Faith-based encouragement. Biblical truth. Inspirational resources. Hope through the good and the bad . . .

This is what pastors, staff, ministry leaders, and faithful Berean members have shared on the Berean Blog for nearly five years. To those of you who've followed along from the beginning and others who've just recently joined on the journey, we want to say thank you! We have loved walking alongside you, encouraging you in your faith, and hopefully pointing you a little closer to Jesus - the only reason we exist in the first place!

The end of one season marks the beginning of the next!

This post marks the conclusion of the Berean Blog for the foreseeable future. Although, like change with any season of ministry, we are sad to say goodbye, we are beyond excited for what God will continue to do through his Church and the faithfulness of his people. As we evaluate our ministries, schedule, vision, and mission for the future, we want to do everything in our power to align our team around specific initiatives that serve our primary calling.

As we conclude this season of ministry with the blog, I want to offer a preview of what's coming for Berean this new year.

We must remember the Great Commission . . .

If you’ve been around Berean for any length of time, you’ve no doubt heard mention of the Great Commission. At the end of Matthew, after Jesus' resurrection from the dead, he appears to his disciples and gives his Church her marching orders:

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'" (Matthew 28:18-20).

As we look to our future and re-articulate our vision and mission, a few aspects of this Commission have been weighing heavily on my heart. Let me lay some of that out for you.

We are called to make disciples, but what does this mean?

Jesus calls us to make disciples. That’s the simple command. But the question then follows: "What does this mean?" Or, to put it another way: "What kind of disciples are we to make?" This is where the rubber meets the road.

Are we looking to make 'disciples' by convincing as many people as possible to get dunked in the water? Are we simply asking people to attend church occasionally? Do we want to produce disciples who have all kinds of head-knowledge but live contrary to the gospel? The answer to these questions must be a resounding, 'No. Of course not!'

You see, there is no shortage of confusion about what it means to be a disciple in our world today. Thankfully, Jesus gives us a clarifying statement in that Great Commission: “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is where we see Jesus’ desire, and it's also our dream here at Berean to make disciples.

Let's take a look at Berean's 3D Discipleship Approach for 2024.

I want to frame our vision for making disciples as Berean’s 3D Discipleship Approach. What do I mean by “3D”? I mean that we are passionate about making disciples who have Depth and who are Developed and Deployed for the gospel. Let's look at each of these a little more closely:

We are passionate about making disciples who have Depth:
We long to see our people deeply love Jesus and joyfully submit to his Word. Shallow or superficial discipleship isn’t what Christ had in mind. We want to see our people go deep.

We are passionate about making disciples who are Developed:
The job of pastors and elders is to train and equip God’s people for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). We want to develop our people (you!) to live as contributors rather than consumers – to be resourced and developed so that you can use the gifts God has given you (Romans 12:3-8).

We are passionate about making disciples who are Deployed:
Finally, we want to be a church where people live in their every day, in every way, for the glory of God. Whether it be sharing the gospel with neighbors, shepherding their kids under Christ, or heading off to the mission field, all disciples are called to take part in the Great Commission.

3D Discipleship is exciting, and it's possible.

As I look to the future, I am confident that Christ’s command to his Church can be accomplished through the power of the Spirit (Acts 2:6-11). I am hopeful that this simple paradigm called “3D Discipleship” will help us stay on track to reach even more people with the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

As a pastor, nothing excites me more than seeing this reality lived out in people’s lives. I love it when we host large events, when attendance grows, and when giving is on point.

But what I truly love most is seeing people’s eyes opened to the wonderous beauty of Christ. I love seeing people trained and equipped in intentional ways to go out and live it out in their every day.

When I hear stories of Berean’s people caring, serving, sharing the gospel, and ministering in their workplaces, homes, friend circles, and schools, I get really, really excited! That’s what it’s all about!

God wants to work through you!

God has you where you are for a reason. He wants to use you and work through you. Just imagine yourself being used by him to reach someone with the saving message of Jesus Christ! Wouldn’t that be incredible? If we’re going to make a difference, it doesn’t come from great strategy and our own creativity. It comes as we grow in our depth and become developed and deployed as fit ministers of the gospel.

I can’t wait to see what God does in the coming years for his glory at Berean.

Pastor Deven

Perhaps you're new to berean . . .

What was shared above focuses a lot on addressing those already familiar with Berean, but perhaps you came across this post, and this is the first time you've heard of us. If you're looking for a place to connect and a church to call home, we'd love to help you get plugged in. There's a place for you within our faith community!

Here's a Good Place to Start:

• Browse our website.
  
  
• Fill out a connect card.
  
  
• Attend one of our worship services in person or online. 
  
  
• Attend our First Connection gathering held the first Sunday of the month.
  
  

We can't wait to connect with you and help you take the next step in your faith journey. 

When I was young, I never liked roller coasters. I was, and still am, definitely fearful of them. All those ups and downs, twists and turns coming at me so fast is not for me! You will not find me riding on them, and I don’t see that changing.

You may not fear roller coasters, but I bet you fear something. Did you know there are over 500 phobias? 

• Acrophobia. The fear of heights.
  
  
• Dentophobia. The fear of dentists.
  
  
• Technophobia. The fear of technology. 
  
  

Maybe your fear isn’t unusual, like one of these. Perhaps you have a fear related to your health or someone you love. Or maybe you have a fear of something that is in the future, and the outcome is unknown. Perhaps you don’t think you’re fearful of anything - or at least don’t want to admit it. Many people have suppressed fear and suffer from its emotional and physical consequences. Being under stress (fear) can manifest itself in all kinds of physical ailments, as well as emotions.

The Bible commands us not to be afraid.

So – here is the “Bible answer” for fear: "Do not be afraid." Some have said it is the most frequently quoted command in Scripture. End of blog post, right? Eh, no. It’s easy to read and say but much more difficult to live out. Bob Newhart has a comedic scene in which he seeks to help a young woman eliminate her fear. Take a look HERE.  

