Today’s Reading: Genesis 3:14 – 4:1, Psalms 33 & 51

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

When the serpent approached Eve in the garden of Eden, he started by asking her, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) He was doing what he still does to us today; he was planting seeds of doubt. In the next few moments, he convinced the woman that she would not die if she ate from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. He planted in her heart the desire to be like God — to make her own decisions, to be enlightened, to do whatever she wants.

This same arrogance is prevalent in our society today. American culture is screaming to do what you want to do. They say hell is a lie — that there is no such place where God punishes sin. Some even go as far as to make us believe that when we end this life we simply start over again. It didn’t take long for the serpent to convince Eve, and sadly it does not take long for us to believe these lies either. The world is giving us permission to walk away from all the truth found in the bible, but it is a lie that this departure from God’s way will bring joy. What happened in the garden is a perfect example.

When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were indeed opened just like the serpent said they would be. But instead of it making them stronger, wiser and greater, it immediately brought shame. New emotions poured in and they were shook by the unfamiliarity of their feelings.

INTRODUCING SHAME

When Eve chose to see the things that were off limits as beautiful, her heart was drawn towards sin instead of focused on God. With this disobedience came shame. Adam and Eve immediately looked at their nakedness and felt exposed. When they heard God walking in the garden, they hid from Him because they were afraid.

INTRODUCING FEAR

Adam and Eve went from peacefully enjoying the fellowship of their Creator in the most beautiful place ever created to fearfully hiding from the consequences of their decisions. Their relationship was now broken and the regret of their action was weighing heavy on them. These new emotions caused them to look for escape. The woman blamed the serpent and the man blamed the woman, and now their relationship was broken as well.

INTRODUCING BLAME

The Lord looks down from heaven
and sees the whole human race.
From his throne he observes
all who live on the earth.
He made their hearts,
so he understands everything they do. – Psalm 33:13-15

When I consider these verses in Psalm 33, my heart overflows with gratitude that our God understands why we do what we do, even when we are struggling to wrap our own mind around it. I think all of us know what it feels like to regret our actions or to grieve the words we have spoken in a heated moment. Our heart aches at the thought of disappointing God. What must he think when I self-promote, rebel or disobey? But when I consider his response to Adam and Eve in this next verse, I get a glimpse of the heart of our Creator.

And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife. – Genesis 3:21

And here we see the beautiful grace of our God — that He would lovingly provide for us even after we have messed up. Adam and Eve had to leave the garden, but God gave them a new place to live. They had to work the ground in order to grow their food, but He gave them the strength and knowledge to do so. Eve experienced pain in childbirth, but He also blessed her with endorphins that brought her joy as she held her newborn baby. God gave her body the amazing ability to grow and nourish a new life, a process which releases oxytocin for the mother. Eve recognized God’s mercy and His provision.

“With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man.” – Genesis 4:1b

Eve gave birth to a son and her response was to recognize the wonderful gift God had given her — the blessing to have another life growing inside of her. In the same way, let’s take some time this morning to thank God for the many ways He has blessed us, even though we don’t deserve it. Let’s take all of our lingering guilt, regret, shame and sorrow and place it at his feet, allowing Him to take the broken pieces of our life and make something beautiful out of it. When the enemy causes us to doubt, we will ask God for the gift of more faith. May 2026 be a year of standing strong against temptation as we make ourselves available to experience all that God has for us.

Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin…
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
Don’t keep looking at my sins.
Remove the stain of my guilt.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. – Psalm 51:1-2,7-11

Today’s Reading: Genesis 2:21 – 3:13, Psalm 16 & 23

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. – Genesis 2:2-3

I love Sundays! It is a wonderful day to rest from work and allow God to restore me for His purposes. I find it helpful to pull away from the stress and get re-centered. It is a great opportunity to look back on where God has brought me from and rest in the knowledge that He has been extremely good to me. Reading through the story of creation is a great reminder of the importance of sabbatical moments. What a gift God gives us when He calls us to be intentional with how we begin and end each week.

