Growing as a Christian takes personal effort

There are so many people who can’t 

seem to grow in their home church.

And truth be told, a lot of churches stop growing—so naturally, the people in them do too.

But when you stop growing, you start slipping away.

Here’s the truth: your growth was never meant to depend solely on your church.

The Bible says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)

Your pastor and your church are meant to help you grow, but they aren’t supposed to be your only source. Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights aren’t enough to sustain your spiritual life. That’s why so many people become churchgoers rather than true followers of Christ—because growth takes personal effort.

You have to make Jesus your priority—above everything else. He must come first before anything and anyone.

So start seeking Him daily:

• Pray when you wake up.

• Pray throughout your day.

• Pray before you go to bed.

And don’t forget to study your Bible on your own.

Remember, there are false teachers out there. If you’re not rooted in God’s Word, you won’t be able to tell when something is being preached from the flesh instead of from the truth.

Spiritual growth isn’t about church attendance—it’s about personal relationship.

It’s about letting Jesus lead you, teach you, and transform you from the inside out.

God Is Waking Up Our Nation

Sometimes it feels like the world is upside down. Darkness is loud. Lies are celebrated. And standing for truth can feel lonely. There are moments when I think, am I the only one who sees it? Am I the only one holding on to God’s Word?

But then—I look around. I see people rising up. I see voices speaking truth with courage. I see God stirring hearts. And I’m reminded: I am not alone, and neither are you.

God Is Still on the Throne

No matter what is happening around us, no matter what headlines shout or leaders declare, God has not stepped off His throne. He rules and reigns in righteousness. His plans will stand. “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalm 103:19, KJB).

When the world seems chaotic, we can take comfort in knowing that nothing surprises Him. He is sovereign, He is faithful, and He will have His way.

A Great Awakening

Across this nation, people are waking up. The lies of the enemy are being exposed. Hearts are hungry for truth again. Families are standing firm in faith. Churches are crying out in prayer. The Holy Spirit is moving, and His light is shining brighter than the darkness.

It's about God calling His people back to Himself. It’s about repentance, revival, and returning to the only foundation that cannot be shaken: Jesus Christ.

We Are Not Alone

The enemy loves to whisper, “You’re the only one left. You’re standing alone.” But that’s a lie. Just like Elijah discovered when he thought he was the last prophet of God (1 Kings 19), the Lord has preserved many who will not bow to Baal. Today, too, there are countless believers across this land who are standing strong.

Every time we lift our voices in praise, every time we share truth, every time we shine light in dark places—we are part of God’s great work in this generation.

Praise God

So let’s not lose heart. God is moving. He is shaking what can be shaken so that only what is eternal will remain. He is waking up His people. He is waking up our nation. And He will finish what He started.

Let’s lift our eyes to Him and declare with confidence: Praise God—He is still on the throne!

My mini prayer binder

I just wanted to show you my mini prayer binder that I got set up a couple days ago. 

I have sections in it for...

• Repeated Prayers
• Answered Prayers
• Prayer Request 
• Daily Prayers
• Prayer List

Repeated prayers is the section where I pray these things over and over. I claim them in Jesus name.

Answered Prayers is a section where I move prayer request to when God answers.

The Daily prayers section is for me to write prayers daily in.

Prayer list is a list of people to pray for.

I love my mini prayer binder SO much!

I bought the binder and the filler paper off of amazon. It's nice to have beside my Bible. 

Are You Looking Through Denominational Glasses?

Reading the Bible Without Denominational Lenses

One of the most important questions every believer must ask is this: Am I letting Scripture speak for itself, or am I filtering it through the lens of my denomination?

Many Christians grow up within a church tradition—Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, or any other—and naturally adopt the doctrines taught within that group. But if you were to sit down and read the entire Bible, cover to cover, without any outside influence, would you come to the same conclusions as they did?

Scripture as the Final Authority

The Bible makes it clear that the Word of God is the standard for truth. The apostle Paul wrote:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

(2 Timothy 3:16, KJB)

Notice—profitable for doctrine. Every belief, teaching, and practice must be backed up by Scripture. If a doctrine cannot stand firmly on the Word of God, it cannot be true, no matter how many people believe it or how long it has been taught.

The Danger of Denominational Glasses

When we read the Bible through denominational “glasses,” we often end up confirming what we were already taught rather than discovering what God actually says. This is dangerous, because it can blind us to the full truth of Scripture.

For example, some highlight certain verses while ignoring others that may not fit their system. The result? Doctrines built more on tradition than on the plain reading of the Word.

Taking the Bible at Its Word

Imagine approaching the Bible with fresh eyes—no preconceived denominational framework, no church manual beside you, just the Scriptures themselves. Would you still conclude exactly what your denomination teaches? Or would you discover truths that challenge long-held assumptions?

Jesus Himself warned about this very issue:

“Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”

(Matthew 15:6, KJB)

Tradition must always give way to truth. The question is not, Does my denomination teach this? but rather, Does the Bible teach this?

A Call to Honest Reading

As believers, we are called to test everything against God’s Word. That means being willing to lay aside denominational loyalty if Scripture shows us something different. The Bereans were commended because they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11, KJB).

Will we do the same?

Final Thought

The Word of God is living, powerful, and sufficient. If your beliefs cannot stand on the foundation of Scripture alone, then it’s time to re-examine them. Don’t let denominational bias cloud the truth. Open the Bible, read it for yourself, and let God’s Word speak plainly.