Just 'Stop it!' is much easier to say than to do! 

The phrase “Do not be afraid” is found throughout the Bible. In Genesis 15, God told Abram, “Fear not,” when he told him to move to a new country. At the beginning of the New Testament, the angels appeared to the frightened shepherds, and the first thing the angels said was, “Fear not.” Jesus told the disciples, “Fear not.”

What do we do with this command repeated so many times?

In one of his blog posts, Randy Alcorn wrote: “Unhealthy fear can be a symptom of a lack of eternal perspective.” He then quoted Ed Welch, who said, “Fears see only in part. They see that we might lose something dear to us, such as our money, our health, or the health of someone we love. They see the potential for loss with microscopic acuity. But they don’t see God’s presence, they don’t see his faithfulness to his promises, they don’t fixate on unseen realities but are dominated by what is merely seen with the naked eye."

"As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).

You may be familiar with Philippians 4:6: “. . . do not be anxious about anything.” It’s easy to quote and more difficult to live out. But have you ever noticed the words at the end of verse five immediately before that popular verse? They say, “. . . The Lord is at hand.” Robert Murray M’Cheyne wrote, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.”

"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us" (Romans 8:34).   

In times of fear, we can find comfort and peace in remembering that Christ is near and interceding for us with the Father.

In times of fear, we must remember God is still faithful.

I reflect on 30+ years ago when I struggled with significant fears. There was fear of losing my mom to her battle with leukemia. I had taken a new job in Kansas City and feared my career was on the skids. My wife and I feared being unable to move back to Minnesota to friends and family who we missed.

During that time of significant fear, I came across Daniel 3:18: “But if not, be it known to you, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” I like the way the NIV translation begins: “But even if He does not . . . "

That was a pivotal time in my spiritual life. I prayed. I asked God and begged God.

I realized that even if he did not answer my prayers like I wanted, he was still God. He would be faithful. That was not going to change. 

In times of fear, we must run to God and his Word.

So, after discovering that verse in Daniel and praying to God, did I move forward without any fear? Well, not exactly. I still stressed and lost about 20 pounds that year. But even as I struggled, God was there (Philippians 4:5). While not every prayer was answered the way I wanted, I recognized that God was still God (Daniel 3:18). He loved me and my family far more than I could comprehend or understand. He was faithful.

I started to shift my focus away from my fears and towards God.

Especially in times of fear, we need to be in God's Word – to memorize it, meditate on it, and pray through it. These are a few of the many verses about God’s faithfulness that you could incorporate into your prayers in times of fear:

• "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5).
  
  
• "To declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night" (Psalm 92:2).
  
  
• "Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth and it stands fast" (Psalm 119:90).
  
  
• "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
  
  
• "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). 
  
  

In times of fear, we must allow our fellow believers to walk with us.

While Philippians 4:5 says that God is near to us, he also provides fellow believers to come alongside and support each other. Berean has over a dozen ministries that provide a fellow believer to come alongside you and “be God with skin on.”

Recently, I heard a pastor reference Daniel 3:18 (the verse I mentioned earlier). He noted that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are always mentioned together. Never separate. They were, in Pastor Roger’s frequent term, a “band of brothers.”

They were certainly in a situation that would generate fear, but they believed God was with them. They believed in his faithfulness and were there for one another, even if God did not save them.

As a new year approaches, remember these things . . .

A new year is just on the horizon. With that, there are many unknowns and opportunities for fear to creep in. Perhaps even in this busy season of Christmas leading up to the new year, you are facing some anxieties and uncertainties. How will everything get done? How will the holiday get-togethers go with our unbelieving family members? Will we get to share Jesus with them? How do we navigate this season as we mourn the loss of someone we love? What if our health doesn't improve as the doctor hopes?

When fear makes its way into your life – and it will – remember these three important things:

• God is always near to you. He calls you to trust him and not to be afraid.
  
  
• God is always faithful to you regardless of your situation.
  
  
• God can use fellow believers to support and encourage you.
  
  

The song "Even If" (by the Christian band MercyMe) resonates with me, as it is based on Daniel 3:18, which is etched in my heart. As you face fear, may this be the posture of your heart as well. Take a listen below, and let your heart be encouraged!

Listen To The Song!

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In the Kelehan house, we love to celebrate holidays, but Christmas is easily our family’s favorite. There is something undeniably different in the atmosphere in the weeks leading up to it. Anticipation and excitement build as the day of our Savior’s birth approaches, paired with a cozy warmth wrapped in the traditions we share with family and friends.

Our Christmas traditions are not only activities that draw us close to one another, but they are celebrations of the joy we share in remembering our Savior’s birth.

What follows are a few traditions that we love as a family. We hope they will encourage you to try something new and make special memories this holiday season.

Advent Daily Devotional

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).

Because we know the absolute necessity of consuming God’s Word daily, a tradition we started when our oldest children were young and still have as a staple pre-Christmas tradition today is to purposely read God’s Word through daily Advent readings in December. We’ve used various versions of The Jesse Tree, which follows the line of Jesse’s family events leading to the birth of Jesus. Currently, we enjoy The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, which includes a tree and hanging ornaments. Our kids look forward to their turn to hang the ornament that corresponds with the day’s Scripture reading.

We’ve paired this activity and Scripture reading with a time when we are all together, typically at the dinner table. This special tradition can be done at any time of day, though, as it only requires about 5-10 minutes of time. It’s not only a tradition that brings us together in conversation but is invaluable in focusing our hearts and minds on the truest reason for celebration.

Christmas Lights Drive

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5, ESV).

We are drawn to light, especially in the darker days of winter, so it is not surprising that a favorite tradition is to take time to simply go look at lights. Now, there is nothing simple about these light displays; they each are works of art brilliantly shining against even the darkest night. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we pick an evening to drive through local neighborhoods and cities that list their musical light shows. We are always game to take a detour if a neighborhood has a particularly incredible "wow factor" to draw us in. Some years, we go all out and even venture the 2.5-hour drive to Bentleyville in Duluth.

