Inhale Hope Exhale Worry

Scripture tells us that when God formed mankind from the dust of the earth, He did something deeply personal. In Genesis 2:7, “He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” Humans did not simply begin to exist; they were awakened by God’s own breath. Life entered the human body carrying spirit, awareness, and purpose. From the beginning, breathing was meant to remind us that God Himself sustains our lives.

Breathing is an unnoticed miracle. We rarely think about it until a moment of stress, illness, or fear takes our breath away. In those moments, even a single breath feels precious. Interestingly, modern technology recognizes this need. If you type “breathing exercise” into Google, a simple animation appears, guiding you when to inhale and exhale. Breathing slowly quiets the heart, quiets the mind, and brings calm in tense moments. The Holy Spirit works much the same way, quietly, faithfully, restoring our souls. Job 33:4 declared, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” God meets us in every breath we take.

Try a simple spiritual exercise. As you exhale, release what weighs you down. Let go of worries, regrets, and fear. As you inhale, receive God’s promises as fresh strength. Exhale your cares; inhale, Psalm 62:5, “My soul finds rest in God alone.” Exhale weakness; inhale Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ… He strengthens me.” Exhale fear; inhale, Psalm 23:4 “God, “You are with me.” Each breath you take is an act of trust. Breathing God’s promises builds a barrier between sadness and hope, defeat, and victory. These promises are not just words to remember; they are words of life to breathe in.

Pause. Breathe deeply. And allow the breath of the Almighty to renew your heart and steady your soul once again.

–G. Yarian

Receive His Peace | Release Your Fears

STRENGTH BEYOND CIRCUMSTANCES

My goal is to walk at least a mile each morning. One particular day, however, something unusual happened. Halfway through my walk, I became intensely hungry, far more than normal and completely out of character for me. My energy dropped, my pace slowed, and I found myself praying simply to make it home.

As I walked, my thoughts turned to Elijah. God had commanded him to hide by the Brook Cherith, where ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening. I was not hiding by a brook, and there were certainly no ravens in sight. More likely, my blood sugar had dropped. Still, I was deeply grateful when, with the Lord’s help, I finally reached home safely.

That walk reminded me of an important truth: while God may not send ravens today, He still provides strength, help, and endurance to reach our goals. Physical weakness, unexpected obstacles, and strange disruptions do not cancel God’s faithfulness. They often reveal it.

The raven is an interesting detail in Elijah’s story. It was considered an unclean bird, yet God used it to deliver clean food to His prophet. God was not limited by appearances, traditions, or expectations. He supplied Elijah in His own way, at His own time, without consulting anyone.

Sometimes God places us by our own “Brook Cherith” – a quiet, uncomfortable, or isolated season meant to prepare us for what comes next. For Elijah, that preparation led to Mount Carmel and the fire destroying the altar of Baal. For us, the “why” may not be immediately clear. We may never fully understand why we suffer, feel isolated, or face unexpected weakness. But this story assures us that God never fails us. He supplies what we need, when we need it, often in ways we would never choose, but always in ways that accomplish His purpose.

—G. Yarian

Whose Shadow Guides You?

Psalm 91:1 declares, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” It is a beautiful promise, but it also invites a deeply searching question: Whose shadow are you walking under? At first, the answer seems simple. As children, we walk under the shadow of our parents. Their protection, guidance, and authority shape our early steps. As students, we move beneath the shadow of education, teachers, classrooms, expectations, and future plans. Later, careers introduce new shadows. Job titles, responsibilities, and success begin to define our sense of identity and security. Marriage brings another covering as we walk closely beside a spouse, sharing life’s burdens and blessings together.

Even the disciples experienced this reality of walking under a shadow. When Jesus walked the earth, they lived under His shadow, listening to His voice, following His steps, and relying on His physical presence. But when He ascended into heaven, that shadow changed. They could no longer depend on what they could see. They had to learn to walk under the shadow of the Almighty through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Life is filled with shadows, and they shift with time. Children grow up. Careers change or end. People move away or pass away, no longer walking beside us. The shadows we once trusted fade, leaving us exposed and uncertain. That is often when we realize how fragile human coverings truly are. Psalm 91 reminds us that there is one shadow that never moves, never weakens, and never disappears. The shelter of the Most High is not temporary. The shadow of the Almighty does not depend on seasons, success, or relationships. It remains constant. When we choose His shadow daily, fear loosens its grip, faith deepens, and our steps grow steady, confident, and unafraid.

