Finding Peace in Uncertain Times: Trusting God Amid Anxiety

Uncertainty may shake our plans, but it can never shake the faithfulness of God. In seasons of fear and instability, Scripture calls us not to deny our anxiety—but to entrust it into the loving hands of the One who holds all things together.

We live in uncertain times. Whether it’s global unrest, personal loss, financial strain, or simply the unknown future, anxiety seems to hover over everything. Yet throughout Scripture, God’s people have always faced uncertainty—and discovered peace not by controlling outcomes, but by trusting the One who never changes.

As Psalm 46 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…”

Faith doesn’t erase fear; it anchors us when fear rises.

1. Trust Begins with Grace

In Wesleyan theology, trust is the fruit of prevenient and justifying grace—God’s invitation to rest in His goodness before we can even respond perfectly.

John Wesley wrote that faith is “a sure trust and confidence that Christ died for me.” Trust isn’t blind optimism; it’s relational confidence in God’s steadfast love revealed in Jesus Christ.

When we trust God, we’re not pretending everything is fine; we’re placing our weight on the truth that God’s grace is already at work, redeeming what we cannot fix.

2. The Early Church: Peace in the Midst of the Storm

The first Christians lived amid persecution, famine, and empire. Yet their peace astonished the world. They prayed amid prison cells, cared for the sick during plagues, and faced suffering with hope because they believed that Christ had already conquered death.

The early fathers spoke of peace not as the absence of trouble, but as participation in God’s stability. Gregory of Nyssa described peace as “the tranquility that comes when the soul rests in the unchangeable One.”

In the storms of history, the Church learned to say: Christ is still Lord.

3. Wesleyan Grounding: Trusting Grace that Holds Us Fast

John Wesley’s life was filled with uncertainty—storms at sea, illness, rejection—but again and again, he found peace through trusting grace. After his heart was “strangely warmed” at Aldersgate, he learned that trust is not a feeling but a surrender: “I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation.”

To trust God in uncertain times is to rest in that same assurance—that the Spirit is present, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Sanctifying grace deepens this trust, teaching us to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” with peace and confidence.

4. Practical Ways to Trust God in Uncertain Times

  • Pray Honestly: Bring your fear to God without hiding it. The Psalms are full of honest prayers that end in trust.
  • Anchor in Scripture: Meditate on promises like Philippians 4:6–7, Isaiah 26:3, or Matthew 6:25–34.
  • Stay in Community: Isolation amplifies fear; community reminds us of God’s faithfulness.
  • Practice Gratitude: Naming daily blessings shifts the focus from anxiety to assurance.
  • Engage the Means of Grace: Prayer, Holy Communion, and works of mercy keep trust rooted in relationship, not willpower.
  • Release Control: Each morning, pray, “Lord, I entrust this day—and its uncertainties—to You.”

Uncertainty is a classroom for trust. It’s where faith matures into peaceful confidence that God is with us, even here.

Reflection Questions

  1. What uncertainties are weighing most heavily on your heart right now?
  2. How might trusting God look different than trying to control outcomes?
  3. Which Scripture brings you peace when you feel anxious or afraid?
  4. How can your faith community help you live more deeply in God’s peace this week?

Prayer

Faithful God,

In times of fear and confusion, You remain our refuge.

Teach us to trust You when we cannot see the way ahead.

Fill our hearts with Your peace that surpasses understanding.

Help us to rest, not in our strength, but in Your steadfast love.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Next Steps

  • Daily Breath Prayer: “I trust You, Lord—You are my peace.”
  • Scripture Habit: Read Psalm 46 or Philippians 4:4–9 each morning for one week.
  • Journal Prompt: Write three ways you’ve seen God’s faithfulness in the past month.
  • Group Practice: Share stories of God’s provision during difficult times to build mutual faith.

Shine Your Light: Reflecting Christ’s Love Daily

Jesus calls His followers to shine—not with self-made brightness, but with the reflected light of His love. True witness isn’t loud performance or public show; it’s a steady, grace-filled presence that transforms ordinary life into a living testimony of Christ.

When Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), He wasn’t giving us a motivational slogan—He was describing our identity. Through faith, we are drawn into His light so that we might become bearers of it. The world may feel dark with confusion, division, and despair, but the light of Christ still shines through every faithful act of love, mercy, and holiness.

1. Light Begins with Grace

In Wesleyan theology, light is the work of prevenient grace—God’s love awakening us before we even know Him. The light of Christ draws us, justifies us, and sanctifies us.

To be a light in the darkness, we first receive God’s light. We don’t generate it ourselves; we reflect what we’ve received. Holiness begins not in striving, but in surrender to divine grace.

As John Wesley wrote, “The flame of love is kindled by the breath of God.”

2. The Early Church: Light as Participation

For the early Christians, being light meant participating in the life of God.

Athanasius described believers as “little lamps” kindled by the eternal Light, Christ Himself.

The Church’s witness wasn’t built on arguments but on a holy way of life—how believers prayed, forgave, and served even their enemies.

In a dark empire marked by violence and despair, Christians became known for care of the sick, protection of children, and radical generosity. Their holiness was their evangelism.

3. Wesleyan Grounding: Faith Working Through Love

Wesley understood witness as the outflow of sanctifying grace—faith expressing itself in love.

He often urged Methodists to be “lights to all around,” not through preaching alone, but through holy living and good works.

In his sermon “Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount,” Wesley said, “Let your light so shine before men… that they may see your good works and glorify your Father.” Our witness isn’t self-glorification—it’s God-glorification.

4. Practical Ways to Shine the Light of Christ

Here are some daily practices for living as light-bearers in the world:

  • Practice Presence: Be attentive and kind in small interactions—at work, in traffic, at home. Light shines through patience and gentleness.
  • Serve Quietly: Do unseen acts of mercy—help a neighbor, listen to someone struggling, volunteer without recognition.
  • Speak Grace: Let your words be seasoned with love, especially in disagreement.
  • Stay Connected to the Source: Regular prayer, Scripture, and Holy Communion keep your heart lit by God’s presence.
  • Join Community: Participate in small groups or class meetings where faith is nurtured, confession is safe, and love is practiced.
  • Resist Despair: In dark times, choose hope. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for you personally to “shine your light” where you are?
  2. Where do you feel surrounded by darkness—and how might God be calling you to bring light there?
  3. How can your daily habits reflect Christ’s character?
  4. Who has been a “light” in your own journey of faith, and what can you learn from them?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

Kindle Your flame in our hearts.

Let our lives reflect Your love in the places we live, work, and serve.

When darkness surrounds us, help us to trust Your light still shines.

Make us lamps of hope and instruments of Your peace.

Amen.

Next Steps

  • Daily Practice: Begin each morning by praying, “Lord, let me shine Your light today.”
  • Community Focus: Choose one practical act of mercy this week that brings light to someone in need.
  • Reflection Habit: End each day by asking, “Where did I reflect Christ’s light today? Where did I hide it?”
  • Group Challenge: Encourage your small group to share weekly “light stories”—where they’ve seen God’s love break through.

Genuine Faith: The Power of Love in Action

The Apostle James reminds us that genuine faith is never idle—it always bears fruit in love. True Christianity isn’t belief alone, but belief expressed through a life transformed by grace and lived out in action.

When James writes, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26), he isn’t pitting faith against grace, nor suggesting we earn salvation by good deeds. Instead, he’s unveiling a central truth of Christian life: real faith produces real change.

In Wesleyan terms, faith and works are two sides of the same grace-filled coin. John Wesley put it this way: “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” Grace awakens faith (prevenient grace), makes us right with God (justifying grace), and then grows us into Christlike love (sanctifying grace).

1. The Faith That Works Through Love

James challenges those who claim belief but live unchanged. If we say we have faith but ignore the hungry, the poor, or the lonely, we’ve missed the heart of the gospel.

Faith, in Scripture, is not mere assent—it’s trustful participation in Christ’s life. It’s love made visible. Paul affirms this too when he says, “The only thing that counts is faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6).

2. The Early Church Vision: Participation and Transformation

The early Christians, following the apostles, saw salvation not just as forgiveness but participation in God’s life (2 Peter 1:4).