The light shows are not complete without bags of warm, buttery popcorn and thermoses of hot chocolate. As we sip, munch, look, and listen, we talk about our favorite displays. We sing along to the songs we know and share in candid conversations. We are all together for a time in one space, sharing a moment, sharing a memory of fun and family. While we know these lights will fade, they remind us of the Light of the World, whose brilliance outshines the noon-day sun.

Wrapped Christmas Books

Our family loves a good story, and with a wealth of books available to relay the stories and meaning of Christmas, it is natural that the tradition of daily opening and reading a wrapped Christmas book has become a staple December activity. We began with a few books the first year and, over the years, have added our favorite Christmas books to the collection.

The youngest children anticipate their turn to pick a book and tear off the wrapping paper in excitement to reveal which book was chosen. Often, an older sibling reads aloud while the rest of us curl up together on the couch or settle near the lights of the tree to listen to the stories that give a glimpse of the glorious first Christmas or simply make us laugh.

These are a few books we would recommend: The Very First Christmas by Paul L. Maier, Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble, and The King’s Christmas List by Eldon Johnson.

Serving Together

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

Serving others together to share the love of Jesus unites us in a common goal as a family. There is a deep joy in generously giving of time and resources that can only be learned through experience, so we have made serving together as a family a Christmas tradition. There are many opportunities to make serving a family tradition, such as packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes together, picking out gifts for families or individuals through Berean's Giving Tree, visiting a local Feed My Starving Children center, picking a gift from the World Vision Christmas catalog for a family in need, delivering baked goods to a neighbor, putting together care kits for the homeless, or visiting or caroling at an assisted living home.

As a family, we choose a few of these activities to do together each Christmas season, and we talk about why we do these things: Because of the greatest gift we’ve been given, we desire to bless others out of the abundant gift of life God’s given us. In addition to bonding our family more deeply, we’ve noticed that these activities lead to gratitude. It’s amazing to see how God works in our hearts to give of ourselves, and instead of feeling less, we are filled with gratefulness and joy to touch another person’s life, even in a small way.

Create Your Own Unique Family Traditions.

Whether carving out time to bake and decorate Christmas cookies, watch a favorite Christmas movie, attend a Christmas concert, see the Nutcracker Ballet, or create your own unique family traditions, planning ahead to set aside time for these special family activities is worth the effort to create lasting memories.

One unique family tradition we have adopted over the years that our kids look forward to every year is the “Christmas Pickle Hunt.” It takes little preparation, but a small gift or prize(s) should be planned ahead of time. The little green pickle ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree for the children to find. The rule is that the tree cannot be touched; this is an eyes-only game.  Depending on the age of the kids, this game can last for hours or days. Once the pickle is found and its location is verified by the parent who placed it there, the finder is awarded a small prize. In our house, everyone is given a small gift once the pickle is found, which encourages cooperation. While this tradition isn’t attached to a biblical theme, the search generates shared time, a desire to work together, and memories that our family enjoys.

Which Activity Will Become Your Next Family Tradition?

This Christmas, try some family-friendly traditions that incorporate faith and bring your loved ones closer together. Whether you try one of the activities suggested above or discover a new one of your own, use them to stay centered on Jesus and what matters most. May you find joy in the process and create moments and memories to last a lifetime!

About the Author:
Jessica, along with her husband Mike, have called Berean home for about 16 years and are grateful to be raising their five children among this community of Christ followers. Jessica currently serves in children's and women's ministries at Berean, and when not busy driving her kids everywhere, loves spending time with friends and planning vacations.

Read More on the Berean Blog:

I could feel it. It was starting again - that feeling of overwhelm as the ever-lengthening mental checklist of things to do overtook my mind. The Christmas season had arrived in full swing again. The decorating, the shopping, the baking, the cards, the gatherings and get-togethers, the expenses . . . It was all there. Yes, I knew for days Christmas was on the calendar. It wasn’t a surprise, so why did it seem to cause anxiety every single time?

I’d go to church and sing about that “silent night” when “all was calm, and all was bright.” Yet, in my heart, I felt anything but that. How could a holiday about the birth of my Savior, that precious baby Jesus, whose light had captivated me, changed me, and transformed my life, cause so much stress?

I knew I was doing the season wrong. I knew something had to change.

Have you felt this way, too? Rather than bring joy, peace, hope, and calm, does the season cause dread, stress, exhaustion, and anxiety? If so, I hope you’ll join me on this journey to quieting our hearts this Christmas season.

Below are ten simple ways to begin quieting your heart when faced with that hustle and bustle and all that jingle jangle. If you can’t try them all, I challenge you to do just one or two. Small changes can go a long way.

1.  Write down what's on your mind before bed each night.

Just like the storage on your mobile device can only hold so many files, so can your brain only hold so many thoughts, worries, and to-dos before it begins to shut down and spiral into crisis mode. Whether it’s that list of gifts you still must buy, worries regarding the upcoming out-of-town guests who aren’t so easy to get along with, or all the things you need to do for the family gathering, getting it all down on paper frees mental space for rest. Keep a pen and notebook on the nightstand next to your bed so you can unload your thoughts and go to sleep. It’s a freeing exercise that invites a little more peace and calm.

2.  Pray over every single day.

This one goes hand in hand with point number one above. Sure, unloading your worries on paper can help free up the mental space you need to rest, but it’s even more effective when you give those worries over to God. Before you begin each new day, take that journal where you wrote your thoughts from the night before and give them to God in prayer - every single one. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” God promises rest if we come to him. So, give your day to him, and then let it happen as it will. He calms our hearts when we invite him into our days.

3.  Add an Advent devotional to your routine.

I’ve always struggled a bit with Bible study books that require endless pages of reading and questions, but I’ve learned over the years that time with God does not have to look that way. Sometimes, it looks more like feasting on bite-sized pieces of God’s Word throughout your days. There are many Advent devotionals that you could easily add to your days as you drink your morning coffee, enjoy your lunch break, or wind down at night. These five-minute readings with Scripture to meditate on help keep your focus on the real reason for the season, tune out the chaos, and fill your heart with hope.

