“Be crafted into something new.” (Colossians 3:1-11) It starts with an idea. In the designer’s skilled hands, the raw materials begin to take shape. The process is sometimes messy and time consuming, but it is necessary. The transformation process creates something useful, something beautiful, something new.

Seared in the fire. Crafted into perfection. Ready to be used. Just as the craftsman refines a tool for a select purpose, we were created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God has already given you ambitions and directions. Go fulfill them. Read more: http://odb.org/2015/06/03/something-new/

Psalm 23 recounts the wonderful truths of our comforting God.

Your might is incomparable. With a mere thought, You can create. I can’t even fathom it. I am small and weak. Yet, in my weakness I feel Your strength. You bring comfort and peace, and I trust in You.

God, you know me. You planned every intricate detail of my body, my soul, and my personality. And I love you for that.

Days have a way of blending into each other. The repetition of life dulls our senses until our world can become gray. But like refreshing rain, God gives us splashes of joy to color our world and to help us see with new eyes.

It’s humbling, really. When you consider the entire universe, the billions of stars and people, the noise and activity that never end . . . and He chose YOU! The Creator of everything made you, died for you, and wants a relationship with you.

Seconds can drag on and years can fly by. We know we are on this earth for just a moment. And we don’t know when that moment will end. So, God, help us to turn to you, to seek your wisdom. As Psalm 39:7 says, “My hope is in you.”

The color of your skin, where you come from, and other people’s misconceptions about you don’t matter. Jesus died for you; and when you believe this truth, God welcomes you with open arms into His family. You are accepted by God, and you are His child. Read more: http://odb.org/2015/08/06/family-privilege/

No matter what your circumstances, God has a plan. He knows your purpose, and He will see you through.