Have you ever put your foot in your mouth? Can you recall a time when you said something and wished you could take it back? If we're being honest, we've all been guilty of being verbal arsonists at times.

See, we use our mouths every day, often without considering the impact of our words. Think of it this way: a few kind words can uplift someone who is struggling, offer guidance to someone who feels lost, restore hope to someone who is discouraged, instill faith in someone fearful, or strengthen a relationship that is beginning to weaken.
However, the same mouth that can help someone can also hurt someone deeply by damaging a relationship, creating division, and leaving behind wounds that are difficult to heal. Many of us have likely faced moments of regret about what we've said. Words often slip out before we've had a chance to consider their consequences, and once they are spoken, the harm cannot be undone. Even though our mouths are small, their impact can be significant.

Thankfully, God offers us a great deal of wisdom regarding our words and provides specific guidance on how to manage our mouths effectively. The Scriptures are clear about the destructive effects our words can have, as outlined in James 3:1-8. Additionally, James 3:9-12 reminds us of the importance of being genuine in our faith. It explains the simple yet profound truth that blessing and chronic cursing—along with everything that falls under this category, such as slander, gossip, and lying—cannot coexist in the mouth of the believer. Such behavior reflects an inconsistency that reveals a false faith. Also, God's Word helps us to develop discernment and discretion in how we speak by learning the importance of tact and timing.

If we have questions about managing our mouth, it's best to seek the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine what is happening in our hearts and depend on God's power to help us align our mouth with our faith. The question is not simply, “What am I saying?” but also, “What are my words revealing about my relationship with God?”

Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Researchers have found that we make thousands of conscious decisions every day. For instance, a study from Cornell University reveals that we make about 226 choices related to food alone! Despite these interesting findings, many of us still rely on our feelings to guide our choices. We often say things like, "My gut tells me to do this or that!" The issue with this approach is that it can be difficult to distinguish between genuine wisdom and the influence of that pepperoni pizza you ate at midnight!

See, we need to go with God, not our gut, when it comes to decisions, especially significant ones. Here are five steps on how to do that:
Pray for God's perspective: Proverbs 28:26 / TLB tells us, "A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God's wisdom are safe." Going by feelings and instincts can sometimes lead you astray. Prayerfully seek God's leading to avoid making wrong decisions.
Gather the facts: Proverbs 18:13 says, "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish." Decisions come in all shapes and sizes. No matter how big or small, you need to get the facts. Break down the numbers, consider the variables, and seek God's peace. This step will increase your prayer time because asking God before making decisions will give you clarity and direction.

Count the cost: Proverbs 20:25 says, "It is foolish and rash to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost." When you are making choices, you need to consider the cost. How will it impact your purpose and the people you care about? Most importantly, do you have God's blessing to move forward?

Ask for advice: Proverbs 19:20 tells us, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Effective decision-making requires shared thinking. Lean on trusted family members, friends, and spiritual leaders for counsel.

Apply the Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12 says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." When making decisions, it's healthy to remember the significance of treating others right. Cutting corners or going against Scripture's standards to get what you want by stepping on others or mistreating people is not God's will for you. Thus, those decisions are dead on arrival!

When you trust God instead of your gut, peace will follow. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you."

As mentioned in yesterday's devotional, the Sea of Galilee is susceptible to sudden, violent, and unpredictable storms due to its location and temperature differences. While the sea usually appears calm, it can experience extreme weather that occasionally produces waves up to 10 feet high.

The Gospels recount two stories about life-threatening storms on the sea. These storms were so fierce that even the disciples, some of whom were experienced fishermen, feared for their lives. However, these storms offer crucial lessons about faith. In yesterday's devotional, we discussed the first storm when Jesus was in the boat. Today, we will focus on the storm that occurred while Jesus was not in the boat.

Matthew 14:22-33 says, "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It's a ghost,' they said and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' 28 'Lord, if it's you, Peter replied, tell me to come to you on the water.' 29 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' 31 Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?' 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.' "

The context of this amazing story comes immediately after the miraculous feeding of over 20,000 people, which is the only other miracle besides the resurrection that is recorded in all four Gospels.

As a result of this miracle, the crowds were not only well-fed but also in a frenzy, which meant that the popularity of Jesus and His disciples was at an all-time high. This is why Jesus had to make the disciples get into the boat; they were reluctant to leave the crowd's attention and admiration. However, Jesus chose to go to a nearby mountain. After some time, a storm erupted on the Sea of Galilee that was so severe the disciples feared for their lives. Jesus saw them in the storm and came to them after they had been going against the wind all night.  

Like the disciples, you will be scared by storms, but they will also allow you to exercise faith by trusting Jesus. Notice that Peter walked on water while keeping his eyes on Jesus, but he sank when he focused on the storm. Perhaps he was waiting for Jesus to still the storm. Thus, we must remember that Jesus often calms the storm within you before He calms the storm around you. Therefore, instead of becoming fixated on the storms of adversity in your life, refocus on God's goodness and His promises.  

Like the Apostles, let us trust in Jesus and proclaim, "Truly you are the Son of God," walking over our troubles as Christ walked on the troubled sea.

NASA reports that approximately 80 tropical storms develop globally each year. Out of these, 17 reach typhoon strength in the Northwestern Pacific, while around 6 become hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The stormiest waters in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica experience cyclone-like elements, including heavy winds throughout the year, due to uninterrupted air currents over open water.  

