Romans 5:8 (KJV)
8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Church hurt is one of the most painful experiences a believer can go through. When people who claim to represent God wound us with judgment, hypocrisy, or rejection, it’s easy to feel like we don’t belong or that we’ll never be good enough. But thankfully the gospel tells us a different story. God’s love for us isn’t based on our perfection or performance but by His grace for us.

Romans 5:8 reminds us that God’s love reached us while we were still sinners. He didn’t wait for us to get our lives together before extending His mercy. Jesus died knowing exactly who we are, brokenness and all.

The church may fail you but God never will.

If you’ve been hurt by the church, know this: God sees your pain. He understands how hard it is to trust again after being judged or rejected. Jesus Himself faced rejection and betrayal especially from those closest to Him. The church is made up of imperfect people, and sometimes, those imperfections hurt deeply. But the gospel reminds us that our relationship with God isn’t defined by the actions of others. God’s love is personal, unchanging, and unconditional.

Hurt may come from people, but all healing comes from God.

The beauty of the gospel is that you don’t have to be clean to come to God. In fact, trying to clean yourself up before coming to Him is impossible. Salvation is a gift, something we receive, not achieve.

When Jesus walked the earth, He surrounded Himself with sinners, outcasts, and broken people. He didn’t push them away but drew closer to them. The same is true for us today. God isn’t looking for perfect people, he sent his perfect son to die for our sins and make us perfect through that sacrifice.

God's only ask is that we trust in his some who reconciled us back to him.

Our hearts may be closed, but God's arms are always open. Church hurt can make us feel like we don’t belong anywhere, but the gospel tells us we belong to God. God’s love is bigger than any hurt the church or the world could ever inflict. If you’re struggling with trusting people or even trusting God because of past hurts, remember this: God’s love isn’t like people’s love. Where people may fail, God is faithful. Where people may judge, God shows mercy. And where people may push you away, God welcomes you with open arms. 

I hope today we can remember that our identity is not in the hurt others have caused but in the healing that Jesus has provided. Amen!

Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)
3 "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Overthinking can be exhausting. We wrestle with endless “what-ifs,” replay scenarios in our minds, and struggle to silence the intrusive thoughts that seem to constantly creep in. I'm so thankful the bible tells us how to combat this through Proverbs. God understands our tendency to get caught in cycles of worry and fear, so He invites us to hand over our thoughts, actions, and decisions to Him.

In the original Hebrew, the word "commit" (גָּלַל, galal) means “to roll” or “to entrust.” God wants us to roll our burdens onto him daily. To trust and give up our problems to him. Why? Because God understands that we cannot handle our problems and that it's his job to do so.

God is more than capable of handling our problems. But the enemy tries to have you stand in His position, trying to do His work.

Overthinking thrives in uncertainty, but God’s Word always brings clarity.

Peace comes when we replace our thoughts with prayers and the word of God allows us to roll every worry onto Him. The more we fight against our thoughts, the stronger they seem to grow. The enemy tricks us into thinking we are alone and worthless. But in the word and in prayer, we find that we are not alone. In fact, we are closer to God because of our thoughts. It acts as a catalyst to surrender to God and experience him daily. 

The word guards our minds and creates a shelter and fortress where intrusive thoughts lose power. When our minds are focused on God, there’s less space for anxious, intrusive thoughts. 

People always ask me "How do we commit our thoughts to God?" I'm going to share with you what I do on the daily that helps me combat every single thought. I begin each day by asking God to direct my thoughts and actions. When overthinking or intrusive thoughts arise, I pause and thinking where this thought is coming from. I then go to God in prayer about the intrusive thought I have. This has allowed me to overcome thoughts little by little. This method is useful because instead of fighting my thoughts, I place them in the hands of God. What I'm teaching you guys is to allow God's word to become the foundation of our thoughts. 

This is important because God's word is always peaceful, hopeful, and positive. Our thoughts are not the same, they tend to be harmful, depressing, and negative.

True peace isn’t in control but in surrender.

I hope that everyone can commit their thoughts, worries, and stresses to God. He WILL help you and handle all things for you once you do this.

