Tag: #faith

When the Rooster Crows

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Peter was among Jesus’s closest friends and disciples. He believed he would remain loyal to Jesus until the very end, even to the point of death. However, when the moment came, he failed badly. Jesus warned him, saying he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed twice (Mark 14:30, ESV).

Peter thought he would never reject Jesus – yet in the moment, that is exactly what he did.

“And immediately, the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’  And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72), realizing he’d done exactly as Jesus predicted. In the heat of the moment, he caved and did the opposite of what he’d sworn.


Can you relate to doing the very thing you never thought you would do?

Similarly, I swore I’d never go down the path I ended up taking—a path that led to utter darkness, a miserable existence marked by anxiety, secrets, and half-truths, which are lies.

As a child, I remember dreading a certain year in my future. I didn’t know why or what might happen. Still, I figured out how old I would be and spent many hours thinking about, even worrying, what ominous, life-changing event might occur. Ironically, as an adult, I got caught up in life and mostly forgot about it, especially as the year approached.


Amid my self-absorption and everything I was going through at the time, I couldn’t see the light from my spot in the weeds. I forgot how to look up and found myself on the edge of the year I dreaded, not recognizing the dangerous situation I had put myself in. A major, evil event changed the course of my life and caused me to spiral. The devil in my ear, twisting my thoughts and decisions, with a fear that overwhelmed me a hundred times over. I wouldn’t speak of it to anyone for years, letting it fester, define me, and steal my peace.

Doing the very things I vowed I would never do led me down a path I never imagined for myself. It involved abandoning everything I stood for, just like Peter did.

However, my realization didn’t come right away. I didn’t have a rooster crowing to remind me of a Savior who loved me, even at my lowest. I spent years in a daze, drifting further from God into darkness, eventually ending up in the worst of all my abusive relationships and losing my identity and self-worth along the way.

The conscious choice to take the dark path—though I couldn’t see it then—was made on New Year’s Eve, entering the very year I feared. The events leading up to it happened earlier, but I was at a crossroads in my life at that moment and chose the wrong path, a decision I would have to live with for the rest of my life. I had walked away from the Master Builder and tried to renovate my own life using lies and secrets as materials. The result was a condemned soul, a heart that felt beyond repair, past its expiration date.

But God rescued me…

I had no concept of the Kairos moment until years later, when God used an accident to wake me up. That was when I began my journey to healing through Jesus Christ. Another crossroads appeared, and this time I chose God. He redeemed all the lost years, restored my identity in Christ, renewed my self-worth, and revealed a different option I hadn’t known existed until I started attending Southland Christian Church and began my journey as a Christ-follower.

Spending time in God’s Word helped me understand the truth and reality of a relationship with God that once seemed daunting. This gave me the confidence to say no, which ultimately transformed me and improved my character.


It didn’t happen overnight, but as I earnestly and diligently took steps toward God, He revealed to me not only who He created me to be but also how He can use my pain and passion to help others, especially women in abusive relationships who need to hear my story.

Unworthy, yet chosen to advance the Kingdom of God, for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). I am a daughter of the King.

I recently saw someone who stirred up old pain, making me cry, not because of the misery I faced before, but because of the joy I now feel in my present and future—something else I never imagined for myself, thanks to the new life God has given me.

A grateful heart knows many joys.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Ps. 107:1, emphasis added)!

The Master of the Battering Ram

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

In Ezekiel 26, the city of Tyre appeared invincible. They were the financial and political powerhouse of their time, protected by huge walls and a sense of “god-like” significance. But verse 9 shows us that even the strongest human defenses are like paper before the Lord.

“He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and demolish your towers with his weapons” (Ezekiel 26:9, ESV)

Today, we see leaders who act as if they control history. They boast, threaten, and create chaos, making us feel anxious. But Ezekiel reminds us that only God is the Lord and King. Judgment Day is what equalizes everyone. Those who see themselves as gods will eventually fall to their knees before the only true King. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about restoring the right order. When man tries to sit on God’s throne, God will remind the world who truly owns it.

The most encouraging (and mysterious) part of God’s sovereignty is His ability to use “bad actors” for His divine purposes. In Ezekiel’s time, He used a pagan king to carry out judgment.

Even when the world feels chaotic, God is guiding the “blows.” Often, God allows earthly systems to be shaken so that the “shakable” things fall away, leaving only His Kingdom standing (Hebrews 12:27).

As a partner/owner of a handyman company, I’ve seen firsthand that sometimes we must tear out the rot before we can fix the house. God isn’t just a God of destruction; He is a God of restoration. He allows the “towers” of pride to fall so that people will stop focusing on their own achievements and begin looking at the Throne.

We watch the news and see chaos—leaders boasting about their power and walls they believe cannot be broken. But Ezekiel 26:9 reminds us that there is only one true King. The battering rams of history are in His hands. Whether He is building up or tearing down, His purpose is always to bring us to the end of ourselves so we can find our beginning in Him. Today, don’t fear the turmoil; trust the Architect.

