Craig Cooper

As we turn to Psalm 121, we discover a timeless Song of Ascent that explores God’s promise as our Keeper, Protector, and Sustainer. Imagine a weary hiker lost in a vast mountain range, surrounded by towering peaks and unpredictable storms. Exhausted, they lift their eyes, searching for rescue. Suddenly, a seasoned guide appears, offering direction and safety. This vivid imagery encapsulates the essence of Psalm 121, sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem and affirming that our help comes from the Lord, our ever-present Keeper.

Psalm 121:1-2 declares, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” The psalmist, facing the perils of rugged terrain or the lure of false gods worshiped on high places, redirects his gaze to the Creator. As Charles Spurgeon aptly noted, “The Christian’s help is not in the hills, nor in his own strength, but in the Lord who made heaven and earth.” God’s sovereignty as Creator assures us that He is powerful enough to sustain us through life’s uncertainties, be it financial struggles, health crises, or personal doubts. Like a lost child in a crowded marketplace instinctively seeking their parent, we lift our eyes to God, trusting His nearness and omnipotent care.

Verses 3-4 proclaim, “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” The imagery of a steady foot on treacherous paths speaks to God’s unwavering protection and guidance. He is the tireless watchman atop a city’s ancient wall, ever-awake, ensuring our safety. A.W. Tozer reminds us, “God’s omnipotence and omniscience mean He is always present, always powerful, and always watching over His children.” This prevenient grace assures believers that God’s vigilance never falters, offering stability in our most vulnerable moments, albeit physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Psalm 121:5-6 states, “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” The shade imagery reflects God’s provision against the scorching sun and nighttime dangers, symbolizing protection from physical and mental threats. Picture resting under a shade tree on a sweltering day, refreshed by a cool breeze. God is our refuge, shielding us from stress, grief, or temptation. As D.L. Moody said, “God is not only a deliverer but a sustainer, carrying us through every storm with His mighty hand.” His sanctifying grace sustains us toward holiness (Christ-like living) in every trial.

Finally, verses 7-8 assure us, “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” God’s care encompasses every aspect of life, including our decisions, relationships, and future. Like a trailblazer clearing a path through an uncharted forest, God leads us to eternal peace. The missionary Adoniram Judson, who endured imprisonment along with starvation and torture while translating the Bible into Burmese in 19th-century Burma, trusted this promise, persevering to establish a thriving Christian community. His story inspires us to rely on God’s eternal guidance.

Psalm 121 assures us that God is our constant Keeper, providing unwavering protection, sustenance, and eternal care. No matter your circumstance (fear, uncertainty, or joy), lift your eyes to the Lord. If you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Savior, why not today? If you have, commit to seeking His guidance through prayer and sharing His faithfulness. May we grow in our trust in God’s eternal promises, finding hope in His unending care. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As summer surrounds us with warmth and growth, it’s a reminder of new beginnings. Yet, life often brings storms, moments of uncertainty, fear, or loneliness. In these times, God’s promise shines brightly, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV). This assurance, first given to the Israelites, offers us courage to face challenges and embrace God’s purpose for our lives.

Imagine the Israelites standing at the edge of the Promised Land, hearts pounding with excitement and fear. After 40 years of wandering, they faced towering enemies, fortified cities, and the loss of Moses, their leader. The transition to Joshua’s leadership and the daunting task of conquering Canaan loomed large. Yet, God spoke through Moses, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

The Hebrew words for “strong” and “courageous” reveal that strength and courage flow from trusting God’s presence, not from our own abilities. The Israelites faced real threats, like hostile nations, idol worship, and an uncertain future. God’s promise directly countered their fears, rooted in His covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9). Similarly, we face fears, such as failure, rejection, or loss, but God’s presence overcomes them. As Isaiah 41:10 declares, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you.”

Like a child afraid of the dark, clinging to a parent’s hand, we find courage not because the darkness disappears but because God walks with us. Charles Spurgeon wisely noted, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” When we bring our fears to God in prayer, His presence becomes our strength.

God’s promise empowered the Israelites for a monumental task: conquering Canaan. His presence was active, going before them, fighting for them, and remaining with them. This same promise equips us for God’s callings, whether in ministry, relationships, or personal growth. God’s words to Joshua should encourage us, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Consider Rosa Parks in 1955, who refused to give up her seat on a bus, sparking the civil rights movement. Her courage stemmed from her faith in God’s presence, trusting He was with her. As the saying goes, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.” Whatever God calls us to, whether it’s a new job, sharing our faith, or forgiving someone, His presence provides the courage to step out in faith.