Outreaching in Your Own Circle: Building Community Where You Are

For a long time, I prayed that God would give me new friendships. I wanted to meet new people, have new connections, and branch out into different circles. But one day, my mom gently reminded me of something that completely changed my perspective: “Cherish and build the friendships God has already given you.”

That was a heart check for me. I realized I had been overlooking the people right in front of me—the family, friends, neighbors, and community God had already placed in my life.

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Wanting to Do Something for the Lord

Like many Christians, I had a deep desire to do something big for God. I wanted to help people, serve the Lord, and make a difference. A lot of people think that, that means we have to go far away—into ministry, overseas missions, or outreach programs to people I didn’t even know.

But the truth is, ministry starts at home. It starts with the people around you right now. You don’t have to travel across the world to make an eternal difference—you can shine Christ’s light in your own neighborhood, school, workplace, or church community.

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The Need Is Here and Now

We sometimes think that “real” outreach means preaching to strangers, traveling to distant places, or doing something dramatic. While those are important and valuable, we also desperately need Christians who will be faithful to love, serve, and invest in their communities right here at home.

Your neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and even your own family need encouragement, truth, and hope. And often, the most powerful witness isn’t in a sermon—it’s in simple acts of kindness, consistency, and love.

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Ten Practical Ways to Outreach in Your Community

Here are ten simple, practical ideas to start reaching out right where you are:

1. Invite a friend to coffee or lunch – Take time to truly listen and encourage them.

2. Start a Bible study in your home – Even with just a few people, God can use it mightily.

3. Volunteer locally – Serve at a food pantry, community center, or homeless shelter.

4. Check on your neighbors – A kind word, baked goods, or even mowing a lawn can open doors for friendship.

5. Send encouraging notes or texts – A simple message can lift someone’s day more than you know.

6. Offer prayer – Ask people in your circle how you can pray for them and follow up.

7. Support local families in need – Help with meals, babysitting, or financial needs when God provides the opportunity. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” – Romans 12:10

8. Host a fellowship night – Open your home for games, food, and laughter. Relationships grow through time together.

9. Get involved in your church outreach team – Even small commitments can have big impacts.

10. Live out your faith daily – Be kind, patient, and Christlike in everyday interactions. People notice authenticity. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” – Matthew 5:14

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Closing Thoughts

You don’t have to wait for new friendships or faraway mission fields to make a difference. God has already placed people in your life who need His love, and He has chosen you to be the vessel to share it.

Outreach doesn’t always look like standing on a stage or traveling overseas. Sometimes, it looks like sitting at a kitchen table, delivering a meal, or simply listening when someone needs to talk.

Start where you are. Cherish the circle you already have. 

God put you there for a reason.

Let's Go To Mackinac Island!!!

 

What to Blog About When You Don’t Know What to Blog About: Ideas for Christian Bloggers

Every blogger has faced it—that blank screen, that blinking cursor, that quiet thought: “What do I even write about today?” It happens to all of us. But as a Christian blogger, you have a well that never runs dry: God’s Word and His work in your life. When you’re not sure what to blog about, here are some Spirit-led directions that can spark meaningful posts.

1. Share a Scripture Reflection

God’s Word is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Choose a verse or passage that has been speaking to you lately and share how it applies to your life. A simple devotional thought can bless someone else who needs that exact encouragement.

Example topics:

• What Proverbs teaches about daily wisdom

• A verse that comforted you during a trial

• Lessons from the Psalms about worship

2. Testimony and Personal Story

Your readers connect with your story. Share how God has been faithful in your life—big or small moments. A testimony reminds others that God is still at work today.

Example topics:

• A recent answered prayer

• A challenge where you saw God’s hand at work

• A personal struggle and how God gave strength

3. Practical Christian Living

Many readers are looking for guidance on how to live out their faith in everyday life. Write posts that bring biblical truth into daily routines.

Example topics:

• How to keep God at the center of your busy day

• Habits for growing in prayer

• Ways to encourage a struggling friend in Christ

4. Book or Sermon Reviews

Share what you’ve been reading or listening to. Write a review of a Christian book, podcast, or sermon series. Highlight what inspired you and how it applies to faith.

Example topics:

• Lessons from a recent sermon at church

• A Christian book that deepened your prayer life

• Favorite hymns or worship songs and their messages

5. Encouragement for Specific Seasons

Different seasons of life bring different challenges. Write posts that speak to those unique situations with biblical encouragement.

Example topics:

• Trusting God in times of waiting

• Finding peace in uncertain times

• Gratitude in every season

6. Topical Bible Studies

Pick a theme—love, forgiveness, patience, prayer—and gather Scriptures that teach on it. This not only helps you grow but also provides your readers with a ready-made Bible study.

Example topics:

• What the Bible says about forgiveness

• God’s promises about fear and anxiety

• Understanding God’s love through Scripture

7. Answer Questions Christians Ask

Think about questions you or your friends often wonder about. Writing posts that answer those questions can help many readers who are quietly searching.

Example topics:

• How do I know God’s will for my life?

• Why does God allow suffering?

• What does it mean to “pray without ceasing”?

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Final Thought

When you don’t know what to blog about, remember: you don’t have to invent content. You just need to share what God is teaching you, what He has already said in His Word, and how His truth meets life’s everyday moments. Blogging isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about pointing people back to the One who does.