Athanasius famously wrote, “The Son of God became human so that we might become divine.”

This doesn’t mean we become gods, but that we are transformed by grace—our lives beginning to mirror the love and holiness of God. Works of mercy and compassion aren’t optional; they’re the outflow of a heart being made holy by love.

3. Wesleyan Grounding: Grace in Motion

In Wesley’s vision of discipleship, works are means of grace—habits through which God shapes us. Visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, praying with others—these aren’t checklists of moral performance. They’re responses to grace that deepen our communion with Christ and others.

Wesley believed holiness was not separation from the world, but love lived out within it. Faith that rests only in the head becomes static. Faith that moves in love becomes alive.

4. Practicing a Faith That Acts

How can modern Christians embody James’ challenge?

  • Engage the Means of Grace: Pray, search the Scriptures, receive the Eucharist, and meet in fellowship where accountability and encouragement thrive.
  • Do Works of Mercy: Serve the poor, advocate for the voiceless, reconcile broken relationships.
  • Practice Self-Examination: Ask weekly, “How has my faith been visible in love this week?”
  • Join Community: Participate in small groups or class meetings where faith and action are nurtured together.

James calls us not to busier religion, but to a living faith—one that reflects God’s own active love.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does James mean when he says “faith without works is dead”?
  2. How does your current faith life express itself in love and mercy?
  3. Where might God be calling you to live your faith more visibly this week?
  4. How can your church community become a place where faith and works grow together?

Prayer

Gracious God,

Awaken our hearts to a living faith that bears the fruit of love.

Let our trust in You overflow in mercy, justice, and compassion.

Make us instruments of Your grace, that our lives may show the world what true faith looks like.

In Christ our Lord, Amen.

Next Steps

  • Start or join a service team or small group that practices faith through acts of mercy.
  • Read James 1–2 this week and journal on how faith and works intertwine.
  • Reflect daily: “How is my faith working through love today?”

Beyond the Sunday Singalong: 5 Truths About Praise Hidden in an Ancient Psalm

For those of us who have spent any length of time in the church, the Psalms feel like a familiar, well-worn book. We sing them, pray them, and turn to them for comfort. The word “praise” itself can feel just as familiar, a cornerstone of our vocabulary for worship. We praise God in song, in prayer, and in testimony. It is an act as central to our faith as it is common.

But familiarity can sometimes obscure depth. What if the praise described by the ancient psalmists was more radical, more demanding, and more transformative than we often assume? What if a single, carefully crafted psalm held keys to reorienting not just our Sunday mornings, but our entire view of God, ourselves, and the world we inhabit?

This is precisely what we find in Psalm 145. Attributed to David, this hymn is a masterclass in the theology of praise. Below the surface of its beautiful poetry lie at least five impactful takeaways that challenge our modern assumptions. These ancient truths can reshape our understanding of worship from a simple feeling into a life-altering practice.

1. Praise isn’t just a feeling; it’s a declaration of who’s in charge.

When the psalmist writes, “I will extol you,” he is doing more than just offering a compliment. The Hebrew word for “extol” comes from a root (rûm) that means to actively lift up, to raise, or to exalt. This is a deliberate, volitional act of acknowledging God’s supreme status. In the Wesleyan tradition, this resonates with the language of “entire consecration”—the choice to lift God above every rival in our hearts. It prompts us to ask: which “throne” receives our ultimate trust and emotional energy day to day?

This declaration becomes even more potent when the psalmist identifies the one he extols as “my God and King” (ʾelohay hammelek). This is a deeply personal and confessional statement. For post-exilic Israel, after the earthly Davidic monarchy had fallen, naming God as their King was a radical act of hope grounded in His universal reign. It placed God’s authority above all human empires, a confession that anticipates the New Testament language of Jesus as “Lord” and “King of kings.” This ancient act of praise challenges our modern assumptions about personal sovereignty and our ultimate political loyalties, reminding us that our primary citizenship is in God’s kingdom.