4.  Soak in the words of some faith-based Christmas music.

We blast our favorite holiday tunes while driving, baking, wrapping gifts, or decorating the tree, but how often do we slow down and listen to the words? I encourage you to find a few minutes a day and actively listen to the lyrics of a faith-based Christmas song. Turn down those tunes about Santa Claus, reindeer, and gifts, and crank up a little more Jesus to help shift your focus toward what matters. A few of my personal favorites are below:

• “Away in a Manger/Forever Amen” – Phil Wickham
• “All Is Well” – Michael W. Smith
• “I Still Believe in Christmas” – Anne Wilson
• “O Holy Night” – Shane and Shane
• “He Shall Reign Forevermore” – Chris Tomlin
• “Emmanuel/Hallowed Manger Ground” – Chris Tomlin
• “Noel” – Lauren Daigle
• "Arrival" – Hillsong Worship
  

There are so many others I could name. As I let the music and lyrics wash over me, they give me goosebumps and quiet my heart in worship. Find the songs that do this for you, too, and put them on repeat.

5.  Go for a winter walk outdoors.

There's something about the cold, fresh air that rejuvenates your soul and calms your heart. Take in the beauty of God’s creation. Feel the cool breeze on your skin. Breathe in the aroma of the snow-covered pines. See the ground freshly blanketed in white. Listen to the crunch of snow and ice beneath your feet. As you walk, reflect on who God is and what he has done for you. Remember how he sent his Son to be born in a manger, later to pay the ultimate price on that cross, to save you and me. That hope alone should bring peace to your heart.

6.  Take 15 minutes a day to sit and do nothing.

No matter how busy you feel, you must make time for yourself. Take a moment to cozy up by the Christmas tree with hot cocoa. Light a winter candle, close your eyes, and relax. Take time to breathe. Take a moment just to be still. You can’t be at peace when your mind is constantly pulled in a million directions, but you can feel it when you take time to be still long enough to welcome the One (God) who can give it. Psalm 46:10a says, “Be still and know that I am God. . .” If we slow down long enough to feel God’s peace, he will surely give it.

7.  Simplify gift-giving.

Remember, the material gifts you give each other are not what the season is truly all about, so don’t make the season all about them. Find ways to simplify your gift-giving. Rather than giving gifts to every person in the family, consider drawing names amongst family members, giving a special gift to just one or two people. The gifts will still mean just as much, and simplifying will take unnecessary stress off everyone’s plates. You could also consider simplifying your giving to four easy categories for your immediate family. Give each person 1) one thing they want, 2) one thing they need, 3) one thing to wear, and 4) one thing to read.

If shopping still stresses you out, consider giving the gift of experiences instead of material items. This could be a zoo or museum membership for all the family to enjoy together, tickets to an amusement park, concert, sporting event, or another fun outing, or a subscription box for family cooking or game nights. The ideas are endless. Whatever route you choose for your gift-giving this season, keep your primary focus on the true gift of Jesus.

8.  Do something fun.

Plan at least one fun Christmas outing in December. Don’t get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of commercialism and endless to-dos that you don’t make quality time for the ones you love. Go to a Christmas tree farm and select a tree together as a family. Find a local holiday market, festival, or concert to enjoy. Drive around and take in all the Christmas lights. Or, instead, plan a night in with Christmas movies and a hot cocoa bar. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that doesn’t feel like work. Keep it simple and make it fun.

I love the words to a song from that old Christmas classic, Home Alone:

Candles in the window
Shadows painting the ceiling
Gazing at the fire glow
Feeling that gingerbread feeling.

Precious moments, special people
Happy faces, I can see.

Somewhere in my memory
Christmas joys all around me
Living in my memory
All of the music, all of the magic
All of the family, home here with me.
("Somewhere In My Memory" by John Williams)

 A few years from now, it’s the memories of the precious moments, special people, and happy faces that will matter. Take time to quiet your heart and enjoy the season with those you love.

9.  Turn on “Do Not Disturb” and take care of yourself.

Seriously! It’s okay to turn on “do not disturb” on your devices from time to time. Turn off some notifications on those attention-stealing apps. Limit the pop-ups on your screen and allow some texts to wait. Take time to unplug! There’s enough demanding your time and attention this season that you don’t need to be plugged in and available 24/7 to the “whole world.”

Instead, take time for your regular exercise. It’s one of the best stress relievers – an outlet – for all that pent-up energy and anxiety. Also, get sufficient rest. Depriving yourself of sleep to get everything done won’t lead to increased productivity. Maintain your regular sleep schedule; perhaps even give yourself a few extra Zzz’s. Finally, remember to rest in the One who can truly quiet your heart. I love what Psalm 62:1 says in the New International Version: “Truly my soul finds rest in God . . . ” This season, find your rest in God alone. He will sustain you.

10.  Focus on what you love and let go of what you don’t.

There are so many things we can spend our time on at Christmas - endless gatherings with different groups of friends, all the holiday craft markets and boutiques, a surplus of activities for kids . . . Instead of trying to do it all, choose 3-5 traditions that are most important to you and focus on those. I’ve always been a firm believer in doing a few key things well rather than trying to do everything with half the effort. So, do what you love and let go of what you don’t. You’ll be so glad you did!

May we all find the peace of Christ in our hearts this Christmas.

As one of the songs mentioned above says:

All is well, all is well,
Lift up your voice and sing.
Born is now Emmanuel,
Born is our Lord and Savior.
Sing Alleluia.
Sing Alleluia.
All is well.
(“All Is Well” by Michael W. Smith)

Remember, friends: Our Savior was born. He is here. And he’s Emmanuel. When we have his peace in our hearts, all the other glitz and glam of the season fades into the backdrop. All is still. All is quiet. And all is well.

You're invited to Christmas at Berean!