Violent storms are not limited to large bodies of water such as oceans. Although smaller bodies of water like lakes and inland seas may not be big enough to generate massive weather systems that produce hurricanes or typhoons, their unique geographical positions, surrounding terrain, and water depth can trigger sudden and severe localized storms. These storms can form much more quickly, often providing much less warning for those needing to seek safety.

For example, the Sea of Galilee is infamously known for its sudden storms, primarily due to its "wind tunnel" effect. Located approximately 680 feet below sea level, the air directly above the water becomes trapped and heated. Surrounding this body of water are steep hills and mountains that rise to about 2,500 feet.

These two factors create a collision of winds, which causes the hot, humid air to funnel through the valleys, ultimately resulting in waves that can reach heights of 10 feet or more!
The Gospels recount two sudden storms on the Sea of Galilee that plunged the disciples into chaos. Today, we will examine the first storm and discuss the second one tomorrow.
Mark 4:35-41 records the first storm when it says, "On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, 'Let us go across to the other side.' 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?' 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?' "

Mark emphasized that this was no ordinary storm; it was life-threatening! The waves were so severe that they were overtaking the boat. Additionally, we know that at least four of the disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—were experienced fishermen. Having faced many storms on that body of water, their fear for their lives underscores the seriousness of this particular storm.

Perhaps you are in a storm right now. It could be medical, emotional, relational, or financially related. But, like the disciples, fear has taken over, and the outcome appears to be in doubt.

As a result of this storm, you are experiencing a tsunami of stress! The only way to stop this monsoon of madness is to trust God because faith in the power of Christ calms the rough waters and windy conditions of life. Thus, take notice of Jesus' words in verse 39 when He said to the storm, "Peace! Be Still!"

Remember that the disciples were safe before Jesus spoke those words because He is the source of peace. True peace is not the absence of the storm but the presence of Jesus' peace in the storm. The same holds for your adversity. Even if the conditions are unrelenting, believe that Jesus will take you to the "other side” and you can stay calm in the chaos (Mark 4:35.)

There is a well-known historical legend regarding the origin of the word 'sincere.' It is said that it comes from ancient pottery that was marked as 'without wax.' Although linguists argue that this is merely a story, the metaphor effectively illustrates what true genuineness and sincerity represent.

In ancient Rome and Greece, high-quality pottery was highly valued. When a craftsman accidentally cracked a jar or vase during firing, dishonest merchants would fill the cracks with a white, pearly wax that closely resembled the clay. After painting over the repair, the flaw would be completely concealed from unsuspecting buyers in a dimly lit marketplace.
The only way to determine whether a piece of pottery was genuine was to hold it up to the sunlight. The intense heat and light would quickly melt any wax or expose the dark line where a crack had been concealed. Honest merchants who sold flawless goods would stamp their pottery with the Latin phrase "sine cera," meaning "without wax." This is where it is said that our modern English word "sincere" originates.
Whether this story is folklore or not, the fact remains that we need to be genuine and sincere in what we do, especially as it pertains to our faith.  

In his letter to persecuted believers, James made the case for authenticity in the faith. In
James 1:26-27, he painted a clear picture of what real faith looks like when he said, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

Many people believe they are religious because they wear Christian T-shirts. Others copy and paste AI-generated content to create an illusion of spirituality on their social media feeds. However, their disingenuous behavior tells a different story. Whether it's condemning others for actions they themselves engage in or spreading slander and gossip, their true colors are revealed.

James argues that such "religion" is worthless. He provides three key examples:
The Tongue: Insulting, judgmental words, lying, and gossip can label a person as fake. If these are the words coming out of your mouth, you are straying from genuine faith.  

Orphans and Widows: These groups represent the most vulnerable members of society, both in ancient times and today. We should actively contribute to church causes that support those in need.

Clean Hands: As much as possible, we should strive to lead lives that are not dominated by sin.

By examining these areas and removing the pretense of fakeness, we can demonstrate that our faith is indeed authentic.

In the 1840s, a medical tragedy unfolded at the Vienna General Hospital. In the first maternity ward, healthy mothers were dying from a mysterious illness known as "childbed fever" at an alarming rate—sometimes as high as 18%. In contrast, the second ward, managed by midwives, reported a significantly lower death rate. No one could explain the discrepancy.

A brilliant doctor named Ignaz Semmelweis observed a troubling pattern. The doctors in the first ward spent their mornings performing autopsies on deceased patients and then went directly into the maternity ward to deliver babies without washing their hands. Germ theory had not yet been established, so these doctors were unknowingly spreading microscopic pathogens.

In 1847, Semmelweis implemented a strict rule requiring every doctor to wash their hands in a chlorine solution before touching any patient. The results were immediate and remarkable. Within months, the death rate in the first ward plummeted to nearly zero. The doctors were not trying to harm anyone; they were genuinely attempting to bring new life into the world. However, they were failing to eliminate the hidden contamination lingering on their hands.

Similarly, when we do not fully address the contamination of sin in our lives, we hinder the growth of God's Word within us. It is essential to confess any chronic, moral, and premeditated sins; however, the process of cleansing doesn't end there. Just like doctors who do not take precautions to look for hidden germs, we might also have underlying sins that we are unaware of, such as bitterness, resentment, pride, judgmentalism, and a negative attitude. While these shortcomings may be apparent to those around us, we can still be oblivious to them in our own lives.

