Paul

October 27th – 2 Corinthians 5:17

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2 Corinthians 5:17

The apostle Paul tells us that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has gone, and the new is here. But what does that really look like in our everyday lives?

What it doesn’t mean, is that we suddenly become perfect the moment we give our hearts to Jesus. Old habits, familiar ways of thinking, and even some of our struggles don’t always disappear overnight.

Becoming more like Christ is a journey. And some days it can be two steps forward and one step back. But we needn’t get discouraged when we fall short or find ourselves struggling with things we thought we had overcome.

God is still working in us, patiently shaping our hearts and teaching us to walk in His ways. Our part is to keep showing up, spending time in His Word, praying, and obeying what He teaches. And most importantly, surrendering the things that keep pulling us back.

We may not see the changes happening day by day, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t working. So be patient with yourself. Trust the One who is making you new, and don’t give up just because you haven’t arrived where you want to be. The same God who began this work in you is faithful, and as long as we keep turning our hearts toward Him, He will continue to lead us forward.

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October 18th – Ephesians 4:2

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Ephesians 4:2

What does it mean to bear one another in love? It means being willing to give people grace. Even when they test our patience, disappoint us, or have a different opinion. And it means remembering that we all have days when we don’t get things right.

Sometimes loving others means listening instead of judging. Or being patient, and choosing kindness when it would be easier to walk away. That doesn’t mean we always have to agree, nor accept hurtful behavior. But we are to treat others with the same grace and compassion we hope to receive.

Actress Katherine Hepburn once said, “Love isn’t what you expect, it’s what you’re willing to give.” A beautiful reminder that love isn’t just about what others do for us, it’s about what we’re willing to offer them. Jesus showed us that kind of love through His mercy and sacrifice. And with His help, we can learn to love more generously and hold one another up rather than tear one another down.

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October 5th – Philippians 4:8

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Philippians 4:8

Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi because they were going through tough times. And he could relate. Because Paul wasn’t writing his letter from a comfy home or in an easy season. He was writing from a prison cell. So he knew how easy it could be to feel sorry for himself, become angry with God, or allow despair to take over. That’s why he reminded the Philippians where their focus should be.

Paul encouraged them to focus on the things were true, honorable, pure, and worthy of praise. He also reminded them of the importance of joy, humility, and unity. For Paul knew that what we allow to fill our minds will eventually affect our hearts and how we respond to what we’re facing.

We may not be all sitting in a prison cell, but we do all face difficult circumstances. Things that can make it easy to become consumed with worry, fear, disappointment, or self-pity. That’s why we need to follow Paul, being intentional about where we place our focus. Because for Paul, that made all the difference.

So when life feels overwhelming, let’s remember Paul’s advice. Look for what is true. Hold onto what is good. Choose joy. Walk in humility. Pursue unity. And above all, keep our eyes on Jesus.

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September 12th – Philippians 4:12

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Philippians 4:12

Paul said he’d learned the secret of being content in all things at all times. Because he understood contentment isn’t something our circumstances can give us. If we believe we’ll finally be happy when we have more money, a better house, fewer problems, or everything going the way we want, we’ll always be waiting for “enough.”

The truth is, we can have plenty and still feel empty, or have very little and still have peace. Paul’s life certainly wasn’t easy. He experienced hunger, hardship, rejection, imprisonment, and suffering, yet he learned to be content because his joy wasn’t rooted in what he had, it was rooted in who he had. And he had Jesus.

Like Paul, we can be grateful whether we have much or little. When life is going according to plan, we can praise God. And when nothing seems to make sense, we can continue to trust Him.

Contentment doesn’t mean we stop praying for change or stop hoping for better days. It means we can say, “Lord, whatever You have given me today, You are enough.” Circumstances will change. Seasons will come and go. What we have today may not be what we have tomorrow. But Jesus remains the same.

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September 5th – Philippians 4:9

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Philippians 4:9

The internet is overflowing with social media influencers. Every day, we’re encouraged to follow someone, buy something, change something, or become something. Many make their living convincing us that if we just have the right product, look the right way, or live the right lifestyle, we’ll be happier.

But as Christians, we have a better influencer to follow. And that’s the Apostle Paul. Paul isn’t trying to sell us anything. He isn’t promising a better life through possessions, popularity, or worldly success. Instead, he points us to Jesus and teaches us how to live a life that reflects Him.

In Philippians 4:9, Paul tells us to practice what we have learned, received, heard, and seen in him. Notice the word practice. It’s not enough to read God’s Word, hear a sermon, or know what Paul taught. We have to put it into practice.

Why? Because that’s where we discover the peace of God that the world can’t sell. When we learn to trust God, pray instead of worry, forgive instead of hold onto bitterness, and live according to His truth, His peace begins to shape our lives.

So don’t simply follow the herd. The world has plenty of influencers, but we have something far greater. The Word of God and the example of Paul, who followed Christ. Learn the truth. Practice the truth. And watch how God’s peace begins to transform your life.

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August 25th – 1 Corinthians 9:22

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1 Corinthians 9:22

Everyone is somewhere different on their faith journey. Some have a strong, mature faith. Others are barely holding onto what little faith they have. Some are searching for answers, and some don’t believe in God at all. Paul understood this. That’s why he didn’t expect everyone to meet him where he was. Instead, He was willing to meet them where they were.

