Grow Stronger Roots

Living What I Believe: A Personal Journey Through the Book of James

When I first began reading the book of James, I didn’t expect it to confront me so directly. But from the opening lines, I felt as though James was speaking straight into my life, urging me not just to believe but to live what I claimed to believe. His words challenged me to examine the gap between my faith and my actions — a gap I could no longer ignore.

Learning to See Trials Differently

James opens with a command that once puzzled me: “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). Joy? In trials? Yet as I walked through my own difficult seasons, I began to understand what he meant. Hardship wasn’t meant to break me but to shape me. It produced patience, depth, and a kind of spiritual maturity I never would have gained in comfort.

Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?”, I slowly learned to ask, “What is God forming in me through this?”

Becoming a Doer, Not Just a Hearer

One of the verses that struck me hardest was James 1:22: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” I realized how often I had listened to sermons, read Scripture, or talked about faith without letting any of it change my behavior.

James forced me to confront the truth: real faith shows up in real life. If I claimed to follow Christ, my actions needed to reflect His character — in my choices, my habits, and the way I treated people.

Watching My Words

James’s teaching on the tongue felt uncomfortably relevant. He wrote that “the tongue is a fire” (James 3:6), and I knew exactly what he meant. I had seen how a careless comment could wound someone deeply, or how a moment of frustration could ignite conflict.

Learning to pause, to speak gently, and to use my words to build rather than tear down became one of the most challenging — and transformative — parts of my journey.

Rejecting Favoritism

James’s warning against partiality also hit home. He asked bluntly, “Are ye not then partial in yourselves?” (James 2:4). I had to admit that I sometimes treated people differently based on what they could offer me or how comfortable I felt around them.

James reminded me that genuine faith sees every person with equal dignity. Christ didn’t show favoritism, and neither should I.

Understanding Faith and Works

Perhaps the most famous line in the book is James 2:17: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” For me, this wasn’t a condemnation — it was an invitation. James wasn’t saying I could earn salvation. He was saying that living faith naturally produces action.

It was a call to integrity: to let my life match my confession.

Choosing Humility

James’s words about humility challenged my pride. “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). I began to see how often pride fueled my defensiveness, my impatience, and my desire to control outcomes.

Learning to submit to God, to let go of my need to be right, and to trust His leading brought a peace I hadn’t known before.

Becoming Part of a Caring Community

Toward the end of the letter, James paints a picture of a community that prays for the suffering, lifts up the weak, and restores those who wander. “Pray one for another” (James 5:16) became more than a verse — it became a practice.

I discovered that faith isn’t meant to be lived alone. It grows in community, in shared burdens, in mutual encouragement.

Why James Still Shapes Me

The book of James continues to challenge me, sharpen me, and call me to a deeper, more authentic walk with God. It reminds me daily that faith is not merely something I believe — it’s something I live. It quickly became one of my favorite books.

And every time I return to its pages, I hear James urging me again: Let your faith be visible. Let it be alive. Let it be real.

Discovering the Path of Salvation

Small Group Study: Stephen’s Speech in Acts 7

“A Story of Faithfulness, Rebellion, and Courage”

Session Goal

To understand why Stephen retells Israel’s history, what he reveals about God and human hearts, and how his message challenges us today.

1. Read the Passage Together

Acts 7:1–53 (Stephen’s speech) and optionally 7:54–60 (his martyrdom).

Encourage someone to read aloud with emotion—it’s a dramatic moment.

