Let me tell y’all something about stories. Jesus was the greatest storyteller of all time, and Matthew 13:34 reminds us that He used parables to speak to the crowds.

Now, if you’re like me, you’ve probably sat on a front porch listening to your granddaddy tell stories that made you laugh, cry, and think. That’s what Jesus was doing — except His stories weren’t just to entertain; they were to open our eyes to eternal truths.

Jesus didn’t lay out cold facts and theological debates for folks who might not understand. No, He painted pictures with words, using mustard seeds, fishermen, and farmers to teach us about faith, grace, and the kingdom of heaven. Why? Because stories connect to the heart in a way nothing else can.

You see, a good story sneaks past our defenses, taps us on the shoulder, and says, “Hey, this is for you.” And Jesus’ parables do just that. They remind us to open our hearts, listen closely, and find the deeper meaning.

So, take a moment today to let His stories sink in. Don’t just skim over them. Ask yourself, “What’s the lesson here for me?” Because the storyteller of all storytellers is still speaking, and His message is as life-changing as ever.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Now, y’all, if there’s one thing we humans love to do, it’s make plans. We plan our days, our vacations, and even what we’re having for supper before breakfast is finished. We make plans for who we’ll be, where we’ll go, and what we’ll do. And that’s not a bad thing—it’s good to be prepared. But sometimes, we get so busy planning our life that we forget who’s really in charge.

This verse in Proverbs is a gentle reminder from God that while we might think we’ve got it all figured out, His plans are the ones that stand the test of time. You might be aiming for one thing, and He’s steering you toward something even better—something you can’t see yet.

Life is like a barbecue—every piece is different, and you never quite know what you’re gonna get. But when God’s the pitmaster, you can trust it’s all gonna come out just right.

So, go ahead, make your plans—but hold them loosely. Trust that God’s purpose will prevail, even when your plans don’t. And remember, His plans are always cooked to perfection, seasoned with grace, and served with love. Amen!

Now, y’all, Psalms 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” That’s a mighty simple yet profound statement. Think about it like this: if you were raised in the South, chances are you’ve got some family recipe tucked away, one of those treasures passed down through the generations. You don’t just leave it lying around for the dog to chew on; you keep it safe, because it’s precious.

God’s Word is like that recipe, but instead of filling our bellies, it fills our souls. Hiding His Word in our hearts means tucking it away in a place where it can guide us, comfort us, and remind us of who we are and whose we are. It’s not just for Sundays or when we’re in a pinch—it’s for every single day.

When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, it helps us steer clear of the pitfalls that trip us up. It’s like having a moral compass that points us in the right direction, even when the world tries to lead us astray.

So, take a moment today and find a verse that speaks to you. Memorize it, meditate on it, and let it take root deep in your heart. It’s more than just words on a page; it’s life-giving truth that’ll keep you steady in a shaky world. And trust me, that’s a treasure worth holding onto.