Welcome to "Chats with Chaplain Anthony". This is a quick and uplifting message from Chaplain Anthony Goodwin out of Austin, TX. Start your day encouraged and find joy for what lies ahead. Anthony has a decade of ministry experience and has loved the pas
Take Heart.John 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”Matthew 28:17-20 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
God has constantly used the lesser to do great things. Even in the person of Christ, the world did not think of Him as a messiah. Yet the entire concept was flipped on its' head because God was in control and He gets the glory. I pray you look at your weaknesses today as not your weakness but God's space to be the strong one. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Before anything was created in this world, He was our source of hope and rest. Remember today that His love is older than the dirt we walk on every day. The dirt we cleanse our home of does not stand against how stable His support has been. Take rest in our good God today. Psalms 90:1-2 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Imitating good will show you are from God. But be encouraged that this is a daily process that begins with being Beloved. You're not earning that title or place. God has done the work, and now we work out of who God has already called us to be. 3 John 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Job's life is marked by the question "why." Many times, our circumstances lead us to wonder what is going on. These three verses reflect a new mindset and understanding from Job. He realizes God has both the answers and our heart. Therefore, we can trust and know that He is God. Job 42:1-3 Then Job replied to the Lord:2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Life can get heavy but we're never lifting at it alone. God is literally the best spotter we could ever ask for. He is more than able to help us with any large or light burden. Don't be afraid to cast your worries on Him today. Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you;he will never permit the righteous to be moved.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
The resurrection. Words that were spoken to Jesus' disciples, and they forgot. In their heartache and loss, they forget some of the greatest words He spoke. What words are we forgetting daily? Press back in and remind yourself to remember what He has already spoken. Luke 24:1-9 1But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Let the lamp do lamp things. My negative self-talk can be like me taking myself out of the game before God meant for it. Let the lamp do lamp things. Live to the call that God has for you, even when it doesn't appear in front of you as quickly as you think it should.Live to God and let the world learn along the way. Mark 4:21-25 21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Learning to trust Jesus is most realized when we stop asking for more signs. We don't need more signs. We need to trust what God has already done. Mark 8:11-13 11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
The Lord is always with us and fighting for us. No trial or trouble is faced alone. Take heart that God is always, always with you. He is the one who helps. Isaiah 41:11-1311 Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded;those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them;those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
When we find ourselves alone, it's a perfect time to turn to the one who feeds our souls. Don't look for passive entertainment. See those times as a chance to get closer to God. Sing hymns and pray prayers today. Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Sometimes we run away from our talents because we think God wants us to become a hermit version of ourselves. However, the truth is that God may wish to us to lean into the gifts He has given for His glory. We see the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego use their talents to take a stand for God and give Him glory. Daniel 1:17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Times have been especially hard across the world. Now is the time to press further into God. And it's a good time to remember that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He is near. Psalms 38:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Jesus is a better high priest than has ever existed. He stepped out of heaven and did all the work for us. He paid the price. Therefore, our hope is assured because of Him and not because of us. Trust in Him and give all that you can today to glorify Him. Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Jonah shows us that our call for justice can be even greater than God's. God is ready to forgive at the point of repentance, but we want to see justice paid. But justice was paid on a cross for them and us. Keep this story in mind the next time you're bitter at someone walking in God's grace and mercy before you think they deserve it. Mark 6:35-38 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii[a] worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Jonah shows us that our call for justice can be even greater than God's. God is ready to forgive at the point of repentance, but we want to see justice paid. But justice was paid on a cross for them and us. Keep this story in mind the next time you're bitter at someone walking in God's grace and mercy before you think they deserve it. Jonah 3:10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. 4:1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