2. Opening Discussion

initial impressions of Stephen’s speech: What stood out or surprised you
emotional tone of the passage: How would you describe Stephen’s attitude
connection to Acts 6: How does this speech respond to the accusations against him

3. Why Does Stephen Tell Israel’s Story?

Stephen isn’t rambling—he’s building a case. Break it down:

A. Abraham (Acts 7:2–8)

God initiates covenant relationship
faith begins with obedience

B. Joseph (Acts 7:9–16)

God works through rejected deliverers
human jealousy cannot stop God’s plan

C. Moses (Acts 7:17–43)

Israel repeatedly rejects God’s chosen leaders
idolatry persists even after miracles

D. The Tabernacle & Temple (Acts 7:44–50)

God is not confined to buildings
true worship is obedience, not location

E. The Accusation (Acts 7:51–53)

stubborn hearts resist the Holy Spirit
pattern of rejecting God’s messengers
failure to keep the law they claim to defend

4. Key Themes to Explore

A: God’s Faithfulness vs. Human Rebellion

God keeps pursuing His people
people keep resisting His leadership

B: Rejected Deliverers

Joseph → Moses → the prophets → Jesus

God often sends help people don’t want

C: True Worship

God desires obedience more than structures

D: Courageous Witness

Stephen speaks truth even at great cost

5. Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

Why does Stephen spend so much time on Moses
What patterns do you see in Israel’s history
How does Stephen reinterpret the temple

Personal Reflection

Where do we resist God’s leadership today
How do we respond when confronted with truth
What does courage look like in our context

Application

How can we become more receptive to the Holy Spirit
What “idols” compete for our loyalty
Where might God be calling us to boldness

6. Prayer Focus

softened hearts toward God’s correction
courage to speak truth with grace
awareness of God’s presence beyond buildings

7. Optional Activity

Have each person identify one “Stephen moment” in their life— a time they felt called to speak truth, stand firm, or trust God despite pressure.

Share in pairs or as a group.

Walking the Line Between Religion and Spirituality: My Journey of Faith

For most of my life, I thought religion and spirituality were the same thing. I grew up inside the rhythms of worship — the hymns, the prayers, the familiar cadence of scripture. Religion was the air I breathed, the structure that shaped my understanding of God and the world. As Scripture says, “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV), and that early foundation stayed with me.

The Comfort of a Shared Faith

There’s something deeply grounding about belonging to a religious community. When I step into a sanctuary, I feel the weight of centuries of belief holding me up. The rituals, the teachings, the stories — they connect me to people who came long before me and to those who stand beside me now. It reminds me of the early church described in Acts, where believers continued steadfastly in doctrine and fellowship (Acts 2:42 KJV).

Religion gives me:

A shared language for talking about God
A community that prays with me and for me
Traditions that remind me I’m part of something bigger
A moral compass shaped by generations of wisdom

There’s beauty in that structure. It keeps me steady when life feels chaotic. It reminds me that faith isn’t just a private feeling; it’s a lived experience, woven into the fabric of a community — just as Hebrews encourages believers not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Discovering the Quiet of Personal Spirituality

But somewhere along the way, I realized that while religion gave me a path, spirituality gave me a voice. I started praying in silence, not just in pews. I found God in early‑morning walks, in the stillness of breath, in the quiet corners of my own heart. It echoed the Psalmist’s call to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 KJV).

Spiritual practices — meditation, journaling, moments of solitude — helped me listen for God in ways I never had before. They weren’t replacements for my faith; they were extensions of it. They helped me understand that God doesn’t only speak through scripture or sermons. Sometimes God whispers in the spaces between, much like the still small voice Elijah heard (1 Kings 19:12 KJV).

Where the Two Meet in My Life

What surprised me most was how naturally religion and spirituality began to blend. My spiritual practices deepened my religious life, and my religious life gave context to my spiritual experiences.

I realized:

Rituals feel richer when I bring my own heart into them
Scripture speaks differently when I read it prayerfully, not just dutifully
God feels closer when I seek Him both in community and in solitude

It reminded me of Jesus’ words that true worshipers worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 KJV). The two aren’t opposites. They’re companions.

How I See the Difference Now

If I had to put it simply:

Religion is the shared path that guides me
Spirituality is the personal journey that transforms me

Religion gives me the structure to grow. Spirituality gives me the space to breathe. And both matter, because faith without works is dead (James 2:17 KJV), yet works without a living, personal faith are empty.