G. Yarian

FEAR LESS. TRUST MORE.

A new year offers a new page—a clean calendar waiting to be filled with moments of growth, joy, challenge, and grace. It reminds us that God is giving us another chance to grow, to trust Him, and to follow His plans with a hopeful heart. We step into it with thoughts of doing better, living wiser, and experiencing deeper joy.

Yet beneath our resolutions and renewed determination lies a truth we all quietly acknowledge: the year ahead will hold both laughter and tears, victories and disappointments, clarity and confusion. But over every unknown event stands a God who is never uncertain—One who holds our future with the same strength and tenderness that has carried us this far.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These were God’s promises to His people in captivity. If God could speak hope to them, He can certainly speak hope into our new year.

Yes, there will be heartaches you cannot yet see. Yes, you will reach some goals and fall short in others. Yes, there will be mornings soaked in joy and evenings shadowed with sorrow. But through every turn of the calendar page, God remains faithful. His Word does not bend with culture, and His promises do not expire with time.

The new year does not require us to be perfect; it simply calls us to be faithful. God asks us to walk courageously, trust steadily, and accept life as it comes—knowing that nothing touches our days without first passing through His loving hands.

Your future is no accident. It is intentionally crafted, wisely guided, and lovingly guarded by the God whose plans will come to pass in His perfect time.

— G. Yarian

WHATEVER THIS YEAR HOLDS - GOD HOLDS YOU

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

Surprises come in all forms: an unexpected visit, a wrapped box with your name on it, a moment that takes your breath away. Yet no surprise has ever changed history like the birth of Jesus.

Heaven’s greatest gift arrived in the most unexpected way: not in a palace, but in a stable; not wrapped in silk, but in swaddling clothes; not announced to kings, but whispered to humble shepherds under a canopy of stars. The gift that came from heaven still shines with unearthly brilliance.

When the angel declared in Luke 2:10, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people,” the heavens erupted in song, and the world stood still in awe. It continues to reel in wonder, as if creation itself still catches its breath at the thought of God becoming man.

There is still that element of holy surprise—the staggering realization that the infinite became an infant, the Creator cradled in a crib. God’s plan for redemption came quietly, wrapped not in grandeur but in grace.

The Almighty took on flesh and entered our fragile world as a child. The Savior did not arrive with might to rule, but with mercy to redeem; not seeking servants, but becoming one, giving His life to set us free.

That night in Bethlehem reminds us that God’s greatest gifts often come in unexpected packages. What looked like an ordinary baby born in a manger was, in truth, extraordinary: the Word made flesh, Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Jesus, who came to a humble manger, still comes quietly into open hearts. His gift is not found under a Christmas tree but upon a cross, not wrapped in paper but in mercy. When you open your heart to this wonder, you will discover an unearned gift, glowing with redeeming love.

— G. Yarian

Count Your Blessings, Not Your Candles

Psalm 139:16 — “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Birthdays are more than candles and cake; they are reminders of God’s grace. The psalmist declared that our days are not random; they are counted, known, and purposed by our Creator. Every sunrise we have seen, every breath we have taken, every tear shed and every smile—all of it has been woven into the story God is writing through us.

A birthday is a moment to pause and read that story with gratitude. It is a reminder that even the chapters filled with pain or uncertainty are held in His hands, and that none of our days are wasted when entrusted to Him. To celebrate a birthday is to say, “Lord, thank You for bringing me this far.”

It is to trace the fingerprints of God’s faithfulness over another year and recognize that He is not finished yet. The One who numbers our days fills them with purpose and promises to walk with us through each one.

Every birthday whispers, “You are still here because God still has a purpose for you.” The years we have lived are not just numbers; they are testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

A birthday celebration is a pause to thank Him for that fullness—for lessons learned, for love given and received. It is a day to look back in gratitude and forward in trust. When we gather to celebrate someone’s birthday, we are saying far more than “Happy Birthday.” We are saying, “You matter.”

Each heartbeat is grace given, each year a gift to ponder, and every birthday a thank-you to the Giver of life.