Ezekiel 26:9 depicts a scene of violent upheaval. Large walls are torn down; weapons of war break what people believed to be everlasting. In today’s world, we experience this kind of “shaking” every time a new leader takes power or a global crisis emerges. It feels like the ground is shifting beneath our feet.

But then we have the promise of Hebrews 13:8:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

The rulers Ezekiel mentioned—and those we see on the news today—are subject to the cycle of “yesterday, today, and tomorrow” in time. They rise for a season, and they fall.

  • The Puffed-Up Ruler: They believe their power is theirs alone.
  • The Sovereign Truth: They are simply tools. God is the one who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, His standards for justice and His authority over the nations never change. He was in charge during Ezekiel’s time, and He is in charge of today’s headlines.

It’s truly inspiring to realize that the God who directed the “blows of the battering ram” against ancient evil is the same God watching over our lives today.

  • Yesterday: He brought down the towers of Tyre to prove His Lordship.
  • Today: He is using the turmoil of our world to shake our reliance on earthly things.
  • Forever: He will reign in a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

When world leaders create chaos, our hearts often respond with fear because we focus on the change. We worry about what might happen tomorrow. But if God is the same forever, then His promises of protection, His plan for redemption, and His ultimate victory remain unchanging.

The world’s walls may fall, and its leaders may boast, but the Rock of Ages remains unmoved. He does not experience ‘bad days.’ He is never taken by surprise by a coup or an election, and His character stays as holy and powerful as it was the day He spoke the world into existence.

“When you look at the ‘walls’ being torn down in our world today, are you looking at the destruction, or are you looking at the Unchanging Hand that holds the tools?”

A Prayer for Peace

 Father God,

Today, as we acknowledge that You alone are the High King over all the earth, we confess that our hearts are often troubled by the headlines and turmoil caused by the leaders of this world.

Still, we thank You for the truth of Your Word in Ezekiel 26:9. We thank You that no battering ram moves without Your hand, and no earthly power exists unless You have allowed it. We lift up the ‘puffed-up’ rulers of our day—those who believe they are gods and masters of their own destiny. We ask that You would use even their actions to bring about Your divine purposes, to destroy evil, and to lead hearts back to You.

We rejoice in the promise that even as the world changes constantly, Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are the Anchor that never slips, the Rock that never cracks. When earthly kingdoms shake, we stay strong with our feet grounded in Your unshakable Kingdom.

Forgive us for relying on human walls for strength. Today, we choose to rest in Your sovereignty. We exchange our anxiety for Your peace, knowing that the Architect of the Universe remains on His throne and that You are working all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28).

In light of your truth and sovereign will, we plead for peace in the Middle East and protection for our troops and your people everywhere.

Bring comfort to those feeling overwhelmed by the world’s chaos and let Your light shine through the cracks of the falling towers of man.

In the mighty and unchanging name of Jesus,

Amen.

“It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.” — Isaiah 40:22–23

“The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” — Isaiah 2:17

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” — Hebrews 12:28

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” — Daniel 2:21

Challenge:

Each time you hear news that makes your heart sink, immediately whisper: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let His consistency quiet the chaos of the world.

Learning to Thrive – not Just Survive

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We often treat our spiritual lives like a life raft—something to keep us from drowning during a tough week. But what if God didn’t call us to just keep our heads above water? What if the goal wasn’t only to survive until Sunday, but to thrive every single day in the Vine?

In a world where busyness is constant, we need to intentionally slow down and find peace. Achieving peace amid chaos isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It comes from abiding in God, which is rooted in thriving, not just surviving.

Where busyness is the symptom, striving is the cause, often marked by frantic activity. A branch doesn’t struggle to produce grapes; it stays connected to the vine. Thriving results from spiritual positioning, while survival comes from human effort, which can lead to unnecessary stress, to say the least.

Last year, my focus was on intentionality, but this year God has led me to a deeper place: “Abide.” Jesus tells us that He is the vine, and we are the branches. “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV, Emphasis added).

This is a great reminder that our only role is to stay connected. Jesus is the source of nourishment. When we become tired, we may be just surviving by our own strength rather than thriving in His.  

Similarly, the image of pruning branches so they will bear more fruit (John 15:2) is not meant as punishment but as preparation. God sometimes removes what is good so we can have the energy to produce what is excellent. Otherwise, we risk overextending ourselves with many good things when we need to say no to some of them to say yes to something greater.

Based on my experience, the times I was in survival mode—just trying to get through the day—were when I neglected to spend time with God or got distracted from it. On days I started with prayer, quiet time, and God’s Word, I felt more peace.

Peace is more than just quiet; it’s the renewal of everything to its intended, flourishing state. The Holman Bible Dictionary describes it as the “state of being spiritually whole again” (Rom. 14:17; Gal. 5:22; Brand, 1234). There is a clear difference between being ‘near’ the vine (religion) and being ‘in’ the vine (relationship).

God the Father tended, watched over, and protected the garden. Jesus is the source that supplies the nutrients, and the Holy Spirit is the invisible lifeblood that moves like sap from the vine to the branch, through which God’s power flows in us.

