The Modern-Day Idol Of Materialism
The apostle John, towards the end of his life, wrote a series of short letters to people he cared about. His final words in one of those letters came straight from his father’s heart:
“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts”
1 John 5:21 (NLT)
The words are simple, but they reflect a powerful truth. We need to watch out for anything that might compete with God for our love, trust, and devotion. Anything that pushes God out of the center of our lives is, whether we realize it or not, an idol.
One of the biggest idols we face is materialism. Materialism isn’t so much about the things we have as it is about what they do for us. When we look to them, rather than to God, for our safety, validation, or comfort, those possessions have usurped the throne of our hearts. We may not say it out loud, but our actions show that we have begun to trust money, things, or status more than we trust God.
Jesus warned, “You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money” (Matthew 6:24, NLT). Idolatry always leads to bondage. It promises security, but instead it fuels anxiety and a restless chase for more. Paul was clear about this in Colossians 3:5, calling greed a form of idolatry. When we believe that more will save us, fulfill us, or make us feel valuable, our hearts are pulled away from God.
But there is a better way. When God is at the center of our hearts, everything else finds its proper place. Instead of gripping things tightly, we can hold them loosely, as blessings from him that he has given us to manage. We become stewards, not owners.
This perspective brings freedom and peace. We don’t depend on what we have for our happiness. So, we don’t get obsessed with accumulating things, getting rich, or improving our status. And we don’t feel like our world is coming to an end if we go through loss.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Has anything been taking God’s place in your affections? Begin to surrender those areas to him. Practice gratitude for what you already have, and watch how contentment grows. Worship him daily, lifting your eyes off what you lack and onto who he is. His love is enough, and his presence is better than anything you could buy or earn.
You will only find real freedom and lasting joy when Jesus is first. Today, choose to enthrone Jesus in his rightful place in your heart.
Excerpt from "Understanding Spiritual Warfare" devotional by Dr. Mark Jones
Human Life Is Never An Accident
Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us that human life is never an accident or an afterthought. Before anyone else knew your name, the Creator of the universe did. Before the world placed expectations on you, He’d already seen your life in its entirety. Every joy, every trial, every victory, and every tear was known to Him from the beginning.
This truth gives every human life immeasurable value. Our worth isn’t determined by our achievements, failures, or whether others recognize our significance. It’s grounded in the God who intentionally creates each person in His image and calls them according to His purpose.
If God knew you before you were formed, then He hasn’t forgotten you today. Whatever season you’re walking through, you’re not unseen, overlooked, or abandoned. The same God who knew you before birth still holds your life in His hands - and remains faithful to accomplish His purposes.
You’ve never been a stranger to your Maker. You’ve always been known. You’ve always been passionately loved. And through the radical grace of Jesus, you’re invited to step out of the dark and to intimately know the One who knew you first.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;..."
Jeremiah 1:5a (NKJV)
- David Delfeld
Provided by "I Am With You Always"
In A Single Season...
Never underestimate what God can do in a single season.
We often assume that because our circumstances have remained the same for a long time, they will always remain that way. We begin measuring God’s faithfulness by our current reality instead of His eternal promises. Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly reminds us that He is not limited by timelines, human expectations, or impossible situations. The God who created the heavens and the earth is more than able to change the direction of a life in ways no one could have imagined.
One season can look ordinary, and the next can become the very season that changes everything.
David understood this better than most. Before he was ever known as Israel’s greatest king, he was simply a shepherd caring for sheep in the fields. His days were filled with responsibilities that seemed unnoticed by everyone except God. While others saw an overlooked young man, God saw a king in preparation. The wilderness was not a delay to God’s plan. It was the classroom where David learned courage, dependence, humility, and faith. Every lion he defeated and every bear he faced was preparing him for a giant that would one day stand before him. Then, in God’s perfect timing, everything changed. The shepherd became the king.
David did not promote himself into the palace. God brought him there.
