We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels.
Everywhere we look today, it feels like the world is unraveling. People lash out in anger, friendships are torn apart, and love seems to grow colder by the day. It’s heartbreaking to witness how easily kindness is forgotten and how often relationships are sacrificed over pride, selfishness, or misunderstanding.
For those who are on the receiving end of pain, betrayal, rejection, or cruelty, it’s natural to feel the urge to fight back, to retaliate, to defend your heart. But God’s Word calls us to something higher. Hebrews 13:14 (NLT) reminds us, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” This truth gives us the strength to respond differently.
We are not meant to find our peace or fulfillment in this broken world. The hurt we experience here is temporary, no matter how deep it feels. Our citizenship is not of this earth; Philippians 3:20 (NLT) declares, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
When we remember that heaven is our true home, we gain perspective. The pain others inflict doesn’t define us; it refines us. Every trial becomes an opportunity to draw closer to Christ, to model His grace, and to reflect His light in the darkness.
So, when you feel like the world is falling apart around you, take heart. God sees your tears. He knows your hurt. And He promises that one day, all wrongs will be made right. Until then, walk in peace, love without fear, and keep your eyes fixed on the home that awaits you, where there will be no more sorrow, no more betrayal, and no more pain.
Heaven is our final destination. Let’s live each day with that hope in our hearts.
Related Song: This World Is Falling Apart
For anyone who has been hurt by the players in this world, remember, this world may be harsh, but we have heaven to look forward to. Please click to hear the song and video inspired by Hebrews 13:14 and Philippians 3:20.
Perspective. That’s what frames our opinions − whether we lean toward optimism or pessimism, whether we agree or disagree on an issue. Our experiences shape our viewpoints
Scripture Reading “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24 (NKJV)
I attended an event where the speaker projected a simple image onto the screen: a glass of water. Then came the familiar question: “Is the glass half full or half empty?”
Naturally, the audience was divided. Some saw the glass as half full, while others saw it as half empty.
It was a sales motivation conference, and the question was designed to reveal whether we tend to think positively or negatively. I answered, “Half full.” But then I realized something deeper: The question itself is rhetorical. The real answer depends on one key factor: your personal experience with the glass.
Think about it. If the glass was empty when you first saw it and you poured in water halfway, you’d likely say it’s half full. But if the glass was once full and you poured out half the water, you’d probably say it’s half empty.
Perspective. That’s what frames our opinions − whether we lean toward optimism or pessimism, whether we agree or disagree on an issue. Our experiences shape our viewpoints.
It reminds me of something from debate class. Remember how we learned that every argument has two sides? Later, when I began studying law, my instructor made that lesson come alive. On the very first day, he divided the class into two groups − one to represent the plaintiff and the other, the defendant. We presented our cases and received our grades.
Then came the twist: He switched our roles. The plaintiff’s team now had to argue for the defense, and the defense had to represent the plaintiff. Our success depended on how well we could understand and defend a position we once opposed.
That exercise taught me one of the most valuable lessons of all: truth and understanding often live somewhere between both sides. (As a side note, I didn’t finish law school − family obligations took precedence − but I still hold deep respect for that noble profession.)
What I want to convey today is this: Before judging others for seeing things differently, pause to consider their perspective. Life shapes each of us uniquely. The person beside you may have walked a path that led them to see the same “glass” in a completely different way.
We learned this lesson back in high school debate class, so how did we grow up and forget it?
Application
Before reacting to someone whose opinion differs from yours, take a moment to ask yourself, What might their experience have been? When we take time to understand the perspective behind a person’s belief, we often find empathy and even wisdom that we might have otherwise missed.
Reflection Question
When was the last time you took a moment to see a situation from someone else’s point of view? How might doing so change the way you respond?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the reminder that perspective shapes how we see the world and one another. Teach me to listen with compassion and to respond with grace when opinions differ. Help me to remember that understanding begins where judgment ends. May I see others through the lens of love, just as You see me. Amen.
In today’s world, kindness seems to be losing its place. But Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind, and judgment belongs only to God.
Scripture Reading Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2
Reflection In today’s world, kindness seems to be losing its place. Too often, people choose dismissal over understanding, judgment over compassion, and even celebration over someone else’s downfall. But Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind, and judgment belongs only to God.