— G. Yarian

Every Birthday says, “ God is not finished yet”

He Stays When Others Leave

Loneliness is one of the quietest experiences of the human heart. It slips into our lives in different seasons; after loss, during change, or even while we are surrounded by people. We often ask, is loneliness part of God’s plan for humans? Scripture tells us that God never designed us to live isolated. Adam felt the ache of “aloneness” even in a perfect garden, and God responded by providing companionship. But there is also a deeper loneliness that entered the world when man disobeyed God and was expelled from Eden. Sin did not just separate humanity from a place; it separated the heart from the God who walked with them. That spiritual distance has echoed through every generation.

Can loneliness be overcome? Yes, but not always by removing the feeling. It is overcome when God steps into the empty spaces and restores the fellowship sin once broke. David understood this when he wrote, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Paul found the same truth: when everyone else left, “the Lord stood with me.” God does not leave us in loneliness; He uses it to draw us nearer to Himself. But what about those who insist they are never lonely? Some deny loneliness to appear strong, self-sufficient, or unbothered. Yet beneath the surface, every soul longs to be known, understood, and valued. Ignoring loneliness does not erase it; it only hides our need for God’s companionship.

Is there a positive side to loneliness? Yes. Loneliness can awaken our spiritual hunger. It drives us toward prayer, deepens our compassion for others, and reminds us that only God can truly satisfy the heart. Loneliness does not define us. When surrendered to God, even loneliness becomes a doorway leading us back to His presence, His healing, and His unfailing love.

—G. Yarian

GOD RESTORES WHAT LONELINESS BROKE APART

Your Gift is Unique

Robins are migratory birds, dividing their time between the milder northern states in the summer and the warmer southern climates in the fall. On a recent morning walk, I watched a flock of robins scrounging for food so they could continue their long flight south. Their burnt-orange feathers were very noticeable between the leaves as they searched for food for their journey ahead.

Robins are not known for having large brains, yet they navigate thousands of miles with remarkable accuracy. God built into them a set of navigational tools, instincts, abilities, and inner signals, which guide them year after year. They do not compare themselves to other birds such as eagles, sparrows, or geese. They do what God created them to do.

Be content with how God made you. We often look at others and wish we were more like them, more talented, more gifted, more successful, more noticed. We forget that God did not design us to be someone else. He designed us to be ourselves. He fashioned us with purpose, intention, and His own loving creativity. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” That means you are not random, accidental, or lesser. You are crafted by God.

Just as the robin trusts its feathers for flight, we are called to trust the gifts God has woven into us. Some have the gift of teaching, others of serving. Some encourage, some lead, some create, some give. No one has everything, but everyone has something. The secret of living a happy life is simple: Be faithful with what God placed in you. Use it. Share it. Celebrate it. And most of all, be content in your own feathers. God made you that way, for a reason, for a purpose, and for His glory.

G. Yarian

KEEPER OF EVERY PROMISE

Psalm 107:1 declares, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” These words open with an invitation: “To give thanks to the Lord.” It is a call to worship rooted in remembrance. The psalm tells of people who wandered, suffered, cried out, and were delivered, and each time, they discovered that God was faithful. It reminds us that no matter where life takes us, through deserts of need or storms of uncertainty, His love never fails, and His mercy never runs dry.

Thanksgiving is not reserved for those whose lives are easy; it is the language of hearts that have seen God’s goodness even in the hard places. Heartfelt gratitude does not wait for perfect conditions to happen, it grows in the soil of turmoil, and is watered by trust. We give thanks not because everything is right, but because God is. Thanksgiving often grows the deepest in those who have walked through difficulty and found that God remained faithful. When we pause to give thanks, we are doing more than counting blessings; we are declaring trust in the One who never changes. His love endures not just in gain but in loss, not just in plenty but in want.

Once, a farmer was asked how he managed to stay cheerful through seasons of drought and flood. He smiled and said, “The same God who gives the rain also gives the sun.” This psalm tells of people who cried out and found rescue in His mercy. Through difficulties, His love remains steadfast. Thanksgiving is not for easy days, but for trusting hearts. We do not thank God for a flawless life, but for His flawless love. A thankful heart looks beyond life’s shifting shadows to rest in the unchanging light of God’s faithfulness.

Faithful Then | Faithful Now

—G. Yarian

Ticket To Eternity

I live beneath a flight pattern where planes constantly arrive and depart from Dallas. All day long, aircraft of every kind pass overhead: private planes, commercial airliners, and military planes, each traveling at different altitudes, each headed to a specific destination. We call it a destination, but in truth, it is only the next stop. It is just one step closer to where our journey leads.

