As I opened the door to receive my surprise celebration, my soon-to-be three-year-old grandson was bent over in tears saying, “Oh no…the balloon!” At this point, I looked up as the helium-filled birthday balloon slipped from his hands and flew upward toward the clouds.

In hide-and-seek, my grandchildren's joy in being found and their eager pursuit of me offers a beautiful reminder of childlike faith and how we should approach the kingdom of God—full of trust and expectation.

The Bible emphasizes that we are to pass down God's greatness to future generations, not focusing on our own achievements but on His mighty acts.

Spiritual growth requires effort—like physical health—it involves developing qualities such as self-control, knowledge, and love, which enable us to live out our faith and effectively fulfill God’s purposes for our lives.

The Bible acknowledges our fear and provides comfort, with Psalm 56 offering David’s example of placing trust in God during moments of fear and anxiety.

Paul reflects on the painful departure of Demas, who chose the present world over his faith, highlighting the dangers of being swayed by worldly power and the temptation to abandon Christ.

In his letters to Timothy, Paul seems to recognize his own imminent end, but also uses the term "last days" to refer to the period from Jesus' ascension to His future return, a time marked by moral decline and difficulty.

Reading Psalm 28 makes me wonder if the psalmist thought that God has a hearing problem. He has been around longer than any of us, so does our Father in heaven have to lean in to hear us when we pray?

As I grew in faith, I began to appreciate the significance of the benediction, recognizing it as a moment of invoking God’s blessings and peace.

Paul emphasizes that the "good deposit" refers to the gospel of Jesus, which Timothy must protect against false teachings and misinterpretations that were prevalent in his time.

The message of 2 Timothy 1:7 remains vital for both young and older leaders, reminding all believers that they are not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

The early churches receiving the letter to the Hebrews faced significant challenges, including Roman persecution and the spread of confusing teachings, which heightened their concern for the future.

In chapter 13, believers are called to foster love within the community and extend that love through hospitality, reinforcing the idea that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

The prophet Haggai delivered a message from God to Zerubbabel and Joshua, encouraging them and the people of Judah as they faced the overwhelming task of rebuilding the temple after its destruction.

The writer of Hebrews contrasts the fearful encounter of the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the hope and assurance found in the new kingdom established by Christ, emphasizing the importance of faith in this journey.

Hebrews 12 emphasizes that God's discipline, while painful at times, is ultimately meant to cultivate righteousness and reflect His love in our lives.

Just as Moses shared lessons from history, we should also recount our own stories of faith and struggle with family, fostering understanding and connection across generations.

As we await God’s ultimate restoration, we are reminded that peace is not something we create; it is a gift from God, cultivated through faith and connection with Him.

With a bustling family of four children and nine grandchildren, meal times often reveal varying appetites, reminding me of David's invitation in Psalm 34:8 to "taste and see that the Lord is good."

By recognizing God's past faithfulness, we are empowered to step forward in faith, confident that He will continue to provide and guide us in our journey of faith.