2. God’s greatness is meant to be both mysterious and personal.

Psalm 145 presents a beautiful and necessary tension. On the one hand, it declares that God’s “greatness” (gādôl) is “unsearchable” (ʾên ḥēqer). There is a mystery to God’s being that we can never fully exhaust. Yet, in the same psalm, we are told that the Lord “is near to all who call on him” (qārōv YHWH). He is transcendent and immanent, both beyond our full comprehension and intimately accessible.

This balance was a key note in John Wesley’s own prayers and hymns, and it is theologically vital for us today. The truth of God’s unsearchable greatness fosters humility and wonder, protecting us from the arrogance of believing we have God figured out. At the same time, the truth of God’s nearness offers immense comfort, assuring us that this great God is not distant but is present and available. This dual reality keeps us from making God too small and manageable, or from seeing Him as too remote and unapproachable.

How, then, do we relate to a God who is both mysteriously great and personally near? The psalmist’s answer is a specific kind of practice: meditation.

3. Biblical meditation is the opposite of what you think.

In many popular modern contexts, meditation is understood as emptying the mind to find inner peace. The Bible, however, presents a different vision. When Psalm 145 says, “I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty,” the Hebrew word for “meditate” (sîaḥ) carries the dual meaning of internal musing and speaking aloud.

Biblical meditation, therefore, is not about emptying the mind but about intentionally filling it with specific content: God’s character, promises, and wondrous works. It is an active engagement with the truth of who God is. Furthermore, the psalm frames this as a communal practice that “shaped Israel’s collective memory and identity.” “One generation shall laud your works to another,” it says. This aligns perfectly with Wesley’s emphasis on conferencing, class meetings, and testimony as means of grace—shared, active practices where the community reinforces its faith by telling and retelling the story of God’s faithfulness.

4. God is near to all who call on him “in truth”—which means honestly, not perfectly.

The psalm makes a universal offer—the Lord is near to all who call on him—but it includes a crucial qualifier: they must call upon him “in truth” (beʾemet). This phrase is not about theological perfection or flawless performance. Rather, it points to sincerity, integrity, and a heart genuinely turned toward God. The source suggests it involves trust, honesty, and alignment with God’s character.

This is a deeply pastoral truth. It means God invites our authentic prayers, not a formulaic religiosity where we say the “right things.” The prayer of the struggling parent, “God, I don’t know if I can do this,” is more true—and more welcome—than a polished but hollow recitation. As the great Old Testament scholar James L. Mays writes in his commentary on Psalms, this kind of worship is grounded in reality.

Praise is not flattery but truthful testimony.

5. God’s kindness doesn’t cancel out His moral seriousness.

Our final takeaway addresses a tension that can make modern readers uncomfortable. In verse 17, the psalm declares that the Lord is “righteous (tsaddiq) in all his ways and kind (ḥāsid) in all his doings.” Yet just a few verses later, we read a stark statement: God “preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy” (v. 20).

These are not contradictory statements but two sides of God’s unified character. The parallelism in verse 20 is typical of wisdom literature—not a mechanical formula, but a theological affirmation of God’s ultimate moral governance. God’s kindness is not an indulgent laxity that overlooks evil, and His righteousness is not a cold legalism devoid of mercy. For Wesleyans, this unity of righteousness and mercy undergirds the call to holiness of heart and life. This truth is ultimately good news, especially for the vulnerable. It is a promise that God’s holy love will not allow injustice, corruption, and evil to have the final word.

Praise That Changes Everything

The five truths embedded in Psalm 145 reveal that praise is far more than a Sunday morning routine. Praise begins as a political choice to name God as King (Takeaway 1), which requires us to hold the tension of His mysterious greatness and intimate presence (Takeaway 2). We sustain this posture through the active, communal practice of meditation (Takeaway 3), approaching Him not with perfection but with the honesty He invites (Takeaway 4), and trusting in His character, which is both perfectly just and unfailingly kind (Takeaway 5).

When understood this way, praise ceases to be a momentary activity and becomes a transformative practice that reorients our lives around the reality of who God is. It shapes our character and strengthens our communities from one generation to the next. For those of us in the Wesleyan tradition, this robust vision of praise fuels our pursuit of perfect love—a life so filled with God’s character that praise becomes its natural atmosphere. It is, in short, a practice that changes everything.