James 1:19-21 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Analyzing these verses will help us eliminate the germs of sin. First, we should note that the guidance begins with listening rather than talking. To learn and experience transformation in our lives, we need to adopt a teachable and quiet spirit. Additionally, we must put the brakes on any feelings of anger, whether directed toward God or others, as these emotions are ultimately unproductive. Lastly, James specifically calls for the confession of any sin and plans of transgression.

Finally, he encourages his audience to receive God's Word with humility. The term "receive" serves as a call to action and a strategy for preparation. In this context, the metaphor of planting is used: just as you would prepare the soil to accept a seed, we should ready our hearts in the ways mentioned earlier. God's Word is essential for saving our souls—leading us from salvation through sanctification and ultimately guiding us into heaven. God is faithful, and we must respond with obedience to what He has spoken.

Did you know that you can attend a college-accredited course without being responsible for the requirements listed in the syllabus? Though the rules and availability vary by school and professor, you can "Audit" a class of your choosing.   Although there is a formal registration process that may include a fee, you can take a class in which you are not accountable for attendance or assignments. However, if you choose to audit a class, you will not be receiving credit on your academic transcript.  

We sometimes treat God's Word as if we can simply "audit" church services, Bible study groups, classes, and gatherings without being accountable for what we learn. However, God's will is for us not to view the Bible as merely an academic exercise that checks a religious box or as occasional inspirational sayings. Instead, we should see His Words as teachings that we need to put into practice without delay.

James 1:22-25, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Being a doer doesn't mean we have the whole Bible memorized or that we impose self-righteous standards on ourselves or others. Rather, God is calling us to actively hear what He says in the Scriptures and apply it. To meet this objective, think of the word obedience. In Luke 11:28 Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
When we do this, we will not forget what we read like that man in verses 23 and 24 above who looks intently in the mirror only to forget what he saw!  

James shares with us a profound motivation for focusing on God's Word, describing it as the perfect law of liberty. A proper understanding of both the Old and New Testaments reveals that it is impossible to be sinless and atone for those transgressions in our strength. This is why we need the grace of God. However, the purpose of God's law is not to remind us of how sinful or foolish we are. On the contrary, God's perfect truth has the power to set us free from sin and death.

With this understanding, let us seize every opportunity to hear God's Word and apply it in our daily lives. The last thing we should do is expect spiritual growth, greater trust from God, and opportunities to serve if we are merely auditing the Bible. Let us put the Bible into practice!

Oxford Language Dictionary states that a cycle is a series of events regularly repeated in the same order. Some cycles serve good purposes. For example, there is an oxygen cycle, when plants and animals use oxygen to respire and return it to the air and water as carbon dioxide. There is a water cycle, meaning water from different bodies evaporates, cools, condenses, and falls back to the earth as rain. The biogeochemical cycle refers to the movement of nutrients and other elements between biotic and abiotic factors. Perhaps more familiar is the cycle setting for your washing machine, which allows your clothes to be washed the same way each time.

However, there are also destructive cycles in this life that, if not responded to correctly, can cause severe damage to your overall well-being. A harmful example is one you have to stop immediately: the shame cycle. This cycle is more often than not a result of our wrong choices, but it is also possible to incur shame from unfair and hurtful treatment from others. The urgency to break free from this destructive cycle is paramount.
Through my personal journey, I have discovered that seeking the Lord is not just a way but the only way to break free from the shame cycle. This realization has brought me immense hope and encouragement; it can do the same for you.

In Isaiah 61:7, God declared that there is no place for shame in His Son's kingdom plans when it says, "Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land, they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy." We can apply this proclamation to Jesus' First and Second Coming. For example, Jesus removed the shame label for the woman caught in adultery. John 8:10-11 says, "Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, 'Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?' 11 'No, Lord,' she said. And Jesus said, 'Neither do I. Go and sin no more.' "

Concerning the events leading to the Second Coming, Revelation 12:10-11 says, "Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.' "

Remember, there is no shame if you're in Christ. Romans 8:1 declares, "There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus."

According to Old Testament passages, Jewish believers were to participate in the observance of Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement. As of sundown later today, Yom Kippur will commence.

Specific practices on this special day include a 25-hour fast, prayer, abstaining from work, suspending regular activities, withholding the application of makeup, brushing teeth, bathing, and wearing jewelry. The primary focus is to seek the forgiveness that only God can offer.

Our Jewish friends participate with this level of commitment because Yom Kippur is considered the most sacred of feasts and festivals. The focal point is to rely on the high priest to perform specific rituals for the atonement of sin as taught. This annual event began when Aaron (Moses' brother) entered the innermost room of the temple known as the Holy of Holies. This particular ceremony was to be conducted with the utmost respect and reverence. God provided specific instructions on how and when Aaron and future officiating priests would enter this sacred place (Leviticus 16 and 23:27-28).
However, as historical as Yom Kippur is, the actions of that day were temporary. See, these Old Testament practices foreshadowed what was to come.

Hebrews 10:1-5a; 10 explains, "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world...10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."  To God be the glory for the love He has shown us by atoning for our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians 5:21 declares this powerful truth: "God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Problems, pressures, and pains can give us paralysis of analysis. We get caught up spending time trying to figure out our troubles. As a result, we get stuck while fear alters our focus and frustration begins to dominate our feelings. Our ability to make reasonable decisions seems like a distant memory, and problem-solving seems impossible.
In those moments, we need to know what to do when we don't know what to do! Thankfully, Scripture provides us with many helpful and time-saving commands. However, even though we may be familiar with these truths and verses, applying them can be a whole other challenge. Often, God's guidance goes against our feelings and our desire to control situations. Therefore, humility combined with obedience is essential for receiving and acting on what God wants us to do, and ultimately, what we need to do.