Ruth’s story reminds us that faithfulness in small places is never wasted. She was a widow living with uncertainty, gathering leftover grain behind harvesters simply to survive. By the world’s standards, her future appeared limited. She wasn’t searching for influence or wealth. She was simply choosing obedience one day at a time, faithfully caring for Naomi and trusting the God of Israel. Yet the very field where she gathered scraps became the field she would one day possess. God transformed a place of survival into a place of inheritance.
Only God can write stories like that.
Mordecai experienced another remarkable reversal. For years he faithfully served without recognition. He sat outside the king’s gate while others enjoyed positions of influence inside the palace. There were moments when it probably seemed as though his faithfulness had gone unnoticed. Yet God was working behind scenes Mordecai could not see. At exactly the right moment, the king remembered him. The man who once waited outside the palace gates was suddenly welcomed inside with honor. What looked like years of silence became the foundation for an incredible testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Draw near to Me with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our Love-relationship. Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy."
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
God Isn't Trying To Break You
Don't despise the pressure.
Clay doesn't become beautiful by being left alone.
It is pressed.
Shaped.
Turned.
Refined.
Again and again.
Sometimes we ask God,
"Why is this season so difficult?"
When perhaps the better question is,
"What are You forming in me?"
The Potter never applies pressure without purpose.
Every turn of the wheel.
Every stretch.
Every moment that feels uncomfortable.
Every season that makes no sense.
Is in the hands of Someone who already sees the finished masterpiece.
The clay doesn't tell the Potter what it should become.
It simply stays in His hands.
Maybe that's the invitation for us today.
Stop fighting every difficult season.
Stop assuming every hardship means God has abandoned you.
Sometimes the pressure you're feeling isn't punishment.
It's preparation.
God isn't trying to break you.
He's shaping you into someone who can carry what He's preparing to place in your hands.
Trust the Potter.
Even when you don't understand the process.
Because the hands that are shaping you...
Are the same hands that created you.
But now, O Lord,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.
Isaiah 64:8
- David Baugh
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God. Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations, creating their own form of 'godliness.' They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me." - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
Defeat Temptation
Every battle begins in the mind, and temptation is usually the first shot fired. When we are tempted, we can feel as if we are the only ones facing such an intense desire to do something we know is wrong. It can feel overwhelming and isolating.
But 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (NLT).
Temptation in this passage comes from a Greek word that means “a test, trial, or enticement to sin.” Temptation itself isn’t a sin, but it is a moment of choice - a crossroads of decision.
Temptation, while difficult, actually does a couple of positive things. First, it reveals what is hidden in our hearts. James points out that our temptations occur when we are drawn away by evil desires already in our hearts, temptations that will lead to sin if not dealt with (1:13-15). When you are tempted, use that as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to help you see hidden wrong thoughts or desires you need to surrender.
Second, temptation provides an opportunity to strengthen our faith muscles by trusting God. Resisting temptation is a statement in the spiritual realm, a declaration that says, “I will obey God. I will trust him in all things.”
The process of resisting builds faith and perseverance. In the same way that lifting weights fatigues your muscles but also makes them stronger in the end, so your fight against temptation will strengthen your spiritual muscles so you can stand firm in the face of trials.
Temptation often feels overwhelming because of what is going on in the brain. During temptation, your brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter tied to anticipation and reward. This activates the limbic system, the emotional center of your brain, and can make the desire feel overwhelming and urgent. At the same time, your prefrontal cortex (the logical, decision-making part of your brain) is being overridden by the flood of emotion. Your body may even respond physically: your heart rate increases, muscles become tense, and you feel like you can focus on nothing else but the need to get what you want.
Be Strong And Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.” These words were spoken to Joshua at a moment of overwhelming responsibility. Moses was gone, the wilderness years were ending, and the Promised Land stood ahead, along with battles, uncertainty, and challenges far greater than Joshua could overcome in his own strength.