July 19, 2008. I surrendered my life to Christ. A few months later, I was at a crossroads about how confident I was in my faith in Jesus and the Bible. After this listen, you'll understand why I have remained in Christ since taking my doubts to God. John 20:24-29 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Even King David wasn't perfect. He had a major public failure but God still forgave Him. There were consequences but there was still grace. But make sure when we think someone else needs to learn a lesson, stop and look in the mirror first. 2 Samuel 12:1-14 1 And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms,[a] and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more. 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord,[b] the child who is born to you shall die.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Temptation is real. Life is hard. But God hears and God sees. We can turn and ask Him for the strength we need. And even if we fail or it breaks us, our trust is ultimately in God. He will restore us, either on this side of eternity or the other. Praise God all the more. 1 Peter 5:6-11 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Praying is a cornerstone in your relationship with God. Making your needs, requests, praises, and more known will foster a healthy spiritual dependence on Him. He is there and wants to listen. Any good relationship will thrive when open and effective communication takes place. Lean into God today. Matthew 6:9-13 9 Pray then like this:“Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread,12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Wars, crimes, uncertainty, and fear are riddling our timelines. Don't fall into the abyss of hopelessness. Cling closer to God and look up. Christ will return. We will be restored. Hold on with hope. Remember what He told us. Luke 21:25-28 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
God is moving in your life, but you need to see and feel His Spirit moving before you. When you're able to see and give Him the praise for it, it bolsters your faith and becomes a story to share with others. These moments are necessary for you and helpful for others. Look for God to move today and share the news with someone. Don't be discouraged if they don't yet understand. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of ChristFollowing Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
It's not a doctrinal idea to build a theology on, however, the idea of sowing and reaping is riddled throughout Scripture and should drive us to desire to sow better and trust God with the reaping. Romans 6:7 Do not be deccieved: God is not mocked, for whatever done sows, that will he also reap. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
The Gospel is good news and God's power for our salvation. With that root and foundation we're able to live a life full of faith and righteousness. God's gift is not merely a promise of eternity with Him but an empowerment to live for Him here on Earth too. Romans 1:16-17 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
What do we make of life? Sometimes we lose our true north or think the journey will save us. As Christians, our hope is in the work of the cross alone. God's gift of his Son and Spirit is what has saved us. Now, we work to reflect the good work that He has already done. Give out of a place of wholeness and not seeking to create a wholeness.Titus 3:4-8 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Forgiveness is hard, but it is necessary to living freely in Christ. He forgave, and we should too. But often the amount of forgiveness we need will require even more faith in the ONE who forgives it all. Turn to God and ask Him to help. Luke 17:3-5 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,' you must forgive him.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
What is the chief end of man? How can we live a fulfilled and purposeful life? Listen today to find the simple yet challenging truth on how we can best live the life God has gifted us. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
So much of life is stuck between that hindsight 20/20 moment and the next. We don't see the whole picture, but God is constantly dropping little nuggets of things that are to come. If you've ever had that realization months later, I ask you to listen a little harder today. And when you see it come into focus, take the opportunity to praise God, repent, act in the Spirit, or do all three! Lukek 18:31-34 31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Are you willing to be in it for the long haul? Serving and loving our neighbors isn't a one and done event. We have to be willing to wait seasons and seasons to share God's love with people. Acts 26:27-29 ESV 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
There are many approaches to sharing Jesus with people but Paul decided to abandon what people wanted and made it about what it is. There is a time and a place to be wise but the most important thing we can do is remind people the simplicity and splendor of what Jesus did for us. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 ESV 1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
This moment of prayer between Jesus and his Father are a perfect picture of how transparent we should be in our communication with God. He knows every detail of our lives, let's go to Him with an open heart but ready to say, "; not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42 NIV 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Today is a special day because it is "today". There will never be another March 22, 2024. It's a good time to share God's love with other people. Life has a funny way of bearing us under the mundane. Today's Scripture reminds us that we can be deceived by sin and have our hearts hardened towards God. Fight against this urger with prayer and the faithful exhortation of fellow believers. Hebrews 3:13 ESV 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Traveling the world makes us feel safe because our passport will get us home. Your citizenship while in a foreign land will be respected and honored when you want to return home. Now imagine if we carried ourselves in life as citizens of heaven, rather than our physical nation. Although we've never seen the gates we can still live and claim identity as one of God's own. Philippians 3:20- ESV 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
The storms of life can be daunting. But when you look out you might see God isn't as concerned or afraid as you are. That's okay. Take heart. He is strong and with you, even when he's going on His walkabout. Ask God to soften your heart daily. No matter the amount of time spent following Him, there is more to see and more to learn. Mark 6:48-52 ESV 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Hoping against hope can sound impossible but that is the goodness of living a live with Christ within us. You have the ability, promise, and assurance to reach for something higher than yourself. I pray you hope against hope today. Surrender to God's love for you today. Romans 4:18 ESV 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
