Can you imagine an exhilarating journey fueled by the power of faith, love, and natural aromas? The apostle Paul speaks these encouraging words to believers, even today, saying, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). Picture a life where fear no longer holds you back—where confidence and courage blaze your trail! This is not just a lofty idea, but a divine plan ready to fill your life with purpose and excitement. Whether you're facing a major decision, the unknown, or just the everyday struggles we all encounter, embracing these gifts will infuse you with the strength and determination to forge ahead with confidence and grace.
Read more...In today's fast-paced business world, where competition and uncertainty are constants, discovering a unique path to success often seems out of reach. However, what if the secret to overcoming these challenges lies in aligning your ambitions with a divine purpose? Discover practical strategies to align your ambitions with God's plan in my podcast and blog post combo. Tune in and redefine success today!
Read more...In today's fast-paced world, we're often encouraged to rely solely on our own knowledge and logical thinking to navigate life's challenges. While it's important to cultivate critical thinking and discernment, there's a deeper layer of wisdom available to us—a spiritual insight that transcends human understanding. Proverbs 3:5 offers this timeless guidance: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
Read more...A New Beginning: The journey to retirement from the pulpit has been a bittersweet milestone in my life. For decades, I had the honor of shepherding a congregation, sharing God’s word, and witnessing His grace bring about profound transformations. As retirement drew nearer, a wave of emotions washed over me—gratitude for the past, uncertainty about the future, and a deep desire to remain connected to the divine calling that had shaped my life. It was during this transitional period that I made an unexpected discovery. What started as a simple practice blossomed into a lifeline, reigniting the joy of the Lord in my heart and illuminating the path forward in this new season of life.
Read more...In the relentless hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to forget the profound simplicity of our most fundamental needs. We often overlook the parallels between our physical thirst and our spiritual longing. Reverend Paula J. Behrens eloquently addresses this in her sermon, “Water for the Thirsty,” drawing on passages from Exodus and Isaiah to illustrate the deeper thirsts that reside within us.
Read more...In the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, we uncover the profound significance of opening our hearts to the full spectrum of emotions—from sorrow and rejoicing. Paul encourages us to embrace life's entire emotional journey, trusting that God's grace will support and sustain us through every challenge and victory.
Life is a journey; it is full of decisions that often leave us at crossroads. Should I go right or left? Should I take the main highway, or venture down the narrow, dirt road less traveled? Should I follow the GPS programmed by societal norms, family expectations, and cultural conditioning, or listen to the inner voice that whispers, 'Go in a different direction'? This constant decision-making process is a hallmark of our life experiences, much like the Israelites' journey through the wilderness as depicted in the Biblical narrative.