Spirituality is being led by the Holy Spirit” — What That Really Means

When I say spirituality, I’m not talking about vague feelings, energy, or self‑help routines. For me, true spirituality is being led by the Holy Spirit — the same Spirit Jesus promised would guide, comfort, and teach His followers.

The Bible makes this connection unmistakable:

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14 KJV)
“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

In other words, spirituality isn’t something I generate from within myself. It’s something God produces in me when I yield to His Spirit.

Being led by the Spirit means…

1. Listening for God’s voice

Not in a mystical way, but in the quiet nudges, convictions, and reminders that align with Scripture. Jesus said the Spirit would “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13 KJV).

2. Bearing spiritual fruit

Real spirituality shows up in character — love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23 KJV).

3. Living beyond my own strength

The Spirit empowers me to do what I could never do alone — forgive, endure, obey, and trust.

4. Being transformed from the inside out

The Spirit renews my mind, shapes my desires, and conforms me to Christ.

Without the Holy Spirit, “spirituality” becomes self‑focused. With the Holy Spirit, spirituality becomes Christ‑centered, Scripture‑anchored, and God‑directed.

It’s not about finding myself. It’s about following Him.

Why This Matters to My Faith

In a world where so many people are searching for meaning, I’ve come to believe that God meets us wherever we’re willing to look — in churches, in forests, in quiet rooms, in crowded sanctuaries. Some find Him through tradition. Others through personal exploration. Many, like me, through a blend of both.

My faith is stronger now because it’s both communal and personal. Rooted and growing. Ancient and alive. And maybe that’s the beauty of it: God isn’t limited to one path. He walks with us on all of them, just as He promised never to leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

Stephen’s Diatribe in Acts 7: Why His Words Still Shake Me Today

Acts 7 has always been a chapter that resonates with me as Stephen is my namesake. My parents started in a very small church in 1957, the year I was born. When born my parents chose the name Stephen to aid in my walk with Christ throughout my life-although there have been many twists and turns, I still love Jesus with my whole heart and proclain His name above all else.

Every time I read Acts 7, I’m struck by how bold, brilliant, and unsettling Stephen’s speech is. It’s often called his diatribe, but that word barely captures the force of what’s happening. This isn’t just a defense speech. It’s a sweeping retelling of Israel’s story, a prophetic confrontation, and the spark that ignites the next chapter of the early church.

Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin—accused of speaking against Moses, the Law, and the Temple—and instead of pleading for his life, he delivers the longest recorded speech in the entire book of Acts. And what he says still echoes with relevance.

Here’s what I see when I sit with Stephen’s words.

1. Stephen Reframes Israel’s Story—And Mine

Stephen starts with Abraham and walks through Joseph, Moses, the wilderness, and the building of the Temple. At first glance, it looks like a history lesson. But it’s not. It’s a reframing.

He’s showing that Israel’s story is not just about God’s faithfulness—it’s also about Israel’s repeated resistance.

And honestly, that hits close to home. I see my own patterns in that story:

God moves
I hesitate
God calls
I resist
God sends help
I push back

Stephen’s retelling becomes a mirror.

2. He Exposes a Pattern of Rejecting God’s Messengers

This is the heart of his argument.

Joseph was rejected by his brothers
Moses was rejected by his people
The prophets were rejected by the nation

Stephen’s point is painfully clear: “You’re doing the same thing to Jesus that your ancestors did to every messenger God ever sent.”

It’s a reminder that rejecting God rarely looks dramatic. It often looks like clinging to comfort, tradition, or control.

3. He Challenges Their View of the Temple

One of the accusations against Stephen was that he spoke against the Temple. Instead of denying it, he reframes the whole idea of sacred space.

He reminds them:

God met Abraham in Mesopotamia
God met Joseph in Egypt
God met Moses in Midian
God met Israel in the wilderness

The message is unmistakable: God is not confined to a building.