Flying can be convenient, yet it is rarely comfortable. Lines are long, space is limited, and the person beside us is not always pleasant. We endure turbulence, delays, and layovers. Every traveler knows that getting there is not always easy.

Scripture speaks of a day when believers will take a different kind of flight, one far greater than any airplane can offer. It will not begin on a runway, nor require a passport or boarding pass. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes it this way: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven… and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together.

Faith Boards You | Christ Flies You

-G. Yarin

nuts!

Almonds might look simple, at first glance, just small beige nuts tucked into a shell, yet they carry a remarkable story of God’s thoughtful provision. Each almond is loaded with nutrients that strengthen our bones, help regulate blood pressure, and protect our bodies with powerful antioxidants. These tiny creations are like little reminders that God pays attention to every detail of our lives, including our physical health.

In Numbers 17, the Lord took Aaron’s lifeless staff and caused it to bud, bloom, and bear almonds in a single night. It proclaimed His power to bring forth life from what is barren and to establish His purposes where none could exist apart from Him. Almonds became more than something to eat. They became a picture of God’s renewing grace.

When we enjoy food like almonds, we are tasting God’s care. He could have made nutrition dull and flavorless, but instead He filled the world with variety, color, and delight. Crunchy nuts, juicy fruit, crisp vegetables. Each one speaks quietly: “Your Creator cares about you.” With every bite, our bodies are nourished and strengthened, not by accident, but by design. God’s interest in us goes far beyond the spiritual. He made us body and soul, and He desires health and wholeness in both.

Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the hurting. He cared for their faith, but also their physical needs. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” That means nourishing and caring for our bodies honors God, too.

So next time you reach for a handful of almonds, pause for a moment. Thank God for His thoughtful care. Celebrate His goodness in the everyday blessings. Even in something as small as an almond, God’s love is rich and satisfying.

—G. Yarian

Be Still. He Is Here

I have treasured a picture that has hung in my office for years of a Quaker meeting with a faint image of Jesus hovering over them. The title is “Presence.” Jesus’ presence brings a peace that cannot be explained, only experienced. It is the peace that comes from knowing that Christ is not distant or unreachable but present, here, and now. Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Those words are not poetic comfort; they are a divine reality. His presence is not confined to church walls or sacred places. It walks with us into hospital rooms, sits beside us in moments of sorrow, and rejoices with us in laughter and celebration. The risen Christ is not a memory of what once was but the living Presence of Emmanuel, “God with us.”

When the disciples faced storms, they discovered that peace is not found in the absence of waves but in the presence of Jesus within the boat. It is so with us. Life’s storms may rage, but His nearness steadies our hearts. The whisper of His Spirit reminds us that we are never abandoned. In quiet moments, pause and listen, not with your ears, but with your heart. Feel His presence in the breath of prayer, in the Word that speaks life, in the still assurance that you are loved beyond measure. David testified in Psalm 23:4, “You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” When fear rises, His love surrounds like a fortress of peace. Christ’s presence is not just near; it is within. He lives in every believer, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live with courage and grace. Wherever you are today, whisper this truth: “I am not alone. Christ is here.”

-G. Yarin

Rest in His Presence, Rise in His Power

that was funny

Have you ever thought about humor? Of all God’s creation, only humans laugh. Lions do not pause during their hunt to share a funny story with another, and squirrels do not stop to giggle at how clumsy they are. Only humans laugh. Birds may sing, and dogs wag their tails, but only people double over in laughter, share funny stories, or wipe away tears from laughing too hard.

God must have a sense of humor for we were created in His image. What would make God laugh? Could it be our attempts to plan our lives as if we hold the future? David in Psalm 2:4 gives us a glimpse of God’s nature: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” When God laughs, He is reminding us that His wisdom, power, and authority are so complete that human planning seems foolish by comparison. David speaks of the nation’s raging, kings plotting, and rulers rising up against God’s plans as if they could overthrow the Creator of the universe. God responds by laughing, because their schemes are ultimately powerless against His sovereign will.

Genesis 1:7 tells us we were created in the image of God; therefore, humor is a way His likeness shines through us. Humor is a holy gift; a gentle reminder that joy is woven into the fabric of creation. It lifts heavy hearts, softens sharp words, and builds bridges where walls once stood. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” God designed laughter to heal and refresh us, to remind us that even in a broken world, there is still delight.