My mother once gave me advice that has stayed with me all my life. She said, “If you truly want to live a righteous life, act as if someone were following you with a camera, ready to post your every action on a billboard.” That simple wisdom made me think carefully about my words and actions, considering how they affect others.
I strive to approach life with authenticity and compassion. Whether in business or personal relationships, I seek a win-win outcome and do my best to see things from the other person’s perspective. This doesn’t mean I tolerate harmful behavior, but it does mean I try to see people as human beings worthy of love, just as God sees us.
I am far from perfect, and I thank God for His mercy. When I repent, He forgives and wipes the slate clean. No one on earth is perfect, and no one has the right to belittle or condemn others for their differences. Only God is the Judge. Our role is to love.
Application The world will always tempt us to react with judgment, anger, or indifference, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. When faced with conflict or differences, pause and consider how your words and actions will reflect God’s love. Choose patience over impatience, compassion over criticism, and understanding over judgment.
When you are tempted to dismiss someone because of their choices, beliefs, or behaviors, remember God sees them, too, and He calls you to love as He loves.
Reflection Question Am I quicker to judge or to love? How can I show patience, kindness, and understanding in my next interaction with someone who challenges me?
Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that love is patient, kind, and free of judgment. Forgive me for the times I have judged others instead of showing Your love. Help me to see people as You see them, with compassion, grace, and truth. Teach me to live with authenticity, choosing words and actions that honor You. May my life reflect Your love so that others are drawn closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Choose love over judgment, because only God sees the whole story.”
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s missing in life? Gratitude has a way of shifting our eyes away from what we lack and fixing them on what God provides.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s missing in life? The goals we haven’t yet reached, the resources we wish we had, or the problems that seem too big to solve. Gratitude has a way of shifting our eyes away from what we lack and fixing them on what God provides. When we choose thankfulness, our perspective changes, and so does our heart.
There was a time I lived without gratitude for the wonderful lifestyle I had. During this time, I lived in one of the largest houses in the neighborhood. It was a five-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2500-square-foot house with a large yard and other fine amenities. Still, I would see houses in what I perceived were more prestigious neighborhoods and wish I had one of those houses.
One day, all that I had was lost. My husband and I lost our jobs on the same day due to what companies were calling at the time, “right-sizing.” The result of this situation is that we suddenly had no income. We ended up losing the house and had to move into a small rental house until we could find jobs and buy a home again. This time, the house we purchased was in what I considered a less prestigious neighborhood. But I was happy and proud of my little house. As I look back at what I used to have, I realize I had more than enough. In fact, I had more than most people could ever imagine having.
It took losing everything to begin to appreciate the little things. I love my new life, and I am grateful for everything God gives me, no matter how small.
Gratitude trains our hearts to see God’s daily goodness. The truth is, God shows up in our lives every single day. Sometimes it’s in the big, undeniable moments, and other times it’s in the small details: a warm smile from a friend, the beauty of a sunrise, or the peace that comes with prayer. Gratitude opens our eyes to these blessings, reminding us that God’s faithfulness isn’t occasional, it’s constant.
Joy grows when we thank God for even the smallest moments. The Bible says, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Joy isn’t found in perfect conditions but in a heart that chooses to give thanks. When we pause to thank God for the little things, we cultivate joy that no trial can steal. Gratitude is like watering a garden. The more we pour into it, the more it blossoms.
Gratitude draws us closer to peace. When anxiety and worry press in, gratitude is the antidote. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The promise is clear: thanksgiving leads to peace. Gratitude is not just a nice thought; it’s a spiritual practice that connects us to the calm assurance that God is in control.
A Closing Nudge What if you began today with a simple gratitude list? Write down three small things you thank God for right now. It could be the breath in your lungs, the meal you just enjoyed, or the presence of a loved one. As you make gratitude a habit, you’ll begin to see how God is weaving goodness into every part of your life story.
Grace yourself with the love of God and he will fight your battles for you.
Recently, I had the opportunity to practice forgiveness.
Friends, typically, forgiveness is not a difficult thing for me to do. Honestly, I see forgiveness as a way to get on with my life and let the other person get on with their life.
Let me share a recent moment when I was able to practice forgiveness by allowing God to work in my life, to fight a battle on my behalf. Also, let me first say that I will share this story in a way that protects the person who is not here to defend herself. Giving to that endeavor, I will only share a small portion of the total event.