It’s a challenge I need too. I can easily shrink God down to the places and patterns I’m comfortable with. Stephen reminds me that God is always bigger.

4. He Confronts Hypocrisy With Prophetic Courage

Stephen ends with a sharp, fearless accusation:

“You resist the Holy Spirit.”
“You betrayed and murdered the Righteous One.”
“You received the Law but didn’t keep it.”

It’s raw. It’s direct. It’s costly.

And it’s a reminder that truth‑telling—real, Spirit‑filled truth‑telling—will always come with a price.

5. His Death Becomes a Turning Point

Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr, and his death triggers a wave of persecution that scatters believers beyond Jerusalem. What looks like tragedy becomes the catalyst for mission.

And standing in the crowd is a young man named Saul.

Stephen’s courage plants a seed that will later bloom in Paul’s ministry. It’s a reminder that faithfulness often bears fruit we never get to see.

Why Stephen’s Speech Still Matters to Me

Stephen’s diatribe isn’t just a historical moment. It’s a spiritual wake‑up call.

It challenges me to ask:

Where am I resisting God’s voice
What “temples” have I built that limit my view of God
Am I willing to speak truth even when it costs me
Do I see the bigger story God is writing

Stephen’s words are uncomfortable—but they’re also liberating. They remind me that God’s presence is not confined, His messengers are often unexpected, and His mission is always bigger than my comfort.

Discovering the Path of Salvation

Starting the New Year Luke 9:22–25: What This Passage Is Teaching Me Right Now

Every time a new year rolls in, I feel that familiar mix of excitement and pressure. I start thinking about goals, habits, improvements, and all the ways I want the next twelve months to be different. But this year, something unexpected happened: Luke 9:22–25 stopped me in my tracks.

In this passage, Jesus speaks openly about His suffering, death, and resurrection. Then He turns to His followers—including me—and says, “If you want to follow Me, deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.” And then comes the line that hits me hardest: “What good is it to gain the whole world, yet lose yourself?”

As I sit with these words at the start of a new year, they’re reshaping how I think about everything ahead of me.

1. I Need to Begin the Year With Honesty, Not Illusion

Jesus doesn’t pretend His path will be easy. He names the cost. That challenges me, because I often enter a new year with unrealistic expectations—hoping for ease, momentum, and quick wins.

This passage pushes me to ask myself:

What truths have I been avoiding
What responsibilities do I need to face
What will faithfulness actually require of me this year

I’m realizing that a meaningful year starts with honesty, not hype.

2. “Take Up Your Cross Daily” Is the Rhythm I Actually Need

That word daily keeps echoing in my mind.

I tend to think in big resolutions and sweeping changes, but Jesus invites me into something smaller and steadier:

Daily surrender
Daily alignment
Daily choosing what matters over what’s convenient
Daily returning to God’s purpose

It reframes the year for me. Instead of one giant leap, it’s 365 small steps of obedience.

3. I Need to Reorder My Loves Before I Set My Goals

Jesus talks about losing my life for His sake in order to truly find it. That forces me to look at what I’m centering my life around.

New Year’s culture tells me:

“Make this year all about you.”

But Jesus gently redirects me:

“Make this year about what lasts.”

Before I fill my calendar or chase new ambitions, I’m asking myself:

What am I really living for
What am I willing to sacrifice for what truly matters
What loves need to be reordered

This passage is helping me recalibrate my heart before I plan my year.

4. “Gain the World, Lose Yourself” Is the Warning I Didn’t Know I Needed

This line feels painfully relevant.

I can chase success, productivity, money, image, and status—and still lose the most important part of me. I can “win” at life and still lose my soul.

So I’m redefining success for the year ahead:

Depth over speed
Character over image
Purpose over popularity
Faithfulness over frantic achievement

Jesus measures gain differently than the world does, and I want to learn His way.

