Category Archives: Faith

Finding Reality Beyond The Image

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Over 6,000 BSF global members are studying the Book of Romans this year. Below is a synopsis of this study. Today’s scripture is from the Bible app.

Paul explained in Galatians 1:10 AMP that our purpose is not to impress or try to please man but rather focus on God.

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In Romans 1:16 he wrote: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

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What was pertinent then is pertinent today. The methods of people pleasing and popularity changes over time, but very much remains the same. Christ has always been the answer.

The Book of Romans expounds on this subject.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about this scripture and the impact of social media on young people today, especially the influencers who are committing suicide in such substantial numbers. This scripture speaks to their dilemma. Are they seeking to please someone or are they trying to follow Christ? Most of them are trying to be popular with men and in so doing the extreme is losing themselves. Living in a void that only sees the image they have created and not the true image of themselves. This scripture is pertinent to our society today, because it’s not just the influencers that are online, it is the public face that so many people try to project to the point where they really lose the essence of who they are in Christ. I am going to find this to be an interesting study this year and will share more from time to time.

Romans: The World’s Most Influential Letter (Excerpt from the BSF study guide)

Introduction Lesson Notes:

Overview

Focus Verse

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Outline

·  The Influence of Romans

·  The Background of Romans

·  An Overview of Romans

Engage

People everywhere long for connection and community, yet division often dominates our world. Differences in political views and theological perspectives often create tension and break relationships. Crime and corruption go unchecked, and tolerance is demanded—but only for what is popular. Those who follow Christ are often mocked and marginalized. 

These challenges are not new. When Paul wrote from Corinth to the early Christians in Rome, they faced similar struggles. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul penned one of the most influential letters ever written—the book of Romans. In it, Paul explained the good news of Jesus and how the salvation He offers changes everything. The gospel has the power to bring all people from guilt to grace. As we begin this new year studying God’s Word, we will discover how Romans speaks to life’s biggest questions and deepest difficulties. It teaches us about salvation, grace, and the new life we have in Christ. Romans explains timeless, essential truths for today and eternity.

Abide

Lesson From the Boat: You Have Authority Over the Storm.

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With Jesus in and beside me, I can quiet the storm, Amen.

God is with you through every single moment of your life. Because He is constantly present, we do not need to give in to fear or anxiety. Even when we are experiencing the consequences of our own choices, we can trust that Christ is protecting us and look to Him for how to respond.

When Jesus was in the middle of a raging storm, He experienced complete peace. He calls us to adopt that same mindset. When we step into Christ’s peace, our anxiety fades, our bodies relax, and we gain the mental and spiritual clarity to decide our next steps.

The Gospel accounts in Matthew 8, Mark 4, and Luke 8 show us how Jesus handled the storm. While the disciples panicked over the crashing waves, Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and sea to be quiet and still. Through His authority, the chaotic environment had to submit. Because Christ lives in us, we also have the spiritual authority to speak peace over our situations and tell the chaos to stop.

I learned this firsthand as a school administrator working in a high-tension neighborhood. On mornings when I prayed for God’s peace to cover the campus, the day was consistently calm and orderly. On days I forgot, the surrounding community’s chaos would quickly creep into the school. The moment I realized my mistake, I would pause, enter into prayer, and watch the atmosphere shift. Even now in retirement, as president of my HOA, I see the same pattern: when I fail to surrender my morning to God, tension builds; when I stop to pray, peace returns.

If you are currently navigating a storm—even one brought on by your own mistakes—do not simply give up and accept the chaos. Step forward in faith. Treat the situation for what it is: a storm that must yield to the Lord. Speak to it with the authority given to you through Jesus Christ.

Remember His promise in Mark 11:23: if you speak to the mountain in faith without doubting, it will be moved.

Scripture Summaries

Matthew 8:23–27: Jesus gets into a boat, a great storm arises while he sleeps, the disciples wake him to save them, and he rebukes the wind and the sea to create a great calm. 