Selah and Amen!

Micah 7:19 (KJV)
19 "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

One of the most comforting truths of the gospel is that God, in His love and mercy, chooses to forget our sins. Micah 7:19 reminds us that He doesn’t hold our past against us but casts them into the depths of the sea. Through Jesus, our sins are gone forever. Think about dropping something in the ocean, once it's gone, it's gone forever. 

In God’s eyes, it's as if our sins never existed.

God uses the ocean to show us how deep his love truly is. Many of us struggle to move past our sins. We often dwell on our mistakes, feeling shame and guilt, even after we’ve asked for forgiveness. But Micah tells us that God has “compassion upon us” and actively chooses to subdue our iniquities. This means He doesn’t just forgive; He removes the weight of guilt from us. God has a perfect memory, yet He deliberately chooses not to remember our sins. In His mercy, He chooses to see us through the righteousness of Jesus. How beautiful and merciful our loving God truly is.

God doesn't just overlook our sins, he removes them completely. 

God threw all of our sins in his ocean of forgiveness. So whatever you have that's weighing you down, whether it's past trauma, guilt, shame, etc...we can let that go to God today. He has already taken care of it but the enemy wants us to feel bad.

The past is something you learn from, not a place you live in.

If God has chosen to forget our sins, then we can live without carrying their weight. We can move forward without guilt, knowing that He sees us as new creations in Christ. When doubts or memories of our past creep in, we can remind ourselves of this truth: God has cast our sins into the depths of the sea. We are free to live in the fullness of His grace.

If God has forgiven and forgotten, we are also called to forgive ourselves and move forward.

Amen!

Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

What does it truly mean to be alone or in solitude with God? Many people confuse being alone in their thoughts and being alone with the word of God. Solitude with God is different from isolation. Isolation shuts us off from the world and often leaves us vulnerable to the enemy’s whispers.

In isolation, we’re alone with our own thoughts, anxieties, and fears, where we can easily spiral. But solitude with the Lord is a sacred, intentional space where we meet God in His Word. Solitude with God is a place where heaven and earth meet. The Hebrew word often translated as "be still" in Psalm 46:10 is רָפָה (raphah), which means “to let go” or “to release.”

Solitude isn’t about simply being alone physically, it’s about letting go of distractions, releasing worries, and focusing solely on God’s word.

It's in these times where we experience His peace and let go of our need to understand everything, trusting that God is in control of all things. It's about emptying your mind and heart so that God can fill it. The more you let go, the more you make room for God to fill you.

Isolation often involves pulling away from others out of pain, fear, or frustration. It’s a state where we disconnect, and the enemy uses it to draw us into ourselves, amplifying doubts and fears. But solitude with the Lord is different. In solitude, we intentionally step away from the noise to connect with God. Instead of listening to our own thoughts, we listen to His Word and it refreshes our hearts. 

Jesus Himself sought solitude with God the Father, especially before or after significant events. He showed us that solitude is a place of strength, renewal, and connection with the Father’s heart. Jesus went into solitude not to escape but to gain clarity, guidance, and peace.

Isolation is hiding in silence, solitude is residing in peace.

Being in solitude with the Lord means seeking His heart and His thoughts through the word. It’s a chance to leave behind the voices of the world and listen only to God’s voice. When we’re alone with God, we aren’t running from our problems, we’re bringing them to Him. We aren’t withdrawing from life but drawing closer to source of life.

When we spend time in God's word, we’re actively tuning out the voices of doubt, fear, and anxiety, and tuning in to his peaceful voice.

Jesus, who is the living Word, meets us in solitude to reassure us, encourage us, and remind us of our true identity as children of God. The Greek word for "Word" in John 1:1 is λόγος (logos), which refers to the divine expression of God, who is Jesus himself. When we spend time in the Word, we’re encountering Jesus, the One who has the power to bring light to any darkness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burdened, or distant from God, take time for solitude with Him. Find a quiet place, open your Bible, and let His Word fill you with peace and direction.

Solitude isn't isolation, it's connection. Connecting to the Almighty God who pours all his love into us through His word. Amen!