The promise’s final words, “He will not leave you or forsake you,” are emphatic. The Hebrew verbs for “leave” and “forsake” emphasize God’s unwavering commitment. This promise, rooted in His unchanging character, extends to us today. Jesus echoed it in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always,” and Hebrews 13:5 reinforces it: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” As Billy Graham said, “God’s presence is not a reward for our faithfulness, but a gift of His grace.”

Desmond Doss, a medic in the Battle of Okinawa, faced danger as a pacifist, unarmed, saving lives under fire. His courage came from praying, “Lord, help me get one more.” Doss would later recount that he did this while trusting in God’s presence. Like a mountain standing firm against storms, God’s presence is our constant, propelling us to move forward with courage.

Like Doss, whose story is in part portrayed in the movie “Hacksaw Ridge,” we can face our battles, knowing God’s promise empowers us to overcome fear and step confidently into His calling. Let’s anchor our hearts in Deuteronomy 31:6. God’s presence gives us the courage to face any challenge and pursue His purpose, assuring us that He will never leave or forsake us. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

An area I discussed previously that deserves much more attention is examining faith and fear from a biblical perspective. Both fear and faith shape how we navigate life’s uncertainties; however, they lead to vastly different outcomes. Faith allows us to walk in God’s peace, while fear leads to inner conflict. Both leak out, impacting those around us.

It’s been said that both faith and fear demand that you believe in something you cannot see. We have the responsibility to choose. Interestingly, fear and faith are similar in that they both require belief in the unseen. Fear fixates on potential dangers or negative outcomes, while faith trusts in God’s promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” implying a deliberate choice to trust God’s character. Similarly, fear involves choosing to dwell on uncertainties, as seen when the Israelites feared entering Canaan, doubting God’s provision despite His past faithfulness (Numbers 13:31-33). Both are acts of the heart, requiring a decision to focus on either God’s sovereignty (supreme authority and power) or life’s threats.

The differences between fear and faith are stark. Fear deals with “what if,” while faith deals with “even if.” Fear and faith have divergent orientations. Fear asks, “What if disaster strikes?” It’s rooted in speculation and distrust, paralyzing us like Peter sinking when he focused on the storm (Matthew 14:30). Faith, however, says, “Even if trials come, God is enough.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplified this in Daniel 3:17-18, declaring that they would trust Him even if God didn’t deliver them from the furnace. Fear magnifies problems; faith magnifies God’s power, anchoring us in His promises like Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

Faith has been described as seeing a future where God is present and working, while fear is seeing a future without God present or working. Fear and faith have contrasting visions. Faith envisions God’s active presence, as Romans 8:28 assures, “All things work together for good for those who love God.” Despite betrayal and imprisonment, Joseph’s trust in God’s plan (Genesis 50:20) reflects this. Fear, conversely, imagines a godless future, blinding us to His providence (God’s active governing and sustaining of the universe, guiding all events, circumstances, and creatures toward His intended purposes). When David faced Goliath, fear gripped Saul’s army, but David’s faith saw God’s victory (1 Samuel 17:45-47). Faith aligns our perspective with God’s eternal purposes, while fear distorts reality and ignores His omnipotence (all-powerful).

Scripture repeatedly calls us to choose faith. Isaiah 41:10 commands, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” This choice isn’t a denial of danger but a resolve to trust God’s presence and promises. The quotes emphasize human agency. We decide whether to let fear’s “what ifs” dominate or to embrace faith’s “even if” confidence. Jesus rebuked fear in His disciples, urging, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Faith grows through prayer, the study and application of Scripture, and recalling God’s faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12).

Fear and faith both demand belief in the unseen; however, fear enslaves us to doubt, while faith frees us to trust God’s good plan. When we embrace faith’s “even if” over fear’s “what if,” we envision a future where God is present and working. Scripture equips us to reject fear’s distortions and embrace faith’s assurance, allowing us to rest in God’s unchanging nature. With God’s help, I am continuing to grow into such faith. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The cell was damp, the air heavy with the chill of a Roman prison, yet Paul’s spirit burned with unshakable resolve. He was in his mid-60s, his body scarred from years of shipwrecks and beatings. Chains bound his wrists, and the shadow of execution loomed. But there was no trace of despair as he scratched out his final words to Timothy, his young protégé. Instead, Paul’s letter radiated the fierce joy of a marathon runner in the final mile, legs trembling but eyes locked on the finish line where a roaring crowd awaited. This was no ordinary race. It was the race of faith, and Paul was determined to finish well.