GOD RESTED

God created us to both need and crave rest. And with the need to rest, comes the need to sleep. Consider the gift of sleep and how God provides for us while we are laying still. In fact, it was while he was sleeping that Joseph was told how to respond to Mary’s pregnancy, and it was while they were dreaming that the Magi were warned not to return to Herod. Peter was awakened from his sleep in order for an angel to lead him out of prison, and an angel of the Lord woke Elijah up in order to comfort and encourage him.

It is in our moments of stillness and rest that God often communicates with us — giving us clarity of thought and restoring us for what lies ahead. There have been many nights when the Spirit enlightened me of my need to apologize to someone or to right a wrong. And it is often in the quiet moments before I fall asleep that the Lord answers a question I have been pondering, giving me the clarity I had been praying for. Rest not only restores me physically, it renews me spiritually.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” – Psalm 23:1-3a

GOD PROVIDED

It was while Adam was sleeping that God provided a companion for him. God gave Adam and Eve each other, along with a beautiful place to live — a place where God Himself would walk. There were all sorts of trees in the garden of Eden, each beautiful and full of delicious fruit. And the best part of all — God joined them in the garden.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. – Psalm 23:3b-4

Adam was assigned to reign over all God had created and to watch over it, but He told him not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At the same time, Satan desired to spoil the blessings God had provided, so he convinced Eve that it was not enough. The serpent convinced Eve that she needed what God had placed out of reach — that she deserved more. Eve had the opportunity to rest in God’s provision and follow His instructions, yet she chose to find beauty in what she could not have rather than contentment in what she did have. Adam and Eve quickly learned that there is no lasting joy in stepping away from God’s plan, and they suffered the consequences of their sin.

GOD CONFRONTED

Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” – Genesis 3:9

God was not asking for their physical location; He knew the exact place Adam and Eve were hiding. Perhaps God was asking them where they were spiritually. Now that they had failed to obey, now that they had sinned, Adam and Eve needed to figure out where they were with God. They needed to confess their sin, ask for forgiveness and seek restoration — something that had never been done before.

Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” – Genesis 3:13a

GOD PUNISHED

Sin — to know what you ought to do but choose not to do it; the sin of omission
Sin — to choose to do what God has made clear you are not allowed to do; sin of commission

One of the first lessons we can learn from the Bible is that God is a holy God who punishes us when we disobey. He has a beautiful life planned for us, but we miss out on that plan when we willfully choose to follow our own sinful desires. Thankfully we serve a God of grace, who has provided a sacrifice to cover the sins of those who choose to repent and to make Him Lord of their life. He does not want any of His children to be destroyed by sin, but He desires for everyone to come to Him in repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:7-11

Psalms 16 and 23 were both written by King David — a man who knew what it was to succumb to temptation by following the desires of his sinful nature. He also knew what it was to be forgiven of his sins and to be restored into a right relationship with God. David’s life was not perfect after this time of reconciliation with God, and he still had his struggles. There were consequences to his sin, plus he lived in a world that was suffering due to the consequences of the sins of Adam and Eve, just like we do. Yet David saw the many blessings God had bestowed on him, and he praised God for His goodness and unfailing love. He anticipated his eternal home.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:5-6

Father God, we thank you for calling us to walk with you, to daily follow the instructions you have clearly laid out for us in your word. We thank you for your provision and for your daily restoration as we make it a priority to spend time in your presence. As we start a new year, we thank you for the reminder to be intentional to create moments of rest throughout our week. May our focus remain on you as we find beauty in what you have given us today, and in what you have ahead for us tomorrow. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 3, Romans 8, Psalm 19

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. – Genesis 1:1-2

In December of 2018, our family climbed aboard a boat before sunrise and ventured out into the Pacific Ocean in hopes of seeing humpback whales. The sky was dark and the ocean was peaceful. In that moment, I was reminded of the beauty of creation and the power of our Creator. As the sun began to peek over the mountain and cast its glow across the water, I thanked God for His presence in this world and the evidence of His hand at work in all I could see and hear.

I am reminded of that early morning boat ride as I read the first chapter of Genesis. I try to imagine what it was like when darkness covered the deep waters. I consider the relationship of the Trinity as the Spirit hovered over the surface of the earth, while God spoke the world into existence, and the Word gave life to everything that was created (John 1).