In a recent encounter with a new woman in my sphere, this woman characterized me to be someone I am definitely not. We were discussing a business matter, and because she disagreed with the information I supplied, she called me a liar! She said a few other things not worth mentioning, and, as if I were a leper, she requested that I stay as far away from her as possible. I told her I was hurt by what she was saying, but it didn’t matter to her. Of course, after that I complied with her wish to stay far away from her. To protect myself from further abuse, I blocked her number from my phone and blocked her from my social media sites. I did not really care to hear from or be around someone with that kind of demeanor. I am reminded of the time Jesus was persecuted. In Luke 23:34 (NIV), we read,
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
People can be so heartless. Evil abounds, but the Lord says He will fight our battles. And, I had to remember quickly that the Lord rescues His people from evil attacks. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) reminds me of that.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
Evidence of the Lord’s word in 2 Timothy 4:28 came in the form of a gentleman who, knowing nothing about what was going on between the woman and me, was circumstantially placed in front of the woman. I see this gentleman as someone who was put in place to allow the woman to know that I was not lying after all. And, without provocation, and in a very organic conversation, the gentleman said to the woman, almost word-for-word, everything I had previously said to her. The gentleman’s words were validation that I was telling the truth. I learned of the gentleman’s involvement because the Lord made sure someone else was on the scene to witness and report back to me what had happened. The witness told me that after the gentleman said all that he said, the woman appeared to be in shock and at a loss for words. We don’t know what was on the woman’s mind, but the witness said it was as if she had received an epiphany of some sort.
Still, I have received no apology from the woman. Still, I must forgive the woman and pray that her life is filled with love and grace. Hanging on to what Jesus said, she knows not what she is doing.
Grace Yourself
By “Grace Yourself,” I mean align yourself with the Lord’s power. Adorn yourself with His Grace. His mighty angels are set aside for your protection. Yes, evil abounds, but we must remember that we do not have to fight our battles. When we let the Lord fight our battles, the battle is won.
Our only obligation is to stay faithful to the Lord. His lessons help us to remain calm in adversity as we rest in His love and care.
In the act of reverence and perseverance, my Lord asked me to forgive and move on beyond this event. As difficult as it was to forgive, as a faithful child of God, I had no other choice but to forgive the woman of her hurtful words. Whether she apologizes or not is immaterial.
We go through trials every day. And, there are times people put us into trials that we had no time to prepare for. I am here to say, let it go!
Friends, when someone does or says something to hurt you, I’m not going to lie. It hurts! I’ll tell you the truth right now. I was devastated when that woman said those hurtful words to me. No one had ever been that cruel to me in my whole life. I had a difficult time letting it go. But I am fortunate to have the most incredible friends in my life. When I found it difficult to let things go, my friends stepped in to remind me of God’s love and God’s ways. I am grateful for the friends I have on earth who know me and love me enough to steer me in the right direction at all times. I look forward to being with you all in God’s Kingdom.
Graced in the love of the Lord, I now feel refreshed and ready to enjoy life the way the Lord intends me to enjoy it.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
We have been redeemed by the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
We have been redeemed!
One of my favorite games is Scrabble. And there was a time when you could not tear me away from Words With Friends. I am fascinated by words because words, used properly, can lift people up. Words can motivate and inspire people to do great things.
I see words as tools to be used effectively in communication.
I have a friend who speaks and writes with an uncanny sense of clarity. Carefully chosen words assure that the listener or reader comprehends the exact meaning of what is said or written.
I subscribe to Dictionary.com, and each day I receive a Word of the Day. To make it fun learning this new word, I try to use the word appropriately in a sentence sometime during the day.
My Word of the Day
Today, there is a wonderful word appropriately circling the globe. This word is “Redeemed.”
Approximately 2000 years ago, Jesus was crucified. He suffered horribly, sacrificing Himself to atone for our sins. Think about it! We are the ones who sin and should suffer the burden and make the sacrifice for our sin. But Jesus, who is sinless, stepped in for us and became the sacrifice for us. He redeemed us!
