Buckeye Christian Church

Proverbs 31 Women

Sun, 24 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 ESV

When I think of charm and beauty, I think of a Beauty Pageant. Not many people know this, but I was in a Miss Teen Pageant when I was in High School. I also took modeling classes. They taught us poise, charm, beauty with a purpose, emphasizing grace, leadership and making a difference. I used to think that beauty was an outward thing, but as I got older, I learned that beauty is inward. Your character, integrity and how you treat people is more beautiful than our outward appearance.

The definition of charm is power or quality of giving delight or admiration. This verse says that charm is deceitful. It is misleading. We are to be humble, not seeking admiration.

The definition of vain is having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities or worth. The Bible version of vain is something that is empty, futile or lacking substance and purpose. The verse says that beauty is vain. Beauty is futile and empty.

Proverbs 31:20 says: she opens her hands to the poor and reaches her hand to the needy. Treat people with respect and love. Verse 26 says: she opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

We as women should care more about walking with God and following Him than focusing on our outward beauty. We should read our Bible to become wise so we can teach and show other women how to walk with God. Spiritual devotion is better than outward appearances. We should focus on God-honoring character instead of vanity. Our self-worth is found in our relationship with God, not in being perfectly beautiful. Develop your spiritual life with your Bible. Memorize Scripture so you can always be ready to tell people about God.

One of my favorite new songs is "The Truth"- By Megan Woods. It says....How many times can you hear the same lie, before you start to believe it? The enemy keeps whispering to me, I swear these days, it's all that I'm hearing. I used to know who I was, now I look in the mirror and I'm not so sure. Lord, I don't wanna listen to the lies anymore. The truth is I am my Father's child, I make him proud and I make him smile. I was made in the image of a perfect King. He looks at me and wouldn't change a thing. The truth is I am truly loved by a God who's good, when I'm not good enough. I don't belong to the lies, I belong to You, and that's the truth.

You can listen to the rest of the song but it tells us that walking with God and obeying, worshipping, serving and trusting Him is the most important thing and He loves us as we are. Charm and beauty mean nothing if it doesn't match our inner spiritual self.

You are all worthy and beautiful!! Love you all!

Mary & Martha

Sun, 17 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."" Luke 10:38-42 NIV

More often than not, I would rather sit and listen to my dad talk—about his time as a missionary, his childhood, or the many people he’s met. He is a man full of wisdom, and God has used him in so many amazing ways. I’m always wanting to see him and hear from him. But just like in the story of Mary and Martha, life still has to be lived. I have responsibilities. I have a job. I don’t get to spend as much time with my dad as I would like. And even when I do, I often have somewhere else to be, so I have to leave. You might think, after hearing all that, that I would relate more to Martha in this story—but I don’t. I relate to Mary.

I have a deep desire to know Jesus—who He is, what He wants, and what God has done for me. Have I always been good at this? Nope... But there’s something inside of me, just like Mary, that longs to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to every word He speaks—just like I desire with my father here on earth. When this story takes place, Jesus is physically there with them—walking, talking, and spending time in their home. When He arrives, Mary recognizes that this moment is the most important thing. She chooses to sit, listen, and be with Him—above everything else.

In that culture, she would have been expected to help her sister—preparing meals, cleaning, and serving. Martha was busy and even frustrated that Mary wasn’t helping. But Mary knew that being with Jesus mattered more than expectations, more than responsibilities, even more than the opinions around her. She understood that He would be leaving to go and teach others again. This was her moment to sit with her Rabbi, her Teacher—and nothing else compared.

Jesus came and lived among people. Jesus told her and others He would never leave them or forsake them but then he died on a cross. Mary's moments were now only memories. While Mary had Jesus physically in front of her for a time, she didn't know there was more to come. Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the grave, He gave us something better than his physical body, He gave the ultimate gift—the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus / God live in us!! Mary sat beside Jesus for a moment in time, but now we get to walk with Him every moment!! We may desire to physically see Jesus, or we can’t wait to see Him in heaven—but but but... we take for granted Who Jesus gave us for the here and now. The Holy Spirt!

My desire hasn’t changed—but the accessibility has!! Every day, we can walk in the Awareness that our Heavenly Father, the Author of Creation, the Almighty is right beside us—guiding us, loving us, talking with us and never leaving us. We walk with the understanding that Jesus is not limited by a physical body anymore nor are we! My prayer is that our hearts stay open to this gift, The Holy Spirit every moment of every day— especially when we feel busy, distracted, or alone. Will we be perfect at this? Nope. But that doesn’t change the truth:

We are not alone! Jesus is with us!

That Outfit?

Sat, 16 May 2026 12:44:36 +0000

Why does John wear Buckeye T-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans every week to preach?

Depending on when and where you have attended a church service, you will see many different people in many different outfits, representing many different cultures. We know that the house of the Lord is for all and all are welcome, but we have some thoughts and traditions that we love. I know when I see those beautiful, ornate hats on an Easter morning, it tells me that someone has come dressed to the nines to worship the creator of the universe. There is never anything wrong with wearing your Sunday best when your heart is set on bringing your best to God. This is a personal conviction and concerns the individual's heart, but we have to understand that the attire we wear to church does not define where we stand with God. It is best said in 1 Peter 3:3-4

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4

Over my years of ministry, I have been to churches where the unspoken or maybe even audibly spoken requirement is to wear only suits and ties, but I have also been to churches where there is no requirement on your attire to attend their church service. The reason for my attire is to ensure that anyone who attends can instantly see that everyone is welcome, no matter what you are wearing. What we have on as our outer layer can be what people judge us by, and where we feel truly welcome. If you were to walk into a hospital gala trying to raise $50 million while wearing jeans and a t-shirt, you would feel very out of place. You will instantly start looking at everyone around you, what they are wearing, and then what the key speakers are wearing. If you find yourself not dressed like the others, you will instantly start to question whether you belong there, worry about judgment, and, more than likely, leave feeling embarrassed. I understand the thought process that we are going to be communing and praising the creator of the universe, and this may make us want to dress to impress, but God wants your heart above all, and all are welcome. I have personally been told by multiple people that when they walked into our service and saw what I was wearing, they felt they could belong here, felt comfortable, and were ready to learn more about the one who created it all. That is what the church is all about. Romans 10:11-13 says,

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
- Romans 10:11-13

Make sure to come to church this Sunday dressed in the attire that allows you to give your heart completely to God, and I pray that I will get to worship and praise the one who knows you and loves you personally!