It's hard to not be anxious these days. However, the Bible already knew this. God spoke through Luke, the physician, to remind us what God thinks of us and along with how he cares for all of His creation. Take a baby step to release your anxiety and trust God with the finer details of your life. Luke 12:22-26 ESV 22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Today is the day to lift someone else up. Look out for your neighbors and friends. Seek new and creative ways to build them up in their faith, resilience, and trust in the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Our faith was not created by an entrepreneur during the Industrial Revolution, a thinker of the Renaissance, or any one person of the Greco-Roman time period. Our faith was built upon the words and works of Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles; Christ himself is the very cornerstone of those two. Today, you're a part of God's dwelling place. Your faith does not exist in a vacuum. Ephesians 2:19-21 ESV 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Jesus foretells difficult trials for those who are his followers. But the foretelling is less about the specific things that will happen and more about the opportunities it will afford those who trust Him. Even in the midst of hard seasons and conversations, are we missing a chance to share Christ? Be bold, confident, and assured that God is with you in those rooms and spaces. Luke 21:10-15 ESV 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Time is one of the most precious assets we are afforded. The more we spend it on ourselves, the more selfishly we see the world and want the world to be. Our desires will shift from us to Him as we spend more time with God in word, prayer, song, and fellowship. Delight in Him today. Psalms 37:4 ESV 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
What is motivating you today? Why do you perform as well or as poorly as you do? Today, consider every task to be for the Lord. The way you lead your family, the way you order your coffee, the way you love someone; consider it your opportunity to serve Jesus and not man. I hope your level of effort rises to the great purpose that you now have. Colossians 3:23-24 ESV 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
The little changes you make today can greatly impact your devotional life across a decade. Attempt to take one baby step closer to daily communing with Christ. Allow the word of Christ to dwell in your everyday life. Consider adjusting one piece of media intake into a devotional act with God. It will pay off and bring you closer to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 ESV 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Abound in thanksgiving every day because of what Christ has done. Walk the journey. Enjoy the sights that he is taking you past. Each moment and day is an opportunity to grow and deepen your spiritual foundation in Christ Jesus. Appreciate the moments ahead of you. Colossians 2:6-7 ESV 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Trials will come, but our faith should speak back. Remaining Godly and hopeful may seem impossible but with God nothing is impossible. Have that in every hard season that God is working on you and through you. Even when I failed to see the trials as a joy, I look back and realize God was still leading me through the trials. Now I can look back on those times with a smile and gratitude. James 1:2-3 ESV 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Everyday is an opportunity to see God work in your life. But the first thing we must do is to abide in Him and His Word. He is always speaking and active. We must slow down and listen for what He is doing among us. Then we will begin to see the fruit he is producing in our life. You are the most able person to reach those nearest to you. But first, focus on abiding. John 15:4-5 ESV 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
If God is worth pursuing in scary moments, let's pursue Him even in mundane moments. Learn to trust God during the quiet times, and we'll be more confident and quicker to trust Him in the harder moments of life. I promise that God listens and cares even when the rest of the world might not. Psalms 119:76 ESV 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Our life is full of hustle and bustle. We strive to do, perform, and achieve. But the Lord sustains. A night's rest is more than the body catching up with all of the doing the day before. Sleep is more than just a preparation for a day to come. The waking and sleeping are sustained by God himself. In 2023, let's learn to thank God for sustaining us another day. It is another opportunity to praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Romans 3:5 ESV 5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
As of recent, my life has encountered real loss and heartache. But even in the face of these difficult seasons, I have an anchored hope because of what I believe Jesus has done for me. This episode's topic was to share the hope I have in Christ. The Gospel is present and ready for you to accept and live in and under. Romans 10:9-10 ESV 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
A temporary sacrifice is worth enduring when you know what the end goal is. Consider this for your own personal and professional goals but don't forget the goodness of God you're going to experience in eternity. These minor setbacks today are palatable because you know of the future glory you will see. Romans 8:18 ESV 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Many of our dreams might not be accomplished in our day and that's okay. Have you ever thought about how a passion of yours could be achieved by the next generation? Our planning often stops at 18 minutes or 18 months. We don't often think about the long game but Godes. Consider how this lesson might apply to your life. 1 Kings 8:16-20 ESV 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people Israel.' 17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.' 20 Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and I have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Our God is able to empathize with our strongest temptations. This is because he suffered under temptation without ever giving in. For this reason, he knows the greatest strengths of temptation while we give in at lower weights of its pressure. Trust in his strength and ability to help you through your toughest times. Hebrews 2:18 ESV 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life. Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!