This reminded me of something God put on my heart when I needed it most:

You are a beautiful flower in My garden. I send rain and sunlight to nurture you and help you grow. You are protected under the care of the Master Gardener, never to be plucked or taken away from Me again.

May we stop trying to manufacture fruit and start abiding in the Gardener’s Care.

God is glorified when His followers bear abundant fruit to advance His kingdom on earth (John 15:8). While attending church and worshiping in community each Sunday is important, it is even more vital for us to be fruit-bearers throughout the week. Thriving occurs when we realize that “worship” isn’t just the songs we sing on Sunday, but also the way we interact with others and God on Tuesday afternoon. A “living” sacrifice moves, acts, and bears fruit throughout the week.

I have never claimed to be a great houseplant caregiver. Still, a kind lady at church gave us a plant – we named him George – thinking that giving it a name would help us remember to water it. It doesn’t always work, but we’re trying. The idea of worship only once a week is like watering a plant just once a month – it might survive, but it will never thrive. Community is the “greenhouse’ that encourages us, but the “fruit” is meant to be shared with a hungry world outside the greenhouse walls.

In which area of your life are you just “maintaining” (simply trying not to break it), instead of practicing “stewardship” (seeking God’s guidance to make it flourish)?

God didn’t call you to merely survive in the world; He called you to be a light to it. Survival is about avoiding death, but thriving is about embracing Life. Choose to abide today.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, emphasis added).

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1 ESV).

Healed by the Truth: Finding Your Worth in Christ After Spiritual Abuse

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

This may be a sensitive subject, but I believe it’s important to highlight the beauty of God’s Word and how it can be twisted into a heavy burden. This content started as a school paper assignment a few years ago that resonated deeply with me as a former victim of abuse, even though it wasn’t specifically spiritual abuse. Still, over the years of leading a care group for women who are or have been victims of all types of abuse, this topic has touched my heart, reflecting a very real situation that is still happening today.

By referencing the true character of Christ and the “Filter of Love” in 1 Corinthians 13, I aim to help you dismantle the lies you’ve been told and return to the healing, freeing grace of our Heavenly Father. When we accept Christ and let Him be our First Love, we are no longer victims at the hands of men — we become victors in Christ.

Domestic abuse isn’t always marked by a broken arm or a black eye. Sometimes, the deepest wounds are inflicted with words—specifically, the Word of God.

For many Christian women struggling to save their marriages despite their husbands’ abuse, the Word of God is turned against them. Their home can become a place of silent despair instead of a refuge. Even more heartbreaking is when the very Bible meant to offer comfort is twisted into a tool of control.

If you have felt the sting of Scripture being used to shame or silence you, you are not alone – more importantly, you are seen by God, who never intended for you to be treated this way. Many husbands, who want to control their wives, use the Bible as their weapon, with selective quoting – focusing on submission while ignoring sacrificial love – by distorting God’s Word.

Whether you’re familiar with the term ‘spiritual abuse’ or not, you might know someone who has experienced it firsthand, or perhaps you have been a victim yourself. Spiritual abuse is characterized by an entitlement mentality that seeks power instead of the “mutuality and service” Paul calls for in Ephesians 5. Tension and unrest undermine the very purpose of God’s design in a fallen world. The husband’s challenge is not to abuse his power by using Scripture to justify his actions while blatantly ignoring other crucial verses.

Many women who experience spiritual abuse remain and endure it because of their faith, believing that God does not permit divorce or even separation from their husbands. For these women and others, it is crucial to understand the character of God so they can replace lies with Gospel truth.

If you’re in a relationship where God’s Word is used to shame or punish you, know this: The abuse is not your fault. God is not punishing you; your worth is defined by Christ, not by the person claiming to lead you. Submission does not constitute a license to abuse. God designed marriage for harmony, not for a hierarchy that allows cruelty. While marriage is a blessing, God does not expect you to stay in a situation of violence.

Don’t get me wrong; I am not endorsing all divorces, but I believe that the Shepherd voice of Jesus (Ps. 23) speaks softer, kinder, and far exceeds the shaming voice of an abuser. Jesus points out that sin originates from the heart of the oppressor (Mark 7:20-23). The victim is not responsible for the abuser’s choices. An abuser always has a choice, regardless of what triggers him.

Furthermore, the body and spirit are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), deserving of care and protection, not destruction. All too often, Ephesians 5:22-24 is used to justify dominance, while Ephesians 5:25 is completely ignored. It states that husbands are commanded to love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Jesus modeled the servant leadership He expects of husbands; it does not include physical or emotional suppression.

Humans are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27). Abuse violates this sacred identity and is never justified.

The path to healing is recognizing God’s design for marriage—between a man and a woman—as a reflection of Christ and the Church (ESV Study Bible, Eph. 5:25). A God-honoring reflection of Christ and the Church does not include any form of abuse in the marriage relationship.

