hope

Awaken the Dawn

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With a heavy heart, I opened my Bible. I began in Psalm 108 and went no further. This Psalm is a beautiful declaration of faith, joy, and confidence in God. Exactly where I knew my heart should be. David did not write a half-hearted song; it’s worship that springs from deep trust. Even before his circumstances change, David chooses to lift his eyes and his voice to God.

“My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”‬‬

Psalm‬ ‭108‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV

A Heart Set Firm on God

A steadfast heart doesn’t waver with emotion or circumstance. It’s anchored in who God is. David’s focus isn’t on his enemies or his problems, but on God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. When we choose praise before victory, we declare our faith that God is already at work.

Awakening the Dawn

David says, “I will awaken the dawn.” I love this! What a picture of active worship! Instead of waiting for joy to come, David brings it by starting his day with praise. His music becomes a sunrise of faith. We, too, can awaken the dawn in our own lives by starting each morning with gratitude, worship, and the Word of God.

Praise That Reaches the Nations

David’s praise is not private—it’s global: “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations.” True worship spills over. When we proclaim God’s goodness, others see His glory. Our steadfast faith becomes a testimony that shines far beyond our own circle. The world is changed when God’s people praise Him, especially in their times of difficulty.

Love Higher Than the Heavens

This section of the psalm ends with awe. God’s love is immeasurable—“higher than the heavens”—and His faithfulness stretches “to the skies.” When we look up, we’re reminded that His promises are vast, enduring, and beyond comprehension.

What does it mean for your heart to be “steadfast” today? How can you “awaken the dawn” through worship and gratitude? In what ways can your praise reflect God’s glory to others?

Lord, make our hearts steadfast in You. When we feel weary or uncertain, remind us that Your love never fails. Let our praise rise like the dawn and fill the world with the sound of Your glory. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens—let Your glory shine over all the earth.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Freedom Through Forgiveness

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Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Acts 13:38-39

In these powerful verses, the Apostle Paul delivers a revolutionary truth at the heart of the Christian gospel. Speaking to both Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul announces something radically new: forgiveness and freedom through Jesus Christ.

Paul begins with good news: “through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” This is not forgiveness earned or negotiated—it is proclaimed. That word carries weight. It means the message is public, certain, and available to all who hear it. The gospel doesn’t whisper forgiveness—it declares it loudly for sinners, doubters, and outcasts alike.

In a world weighed down by guilt and striving, this message still breaks chains. In a world that has so many who are trying to figure out who they are, struggling with their gender identity, battling impure sexual desires, the gospel has the power to set them free. Free from guilt and free from brokenness. Our forgiveness is not based on merit or rituals, but on the person and work of Jesus. This includes the mistakes we regret, the habits we hide, and the guilt we carry. Jesus doesn’t offer partial freedom. He offers total release. This is a bold claim, but it’s the core of the gospel: Christ sets us free.

Paul contrasts this freedom with what the law of Moses could not do. The law was holy and good, but it could only reveal sin—it couldn’t remove it. It could show us our need for righteousness, but it couldn’t make us righteous. I know people who unfortunately cling to the Old Testament, believing the law can save. Elevating law over Jesus. Clinging to a form of self righteousness. Only Jesus, through His death and resurrection, could provide the justification the law could never achieve. In Christ, we’re not just forgiven—we’re declared righteous before God. This is grace, not earned status. It’s a gift, not a wage.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV

So today, let these words encourage your heart:

• You are forgiven.

• You are free.

• You are justified by faith, not by works.

Let this message be the one you proclaim to others, too. Because in Christ, freedom isn’t a dream—it’s a reality. Now let the weight fall off your shoulders. Love Jesus and make Him known. Run after the One who has set you free.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

The Purity of the Gospel

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In a world full of noise, opinions, and ever-changing values, the Christian gospel stands as a clear and unwavering beacon of truth. Its message is simple, yet profound: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The purity of the gospel is not something we invent or evolve—it is something we receive, guard, and proclaim.

I realize some who read this may not know exactly what the gospel is. At its core, the gospel is the good news that God, in His love and mercy, took on human form in the person of Jesus (Colossian 2:9), walked among us (John 1:14), lived a perfect life knowing that no person ever could (2 Corinthians 5:21), allowed humanity to hang Him on a cross to be a sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8), was buried and rose from the dead three days later (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), giving us the hope of new life and a future resurrection. This message is not about human achievement or moral performance. It’s about divine intervention—God doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. It is unearned, undeserved, and freely given.