Mark 4:36–41: Jesus is in the stern sleeping on a cushion when a fierce squall swamps the boat; he wakes up, commands the waves to “Quiet! Be still!” and asks his disciples why they lack faith. 

 Luke 8:22–25: Jesus and his disciples set sail, a storm fills the boat with water, they cry out that they are drowning, and he orders the storm to stop.

The Gift of Wisdom

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Good Day From Los Angeles .🌞.

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It’s sunny and warm, but not hot like the desert.

We all lack wisdom when needed most. When things become challenging, we tend to overlook the fact that we have God given wisdom and simply need Him to direct us. This verse simply reinforces that we have wisdom and need to calm down, take a beat, reconnect with our source and allow God to direct us.

When do we receive the gift of wisdom?

We were gifted with wisdom when we became Christians and received Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Have a blessed day🙏🏽.

Playing Your Part in God’s Unfolding Story

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Is there a way I can speak of the Lord’s faithfulness throughout my life to someone I meet today? Lord, may I be sensitive to the opportunities I may have with people I meet today. (Lectio, May 27, 26) Are you struggling to do your part in God’s unfolding story?

We long to play our part in God’s unfolding story—but how can we step into that calling if we do not truly know who we are? So many of us have allowed others to define us. Our identity became shaped by labels spoken over us—some careless, some wounding, some simply untrue. We learned to live as the version of ourselves others expected, not the person Christ redeemed.

Yet in Christ, we put on our true name. A name rooted not in brokenness, but in belovedness. A name spoken by the One who formed us, called us, and set His Spirit within us.

Today is the day to lay down every false label, which are the things that are the opposite of what He says we are.

God said we are special, chosen, lovely and unique, we are strong, courageous, smart, kind, compassionate, trustworthy, giving, dedicated, loving and have self control.

Today we release the labels/identities that were never ours to carry and to step into the truth of who Christ says we are.

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Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the pattern of the world. What patterns was Paul telling us not to confirm to? The patterns are the labels placed upon us. Paul said to transform through the renewing of your mind so that we will no longer be captives of the false narrative.

We can find comfort in transforming from who we thought we were to who we truly are because God’s truth empowers us, it sets us free, and is anchored in His unconditional love.

When we begin to walk in the identity God gave us before our birth, we become strengthened to take our rightful place in His unfolding story. Shame loses its grip. Fear loosens its hold. And we find the courage to share our lives—and our faith—with others. Once we are no longer held captive by our false narrative, hiding from who we are, we can speak openly of who Christ is within us. With confidence, humility, and joy, we step into the role God has written for us in His great and beautiful story.

My Mouth is Filled With Your Praise

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I learned through BSF that praising God throughout the day profoundly changes the atmosphere around you. I know this because I witnessed it beautifully lived out in the lives of so many women whose faith, joy, and unwavering trust in God reflected His presence even in the midst life’s challenges.

Again and again, I listened to testimonies from women walking through incredibly difficult seasons, yet they still smiled, greeted others warmly, and lifted up the name of the Lord. At first, I wondered, how can they still radiate joy while carrying such heavy burdens?

Over time, I realized their praise was not based on circumstances — it was rooted in faith. They chose to focus on God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His presence instead of allowing hardship to define their hearts. Watching them praise the Lord in both challenging moments and praise-report moments was deeply humbling, inspiring, and life-changing.

In closing, Psalm 71:8 declares, “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” This verse reflects a life committed to continual worship and gratitude, regardless of circumstances. It reminds us that praise shifts our perspective — from fear to faith, from discouragement to hope, and from struggle to the splendor of God’s enduring love and strength.

Check In

To reflect on an earlier devotional, have you recently ended a conversation by saying, “Have a blessed day”? Did you notice even the slightest change in the other person’s demeanor? Those simple words have a way of breathing life into the soul, reminding people they are seen, valued, and covered by God’s grace.