In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Paul doesn’t just reflect on his life; he issues a challenge to every believer. He speaks of his life as a “drink offering,” poured out completely, like wine spilled in an Old Testament sacrifice, a total act of worship. There’s no holding back, no clinging to comfort or safety. His suffering, his chains, even his impending martyrdom; they’re not losses but a fragrant offering to God. The Greek word for “departure” paints a picture of a ship slipping its moorings or a soldier breaking camp, ready for the next journey. For Paul, death isn’t defeat; it’s a joyful transition to eternity. Like a candle burned to its end, his life has given light to a darkened world, spent, not wasted, for the gospel.

Paul’s words pulse with the grit of a boxer who’s taken countless blows but stands firm, a runner who’s pushed through exhaustion to cross the finish line, a guard who’s protected a priceless treasure against all odds. “I have fought the good fight,” he declares. “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” These aren’t boasts but testimonies of God’s grace sustaining him through decades of trials, planting churches, preaching Christ, battling false teachings, and mentoring leaders like Timothy. His fight wasn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, personal sin, and anything threatening the gospel’s truth. He endured, was disciplined, and trusted God step by step to finish well.

And then there’s the prize: the “crown of righteousness.” Not a king’s diadem but a victor’s wreath, like those awarded to ancient athletes. It’s the promise of full communion with God, free from sin’s stain, given by Christ, the righteous Judge. Paul’s eyes are fixed on “that day,” Christ’s return, when rewards will be handed out not just to him but to all who “love his appearing.” This isn’t a passive hope; it’s a fire that fuels faithfulness, urging believers to endure trials and pursue holiness. Like a cyclist grinding through brutal hills, driven by the vision of victory, Paul’s confidence in this reward kept him steady when the road turned rough.

Paul’s life calls us to run our own race with the same tenacity. It’s easy to falter due to fatigue, distractions, and trials that can pull us off course. But God empowers us to live poured out, fight on, and keep running. Think of John Bunyan, locked in Bedford jail for twelve years, refusing to abandon his call to preach. He penned “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” a beacon for millions from that cell. Or consider Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s words, “The life of a Christian is an offering to God, not a possession to cling to.” These men, like Paul, demonstrate that finishing well means holding fast to Christ, regardless of the cost.

So, where are you in your race? Are you surrendered to Christ, leaning on His strength? Picture crossing the finish line, Jesus waiting to place that crown on your head, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Every step, every act of obedience, every bold leap of faith is worth it. Don’t let the world’s noise or your own doubts derail you. Commit today to, with the Lord’s help, run with endurance and to live generously for Christ. What’s your next step? For some, it’s trusting Him as Savior. For others, it’s taking the next leap He’s calling you to. The finish line is calling. Keep running. Follow Paul’s example and finish well. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

In our struggles with personal limitations, the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 offers profound hope. God’s power is magnified in our weaknesses. Our vulnerabilities become platforms for His strength through His sufficient grace, enabling us to find contentment and purpose in Christ despite our trials. The story of Dave Roever, a Vietnam War veteran, vividly illustrates this truth. In 1969, a phosphorus grenade exploded in his hand, burning over 40% of his body and disfiguring his face. Roever felt his life was over. Yet, through faith, he discovered God’s grace, transforming his physical and emotional scars into a powerful ministry. With humor and resilience, he has inspired thousands, showing how God uses our brokenness to fulfill His purposes.

Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 reveals the reality of weakness. He describes a “thorn in the flesh,” a mysterious affliction, possibly a physical ailment, chronic opposition, or spiritual burden, but permitted by God to keep him humble after receiving “surpassing revelations.” Described as a “messenger of Satan” yet under God’s sovereignty, the thorn humbled Paul, ensuring his reliance on God rather than his achievements. His three pleas for its removal reflect a human desire for relief, yet they model trust in God’s will. Even perceived “unanswered prayers,” Paul shows, are not a lack of faith but an invitation to deeper dependence. Like a cracked pot leaking water while nurturing vibrant flowers along its path, our weaknesses, when surrendered to God, become channels for His grace to touch others.