THE HARMONY OF THE TRINITY AS SEEN IN CREATION IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO CONSIDER.

Two days ago, we studied the beautiful way God created the world through separation, but the creation story also tells us of a more painful separation that created a new reality. When Adam and Even chose to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge and evil, sin was introduced into the creation story. Their disobedience separated mankind from the beauty of the Garden of Eden, causing a separation between creation and its Creator. In the same way, when we choose sin over God’s righteousness in our lives, there is a separation that takes place between us and our holy God. Once again, the harmony of the Trinity plays a role in bringing us back into a relationship with our Creator.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. – Romans 8:1-4

GOD THE FATHER GAVE HIS SON FOR OUR REDEMPTION. GOD THE SON WILLINGLY BECAME THE SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS. GOD THE SPIRIT FREES US FROM THE POWER OF SIN THAT LEADS TO DEATH.

The Spirit of God frees us from the hold that sin has on us, and this is possible because the Son of God was willing to become one of us in order that He could become the sacrifice for all of our sins. The sinful nature with which we were born is naturally hostile towards God; that’s why we need the Holy Spirit to come in and take control over our sinful nature, giving us life and making us right with God. When we invite the Spirit to come in and lead us, putting to death the deeds of our sinful nature, we become children of God.

Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. – Romans 8:15b-17

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us a foretaste of the glory we will experience one day, when sin no longer separates us from our Heavenly Father. One day, we will be released from the sin and suffering our bodies are currently experiencing, and we will be given new bodies as God gives us our full rights as His adopted children. Our current experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives gives us hope for what we will one day experience in God’s presence.

I find peace in imagining God’s Spirit hovering over creation just as I find peace in the knowledge that He is present in my life, hovering over and around and in me each day. I am thankful that He helps me in my weaknesses, praying to God on my behalf in harmony with the will of the Father (8:27). This gives me context to one of my favorite verses:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. — Romans 8:28

GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WERE WORKING TOGETHER WHEN THEY CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, AND THEY CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER ON OUR BEHALF.

What an amazing reality! What a perfect truth to rest on as we begin the third day of a new year! Even though we daily experience the separation that sin in this world has caused between creation and its Creator, we can still feel God’s presence when His Spirit lives within us. Each day is a mixture of feeling the separation that exists until Jesus comes again, while also feeling the closeness of His involvement in our life. Separate, yet together. Distant, yet close.

Father God, I am so grateful this morning for the Spirit’s role in my life — hovering over me and daily creating me to be who you want me to be. The Spirit’s presence creates a longing in my heart for the day when I will worship before Your throne. Jesus, thank you for becoming the perfect sacrifice for my sins. Spirit, empty me of all that is selfish and sinful, and make me to be a child of God who daily brings glory to the Father in my actions and attitudes. Lord, we join David in this prayer as we begin another year:

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:12-14

Today’s Reading: Genesis 2, Psalm 8; Ephesians 4:17-32

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! – Psalm 8:3-9

As I read through the creation story once again, the word “fullness” jumps off the page at me. The earth was formless and empty, and God filled it. He filled the sky with stars and planets; He gave us the sun to fill the earth with its light during the day and the moon to light up the night sky. He caused the waters to swarm with fish and mammals, and he created birds to fill the air with their beautiful songs. The world went from empty to full at God’s command.

IN HIS FULLNESS

There is such beauty in the variety displayed in God’s creation. From the great sea creatures to the small animals that scurry across the earth or burrow through the ground, God beautifully provided us with diversity from the beginning of time. And he gave the animals and fish the ability to reproduce and multiply so that they could continue to fill the earth with their beauty and purpose. And God looked at everything He had created in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and He said that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind — livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:24-25

God took the time to create all sorts of animals, each species similar to another but uniquely special. This beauty of variation is also evidenced in how God created humans with the DNA that makes us unique. Our Creator filled the earth by creating a man and a woman with the ability to be “seed-bearing” — to reproduce and fill the earth. The genetics of a man combine with the genetics of a woman to create a new person. This new life has similarities to its parents, yet is beautifully different. We truly have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Diversity is a gift from God. As more and more people filled the earth, ethnicities formed and skin color varied from family group to family group. Difference showed up in eye color, hair color and texture, skin tone, height, and personality. And this was all part of God’s wonderful plan; it was meant to be celebrated and appreciated — it was very good.