This relationship is founded on sacrifice, safety, and deep respect. Anything less warps God’s grace. May you find the courage to believe that His voice is louder than your oppressor’s, and that His love is a shield that can never be broken.

Paul describes the nature of love that we can use as a filter in our relationships to determine if they align with Scripture, God’s intentions, and character.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth” (I Cor. 13:4-5, emphasis added).

This passage serves as a “divine litmus test” for any relationship, especially marriage. When we examine an abusive dynamic through this lens, the flaws in the foundation quickly become apparent.

We often hear 1 Corinthians 13 at weddings, surrounded by flowers and smiles. But for a woman experiencing spiritual abuse, these verses aren’t just poetic—they serve as a diagnostic tool.

Paul offers a clear standard for determining whether a husband’s “leadership” reflects the heart of Christ or that of an oppressor.

How to Use the Filter

Compare the behavior you are experiencing behind closed doors with the biblical definition of love:

  • “Love is patient and kind” vs. A home governed by walking on eggshells and sudden outbursts.
  • “It is not arrogant or rude” vs. Using Scripture to belittle your intelligence or spiritual standing.
  • “It does not insist on its own way” vs. Using “submission” as a weapon to demand total control over every decision.
  • “It is not irritable or resentful” vs. A husband who keeps a “record of wrongs” to use against you in future arguments.

If the “leadership” in your home takes pride in control rather than truth, or insists on its own way through manipulation, it is not moving toward God’s design — it is moving away from it. When a husband ignores the self-sacrificial love of Christ and demands his “own way,” he is violating the very Scripture he claims to uphold.

God’s character embodies gentleness and protection. Any interpretation of the Bible that makes a woman feel worthless, unheard, or oppressed does not reflect God’s voice; it distorts it. If you have had these verses thrown at you like stones, please know that was never God’s intent. Scripture was meant to be a lamp to your feet, not a weight around your neck.

Heavenly Father, my prayer is that every woman with a bruised heart from words meant for healing will reclaim her identity and self-worth as a daughter of the King, fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14), a temple of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price, and deserving of honor and protection. Wash away the lies, shame, and false guilt that were never theirs to bear. Grant them discernment to recognize the Love Filter and the courage to seek safety, health, and biblical community that reflects Your true character.

Thank you for being a God of grace and for Jesus, who demonstrated a love that serves and sacrifices instead of rules or demands. Restore their soul, lead them beside still waters, and help them walk forward in the light of Your unconditional love.

In Jesus’ powerful and gentle name, Amen.

Is there a “false belief” you’ve been holding onto (e.g., “This is my fault” or “God wants me to suffer”) that you’re ready to surrender to Jesus today?

Action Step: Write that lie on a piece of paper, cross it out, and write a verse of God’s love (like Isaiah 41:10) over it.

There is hope—His name is Jesus Christ.

If you’re seeking a community of women who understand this journey, please reach out or find a local care group. You were never meant to carry this alone.

Greenhouse 17 Certified Domestic Violence Hotline

800.544.2022

The Heartbeat of the Bible: Love

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Have you ever loved someone so deeply that you would do anything for them? I’m not talking about a controlling, manipulative kind of love that demands an action to prove it, as I and so many others experienced from an abuser. Instead, I mean an unconditional, everlasting love that only God can fill our hearts with. God is love (I John 4:8, ESV).

The motivation behind God’s actions toward us and for us drives His desires for a relationship with us, His promises, and the provisions that bring it to completion. God’s promises are everlasting. They align with His desires; so, we can trust He will make provisions to fulfill every one of them.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, emphasis added). Don’t overlook that just because you’ve heard it before. Pause for a moment to reflect on its magnification; gently let its simplicity enter your heart and mind.

One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is God’s declaration, “I will be their God” and “They will be my people,” known as the Covenant Formula. According to Biblehub.com, “it represents the ultimate goal of God’s relationship with humanity.” He desires to be with His people. He created us to have a relationship with Him.

Echoed throughout both the Old and New Testaments – it isn’t just a repetitive phrase – it’s the backbone of the entire biblical narrative. In Jeremiah 31:33, we see a significant shift as God promises to move this relationship from external rules to the heart.

Basically, God is telling us that He will be our God for the long term through a dependable covenant sealed by His promise. God will provide all that is needed to uphold the covenant and will rejoice in doing good. In other words, God keeps His promises not reluctantly but with great joy (Jer. 32:40-41, ESV).

This love isn’t just for individuals; it’s designed to give us ‘one heart,’ uniting us to serve Him with a reverence that protects our children and us from harm.

His promises cannot fail because they are as firm as the earth He created (Jer. 33:2). Just as God tells Jeremiah, all he needs to do is ask, and He will reveal hidden things—this has a broader application for all of God’s people. Because of His great love and grace, He will give us understanding of His Word and His purposes in our lives (Jer. 33:3).

What an incredible assurance we can depend on to get us through. God’s character is good, reliable, and trustworthy because His love for us never ends: “Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Jer. 33:11, emphasis added)! This is also repeated many times throughout the OT, but is most closely associated with Ps. 136, where it appears in every verse. No matter what happens, we can remember that God’s covenant love never quits.