The sufficiency of God’s grace is at the heart of Paul’s revelation in verse 9a: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” The Greek word for “sufficient” (arkei) implies complete adequacy, meeting every need, while “made perfect” (teletai) suggests fulfillment. This paradox inverts worldly values: human frailty becomes the stage for divine strength. God didn’t remove Paul’s thorn but provided grace to endure it; grace rooted in Christ’s forgiveness and empowerment. Picture a ropes course. I did one, trembling with fear of heights, I crossed shaky ropes, steadied by a tether above. God’s grace is that tether, securing us through life’s uncertainties. As D.A. Carson notes, “Grace is God’s provision for our every need when we need it.”

In verses 9b-10, Paul embraces his weaknesses as platforms for Christ’s power. Boasting “gladly” in his struggles, he finds contentment in “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities,” declaring, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” This gospel-centered mindset glorifies Christ’s strength over personal comfort. Like a stained-glass window whose cracks and imperfections glow vibrantly when illuminated, our flaws shine radiantly when Christ’s light streams through, transforming brokenness into a testimony of redemption. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” reinforce this truth.

The story of St. Paul’s Cathedral during the 1940 London Blitz echoes this hope. Amid the rubble, its dome stood as a beacon, spared when a bomb pierced its roof but failed to detonate. A priest wrote, “In our weakness, God’s strength held us.” Your life, though scarred by chronic pain, doubt, or failure, can be a testament to God’s grace. Bring your “thorn” to Jesus. His grace is enough. If you’ve never trusted Christ, surrender your weaknesses to Him now and let His power transform you as your Savior and Lord. As Spurgeon said, “God gets from the feeble some of His greatest glory.” God’s power is perfected in our limitations, offering hope and purpose. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Paul, in Philippians 3:7-14, urges believers to live with a singular devotion to Christ. His teaching challenges everyone to find true purpose in Him, surpassing the fleeting allure of worldly success. Paul’s transformed life serves as a powerful example, demonstrating how to prioritize Christ above all and leave a lasting legacy.

Once a prominent Jewish leader, Paul had everything the world admires: wealth, status, and religious zeal. Yet, he found these achievements meaningless without Christ. Writing from a Roman prison, his letter to the Philippians radiates joy, reflecting a profound shift in perspective. In Philippians 3:7-14, Paul contrasts his past credentials with the “surpassing worth” of knowing Jesus, revealing that true fulfillment comes from surrendering all competing ambitions to pursue Christ alone.

Paul first calls believers to consider all worldly gains as a loss. He lists his impressive credentials, such as his Jewish lineage, adherence to the law, and zealous persecution of the church (Phil. 3:4-6). Still, he declares them worthless, emphasizing their insignificance compared to Christ. This radical shift from self-reliance to Christ-dependence challenges believers to prioritize a legacy rooted in faith rather than material success. A father may build a thriving career to provide for his family, only to find it empty without Christ at the center. As Charles Spurgeon noted, “Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.”

Next, Paul emphasizes the pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ. He longs to “know” Jesus experientially, using the Greek word ginōskō to suggest deep, personal intimacy (Phil. 3:9-11). Rejecting self-righteousness, Paul embraces Christ’s righteousness through faith, yearning to share in His sufferings and resurrection power. This intimacy mirrors a father growing closer to his children through shared moments of joy and struggle. Believers cultivate this closeness with Christ through spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying, and applying Scripture, fostering a heart passionate to know Him more. As John Wesley described, “A true love for Jesus is a heart burning with a passion to know Him and to make Him known.”

Finally, Paul urges believers to press on toward God’s purpose. Admitting he has not yet reached perfection, he likens the Christian life to a runner straining toward the finish line (Phil. 3:12-14). Forgetting past failures and distractions, Paul focuses on the “upward call” of Christlikeness and eternal salvation. Believers are called to shed worldly weights while keeping their eyes fixed on knowing Christ and making Him known. D.L. Moody’s words echo this: “The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battlefield, and we must press on with all our strength toward the goal.”