Introductions

Sat, 16 May 2026 12:39:58 +0000

Hello everyone,
This is a man out of his mind. As I say in my digital discipleship videos, which are called “A Man Out of his mind”. The whole point of this comes from 2 Corinthians 5:13, If we are 'out of our mind,' as some say, it is for God. Many have had many questions about why John does what he does in ministry, and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share the reason behind the madness. If you have questions about why we do what we do, please email me at john@buckeyecc.org, and I will try to answer you personally, or I may even put it in this blog. If you take one thing away from this, may it be that God is King and that it is all about building God’s kingdom, not our own. Thank you all, and God bless!

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
- 2 Corinthians 5:13

Mary - Mother of Jesus

Sun, 10 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Luke 1:26-28 NLT

Can you even imagine? I can't. I think I would be speechless just like Mary was at first, but then when she hears what the angel says she doesn't doubt, not for one second. “For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:37-38 NLT

But don't miss the words of Gabriel " the word of God will never fail." Do we cling tight to those promises? When things get hard do we turn to God or away from Him? Do we try to figure it out on our own or do we trust that the words of God never fail?

Mary did and she didn't hesitate. Look at all she endured in her life being the mother of Jesus, not just the fact of him being her child, but also the Messiah, which she completely couldn't understand at the time. In the Bible there are so many promises that God makes toward us. He promises to never leave us, He promises to go before and behind us and have His hand upon us, He promises all things work together for good according to His purposes. He promises to be near the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit.

I've found lately that it helps me to declare things out loud. It takes it from my head to my heart and for me it just works. The truth I'm standing in right now is God is trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5-6). This is what Mary believed and lived and sometimes, too, each of us need this reminder.

So, what promise of Jesus is the Holy Spirit reminding you that you need to say out loud and believe like Mary?

Prophet Anna

Sun, 03 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38

In just three short verses, we see through the prophetess Anna, a model of perseverance, devotion in prayer, thankfulness and joyful boldness. Widowed after only seven years of marriage, Anna spent the rest of her life dedicated entirely to God, in the temple day and night, worshipping, fasting & praying.

The world might have seen Anna as an insignificant elderly widow, but God saw a woman whose faithfulness was preparing her for a monumental moment. May we each remember that we also are significant to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. God sees us, hears us and will use us if we allow Him to do so. Anna waited for decades for the promised Savior. May we persevere, trusting God’s timing & that He will answer our prayers in His way, not our way.

Because she lived in constant communion with God, Anna was attuned to His voice and recognized the Messiah immediately. When she saw Jesus, she gave thanks and spoke of Him to others who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. She became one of the first witnesses of Christ. May we be thankful and bold like her, sharing God’s hope with everyone we meet.

Prayer is of the utmost importance. Through the blood of Jesus, we have access to the Creator of the universe. Paul calls us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to...

“rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer is a privilege, allowing us to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. If do not pray, we miss out on witnessing God’s blessings through answered prayer. Jesus regularly went off alone to speak with His Father. If prayer was important enough for Jesus, how much more important if should be for us.

May we follow Anna’s model, living in constant communion with God through prayer, joyfully sharing the Good News with everyone we meet

Serving As A Village

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

We all have gifts. I believe my gift has always been serving. I’ve always had a passion for caring for other people—whether it is serving for the 614 service, watching kids, setting up chairs, or just bringing someone a coffee when they are having a bad day.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10

This verse tells us exactly how we should be using our gifts. I'm sure many people have heard of the importance of having a “village.” But to have a village, you have to be willing to be a village.
Being a village means making dinner for a family with a new baby, helping a friend clean their room during a depressive phase, or simply checking up on someone who is having a hard time. I have personally experienced this in my own life. When my brother passed away in March of 2025, my friends and family stepped up. We were showered with meals, texts, hugs, and gifts. These people are our village.

I want to encourage you: Be someone's village

If your gift is encouragement, write someone a card.

If it is teaching, help someone who is struggling with their Bible reading.
If it is leadership, step up and lead a Bible study.

No gift goes unnoticed in God’s eyes; He has given us these gifts for a reason. We are to use them to further His Kingdom. Serve others because God has given you these gifts to love those around you. I pray this encourages you all.

Serving with Zeal

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

In my Christian life, I’ve always strived to do what I felt God was calling me to do. But if I’m honest, my humanness has often been my biggest hindrance. I am more of an introvert who longs to be an extrovert! I find myself second-guessing my actions most of the time, and I often hesitate to speak boldly for fear of rejection.
Even after thirty years in Christ, I sometimes feel no more zealous than I did when I first accepted Him. I can look back and see that I have indeed grown—but I also know that I can, should, and will do better! I am making a conscious effort to be more zealous and bold for Christ.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” - Romans 12:11

If you struggle with this as well and need someone to vent to, please reach out to me. Community is one of the Church’s greatest strengths!

Blessings, Cynthia

Serving When It's Hard

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Serving is such a beautiful thing, but if we’re honest, it can also be hard.
I have worked with youth in some capacity since my early 20s—so, for many years now! I am so blessed that I get to serve these young people. I truly love them. There have been nights when showing up felt easy: the room was full, the energy was high, and it felt like God was moving in powerful ways. But there are also times when things just don’t go as planned. Those nights are hard. Everyone is tired and cranky. What can I say? They are teens, and we all have difficult moments.
Those are the moments Galatians 6:9 speaks directly into.
Paul doesn’t say, “If you get weary.” He says, “Do not become weary,” because weariness is a real part of doing good. Serving week after week—whether in youth ministry, worship, setting up for 614, tech, leading a Bible study, or working behind the scenes—can slowly drain us if we start focusing only on what we see right now.
But God reminds us that there is a harvest.
In youth group, you don’t always see immediate results. A conversation you have today might not feel impactful to you, but after some time, a student may think back on what was said and how someone loved them enough to listen. In worship, the song you sing for the hundredth time might be the very song God uses to reach someone who walked in hurting and unsure. Serving isn’t about instant payoff—it’s about faithful obedience.