God says He will send a righteous Branch who shall execute justice and righteousness in the land, fulfill the promises, and serve as priest and king (Jer. 33:18; 2 Sam. 7:16; I Chron. 17:11-12). This explicitly points to the coming of Christ, bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments. It is like an architect’s plan for restoration.

In Jeremiah’s time, the Davidic monarchy resembled a felled tree—the kings were corrupt, and the nation was on the verge of exile. By promising a “Branch” (or “Shoot”) emerging from a stump, God was assuring that even though the tree seemed dead, new life would grow from the same royal “root.”

The Old Testament provides a blueprint for the life and mission of Jesus. Just as we see Jeremiah pointing to the coming of Christ, one can also observe this foreshadowing in the other Old Testament books.

God is revealing His ultimate plan for restoration: the prophecies demonstrate God’s restoration of a broken lineage and a failed priesthood, perfectly fulfilled through Christ. We see references to the Branch in the Old Testament throughout the Gospels, and we recognize that Jesus fulfilled every role and detail, all carefully aligned with the ancient blueprint of the Branch.

The Provisions, Promises, and Desires of God are the heartbeat of the Bible. Stemming from His love, these truths establish the foundation, the framing, and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

God Provides (Jehovah Jireh)

This is the “materials” phase. God doesn’t just give us a task; He provides what is needed to complete it.

  • The Ultimate Provision: Just as He provided the ram for Abraham on the mountain (Genesis 22:14), He provided Christ as the ultimate “resource” for our restoration.
  • Daily Provision: Matthew 6:33 promises that when we seek His kingdom first, “all these things” (our basic needs) will be provided.

God Keeps His Promises

This is the “contract.” Unlike humans, who might overpromise and underdeliver, the Bible states that God is not a man who would lie (Numbers 23:19).

  • The Track Record: Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” * The “Branch”: As we discussed, even when the Davidic line looked like a dead stump, God kept His 400-year-old promise to bring a King who would rule forever.

God Desires to Be with Us

This is the “occupancy.” A house isn’t a home until the owner moves in.

  • The Tabernacle: God told Moses, “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” (Exodus 25:8).
  • Immanuel: The name literally means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
  • The Holy Spirit: Jesus promised He wouldn’t leave us as orphans but would send His Spirit to live in us (John 14:16-18).

It’s incredible to realize that the Creator of the universe wants to dwell in our lives and hearts. He is the ultimate Project Manager, making sure that what He started in us, He will finish (Philippians 1:6).

“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17–19, emphasis added)

Reflection: From the Stump to the Spring

Take a moment to quiet your heart and consider how God’s “blueprint” is unfolding in your own life today.

  • The “Dead Stump”: Is there an area of your life—a dream, a relationship, or a sense of hope—that feels like a felled tree? How does the promise of the “Branch” (the new life growing from the stump) change how you see that situation?
  • The Contract vs. The Heart: Are you currently relating to God through “external rules” (the hustle to be “good enough”), or are you resting in the “Cistern of Grace” where He has written His love directly on your heart?
  • The Project Manager: If you viewed your current struggle not as a “failure” but as a “construction zone,” how would that change your level of peace? Do you trust that the One who laid the foundation will also complete the finished work?
  • A Simple Prayer: “Lord, thank You for being the God who provides the materials, keeps the promises, and desires to move in. Today, I stop trying to be the architect, and I trust Your blueprint instead.”

I’d love to hear from you! Which verse or image from this post resonated most with your heart today?

A Reliable Witness

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

In a world searching for answers in all the wrong places, there is a hope that doesn’t just survive the storm—it breaks the chains. His name is Jesus, and He is the reliable witness to the life you were meant to live.

Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28).

Embrace this truth, and He will set you free—free from the slavery to sin that binds us all. I remember a time after leaving the abusive relationship when I believed I was in a good place. Still, I hadn’t told anyone what I had gone through or how I coped with it. I would say I suppressed it and told myself I was okay.

One of my church leaders confronted me about not having seen a counselor and even arranged to pay for my first six visits. This happened after he shared a dream with our group about a child walking with him and a chair with chains in the back of the room. He knew that once he stopped talking to the child, it would go back to the chair. I started crying, realizing the dream was about me.

At one time, I would have returned to the chair or chains. Even though I didn’t tell him the details, I didn’t have to – God worked through him to help me realize that, although I was free from the chains, I needed to peel back some layers and start my healing journey from what I had endured at the hands of an abuser.

Just as the Bible testifies to Christ, this leader witnessed my lingering pain, and you can now witness God’s healing in your own life.

It wasn’t until I had my abuse validated that I felt anger, an emotion necessary to start my journey. God uses this as a warning that something’s wrong.

Are you still chained to something from your past? Christ offers complete freedom and healing. Don’t let it eat away at your insides. That is a miserable existence. You are meant for so much more. Your heart can be transformed from death to life.