Quiet your heart this Christmas by focusing on the true reason for the season. You're invited to Christmas at Berean. Our services are family-friendly, and we'll step back from the chaos of life for a moment to enjoy some beautiful Christmas music and a meaningful message. We'll wrap up the evening by singing "Silent Night" by candlelight. Kids' programming is available at the 10:30 am and 4 pm services. Click the graphic below for more details!

Give thanks in everything. Really?

It’s easy to be discontented. Everywhere we look, we see the desire and aspiration for “more” or “better.” As a mom to three little kids, I see this in my own children, who, despite having a myriad of toys and activities to keep them entertained, still want that “one thing” another child has. I didn’t have to teach them to be ungrateful or dissatisfied with their lot in life; that attitude comes naturally to us all.

Everywhere we look, we are bombarded with messages that fuel our dissatisfaction, telling us we’d be happier with a bigger house, better car, dream vacation, fitter body, greater wealth, and better health - the list is endless. Personally, I only have to pick up a home décor magazine, browse Pinterest or social media, or spend time admiring the gifts and blessings of others to realize how easily this ungrateful attitude rears its ugly head in me. The ungrateful, “green-eyed monster” is alive and well. What can we possibly do to rid ourselves of him? As we head into this season of Thanksgiving, I want to figure this out.

We face a constant battle with discontentment.

All throughout Scripture, we come across the command to "give thanks." One of the most familiar verses that speaks of this is 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

We may nod our heads in agreement, but the internal struggle to live with this kind of grateful heart is a constant battle. How can we, as Christians, cultivate hearts that truly are able to give thanks in ALL circumstances? Is this even possible, or is it just an impossible command?

We must learn contentment from the example of Christ.

As with all areas of the Christian life, the answer is found in Jesus, who, more than just being a good example of this, is the only person who perfectly lived this attitude out.

Praise God. He is our hope when we fall short with our own unthankful hearts.

As a church, we are walking through the Gospel of Mark at Berean, so I have also been reading it during my own quiet time with Jesus. I noticed something as I came to the passage leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. In Mark 14:22-24, we see Jesus and his disciples participating in the Last Supper together, and I am struck by these words (highlighted part mine):

“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, 'Take; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.'"

Now, I know I am likely not the first to notice this, but I’ve read this passage many times before, hearing it often when we gather to celebrate communion as a church body. Somehow, in all those times, I have never paid attention to that one statement - “when he had given thanks.” Take a moment to think about this. Jesus knows what is coming. He is about to face the most excruciating form of physical, emotional, and spiritual torture, and yet, here, he is able to give thanks. His blood would be shed; his body would be broken; the Father’s back would be turned from him as he bore in his own body the sins of mankind.

Jesus found contentment by looking to a future joy. 

As Jesus awaited his crucifixion, what reason could there possibly be for thankfulness at a time like this? The writer of Hebrews gives us the answer in chapter 12:1-2:

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Here’s what God showed my heart as I read this:

Jesus was able to give thanks not because of his present circumstance but because of future joy.

 

Jesus wasn’t thankful in a simplistic, naïve, “keep your chin up” sort of way. His eyes were set on a future joy that allowed him to offer up thanksgiving to God the Father - even in the midst of intense trial and impending suffering. His eyes were fixed on the truth of what was to come, and so, he was able to give thanks. That didn’t remove his struggle but shifted his focus in a powerful and remarkable way.

We, too, must look to a future joy.

As followers of Christ, we need more than just a “here and now” focused gaze to sustain us in the trials of this life. We need souls that are fixed on a future joy if we are going to be able to “give thanks” while navigating the disappointments, unmet longings, and suffering of this life. We need hearts that know deeply the beauty and hope of what’s still to come.

The truth is that no matter what this life may hold, it is not our ultimate end.

One hundred years from now, whatever you are facing will not be your experience or reality. If you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, you will be with him, and the struggle will be over.

Yes, it is certainly true that there are present joys we can experience in our lives as followers of Christ, but sometimes, amidst the heartache, sorrow, and longings of this life, they don't always feel enough. There has to be something greater, beyond the here and now, that can sustain us and prompt us to “give thanks” when life feels all but hopeless and empty.

The Bible clearly teaches that Christians have a future hope and inheritance to anticipate! 1 Peter 1:3-9 lays this out so beautifully for us:

^“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Here, we see that, in Christ, we have been given “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Our salvation and redemption are secure and guaranteed for us, and they will “never perish, spoil or fade.”

So much of the striving, envy, jealousy, and discontentedness we see and experience comes from the sin that still ravages our world and wars within our own flesh. We grasp and reach for things that will never be able to fully satisfy us. But our hope doesn’t lie in fulfilling all our earthly wants and longings - no matter how good they seem.

We need to know and believe that we have a treasure awaiting us in Heaven that is so much greater than anything this life may offer.

Because of Jesus, we have hope in the midst of a broken world.

Our desire here and now for “more” is just a desire for life to be the way God intended. All the earthly, temporal things we seek and crave can only satisfy us for a time. Soon enough, they will either wear out, be taken from us, or die. When we are at home and at rest with God, we will receive our inheritance in Christ and know joy and satisfaction we cannot even begin to imagine. There is a glorious hope for the future!

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we who are "in Christ” will be resurrected to new life and will no longer be burdened by thwarted, misplaced desires in a decaying and broken world. On that day, no more envy, coveting, or unfulfilled longings will remain.

So, when we once again meet that “green-eyed monster” face to face in the mirror or identify an ungrateful and envious spirit lurking inside, we must turn again and fix our gaze on the joy set before us. In this battle against ungratefulness, we will, at times, lose our way, but still, we can rejoice, knowing that our Savior Jesus has already paid for our sins. His perfect record of thankfulness is ours because we are “in Christ.”

We will not ultimately lose this fight because he has already won it for us. His victory and inheritance will be ours to share.

This Thanksgiving, we must remember our eternal inheritance.