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

James emphasizes that trials will come, making difficulties a part of life. Notice, we are commanded to focus on our joy rather than our adversity when faced with life's trials. That's the secret sauce. The hidden gem. The family recipe. Our first and most important step when dealing with adversity of any kind is to double down in our focus on God.  
Through the years, I have seen both positive and negative examples of faith within the church. I have witnessed people facing health crises, significant family loss, sudden unemployment, and financial hardships who remain steadfast in their commitment to God. Conversely, I have also seen individuals use their struggles as an excuse to step away from the church or abandon their faith altogether. While they may continue to go to work or enjoy leisure activities, God is no longer a priority for them.

I have never felt compelled to judge either perspective because I understand that sometimes life can be so challenging that we lose sight of reality and what truly matters. However, we cannot allow our adversities to serve as excuses. Instead, let your troubles inspire you to persevere and pursue God even more fervently. As a result, you will undoubtedly grow closer and stronger to the Lord.

Perhaps that is what James was alluding to when he spoke about joy, endurance, and the importance of lacking nothing.

In simple terms, when you're unsure of what to do during a trial, turn to God and promptly act on His commands.

Medical studies indicate that various factors can contribute to illness. These factors include Infectious Pathogens, which are harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions. Secondly, lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, substance abuse, poor sleep habits, inactivity, and, of course, chronic stress. Thirdly, environmental factors like air pollution, water contamination, toxic chemicals, and radiation. Finally, genetics can contribute to a lack of well-being because of chromosomal and single-gene disorders.

One additional factor that can contribute to illness, though often unmentioned, is keeping secrets. Research in both behavioral and medical fields indicates that holding onto secrets can negatively affect physical health. This can lead to various issues, including cardiovascular problems, a weakened immune system, heightened stress levels, hormonal imbalances, worsening of existing conditions, and gastrointestinal distress. Similarly, your mental health can be compromised by keeping secrets. For example, holding secrets can increase anxiety, lead to depression, create mood disorders, cause additional stress, and create the urge to isolate.

These medical realities become even more likely if those secrets are sinful. If you are hiding an unhealthy and immoral habit, you will either become filled with guilt or, if it is not addressed over time, become so desensitized that you slip into a state of apathy. In either case, keeping sinful secrets can be detrimental to your well-being.
With this in mind, keep short accounts with God by being quick to confess any past transgressions and potential secrets that would be deemed sinful. Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."

In my experience talking with people and listening to their stories and secret struggles, I've noticed a pattern. When they confess their secrets, they often feel relief and begin their journey toward healing and holiness. Therefore, I encourage you to share your secrets with the Lord, and if needed, seek guidance from a trusted pastor or friend. You will never regret being open with the Lord because He already knows what we are going through and is ready to help.

First John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Today, we remember one of the most defining days in our nation's history. Although a quarter-century has passed, the attacks on September 11, 2001, remain vivid in our memories. The promise we made in the days that followed—never to forget—becomes more challenging as a new generation grows up and some lawmakers and educators attempt to alter the history of that day.

While stories of bravery and heroism from that fateful day continue to inspire us, the reality of the tragedy still weighs heavily on our hearts. According to reports from the CDC, Reuters, and other sources, more individuals have died from illnesses linked to the Ground Zero area after 9/11 than the number of victims who lost their lives on that day. These findings indicate that more than 9,400 people—three times the 2,977 individuals who died on September 11—have succumbed to health issues related to exposure to the toxic environment at and around Ground Zero.

Also, there are thousands of first responders, city workers, and residents who continue to struggle with illnesses related to 9/11. This serves as a reminder that some wounds from that day are not visible, and many battles persist long after the headlines fade and anniversaries pass. Perhaps what often gets lost in the news coverage is the grief that the families of 9/11 still carry from that painful day.  

Although the reality of this unimaginable tragedy is difficult to revisit, we hold on to the hope and resolve that comes from looking to God for refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."

In the aftermath of September 11th, our country was reminded of the importance of seeking "God's refuge and strength." The national pause for prayer and reliance on God was not just an emotional reaction. The gathering of 150 members of Congress—both Democrats and Republicans, including House members and Senators—on the east front steps of the U.S. Capitol for a moment of silence, followed by a spontaneous singing of "God Bless America," was not merely political theater. Rather, it represented a nation at its lowest point, shaken to its core, with the only reasonable response being to look to the Lord for help.

Twenty-five years later, we still need to look to the Lord, and the prosperity of our nation will depend on whether we seek His refuge and strength, not only on the tough days but every day to follow.

May God bless the memory of those who perished in the 911 attacks. May we keep our promise to the next generation and to generations to come: never forget. May we continue to hold in the highest regard the heroes who put their lives on the line to save others on that day.

May we remain vigilant against politicians who share the ideologies of the terrorists responsible for these attacks. And may we strive to be a nation that puts its trust in the Lord our God.

When you start new chapters in your life, the transition can bring about feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. If you experience these feelings, it means you have a pulse and are in touch with your feelings. However, it's important to have this solid game plan: know and trust that God goes before you in your new surroundings.