Notice God didn't tell Joshua to be strong because the path would be easy. He commanded courage because His presence would go with him.
Biblical courage isn't the absence of fear, but obedience in the presence of fear. It's choosing to trust God when the future is unclear, circumstances are overwhelming, and your own strength feels insufficient.
The Lion of Judah still goes before His people today. He remains sovereign over every battle, every uncertainty, every closed door, and every impossible situation in your life. Whatever lies in front of you today, remember the rest of the verse: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Be strong and courageous.
- David Delfeld
Provided by "I Am With You Always"
Humility Cures Worldliness
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners;
and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep!
Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep!
Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:7-10 (NKJV)
Although God and the Devil are at war, we don't have to wait until the end to see who will win. God has already defeated Satan (Revelation 12:10-12), and when Christ returns, the Devil and all he stands for will be eliminated forever (Revelation 20:10-15). Satan is here now, however, and he is trying to win us over to his evil cause. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can resist the Devil, and he will flee from us.
~
Can you imagine Michael Jordan coming back to the bench talking about, “I could score a whole lot easier if I didn't have that other guy putting his hands up in my face all the time”?
Michael's coach would tell him, “Michael, if there were no opponent, it would be easy to score. We're paying you millions to score with that guy in your face.”
As Christians, we have an opponent in our face too. Whenever you decide to do something significant for God, Satan will show up, usually in the person of people like Sanballat and Tobiah (reference Nehemiah 2). Not everyone wants their culture transformed by the influence of godly people. It displeased these men that Nehemiah had come to seek the welfare of Israel. They took it upon themselves to stop him. See, Satan's job is to keep God's people from carrying out God's will.
By the way, this isn't just true for the big projects such as rebuilding a community. Satan's job is to destroy you and your family because he knows Christian families populated by committed Christians are the foundation to transforming society. So he spends day and night plotting your demise. Just like we have angels assigned to us, Satan has demons with our names and addresses on their “to do” lists.
That is why the Bible says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Do we need to fear Satan and his demons? No, not at all. We need to resist and overcome them in the power of Christ.
Nehemiah wasn't afraid of his adversaries, but neither did he take them lightly. For the rest of his rebuilding project and well beyond it, he kept a close eye on those characters.
But too many of us are like puppets on a string to Satan. All he has to do is yank our string a little, and we go where he tells us to go and get mad when he tells us to get mad. Once you understand what Satan is up to, you will get down on your knees and say, “Not today, Satan. Not me, not my marriage, not my family, not my community - because we are submitting ourselves to God.”
Stand firm for God and against Satan, and the Sanballats and Tobiahs of this world will melt like snowmen in summer.
Excerpts from: "Life Application Study Bible" by Tyndale House Publishers and "Time to Get Serious" by Tony Evans
Jesus Wants You To Know...
There is a deep, gaping hole within you that can be filled only by My peaceful Presence. People who don’t know Me try to fill that emptiness in many different ways, or they simply pretend it isn’t there. Even My children often fail to recognize the full extent of their need: at all times and in every situation. But recognizing your neediness is only half the battle. The other half is to believe I can - and will - supply all you need.
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with all of you."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
"Jesus Today" by Sarah Young
Your Devine Armor
The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about spiritual warfare. As a missionary and church planter, he regularly faced intense opposition. Sometimes that even included jail.
And it was in jail, guarded by Roman soldiers, that Paul gave us one of the most powerful Scripture truths about overcoming Satan: the armor of God. Just as a soldier would never have thought of going to battle without armor, so we shouldn’t go through our day without being fully equipped.
And it was in jail, guarded by Roman soldiers, that Paul gave us one of the most powerful Scripture truths about overcoming Satan: the armor of God. Just as a soldier would never have thought of going to battle without armor, so we shouldn’t go through our day without being fully equipped.
The list, found in Ephesians 6, helps us understand what we need to be protected against attack and able to fight back. As you read this list, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, revealing any areas where your armor might be missing or need an upgrade.
