We've all walked those hallowed halls of school, chatting with our friends about how we were going to change the world, our dreams so big they seemed unstoppable. We've also felt that delightful flutter in our chests and stomachs when we walked with that special someone, even if it meant going in the opposite direction from our class.

Think about your daily life. It’s a symphony of habits, responsibilities, and little joys. The morning coffee, the commute, the endless to-do list, the evening news, maybe a good book or a call with a loved one. Now, imagine a sudden, jarring silence when the music stops. That’s what death often leaves in its wake. When a loved one passes, it’s not just an emotional earthquake; it’s the vacuum we fruitlessly search with eyes filled with tears.

It’s one of those verses that, if you scan it, might make you do a double-take, perhaps even spill your morning coffee. "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely ye have received; freely give." Now, if you’re anything like me – a seasoned Christian, perhaps with a few miles on the odometer, certainly enough to remember rotary phones – that "raise the dead" bit still packs a punch. It's not exactly on the typical Sunday morning bulletin alongs

Words are but frail vessels to hold the ocean of His praise, Brittle expressions of wonder that crowd my heart. I can never put into words my awe of His galactic triumphs Or fully fathom the intricacies of His designs… but I still try.   How do I sing praises to the One Who’s delighted in countless virtuosi before? My admiration set to the utmost still seems too feeble. How can I give tribute to the One Who requires nothing the earthly can offer? l

Knowing that Jesus died for us, not because we deserved it, but because He loved us beyond measure, changes everything. It transforms our perspective from one of endless striving and trying to "be good enough" into one of profound gratitude and freedom. We no longer have to live under the crushing weight of trying to earn God’s approval. He’s already given it, through Christ.

I don’t know what you’ve heard, but the truth is... "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:10-12