Don’t let that "green-eyed monster" win! As we head into this Thanksgiving season, fix your eyes on the beauty of all that Christ has accomplished. He will bring it to completion one day soon. Let that fill your heart with gratitude, so like Jesus, you can “give thanks” in ALL circumstances!

Thank you, Lord, for what you have accomplished for us and for the inheritance and joy that awaits us as we hope in you. May we be people who fix our eyes on that future joy and, in doing so, give thanks in all things.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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As we look around at our world and see things rapidly evolving, technology and social media dominate so much of our culture, especially the daily lives of our youth. It becomes crucial for students to find opportunities for meaningful connection and spiritual growth apart from a screen.

Youth retreats offer a place for students to spread their wings and explore by providing a unique blend of adventure, camaraderie, and spiritual reflection that can have an incredible impact on their lives.

Getting students out of their comfortable home and school routines to attend a retreat provides a unique platform for them to embrace a little more independence and self-reliance apart from their parents. It can be a time when they begin to step into their faith as they grow in their relationship with Christ. It can be an outstanding opportunity for them to understand what it means to live All In (the name of our recent Berean Youth Fall Retreat) for Christ. Let's break this down below by exploring two primary reasons for every student to attend a youth retreat.

Youth retreats help students cultivate meaningful connections and friendships.

Youth retreats take away the distractions of everyday life and allow students to genuinely interact with each other face to face. Students find more opportunities for authentic, deep conversations that go beyond the weekend getaway. These discussions and interactions with peers often pave the way for deeper relationships to be formed, ones that will hopefully go with them throughout life.

Youth retreats also provide students with the opportunity to make meaningful connections with their adult leaders. At our recent Berean Youth Fall Retreat, I regularly watched our leaders meet with students one-on-one in their cabin small groups to connect with them, help them dig deeper in their faith, and challenge them toward growth. The importance of having multiple positive Christian adult role models in a young person's life cannot be overstated.

Youth retreats can be the catalyst for deep relationships to impact students for years to come.

Looking back, I remember my own first youth retreat. I accepted Jesus on that retreat, and the leader who walked alongside me as I made that decision is still in my life. That relationship went beyond that weekend, as my leader repeatedly sought me out at church and poured into my life. That first youth retreat was just the catalyst to put all that into action. Youth retreats provide a unique opportunity for special relationships to develop twice as fast as they otherwise would.

Youth retreats help students cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

The second primary reason I love youth retreats is hopefully apparent, but it does not make it even slightly less important. Spending time in God's creation, in God's Word, and in God's presence on retreats makes more room for God. At the retreats, time is set aside to be intentional in his Word. Students are with a group of believers who encourage them throughout the entire weekend.

Retreats provide time for students to spend with God to intentionally seek after him as they grow in their faith and relationship with him.

God is always at work, but sometimes, we look for him and expect him in different ways while on retreats. It seems that when students are on a retreat, they allow their hearts to be fully prepared to worship God. The levels of worship we experienced on this year's retreat were incredible. Students praised God at the top of their lungs, hands held high, declaring his name. Retreats allow us to lower our walls when our defenses are down, giving God more room to move in our lives.

God can take that 'camp high' and continue to work far beyond it, too.

I think often we place God in a box and say to him, "This is where you can operate in my life." Whether we do that consciously or subconsciously, when we go on a retreat at any age, we open ourselves up to that experience. We expect God to move at a retreat because we have intentional time set aside to be with him. But did you know God can operate in our lives far beyond a special weekend camp or retreat?

Did you know that the 'camp high' we talk about doesn't have to go away?

We simply must rely on God more, be willing to live with our guards down every day, and allow him maximum space in our lives to move.

We must let down our walls for God to move in all aspects of our lives.

That is what I love about youth retreats: Whether we realize it is happening or not, we let our guards down and let God in even more. We allow him to move through our lives, touch our hearts, and become real to us in ways we may not have experienced before. When our walls are down, we become open to all the goodness God desires for our lives. The lesson we take from retreats that we can implement in our lives every day is to allow God into every aspect of our lives. Always be in eager anticipation of God moving in your life, just like you would if you went on a retreat!

Want to Know More About Berean Youth?
At Berean Youth, every student belongs. This is a dynamic ministry for students in grades 6 to 12 to learn, grow, connect, and have fun. Each week, we offer engaging teaching, uplifting worship, awesome games, and encouraging small groups. Students have the opportunity to find and experience the God who loves them and wants to do this life with them. They can connect with other students and caring staff to build lasting relationships while growing in their faith to impact their generation for Jesus! Click HERE to learn more.

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Marriages, weddings, brides, and bridegrooms – they make the pages of the Bible from the first chapter to the last.

In Genesis, God created man in his own image to walk in relationship with him. Then God said it was not good for man to be alone, so he created woman and established the first human relationship – marriage. In Hosea, we read the story of Hosea’s love and pursuit of Gomer, his unfaithful wife. Song of Songs describes the love relationship between Solomon and his bride.  Fast forward to the end of the Bible, as Revelation 21:2 talks about the New Jerusalem “prepared as a bride (the Church) adorned for her husband (Jesus).”

Remarkably, the Bible uses the example of frail, sinful human marriages to help us understand the perfect, eternal relationship between God and his people, the Church. This makes us believe that marriage is important to God.

Our culture often does not value marriage.

The prospect of marriage has been dulled by the prominence of divorce and is often regarded as outdated. Children who witness the failure and heartbreak of their own parents' marriage, often ending in divorce, are understandably more cautious about making a commitment that could go bad for them as well. Our media certainly reinforces that mindset. Can you think of many TV shows or movies that portray marriage in a positive way?

What if, instead, those watching our marriages saw that marriage is a gift to be pursued and, if they looked closely, discovered that Jesus makes all the difference?

What is God's view of marriage?

God’s view of marriage has not changed because God and his Word are unchangeable.