The first piece of armor is the belt of truth (verse 14). Truth is essential, because what we believe - about ourselves, about God, about life - dictates how we will act. Our beliefs need to be grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
The second is the body armor (or breastplate) of God’s righteousness (verse 14). Body armor covers our heart and other vital organs, protecting us from deadly blows. Spiritually, that body armor is Jesus’ righteousness. We are protected from guilt and condemnation by his righteousness, not our own.
The third is the shoes of peace (verse 15). Peace gives us steady footing amid the chaos and unpredictability of life. No matter what we face, we can stand firm in the peace of God.
The fourth is the shield of faith (verse 16). Faith deflects lies and other attacks like a shield blocks fiery arrows from the enemy. Our trust in God protects us from Satan’s attempts to deceive, discourage, or derail us.
The fifth is the helmet of salvation (verse 17). Salvation covers our mind like a helmet protects a soldier’s head, guarding our thoughts with truth. The more we understand God’s love for us, shown through Jesus, the more our mental health can flourish.
The sixth is the sword of the Spirit (verse 17). This is God’s Word. In the same way that Jesus fought Satan’s temptations with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11), we also fight his lies and temptations with the truth of God’s Word.
Just like a soldier receiving his armor, Jesus equips us with his truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and power.
Are there any of these that you feel are missing or weak in your own life? Right now, tell that to God and ask for his help. The armor is his gift to you, and he is ready and willing to help you put it on.
Reflection Questions
- Which of these articles of armor feels most present in my life today? How do I see them at work protecting me?
- Which of these articles feels lacking or weak? What holes are in my armor? Am I believing any lies that are causing this, and if so, what truths from God’s Word can I use to quench those fiery arrows?Excerpt from "Understanding Spiritual Warfare" devotional by Dr. Mark Jones
Prayer: Conquering Fear
I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 (NKJV)
You did it, Lord! You have conquered fear and I will never be held in its clutches again. As long as I am with you, I can face anything. I am brave. I am an overcomer. Fear will no longer dictate my life. And even if I have to remind myself of these truths, every moment of every day, I will no longer allow myself to be its victim.
When I stand in the midst of the unknown, faith will be the posture of my heart, even if my legs are shaking. Step by step I will walk into a life of freedom and never look back. I will trust you and release my concerns into your hands. Instead of fearing the challenges, I will thank you for them - they remind me to continually look to you.
I choose a life of victory, where you have full control. I won't be afraid of the things I don't understand. You are here. You are faithful. I am free!
Excerpt from "Prayers On Fire" by Brenna Stockman
The Carnal Christian
šš®šæš»š®š¹ ššµšæš¶ššš¶š®š» – šŖšµš®š Dš¼š²š š¦š°šæš¶š½šššæš² Tš²š®š°šµ?
The word “Christian” is used in many different contexts
today. However, very few people understand what a “Carnal Christian” is all
about. If we search, we will not find the phrase “Carnal Christian” in the
Bible, but the Scripture does teach about being carnally minded and living out
of our old sin nature or what we inherited as part of humanity. The biblical
word translated “carnal” is also translated “flesh” and it denotes mere human
nature or the earthly nature of mankind apart from divine influence, and
therefore it is prone to sin and opposed to God. A Carnal Christian is a
believer in Christ who is more influenced by their human or earthly nature
rather than the nature of God. Scripture teaches that we have our treasure in
an earthen vessel (2 Corinthians 4:7). An earthen vessel is made from dirt and
Genesis 2:7 says that God formed Adam from the dust of the ground. We could
then say we have what is ours as believers in Christ in a body of flesh or
dirt. We are also told that when we come to Christ, we are a “new creation” (1
Corinthians 5:17). However, the new creation has to do with our spiritual life
and is not a transformation of our old flesh or our carnal body. The issue then
is what controls our treasure. Are we as Carnal Christians controlled by our
carnal or fleshly sin nature or do we surrender to the new creation, which is
empowered by the Spirit of God?
