, in your church for a reason. He wants to use you (yes you!) in those places to further His kingdom if only you are willing. You have unique abilities and relational avenues that no one else has and which God will use in the lives of those around you.