That is precisely the counsel Moses gave to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:8 when he said, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

In this pivotal moment recorded and preserved for us in the Old Testament, Moses is 120 years old, and his leadership is coming to an end. Israel is on the doorstep of the Promised Land; however, Moses will not be going with them. Instead, Joshua will lead the people into this next chapter of their journey. Moses essentially commissions Joshua as the new leader, reminding him that God goes before him in this significant new responsibility.

This counsel from Moses was timely because Joshua was going somewhere he had never been before to face situations that he had never faced before. To amplify any feelings of trepidation that Joshua might have felt, his trusted and steadfast leader and mentor, Moses, would not be with him. Therefore, Moses knew that Joshua would need reassurance.

Notice that his words are not mystical or filled with empty spiritual clichés. Instead, Moses shares one of the most important theological truths we can offer someone in any situation, especially when they are stepping into a new phase of life: "God goes before you."

Remember, Moses wasn't suggesting that God promised a life free of trouble, battles, mistakes, or problems—that would be misleading. Instead, he highlighted the truth of God's protection and provision, which comes from the Lord's presence. Likewise, you will have your share of struggles and experience stress, but don't let that stop you from seeing the promise of God's presence and His empowerment.  
Joshua didn't need to know everything that awaited him on the other side of the Jordan because God was already waiting for him there.

We need to focus on the same truths from Scripture for ourselves or for those we know facing new beginnings, like Joshua.

God goes before you, and He will surely lead and provide for you.

Although spontaneity can be fun at times, developing a pattern that works for your life ultimately leads to success. Repeated and sustained movement is what you call rhythm.  

For example, a healthy heart relies on maintaining a proper rhythm. When the heart is in rhythm, cardiologists call it "sinus rhythm." This term is derived from the sinus node, also known as the sinoatrial node, which functions as the heart's natural pacemaker and initiates each normal electrical signal.

In musical settings, rhythm is also essential. Regardless of how many great instruments you have, the sound will only be pleasing if there is clarity in the tempo. Similarly, in basketball, players need to be in sync with each other to help their team succeed.  

Recently, the New York Knicks' historic and unprecedented run to win the NBA Championship was marked by unmistakable team chemistry, also referred to as "being in rhythm."

Likewise, you can advance through life by being in rhythm with God. Challenges that once seemed impossible are now doable, and temptations that got the best of you are now behind you. The time, talents, and money you held onto are now freely given to God. Even those decisions you have been putting off because of fear are now being approached with faith.

In addition, rather than making choices by yourself, you seek God and the counsel of others just as the Scriptures direct you to do. You are no longer the captain of your ship. As a result, you experience breakthroughs and the spiritual blessings of confidence and peace. God also blesses you with opportunities to serve His plans. All of this is possible when you are in rhythm with God.

To get in rhythm with God and remain in that cadence, you need to commit everything you seek to do before the Lord. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

You want to bring everything under the covering of God. If what you bring before Him contradicts His Word, and you do it anyway, you are in danger of getting out of rhythm. When we operate outside God's plan, we miss what He wants us to learn from the struggles or misuse of our talents. We want a 100% attitude of trust and obedience before God. An old missionary once said, "God will always take full responsibility for a life given to Him." The fruit of that responsibility is the joy of being in rhythm with God.

Therefore, prayerfully evaluate your rhythm. Listen to yourself — are you consumed with complaining and whining? Are you self-promoting or selfishly driven to accomplish your agenda at any cost? Is there a sin struggle you are trying to cover up? Is there any bitterness that you are harboring? How is your time with the Lord going? These internal questions before God can help you identify if you lack a healthy rhythm with God.

Get your rhythm back by seeking God through prayer and the Scriptures. Then, commit yourself and your plans back over to Him.

Whether you're starting your first semester at college, beginning a new job, moving to a new city, entering a new relationship, becoming parents for the first time, or turning the page on a difficult season of life, God's promises remain the same.

This truth from Scripture is essential to keep in mind during any transition. For instance, Insider Reports of Higher Education revealed that in a 2023 study involving approximately 300,000 college students across 108 U.S. institutions, more than half reported experiencing homesickness. Specifically, 45% of students said they felt homesick sometimes, while another 11% reported feeling that way often.  

A 2025 BambooHR/TalentLMS study revealed that 39% of employees reconsidered their new job during onboarding, while 42% felt overwhelmed by receiving too much information at once.

The Pew Research Center reported on a 2024 survey regarding moving and housing. Their findings revealed that approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults (21%) reported moving in the past five years, highlighting how common major geographic transitions are. Additionally, Pew found that individuals who move frequently are more likely to feel less connected to their community.

While our surroundings change, God's character and what you know to be true about Him stay the same. Consider these verses:

In Joshua 1:9, God declares, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Second Corinthians 1:20 says, "For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory."

Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."

And Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

New location, same love from God.
New baby, same blessings from God.
New positions, same purposes from God.
New chapter, same covering from God.
New responsibilities, same empowerment from God.
New stresses, same unwavering support from God.
New places, same promises from God.

In times of change, we need to rely on God more, and it is during these unique seasons of life that we experience the most growth.

Life can be challenging, and it's easy to get caught up in that reality. Our attention often shifts directly to our problems. However, Scripture consistently reminds us through the Psalms, Proverbs, the New Testament parables, and His promises that God remains faithful, even when we may be faithless!  

Therefore, a wise conviction to develop, especially in seasons of difficulty, is to "focus on what God says instead of what I see." We may see a battle, but God sees a victory. We may see an obstacle, but God sees an opportunity for growth. We may see fear, but God sees the possibility of great faith. We may see insurmountable odds, but God sees overwhelming strength. We may see our own limitations, but God sees His power working in our weakness.