That doesn’t mean Paul changed the Gospel or compromised God’s truth. It meant he humbled himself enough to understand the people he was trying to reach. He listened, related, and showed compassion. He found common ground so he could point people toward Jesus.

And isn’t that what Jesus calls us to do? We aren’t called to look down on those who don’t yet believe. Or shame people into faith. We’re called to love them, meet them where they are, and introduce them to the One who can change their lives.

Jesus commanded His followers to go into the world and make disciples. That means stepping outside our comfort zone and being willing to reach people who may think differently, live differently, or even reject what we believe. Some may reject our message. Some may not be ready. But that doesn’t mean we stop reaching.

We don’t have to have all the answers. We simply need to be willing to share what Jesus has done for us. To plant the seed, love faithfully, and leave the saving work to God. All because we were once lost too, and someone was willing to reach us.

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July 22nd – Philippians 3:13

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Philippians 3:13

Regret can be incredibly powerful. It can keep us trapped in the past, replaying our mistakes and reminding us of the things we wish we could change. And if we aren’t careful, regret can become a prison that keeps us from moving forward into the glorious future God has prepared for us.

The apostle Paul understood this well. Before he became one of the greatest messengers of the gospel, he was Saul of Tarsus. A man who ferociously persecuted Christians and was responsible for their suffering and death. He had every reason to look back with regret and shame. Yet Paul learned that he could not change the past, and he refused to allow it to define his future.

Instead, he chose to forget what was behind and press forward toward what lay ahead. If God could forgive, redeem, and use Paul despite his past, He can do the same for us. Our mistakes may be part of our story, but they do not have to be the ending.

We cannot move forward while constantly looking behind us. So release the regret, receive God’s forgiveness, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. The past is behind you, but your future is still in God’s hands. And He can do far more with your life than you ever imagined.

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January 24th – 2 Timothy 1:7

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2 Timothy 1:7

Every new year, resolutions are made with hopeful hearts, yet statistics tell us that nearly 43% are abandoned by February. Often, it isn’t a lack of desire that causes us to quit. Instead, it’s fear, discouragement, and self-doubt that creep in when progress feels slow. Paul speaks directly to this struggle in 2 Timothy 1:7, reminding us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. The same divine power that flowed through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and even walked on water now resides within us through the Holy Spirit. That power is not distant or withheld. It’s offered to us daily, waiting with an outstretched hand. But overcoming fear is a two person operation. God provides the strength. But we are called to actively use the sound mind He has given us by practicing self-control. That means intentionally taking hold of our thoughts. And then filtering them through the truth of God’s Word instead of the lies the enemy whispers. When we partner with God in this way, fear loses its grip and perseverance takes its place.

Reflection Question:
What fears or negative thought patterns tend to derail your commitments, and how can you intentionally filter them through God’s truth instead of believing the enemy’s lies?

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. When fear and doubt rise up, help me recognize them and bring my thoughts into alignment with Your truth. Teach me to partner with You by using the self-control You provide, so I may walk forward with confidence, perseverance, and faith. Amen.

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December 21st – 2 Corinthians 9:15

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2 Corinthians 9:15

In these last few days before Christmas, life gets busy. And part of the anxiety is rushing around to find those last-minute gifts, trying to make sure no one is forgotten. We run from store to store, check our lists twice, and carry the quiet pressure of getting it all done. But the Apostle Paul reminds us to stop and give thanks to God for a gift beyond words. His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive. One perfect, complete, and exactly what every heart needs. This gift fits everyone, never wears out, and never needs to be returned. There’s no price tag on it, because it was paid for fully by grace. So in the middle of the noise and hurry, may we slow down and remember the true reason we celebrate. May our hearts be filled with gratitude as we give God praise and glory for His unmerited and indescribable gift. And not just with our words, but with our lives. Most of all, may this Christmas find us resting more in His presence than striving in our plans.

Reflection Question: What distractions might you need to set aside so you can fully receive and give thanks for God’s greatest gift this Christmas?

Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me slow down in this busy season and open my heart to Jesus anew. Thank You for Your unmerited and indescribable gift. May my life reflect gratitude and praise for all You have given. Amen.

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March 20th – Romans 8:28

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Romans 8:28

When life falls apart, it’s hard to believe that anything good can come from the pain. The storm feels endless, the heartbreak unbearable, and the uncertainty overwhelming. Maybe you’re wondering why this is happening, questioning if God sees your suffering or if He even cares. It’s in these moments, when everything feels out of control, that trusting Him becomes the hardest and the most important. God never promised a life without trials, but He does promise that nothing we go through is wasted.

Every tear, every setback, every unanswered question is being woven into a greater story. He is working behind the scenes, taking even the hardest moments and turning them into something beautiful. That doesn’t mean we won’t struggle or wonder why, but it does mean we can lean into the truth that God is good, even when life is not. The storm will pass, but what God builds in us through it will remain. Strength. Faith. A deeper trust in Him. One day, we’ll look back and see how He was working all along, even in the moments we thought He was silent. So even now, in the middle of the storm, hold on. Keep trusting. He is not finished with your story yet.

March 20th – Romans 8:28 Read More »