1 Peter 2:18 (KJV)
18 "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward."

It can be challenging to submit to leaders, especially when they’re imperfect or seem to fall short in some way. Yet, the Bible reminds us that submission to those God has placed over us, even if they are flawed, is ultimately an act of trust in God Himself. 1 Peter 2:18 encourages us to respect and submit to leaders, not only when they are gentle but also when they may be difficult or even “froward” (harsh). This isn’t about blind obedience but about placing our trust in God’s authority. Throughout history, God has worked through imperfect servants to accomplish His will.

Moses killed an egyptian, David was an adulterer and murderer, and Noah was a drunk. Although these people were flawed, they were the chosen vessels to lead God's people. When we honor the authority God has set over us, we’re acknowledging His ability to work through anyone for His purpose.

When we submit to God’s servants, we’re trusting God to lead through them. 

The Bible shows that God can use anyone to fulfill His purpose. Moses doubted himself, Noah faced ridicule, and David made mistakes, yet God used each one powerfully.

Submitting to leaders isn’t about their perfection but his protection. The servants are actually less qualified to lead than most but this is also why they must rely on God more intimately and closely. We as Pastors, Ministers, and servants cannot live without the grace of God. We understand that we can do nothing else and that's what makes us seek God so much.

When we submit, we’re essentially allowing God to work through these individuals, trusting that He will direct their steps and ours. God holds the hearts of leaders in His hand, and He can direct them for the good of His people. 

It’s natural to feel uneasy about submitting to flawed leaders, especially a gang leader like me. I have weaknesses and lackings just like the rest of us. But this is perfect opportunity to rely on God. If we believe that God is truly in control, then we can trust Him to work through any situation and any servant. Why wouldn't he be able to? He's the almighty God!

God doesn’t ask us to put our faith in people’s perfection, God asks us to put our faith in his plan. Different P's. 

When we submit to the servants of God, we’re showing that we trust God’s hand to guide and correct as needed. Romans 13:1 (KJV) reminds us, 1 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." God ordains all authority, and when we honor that, we honor Him.

I hope today we can truly trust in God to direct all our paths through the people he has sent into his lives. 

Amen!

Psalm 119:133 (KJV)
133 "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me."

Many people want to find their path or direction in life. It's something that we all struggle with. God is highlighting in these verses however that his word is meant to guide our every step. We live in a world full of distractions and temptations that try to pull us away from God’s purpose for our lives. Yet, this verse is a reminder that if we let God’s Word direct our steps, we can realize that we are no longer under the power of sin. Why? Because Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, has already conquered sin for us.

Direction isn’t found in our own strength; it’s found in God’s Word.

Every aspect of our lives must be directed by God's word. The world tells us to follow our hearts, but the Bible tells us to follow God’s Word. Our feelings are fleeting, and our desires can lead us astray, but God’s Word remains constant and true. This Word is Jesus, the ultimate guide for our lives. He is the living Word, the embodiment of God’s truth and love. When we align our steps with Jesus, we walk in freedom, purpose, and power.

"Let not any iniquity have dominion over me" isn't just a wish. it’s a declaration of the victory we have in Christ. Jesus has broken the power of sin in our lives. When He died on the cross and rose again, He defeated sin and death once and for all. We no longer have to live under the chains of our past mistakes, guilt, or shame. We are free. Because of Jesus, sin no longer has the right to control us. We are no longer slaves to our old habits, thoughts, or temptations.

The Word of God equips us to live in freedom, reminding us of our identity as children of God. We often forget that God’s Word is alive and powerful. It’s not just words on a page, it is literally Jesus in real time.

People read the word to gain information, we read the word for transformation. Reading the bible allows us to see the heart of Jesus. His word speaks into our hearts, shapes our thoughts, and guides our actions. Jesus has already won the battle, and His Word is your weapon and guide. When you face temptation, turn to the Word. When you feel lost, turn to the word. When you feel anxiety, turn to the word.

This is what it means to seek Jesus. He set us free from the law of sin and death. We just have to rest in that.

Freedom is not found in striving, it's found in abiding. 