The gospel is pure, and holy, and beautiful. And that is why everyone needs to hear it. It does, however, pact a punch. The gospel requires we take a hard and accurate view of ourselves, our needs, our shortcomings, our brokenness, and our sin. Only then can we see the beauty that is the gospel.

When we dilute or modify the gospel—adding works, subtracting grace, changing who Jesus is, softening the reality of sin, or removing the need for repentance—we rob it of its saving power. A compromised gospel may feel more comfortable or inclusive to some, but it cannot save anyone. We have to fight the desires for what is “good in our own eyes” and embrace what is actually good for us. Humility. Embracing grace. Accepting God’s love. Allowing Him to transform us more and more into His own likeness. That is when we become the best version of ourselves. That is when we experience the deepest joys and peace that every soul searches for.

The gospel’s purity is what makes it powerful. It tells the hard truth about sin but offers the glorious truth about redemption. It doesn’t offer self-help; it offers a new self in Christ.

Many voices today claim to speak for God. Some offer “prosperity,” “comfort,” or “love is love” as gospel substitutes, but these fall short of the cross. The true gospel does not promise comfort or success; it promises forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life through Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). That statement is both exclusive and inclusive—exclusive in that Jesus is the only way, but inclusive in that He invites all who will believe.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to preserve the purity of the gospel message, not tamper with it. Jude writes, “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). The gospel is not ours to edit—it is God’s truth to trust, live out, and share. May we never lose sight of the beautiful simplicity and power of the gospel. In Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone—that is our eternal hope. And it can be yours too.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”‬‬

Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

This is the Way part four

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In this fourth part of the series, we look at the character of a believer when it’s tested by life’s pressures. That character is derived from the posture of one’s heart, which has been devoted to its Savior.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we envision it. Unexpected trials, long seasons of waiting, and moments of heartbreak can leave us disoriented. Yet in the middle of life’s unpredictability, Romans 12:12 offers a steadying reminder—a threefold call that aligns our hearts with God’s rhythm: hope, patience, and prayer.

Be Joyful in Hope

Hope is not mere wishful thinking. Biblical hope is rooted in the certainty of God’s promises. It’s not optimism based on circumstances but assurance anchored in who God is. Paul encourages us not just to have hope, but to rejoice in it.

Why joy? Because our hope is alive. It points beyond the temporary trials of today to the eternal glory that awaits. When we rejoice in hope, we’re acknowledging that God is still at work, even when we can’t see it. Our joy becomes an act of trust.

Be Patient in Affliction

Affliction tests our endurance like little else. Whether it’s grief, illness, anxiety, or injustice, suffering has a way of wearing us down. But patience in affliction doesn’t mean passive resignation—it means active endurance. It’s a quiet strength that says, “I will not give up, because I know God hasn’t given up on me.”

This patience is forged in the fire of faith. It’s a discipline that requires us to rely not on our own strength, but on God’s sustaining grace. In waiting patiently, we grow in character, empathy, and spiritual depth.

Be Faithful in Prayer

When the future is uncertain, prayer becomes our lifeline. Paul reminds us to be faithful in it—not just praying occasionally or when life gets hard, but making it a habit, a rhythm, a conversation that keeps us connected to the heart of God.

Prayer isn’t always about finding answers; it’s about finding God. It’s where we bring our fears, our doubts, our joys, and our confusion. And in return, we often find peace that transcends understanding.

Putting It All Together

Romans 12:12 isn’t just a single verse—it’s a spiritual posture. It teaches us how to live in the tension of “already, but not yet.” Already redeemed, but not yet restored. Already loved, but not yet home.

In a world full of chaos, this verse gives us a blueprint for peace: Hope anchors us. Patience steadies us. Prayer connects us. All of these helps us be a reflection of God’s light to a world in desperate need of hope.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

In the Pain

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When life gets hard, our natural response is usually to ask why. Why is this happening? Why now? Why me? But in John 12:27–28, we see a moment where Jesus, fully aware of the suffering He’s about to endure, says something radically different:

“Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

John 12:27-28a

His soul is troubled, and yet He doesn’t pray for escape — He prays for God to be glorified. This Is What Trust Looks Like. Jesus wasn’t pretending to be fine. He didn’t mask the heaviness of His soul. He admitted the weight of what He was carrying — and still, His desire wasn’t for comfort, but for God’s purpose to be fulfilled through Him.

