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.

I had gone into the woods hoping to hear from God, but I think He was delighted for the opportunity I had to simply be with Him. The best kinds of relationships in life are not transactional. Sadly, I have a tendency to treat my relationship with God as if it was. The best and most intimate relationships are ones that don't require an agenda, or an outcome. God keeps gently reminding me that he didn't save me just so that I could serve him (although that is part of it). He saved me simply because He loves me and He wants me to be with him...Today, tomorrow and for the rest of eternity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Regularly taking a moment to pause, praise and give thanks may seem insignificant, but I am convinced that our habits are constantly forming us into the people we are becoming. If you're like me and you tend to get caught up in the busyness of the day, take a moment now and ask God to grow in you a heart of constant gratitude! He hears your prayers and desires to help you!

Because of God’s great love for us he sent his son Jesus Christ into a broken world to take sin and death upon himself so that we could have a new and greater life. A life in relationship with Him. This life begins today and goes beyond our time here on earth into an eternity spent with our Maker. Because of the love of Christ I have HOPE- hope for Chris, hope for you, hope for me and anyone who calls on the name of Jesus...Because even in death, a life hidden in Christ can never be taken away.

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.