Let's abide in Christ and rest in the victory He obtained for us. Amen!

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."


We’ve all had days when life feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s the stress of work, the pressure of relationships, or the uncertainty of the future. In those moments, anxiety can creep in and make us feel like we’re losing control. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our own.

God wants us to bring everything to Him in prayer. This isn’t about a one-time quick prayer but a continuous, honest conversation with the God who cares deeply for us. When we go to God with our worries, His peace starts to flow into our hearts. Those big problems suddenly seem so small after praying and seeking Him.

Worry may knock on the door of your heart and mind but as believers, we allow God to answer.

The peace of God is unlike anything we can find in the world. It doesn’t come from having a perfect life or everything figured out. Peace isn't found in a perfect life but a perfect savior.

This type of peace is powerful because it guards our hearts and minds, keeping us steady even when life feels like it’s spiraling. We need to remember that even when we don’t have all the answers, God does. 

True peace isn’t the absence of problems, but the presence of God.

One of the hardest things for many of us is letting go of control. We want to plan, fix, and figure everything out. But the reality is, our control is limited. Trying to handle everything on our own only leads to more stress and exhaustion. God wants us to pray and trust in him. He knows we’re not strong enough to carry all our stresses, and He doesn’t expect us to. God wants to trade our anxiety for His peace, our exhaustion for His rest. But we have to be willing to let go and trust Him.

The tighter we hold onto control, the more peace slips away.

Even when life feels overwhelming, there is always something to be thankful for. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have in Christ. It reminds us that even if everything else falls apart, God’s love and promises remain constant. 

It’s not about ignoring your struggles but about inviting God into them. Gratitude is the gateway to peace. I hope we can truly reflect on God's heart and move past our own thoughts. He will never forsake us and will always help us in times of need.

Amen!

Psalm 139:16 (KJV)
16 "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."


Birthdays are a beautiful time of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. They mark the passage of time and the many blessings we’ve experienced throughout the year. But more than just a day for cake and presents, a birthday is an opportunity to remember the ultimate gift of life we have in Jesus Christ. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that even before we were born, God saw us and had a purpose for our lives. 

Our days were written in His book before we ever took our first breath. This means that our existence is no accident.

We are here because of God’s divine love and intention. Every year we celebrate is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the grace He has poured into our lives. 

Birthdays are a time to consider the purpose God has for our lives. He created us with love, with strengths, with weaknesses, and everything we would go through. But the amazing thing is, he created us the way we are and then called us perfect. He didn't create us perfect and then label us perfect. 

Life is truly a gift from God. Once we realize this, we start to embrace even the shortcommings in our lives.

Every birthday is a chance to remember that our greatest gift is not another year of life but the eternal life we have in Jesus.

While we may receive gifts from family and friends on our birthdays, no gift compares to the gift of salvation. Jesus gave His life so that we could have eternal life. Just as we didn’t earn the gift of living another year, we also didn’t earn the gift of salvation. It is purely God’s grace.

When we celebrate our birthdays, let’s also celebrate the new life we have in Christ. We were born once into this world, but through faith in Jesus, we are born again. Our physical birthdays remind us of our earthly life, but our spiritual rebirth in Christ reminds us of our eternal life. 

The best gift we’ll ever received won't be wrapped in paper but in God’s love and in God's blood.

As we reflect on another year gone by, it’s easy to feel the weight of missed opportunities, failures, or struggles. But birthdays are also a time to look forward with hope. We can trust that the God who has been faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the future. Our life has meaning solely because of the gospel. 

I want to take a moment to thank God for the gift of life. I'm thankful that every breath is a blessing. I'm so happy that Jesus brought purpose to my life and every second is a gift. This is why I use this day as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others. I will continue to share every single second I have available to spread the gospel to each and every person I encounter. 

Amen and Selah!

Proverbs 28:26 (KJV)
26 "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."


Our thoughts can feel so convincing, almost as though they’re always right. We often go about our lives relying on what we think is best, assuming that our own reasoning will lead us to happiness or success. But if we reflect just a little bit, we'll see that most of our thoughts and decisions led to regret and misery.