IN HIS LIKENESS

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26-28

God formed man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils and he became a living person. “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (2:18). From man, God created woman. While the man, Adam, was asleep, God took one of his ribs and created a helper that was “just right for him” (2:20).

“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. – Genesis 2:23-24

God could have created the woman, Eve, from the dust of the ground like he did Adam and the animals (2:19), but it is worth noting that He did not. And God does not do things without purpose, which means He intentionally chose to create the first woman from the body of the first man. And from her body, would come their children and all the generations to come. Adam and Eve were not created in the same way, nor were they created to fully function in the same way, but instead were designed to beautifully complement each other. Again, this is something to be celebrated and valued.

IN HIS IMAGE

What does it mean to you to be created in the image of God? Perhaps if we saw ourselves as created in His likeness, we would be less likely to devalue ourselves and self-criticize. And if we were to live life fully embracing how God created us and the purpose for which we were created, we would be more available for the building of God’s Kingdom than we ever have been.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:21-24

Father God, simply by speaking the world into existence, you took what was formless and empty and created the amazing details of this life. The world went from empty to full at your command. From empty to full. Lord, those four words hold so much meaning for me this morning. I recognize the evidence of your creative hand in my life — how you take the empty pages of my life and write my story. May this new year be perfectly designed by you, and may I grow in wisdom and faith as I soak in your scriptures each morning. Lord, I trust you with all that is ahead. May my life be a canvas on which you continue to create a masterpiece. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 1, Psalm 104, Isaiah 45

I love mornings! I love the opportunity to wake up early and get a fresh start — to experience a new beginning. I love the first chapter of a new book, the first page of an empty journal, and the first hour of every day. I love newborn babies, sunrises on the beach and the first sip of a hot cup of coffee. And this morning, as I open up to the first verse of the first chapter of Genesis on the first day of a new year, I am looking forward to what is ahead.

THIS IS A NEW PAGE OF A NEW CHAPTER; TODAY HOLDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE A NEW STORY IN OUR WALK WITH GOD.

Perhaps you are also in need of a new beginning this morning. When you look back over this last year, are you reminded of moments of fear and uncertainty? Have you recently experienced seasons of grief and sorrow? Perhaps there have also been wonderful celebrations of new marriages, new careers, new homes, new friendships and new opportunities. I pray you can look back and see God’s hand of protection and provision over each moment — the good and the bad.

Although the last few years have held great loss for me, God is faithfully teaching me how to let go and trust Him through seasons of uncertainty and separation. As I read through the first chapter of Genesis, I am reminded that God created the world through the act of separation. He separated the light from the darkness, which created what we know as day and night. He separated the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth, creating the sky. When God separated the waters of the earth, He created land and sea; when He separated the lights in the sky, He created a cadence of days, seasons and years. He created the animals giving some the sea to swim, others the land to roam and others He gave the sky as their playground. God created by separating.

IF SEPARATION HAS BEEN A NATURAL PART OF LIFE SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING, THEN WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO?

We have all experienced the reality of separation in life. There have been times when we had to miss a big event or face disappointment with a cancellation or grieve the death of a loved one. Many people now work from home or live a good distance from family. In the midst of a culture that has adapted to isolation, God is still busy creating. He is using separation to give us new insight and interruptions to realign our priorities. New and beautiful realities are being birthed from the struggle caused by separation.

Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:9-10

When God separated the waters, dry land was created. This new creation of rich soil provided a place for God to create seed-bearing plants that grow seed-bearing fruit. He created the plants to reproduce and multiply on their own so that there would be a beautiful cycle of the earth reproducing itself. In the same way, God created animals and mankind to reproduce and multiply.

Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:11-12

GOD ALLOWS SEPARATION IN OUR LIVES IN ORDER TO CREATE SOMETHING NEW, WHICH ALSO HAS THE POTENTIAL TO AGAIN CREATE SOMETHING NEW.