šš®šæš»š®š¹
ššµšæš¶ššš¶š®š»
– šš¼š
š¶š
š¶š
š±š²š³š¶š»š²š±?
The Apostle Paul speaks about Carnal Christians in Romans 8:6-7 and 1 Corinthians
3:1-4. The characteristics spoken of in these passages are that the carnal or
fleshly mind, which is human viewpoint, is enmity against God or is anti-God.
It cannot please God, is unable to digest solid spiritual food, and is filled
with strife, envy, and division. These are very unhealthy spiritual traits and
the reality is that all believers are carnally minded at one time or another.
It is a matter of growing up and becoming mature. That is a process that
continues on a daily basis as we acknowledge our need of grace and submit to
the process. We fully surrender to the LORD as He works through every situation
in our lives to conform us to His image. So then, we know that a Carnal
Christian is one who is characterized by inner mental attitudes that are not in
agreement with God’s viewpoint and from our inner mental attitudes come our
actions. We could then say that a Carnal Christian is one who does not focus
upon God’s Word, does not see the necessity of obeying God, and does not
experience the abundant peace and joy that is the believers if they submit to
the power of the Spirit in their lives rather than being led by their old
carnal nature (Galatians 5:16). A Carnal Christian is often very frustrated
because the Spirit of God is faithful to us and convicts and convinces us that
when we are operating out of our carnal flesh, we are not fulfilling God’s
purpose for us. Our purpose as children of God is to bring glory to Him in all
our choices and actions and so since we are not fulfilling our true spiritual
purpose, we suffer self-inflicted misery.
šš®šæš»š®š¹
ššµšæš¶ššš¶š®š»
– šŖšµš®š
š¶š
ššµš²
šæš²šŗš²š±š?
How can you be transformed from being a Carnal Christian to being a Spirit-led
Christian? We find an answer in Romans 12:1-2 where we read that you can choose
to submit your flesh or carnality as a living sacrifice or what that is set
apart unto God and not be conformed or molded by the pressure of the world and
the flesh. You can be transformed, which is a continual process, through allowing
the Word of God to renew your mind so that we may prove or authenticate, to put
to the test, what is the good and acceptable or fully agreeable and complete
will of God. It is God’s will then for a Carnal Christian to mature and grow
strong in their faith and walk of obedience. The ongoing process that takes a
believer in Christ from a Carnal Christian or what Hebrews calls a “babe in
Christ” to one who is engaged in maturing as a child of God is the choice to
take in the solid food of the Word, which equips us as Christians to be able to
discern or reason what is good and what is evil and what is good and what is
better (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Provided by "All About God Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen - leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you. . . Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include Me in that imagery. See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle."
"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8
- "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young
Perfect Peace Is Possible
Looking to our feelings instead of Truth to steady our souls is dangerous ground.
I saw a vivid depiction of this several years ago when we remodeled our house. I invited a friend over and asked for his expert opinion. But when he started staring at the ceiling with a look of grave concern, I knew something was wrong. One of the major beams had been poorly repaired and wasn't able to provide enough support - a point proven by the sagging floor upstairs.
Seeing those broken boards barely hanging on, I felt like God was giving me a glimpse of the unstable places inside of me. It was a loving admonition to stop assessing His goodness based on how my life felt at any given moment.
Why? Because feelings are fragile props. Only Truth is solid, unchanging and stable. The beliefs we hold should hold us up even when life feels like it’s falling apart.
Which brings us to our key Bible passage for today. Isaiah 26 focuses on the strength God gives His people so they can accomplish His purposes.
First, we need to know that one of the keys to understanding Isaiah 24-27 is realizing that the prophet Isaiah was looking ahead to the end of all things. Isaiah knew while things may not look good right now, God promises us His plans are good. God is moving us toward that day when death will be swallowed up and He will wipe every tear from His people’s eyes (Isaiah 25:8). He has ordained our peace (Isaiah 26:12).
