In a similar way,  Jesus used gentleness. He knew the law inside and out - he came up with it - and had full power to execute it. But many times we see him restrain his power and instead enact forgiveness, like when He forgives an adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. The teachers of the law are ready to stone her. But Jesus says, "If anyone is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Not surprisingly, they all disperse.

Today, we use the phrase “stay in your own lane,” or “keep your eyes on your own paper,” to remind ourselves that life is not a competition. But in moments of frustration, do my eyes lift to God?

There is a famous parable Jesus tells in Matthew 20:1-16 about the owner of a vineyard, who hires workers early in the morning, again at nine, again at noon, again at three, and again at five. When the work day comes to an end, the owner pays them all the same: one denarius. The workers who worked a full day complain about the unfairness of the situation, but the owner of the vineyard answers them…

This Christmas, let's be thankful for how much we have and how little we need to truly celebrate Jesus' gift.

No matter who runs our country or our workplace – or despite the various ways we might feel “tied down” in life – the freedom mentioned in Psalm 119:32 is a freedom of the heart. It can persist despite any circumstance – poverty, loss, unpopularity, loneliness, betrayal. In fact, it thrives in such circumstances. This is why we choose not to walk, but to run toward Christ daily on this wild adventure of life.

To God, age truly is just a number and human construct. His plan for you and your life prevails, despite your age. No matter what limits you see for yourself on this planet, God has the power to overcome them all.

We all have seasons, but my point here is that we cannot compare the season we’re experiencing to the season of another believer. It never seems fair to look sideways at your prospering neighbor while you feel like you’re neck deep in muck. Focus on where you are and no matter whether you face a tough season or plentiful one, give thanks.

God doesn't just love you. As a bonus - He likes you! The Bible says He delights in those who fear Him. He created you and placed you on this earth for a purpose, and He loves nothing more than spending time with you. One of my favorite places this occurs in the Bible is Psalm 18:19 - "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me."

No matter what chaos surrounds us, what pests are destroying the garden or what the weather is like, where do our eyes go? Where are we looking for guidance, strength, and sustenance? Sunflowers have the answer. Look to the Son.

As we work here on earth, we really can take nothing with us. This is not to say that what God calls us to build and create here is without meaning, but we need to remember our priorities, and that God Himself is the source of all beauty, life, and wealth.

I strive to treat the Bible with the same amount of ease and enthusiasm as my garden, maintaining my soul daily to avoid rot, damage, and pests. I don't often succeed at this, because it takes more effort for me to crack open the Word and take a good look at myself than it does to fix plants. But I know the results will be priceless.

While we are running short on wisdom, inspiration, and direction, God never runs out. When our way seems dark, we must only hold tighter to His hand.

It blows my mind that God is infinitely more generous and creative than this. I often don't pray for my dreams and desires, thinking God will discard them as pointless or unnecessary. However, Ephesians 3:20 says that God can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." He knows how time, space, my finances, my family, and the world all fit together together like complex machinery, while I have no such perspective. Don't be afraid to ask God for your dream, the deepest desire of your heart. He may see a way where you see a wall.

As soon as you commit your life to Christ, you are not alone. Immediately, you are mortared onto the strongest, most unbreakable structure that ever was, a building that will only grow taller throughout eternity. It's easy to get bogged down in personal conflicts, the state of the modern church, or pain we've experienced from Christians in the past. But through all of that, do not forget - if we belong to Christ, we belong to the His building, along with all the prophets and apostles of old! We are unbreakable.

We glorify God when we claim our identity in Him, and call upon him in times of need! When life gets hard, straightening my crown and calling out to my Father should be my first instinct, not my last.