That’s why the song “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett fits this theme so well. The lyrics remind us that serving flows from worship:

“I will build my life upon Your love; it is a firm foundation.”

When our lives are built on Jesus, serving others isn’t about recognition or outcomes—it’s an act of worship. Even when we’re tired, and even when the fruit isn’t visible yet, we trust that God is at work beneath the surface. The harvest comes “at the proper time.”
God’s time. Not ours.
Serving requires trust—trust that God sees the unseen, values quiet faithfulness, and multiplies what feels small. When we sing, “I will put my trust in You alone,” we’re declaring that our perseverance comes from Him, not our own strength.
So, if you’re feeling worn down, discouraged, or questioning whether what you’re doing really matters, take heart. Keep showing up. Keep loving people. Keep serving with the strength God provides.

Don’t give up.
The harvest is coming. And when it does, we’ll see that every act of service—no matter how quiet or ordinary—was worth it.

Serving Behind the Scenes

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Serving in the church has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I didn't grow up in the church, and when I became a Christian as a teen, I didn’t really understand what "serving" meant. It was always discussed in terms of being in front of people—singing in the choir, joining the worship team, teaching, or preaching.
As a teen, I didn't mind the choir, but as I grew older, I became more introverted. The mere mention of being in front of people terrified me. Nope. No thank you. I don’t do well when people stare at me. I’m not a teacher. For a long time, I felt like there was no place for me to fit in.
For a while, my husband and I attended a church where you were guilted into serving wherever they had a "hole" to fill. It didn't matter if you had the talent or the interest; if it was "for God," you were expected to do it. During my time there, I was pressured into several areas I was not equipped for:

Teaching VBS: I am awkward around children, yet because I enjoyed crafts, I was expected to teach. I lost my voice every single time.
Easter Plays: I hate being on stage, but I was told I had to participate. I remember being up there coughing and sick, but staying because "it was for God."
The Sound Booth: I hated it, but again—it was expected.

God had not called me to those areas, but the pressure wore me down. The only thing I willingly did—and loved—was writing the newsletter. I wrote articles and poems and included photos. I loved it because I’ve always wanted to be an author. But the toxicity of that environment eventually became too much.
By the time I left that church, my view of serving was warped. I brought that trauma with me to Buckeye. For years, the phrase "It's for God" triggered a trauma response in me. I would make excuses or do whatever it took to avoid being involved. I felt like something was wrong with me, like I was "lacking" as a Christian because I didn’t want to serve out in the open.
But I was wrong. God used the people around me to slowly show me that I had talents to contribute—just behind the scenes. He showed me He can use me even if I’m not an extrovert.
It started small. Marti asked me to post a monthly Scripture Writing prompt on Facebook. At first, I didn’t even see it as serving; it felt too easy! But I eventually realized it was impacting women’s lives. It was a service to God that drew people closer to Him. That was a huge eye-opener for me.
Finally, I built up the courage to talk to my leadership. I met with John and Julie and was honest about my past trauma and my anxiety. They listened. They assured me that I would never be forced into a role I wasn't called to, and they gave me hope. I walked away from that meeting with two new opportunities: helping with worship team admin tasks and washing the tablecloths. Both are behind the scenes, but both further the Kingdom in their own quiet way.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

I am still learning not to let past trauma or anxiety hold me back. I am learning that God has specific places for me to serve, and I want to give my very best to Him. It isn’t always easy, but I know it’s worth it—because nothing done for God is ever useless.

Gift of Encouragement

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24–25

Encouraging one another—did you know that this is a spiritual gift? I do, because it is a gift I have been given. I love to encourage others, especially the women in our church and those I come in contact with. I love to let people know that they are important and that they matter. It is something that comes easily to me. Even if encouragement is not your specific spiritual gift, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to encourage someone today.
In Luke 5:17–24, we see how a paralyzed man’s friends did not just encourage him with words; they went above and beyond for him:

One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
- Luke 5:17–24

Those men carried their friend on a mat, climbed the stairs, and literally tore the roof off so they could bring him to Jesus. Do you have a friend like that? Someone who is willing to carry you the extra mile when life gets hard? More importantly, are you able to be that person for someone else?

We all struggle and have challenges in our lives. Often, we have to decide: do we share them with others and ask for prayer, or do we hold them inside, thinking we can do it on our own? Sharing our struggles is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of faith.
One of the things I’ve learned over the past year since losing Nate is that friends are so important. Sometimes encouragement isn't about saying the perfect thing; it’s just about letting people know you care.

This week, I am asking you to think about someone you could encourage. Send them a text, call them on the phone, or meet them for a coffee date. Just let them know how much they matter to you. Also, if God prompts your heart about someone, stop and pray for them—and then let them know you did. Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. He may even surprise you with what He asks you to do.

Learning to Grow

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” - 2 Peter 3:18

I had barely touched a Bible in my whole life until early 2024. As you can imagine, I had a lot of trouble getting started. I had heard the story of creation, Adam and Eve, and Noah and the ark. I knew the Christmas story, but that was the extent of my Bible knowledge.

That started changing for me almost two years ago. I pulled out a Bible that had been given to me as a gift and started reading, only to discover I was very lost. I felt so disappointed and confused. Then, last year, I joined a women's Bible study. I took several of them, but again, I felt discouraged because the material seemed way over my head. I felt like I was sinking deeper and deeper into a sea of confusion.