But we aren’t just promised peace in eternity. Isaiah tells us how we can experience and walk in strength and peace today:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock” - Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)
The Hebrew word for the phrase “stayed on” means “to brace, uphold, support.” In other words, those with minds fully braced, upheld and supported by trust in God and His Truth will be kept in perfect peace. This means an all-embracing peace. It comes from God, by the power of His indwelling Spirit, giving us the strength internally to face whatever comes our way externally.
This doesn’t mean that our circumstances will feel peaceful, that all our relationship troubles and hardships will suddenly get better, or that all the prayers we pray will suddenly get answered. But our minds can be steadied with God’s Truth instead of overrun with thoughts of fear, anxiety and worst-case scenarios.
The God who rescued David from Saul (1 Samuel 23), who split the Red Sea so the Israelites could safely pass through (Exodus 14), and who promised strength to His people through Isaiah is the same God you can trust with your life.
God is always doing more than you know, working toward a good you’ll one day rejoice in.
Dear Lord, help me to keep sight of Your goodness in the brokenness of this world. I realize I must keep my eyes fixed on You and the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for the peace You give me. I want my security to be found in You - my unchanging, undeniably good and unquestionably loving God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Lysa TerKeurst
Provided by “Proverbs 31 Ministries”
Answering The Call And Taking The Next Step
This tension is described as “synergism”- the view that while God is the source of salvation and spiritual transformation, human beings aren't passive spectators. His divine grace invites, awakens, and empowers, but the human heart must choose whether or not it'll respond. The invitation is genuine, and so is the responsibility.
Faith requires a movement of the will - not simple intellectual agreement, but a personal act of trust. A willingness to step beyond self-reliance and into the life God offers. Grace opens the door, but faith walks through it. This highlights the dignity with which He created us and gives us. Love and relationship can't be coerced. God desires willing communion, not mechanical compliance. We see this all throughout Scripture, as He continually calls, invites, and beckons people toward Himself, while honoring the reality of human choice.
Everything begins with God's initiative, yet every person is invited to participate in that divine work. The path is prepared, the invitation is extended, and the grace is freely given. The only question is whether we'll answer the call and take the next step.
- David Delfeld
Provided by "I Am With You Always"
Questions on how to take the next Step?
Am I Really Saved?
How Do I Become A Christian?
Tired of Waiting for the Breakthrough
Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing,
and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”
and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”
Nehemiah 4:10 (NKJV)
Every day, I coach women who are chasing a God-given dream. And earlier this year, I noticed something happening in their hearts that broke my heart a little.
Some of the excitement they had when they first started … had faded. Life crowded in. For some, progress felt painfully slow. I could see the discouragement creeping into their hearts one by one, that quiet voice whispering, Maybe this wasn't really my calling after all. Maybe I can’t do this.
Perhaps you know that voice. Maybe it whispers about a ministry you’re building, a relationship you’re fighting for, a career change you’re stepping toward, or a health journey you’re persevering in. Maybe there’s a dream God placed in your heart that now feels more like a burden than a blessing.
Can I tell you what I’m learning? This is exactly where breakthroughs happen. Not at the exciting beginning. Not when the passion is fresh and the possibilities feel endless. In the messy, unglamorous middle, where the rubble is piled up and progress is hard to see.
It's like in Nehemiah 4 when God’s people were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. It was a God-ordained mission, and they started strong. They were thrilled to be a part of this important purpose. But partway through, something shifted.
Nehemiah 4:10 says, “Then the people of Judah began to complain, ‘The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.’”
Not just the enemies outside the wall but the rubble within discouraged them. The accumulation of hard days, slow progress, and exhaustion made them question everything.
But Nehemiah reminded them of the vision. He repositioned them and told them to keep building. One stone at a time. Until 52 days later, the wall was finished (Nehemiah 6:15).