Through Paul’s life and teaching, we learn that living for Christ alone means counting all else as a loss, knowing Him intimately, and pressing on toward His calling. A singular devotion to Christ undoubtedly transforms our priorities and purpose. Picture a father teaching his daughter to ride a bike. At first, the bike wobbles. She is afraid to fall, but the father runs alongside, steadying the bike and encouraging her to keep pedaling. When the girl finally rides on her own, the father’s joy isn’t in the bike or the skill but in the bond they have built through the process. So, it is with our heavenly Father. Our God runs alongside us as we press toward Him, not for the achievements of this world but for the joy of knowing Him and being known. If you’ve been chasing wholeness in anything but Christ or feel distant from Him, today is the day to surrender and seek Him above all. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Paul makes a passionate defense of the gospel of grace in Galatians 2:11-21, emphasizing justification through faith in Christ alone. He expresses the importance of understanding grace over law. Paul’s transformed life drives his unwavering commitment to champion grace over legalism, urging believers to rest in Christ’s finished work on the cross and reject the burden of earning God’s favor through human effort. Paul clearly describes the freedom of grace, challenging Christians to live empowered by Christ’s love rather than shackled by rigid rules.

Consider the story of Maggie, a 10-year-old adoptee who scrubs floors and memorizes rules, desperate to prove her worth to her new family while being unaware of their unconditional love. This image captures the struggle of many Christians who, trapped in legalism, labor to earn God’s acceptance, forgetting that Christ’s cross has already made them family. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes to free us from the bondage of legalism, reminding believers that we have been set free by God’s grace.

In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul confronts a crucial issue in the early church. When Peter, who once ate freely with Gentile believers in Antioch, withdraws under pressure from Jewish Christians advocating circumcision, his hypocrisy suggests that Gentiles must conform to Jewish laws to be fully accepted. Paul’s bold public rebuke of Peter underscores the stakes. Peter’s actions threaten to divide the church and dilute the gospel’s core truth, which is that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not the works of the law. We discover that legalism, by imposing extra-biblical requirements, fosters division and obscures the gospel’s liberating power.

Paul’s argument in Galatians 2:15-16 drives home that no one, not even Jews privileged with the law, can earn salvation through human effort. Justification (being declared righteous) flows solely from faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice (His finished work on the cross). Grace, Paul insists, levels the playing field, uniting Jews and Gentiles in shared dependence on Christ.

The struggle with legalism and the freedom we have in Christ’s grace can be seen in what led to John Wesley’s 1738 Aldersgate experience. Wesley, a disciplined clergyman, founded the “Holy Club” to pursue holiness through fasting and good works, yet he doubted his salvation. After returning from a failed mission in America he heard Martin Luther’s preface to Romans. He realized that salvation comes through faith alone, describing how he felt his heart “strangely warmed.” This moment transformed Wesley’s ministry, sparking a movement rooted in God’s free grace. Wesley understood what Augustine proclaimed many years earlier, “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation, but makes them so,” urging believers to trust in Christ’s righteousness rather than their own performance.

In Galatians 2:17-19, Paul clarifies the law’s purpose. It reveals human sinfulness, pointing to Christ as its fulfillment. The law is like a GPS guiding you to a destination (Christ), but it does not drive the car. Nor do we circle back to it. To cling to the law after receiving grace is to rebuild a prison that Christ has torn down.

Galatians 2:20-21 unveils grace’s transformative power. Believers die to their old selves, and Christ lives in them through faith. It is like a potter reshaping discarded clay into a graceful vessel, symbolizing how Christ molds hardened hearts into carriers of His love. Legalism, Paul warns, nullifies grace, implying Christ’s death was in vain. Charles Wesley expresses this truth in his hymn, “And Can It Be That I Shall Gain?” and I paraphrase, “The Life I live is not my own; Christ is living in me. Grace is not just forgiveness, but empowerment to live for Christ.”

I encourage us to reflect on where legalism creeps into our faith journey, such as judging others by appearances, adding rules to the gospel, or striving to earn God’s love. The person set free by God’s grace is like a prisoner set free and stepping into sunlight. He does not desire to once again be imprisoned. I urge you to reject the chains of legalism. I implore you not to exchange your freedom in Christ for the prison of legalism.

Paul’s defense in Galatians 2:11-21 reveals the heart of the gospel. We are justified by faith in Christ alone, not works of the law. Legalism divides and burdens, but grace unties and frees. We should surrender daily to Christ’s indwelling presence, trusting His sacrifice to guide our lives. Empowered by grace, we believers are called to live as vessels of Christ’s love, unshackled from the burdens of legalism and transformed by His boundless love. Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone)!