5. This Year Isn’t Just About Improving Myself—It’s About Following Jesus

Most of my New Year’s goals revolve around self‑improvement. But Jesus isn’t inviting me to become a “better version” of myself. He’s inviting me to become a truer one—someone shaped by His life, His love, His priorities.

This year, I want to see it as:

A journey of discipleship
A year of becoming more like Christ
A year of aligning my life with God’s story

It’s not about self‑help. It’s about surrender.

A Final Thought

As I step into this new year, Luke 9:22–25 is calling me to shift my focus from self‑centered resolutions to a Christ‑centered way of living. It’s challenging, but it’s also freeing. It reminds me that the most important work I’ll do this year won’t be about gaining the world—it’ll be about guarding my soul.

Living with Integrity: A Biblical Journey

As I reflect on my walk with the Lord, one truth stands out above all: living with integrity isn’t just a good idea—it’s the foundation of a life that honors God. The Bible calls us to be people of uprightness, honesty, and wholeness in a world that often rewards compromise. For me, this has been a lifelong pursuit, guided by the timeless words of Scripture in the King James Version.

The book of Proverbs is rich with wisdom on this topic. One verse that has anchored me is Proverbs 10:9: “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” This reminds me that when I choose the path of integrity, I walk with security, knowing God sees and sustains me. On the flip side, shortcuts and deceit always catch up eventually.

Another favorite is Proverbs 11:3: “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Integrity acts as my compass. It guides decisions big and small, keeping me aligned with God’s will.

My Early Struggle with Honesty

Early in my career, I faced a temptation that tested my integrity. I worked in sales, and there was pressure to inflate numbers or bend the truth to close deals. One day, a big client asked me to overlook a minor issue with the product to secure the sale. It would have meant a huge commission—and no one would likely find out.

But that night, as I prayed, Proverbs 20:7 came to mind: “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” I thought about the example I wanted to set for my family. Could I look my kids in the eye if I compromised? The next day, I told the truth to the client. I lost the sale, and my bonus suffered that quarter. But something amazing happened: the client respected my honesty and later referred even bigger business my way because they trusted me. God honored my choice, and it deepened my faith.

Learning from Job’s Example

The story of Job has always inspired me during tough times. In Job 2:3, the Lord says to Satan: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.”

Job lost everything—his wealth, health, and children—yet he clung to his integrity. He refused to curse God or pretend his suffering wasn’t real. I’ve had seasons of loss too: a job layoff, health scares, and family struggles. In those moments, I cried out like David in Psalm 25:21: “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” And again in Psalm 41:12: “And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.”

Choosing integrity meant being honest with God about my pain, not faking strength. It meant forgiving those who hurt me and continuing to tithe even when money was tight. God preserved me through it all, just as He did Job, restoring joy and provision in ways I never expected.

A Small Daily Victory

Not all tests of integrity are dramatic. Sometimes they’re in the everyday moments. I remember finding a wallet in a parking lot with cash and cards inside. No one was around. It would have been easy to pocket the money and drop the wallet in a mailbox. But Philippians 4:8 challenged me: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest… think on these things.” (Though not directly about integrity, it calls us to honesty.)

I tracked down the owner through the ID and returned it intact. The man was overwhelmed with gratitude and shared how he’d been praying for honesty in the world. That encounter encouraged us both, and it reminded me that small acts of integrity glorify God and witness to others.

Walking Surely Today

Living with Biblical integrity isn’t about perfection—I’m far from that. It’s about repentance when I fall short and relying on God’s grace to stand again. It’s choosing uprightness because I fear the Lord and love His ways.

If you’re reading this and wondering how to start, begin with prayer: Ask God to search your heart and guide your steps. Let verses like these become your daily bread. Walk uprightly, and you’ll walk surely.

In a world of gray areas, Biblical integrity shines like a light. It’s blessed me beyond measure, and I pray it does the same for you.