Slowly, over time, and with the help of dear friends from Buckeye, I have learned more about Jesus. Now, when I’m reading alone, I come up with my own questions—and to me, that means I’m truly learning and growing. I still have a lot to read, which I will never stop doing. My learning and growing will never end. This is my never-ending adventure!

Heart for the Word

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

2 Timothy 3:16-17

For so many years, I didn’t really read the Bible for myself. I went to church every week and listened to the sermons, but when I was with other women who could quote Scripture, I would wonder why it was so easy for them and not for me. How were they able to remember what they read? How did they even remember where it was in the Bible? When I did read my Bible, I certainly didn’t remember it well enough to confidently say, “The Bible says…” My time in the Word was sporadic and inconsistent. My mind would wander; I’d get bored. What was wrong, I wondered? I was so frustrated.

Through the example of godly women, I was able to see that they were intentionally setting aside time to be in God’s Word. The practice of being in the Bible embedded it in their hearts. At the time, I felt like I didn’t have the time to read every day. I didn’t think I had the attention span, and I certainly didn’t recall verses to fit life's situations. It seemed so much easier for everyone else.

But God showed me what the real issue was: the problem was my heart. I didn’t value the Bible as I should have. I wasn’t prioritizing my time; I was treating it like any other book instead of treasuring it as the very words of God. I was looking at it the wrong way because I was being deceived by Satan’s lies.

Satan doesn’t want me in God’s Word. He will do anything to separate me from a deeper relationship with God. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Satan doesn’t want me in the Word because if I am, I will be able to recognize his lies. He doesn’t want me to grow and thrive in Christ. If I am not reading the Bible on my own, I am not going to fully know God, His will, or how to live daily in a way that truly reflects Jesus in my thoughts, actions, and words.

The first thing I did was ask God to help me have the desire to be in His Word. I took small steps. I continued to ask God for help with motivation, remembering, and understanding, and for the strength to put what I was reading into practice. Even when I didn't feel like it, I asked Him to help me do it anyway.

Through the consistency of being in the Bible daily, I began to make connections with passages I had read previously. With the repetition of reading, I started to recall verses (not always the book, chapter, and verse, but still!). Over time, I could see growth. In Acts 17:11, we learn that the church was so hungry for the Word of God that they were eagerly examining the Scriptures daily. I was finally growing to have that same Spirit-driven hunger!

Reading the Bible and growing in my walk with Christ is a lifelong pursuit. I am discovering so much more about who God is. I am becoming aware of misconceptions I have had and seeing areas where I need to grow. I am maturing in my relationship with Christ, being transformed and shaped by the truths of His Word. I have finally found joy in the practice of daily spending time with God.

Prince of Peace

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:10:27 +0000

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

The title “Prince of Peace” suggests a hope and expectation, reflecting the promise of a leader who would bring true and lasting peace. This peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a deep, spiritual wholeness and reconciliation between God and humanity.

The Hebrews believed that the Messiah (the Prince of Peace) would come; that He would be able to ease their suffering and help them with all their worries and pain. They dreamed of how He would give protection from their enemies and conquer all the difficult things in their lives. I believe, at the time, their yearnings may have been misguided. They did not fully understand that Jesus, the coming Prince of Peace, would deliver them from their tribulations and bring them peace in their hearts; yet while on earth, they had to maintain their current lives with His love and guidance to persevere until they could be truly at peace with God in Heaven.

Fortunately for us today—and here in America specifically—we have the blessing of religious freedom. We can know Jesus, our Prince of Peace, without much suffering. We are taught that Jesus is with us while we are here on earth, along with the Holy Spirit. And with both in our hearts, all we need to do is bow our heads and call on Him to feel the peace we need in a tumultuous time.

It feels so very wonderful, when I’m frustrated with some trivial thing I can’t get right, to simply sit down, bow my head, and breathe deeply; then... ah, there it is, the Prince of Peace again holding my heart so gently! Such a blessing.

I have on my daily prayer list a plea that Christians in other countries, and those who are not as fortunate as us, will be able to bow their heads as well, breathe deeply, and let our Prince of Peace hold their hearts, giving them comfort and peace. Some fear for their lives and thus need Him—not only for feeling peaceful, but as a lifeline to God’s mercy.

Everlasting Father

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Isaiah says that God is the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). What does that really mean? According to the Oxford dictionary, “everlasting” means lasting forever or a very long time. Not to be confused with the Energizer Bunny that can go on and on and on. Eventually, the bunny’s power will be used up. Not so with God.

In Revelation 1:8, God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, who was and who is to come.” This speaks to His self-existence; He has no beginning or end. He always has been and always will be. Also, Isaiah 40:28 says, “The Lord is the everlasting God.”

Not only is He everlasting, but all His attributes are also everlasting. The word “everlasting” appears in the Bible about 20 times to greater than 60 times, depending on which translation you use. Usually, this word is used in connection with God, either Himself or one of His attributes.

Abraham appears to be the first person who called God the Everlasting God (Gen. 21:33). Also, the Bible says that God is from everlasting to everlasting (1 Chronicles 16:36, Nehemiah 9:5, Psalm 41:13, and Psalm 106:48). There are mentions of God’s everlasting covenant with man and the creatures of the earth earlier in the Bible (Gen. 9:16, 17:7). So, we need to ask: can God make an everlasting covenant if He Himself is not everlasting? The answer is no; however, He can make an everlasting covenant because He IS everlasting, permanent, and always existing. Hard for us to wrap our finite human brains around, but since it is included in the Bible, which is God’s inerrant word, it is truth.