As a man in the flesh, Jesus took on all sin out of His pure love for us. He did this so that we could be spared the suffering associated with our sin. He endured pain and humiliation. He did this so that we could overcome our sins and be washed of our sins then, now, and forever. And, I want to add that He did this joyfully. He did not complain or change His mind, even when the torture was, no doubt, excruciating.
Jesus died on a cross so that we would not have the burden of suffering for our sins.
Word Fanatic
I am a word fanatic. On any day, you can find me looking up the meaning of words. I even spend time looking up the meaning of common words. Today, I looked up the word redeem and found the following definition in Dictionary.com. It seemed appropriate for the remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us.
Redeem
verb (used with object)
to buy or pay off; clear by payment: to redeem a mortgage.
to buy back, as after a tax sale or a mortgage foreclosure.
to recover (something pledged or mortgaged) by payment or other satisfaction: to redeem a pawned watch.
to exchange (bonds, trading stamps, etc.) for money or goods.
to convert (paper money) into specie.
to discharge or fulfill (a pledge, promise, etc.).
to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault, shortcoming, etc.): His bravery redeemed his youthful idleness.
to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom.
Theology. to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.
We have been redeemed
It is appropriate that the theological definition describes precisely the point I present today. Jesus delivered us from sin and was the sacrifice offered for our sins.
Dictionary.com Word of the Day
Today, Dictionary.com has a word that I think is appropriate for the day.
The word is passe-partout. It is pronounced, “pas-pahr-too.” The word is a noun that means “Something that passes everywhere or provides a universal means of passage.”
When I think of the meaning of passe-partout, I think of how Jesus provides us a means of passage.
A person who is not cleansed of their sins cannot go to God. We need Jesus. He is our pathway to God. When we ask Jesus for forgiveness, Jesus speaks to God on our behalf, and our sins are forgiven.
It is written in the Bible,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (NIV)
Happy Friday!
On a Friday, almost 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ died on a cross for us. On that day, He became the sacrifice for our sins. On that day, our debt of sin was paid in full. Once and for all, on that day, we were forgiven!
And then, three days later, on a Sunday, Jesus became alive again. He was resurrected. Satan, who would have preferred we suffer for our sins, was defeated. It was Jesus who fought our battle against Satan and won. Jesus did this because He loves us so much. He loves us so profoundly we cannot imagine the depth of His love. He fought for us without hesitation and any expectations of repayment.
Jesus loves us! And on this Friday, I want to thank Him, with all of my heart, for His love. His sacrifice has paved the way for us to join our Father in heaven. And, He made it easy. All we need to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God. When we sin, all we need to do is go to Jesus and ask Him for forgiveness.
Pray for Forgiveness
The Bible tells us that when we have sinned, we are wise to ask for forgiveness of that sin. And, if we ask for forgiveness, we are forgiven, and our lives made new again. Here are some verses that speak about forgiveness and the never-ending love of Christ.
Note: All of the verses are quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ ”
Acts 2:38
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Romans 10:9-10
The Sinner’s Prayer
Friends, if you have sin in your life and would like to ask forgiveness, there is nothing much that you need to do to get into the full grace of God. The sinner’s prayer is simple, but it effectively says all that needs to be said when asking for redemption. While the sinner’s prayer is not a prayer explicitly found in the Bible, it represents a way for us to begin praying to our Lord and Savior.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
The Sinner’s Prayer
Happy Resurrection Day
May you have peace this Good Friday and feel abundant love this coming Sunday, knowing our Lord rose and came back to us so that we could enjoy life again with Him.
Grace gives us the freedom to soar with wings of laughter.
Life doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. When we ask the Lord into our hearts, we are immediately given the tools we need to live a life of grace.
Grace gives us freedom to be whole again.
When we allow the Heavenly Father to take the reins of our life and guide us through our life, we live a life that offers love and forgiveness to unimaginable degrees.
All God asks of us is that we love Him and obey what he commands. When we do that, He will send to us the Holy spirit to guide us through a life where we no longer have to guess what to do and when to do it.
If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:15-17
When we love God, when we obey His commands, the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, lives in us, and guides us — providing answers, providing assurances, providing solutions to all that we see as challenges to a fulfilling life on earth.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:25-27
My friends, I do hope you have a very Happy New Year!
Song: You Set Me Free Copyrights: 2005 World Records Artist: Sandi Patty
Voice of Hope by Marlene 