What about you? How has God taught you about integrity? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

Discovering the Path of Salvation

Embrace Gratitude: A Biblical Guide to Spiritual Joy

Living a life shaped by gratitude isn’t just a pleasant idea—it’s a Biblical command, a spiritual discipline, and a pathway to deeper joy, peace, and intimacy with God. The King James Version highlights gratitude as a defining mark of a believer who truly understands God’s goodness.

Let’s explore how thankfulness can reshape your spiritual life from the inside out.

1. Gratitude Aligns Your Heart With God’s Will

One of the clearest Biblical instructions on gratitude is:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

Thankfulness isn’t optional—it’s God’s will. When you practice gratitude, you’re not just being polite; you’re aligning your heart with God’s desires. It shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what God is doing.

2. Gratitude Rewires Your Perspective

The Bible repeatedly shows that gratitude changes how you see your circumstances.

Paul gave thanks while in prison.
David gave thanks while being pursued by enemies.
Jesus gave thanks before feeding the 5,000—before the miracle happened.

Gratitude teaches you to see life through the lens of God’s faithfulness rather than your fears.

3. Gratitude Protects Your Mind and Spirit

Philippians 4:6–7 connects thanksgiving with supernatural peace:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God…”

Thankfulness is not just an attitude—it’s a spiritual defense system. It guards your heart from anxiety, bitterness, and discouragement.

4. Gratitude Deepens Your Worship

The Psalms are filled with commands to give thanks:

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good…” (Psalm 107:1)
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving…” (Psalm 100:4)

Thankfulness is the doorway into worship. When you thank God, you’re acknowledging His character—His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness.

5. Gratitude Strengthens Your Faith

When you thank God for what He has done, you build confidence in what He will do.

David remembered God’s past faithfulness before facing Goliath. Your gratitude becomes a record of God’s track record.

It says: “God has been faithful before. He will be faithful again.”

6. Gratitude Transforms Your Relationships

A thankful heart is softer, kinder, and more patient.

It reduces complaining.
It increases compassion.
It helps you see others as gifts rather than obstacles.

Biblical gratitude spills over into how you treat people.

7. Gratitude Keeps You Spiritually Awake

Romans 1 describes unthankfulness as the beginning of spiritual decline. A lack of gratitude leads to:

pride
entitlement
spiritual blindness

But a thankful heart keeps you humble and aware of God’s presence.

How to Cultivate a Biblical Life of Gratitude (KJV Style)

Here are simple, powerful practices:

• Start your prayers with thanksgiving

Before asking for anything, thank God for something.

• Keep a gratitude journal

Write down daily blessings—big or small.

• Speak gratitude out loud

Tell others what God has done for you.

• Thank God in difficult moments

Not for the hardship, but in it—trusting His purpose.

• Read Psalms of thanksgiving regularly

They train your heart to praise.

A Final Thought

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a spiritual posture. It changes how you pray, how you worship, how you think, and how you live.

When you practice thankfulness, you’re not just obeying Scripture—you’re opening the door to a richer, deeper, more joyful walk with God.

Discovering the Path of Salvation

Letting Go of Worry: What the Scriptures Have Taught Me

There was a season in my life when worry felt like a constant companion. Nights were spent tossing and turning, my mind racing over tomorrow’s troubles—bills, health, relationships, the uncertainties of the future. I knew in my head that God was sovereign, but my heart struggled to rest in that truth. It was during those sleepless hours that I turned anew to the Word of God, particularly the King James Version that I’ve cherished since childhood. The Lord’s words began to pierce through my anxiety, reminding me that worry is not part of the abundant life He promises.

One passage that gripped me most was from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus says plainly:

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” (Matthew 6:25 KJV)

“Take no thought”—in the old English, that means don’t be anxious or overly careful about these things. I had to ask myself: If God clothes the lilies and feeds the birds, how much more will He care for me, His child? Yet I was spending hours fretting over provision, as if my worrying could add anything to my stature or security.