The story of Gideon is a reminder to focus on what God says. Judges 6:14-18 says, "And the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?' 15 And he said to him, ‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father'shouse.'  And the Lord said to him, 'But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.’ 17 And he said to him, 'If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me.18 Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.' And he said, I will wait until your return.'"
Gideon was fixated on his weaknesses—his family's limitations, his position within the family, and the adverse circumstances of his nation. He was essentially saying, "Look at who I am!" But God responded with, "I am with you." While Gideon saw himself as "the weakest link," God assured him, "I am with you." Gideon focused on all the reasons why he couldn't succeed, but God promised, "I will."

We must remember that faith does not mean denying what we see; rather, faith focuses on what God has said. The problems are real, but so is God. The challenges may feel overwhelming, but God is with us. We are weak, but God is strong. Adopting this mindset paves the way for God's peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Knowing this, we should stand firm in who God is and what He says.

A young man experienced a profound loss when his father passed away at a young age. He was told that the emotions of grief would eventually subside. However, what he wasn't told was how many times those emotions would resurface. With each passing day and every subtle reminder of his father, the pain grew stronger. Unbeknownst to him, a wedge of questions began to form between him and his faith. He wondered, "How could God allow this?" and "Why did my father's loss happen?"

As the days turned into months, a wedge of questions began to create a gap in his relationship with God. This new normal of feeling emotionally empty and spiritually frustrated troubled the young man. Rather than allow the grief cycle to take hold of him once again, he decided to reach out to a minister for some help.

What the pastor told him not only provided immediate relief but also paved the way for God's peace amidst his storm of grief. The seasoned minister encouraged the young man to bring his questions to God. He explained that God has broad shoulders and can handle any questions or doubts he may have about grief, pain, and anything else, for that matter.
Scripture gives evidence of the pastor's counsel. In the book of Judges, we find Gideon in hiding, questioning God's whereabouts while Israel suffers under severe oppression from the Midianites. Judges 6:6 says, "Israel was brought very low because of Midian." When we are introduced to Gideon in this account, he is threshing wheat in a winepress. This is significant because wheat is normally threshed in an open, elevated area so the person can effectively separate the grain from the chaff. Gideon is there because he doesn't want the Midianites to see him. He's there because he's living under oppression and he is afraid. However, heaven doesn't see this as Gideon being faithless or unfaithful.  

Judges 6:11-13 records, "Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.' 13 And Gideon said to him, 'Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying,…”

Notice that God approached Gideon and provided him with the space to question his circumstances. Just as the minister counseled the grieving young man, God allows Gideon to process life's emotional pain through similar questions. God referred to Gideon as a mighty warrior, not as a wimp. He reminded Gideon of his purpose rather than imposing a religious punishment for having questions about his pain.
The Lord meets us in the midst of our struggles. He reminds us of our purpose and gives us the space to question Him. This openness leads to healing and ultimately brings us His peace.

Understanding this, we should offer unwavering support to those we know who are suffering, especially those who have lost someone. Avoid allowing misguided theological beliefs to pass judgment or lead to the use of inaccurate spiritual clichés, as these can be cold and unhealthy.

Thank God for the space of transparency He gives to us as we process our pains in this life.

Have you encountered a challenge that drained you? If so, Moses can relate! In Exodus 17, we learn about a significant moment in his leadership of the Israelite people that involved a battle with the infamous Amalekites.  

No doubt, the emotional, mental, and eventually physical fatigue of praying and leading the people against this formidable foe exhausted Moses. Thankfully, he wasn't alone on that hilltop seeking God.

Exodus 17:10-13, "Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12 When Moses's hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword."

Notice that Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms when he grew weary. These characters are really unsung heroes in many ways. First, they are humble in that they don't need to be the one holding the staff; they are content with supporting the one God chose, which is Moses. Secondly, they believed, as Moses did, that to be successful on the battlefield, they need to seek God on the mountain for strength.  

In life, you need to surround yourself with people who believe in God's empowerment. That type of maturity and faith shows up in several tangible ways.  
When there is a need or an opportunity, people who believe in God's empowerment do not doubt or talk about how big the problem is; instead, they focus on how great God and His resources are.  

Likewise, when there is a potential conflict between people, they act as a peacemaker, not a troublemaker, and advise those in question to pursue peace and to show grace. Anything outside of those actions represents a person who does not trust God's empowerment.
Moses surrounded himself with men who supported him rather than criticized him. Aaron and Hur were different from others who complained during crises instead of seeking God.
These are the types of people you need in your life. Men and women of God who believe that He is more than capable of providing for us in ways we can't even imagine.

Therefore, let the fakes and prideful actors who sound more like a recycled algorithm from Instagram than someone who walks by faith and not by sight go.  

Thank God for the Aarons and Hurs that God puts in our lives and, when given the chance, lets us do the same.

When a crisis arises, it's essential to make decisions that will help you overcome obstacles. This is precisely what we observe from Moses. As the Israelites traveled to Rephidim, located on the Sinai Peninsula, they encountered a significant challenge: they had no water. Nevertheless, Moses trusted God, and water was miraculously provided, and crisis number one was averted.  

Much like our present-day experiences, Moses and the people had one problem solved, but another came to take its place.

Exodus 17:8-9 tells us, "At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. 9 Moses said to Joshua, 'Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God's staff in my hand.’”