Have you ever stopped to consider how amazing that is? Naturally, separation can be painful, which is why we often resist it rather than resting in it. Our natural tendency is to write our own story instead of allowing God to be our Author and Creator. But even the most painful experiences of life can be “seed-bearing”, and God can create something beautiful when we submit to His artistry.

“Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the Lord, created them. What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’”

This is what the Lord says — the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command. – Isaiah 45:8-12

PERHAPS THIS YEAR CAN BE A SEASON OF ALLOWING OUR CREATOR TO DO SOMETHING NEW IN OUR LIVES WITHOUT ARGUMENT OR RESISTANCE — EVEN IF IT INVOLVES SEPARATION OR CHANGE.

Lord, I praise you this morning for the beauty of your creation — for its variety and lovely intricacies. Thank you for another new beginning as I face another year. Give me a stronger faith, a bolder courage, and a new level of trust in you. Align my heart with yours so that I desire what you desire, and make me more like Jesus. Mold me and shape me, daily gifting me with your righteousness and holiness so that you can be glorified through my life. Lord, I dare to believe that you have good things ahead in 2026, so I place my life in your hands and make myself available to be used by you. Amen.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made! The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord…Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! – Psalm 104:31-35

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 11:12-26

Every year, the ministry of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center creates a theme to guide us — a biblical truth that stretches our faith or challenges our understanding of God. Our theme this year has been IMMEASURABLY MORE, inspired by Ephesians chapter 3. Over and over again, we have made the declaration of faith and gratitude that the apostle Paul made:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

But what does immeasurably mean? If we take the word apart, we come up with the simple explanation of something that is not measurable — too great to be measured or too complex to be exactly known. Would you agree with me this morning that God’s greatness is too large to be measured — that God is too awesome to be known exactly? As we acknowledged how much we still have to learn about God, God revealed Himself to us over and over again. And we prayed this prayer over our team, the women and men we served, as well as the friends of the ministry:

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. – Ephesians 3:14-19

To understand the immeasurable love of God, to experience a love that is too great to fully understand — what a gift! As I look back at the many ways in which God has revealed Himself in 2025, I am undone. In my most challenging seasons, He gave me strength; in my moments of deep sorrow, He comforted me. He supplied my needs and provided His protection. He held me through life’s crushing disappointments and faithfully revealed His presence when I needed Him the most. I can stand in confidence that our God is good; I know from experience that the Lord is faithful!

As a ministry, we started 2025 with some lofty goals — the kind of goals that would require IMMEASURABLY MORE. We chose to pray bolder prayers as we displayed a stronger faith in what God is capable of doing. As we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, the Lord made it clear that He is not finished yet. We had the privilege of serving more women and families than we ever have in one year. We opened a third residential facility for the youngest moms and their little ones, we opened a campus satellite in Champaign (IL), and we used our mobile clinic to begin offering services in Logansport (IN). We had more opportunities to come alongside young families through our fatherhood program as well as our Curbside material assistance. And the list goes on — all for the glory of the God who can do IMMEASURABLY MORE!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

I have been forever impacted by these verses; I am not the same person I was a year ago. I can say with confidence that I believe God is able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine, and my prayer life has become a reflection of my faith as I daily bring my needs before the Lord.

But not every prayer spoken has been answered; not every request has been granted. Can you relate? At times, something passes through the hands of God that breaks our heart or shakes our faith. We stand in confidence that God CAN do anything; we just aren’t sure that He WILL. Our circumstances leave us on shaky ground, and we have to learn how to trust God all over again. We have to DARE TO BELIEVE that God is still good and that He is listening to our prayers.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” – Mark 11:22-25

Jesus challenged his disciples to have faith in God; he challenged them to overcome their doubts and believe. “If you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” We have to do more than just pray, we have to BELIEVE FOR IT. We need to answer God’s call to be strong and courageous, even when the situation or task ahead is difficult.

Believing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine requires faith. And sometimes faith takes courage. At times we have to dare to believe that God has something good ahead for us; we have to dare to believe that He loves us enough to answer our prayers and provide for our future.