Scripture contains moments of divine humor. Sarah laughed when God promised her a son in her old age and God told her to name the boy Isaac, which means “he laughs.” So, laugh often. Reflect God’s joy.

-G. Yarin

At life’s crossroads choose the cross

Life is filled with crossroads, moments when our hearts long for direction, comfort, or simply someone who understands. Too often, we forget that Jesus already holds the answers to all our dilemmas. He has been dispensing wisdom for centuries and offers it freely. Before turning to others, try turning to Jesus first as your Counselor, and you may find He becomes your forever Counselor.

Jesus promised in John 6:37, “Whoever comes to me I will never reject.” The word, “whoever” is one of the most comforting in all Scripture. It means His invitation is open to everyone…no qualifications, no exclusions, no background checks. Whoever you are, whatever your past, Jesus promises a warm welcome, not rejection. But there is one condition: we must come. His counsel door is open, but we must step through it.

The Bible values wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” God often uses others to help us, but the safest and wisest Counselor is Christ Himself, the One who knows our hearts better than we do. His words bring not only direction but also healing and peace.

We are encouraged to support one another. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Jesus often speaks to us through the caring voice of a fellow believer, blending divine truth with human compassion.

Centuries ago, Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah: “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Those names are not meant only for Christmas; they describe who Jesus is today. So, when life feels confusing or uncertain, turn to your Wonderful Counselor. His wisdom is timeless, His presence constant, His advice wise, and His door is always open.

G. Yarian

worship is more than a song

Worship is more than a song sung on Sunday morning. Worship happens when we acknowledge God’s power and love and submit our lives to Him. True worship is not confined to a sanctuary, nor is it limited to moments of music and prayer. It is devoting ourselves fully to Him. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:1, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship.”

Worship is not simply about what we say or sing; it is about how we live. Every choice we make, every word we speak, and every act of obedience can become worship when it flows from love for Christ. When we gather with God’s people and lift our voices, we are declaring His worth. Worship changes the way we see life. Instead of focusing only on our problems, struggles, and worries, worship helps us look up and remember how great and powerful Jesus is. It refocuses our attention from the weight of this world to the strength, love, and victory of our Savior.

In worship, fear is silenced, hearts are strengthened, and faith is renewed. Worship humbles us, reminding us that He is Creator and we are His people. Worship does not end when the singing stops—it continues in the quiet choices of everyday life: serving others, waiting patiently, and giving thanks with joy. Each time we forgive, act with honesty, or give with generosity, we are still worshiping God. Worship is not measured by our style of music or where we gather. It is measured by our devotion to God.

“Jesus said the Father is looking for those who worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23) So today, live so that your words and actions honor God with love and thankfulness.

- G. Yarin

Victory is at the Finish Line - Running the Race

As we run the race of life, it is essential to keep our eyes on the finish line. Victory is not always about being the first to cross it but about enduring and persevering through the challenges and obstacles that come our way. Each step we take, each hurdle we overcome, brings us closer to our goal. It is the journey, the effort, and the determination that define our success.

In this race, we are not alone. We have supporters, mentors, and fellow runners who encourage and inspire us. Their presence reminds us that we are part of a larger community, striving together towards a common purpose. The camaraderie and shared experiences enrich our journey and make the finish line even more meaningful.

As we approach the finish line, let us remember to celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each milestone is a testament to our hard work and dedication. Let us also take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned and the growth we have experienced along the way.

Victory is not just about the end result; it is about the person we become in the process. So, let us run with perseverance, with our eyes fixed on the finish line, knowing that victory is within our reach.

- G. Yarin

Finish in Faith | Rise in Victory

Every strand is planned

Sitting on the porch, I watched a spider carefully spin her web, thread by thread, she worked with purpose, moving carefully and deliberately. What looked like fragile strands shimmered in the light, yet together they formed a structure strong enough to catch what was needed for her survival. Watching her, I was reminded of how God is weaving the threads of our lives. Often, we only see single strands… moments that feel fragile, ordinary, or even insignificant. Yet in His wisdom, He is fitting each piece together into a greater design. What seems random to us is part of His plan. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Isaiah 64:8 “Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Without a plan, our Creator wastes nothing, and nothing is wasted. Every strand of joy, trial, and weakness is like the spider’s web. The web looks strong, yet it is vulnerable. It continues to grow, connecting new places as it develops; a web is made point by point, piece by piece. The spider goes over and over the same points, reinforcing the framework until it is complete. God does this with us too. God patiently fits the pieces into place; He weaves together trials, joys, and challenges to strengthen us and draw us deeper. What looks like delays is His hand reinforcing the framework of our faith. The web strengthens in teaching us patience, hope, and trust.