Now, regarding His attributes. The following list of scriptures tells some of His everlasting attributes. This is not an exhaustive list, as that would take many pages. This list will give you an idea of His everlasting attributes:

God’s everlasting arms, our dwelling place (Deut. 33:27)
God’s righteousness is everlasting (Ps. 119:142)
God’s kingdom is everlasting (Ps. 145:13)
God Himself is an everlasting rock (Isaiah 26:4)
God offers everlasting salvation (Isaiah 45:17)
God’s everlasting joy (Isaiah 51:11)
God’s love is everlasting (Isaiah 54:8, Jeremiah 31:3)
God’s light is everlasting (Isaiah 60:20)
God’s dominion is everlasting (Daniel 4:34)
God’s covenant is everlasting (Hebrews 13:20)

Back to Isaiah 9:6. This verse is a prophecy regarding the birth of Jesus, and one of His names will be the Everlasting Father. To better understand how the Son is referred to as Father, the gospel of Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah to support that Jesus fulfills this prophecy when Jesus is called Immanuel, which means God with us.

How else can we see scripture let us know that Jesus is eternal? In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make mankind in our image…”. The key words in that verse are “us” and “our.” Also, John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” The “Word” is Jesus. Another convincing verse is John 17:5. That verse says, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began.” In this verse, Jesus is praying to God and indicating His eternal existence. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all everlasting entities.
So regardless of our circumstances, we can rest in the fact that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are with us and are in control from everlasting to everlasting.

Mighty God

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
-Isaiah 9:6

As we enter the season of Advent, our focus and attention centers in on the birth of Jesus Christ and the gift that God the Father has given to us through Him.

I don’t know about any of you, but having children has completely changed the lens through which I view the birth of Christ. I gave birth to a baby girl in December and brought her home shortly before Christmas in 2019. I remember lovingly and joyfully crafting her birth announcement, excited to share the happy news with family and friends. I was sure to include details about her length and weight, arrival date and time, and a perfect photo of our sweet newborn baby girl. But, of course, the most important detail everyone wanted to know (and waited nine months to find out) was, what did we name this baby girl?!

In reminiscing back to that time and remembering all of the excitement and pure joy that comes from giving birth to a precious child, I am often compelled to compare my own experiences to the birth of Jesus. I don’t know if it’s because I gave birth in December around Christmas time, or if it’s something most Christian moms have done—maybe I’m just strange?! Not sure what the reason is, but I find myself thinking about it in this context.

What I’ve realized is that according to this prophetic verse in Isaiah 9:6, Jesus was given several names to be used in His birth announcement. Out of these names that are given, Mighty God is the one that sticks out to me. Could you imagine posting on social media, “Meet our beautiful new baby boy, Mighty God! 8 lbs, 6 oz; 21 in long and perfectly healthy!” It’s such a radical claim! A helpless, tiny newborn baby being called Mighty God? Unbelievable. Impossible. True.

All that power and wisdom and perfection, swaddled up in blankets, lying helplessly in a manger. Of all of the ways God could have come to us, this was what He chose? It makes me think of a song I love singing during Advent by Phil Wickham called “Manger Throne:”

Mighty God denied His own power and stepped down from His throne in Heaven to become a human baby. He became the lowest and most helpless version of mankind possible, totally dependent on those He had created to care for His every need. He traded majesty for meekness, and in doing so became Immanuel, God WITH us. How He can be human and God all at the same time is still such a mystery to me, and honestly it blows my mind. But I’m thankful He is who His birth announcement claimed Him to be: Mighty God.

Prayer: Lord, nothing is impossible for You. Your power is limitless and the grace that You extend to us is nothing short of extravagant. You are for us and not against us, so much so that You gave up the comfort of Heaven to experience humanity—all to be able to relate to us and show us the depth of Your love for us. You are Immanuel, God WITH us! Nothing can stand against You or defeat You, and You are on OUR side, fighting for us and working through us. Help us to remember that when we feel like You could never understand what we are going through, that You do—because You lived this human life with the same difficulties we face in a fallen world. You overcame it all—You are the unmatched Mighty God! And You love us more than anything. Thank You for the steadfastness of Your love, and for always being faithful in fulfilling Your promises. Amen.

Wonderful Counselor

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:48:46 +0000

I don’t listen to classical music often, but during the holidays I always listen to Handel’s Messiah. I love how he uses text from the Old Testament to foretell the life of Jesus. There are certain Bible verses that trigger the music in my mind every time I read them. One of these is Isaiah 9:6:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Want to hear the song now?

Note that the verse begins, “For unto US a child is born, unto US a son is given.” Jesus wasn’t just born unto Mary and Joseph; He was born unto all mankind, unto you and unto me. Hallelujah! Our blog posts this month will center on this verse, and how Isaiah’s prophecy is true for us today.

I will focus on Jesus as “Wonderful Counselor.” Or is it “Wonderful, Counselor”? The King James Version (and Handel) use a comma between the words, but the NIV version does not. We think of the word “wonderful” meaning “extremely good,” and it often does mean that. But it can also mean “causing wonder or astonishment; miraculous.” The double meaning of “wonderful” makes it an especially appropriate word for Isaiah to use in foretelling the birth of our Savior. Jesus was and is completely good, never sinning in word or deed. His conception itself was miraculous, causing astonishment to Mary and Joseph before He was even born. His life, His death, and His resurrection were so surprisingly amazing that we cannot fully fathom what He has done. Wonderful, indeed!

Jesus as “counselor” is more personal. When my daughter was a toddler, she taught me an important lesson. Potty training was not going particularly well. She loved the little potty we kept handy in the playroom. She put her toy food in it and stirred it up to “make soup.” We tried bribery—two M&Ms for every successful potty visit. She loved this also, and quickly learned that she could dribble a bit every five minutes and eat enough M&Ms to make her throw up. One day, after an accident while she was sitting on my lap that left us both soaked, I told my daughter I was out of ideas and asked her what we should do to make this work better. Very seriously, she looked me in the eye and said, “I think we should ask Jesus for help.”

Of course, we immediately did just that. Why had it not occurred to me to pray about this? Does Jesus even care about potty training problems? Of course He does!

During His lifetime, Jesus sought individual connections with people He met. His compassionate love for humankind, coupled with His infinite wisdom and intimate knowledge of each individual, make Him the perfect counselor. He helps us to see the truth of our lives, ugly as they may be. But He’s not willing to leave us there, confused, and wondering how to get out of the messes we find ourselves in.