That’s not weakness. That’s strength. That’s surrender. What If We Prayed Like That? What if, in the middle of pain, disappointment, confusion, or heartbreak, our first prayer wasn’t “Get me out of this” but “Be glorified in this”? Not because the pain is good. Not because the suffering is easy. But because we trust that God wastes nothing — and that even in the hardest moments, His glory can shine through us.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Romans 8:18

Your Struggle Might Be Sacred

Jesus knew His suffering had purpose. We may not always see the full picture in our own lives, but this much is clear: God is able to bring beauty out of brokenness, and when we offer our trials to Him with open hands, He does something eternal with them. It’s not about denying our pain — it’s about devoting it. Saying, “Use even this, Lord. If you can be seen in this, then don’t take it away too quickly.”

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

2 Corinthians 4:17

“Father, Glorify Your Name” — A Dangerous, Beautiful Prayer

This is a bold prayer. It surrenders control. It places trust in God’s bigger plan. And it shifts the story from being all about us… to being all about Him. Jesus prayed it — not just in John 12, but again in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” And if Jesus could pray it in His darkest hour, maybe we can, too.

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Philippians 1:20

So next time you feel the weight pressing in, try this: Take a breath. Acknowledge the pain. Then say — even through tears —“Father, glorify Your name.” There’s power in that. And God will meet you in it.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you… But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter 4:12-13

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Why We Need Jesus

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There’s a quote that flips a lot of religious assumptions on their head:

Holiness is not the way to Jesus; Jesus is the way to holiness.

It’s short, but it packs a punch. For many of us, whether we’ve grown up in faith or come to it later in life, there’s often a quiet belief that we have to “clean ourselves up” before we can approach Jesus. Like we have to reach a certain level of moral performance before we’re worthy of His presence. But this quote reminds us of the gospel’s core truth: it’s not about what we do to get to Him — it’s about what He does to bring us to God.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus doesn’t wait for perfection. He invites us as we are.

Think of the people Jesus surrounded Himself with during His ministry — fishermen, tax collectors, sinners, outcasts. They weren’t holy when He called them. But through being with Him, learning from Him, and following Him, they were transformed. Holiness wasn’t the entry ticket; it was the result of walking with Him.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Titus 3:5

We don’t earn Jesus by being good — we grow in goodness by knowing Him.

Trying to earn our way to Jesus through good deeds alone can lead to pride or despair. Pride if we think we’re doing well, despair if we keep falling short. But the gospel frees us from that pressure. It tells us: Jesus came for the broken, not the perfect. He came to save, not to reward the already righteous.

“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Hebrews 10:10

So what does this mean practically?

It means we don’t have to hide our mess. We come to Jesus with our struggles, our doubts, our inconsistencies — and He begins the slow, beautiful work of making us holy. It’s not instant. It’s a process. But it’s real, and it’s rooted not in our effort, but in His grace.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

Holiness is the fruit, not the root.

Let Jesus be the root of your life, and holiness will grow. Not as a burden, but as a natural outcome of knowing Him more deeply.

So the next time you feel like you have to “get it together” before you pray, go to church, or even just approach God — remember this: You don’t get holy to find Jesus. You find Jesus, and He makes you holy.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

John 14:6

Peace and holiness in Christ brothers and sisters.

Being at Peace

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“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In a world filled with uncertainty, conflict, and stress, finding true peace can seem impossible. Yet, for Christians, peace is not just a fleeting feeling but a gift from God-one that is accessible in every season of life.

The Bible teaches that peace comes from God, not from external circumstances. Referring to the image at the beginning of this post, Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This peace is not dependent on having a trouble-free life. It’s a deep, abiding assurance that God is in control, no matter what happens.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

One of the biggest barriers to peace is worry. When we trust God with our fears and burdens, He replaces our anxiety with His perfect peace. I have found that experience helps in this area. The more things we’ve gone through and have seen God carry us through to the other side of the storms, the easier it is to accept that peace when the waves start crashing again.