The people of Amalek are first introduced in Genesis 36, as Amalek is the grandson of Esau. Throughout the Old Testament, the Amalekites become one of Israel's persistent enemies.  

Notice that Moses stays calm and quickly makes two important decisions. First, he instructs his military commander to carefully select men for the battle. Based on Moses' actions in previous passages, it is clear that the chosen men were to be warriors who were not only skilled in battle but also true believers in the Lord God Almighty and His power to achieve victory.  

Next, we see Moses ascend the hilltop with the Staff of God, which was once his rod. As a shepherd, your rod or staff is your primary tool for leading and caring for the sheep. Back in Exodus 4, God transformed that staff from an ordinary shepherd's tool into an extraordinary symbol of His omnipotence. From that point on, we refer to it as the Rod of God or God's staff. Moses used it to turn the Nile River's water into blood, bring plagues, summon hail and locusts, and part the Red Sea. Now, in a time of great need, Moses seeks God with the staff in hand.

These two decisions—instructing Joshua and seeking God for help—ultimately invited God's favor and positioned the Israelites for victory.

Remember, each of us faces battles that are greater than our own strength, but God never intended for us to fight them alone. When we put our trust in Him, we learn to follow His guidance, rely on His power, and rest in the victory that ultimately comes from Him.
Consider the decisions you need to make today. Do they align with Scripture, or are you perhaps listening to those who lack faith or engage in fearmongering? We are called to walk by faith, not by sight or fear. Additionally, reflect on which areas of obedience you need to commit to practicing today.

By God's grace, we can make decisions that align with His direction.

Proactively protecting your valuables extends far beyond a lock and key these days. You will likely create dozens of accounts in your personal and professional life. Each of these accounts requires passwords and sometimes multiple forms of authentication. Creating secure passwords and remembering them all can be challenging and annoying! Nevertheless, these defensive measures are necessary in a world where scams and cyber crimes are increasing daily, so security makes sense.

Wouldn't it be great if we could set up a password for our minds? We are bombarded with adverse thoughts throughout the day, every day! Some of these mind games include feelings of insecurity, "I am not good enough." Or "I am never going to make it." Other examples may be associated with fear, which produces a cowardly or defeated mentality. Sometimes, it's unrelenting temptations, and other times, it's loneliness. As a result, our thinking gets tangled up in unhealthy thoughts, and we begin to tank emotionally and mentally.

Thus, as with those online accounts, we must guard our minds with protective actions. Nobody's negativity should have instant and immediate access to our minds. Nor should we allow ourselves to be reckless and dwell on discouragement when things don't go our way. How do we do that? We do it by using Scriptural passwords (Colossians 3:2 and Philippians 4:8):

First, we must get our minds out of the gutter and onto God's kingdom plans. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." For example, if I focus on lustful or selfish thinking, my mind will be vulnerable to attack. It's the equivalent of using the word "password" as your online banking password, which some people do! Your enemy, the devil, will easily break into your day with harmful thoughts.

Secondly, we must change our focus, and our attitude will follow. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." We must be purposeful in making healthy choices regarding our thinking, or negativity will rob us of whatever joy or purpose we have!

If you set a password to protect yourself from ungodly thinking and choose to focus on godly principles, you will be in a position to receive God's peace and purpose for your life!

A runner once shared that one of the most bizarre aspects of long-distance racing is reaching a point where the finish line is no longer in sight. After running for miles, exhaustion sets in, and the initial excitement has diminished. At that moment, all that remains is the road directly in front of you.

Despite not seeing the finish line, the runner continues. They trust that the finish line remains ahead. This illustrates faith.

There are times when we can see the battle but not the victory, when we can identify the problem but cannot find the solution. We may recognize the struggle yet fail to see what God is accomplishing behind the scenes. It's during these moments that trust becomes essential.

Israel experienced such a moment in Exodus 17 when they were attacked by Amalek. They had to fight, but Joshua could not see how the battle would conclude, just as Moses could not foresee the outcome from the mountain. However, they possessed something far more significant than knowledge of the outcome—they had God's presence and His guidance.

Exodus 17:8-15 says, At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. 9 Moses said to Joshua,“Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.” 10 Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed.12 When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword. 14 The Lord then said to Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.”

When Moses referred to the LORD as 'Jehovah Nissi,' he declared, "The LORD is my banner." Throughout ancient history, a banner symbolized allegiance and the authority under which one fought. Moses was reminding the Israelites that their confidence did not ultimately rest on their army, their strength, or even their leaders; instead, it was grounded in the LORD. Although we may face challenges, we do not face them alone. We stand under God's banner, and the ultimate victory belongs to Him.

Knowing this, when you’re going through a battle, don’t focus on what you can see; focus on what you believe about God from the Scriptures.

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

Join me later at Crossroads or online as we explore Jehovah Nissi—the LORD our Banner—and discover that while the battle may be ours to fight, the victory ultimately belongs to the LORD.

A man once visited a pottery studio and noticed a large pile of cracked and broken pieces of clay sitting in a corner. He asked the potter, “Are those pieces ruined? Are they just leftovers that can no longer be used?”

The potter smiled and replied, “Not at all. Those pieces will be crushed, mixed with fresh clay, and put back on the wheel. What may look broken to you is actually material that I can reshape into something beautiful.”

The man was astonished that the potter could see potential in something he only viewed as broken.

That is often how God works in our lives. We encounter disappointments, failures, and circumstances that seem impossible to fix. In these moments, we might look at our situation and think, “This is too broken. This is too bitter. Nothing good can come from this.”