Think of the woman at the well. Jesus met her where she was, both literally and figuratively. He did not shun her, as many did, but helped her to understand what she was missing in life, and how to obtain it. Wouldn’t it be WONDERFUL to meet with Jesus and have Him counsel us about our lives?

We may long for the day when we can be physically in the presence of Jesus, but in the meantime, He can still be our counselor. When we earnestly tell Jesus our concerns, and desire to follow God’s will in dealing with those concerns, Jesus will find a way to counsel us. Have you ever read a scripture and suddenly understood it in a new way that applied to your life right then, even though you’d read it countless times before? Or perhaps you heard a sermon that spoke directly to a need of your heart. Maybe you confided in a trusted friend who was inspired to give you godly advice. Even a feeling of peace about a decision you’ve been praying for could indicate Jesus giving wise direction in your life. Often, this counsel comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit which Jesus has given to each one of His beloved followers.

As we find ourselves scurrying around and occasionally overwhelmed in this busy and festive season, let us take time to confide in the Wonderful Counselor we have been blessed with.

Immanuel: God With Us

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:29:25 +0000

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

The name "Immanuel" is a powerful reminder that God is with us. Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah 7:14, a messianic prophecy from God to the wicked King Ahaz of Judah, assuring him that God was present, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Centuries later, that same promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. God didn’t stay distant or removed. He entered our world as a baby, fully human, living among us. Jesus is truly God with us.

In Hebrews 1:3, we see that Jesus is the exact representation of God. Paul tells us in Colossians 2:9 that Jesus is the fullness of God in bodily form. In John 14:9, when Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus revealed His identity, telling them, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” To know Jesus is to know the Father.

Jesus is the only way to the Father. In John 14:6, Jesus tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus died for our sins to bring us back into fellowship with the Father. Jesus’s invitation to salvation stands open to all who call upon His name.

We may face uncertainty and struggles, yet the truth of Immanuel remains: God is with us. He is present in our everyday lives and is our source of peace and hope. We can enjoy an intimate relationship with Him if we call upon His name. He gives eternal life to all who receive Him, a transformed life that begins on earth and continues throughout eternity.

To Think About:

Where have you recently seen evidence that God is present with you?
In what struggles do you need to embrace His presence?
Who in your life needs to be reminded that God is present with them?

Cast Your Cares

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:36:26 +0000

When most people think of grief and loss, the first thing that comes to mind is death—the passing of someone dear. Sometimes it’s the loss of a relationship when someone makes destructive choices and separates themselves from you. In most minds, grief is tied to people.

But grief and loss take many forms. For example, today I had a full appointment booked—hair color, cut, style, the works. At the last minute, the client canceled. Just like that, I lost $200. On the surface, it might seem small compared to losing a loved one, but that $200 was money I needed to pay bills or buy groceries. That sudden gap became a loss. It’s a simple example, but it shows that grief can be tied to situations, finances, and unexpected disruptions—not just people.

If we look up the definition of grief, we’ll find:
"A deep sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death.”
But when I hear grief, I think: deep sorrow, a death of something. Sometimes that “something” is just the tip of the iceberg—a small loss that cracks open the door to deeper grief that’s been hiding beneath the surface, like a massive glacier under the water.

During the COVID shutdowns, I experienced a deep loss—but not in the way most people think. I’m a hairdresser. It’s been my whole career. The day they announced that only “essential workers” could keep working, I found out I wasn’t considered essential. (That’s a whole other topic for another day!) When I learned salons were closing, I was devastated. My work is more than a job—it’s how I serve people, connect with them, and even minister to them. Suddenly, all of that stopped. And if I dared to work, I could lose my license. Then the financial blow hit—no clients, no income, no way to pay bills, keep our house, or even buy food. The sorrow was overwhelming, and my mind, body, and spirit felt crushed under the weight of it. I know I wasn’t the only one feeling that way. But in that moment, it felt like I was.

Whether grief comes from losing a person or a situation that leaves us in despair, there’s one person who understands our pain completely: Jesus. When I read in the Bible about the grief and sorrow Jesus experienced, it changes me. If He knows the depth of what I’m feeling, then I’m not alone. In the middle of my breakdown, my husband reminded me of something I often tell my clients: “Trust in Him. Rely on Him.”

That’s easier said than done when you’re drowning in despair. But he was right. Jesus truly knows all of my loss, grief, and sorrow. He feels it with me.
So, I prayed: “Jesus, I rely on You. I don’t know the way forward. I have no answers except Yours. Lead me where You want me to go.”
It wasn’t easy to say—when you’re in the depths of sorrow, all you see is the darkness. But 1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.”
A friend recently sent me this verse in another translation: “Cast the whole weight of your anxiety upon Him, because you are His personal concern.” That hit me deeply.

Feelings will come. Grief won’t simply vanish. But we are never alone in it. God’s hands and shoulders are strong enough to carry every ounce of our sorrow. He holds us tightly, never letting go, always promising to make a way. Whether your loss is a person or a situation, He will never leave you. Let Him hold you. You can do this by reading His Word - His words are like a hug straight from Heaven, wrapping you in His love. This is only one verse out of many that offer hope - hope that can put light back into the darkest places. So, when the bills seem impossible, when the situation feels hopeless, or when your heart aches from missing someone you love, remember:

He is there. Always!

Purpose in the Pain

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

"Grief is a natural, emotionally intense, and varied response to a significant loss." -Google

We have all experienced some type of grief in our lives. I know that I have lost a lot of people in my life. The year 2017 was the “beginning of the end” for me. I found myself very unexpectedly pregnant the day after my oldest daughter’s 18th birthday. It took weeks to wrap my head around the idea of having a baby. When I got to my first appointment, I just knew something was wrong. The ultrasound confirmed my fears. “I’m sorry, there is no heartbeat.” I was gut-punched. How could I miss someone I had never met so much? I tried really hard to pretend I was okay. I didn’t talk about it to the people who mattered. When I did, I was casual about it. I pushed people away.

