“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.

We are messed-up people. Even when we try to do good, our evil hearts are still corrupt. But Jesus knows.

When you’re paralyzed in darkness and can’t find a way around your problems, it can feel like God has forgotten you. But He hasn’t. Take a moment to remember what He has done for you, and know that He will lead you out of your darkness into His light.

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning? Like there’s an ocean of pain and problems and you can’t breathe? But there is One who saves. Who rescues. Who brings your life out of the deep and into the light. His name is Jesus, and He wants to rescue you. Read more: http://odb.org/2015/02/24/longing-for-rescue/

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

It starts as broken glass. Ruined. Thrown away. But then something amazing happens. Over time, the useless shards are rolled and tumbled until something beautiful is created. It’s just like how God takes our broken pieces and crafts beauty.

We prepare to pray, yet our minds wander and every distraction is magnified. That’s when we simply bow our hearts and say, “Lord, teach us to pray!”

God formed the earth, created everything in it, and knows every detail of His masterpiece. He is perfect and powerful, yet He wants to know you intimately. He wants you to call on Him, and He will be your protector. Your rescuer. Your refuge.

A baby boy. That’s how God chose to save the world. It was God’s plan to send His Son in the flesh, and it’s His plan to affect every one of us through this gift. So trust in His purpose, no matter what your role, because He loves you so.

Life is full of challenges and setbacks. We can’t do it on our own. Thankfully, we have a heavenly Father who wants to help us and never wants us to walk alone. He’s reaching out to you. So grab on and don’t let go. He certainly won’t.