Proverbs 28 tells us that trusting in our heart (thoughts) is foolish. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who trusted in their own thoughts only to end up in disappointment or trouble. Our minds are limited, swayed by emotions, desires, and even fears. When we rely on our own understanding, we risk making choices that ultimately lead to heartache and distance from God. God never wanted for us to navigate life based on our own thoughts alone.

He gave us His Word as our true guide, a foundation we can trust because it never changes.

Trusting in our thoughts can feel empowering, but it’s also risky. Our emotions can distort our perspective, leading us to decisions that feel right in the moment but later bring regret. When we lean on our own understanding, we’re often blinded by our immediate desires, biases, and insecurities.  Our thoughts can deceive us, making us believe we’re on the right path, even when we’re going directly against God's way.

Think of moments when you trusted in your own thoughts, only to later realize they led you to pain or disappointment. Maybe it was a relationship that seemed right, a decision driven by impulse, or a direction that felt good but ultimately caused more harm than good.

This is why God calls us to trust his word that is stable and not feelings that are fleeting. Feelings may shift and thoughts will sway, but God is constant.

Proverbs 28:26 also says, "but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." Walking wisely means relying on God’s Word as our anchor. True wisdom is acknowledging that we are limited and God is unlimited. When we prioritize His Word above our thoughts, we find clarity, peace, and direction that our own minds could never provide.

God's word brings stability and truth, offering us a solid foundation that doesn’t change with every emotion or situation. God wants to lead us to a place where we no longer depend on our own limited understanding but instead turn to Him for guidance in every area. 

Thoughts deceive, God relieves. 

Amen? Amen!

1 Peter 2:23 (KJV)
"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."


We've all been judged or persucuted by someone we know. Persecution, whether from strangers, peers, or even those closest to us, can feel heavy and painful, especially when we’re not at fault. When we face ridicule, harsh judgment, or rejection, the temptation to defend ourselves or retaliate is strong. But Peter reminds us of what Jesus did. He responded to criticism was not to retaliate, threaten, or get angry but simply commiting himself to God. He understood that the true judgement doesn't come from man, but God alone. God is the righteous judge.

Jesus endured reviling, hatred, and persecution that we can only imagine. He went through evil while being so pure and innocent. I often think about how he felt and am thankful that these verses shed light on his heart.

He chose to respond with trusting in God rather than retaliation.

His quiet confidence in God’s justice teaches us that God’s judgment is both final and fair. Although we may not see it, when we are wrongfully judged, God sees it. God through this verse, calls us to release our need for revenge or defense, surrendering instead to the One who judges with perfect righteousness.

We must trust that God's judgement isn't delayed or misplaced, but perfectly graced by faith.

In the heat of persecution or judgment, we may feel that defending ourselves is necessary, especially when others misunderstand or make false allegations against us. But just as Jesus committed Himself to God’s care, we, too, are called to surrender our situation to Him, knowing that He sees and understands. Our job is not to make others understand us or seek revenge through gossip but to trust God to handle our defense.

When we trust that God will make things right in His timing, we free ourselves from the burden of revenge and find peace in knowing that He will handle every wrong against us. Although it’s painful to experience judgment and persecution, God invites us to rejoice in the midst of it. Jesus promised that we would face trials and challenges for our faith, but He also promised that we will ultimately be blessed. 

Our reward is not in people’s approval but in God’s unfailing love and ultimate judgment.

So yes, the whole world may hate you but God loves you forever and ever. Every insult, misunderstanding, and trial brings us closer to Him, and strengthens our spiritual lives. Persecution may feel isolating, but you are never alone. God sees every hurt, every injustice, and every tear. He calls us to commit our suffering into His hands, just as Jesus did. This doesn’t mean that our pain isn’t real or that we should ignore it. Rather, he provides an outlet for us to hand over our pain to him.

Today, if you are facing judgment, rejection, or persecution, take a moment to surrender those feelings to God. Remember that He sees every injustice and that His judgment is fair, compassionate, and true. Release your hurt, anger, or desire for revenge, and allow God to bring peace and healing to your heart.