At the time, I didn’t understand. It felt like I was being punished. If I can be honest with you, I was mad at God. Why would a good God allow this pain in my life? Why would He give me a blessing just to take it right away? In time, I learned He was preparing me for an even harder loss. He was training my heart to depend on Him and Him alone to be the source of my comfort.

A year later, I had lost both of my grandparents, my home, and my marriage. My husband had always been my rock, the firm foundation on which I stood. I wasn’t confident about much, but I was confident in him... anyone else see the problem? When he left, I didn’t think I had the strength to go on. I didn’t even want to try. In the darkest moment of my life, when I was desperate for something, Jesus sat down on the floor beside me, took my hand in His, and whispered, “I’m here.” I remember saying out loud to myself, “Well thank God for that, cause I can’t do this by myself,” and for the first time in a really long time, I laughed.

My life was in absolute shambles. Five minutes previously, I wanted to die, and here I was laughing. Why? Because was it really that simple? I just needed to fix my focus on the only one that really mattered. My husband should never have been the center of my praise and worship. My tears changed from tears of sorrow to tears of relief. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” Matthew 5:4, came to my mind. I decided in that moment that I was going to be intentional with my time spent with Jesus and others. I was going to listen and love well. That is where my comfort would be found. That was how I turned my weeping to dancing. That was how I traded sorrow for joy. In this life, we will have troubles.

There will be pain and loss. There will be hard times. I encourage you to look around you and see God in the mundane. Praise Him for even the smallest thing. Before long, you will see His hand in every detail. Through praise comes comfort. His comfort brings peace. My story isn’t over; I know that I will suffer more loss in my life. I will praise Him even then. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Strength of my Heart

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." -Psalm 73:26

Do you know what chronic illness is? I do, along with many other women in our church. It means waking up each morning never knowing what your body is going to feel like. It is medicine and doctor's appointments and pain and fatigue and so many other things. I have dealt with this for over 20 years. But the thing about chronic illness is, most of the time, you would never know just by looking at me or anyone else with a chronic illness that we have it or how much it affects everything we do.

However, this verse and so many others encourage me. My body is going to fail me, and someday yours will too. As we know, in this life, we get discouraged; we all have things that weigh us down. I love how it says, "But God remains the strength of my heart." It's not about me. It's not about what I can do; it's about what He can do. I've wrestled with God many times over the last 20 years about this. Each time, like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, He tells me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God is the reason I have the strength to face each day. He is my rock and my firm foundation. I know that I do not walk this life alone, and neither do you. God tells us to lay everything down at His feet. It's in the surrendering that you get freedom. I can't do this life alone, and thanks to Jesus and His sacrifice, I don't have to. God wants to hear from you, all of it. There are days I've shouted and screamed at Him; there have been days when I've cried tons of tears, and through it all, He reminds me that He is here. He never leaves me to walk alone. Whatever you are struggling with today, do not carry it alone; give it to Jesus. Some days it will be easier to do than others. Sometimes you have to ask for help multiple times a day.

But know this: you are not alone. God goes before you, behind you, and He has His hand upon you.

Close to the Broken

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:16:33 +0000

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." -Psalm 34:18

Any loss that is not expected can elicit a grief response. This is my journey through loss, infidelity, and divorce.

In the spring of 1978, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The surgery to remove the tumor appeared to be successful, but the tumor returned, and she was given six months to live. The night we received the news, I remember spending it sitting on the floor of my family room with my Bible open, crying out to God and telling Him I did not like His plan. Hours later, I arrived at a point where I could honestly pray that I didn't know when or how it was going to be okay, but I was going to accept His grace. My mother was a devout Christian, and watching her journey home was a lesson in faithfulness I had not experienced prior. I am sure my mom leaned heavily on Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.” The month before she died, my grandfather, who lived out of state, died from a stroke. Just three months after my mom died, her brother was killed in a car accident.

In 1985, my marriage fell apart, and my journey of grief and forgiveness began. I wasn't as angry for myself as I was for my children. Yet, through all the mistakes I have made in my life, to this day I still recognize that God carried me with grace, mercy, and strength. Years later, one of my granddaughters told her mother that if I could forgive her grandpa, then she could forgive people too. You truly do not know who is watching your life and your testimony while also watching God provide again and again during your dark periods. There are blessings in the journey: God has a plan, and He understands our grief.

Fast forward to what became the hardest period of my life. In December 2019, my youngest son died days before Christmas. The following April, my children's father died. Because of COVID, there was no funeral. In June, my dear cousin died, and again COVID interfered in our grief process. In July, a grandson was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. Then in August 2021, my much-loved son-in-love died from COVID complications alone out of state. Praise and worship music and crying became my almost constant companions. Through it all, God is faithful, God is patient, and…

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

Season Your Speech

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:33:03 +0000

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." -Colossians 4:6

What is the important takeaway that Paul wants us to realize in this verse?
This verse encourages believers to speak with kindness and wisdom, making our words effective and impactful. God wants us to carry on conversations that reflect His grace in our hearts. Our words are more powerful than we often realize. Contemplate your daily interactions with coworkers or friends. How do our humble and gracious attitudes reflect Christ? Think about the people that you will interact with this week—people you do not even know. Can they readily identify the gentleness in your communication?

Grace: Gracious people are kind, and their behavior glorifies God. Having grace means choosing honest words that encourage and support—words that are sprinkled with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Are you prepared to turn everyday frustrations into statements that reflect God’s goodness and love?

By chance, a woman starts a conversation with a cashier at a grocery store. “How is your day going so far?” He shares with her how his life is tough because he recently returned to work. “I had surgery for a brain tumor, and my medical bills are over $100,000. I’m working hard on my payment plan, but I get tired. The store is kind enough to let me have Sunday off so I can attend church with my son.”