We can’t overstate the power of prayer and worship in our state of mind. Spending time in prayer and worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power. Worship reminds us of who God is-our Provider, our Protector, and our Peace. When we dwell in His presence, peace follows.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18

Peace is not just something we receive but something we are called to share. This means forgiving others, avoiding unnecessary conflicts, and being agents of God’s peace in our communities. But we can’t share something we don’t have. If there’s no genuine peace in us, then we won’t spread it to those in our lives. Some of the most bitter, harsh, tactless, unforgiving people I know are that way because they don’t know peace that Christ offers them.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

The troubles of this world are temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal. When we focus on the bigger picture-God’s promises and our eternal future with Him-our present worries lose their grip on us. Call it what you will-looking at the silver lining-keeping an eternal mindset-being heavenly minded-it all leads to a clearer outlook on our own lives.

I wish you peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

A Resurrected Life part I

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In Ezekiel’s vision from Ezekiel 37, the valley of dry bones was lifeless, barren, and without hope. It represented a people who felt abandoned, broken, and beyond redemption. Yet, in that desolation, God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel’s response was one of faith: “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and as he did, a miraculous transformation began. Bones came together, flesh formed, and breath entered them—they rose as a vast army.

This story reminds us that no situation is too hopeless for God. What feels like a graveyard in your life—whether it’s a broken relationship, a lost dream, or a spiritual drought—can be revived by the power of His Spirit.

God specializes in breathing life into dead things. His Spirit can restore, renew, and rebuild what has been lost. The same God who brought life to the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision is still working today, calling out to you: “Prophesy to the dry bones. Trust Me to breathe life into what seems dead.”

No matter how lifeless things may seem, place your hope in the God who brings life. He is faithful to revive and restore, turning valleys of despair into fields of victory.

Just as important, this passage points ahead to the New Life and Transformation done on behalf of the believer.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

The resurrection power transforms believers into new creations, enabling them to live a renewed and righteous life.

When God made man, He breathed life into Adam. When we give our hearts to Jesus, new life is breathed into us. It’s the same idea as what is happening in Ezekiel 37. After all, we were described as “…dead our trespasses and sins” (Eph2:1) but then he says ““But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (Eph2:4-5 ESV) And He does that by breathing life into us.

The Hebrew word for breath used in Ezekiel 37 is: (roo’-akh) rûaḥ also denotes His Spirit. It’s also used in Genesis 1:2: The earth was without form and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Again, in Genesis 41, when Pharaoh speaks about Joseph, Pharaoh says to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” It’s Spoken over the judges when the spirit of the Lord came over them to judge Israel.

My question for all of us is, are we living the new and resurrected life? And how do we really know? And that’s what my next post is all about.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

A Crucial Fight

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January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a pervasive and often hidden crime that affects millions of people worldwide. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes such as labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. Though it may seem like a distant issue, human trafficking occurs in every part of the world, including our own communities. There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history. Raising awareness is a crucial first step in combating this crime and helping to protect the vulnerable.

The Scope of the Problem

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 40 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery, with 71% of them being women and girls. Victims are often lured by promises of a better life, only to be subjected to unimaginable abuse, manipulation, and violence. Traffickers use various means to control their victims, including physical violence, threats, and psychological manipulation, leaving them with few options to escape.

Human trafficking isn’t limited to just large-scale criminal operations. It can happen in seemingly ordinary settings: local businesses, homes, and even schools. Often, the victims don’t even realize they are being trafficked until it’s too late. In many cases, they are threatened with harm to themselves or their loved ones if they try to escape. This reality makes it imperative that we, as a society, become more informed and vigilant.

How We Can Make a Difference

1. Educate Ourselves and Others

The first step in raising awareness is knowledge. Understanding the signs of human trafficking can help us identify and report suspicious activities. Some common indicators of trafficking include:

  • Physical signs of abuse: Bruises, burns, or scars that are consistent with control tactics.
  • Inconsistent stories or answers: Victims may appear fearful, avoid eye contact, or provide rehearsed stories.
  • Isolation: Victims often have little to no contact with people outside their trafficker’s control and may seem afraid of authority figures.
  • Excessive working hours or lack of freedom: Victims may work in poor conditions, under duress, and without breaks or compensation.

Taking the time to educate yourself and your community can make a significant difference in identifying victims early on.