My healing journey involved peeling back layers of a painful past. Interestingly, when we examine Jesus’s lineage, we see that He didn’t shy away from ‘layers’ or ‘labels’ either; He directly embraced a family history as complex as ours to show us He truly understands.

Christmastime is approaching, and it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some may still question His lineage, but the Bible makes it clear that Jesus was both divine and fully human. His human side experienced the same pain and temptations as we do (Matt 4:1). In other words, you can bring whatever you are going through to Jesus, and He understands (Heb. 4:15). In return, He offers comfort, peace, healing, and shelter from the storms of life. He doesn’t say there won’t be storms but provides hope and peace through them (John 16:33).

In his book, The Case for Christmas, Lee Strobel states, “Jesus lived physically and emotionally on our planet, so when we bring him our problems, worries, and challenges, he can relate to us personally.” He also mentions, “Thanks to Jesus’ divinity, he can provide us with supernatural wisdom and the power of God to assist us.”

You can see Jesus’s lineage in both Matthew and Luke, whose genealogy includes men, women, adulterers, heroes, and Gentiles – showing that Jesus came to be the Savior for all and that His family tree is full of broken people, just like us.  (Matt. 1:1-16; Heb. 11:31; Josh. 2:1; James 2:25; Prov. 31).

Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage from Abraham to emphasize His Jewish heritage, whereas Luke traces it back to Adam to show that Jesus fulfills the hope of all humanity (Luke 3:23-38; Acts 17:26).

But don’t just take my word for it. John the Baptist, Moses, and the Scriptures were all witnesses that pointed to Jesus (Biblica Study Bible). Still, the most reliable witness was God Himself. The description of Jesus as God’s Son is supported by His genealogy—in other words, God’s declaration at His baptism, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22, Emphasized), provides clear testimony, with God Himself serving as a trustworthy witness.

The Biblica Study Bible notes that studying and learning all the Scriptures is beneficial, but it’s Jesus who gives meaning to everything Scripture teaches.

Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to Me except through me (John 14:6, Emphasis added).

The truth will set you free.

Paul explains how we are all in darkness and are brought to the light when we accept Christ. He encourages us to “walk as children of the light” (Eph. 5:8, Emphasis added) and bear fruit of the light only found in “all that is good and right and true: (v9, Emphasis added). We should not take part in unfruitful works of darkness any longer – instead, there is a different way and another option on the table that we need to consider.

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph. 5:14, Emphasis added).

Maybe you, like me, feel like you’re in a self-made trance- something that kept me stuck in an abusive relationship for too long, thinking I didn’t have a choice. Once I woke up, I saw that being a Christ follower, or having a relationship with God, is possible. God provides the foundation and strength to break free from the chains and start a new life with Christ at the center.

He brought me from darkness to life. Hope is alive – His name is Jesus Christ. Freedom is real (Rom. 15: 13; Gal. 5:13; John 8:36).

It’s not about what we do for God, but rather an intimate relationship with your heavenly Father who loves you immensely.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Ps. 46:10, Emphasis added)!

Why Godly Fruit Isn’t Earned, But Grown by the Spirit

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Bearing fruit in season and out of season, like an evergreen planted by a flowing stream, producing vibrant green branches year-round, comes from a heart guided by the Holy Spirit (Ps. 1:3; Jer. 17:7-8).

When Paul talks about staying in sync with the Spirit, he means letting God lead (Gal. 5:25, ESV). When our hearts are transformed by accepting Christ and the Spirit enters, we can start to produce the fruits of the Spirit that mirror God’s character (Gal. 5:22-24). There is an urge to actively cooperate with the new life we’ve received.

The fruit isn’t just something we produce on our own. Spiritual fruit comes from being made in the likeness of God’s image. Day by day, we as Christians can strive to become more like Jesus, who exemplified all aspects of God’s character as a model for us to follow. We are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26).

Jesus is described as the perfect “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and the “exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3). He perfectly demonstrated the character qualities we call the Fruit of the Spirit.

On the path to becoming like Christ, we often fall short because of our human nature. The flesh cannot please God without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and hearts (Rom. 8:8). Paul describes a struggle between flesh and spirit, a division caused by human sin that prevents us from doing what is right in God’s eyes until we accept Christ. Then, the Holy Spirit equips us with the spiritual armor needed to fight battles and push back the devil. The Spirit fights against sin, not just defensively but offensively, developing in Christians the positive qualities of a godly character, all of which are seen in Jesus in the Gospels (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Spirit’s essential role in equipping the believer is to strengthen us.

  • Defensive and Offensive: The Holy Spirit doesn’t just passively wait; He actively fights against sin. This is the power that overcomes the “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21) and enables the believer to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16).
  • Spiritual Armor: The armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18 is often seen as the tools given by God, with the Holy Spirit acting as the active force that helps us use them effectively (e.g., the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”).
  • Positive Development (Fruit): The ultimate offensive move of the Spirit is the positive development of godly character—the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). This fruit embodies the very character of Christ being formed within us, making the Christian progressively more resilient against sin and temptation.