Recently, I was looking up the first day of summer and became aware that it depends on whether you’re referring to meteorological or astronomical summer. Meteorological summer begins on June 1, 2025, in the Northern Hemisphere and is used for statistical and forecasting purposes. Astronomical summer starts on June 20, 2025, in the Northern Hemisphere, marked by the summer solstice when the Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum. I never knew.

However, I know that as June ushers in the warmth of summer, we stand at a threshold of renewal and growth. The earth awakens with vibrant blooms and longer days, mirroring the spiritual renewal God invites us into. The psalmist in Psalm 51:10 cries out for forgiveness and renewal, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” This season, let us embrace the opportunity to refresh our faith, deepen our connection with Christ, and flourish as a community rooted in Christ’s love and committed to knowing God and making Him known.

Renewal begins with an open heart. Consider a gardener tending a neglected plot. Once hard and barren, the soil yields to careful nurturing, such as watering and weeding, and with the help of sunlight, it transforms into fertile ground. Or so I am told. I am no gardener. It is the same way with our souls. The cares of life can harden us, but God’s grace softens our hearts, preparing us for growth. In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Abiding in Christ through prayer, studying and applying scripture, and living a life of daily worship renews our spirit and empowers us to bear fruit that glorifies God.

This June, let us commit to personal renewal. Perhaps it’s time to revive a prayer habit, dive deeper into God’s Word, or grow as an everyday missionary. Our spiritual vitality shapes every aspect of our lives. One practical step might be setting aside ten minutes daily to reflect on a verse, like Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.” Let God’s truth soak into your soul, renewing your perspective and purpose and enriching your faith journey.

Growth, however, is not solitary. It flourishes in Christian community. Consider a forest where each tree stands tall, yet their roots intertwine, strengthening one another against storms. Crosswinds is like that forest, bound by shared faith. This summer, let’s grow together. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” Your presence strengthens our collective growth, just as your absence leaves a gap.

Renewal and growth also invite us to embrace change. A caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is not without struggle, yet it emerges more beautiful and free. God often calls us through seasons of discomfort to refine us. Isaiah 43:19 declares, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Trust that God is at work, even in uncertainty. Whether facing a new job, a family challenge, or a spiritual dry spell, lean into God’s promise to make streams in the desert.

As we step into June, let’s reflect on where God is calling us to grow. Are there habits to release or relationships to mend? Are there gifts you’ve yet to share with our church family? The great preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.” Our growth in Christ compels us to share His love through a kind word, a helping hand, or a bold testimony.

Summer’s light encourages us to shine in knowing Him and making Him known. Let us trust God to renew our hearts, grow us in community, and trust God’s transformative work. May we be like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season (Psalm 1:3). Together, let’s make this coming summer a season of spiritual flourishing, bearing fruit that endures for eternity. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Have you ever felt God nudging you toward something bigger than yourself? That nudge became a thunderous call for the Apostle Paul, shifting him from a prestigious Pharisee to a missionary for Christ. In Acts 13:1-12, we witness the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey. It is a divine call to take the gospel to all nations. This passage challenges us to recognize our role in God’s mission to know Him and make Him known, responding with obedience and faith as everyday missionaries.

The call to spread the gospel originates from God Himself. In Acts 13:1-3, we see the church at Antioch, which was a vibrant, diverse community, worshiping and fasting together. Amid this devotion, the Holy Spirit speaks, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” This is no human initiative; it’s God’s work. The church obeys, commissioning them with prayer and the laying on of hands. This moment marks the first recorded instance of a church sending out missionaries, a divine call echoing through history.

Consider Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary born in 1867. Raised in a wealthy Christian family, she traded comfort for sacrifice after a transformative encounter with God. In 1895, she left Belfast for India, founding the Dohnavur Fellowship to rescue girls from temple prostitution. Her 55 years of service without returning home reflect a belief that God’s purpose often demands embracing hardship. Like Paul, her call was divine, not born of human ambition. As Corrie ten Boom said, “God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” God initiates the mission through His Spirit, equipping us all to answer.

Acts 13:4-5, Paul and Barnabas, sent by the Holy Spirit, journey to Cyprus (which happens to be Barnabas’s homeland) and proclaim God’s Word in the synagogues. Their immediate action reflects strategic obedience, starting where people already seek God. Picture a soldier receiving orders. Hesitation could cost lives. Similarly, stepping into God’s mission requires courage and action. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. noted, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Paul and Barnabas didn’t delay; they went, trusting the Spirit’s leading.

Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympian of the movie “Chariots of Fire” fame, embodied this obedience. After winning gold in 1924, he left athletic glory to serve as a missionary in China. Even in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, he ministered tirelessly, organizing sports and Bible studies. Liddell’s life proves that God’s call to humble service outweighs fleeting human achievement. For us, obedience means taking that first step wherever God leads.

The gospel’s advance often meets resistance, yet God’s power prevails. In Acts 13:6-12, Paul and Barnabas encounter Elymas, a sorcerer opposing their message to the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Filled with the Spirit, Paul rebukes Elymas, who is struck blind. This is a vivid display of divine authority. Astonished, the proconsul believes. This echoes Michael Yat, a Sudanese pastor who faced armed militants while preaching. The militia fled in fear when he prayed boldly, and many villagers embraced Christ. Opposition is inevitable, but God’s strength overcomes it.

God calls us by His Spirit, equips us for obedience, and empowers us through opposition. Paul’s journey began with a single step of faith. Ours can too. Where is God calling you to grow in knowing Him and making Him known? You’re an everyday missionary, whether at home, work, school, or in your community. A teacher shines as salt and light in her school; a corporate leader seeks to glorify God in his workplace; parents raise children in faith. Like Paul and Barnabas, you’re called, led, and empowered. Will you say “yes” to Jesus and surrender to His purpose? Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, began as a fierce enemy of Christianity. A devout Pharisee, he viewed the Christian movement as a perilous heresy threatening Judaism’s purity. Acts 9:1-2 captures his early zeal, “Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” His methods included violence, fear, and intimidation, marking him as a terrorist in his mission to obliterate Christ’s followers. Yet, this relentless persecutor would experience a transformation so profound that he became a foundational figure in the very faith he sought to wipe out.

Saul’s turning point came on the road to Damascus. As Acts 9:3-9 recounts, a blinding light from heaven engulfed him, and Jesus confronted him directly: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Falling to the ground, Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply was, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” which shattered his worldview. Blinded and humbled, he fasted for three days, awaiting God’s direction. This moment was echoed by the story of John Newton, a slave trader who, after surviving a life-threatening storm in 1748, saw it as divine intervention and later penned “Amazing Grace.” Both lives underscore a powerful truth. No one lies beyond God’s reach. Jesus declared His mission to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), and Saul’s encounter proves its boundless scope.

God’s grace continued its work through a hesitant vessel. In Acts 9:10-19, He called Ananias, a disciple wary of Saul’s brutal reputation, to visit him. Ananias’s fears are apparent as we read his response, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done.” However, God insisted, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” Ananias obeyed, laying hands on Saul, and “something like scales” fell from his eyes. Restored and baptized, Saul began proclaiming Christ with the fervor he once wielded against Him. Nicky Cruz’s journey, in a sense, mirrors Paul’s. Cruz was a New York gang leader dubbed “Son of Satan” by his occult-practicing parents. After encountering evangelist David Wilkerson, who boldly declared, “Jesus loves you,” Cruz surrendered to Christ, trading violence for redemption. Paul later reflected on such change: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), affirming salvation’s transformative power.

From this rebirth, Paul’s life took a radical new course. He embarked on multiple missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, founding churches in cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi. His epistles, such as Romans, Galatians, Corinthians, and others, articulate salvation by grace through faith and champion the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan. Facing shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom in Rome, Paul’s resolve never wavered. His theological insights and missionary zeal cemented his legacy as one of Christianity’s greatest champions, inspiring countless believers to pursue God wholeheartedly.

Paul’s story resonates today, offering hope and challenge. For unbelievers, it’s a testament that no sin exceeds God’s grace. Consider Josh, a tough teen I met at a California camp years ago. Resistant and intimidating, he reluctantly attended, yet one night, he surrendered his life to Christ. The next day, he boldly shared his faith with his Buddhist father. He ended a toxic relationship with his girlfriend and shared Christ with her. He returned as a transformed, yes, new creation. Yet, like all of us, he was a work in progress, as his use of colorful language that night to express his newfound love for Jesus during a worship service revealed.

For believers, Paul prompts introspection. Are we fully embracing God’s grace to live as new creations? His journey from persecutor to Apostle unveils a God who interrupts our paths, confronts us with love, and redirects us for His glory. No one is too lost, and every heart can be remade, every life transformed by His power. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!