How might one of these ancient truths reshape the way you speak to and about God this week?

Practical Ways to Shine Your Faith in the World

Faith is not something we leave at church on Sunday—it’s a way of life empowered by grace. In Christ, we are called to be light and love in every space we inhabit: our workplaces, schools, and communities.

1. Grace That Goes Before: God Is Already at Work

Before we ever speak or act, God’s prevenient grace—His love going before—has already been present in the hearts of those around us.
John Wesley taught that God’s grace is always drawing people toward Himself, even when they are unaware (see Sermon 85, “On Working Out Our Own Salvation”).

That means you’re never starting from scratch in your workplace, classroom, or neighborhood. You’re joining what God is already doing.

“The world is my parish,” Wesley once said—not to claim ownership, but to remind us that everywhere is sacred ground for grace.

2. The Witness of Love: The Early Church’s Secret Strength

The earliest Christians lived in a world that was often indifferent or hostile to their faith. Yet, their quiet courage and radical love transformed an empire.

A second-century writer described them this way:

“They dwell in their own countries, but only as sojourners… they love all people, and are persecuted by all” (Epistle to Diognetus).

Their faith wasn’t a performance; it was a pattern of life—sharing meals, serving the poor, forgiving enemies, and living with joy.

Likewise, our calling is not to win arguments but to embody the love of Jesus—patiently, humbly, consistently.

3. Living Faith Where You Are: Practical Ways to Shine

Here are some means of grace for living your faith in a secular environment:

At Work:

  • Do your work “as unto the Lord” (Col. 3:23). Excellence and integrity speak loudly.
  • Pray quietly for your coworkers. Ask God to bless them, especially those who frustrate you.
  • Listen before you speak; people notice humility more than slogans.

At School:

  • Be a friend to the lonely and an encourager to the discouraged.
  • Let your joy in Christ make you curious—not judgmental—about others’ stories.
  • Invite others to join you in service or small group activities.

In Your Community:

  • Be visible in small acts of mercy—volunteering, feeding, visiting, mentoring.
  • Support justice rooted in holiness—seeking the good of your city (Jer. 29:7).
  • Speak truth with gentleness, always seasoned with grace (Col. 4:6).

Each act becomes a testimony of sanctifying grace—the Spirit forming you and others in holy love.

4. Remember Who You Are

You are not a lone ambassador trying to hold the line—you are part of the Body of Christ. The Spirit is with you.

Gather regularly with believers. Share your struggles in a small group or class meeting. Rehearse grace through the sacraments, prayer, and Scripture.

Holiness grows best in community. You are strengthened so that Christ’s love can overflow into the world.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you most feel the tension of living out your faith—in work, school, or community life?
  2. How might you see God’s prevenient grace already at work around you?
  3. What small act of love or mercy could you offer this week as a witness to Christ?
  4. How can your faith community support you in this calling?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You have placed me in this world not to hide my faith, but to live it with courage and compassion.
Let Your love flow through me—in word and deed—so that others might see You.
Give me grace to be gentle, bold, and faithful where You’ve called me.
Amen.

Next Steps

  • Practice the means of grace: Daily prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of mercy.
  • Form community: Join a small group or band meeting to share your journey.
  • Be intentional: Choose one space (work, school, neighborhood) and commit to pray and serve there this week.
  • Remember grace: You’re not performing for God’s approval—you’re participating in His ongoing love.

Honoring Veterans: A Call to Gratitude

Veterans Day calls us to honor those who have served—and to remember that gratitude and service are deeply Christian virtues rooted in the love and sacrifice of Christ.

1. Remembering Sacrifice

Veterans Day is a time to pause and give thanks for those who have risked much for the sake of others. Their courage, discipline, and devotion to duty reflect values close to the heart of Christian discipleship.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). While military service differs from the sacrifice of Christ, both remind us that love is not sentiment—it’s costly, self-giving, and others-centered.

John Wesley often reminded believers that holiness is “social”—it’s love expressed in service to neighbor and nation.

2. The Wesleyan Way of Gratitude

In Wesleyan theology, gratitude is not just good manners—it’s a means of grace. When we give thanks, we open our hearts to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, who forms us in love.