Isaiah prophesied about a child from David’s line, “There shall come forth a shoot and a branch from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him” (Is. 11:1-2, Emphasis added). He was speaking of Jesus the Messiah. He ruled with the help of the Spirit (Is. 4:2). He is described as the root and descendant of David, the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16).

Jesus set an example for living and invited everyone to wash their robes—no longer living in their old ways (Rev. 22:14). While we wait for His return, we can trust in His promise that we will be together again (John 14:2). Essentially, the Holy Spirit is the way Jesus remains present with us until His physical return, empowering us to live a holy life and grounding us in the certainty of His promise. It guides us throughout our lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ and producing The Fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (Ps. 1:3, Emphasis added).

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jer. 17:7-8, Emphasis added).

From the Collapsing Walls to the Cave of Hope: Our Call to Action

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

In our last post, we saw how the mighty city of Tyre—with all its wealth and fortifications—was no match for the sovereignty of God (Ezekiel 26:9). The lesson was clear: God is absolutely in control, even when human powers collapse.

But seeing the walls fall can be terrifying. It can make us feel isolated, small, and even depressed. It’s easy to look at the chaos in the world today—the broken systems, the constant division, the unending bad news—and feel like we are the only ones left trying to hold onto hope.

If you’re feeling like you’re the last faithful person left, hiding in a dark, lonely place right now, I want you to remember the prophet Elijah.

We Are Not Alone in the Silence

After a dramatic victory, Elijah faced a terrible threat and fled into the wilderness, eventually hiding in a cave. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah pours out his heart, convinced, “I am the only one left…”

He expected God to show up in a great, world-shaking display—a wind, an earthquake, or a fire. But God wasn’t in those things. Instead, the Lord came to Elijah in a low whisper (1 Kings 19:12). And in that quiet moment, God assured him: “You are not alone.” He had reserved thousands of faithful people who had not bowed to the world’s idols.

Like Elijah, we are not alone. We cannot let what is happening in the world today isolate us or keep us depressed and paralyzed. We have a profound and necessary role to play.

The Call to Get in the Game

Our role is not to stand back and beat our own drum to the rhythm of the world’s despair and chaos, expecting a different song to form in our hearts. Our calling is to live a holy life, set apart from the world, fully trusting God while we wait.

But what does that active holiness look like? The prophet Micah gave us the blueprint:

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, ESV)

This is our job description:

  1. Do Justice: Fight for what is right in the world around you.
  2. Love Kindness (or Mercy): Extend grace, compassion, and the Golden Rule to everyone you meet.
  3. Walk Humbly: Remember the two great commands Jesus gave in the Gospel of Matthew: Love God, Love People. Everything else flows from that humble posture before the Creator.

Grace Upon Grace, and the Last Chapter

It can feel like God is slow to act as we watch the world struggle. But as the familiar sign says, “I’ve read the last chapter, God wins.”

The apostle Peter tells us that God is “not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This waiting period is an act of grace upon grace. God has given us this time to get in the game and share the Good News of the Gospel with others.

There is hope, and His name is Jesus Christ. The same authority that directed the battering rams of judgment (as we discussed in our last post, Even When the Walls Fall: What Ezekiel 26:9 Teaches Us About God’s Control) is the authority that belongs to Jesus Christ. He has all authority over all rulers, all powers, and all creatures.

Our immediate call to action is simple yet profound: Watch and Pray.

Prayer is not a passive activity; it is a powerful spiritual weapon. As James tells us, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV). Let us use this time to pray boldly for the world, live faithfully, and share the hope that keeps us out of the cave of despair.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exalt over you with loud singing” (Zeph. 3:17).

Even When the Walls Fall: What Ezekiel 26:9 Teaches Us About God’s Control

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We all seek security. We build strong walls around our lives, whether they are financial stability, career security, or even personal boundaries. But what happens when those walls start to shake?

The ancient prophet Ezekiel faced a world where human empires were collapsing. The Jewish people saw their holiest city, Jerusalem, destroyed. Yet, amid this chaos, God delivered a prophecy against a city that seemed completely untouchable: Tyre.

The Context: The Pride of Tyre

In Ezekiel chapter 26, the great city of Tyre—a powerhouse of international trade, famous for its wealth and its seemingly impregnable island fortress—made a fatal mistake. When Jerusalem fell, Tyre didn’t mourn; it rejoiced.

“Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper.” (Ezekiel 26:2)

Tyre’s sin was commercial arrogance. They saw Jerusalem’s tragedy as their own financial opportunity, prioritizing profit over human compassion and God’s relationship with His people. They believed their walls of stone and their vast fleet of ships made them masters of their own destiny.