Seasoned with Salt: We use our words to build and strengthen relationships. To add salt means adding value with our words. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls his followers “the salt of the earth” to highlight their part as champions of goodness and truth in the world. Our words should impact our conversations for the better so that we make the most of every opportunity. In order to give a seasoned answer, we must present what we say and how we say it in a way that reflects Christ. Are you ready to provide a message of hope?

The woman replied, “I am thankful that your surgery was a success. God has plans for you. Isn’t it wonderful that you can worship with your son? I’m sure he enjoys his time and fellowship with you.”

Wisdom: True wisdom is only God’s to give; therefore, we need to listen closely to wisdom and direct our heart to understanding (Proverbs 2:2). The Bible encourages us to ask God for wisdom. Colossians 4:6 suggests that by learning gracious and well-seasoned speech, we will be better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations that exemplify our faith. Paul encourages us to live and speak in a way that honors God and makes the most of sharing the gospel.

She quotes to the cashier: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8). The cashier stares at the woman with tearful eyes and says, “You are about to make me cry.” She replies, “It’s the Holy Spirit working through me.” The cashier nods his head and smiles as the woman departs the store.

Ask God to season your speech with His Word, so that you will know what to say. With His help, our spoken words, interactions, or social media posts will be gracious in every circumstance.

Beyond "Bad Words"

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:14:31 +0000

At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard Ephesians 4:29 quoted as “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” Unfortunately, this is only half the verse, and it’s typically used out of context in response to people who use “bad words.” The problem with this interpretation and use of this part of scripture is that it leaves out the second half (and arguably the more important part) of the verse. In the NIV bible (which you can always get for free by attending a service at Buckeye), the full verse reads:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29

This verse is so much more than just an instruction to use kid-friendly words. Instead, it targets the heart of what you are saying. Your words can be heartbreaking, soul-crushing, and devastatingly cruel without using a single word that you wouldn’t let a 6-year-old use. As a first-grade teacher, I have seen this happen time and time again from my kids, who say what they think without thinking about the consequences. When I see this happen, I have a choice: just let it slide because they didn’t use “bad words,” or teach them the power of every word that comes out of their mouth. Anyone faced with that choice will probably do the same thing: teach them how to be kind.

Unfortunately, as an adult, the focus seems to shift from “being kind” to “avoiding cuss words.” While that may seem like a fair interpretation, it takes so much away from the heart of God’s word. I have seen the kindest people build people up, all while cussing like a sailor. I have also seen the most brokenhearted people devastate those around them with the “cleanest” words around. I’m not God, and I can’t speak for Him, but I have a strong feeling He would much prefer the “bad words” with a kind heart to someone using “good words” to hurt His creation that He loves so much.

“Unwholesome talk” in the context of this verse has very little to do with which words you use, but rather has everything to do with the heart and intention behind your words. Looking at the second half of the verse, it tells us that our speech should be “helpful for building others up according to their needs.” This means that we should be speaking truth into others kindly. It means that when we see someone struggling, when we see someone believing something that is harmful to themselves and others, or when we see someone just doing something we find annoying, we need to tell them the truth of what God has to say. And when we do, we are to still speak gently. We are to still speak kindly. We are to still show every fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23.

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." -Galatians 5:22-23

When I find myself in the situation mentioned above, where a kid says or does something hurtful to another child, this is the verse I fall back on most often, and I teach them how to use the “why not?” method. If they want to do or say something, they should stop and ask themselves, “Is it showing love? Is it spreading joy? Is it creating peace? Is it showing patience? Is it kind? Is it doing what is good, so that you would be proud to tell God about it? Is it being faithful to God by loving His creation as much as He does? Is it gentle? Are you showing self-control by doing/saying it?” If the answer is “no” to even a single one of those questions, then you don’t do it or say it, because that is not wholesome talk that is helpful for building others up according to their needs, in a way that will benefit them when they hear it.

As we go through life, we make so many decisions: decisions on what to say, who to say it to, when to say it, how to act, how to dress, how to communicate nonverbally, how to show what we like and dislike. God is calling us in this verse to not use unwholesome talk, but it is so important that we remember that “wholesome talk” doesn’t mean just using clean language, but also language that builds others up, language that brings them (and you!) closer to God, and language that shows them you recognize them as the wonderful image of God they were created to be. By doing that, you are building God’s kingdom, just as He has called you to do.

Speaking Life

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:38:39 +0000

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." -Proverbs 18:21

"If you can’t say something nice, you shouldn’t say anything at all.”
I bet you all grew up hearing that. The truth is, our words have power—they are tools. We use these tools daily to communicate and to relay thoughts. These tools can be kind, encouraging, and affirming. They can be words of hope that build others up. Those are the words all of us need.

Conversely, words can also be harsh, negative, critical, and demeaning. We have a choice. As Christians, it is imperative that we use wisdom and discernment when choosing our words. Unrestrained words can damage not only relationships but a person’s self-worth. Avoid speaking when you are angry. Once words are spoken, they can't be "unheard" (this applies to social media as well). No amount of apology can totally repair the damage done. We must realize that words have consequences, the "fruit." We should all endeavor to use our words positively to produce "good fruit."

I have an example from my own life. I had a difficult childhood, rife with both physical and verbal abuse. This treatment left me feeling unworthy and hopeless—that I would never be enough. I started going to a little church within walking distance. It was at this church that God blessed me with a wonderful Sunday School teacher, Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin taught me about Jesus—a Jesus who died for me! Mr. Martin and his wife were never blessed with children of their own, so they “took me under their wing.” They would take me to lunch after church, to church picnics, and often to their house for dinner. I would share my schoolwork with them, along with my hopes and dreams. Their kind words of affirmation and encouragement made me feel like I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to. Their words made me see that I was so loved by God, the creator of the universe! I truly blossomed under their kindness and encouragement. They were the most positive, loving people that I had ever met. The love and attention I received from them literally saved my life. I am so very grateful God put them in my life just when He did. I credit them for the fact that today, I am a Christian.