On Veterans Day, our thanksgiving can be an act of sanctifying grace. We remember not only those who served, but the God who calls all people to serve in love.

We might ask:

  • How can I express gratitude beyond words?
  • How might I serve those who have served?

True gratitude moves us to action—through compassion, advocacy, and hospitality.

3. The Early Church and the Call to Peace

The early church lived in a complex relationship with empire and conflict. While many early Christians resisted violence, they also prayed for rulers, soldiers, and the peace of their cities (1 Tim. 2:1–2).

Their witness reminds us that we honor veterans best when we pray for peace and work toward a world where swords become plowshares (Isaiah 2:4).

Our gratitude should lead us to intercession—for healing among veterans, for comfort to grieving families, and for the wisdom of leaders to pursue justice guided by mercy.

4. Living as Christ’s Ambassadors of Peace

Honoring veterans means more than a single day of remembrance. It means committing ourselves to a life that reflects the peace of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

  • Be a friend to those carrying burdens unseen.
  • Support organizations that care for veterans’ physical and mental health.
  • Pray for reconciliation and understanding where war has left wounds.

The same Spirit that sustained Christ in His suffering now empowers us to be ministers of peace and hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life has modeled sacrificial service?
  2. How does remembering veterans help you appreciate Christ’s self-giving love?
  3. What is one tangible way you can show gratitude to a veteran this week?
  4. How can you be a peacemaker in your own relationships and community?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
We thank You for those who have served with courage and compassion.
Bless our veterans with peace, healing, and honor.
Teach us to follow Your way of self-giving love,
That we may be instruments of Your peace in this world.
Amen.

Next Steps

  • Reach Out: Write a thank-you note or visit a veteran this week.
  • Pray: Include veterans and their families in your daily prayers.
  • Serve: Volunteer with local veteran support ministries or organizations.
  • Reflect: Keep a gratitude journal this month, noting ways you see God’s grace in others’ service.

Revive Your Bible Study: Creative Ways to Engage with Scripture

The Bible is more than just a book—it’s God’s living Word, filled with wisdom, encouragement, and truth for our daily lives. Yet sometimes, reading Scripture can feel like a routine. We skim the words without really engaging with them, and before long, our hearts drift away from the joy of Bible study.

The good news? God never intended His Word to be boring. With some creativity, you can bring fresh life to your time in Scripture and discover new ways to connect with His truth. Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Bible Journaling

Bible journaling allows you to combine creativity and Scripture. Whether through doodles, calligraphy, or colorful notes in the margins, journaling helps you process what you read in a way that sticks with you. If you’re not artistic, don’t worry! Journaling can also be as simple as writing prayers or reflections in a notebook alongside your daily reading.

2. Verse Mapping

Verse mapping is like creating a road map for understanding a passage. You take one verse, break it down word by word, and explore its meaning by looking at cross-references, historical context, and original language. This method helps you go deeper and discover insights you might otherwise miss.

3. Group Bible Study

The Bible was never meant to be studied in isolation. When you gather with others, you benefit from shared perspectives, encouragement, and accountability. Group study can be as formal as a weekly church class or as casual as coffee with a friend to discuss what you’re reading.

4. Thematic or Topical Studies

Instead of reading straight through, focus on a theme—like forgiveness, prayer, or the fruit of the Spirit. By gathering verses from across the Bible on a single topic, you’ll see how God weaves His message consistently through Scripture.

5. Scripture Memorization with a Twist

Memorizing verses doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork. Try writing verses on sticky notes and placing them around your house or setting them as reminders on your phone. Singing or reciting verses aloud can also help them settle deep into your heart.

6. Pray as You Read

Don’t just read the Bible—pray it back to God. Turn passages into prayers for your life, your family, or your church. This practice transforms reading into relationship and helps Scripture become part of your daily conversation with God.

The Bottom Line

Studying the Bible is about more than information—it’s about transformation. By adding creativity to your time in God’s Word, you’ll not only grow in knowledge but also in love for the God who speaks through it.

So, pick a method, try something new, and let God’s Word come alive in fresh and meaningful ways!