Ephesians 5:31 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” God tells them both to leave - to transfer primary dependence and affection from others (family and friends) to their spouse and prioritize their relationship above all people. “Hold fast” sounds like super glue, making a powerful, instant bond difficult to tear apart. When a man and woman marry, this covenant or promise before God “holds fast” and binds them together. In the security of a priority relationship, cemented with a covenantal promise, a couple can begin to experience one-flesh intimacy (emotional, physical, and spiritual) in marriage as God intended.

Ephesians 5:32 says, “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church.” A Bible commentary on this verse says, “The profound truth of the union of Christ and his 'bride,' the Church, is beyond unaided human understanding. It is not that the relationship of husband and wife illustrates the union of Christ and the Church, but that the basic reality is the latter, with marriage a human echo of that relationship” (italics ours). We love this image!

All of us have an opportunity for our marriages to echo what we know and have experienced as followers of Christ. And those watching will notice.

We must model marriage as a priority for our kids.

As we raised our four kids, we tried to have regular date nights several times a month. We sometimes had to disappoint our kids when our own plans for a date interfered with their plans. We believed that giving our marriage priority gave our kids security in our family and an example for their own future marriages. As parents, it is so tempting to make kids the priority and allow our lives to totally revolve around them. It can feel selfish to put our marriages above our children, but it is one of the most important things we can do for them.

In his book Fun Loving You, Ted Cunningham says, “Our En Gedi (lush garden/oasis) begins by prioritizing marriage and eradicating the kid-centered home. According to Genesis 2:24, God created the bond between husband and wife to be stronger than the bond between parent and child . . . Children are a welcomed addition to the home, but they are not going to be with us forever.” So true! There is a phenomenon called the “Graying Divorce,” and couples find that after the kids leave the nest, they no longer know, love, or enjoy one another. They have been living as roommates and parents, but not in the oneness of marriage as God intended.

Parents, your children are watching your marriage. What are they seeing? 

Jesus wants to change our lives, including our marriages.

Interestingly, the first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding – a very festive Jewish celebration. How symbolic that Jesus (the bridegroom) began to build his Church (the bride) at a wedding!

John 2:1-11 tells the story. With his mother's prompting, Jesus spared the master of the feast the humiliation of running out of wine, showing some who were watching that he was the Son of God. He changed water into wine, providing the guests with a plentiful supply of not just wine but the very best wine. Most guests didn’t realize that a miracle had occurred, but those watching closely knew that Jesus was not just an ordinary man. Jesus saved the party that day, but more importantly, began saving people as they believed in him.

Just as Jesus was able to transform plain water into fine wine, he wants to transform our lives, including our sometimes empty and messed up marriages, into the very best. And those watching will notice what he has done.

God will be faithful as you put him first in your marriage.

In our own marriage, we have experienced seasons of joy, uncertainty, loss, frustration, abundance, financial stress, sickness, happiness, conflict, and oneness. God has been faithful through the ups and downs of our 43 years of marriage. In difficult times, we have often grown the most in our dependence upon God, and then he draws us closer together as a couple. We pray that God uses our marriage as an example of his love and faithfulness to our children, grandchildren, friends, family, and others watching.

If you are married, we encourage you to see your marriage as more than a means to be happy, but a call to love, forgive, and serve each other out of love for Christ so that those watching cannot help but notice!

About the Authors:
Todd and Ellen have been attending Berean since 2015, and Todd has served as a Berean Elder since 2019. They are involved in Marriage Mentoring and the newly created Marriage Ministry Team, as well as ushering. Todd and Ellen have been married for 43 years and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.

Did you know Berean has a Marriage Ministry?

Berean has Marriage Mentors available to coach both engaged and married couples in preventing relational problems and enriching marriage. Although they are not counselors, they are trained to know when and how to refer a couple to a licensed professional counselor. Please visit Berean's Care Page to learn more.

Berean also offers Marriage Ministry events throughout the year with special date nights, speakers, and classes. Check back to our Events Page in 2024 for our next Marriage Ministry event!

To hear a story of how Jesus transformed one marriage, click HERE!

That five-year-old seemed so ready for school as fall approached. But now he looks so small and vulnerable with his oversized backpack on that big bus. Spontaneously, your eyes are brimming with tears. It’s such a happy day, but this new start puts a period to the sentence of home-based childhood. An era has ended. It’s why mothers of the bride cry at the happiest of weddings. It’s why anxiety and fear are just beneath the surface of every grand opening or each new sports season.

Whenever we step toward the new, we step away from the old, the familiar, and the identity we have forged on those practiced and familiar paths.

Change always comes with the dull soundtrack of loss underneath, and it dawns on us that we’ve never been here before.

Change brings excitement but also uncertainty.

It’s easy to spout, “God is a God of new beginnings!” That is, until the changes disturb our nest or challenge our security. Change, you see, is a two-edged sword. It adds something new and perhaps exciting. But, it also takes us a step away from the familiar and the safe, sometimes freighted with great sadness or fear.

Someone has said: “The only one who likes change is a wet baby.” But, unlike desperate infants, we don’t always desire change, even though change is inevitable in a time-bound, sequential world. History—my history—is linear. Moving forward puts distance on the past. Every addition requires a deletion; the new displaces the old; the exciting adventure disrupts stability. Plus, we're not the only ones on the planet! The actions of others on a national, regional, familial, or personal level can force changes that we haven’t planned and don’t want.

We must greet change in a healthy way.

It's not that everything changes all the time and at the same rate. That’s chaos. However, there are constant changes affecting disparate aspects of our lives, both voluntary and mandatory. The question is: How do we deal with change in a healthy, mature way? I can’t prescribe precise recommendations in the scope of this blog, but I can point to several clear guideposts to aid our progress as well as our attitude.

If anyone should be prepared for a life of change, it is the disciple of Jesus who is being transformed into God's image! Here are four helpful and challenging attitudes toward change from Ephesians Chapter 4:

1.  Lean into maturity (Eph. 4:13-14):

Everything about our life with Jesus is about changing toward deeper understanding and greater resiliency. We are to “no longer be children” but to progress toward maturity. This means leaving behind immature understandings and adaptations to our world and embracing new, rigorous, but life-changing truths. We are to put away childish demands, false beliefs, and harmful commitments in order to become whole.