I believe that God wants to daily strengthen our faith in 2026 — He wants to increase our hope. He will give us the faith we need to persevere, to endure patiently, to step into His presence with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. So as we close out one year and prepare to begin another, let’s fall on our knees before the Lord and ask Him for the courage we need to face all that is ahead. Let’s DARE TO BELIEVE that the God who can do IMMEASURABLY MORE than we can ask or imagine will answer our prayers and equip us with what we need.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Today’s Reading: Psalm 86

This morning I have spent time looking back over the last few years. I have read through my devotional thoughts and prayers, reminding myself of this journey of grace the Lord has had me on. Once more, I find myself in a place of surrender, closing out one year and looking ahead to the next. This intentional pause gives me the opportunity to learn from my experiences, finding closure while building on all that the Lord has taught me in this recent season.

Once again, I am asking the Lord to align my heart with His as I seek to do the following:
1. To finish what I started.
2. To give everything to the Lord before the year begins.
3. To ask the Lord to equip me with everything I need for this year ahead.
4. To build the house the Lord is calling me to build, doing so with the Lord’s help and provision.
5. To be available to do whatever the Lord wants to do through me.

2023 was a year to embrace the Lord’s call on my life to live light on my feet. We sold, gave away or tossed most of our belongings, placing the most sentimental items in a one stall garage for another day. We went from an apartment in Kansas to an apartment in Indiana, sharing space with our youngest daughter as she prepared for all the major life changes the year held for her.

2024 was a year to live out the level of obedience to which God had called us in 2023. We fell in love with the community of Carmel, making the most of our short season of living in this adorable town. We walked the Monon trail, tasted the local cuisine, and found our favorite coffee shops. Scott traveled a lot for Nazarene Bible College while Brooke and I planned for her June wedding.

By the time the honeymooners returned to the apartment in July, the last of our stuff was either loaded in our car or in the garage. For five months, we traveled from speaking engagement to speaking engagement (revivals, retreats, college presentations, and more). We were blessed to spend time in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, Georgia and Missouri. For five months, we enjoyed making new friends while intentionally taking time to rekindle lifelong friendships.

As one of the most interesting years of our married life drew to an end, we sensed the Lord calling us to something new. Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene invited Scott to be their new pastor, and the Lord made it clear that it was time to get off the road and set down roots. God’s timing is perfect and we were able to spend Christmas in our new home, surrounded by our three daughters and their husbands.

And now here I am sitting in the glow of our Christmas tree a year later. My cup is full and my heart is eager for all the Lord has ahead for us in 2026. From being light on our feet to grounding ourselves in a community of believers, I am grateful for the many ways in which God has shown up for us over our 35 year marriage. And I believe the Lord will continue to be faithful — to be good, merciful and loving. In light of this confidence, I place my life in His hands and trust Him with all that lies ahead.

I COMMIT ONCE AGAIN TO GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD AS I START A NEW CHAPTER OF MY LIFE.

I want to be as sold out to Jesus in 2026 as I have ever been. I want to experience more of what the Lord has for me as I hold onto less of what I want and more of what He wants. I ask the Lord to equip me once again for everything I will need — to give me wisdom, endurance, discernment, patience and more. I want to be available to do whatever the Lord wants to do through me. I want to be a conduit of his love and mercy in this hurting world.

Lord, thank you for bringing me to a place of total surrender once again. Thank you for the opportunity to pause and consider my readiness to be used by you in the lives of other people. I pray for a fresh passion for the lost, a restored energy for the work ahead, and a heart that genuinely reflects the heart of God.

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER AS YOU TURN THE PAGE TO THE NEW YEAR?

This morning would be a great opportunity to give the Lord your biggest fears and greatest concerns regarding what lies ahead. Today is the day to pray for the Lord to increase your faith and help you to trust in Him through all of the unknowns. Let’s pray Psalm 86 together as we give this next chapter to the Lord. Let’s ask for answered prayer, protection, salvation, mercy, happiness, forgiveness, unfailing love, wisdom, purity of heart and redemption.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me…
For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
You alone are God.
Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death. – Psalm 86:1-13

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:28-33; Psalm 127

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” – Luke 14:28-30

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WE FINISH WHAT WE STARTED?

