EVERY PROMISE KEPT, “WOW!”

The world rests in the hands of governments ranging from empires to democracies. In our country, the President carries at all times a card with the codes that can authorize the launch of nuclear missiles. The card is highly classified and meant to remain with the president at all times. Yet, history reminds us how easily even the most guarded responsibilities can fail.

Jimmy Carter once accidentally sent his card to the cleaners tucked inside a suit pocket. Bill Clinton misplaced his card for months. After the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, his card was temporarily lost in a plastic waste bag at the hospital. On another occasion, George H. W. Bush left his aide carrying the card after a tennis match. These moments point beyond carelessness to a deeper truth. Even with training, authority, and the best safeguards we can design, we remain frail, limited, and prone to failure.

Scripture presents a striking contrast. God’s promises are never misplaced, forgotten, or delayed by human oversight. What the Lord declares, He fulfills. The Bible assures believers that Jesus Christ will return visibly and powerfully to judge the world and establish His righteous kingdom. Unlike human plans, this promise is neither uncertain nor at risk. Jesus Himself spoke of signs that would precede His return: turmoil among nations, natural disturbances, moral decline, spiritual deception, and the continued unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through Israel and the nations. These are reminders that history is not drifting aimlessly but moving toward God’s promised conclusion.

The reliability of God stands against the uncertainty of humanity. Presidents may misplace cards, leaders may falter, and systems may fail, but God never forgets His word. His plans unfold with perfect faithfulness. Therefore, live faithfully, watchfully, not fearfully. Remain steady, confident, and hopeful, knowing the Lord who promised to return will surely keep His word.

-G. Yarin

CHRIST HOLDS THE WORLD’S FINAL CARD

Grace Has the Final Word

One of the most misunderstood truths of the Christian life is how grace and faithfulness work together. If God only forgave and never acknowledged faithfulness, then our daily choices would lose their meaning. If God only kept score and never showed mercy, none of us would survive; guilt would quietly rule our lives. But God does not work that way. He lovingly separates forgiveness from remembrance. He freely forgives us, yet still honors faithfulness and obedience. This is referred to as grace, fully forgiven, yet gently motivated to live faithfully because our lives matter to Him. Forgiveness secures us; faithfulness is affirmed.

Because of Christ, our sins are fully forgiven. They are not merely overlooked or minimized; they are removed. Scripture tells us God remembers them no more. This is what allows us to stand confidently in His presence, not clothed in our righteousness, but in Christ’s. Yet while our sins are forgotten, our faithfulness is remembered. God does not erase obedience. He does not overlook acts of love, quiet faithfulness, unseen generosity, or perseverance through hardship. Jesus repeatedly speaks of acknowledgment, not to instill fear, but to encourage faithfulness. He promises that even a cup of cold water given in His name will not be forgotten.

This truth creates a gentle balance in the believer’s life. We do not obey to earn forgiveness, which has already been secured. We obey because our lives matter, our choices matter, and our faithfulness honors God. Forgiveness frees us from shame, while remembrance gives meaning to obedience. One day, believers will not hear a list of their failures, because those were nailed to the cross at Calvary. Instead, they will hear words shaped by grace and faithfulness: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Believers are secure in forgiveness and motivated by faithfulness. Jesus invites us to live lives that matter, today and forever.

Grace Removes Guilt Completely

–G. Yarian

Marks of God’s Grace

Scars. We all have them. Some we cannot remember how they came to be. Others are larger, more noticeable, and harder to hide. We cover them with clothing, bury them under silence, or try to pretend they do not exist. Yet every scar tells a story. Each one marks a moment when life pressed hard, when pain was real, and when survival required strength that we may not have known we possessed.

Scars come in many forms. Some are physical, etched into our skin. Others are emotional, carried quietly in the heart. Still others are mental, shaping how we think, trust, and respond. Though different in kind, they all point to some struggle that we have endured, or something difficult that happened yet we lived to tell the story.

Scripture does not promise a life without wounds. Psalm 34:19 reminds us, "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Following Christ does not exempt us from worry, pain, or scars. What it does promise is deliverance. The Lord is our rescuer, faithfully working in and through every trial.

Our scars are not the final word. The final word belongs to the Lord. The Bible consistently refers to scars, not as symbols of shame, but of victory. Remember that Jesus, after His resurrection, bore the scars of His wounds. Those scars confirmed His identity and testified that suffering had been transformed into triumph. Pain had purpose.

In the same way, our scars can become our testimonies. They speak of survival, healing, and God's restoring grace. Always remember that a scar is not an open wound; it is a healed one. It declares that God brought us through hardship and is still at work in our lives, turning past experiences and pain into a living witness of His faithfulness and power.