The Main Point: The Specifics of God’s Judgment

God’s response comes in the form of a detailed, terrifying military prediction, culminating in verse 9:

“He will direct the blows of his battering rams against your walls and demolish your towers with his weapons.” (Ezekiel 26:9, NIV)

This verse, seemingly a footnote about ancient siegecraft, delivers the entire theological punch of the chapter. Here’s why it matters:

  1. God Chose the Instrument: God didn’t just promise judgment; he named the executioner: Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (v. 7). This meant that the mightiest king on earth was merely a tool in the hand of the Sovereign Lord. God is the one directing the blow of the battering ram.
  2. No Wall Is Too High: Tyre’s walls and towers represented the pinnacle of human security and pride. By specifically mentioning the battering rams and axes, God declared that no matter how strong their defenses, their human efforts would be systematically broken down by a force He controlled.
  3. The Promise of Utter Ruin: The judgment didn’t stop with Nebuchadnezzar. The entire chapter promises that Tyre would eventually be scraped to a “bare rock” and its stones thrown into the sea. History confirms this was a long, phased process involving “many nations” (v. 3), including Alexander the Great, who literally used the debris of the mainland city to build a causeway to attack the island.

The Takeaway for Today

Ezekiel 26:9 is a resounding declaration that God is absolutely in control of history, nations, and events.

For us, the walls and towers of Tyre represent anything we build our lives upon instead of God: our own stability, our wealth, our reputation, or our pride. When those things feel secure, it’s easy to forget that God can dismantle them with terrifying speed and precision.

The good news is that this sovereignty cuts both ways. The God who justly directed the battering ram against the proud is the same God who is now directing all of history toward the final, gracious redemption offered through Jesus Christ.

The lesson of Ezekiel 26:9 is not just that human defenses will fall, but that only the King who directs the ram is worthy of our complete trust. When our own security fails, we are reminded to put our faith in the One whose authority extends over every empire, every economy, and every fortified wall.

God is still in control.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:9, ESV, Emphasis added).

Reframing the Trials: A Powerful Perspective on God’s Preparation

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We pray to God for wisdom, and it’s a genuine request, so that we can stay in step with the Holy Spirit. However, do we realize it doesn’t happen overnight and isn’t delivered in a shiny box? There are some things to consider, such as whether it is acquired through trials and challenges.

We often wonder why we face challenging times, but we rarely think about what we’re learning from them. Maybe it’s an answer to our prayers. It just doesn’t look like what we expected, so we question God.

Does any of this sound familiar? Challenges are never easy while we’re going through them. We don’t literally ask for God to give us trials, but that’s precisely how we learn and grow. It builds character. Our daily choices often reflect the wisdom we hope to have someday, even if we aren’t aware of it.

It makes you think:

  • What daily choices am I making today that my future, wiser self would appreciate?
  • What does the wisdom I aspire to have look like in action right now?

It’s a beautiful way to frame personal growth—that aspiration is quietly guiding our daily efforts.

Without testing, there is no growth. Challenges strengthen us and show where we stand in our faith journey. Peter mentions being grieved by many trials: “So that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes through it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7, Emphasis added). In essence, those who believe are tested like precious metal, so that our faith is purified and proven to be genuine.

We often focus on the painful situation—the what we’re experiencing—instead of the valuable lesson—the why or what it is creating in us. Difficult times can be opportunities to build qualities like:

  • Resilience
  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Deeper Faith

If a prayer is for strength, maturity, or a deeper connection, the answer may not be easy, but it is a challenge that requires developing those qualities. It involves shifting focus from circumstantial comfort to character growth.

Indeed, God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours (Is. 55:8, ESV), something we must remember to help it make sense. It’s a call to trust the process and the ultimate purpose, even when the immediate experience is confusing or painful. The “tough time” is the necessary ground for a new type of growth.

Paul says we are all being transformed into the image of God from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:10). This is the process of sanctification that happens over time, not an instant change. This includes, but is not limited to, our moral character, true knowledge, and many God-given abilities (ESV Study Bible Notes).

The New City Bible plan, where I am currently studying the book of James, titled “Wisdom for Practical Life,” emphasizes that godly wisdom is gained through years of learning God’s Word, allowing God to correct us through trials, and being humble. This includes discipleship, training, and being corrected by others, as well as admitting our pride, selfishness, and sin by putting them to death and following Christ faithfully. This relates to my previous blog, ‘Repentance and Rest: Key Elements to Peace.’ This is how we grow in godly wisdom, and how character is formed – in the simple actions and decisions of daily life.

Christ is formed in us, and wisdom is revealed in how we live (1 Cor. 1:30). God takes up residence in our hearts. Our actions, choices, and treatment of others reflect the guest residing in our hearts. It moves faith from a set of external rules to an internal drive for goodness. In turn, this helps us develop strength and resilience to face the challenges that come our way.

God did not leave us alone to handle them; instead, He helps us through them and encourages us to persevere and not give up. I hope this allows you to reflect on the trials and challenges you face in the future with a new, powerful perspective. Maybe whatever you’re going through is preparing you for God’s plan in your life.

The core reflection is to see the trial not as a roadblock, but as a training ground.

  • Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we can ask, “What is this preparing me for?”
  • Instead of feeling abandoned, we are reminded that we are being actively equipped.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9, emphasis added).

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2, emphasis added).