I have been seeking the Lord all weekend, asking him to show me what He wants me to do and what He wants me to learn this year. I am a goal setter, so this is the time of the year when I really lean into my purpose and how it fits into God’s plan. Each year, I develop a long list of goals and spend time organizing my strategies for reaching those goals. My goals will range from weight loss to a reading list, from personal growth to professional development. Intentionality and time management will be two of my greatest resources, but it means nothing if I do not seek the Lord’s plans for 2026.

I have learned over the years that I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to goal setting. I have a tendency to set my goals too high or make my timeline too short. This passage in Luke has been a great reminder to me each year that I need to consider my resources — I need to count the cost. How I start this year will greatly affect how I finish.

“Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” – Luke 14:31-33

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD BEFORE I START THIS NEXT LIFE CHAPTER.

Last summer, I was blessed to receive a 4-week sabbatical from Living Alternatives. It was wonderful! I spent so much time reading, daily going to the pool and catching up on projects at home. As I reread The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, the Lord brought me back to the words “clarity” and “alignment”. He gave me this lens through which to see some changes that needed to be made, at work and in my personal life.

As I look ahead to 2026, I am seeking the Lord for some clarity. Where would He like my focus to be and how does He want to use me this year? I am asking God to expose the areas of my heart that need sanctified and the habits of my life that need some attention. I am asking for the understanding I need while also trusting God when He holds back the light of clarity. I want the Spirit to clear away any attitudes and the tendencies that are getting in the way. I want my heart to be beautifully aligned with the heart of Jesus, daily reflecting His eternal purposes and plan.

Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you. – Psalm 86:11

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I ASK THE LORD TO EQUIP ME WITH EVERYTHING I NEED FOR THE YEAR AHEAD — COURAGE, ENDURANCE, PERSEVERANCE, WISDOM, STRENGTH AND ESPECIALLY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:5-8

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I BUILD THE HOUSE THE LORD IS CALLING ME TO BUILD, AND THAT I DO SO WITH THE LORD’S HELP.

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good. – Psalm 127:1

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:8-10

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2

THIS YEAR IS ABOUT BEING AVAILABLE TO DO WHATEVER GOD WANTS TO DO THROUGH ME.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Thank you so much for joining me each morning in 2025 as we have read the scriptures together and sought the Lord’s understanding. I am looking forward to starting back at the beginning on Thursday. I invite you to join me for another 2-year journey through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 29; Psalm 37

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

This is the third year in a row for me to ask myself this honest question. Now that I have the context of what God has done with my availability over the last two years (and the ways in which He has stretched me), I sit in a place of authentically asking the Lord to show me the ways in which I have not fully placed my trust in Him.

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” – Jeremiah 29:11

The Israelites were entering into a season marked with unfamiliarity. They were being escorted by their enemies into a foreign land because they had sinned against the Lord. They were being punished for their rebellion, yet the Lord spoke words of hope over them, giving them reason to believe that there were better days ahead. God revealed His heart of love for His people in this message.

GOD WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES. WHEN THEY PRAYED, HE WOULD LISTEN. WHEN THEY SOUGHT HIM, HE WOULD BE FOUND.

Let’s take time to consider all of the blessings we have experienced in 2025. Look back at the wonderful opportunities the Lord had given you, some of which were unexpected and very life-giving; some of which were painful and hard to recover from. Consider the places you have been, the challenges you have faced, and the people the Lord has surrounded you with this year.

Rather than avoiding the pain of 2025, take a moment to reflect on the hard times. We started this year with some loved ones who are no longer here to end the year with us. There have been some disappointments and some heartache along the way. Perhaps in some ways we are not where we thought we would be when we set our goals for the year. So, if life can look so different today than we thought it would look as we dreamed about the year ahead, how does that affect our perspective on setting goals for next year?