Jesus continues:

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27 KJV)

No amount of worry ever lengthened my life or solved a single problem. It only stole my peace. He urges us further:

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? … Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:31, 34 KJV)

Living one day at a time became my lifeline. Tomorrow’s burdens are not mine to carry today.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in his letter to the Philippians, a verse I now pray daily:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6 KJV)

“Be careful for nothing”—don’t be full of care or anxiety about anything. Instead, turn every worry into prayer. I’ve learned to list my concerns before the Lord, thank Him for His past faithfulness, and leave them there. The promise that follows has proven true in my experience: His peace guards my heart like a sentinel.

Peter puts it even more tenderly:

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)

He careth for me—personally, intimately. What a comfort to roll every burden onto Him, knowing He is strong enough to bear it.

Through these scriptures, I’ve discovered that worry is often a sign I’ve forgotten who my Father is. It’s not that troubles vanish, but when I fix my eyes on His promises, anxiety loses its grip. Today, I’m still learning, but I’m freer than I was. If you’re battling worry, open your Bible to these verses. Speak them aloud. Let the timeless words of the KJV wash over your soul. The Lord who spoke them still speaks peace to the anxious heart.

What about you? Has a particular scripture helped you release worry? I’d love to hear in the comments.

In His grace.

Discovering the Path of Salvation

When God Suddenly Interrupted My Plans: Lessons from Scripture

For years, I prided myself on having everything mapped out—my days, my goals, my future. I liked order, predictability, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-kept schedule. Then God began interrupting me. Not gently nudging, but quick, unmistakable interruptions that turned my plans upside down. At first, I resisted. Who wouldn’t? But as I looked into Scripture, I saw that the Lord has always worked this way with His people. Those sudden divine interruptions aren’t accidents; they’re invitations to something greater.

I think of Moses, peacefully tending his father-in-law’s flock in the desert. Forty years had passed since Egypt, and life had settled into a quiet routine. Then one ordinary day, he saw a bush burning yet not consumed. When he turned aside to look,

“God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.” (Exodus 3:4 KJV)

That quick interruption changed everything. In a moment, a shepherd became the deliverer of a nation. God taught me through Moses that He often speaks in the middle of our everyday lives, but we have to be willing to stop, turn aside, and listen. I’ve learned to pause when something unexpected grabs my attention—it might just be the Lord calling my name.

Then there’s Saul on the road to Damascus. He had his plans firmly set: arrest Christians, stamp out this new faith. He was confident, zealous, and completely wrong. Suddenly,

“there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:3-4 KJV)

In one blinding instant, the persecutor became the persecuted, the enemy became the apostle. That story humbles me. No matter how far I’ve strayed or how tightly I cling to my own agenda, God can interrupt with saving grace. His interruptions aren’t always comfortable, but they are always merciful.

I remember when the Lord interrupted my own carefully laid career path. I had a five-year plan, promotions lined up, everything on track. Then came an unexpected door closing, followed by an opportunity I never would have sought. Like Abram, who was settled in Haran when God spoke:

“Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” (Genesis 12:1 KJV)

Abram obeyed without a map, without guarantees—only a promise. That interruption launched the covenant that would bless the world. I’m learning that when God says “Go,” even when I don’t understand where, obedience opens doors to blessings I could never plan for myself.

Even Jesus lived an interruptible life. On His way to heal Jairus’s dying daughter, a desperate woman touched the hem of His garment. Most of us would have kept walking—important mission, urgent deadline. But Jesus stopped.

“And Jesus said, Who touched me?” (Mark 5:30 KJV, context)

He paused for one forgotten woman in the crowd. That day taught me that true ministry often happens in the interruptions. When my schedule gets derailed by someone in need, it might be the Lord redirecting me to the very thing He wants me to do.