2. Support Anti-Trafficking Organizations

There are numerous organizations working tirelessly to combat human trafficking and support its victims. From providing shelter and legal aid to raising public awareness and advocating for stronger policies, these groups rely on donations and public support to continue their essential work. By donating time, money, or resources, you can help these organizations provide victims with the support they need to rebuild their lives.

The organization I team up with is the A21 Campaign (https://www.a21.org/) I was first introduced to the organization at a conference out in California, 12 years ago. It was at that moment that the full scale of human trafficking became something I was aware of. I had never grasped the depth of the problem. Since that day, over 10 years ago, I have made it a personal mission to raise awareness about this subject. My first child was born the following year and that made it even more important for me. The A21 Campaign operates all of the world. They have major operations in Australia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Greece, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and all over Latin America.

Some other leading anti-trafficking organizations include:

  • Polaris: A nonprofit organization dedicated to combating and preventing human trafficking through a national hotline and policy advocacy.
  • The International Justice Mission (IJM): An organization that rescues victims of trafficking and violence while working to dismantle trafficking networks globally.
  • Love146: A nonprofit focused on ending child trafficking and exploitation.

Supporting these organizations, or even volunteering your time, can help make a substantial impact in the fight against human trafficking.

3. Advocate for Stronger Laws and Policies

Human trafficking thrives in environments where laws are weak or not enforced. Advocacy for stronger policies at local, national, and international levels is vital for creating systems that prevent trafficking and protect victims. This can include:

  • Stronger labor laws that protect vulnerable workers.
  • Stricter penalties for traffickers and those complicit in the crime.
  • Better victim protection laws that ensure those who escape trafficking can access help, safety, and justice.

By engaging in activism—whether through petitions, contacting lawmakers, or raising public consciousness—you can help push for legislative reforms that reduce the incidence of trafficking.

4. Know How to Report Suspected Trafficking

If you suspect human trafficking in your community, it’s crucial to know how to report it. Many countries have hotlines and online resources where you can anonymously report tips and receive guidance on how to proceed. In the U.S., for example, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733).

While it’s important to be cautious and avoid direct intervention that could put you or the victim in danger, reporting trafficking activity is one of the most effective ways to bring attention to the problem and get help to those in need.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus says, “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners”. He calls His followers to do the same. All of these men, women, and children are God’s creation, beautiful and valuable beyond measure. In Mark 12:3, He says, “love your neighbor as yourself.” These innocent souls are our neighbors. And they deserve our time, efforts, and attention. It is all our jobs to speak up and speak out. I know the problem seems so overwhelming that you may feel insignificant in the fight. But I encourage you to just take the first step, and then the next. Let’s all help bring freedom to the captives!

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

How God Looks at You

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The world often judges us by our past. We most often view ourselves on our present. I believe God looks at us through our future.

“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV

The story of the apostle Peter has always been one that resonates with me in someways. Peter was impulsive and battled with pride. I find the same qualities in myself. Peter had highs and lows. He also praised God through his actions at some moments and denied him in others. but when Jesus interacted with Peter, he didn’t look at the mistakes that he had made, or his up and down faith. Jesus had his eyes set on Peter‘s future. By calling him, Peter and the first place, Jesus was making a statement about who he would become. As we read about in the New Testament, Peter was not his original name. Not only did Jesus give him a new name, but he proclaimed that the same faith that Peter had in order to declare Jesus, the Messiah, would be the same faith on which Jesus would build his church. Even after Peter denied Jesus three times on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus knew that his destiny would not be marked by denial, but by the faithful pursuit of the kingdom of God. Not long after the resurrection of Jesus, he met with Peter and reminded him of his love for him. When Jesus ascended, Peter would be instrumental in preaching one of the greatest sermons and history after which 3000 people gave their hearts to Christ. Peter would go onto live the rest of his days devoted to sharing the gospel. Ultimately he would give his own life For the sake of the gospel.

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.””

John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV

Jesus has rescued me from a troubled past. He rescues me still from my pride and my up-and-down faith. But I believe, just as in Peter, Jesus views me in light of the destiny that he has aligned and prepared for me. I believe the same is true for you. God sees you. He knows all of your hurt and your brokenness and your sin. He knows your needs and your wants. He is for you. No matter what you’ve done., or where you find yourself now. He wants a relationship with you. And if He already has that, He wants it to grow to new heights.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.