DO WE BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL BE PRESENT IN THE NEW YEAR? AS WE LOOK BACK ON WHAT IS BEHIND US, DO WE TRUST HIM WITH WHAT IS AHEAD?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

What great advice the writer of Proverbs has for us. Perhaps the key to trusting God is to seek Him in all that we do. Perhaps the moments we regret trusting the Lord have more to do with letting ourselves down because we were pursuing what we wanted instead of what God desires for our lives.

But what if I ask the Lord to shape the desires of my heart so that He can lead me down the path He has chosen for me? What if I stop making decisions based on my best guess or my limited understanding, and instead depend on the wisdom of God to provide me with direction and focus?

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you. – Psalm 37:3-5

Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed…
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps. – Proverbs 16:3,9

I KNOW THAT I CAN TRUST THE HEART OF GOD AND ALLOW HIM TO WORK OUT HIS PLANS FOR MY LIFE.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. – Psalm 33:11

Lord, we are leaning in and listening for your still small voice. We ask that you guide our thoughts and shape our desires for the year ahead. We trust you to write your plan in our hearts and then lead us through every decision ahead. May we desire only what you desire, and may our plans be guided by your Spirit. We will give you the glory for every success and every blessing in 2026! And may our reaction to the challenges and disappointments life may bring this next year also bring you glory. Amen.

And my prayer for you, friends, is that you will find God as you seek Him in the coming days. May you sense His fierce love for you, and may you find confidence in the truth that He is listening to you. I pray that the Lord will guide the desires of your heart so that they align with His. May He give you closure on some of your biggest disappointments, and may He heal your wounds and give you hope for all that He has ahead for you.

May he grant your heart’s desires
and make all your plans succeed. – Psalm 20:4

“May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 55, Psalm 25

We are quickly approaching one of my favorite days of the year — New Years Day! My love for this holiday has nothing to do with staying up late, watching the ball drop in New York City, or attending a party with my friends and family. No, I love this holiday because it represents a new beginning.

A new year gives me the opportunity to reflect back on the last year, pondering the highs and lows of the last twelve months. I take note of what the Lord has taught me and how I have grown in my faith. I grieve the losses and mourn the mistakes, then I place them in the Lord’s hands and ask Him to continue to mold me and make me into the person He wants me to be.

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good. – Psalm 25:4-7

I am so grateful that we serve a God who is full of grace — a God who is good and who loves us enough to forgive us when we come to Him with a truly repentant heart. He knows everything about us, even those thoughts that are too dark to share with our closest friend. He knows where we struggle and He knows how hard we are trying. And God, in mercy and love, gives us another new beginning.

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS NEW BEGINNING THE LORD IS GIVING US?

Will it simply be a day to sleep in and then start taking down the Christmas decorations, or will it be an intentional day of prayer and following the Lord’s directions? Are we willing to put ourselves in a place of submission to the Lord’s ways and plans? Are we available to be used by Him in new ways over the next 52 weeks? Do we trust God enough to give Him our 2026, wherever that leads us?

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” – Isaiah 55:6-7

NEW BEGINNINGS COME AFTER WE HAVE TURNED TO THE LORD IN REPENTANCE.

Looking back on this last season of life, I have some regrets. There have been some attitudes that did not reflect the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and there have been some actions that came from a place of panic instead of prayer. Lord, have mercy on me, and forgive me of my sins. Give me a new chance to recognize your lordship and submit to your ways, letting go of my unhealthy thoughts and habits.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

NEW BEGINNINGS ALLOW GOD TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES.

“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11

It is the desire of my heart to receive all that the Lord wants to do in my life this year. I want to soak up the rain and the snow; I want the words of the Lord to wash over me so that I am saturated with the nourishment that comes from the study of His holy scriptures. Strengthen me through every word and achieve your perfect purpose in me, Lord!

NEW BEGINNINGS REPRESENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE THE LORD, RECEIVE JOY, AND FIND HOPE.

“You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.” – Isaiah 55:12-13

Lord, I give you this new beginning. Write your plan upon the canvas of my life. Direct my thoughts and chart my course, as I surrender both my past and my future into your loving hands. May your words continue to shape my heart and mind each morning as I receive the gift of a new beginning from you, Abba Father. Amen.