However, God sees things differently.

At Marah, the Israelites faced bitter water and a disappointing situation. While they were focused on their struggles, God saw an opportunity to reveal His character. He transformed what was undrinkable into something they could accept, showing Himself as Jehovah Rapha—the Lord who heals.

Exodus 15:22-27, "Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water.23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 And he cried to the Lord, and the Lordshowed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them,26 saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water."

God does not waste our difficult seasons. The same God who transformed bitter waters can also transform bitter hearts, broken dreams, and painful circumstances for His purposes.

A man complained to his neighbor that the family across the street never seemed to wash their windows. Every morning during their daily walk, he would say, "Look how dirty their windows are! They really should take some time to clean them."
The next day, he looked out and exclaimed, "Finally! Their windows are sparkling clean!" He was eager to call his neighbor and share the news. However, before he could pick up the phone, his wife approached him with a grin and said, "No, honey. You can see that their windows are clean because I woke up early this morning and washed ours!"

The issue had never been the neighbors' windows—it was his own. A prideful perspective works the same way. Instead of addressing their culpability and admitting their faults, they become obsessed with everyone else's windows but their own.

To determine if you resemble our friend with the dirty windows, consider the following questions:
Are you making choices based on pride?
Are you focused on the faults of others (their windows) while neglecting to acknowledge your own (your dirty windows)?
Do you tend to demonize those who don’t share your perspective?
Do you gossip with your neighbor about other people's windows?
Do you have a history of conflict with others?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, take some time to clean your own windows by confession to the Lord. Keep in mind that it can be easier to point out others' failures or shift blame than to confront the issues in your own heart and essentially clean your windows.

Jesus cautioned His followers about being focused on the windows of others in Matthew 7:1–5 when He said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

Remember,  a proud heart looks and focuses on flaws in others. A humble heart first asks God to search and cleanse itself. When pride fills the heart, gossip, slander, and unjust criticism often follow.

Knowing this, prayerfully clean your windows and honor God by treating people right.

Each day, we face a choice: Will our actions and words build trust or break it? God calls His people to be known for their truth, integrity, and grace.

A man spread false rumors about his co-worker. Eventually, his conscience weighed heavily on him, prompting him to ask his pastor how he could make amends.

The pastor gave him a big feather pillow and said, "On a windy day, cut it open."

The man followed the instructions, and on that first windy day, he cut the pillow open, and the feathers flew in every direction. He came back and told the pastor, and the wise minister said, "Now go and gather all the feathers!"

The man replied, "That's impossible!"

The pastor responded, "Exactly. It's the same way with false words. Once they fly out of your mouth, you can make excuses and even apologize, but you can never fully recover from the damage they cause."

We have much to learn from the pastor's wise counsel.

Bearing false witness may only take a few minutes on the phone, a few careless seconds of posting on social media, or even just a quick comment between bites at a BBQ. However, the damage caused can be significant and costly. Trust can be broken, opportunities lost, and an unhealthy track record of conflict develops. For this reason, God commands us to protect our neighbor's reputation by speaking the truth and avoiding the bearing or toleration of a false witness.

In the Old Testament, Exodus 20:16 states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus references this command in Mark 10:19, which says, "You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ”

What does this mean for us? First, we need to guard our words and our ears closely. Never compromise your integrity by taking the low road of spreading false statements about people or situations. Likewise, be cautious of those who discuss sensitive issues without the other person being present. Also, engaging with such gossip is unhealthy and unproductive for you. I personally like to implement a rule: verify, verify, then trust. I will know right away if someone is bearing false witness, and my responsibility, especially in the context of the church, is to shut it down.  

Exodus 23:1 says, "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness."

If you have spread lies or entertained them, as always, the way back is repentance and taking responsibility for the feathers you have released.

One of the most fascinating plants in the world is the Chinese bamboo tree. After it is planted, it may seem like nothing is happening. For years, the gardener waters it, fertilizes it, and protects it, but there is little to no visible growth above the ground.

However, beneath the surface, something special is occurring. The bamboo is developing an extensive root system that will support its future growth. Once this foundation is established, the tree can grow several feet in just a matter of weeks.
If someone were to judge the process solely by what they could see, they might conclude that nothing is happening. In reality, the most important work is taking place out of sight.

A character in the Bible who can relate to that bamboo tree is Abraham. God made special promises to him, but it would take approximately 25 years until he saw the beginning of those plans unfold.  

Abraham may have felt that nothing was happening and that his faith wasn't strong enough during those years of waiting. However, God was working faithfully beneath the surface of what could be seen—strengthening Abraham's faith, reshaping his identity, and teaching him to trust in His Name, El Shaddai. Therefore, before fulfilling His promise to Abraham, God took time to do work in Abraham.  

Genesis 17:1a, 2-5 says, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty…  2 I will set up my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell facedown, and God spoke with him: 4 “As for me, here is my covenant with you: You will become the father of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations."

If you are going to trust God and His timing, you need to recognize that before He changes your circumstances, He changes you! God works on the inside, as He did in Abraham's life.
It’s important to note that the Hebrew name Abraham means "Father of a Multitude." This change bestowed by God is both significant and strategic.

God was aligning Abraham's name with His promise and bringing about a transformation in Abraham's focus that would guide him for the rest of his life.
Remember, you may not see all that God is doing, but He is working while you are waiting on Him!

Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 37:7a, "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act..."