Words of Encouragement

The culture is loud. It is persistent. It is creative in its appeal and relentless in its invitation to conform. And some days it feels like the gap between the Kingdom way and the cultural way is so vast that you wonder if anyone is even noticing the difference you are trying to make. They are noticing. A life that has been genuinely transformed — not performing transformation but actually living it — stands out in a culture of conceit and contention the way a candle stands out in a dark room. You do not have to be the biggest candle. You just have to be lit. Let Holy Spirit keep doing the inside work. Let the total reformation of your thinking keep producing the beautiful discerning life Paul describes. And trust that the One you are imitating — the One who is the Light of the world — is shining through you more than you know. Keep imitating Jesus. The world is watching. And what they see in you just might be the better way they have been looking for all along.

Words of Encouragement

Beloved relationship-builder, remember that healthy relationships are one of God's greatest gifts and one of life's greatest challenges. Don't be discouraged when relationships feel stressful - you're not alone in this struggle. The key to transformation is focusing first on your relationship with the Trinity, allowing His love to fill you so completely that it naturally overflows to others. When you're secure in God's love, you don't need to compete for attention or approval from people. When you've experienced His grace, you can extend grace to others' imperfections. Choose peace quickly, run toward holiness consistently, and watch over others lovingly. Your healthy relationship with God has the power to transform every other relationship in your life. Merry Christmas Eve, dear one - may the love that came down at Christmas fill your heart and flow through all your relationships!