Whatever God has called you to, He hasn’t changed His mind because it got hard. He will bring it all to fruition in His timing. It may not feel easy, exciting, or certain, but when you choose faithfulness over feelings and keep showing up anyway, God doesn’t waste your obedience.
Every hard step, every act of courage when you want to quit, every prayer whispered through exhaustion … He’s using all of it. He's building something in you that’s bigger than you can see. He’s preparing you for something you can’t even imagine right now.
Momentum isn’t built on giant leaps. It's built on faithful steps taken one at a time.
You’re closer than you think. And whatever wall you’re building is worth finishing.
Lord, remind me today that You haven’t changed Your mind about what You’ve called me to. Give me courage to keep building - not because I feel ready or equipped but because I trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Tracie Miles
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
You Did The Best You Could...
You did the best you could with what you had, and God sees that.
He sees the effort that no one else noticed, the prayers that never left your lips but filled your heart, and the days when simply getting through the next hour felt like more than you could handle. Nothing about your journey has been hidden from Him. While others may only see the results, God sees the weight you carried, the battles you fought, and the strength it took to keep moving forward when everything in you felt weary.
Many of us spend far too much time looking back at the past through the lens of what we know now. We replay decisions, revisit failures, and imagine how things might have turned out if we had made different choices. Yet it is important to remember that you made those decisions with the understanding, maturity, and resources you had at that moment. The person you were then did not possess the wisdom you have gained since. Growth changes our perspective, but it should not become a weapon we use against ourselves.
God understands your limitations better than anyone else ever could. Psalm 103:14 says, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” He knows that you are human. He knows that you become tired, discouraged, and overwhelmed. He knows the circumstances that surrounded your choices and the burdens that influenced your thoughts. His understanding is complete, while ours is often limited by what we can see and comprehend in a given moment.
That does not mean God ignores sin or that He does not call us to grow. Rather, His grace meets us in the middle of our weakness and leads us toward transformation. There is a difference between learning from the past and becoming trapped by it. God invites us to bring our failures to Him, receive His forgiveness, and continue walking forward. He never intended for shame to become a permanent residence in the life of a believer.
Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Condemnation tells you that your failures define you, but the gospel declares that Jesus has already paid the price for your sin. Condemnation keeps your eyes fixed on what went wrong, while grace points you toward what God is still doing. Through Christ, your story is not defined by your lowest moments but by the redeeming work of God.
Beyond Pettiness
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Proverbs 17:14
Proverbs 17:14
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments,
because you know they produce quarrels.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome
but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
What is it in the human psyche that compels us to pursue a matter straight into the heart of a conflict? Do we just enjoy a good fight? For some reason, we frequently feel we must establish truth - as we see it - in even the most petty of disagreements. We often value our opinions more than we value our relationships.
Why is that? What so captures our indignation that we will sacrifice friendships and feelings over something that just isn't worth it? Blessed are those who do not have a contentious spirit within them, but most people at some time or another have struggled with one. It is human nature. We feel offended when people disagree with us, and we are bent on establishing who is right and wrong. Even when there is no right and wrong.
Does this mean there's no place for conflict? Obviously not. We are called to stand up for what is morally and spiritually right - to a point. Even Jesus was no stranger to conflict, and He is our model. But we must develop the discernment to know what is worth fighting for and what is not. Most of us find ourselves frequently confused on the issue.
When you sense a conflict escalating, what is your response? Do you take it as a challenge to win? Or can you step back and assess whether it is really worth fighting for? Broken relationships are no pleasure to God. He even inspires the writer to call a quarrel “sin” a few verses later (Proverbs 17:19). Petty squabbles once begun are hard to stop. They do not suit a child of God.
Learn to practice a discipline of restraint. Do not run from an important issue, but do not pursue a pointless one. Let relationships become more important to you than petty proofs and problems. God has done so with us. We must do so with others.
“I have never yet known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord's people were divided.”
- D. L. Moody
[An excerpt from "The One Year Walk with God Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen]