“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Friend, Jesus wasn’t just giving us a suggestion—He was showing us a secret to joy. We live in a world that shouts, Grab what you can, hold on tight, and make sure you don’t miss out. But Jesus flips the script. He says the real blessing isn’t in clutching what you’ve got. It’s in opening your hands and giving it away.

And giving isn’t just about money. It’s about time, encouragement, kindness, forgiveness, even a listening ear. Every time you give, you’re planting seeds that God waters. And here’s the miracle: when you give, you don’t run out—you fill up. Because God always pours back more than you let go.

So, if your joy feels thin today, try this: don’t wait for a blessing. Be one. Call somebody. Hug somebody. Help somebody. Because Jesus wasn’t kidding when He said it—there’s more blessing in the giving than the getting.

Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.”

I love how straight and steady that is. The Lord’s goodness isn’t up for debate. It’s not seasonal, it’s not situational, and it’s not fragile. Nahum wrote these words in the middle of a world gone wild, and he wanted God’s people to remember—when the storm rolls in and the ground shakes under your feet, God is still your stronghold.

A stronghold is more than a hiding place—it’s a fortress that can’t be shaken. Trouble may be pounding on the gate of your life right now, but inside His walls, there is safety, peace, and strength. And here’s the part that warms my heart—He knows those who trust Him. That means He knows your name, your story, and your struggle. He hasn’t forgotten you, and He’s not about to start now.

So, friend, whatever you’re facing today, lean in. Trust Him. The world may not feel steady, but the One who holds you never wobbles. Stay in the stronghold—and let His goodness be your shelter.

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Friend, God didn’t save you to hide you. He didn’t call you to blend in—He called you to shine. And not just any kind of shine… but the kind that points people straight to Him. Your light isn’t about showing off what you can do—it’s about showing off what He has done in you.

Sometimes the world can feel dark, discouraging, and downright heavy. But here’s the good news: darkness doesn’t stand a chance when light shows up. Even the smallest candle can push back the blackest night. And every time you love someone who’s hard to love… every time you serve without expecting anything in return… every time you stand for truth when it would be easier to stay silent—you are shining.

So today, don’t dim your light to make someone else comfortable. Let it blaze. Let it glow with kindness, truth, and grace. And when they ask you why… point them to the One who lit the flame in the first place. Shine so they see Him. Shine so they glorify your Father in heaven.

Keep shining, friend—the world needs your light.