2.  Press toward growth (Eph. 4:15):

Growing up is not the same as just growing older. It is a willful choice to deliberately step toward new attitudes, new behaviors, and new responsibilities. Here, it says to “grow up in every way.” These are proactive choices that take in the entire scope of our lives: spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational. Jesus calls us not to change because of enforced compliance but out of eagerness to grow into his likeness. It is usually the uncomfortable, even painful, changes that God uses to help us grow.

3.  Stay teachable (Eph. 4:20):

Jesus teaches us not so much in the classroom as in real life. He tenaciously calls for the hardest kind of learning: self-examination. Are we good at taking notes, or are we open to changing our way of relating to others? Are we great at memorizing Scripture, or do we practice new attitudes and behaviors as a result of it? Teachability in the midst of hard knocks, disappointments, adversarial circumstances, and hard-to-live-with people is the homework Jesus sends to the heart. Do these changes keep us learning?

4. Choose your new identity (Eph. 4:22-24):

Our reflexes to life are shaped and steeped in self-preservation. The Bible calls this “the flesh.” When Jesus brings rebirth, the old nature is crucified, but old habits can still cling. “Put on the new self” is the daily, instantaneous, repetitive choice to move toward the new identity we have in him. Whatever the change may be—a happy new opportunity or a forced necessity—we can embrace it or spoil its potential for our growth by choosing the old ways or the new self.

Change is inevitable, but perspective is chosen.

Change is inevitable, but perspective is chosen. The change confronting you may be the absolute worst thing you can imagine, but you are not helpless. Do you choose to respond with maturity, a desire to grow, teachability, and a firm choice to live out your new Identity?

The truth is, it isn’t just circumstances and other people who bring change to our lives. Jesus himself changes us! Jesus never met a man or woman, a generation or nation, that he couldn't change. But, he starts and centers on the heart where willingness must make room for him. He shepherds us toward what he promises: real life, abundant life. So, he can be trusted in the changes you face today.

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As Christ followers, all we do should be to the glory of God.

This seems easy when the holiday is Thanksgiving or Christmas. Even participating in observance holidays, such as Memorial Day or Veteran's Day, is usually given little thought in Christian circles. But what about when Halloween comes around?

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Due to the origins of Halloween, many Christians struggle with their participation level. The pagan roots of Halloween give Christians an added layer of consideration. After all, Scripture tells us to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness . . .” (Ephesians 5:11). Yet, the reality is that we live in a post-Christian culture.

Maybe instead of celebrating Halloween, we can seek to redeem it.

Scripture has some principles we can apply to this cultural phenomenon, allowing Christians to be a light for Christ without compromise.

While not the same cultural tension the early Roman believers faced, the writer of Romans gives us a roadmap for navigating our response to Halloween. In Romans 14:5-6, we read:

“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.”

This passage could be used to inform participation in Halloween or abstain from doing so; yet the key principles are clear. Halloween is not really a special day to Christians – it is a phenomenon brought upon us by secular culture. And, it provides a choice in how to respond.

Being bold in our faith means engaging the culture.

For the Buckland Family, avoiding Halloween by hiding in the basement with the lights out and making our own family fun left us feeling uncomfortable. What were we teaching our kids about engaging culture and being confident in our faith with this approach?

We want our children to be bold in their faith. We should be bold in our faith. Hiding from our neighbors is not very bold.

God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), and if we are indeed clothed with the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6, we are equipped to stand and engage our culture at any time.

We can use Halloween as an opportunity to be a light.

Based on the principles above, we have the freedom to participate in Halloween. We can dress up in fun costumes and give the best candy in the neighborhood. We can share in the joy of the empty-nesters who love seeing all the littles (and not-so-littles) in those fun costumes. We can have a driveway firepit and talk to the neighbors as they pass by with their children. These are ways we can be a light on what many want to be a dark day.

There is no need to hide when we can take what the Enemy wants to use for evil and use it for good.

Instead of canceling Halloween, let's redeem it!

Ephesians 5:16 tells us to make the best use of our time–to redeem the time–because the days are evil. As Christians, we ought to be the brightest lights in our neighborhoods with how we love and engage others. We can practice this on October 31. Together, instead of canceling Halloween, let's redeem it!

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I was driving into work, music playing, coffee in the cupholder, mind racing with my mental checklist of what the day would – should – hold, when I saw it.

The first red tree of the season.

A vibrant burst of fire in the sea of green.

In that moment, my mind stopped. Fortunately, my car did not, and I made it to work safely. But all the things I had been thinking through – the meetings I was mentally preparing for and the never-ending to-do list I was prioritizing – stopped.

And in that calmness, I was able to listen.

Too often, we feel overwhelmed just trying to keep up.

This time of year, life often feels like it hits peak craziness. It’s a whirlwind of action, things to do, and places to be – school starting back, sports demanding time and attention, fall projects competing with the weather to be completed before winter hits. The list of obligations keeps growing, and it can feel overwhelming just to keep up.

Moments of peace and awe can seem hard to find.

Jesus says we don't need to worry about the details of life.

Matthew 6 reminds us that we don't need to stress over every detail of our lives. Matthew writes about God providing for the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields – how, if God provides for even the least of these, how much more will he provide for you and me. Right in the middle of telling us not to worry, he writes, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

It is so easy to get caught up in the mundane things of life. Those day-to-day details are necessary, but they shouldn’t be our focus.

And yet, I so often shift my priorities to focus on the details rather than on my Creator, my Savior.

The fall colors are a beautiful reminder from our Creator.

Sometimes, I need God to smack me in the face with a tree changing colors to be reminded that he is greater, that he is present, that he is the Creator of all things. His reminder that he holds his creation in his hands calms the problems of today and the worries of tomorrow.

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