It’s time to get rid of all the gunk—the dirt, the grime, the residue of old ways. That is not you anymore. You’ve been cleaned. You’ve been changed. You’ve tasted what is good and real and true. So live free.

The weight of the darkness can be suffocating. Until the Light of the World reveals Himself, and you believe.

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.

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/

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/

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!”

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.

Out of nothing, God made something. With mere spoken words, He made something that looked like Him—us! And it was all so good.

Kids love to imitate. That’s how they learn. And just as we pass down our wisdom, skills, or hobbies to our children, God asks us to follow His example. There’s no better way to learn how to love life and live life than from the One who created us.

People or things will try to distract you, but keep going.