The Blessing of Jesus’ Ascension: A Divine Connection

Scripture Passage

Luke 24:50–53 (NRSV, NIV, CEB, NASB1995)

“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.” – Luke 24:50–53, NRSV

The ascension of Jesus is not His departure but His enthronement. The same hands that bore the wounds of love are now lifted in blessing forever. Jesus reigns—not far away, but as the living presence of God who fills heaven and earth.

1. Jesus Ascends in Blessing

Luke paints a tender and powerful image: before returning to the Father, Jesus blesses His disciples. The Greek word eulogeo—to invoke divine favor—echoes the priestly benediction of Numbers 6:

“The Lord bless you and keep you…”

Here, Jesus acts as the eternal High Priest, mediating God’s blessing upon His people. Even in His ascent, He is giving. He departs not with distance but with divine favor extended to His Church. His final earthly gesture is a perpetual promise—His blessing continues still.

2. Heaven Is Nearer Than We Think

All Saints’ Day invites us to remember those who have gone before us into glory. The ascension reminds us that heaven is not some distant galaxy, but a thin space—the unseen realm of God’s glory that touches our own.

The disciples could no longer see Jesus, yet they worshiped with great joy. They had learned what we too must hold fast: though unseen, Christ is not absent. As Paul writes, “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). We live with one foot on earth and one in heaven, always in His presence.

3. Jesus Reigns as King and Priest

To ascend is to take a throne. Psalm 110:1 foretold, “The Lord says to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Jesus’ ascension fulfills this promise—He now reigns as the world’s true Lord.

Wesleyan theology sees this not as divine distance, but divine authority made personal. The One who reigns in glory also reigns in grace. His kingly rule is love itself, ordering creation toward holiness, peace, and renewal.

As John Wesley preached, “The Son of God is now in heaven interceding for us; He is still blessing His people.”

4. The Disciples’ Response: Joyful Worship

What strikes us most is joy.

No fear. No grief.

The disciples respond to Jesus’ ascension by worshiping and continually blessing God.

The Greek word proskyneo—to bow down—shows deep reverence. They understand that Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is divine. Worship becomes their posture of life.

That same worship sustains us when loved ones enter eternal life. Because Christ reigns, death no longer has dominion. Heaven’s joy is already breaking into our world.

5. Living Between Ascension and Return

We live now in the sacred “in-between”—after Christ’s ascension, before His return.

In this time, our calling mirrors that of the first disciples:

  • To worship continually,
  • To bless others with the grace we’ve received,
  • To live as citizens of heaven on earth.

Every act of love, mercy, and justice is participation in the reign of the Ascended Christ. The Church’s mission flows from this truth: Jesus reigns now, and His Spirit fills us with joy for the journey.

Wesleyan and Early Church Lens

Wesleyan Grounding:

Prevenient grace draws us to this moment; justifying grace unites us with Christ; sanctifying grace propels us to live as His witnesses. The ascended Lord blesses us that we might bless the world.

Early Church Connection:

The Fathers saw the ascension as humanity’s exaltation. In Christ, human nature has entered the very life of God. As Athanasius said, “What is not assumed is not redeemed.” Christ’s ascension means our destiny is communion with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus’ continual blessing shape your understanding of His presence today?
  2. What does it mean for you that heaven is “near,” not distant?
  3. How can your worship—private and corporate—mirror the disciples’ joy?
  4. In what ways can you “extend Christ’s blessing” to someone this week?
  5. How does remembering the saints help you live with hope and courage?

A Prayer for the Ascended Christ

Gracious and reigning Lord,

You ascended in blessing, not to leave us, but to lift us into Your life.

Teach us to live with joy, to worship continually, and to share Your blessing with the world.

Let heaven’s hope fill our hearts until faith becomes sight,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Next Steps for Discipleship

  • Practice the Blessing: Speak a blessing each day over someone you encounter.
  • Join in Worship: Like the disciples, gather regularly to praise God in community.
  • Live Heavenward: Begin each morning with the prayer, “Jesus, reign in me today.”
  • Remember the Saints: Name those who have shaped your faith; give thanks that they now live in Christ’s glory.
  • Serve with Joy: Let your acts of mercy reflect the reign of the Ascended King.