Paul experienced this too. He and his team had detailed plans to preach in Asia, but:

“they were forbidden of the Holy Ghost… And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:6, 9 KJV)

A blocked path and a nighttime vision sent the gospel into Europe. God’s interruptions often protect us from good plans so He can give us His best ones.

Looking back, every major turning point in my faith has come through a quick interruption I didn’t see coming. A conversation I didn’t plan. A door that slammed shut. A prompting I almost ignored. Each time, the Lord was directing my steps, just as He promised:

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 KJV)

These days, I hold my plans more loosely. I still schedule and prepare, but I pray to stay interruptible—ready for the burning bush, the blinding light, the unexpected voice saying, “Come over and help.” Because I’ve learned that God’s sudden interruptions are never random. They are loving, purposeful, and always leading me closer to His heart.

Has the Lord ever interrupted your plans in a way that changed everything? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.

Walking by faith.

Discovering the Path of Salvation

How God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purpose — My Story

One of the greatest encouragements in my walk with God has been realizing that He delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purpose. For a long time, I assumed God only used the strong, the gifted, or the spiritually polished. But the more I’ve read Scripture — and the more I’ve lived my own story — the more I’ve seen that God’s pattern has always been to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.

I See Myself in the Ordinary People of Scripture

When I look at the people God used, I don’t see perfection. I see people like me.

Moses struggled with insecurity and speech, yet God told him, “I will be with thy mouth” (Exodus 4:12).
David was just a shepherd boy when God chose him (1 Samuel 16:11–13).
Ruth was a foreign widow, yet God wove her into the lineage of Christ (Ruth 4:13–17).
Peter was a fisherman with flaws, but Jesus called him anyway (Matthew 4:18–20).
Mary was a young girl from Nazareth, yet God entrusted her with the Savior (Luke 1:26–38).

Seeing how God used them has helped me believe He can use me too.

God Has Never Asked Me to Be Extraordinary — Just Available

One of the most freeing truths I’ve learned is that God isn’t looking for my ability as much as my availability. When Isaiah said, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8), he wasn’t offering perfection — he was offering willingness.

Jesus did the same with His disciples. He didn’t choose the elite. He chose ordinary men and simply said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). That same invitation echoes in my own life. God isn’t waiting for me to become impressive. He’s inviting me to follow Him, trust Him, and let Him shape me.

My Ordinary Story Is Not a Disqualification

There have been seasons where I felt too simple, too flawed, or too unqualified for God to use me. But Scripture tells me otherwise.

Paul wrote, “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). That verse has become a lifeline for me. It reminds me that God intentionally chooses people who don’t look extraordinary so His power can shine through them.

My background, my personality, my weaknesses — none of these things disqualify me. In God’s hands, they become part of His purpose.

God Often Meets Me in the Ordinary Moments

I used to expect God’s calling to show up in dramatic ways. But more often, He meets me in the simple, everyday moments:

A quiet prompting to encourage someone
A small step of obedience
A conversation I didn’t expect
A burden placed on my heart
A door I didn’t even know to knock on

Moses was tending sheep when God called him (Exodus 3:1–4). Gideon was threshing wheat (Judges 6:11–12). David was delivering bread (1 Samuel 17:17–20). The disciples were mending nets (Matthew 4:21–22).

God still steps into the ordinary moments of my life and turns them into something meaningful.

My Weakness Has Become a Place for God’s Strength

One of the most humbling lessons I’ve learned is that God’s power shines brightest in my weakness. Paul said, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I’ve seen that in my own life. The moments where I felt least capable have often become the moments where God worked most clearly.

It’s not about me being extraordinary. It’s about Him being extraordinary through me.

I’m Part of the Story God Is Writing

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: God can use someone like me.

I don’t have to be the strongest, the smartest, or the most gifted. I just have to be willing. Because when I place my ordinary life in God’s hands, He does what only He can do — He turns it into something extraordinary.

And He can do the same for anyone who says yes.