SEPTEMBER 5, 2025

 “God created us for this: to live our lives in a way that makes him look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is. This is what it means to be created in the image of God.” 

― John Piper

PROVERBS 7-8

32“Now then, my children, listen to me;

blessed are those who keep my ways.

33Listen to my instruction and be wise;

do not disregard it.

34Blessed are those who listen to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at my doorway.

35For those who find me find life

and receive favor from the Lord.

36But those who fail to find me harm themselves;

all who hate me love death.” (8:32-36)

1 CORINTHIANS 14:21-40

 24But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

JOURNAL 

This life is really short. Whether it is ten years or a hundred, life here always ends, and in the scope of eternity it is only a breath. James reminds us, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Even knowing this reality, I still hate endings—the end of vacations, the end of seasons, and especially the end of life. Endings are painful, yet they make space for beginnings. Jesus Himself said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24). What seems like an end often holds the possibility of new life.

The point of faith is not about manipulating God to make life easier, but about walking in relationship with Him. Proverbs declares, “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 8:34-35). My calling is to engage with the Creator of the universe so that my brief time here is fully lived and lived in ways that glorify Him.

Paul reminds us that this is the very reason for prophecy and for the gathering of the church: to strengthen one another, to build up the body, and to shine as a witness so that unbelievers will say, “God is really among you” (1 Corinthians 14:25). Faith is not about my comfort but about reflecting His presence.

There are times I find myself dreaming about an easier life, usually filled with more money, success, or recognition. Yet Jesus makes it plain: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). My worry about tomorrow only robs me of today. He calls me to gratitude, to simplicity, to trust.

When I step back, I see how often I complicate it. I let doubts and circumstances consume me and miss the chance to love, to encourage, to guide, and to walk with others in their own battles. Still, I am thankful that God has given me today. Today I can choose to live in His love, to lead my family, and to lift others.

At the core, it comes down to living in truth, sacrificing in love, and surrendering to God’s will. Scripture declares, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). This is the foundation I want to stand on—not fear, not striving, but a life anchored in His truth, His love, and His discipline.

31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

MATTHEW 6:31-34