Choose Love

  Listen, so many of us feel like we can’t be real. We feel like we can’t be vulnerable. Especially when you’re in ministry, there’s this unspoken pressure to always be strong, to always “show up” with a smile, and to give the appearance that everything is fine. But the truth is, sometimes everything isn’t fine. If I can be honest with you, the last couple of weeks have been hard for me to “show up” and act like everything is together when, in reality, it isn’t. Before this past Sunday, I was showing up—but I was doing so out of  obligation , not from a heart that was fully engaged with God. I felt bruised, battered, and spiritually worn down. I’ve been pouring and pouring into others without taking the time to be poured into myself. My time with God has been shorter, quieter, and less intentional than usual, and because of that, I felt so far away from Him. Yet, I kept “showing up.” But here’s what God is teaching me:  you don’t always have to show up at your best. ...

  “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is just and right and fair—every good path.” — Proverbs 2:1-9 (NIV) In a world overflowing with information, true wisdom is a rare and precious treasure. Proverbs 2:1-9 offers a timeless guide for those who seek not just knowledge, but the deep, life-giving wisdom that comes from God. This passage invites us to pursue wisdom with intention, promising t...

  “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Life often feels like a series of chapters, some filled with joy, others marked by pain or regret. We tend to carry the weight of our past—mistakes, losses, or even successes that define us. Yet, in Isaiah 43:18-19, God offers a powerful invitation: to let go of what was and embrace what He is doing now. This passage, spoken to the Israelites in exile, resonates with us today, offering hope and a fresh perspective on God’s transformative work in our lives. Letting Go of the Past God’s command to “forget the former things” isn’t about erasing memories or denying our experiences. Instead, it’s a call to release the grip that the past has on us. For the Israelites, this meant not being defined by their captivity or their failures. For us, it might mean letting go of guil...