Start Over with God: A Guide to Healing

When Life Breaks Down — God Builds Again

Every one of us has a moment when life “glitches.”

You make a mistake. You lose direction. You feel like you’ve messed things up so badly that there’s no way forward.

But what if those moments aren’t the end of your story?

What if they’re actually where God begins His best work?

That’s the message behind my two latest books:

📘 The Power to Start Over — for adults who feel stuck, ashamed, or ready for a spiritual reset.

📗 Starting Over for Teens: Life Glitched — for students who feel lost in the pressure of growing up and want to find real peace, confidence, and faith again.

Both books share one powerful truth:

👉 You are not too far gone. Through Christ, you have the power to start over.

A Journey Toward Wholeness and Hope

In The Power to Start Over, I walk readers through seven simple but life-changing steps—from facing the truth about where you are, to finding healing through presence, gratitude, and grace. You’ll see how God redeems your story, restores what was broken, and writes a new chapter with you.

In Starting Over for Teens, I help students discover what it means to be honest, real, and free. Through relatable stories, discussion questions, and simple “Reset Actions,” teens learn that no mistake is too big for God’s mercy and no life too glitched for His love.

Both books are meant to do more than inspire you—they’ll help you transform your daily rhythms so that faith becomes more than a Sunday thing. It becomes your everyday life.

Why I Wrote These Books

After years of ministry, counseling, and watching people quietly struggle behind the smiles, I realized something:

So many of us believe in grace—but we don’t always know how to live it out.

These books are a way to bridge that gap.

They’re not about perfection. They’re about permission—permission to be honest, to heal, and to start again with God.

Whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a mentor, these free resources will help you find peace in the middle of the chaos and strength for the next step forward.

Download Your Free Copies

Both The Power to Start Over and Starting Over for Teens are available FREE for a limited time.

👉 Download your copies here:

Ryan Stratton’s Books

Because everyone deserves a chance to begin again.

Reflection Verse

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

No matter where you are today, remember: God isn’t done writing your story. The next chapter begins with grace.

5 Ways to Hear God Amidst Life’s Chaos

We live in a noisy world. Phones buzz with notifications, schedules overflow with commitments, and our minds rarely rest. In the middle of all this busyness, it can feel almost impossible to hear God’s voice. Yet Scripture reminds us that God still speaks—sometimes in a whisper, sometimes through His Word, and often in ways we least expect.

The question is: how do we discern His voice in the middle of the chaos of daily life?

1. Make Space for Silence

Elijah discovered that God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11–12). To hear God’s voice, we must intentionally create space for silence. Even a few quiet minutes in the morning before the day begins, or a pause at lunch to breathe and pray, can open our hearts to His presence.

2. Stay Rooted in Scripture

God’s Word is His primary way of speaking to us. When we’re grounded in Scripture, we are better able to discern His voice from the noise of the world. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”Daily reading—even a short passage—helps align our hearts with His truth.

3. Pay Attention to the Nudges

Sometimes God speaks through gentle nudges—an idea you can’t shake, a burden for someone, or a moment of conviction. These whispers of the Spirit often line up with Scripture and lead us toward love, peace, and obedience. Learning to recognize these subtle movements takes practice and prayerful reflection.

4. Seek Wise Counsel

God often speaks through others. Proverbs 11:14 says, “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Surround yourself with faithful friends, mentors, or small groups who can pray with you, challenge you, and help you discern whether what you sense is truly from God.

5. Practice Consistency in Prayer

Prayer is not just about talking to God—it’s also about listening. Set aside regular time to pray and then pause long enough to listen for God’s response. Keeping a journal of prayers and insights can help you recognize patterns of God’s leading over time.

The Bottom Line

God is always speaking. The challenge is not His silence, but our willingness to slow down and listen. By making space for silence, grounding ourselves in Scripture, paying attention to the Spirit’s nudges, and leaning on prayer and community, we can learn to hear God’s voice—even in a busy world.

Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and ask: “Lord, what do You want to say to me right now?” You may be surprised by how He answers.