Our lives are beautifully woven by His light shining into the strands. You can take courage. You’re not random threads in the wind. You are strong, woven by the Master’s hands, for by strand, into something purposeful, beautiful, and full of purpose.

GOD’S BLUEPRINT; BECOMES OUR JOURNEY

-G. Yarian

A BIRD IN THE HAND

You have heard the proverb, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” No one is quite sure who first said it or exactly what they meant, but it has stood the test of time. Perhaps it was coined by a hunter, or maybe by a philosopher...for this proverb can be applied to many moments in life. It reminds us to be content with what we already have rather than chasing after what we only hope to gain. It gently nudges us to live in the moment instead of dwelling in dreams of what might be. The present moment is real; our dreams may or may not be.

When Jesus spoke to His disciples in what we now call the Sermon on the Mount, He urged them to live in the “now” and not to be overly concerned about the future: “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34. It is good to have dreams for the future, as long as our feet and our faith are firmly grounded in God’s Word in the present.

The psalmist reminds us of this when he wrote, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It is a call to celebrate each day as a gift from God. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray for our “daily bread.” And Isaiah encourages us to “seek the Lord today” not because God will be unavailable tomorrow, but because we might not be here tomorrow.

-G Yarian

God’s “Now” Is Greater Than Tomorrow’s “Maybe”

spearmint

The pleasant taste of real mint leaves is unforgettable. That is why I was thrilled to find what I thought was a spearmint plant growing near my front door. But after giving it the “taste test,” my joy quickly turned to disappointment; it was not mint at all, but Mexican Mint Marigold. Its bitter taste was a letdown, much like the sorrow we feel when people disappoint us. Someone we trust, admire, or love acts in a way we never expected, and suddenly they no longer seem like the person we thought we knew.

The truth is, every one of us has at times worn masks or pretended to be something we are not. Children do this innocently when they dress up as superheroes or princesses. As we grow older, in life and in our walk with Jesus, we are called to discover who we truly are and to live in that truth. Too often, we hold others to account for what we quietly excuse in our own hearts, like the team who questioned their coach’s integrity when he demanded strict diets, only to be seen later eating at a fast-food restaurant.

The reality is, we all fall short of our own ideals. The good news is that when we commit to following Jesus, we do not become perfect overnight. We become saints in the making. Old habits, selfish attitudes, and false appearances begin to be reshaped. The process takes time, but God’s Spirit is patient.

As someone once said, “The church is not where the spotless gather... it is where the hurting are made whole.” God’s grace is the healing medicine we need. It is a gift we can never earn, but can freely receive. His grace forgives our failures, brings peace with God, draws us into unity with others, and fills us with hope for the future.

G. Yarin

TREASURE EACH MOMENT

Death is the hardest of all the realities in life. It is so final. It may come suddenly or slowly, but it always comes. It tears those we love from our embrace, leaving behind aching hearts and a trail of unanswered questions.

Scripture does not deny that death causes pain. In 1 Corinthians 15:26, death is called “the last enemy.” Death is cruel because it was never part of God’s original design. It is the tragic result of sin entering the world. When we stand at a bedside or a graveside, we feel the sting of loss. Our souls cry out at the cruelty of death. It feels unnatural because it is unnatural… we were created for life and fellowship with God. This is why we are so deeply wounded by death: it is the tearing apart of what God intended and created to be whole.

Yet, while death is cruel, it is not victorious. Jesus Christ entered into death itself… not avoiding its cruelty but conquering it as He rose from the grave. At the cross, He bore the full weight of sin and its curse. And when He rose again, the grave lost its power. “Death has been swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death where, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55). For those in Christ, death is no longer a final separation but a doorway into eternal life.

The cruelty of death is real, but it cannot cancel the promise of resurrection. One day, God will wipe away every tear, and death itself will be no more (Revelation 21:4). So, while we grieve with honesty, we do not grieve without hope. Death is cruel, but Christ is greater. And because of Him, the story does not end at the grave... it continues in glory.

-G. Yarin