-G. Yarian

SCARS, A SIGN OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

Love Worth Returning

It is easy to assume that Valentine’s Day was created by greeting card companies, and while modern celebrations are certainly shaped by Hallmark and the printing press, the roots of this day reach much deeper. Long before chocolates and cards, February 14 was connected to a Roman festival honoring the god Lupercus. In the late fifth century, Pope Gelasius intentionally replaced that pagan celebration with the remembrance of Saint Valentine, a believer who gave his life rather than renounce his faith in Jesus Christ.

By the 1840s, mass printing made it possible to exchange Valentine cards, and Esther Howland, later called the “Mother of the American Valentine,” popularized cards and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. Yet with all these traditions, the deeper meaning has been forgotten. Valentine’s Day was never meant to be only sentimental; it was meant to be sacred. Saint Valentine is remembered for courageous faith. He defied unjust Roman laws and refused to deny Christ, even under threat of execution. His life reminds us that Christian love is not passive. It requires conviction, perseverance, and sometimes sacrifice. Valentine stands among countless martyrs whose faithful witness still challenges believers today to stand firm in truth.

This day also points us to agape love, the unconditional love of God that reached into our hearts, offering forgiveness of sins through Christ. God’s love was costly, deliberate, and redemptive. It is the model for how we are called to love others. Valentine’s Day, then, becomes an opportunity: to honor marriage, to serve others, to show compassion and kindness to family, friends, and strangers alike. It is a chance to recommit our lives to living out the Christian virtues of sacrificial love, courage in faith, and genuine compassion. When we do, Valentine’s Day becomes more than a celebration; it becomes our testimony.

–G. Yarian

LOVE THAT REQUIRES MORE THAN WORDS

Keep Walking Keep Living

One of life’s difficult realities is that death brings an end to commitments we made to another person. Life can change suddenly, through illness, accident, or an unexpected moment that reshapes everything. In human terms, promises made to others, and even to ourselves, may remain unfinished, not because of neglect or lack of love, but because circumstances beyond our control intervened.

Words we intended to speak go unspoken. We replay conversations we wish we had. We remember intentions that were sincere but never fulfilled. Yet Scripture gently reminds us that while our lives are limited by time, God is not. There is comfort in knowing that God understands our limits. He sees the intentions of our hearts as clearly as the actions of our hands. His grace covers what time interrupts, and gently urges us not to delay sharing love, obedience, or reconciliation.

We are not judged for what death prevented us from doing, but for how faithfully we continue to live while we still have breath. This truth invites us to live attentively today. Since life is fragile, love should not be delayed. Forgiveness should not be postponed. Words of gratitude, reconciliation, and kindness matter now, while we still have opportunity to speak and act. Faithfulness in small, present commitments becomes a way of honoring both God and those we love.

At the same time, we release what we could not finish into God’s care. What remains undone is not wasted when placed in His hands. God completes what we cannot, heals what we leave broken, and carries forward the love we were unable to express fully. Let this truth rest lightly on our hearts, not as a weight of regret, but as an invitation to continue to live with gentleness, faithfulness, and caring, trusting that where our strength falls short, God’s grace will quietly carry us on.

– G. Yarian

Live Faithfully While You Can

Trust God While the Nations Rage

Psalm 2 opens with a haunting question: "Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?" Leaders connive as if they were supreme. The psalmist pulls back the curtain on history and exposes a repeating pattern: human authority attempting to dethrone divine authority. Plans are drafted, alliances formed, and voices raised against the Lord, all driven by pride and the illusion of control.

Then comes the startling response: "He who sits in the heavens laughs." This is not laughter born of amusement or humor. It is divine derision. God's laughter reveals the absurdity of finite creatures believing they can overthrow the infinite Creator. Earthly power shouts, but heaven does not tremble. Human rebellion plots, but God remains unmoved. His laughter exposes the vast gap between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. God laughs not because rebellion is harmless, but because it is hopeless. The nations rage as if history belongs to them, yet every moment unfolds under God's authority. Their attempts to "break His bonds" are futile because His purposes cannot be undone. What appears bold on earth is foolish in heaven. What feels threatening to humanity is insignificant to God.

This laughter also carries a warning. Psalm 2 reminds us that God's patience is not permission. A day of judgment is coming when every ruler, system, and heart will answer to Him. God's laughter today is mercy delayed, not justice denied. It is an invitation to humility before accountability arrives. For those who trust God, this truth offers deep comfort. The chaos of the world does not signal the absence of God's rule. He still reigns. No plan formed against Him will succeed. No rebellion will rewrite His will. While the nations rage, God remains seated, calm, sovereign, and victorious. Trust Him. History is not spiraling out of control; it is moving steadily toward His appointed end.

-G. Yarian

GOD LAUGHS AT HUMAN ARROGANCE

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